SERMONS IN THE CITY
from THE SCRIPTURES,
for Life in the City
THE GREAT COMMANDMENT
In the Newness of Love
Jn 13:21–35; Matt 22:34–40; 1 Jn 3:11–18; Lev 19:17–18
Drawing from Jesus' words in John 13, this sermon explores the "newness of love" that Jesus invites us into—a love that is not merely spoken about but seen, not merely explained but experienced, and not merely claimed but lived. Against our natural tendency to love conditionally and transactionally, Jesus demonstrates a radically different kind of love by washing the feet of the very disciple who would betray him. The cross itself becomes the fullest expression of this love: a love that holds together both human betrayal and divine glory. We can love others in this way not through sheer effort, but because Christ first pours his love into us. The call of discipleship, therefore, is not simply to imitate Jesus from a distance, but to participate in his life by receiving his love and allowing it to overflow into tangible acts of love toward others. The distinguishing mark of those who belong to Jesus is not what they profess, but the way they embody this self-giving love in their relationships with one another.
Grace has a face
Jn 13:6–17; Lu 22:24–27; Phi 2:5–11;
Isa 52:13–53:3
We are called to live between the magnanimity and audacity of God. In his magnanimity Jesus redeems us; in his audacity he calls us to be like him — rising from supper to wash, taking the basin and towel, and revealing the glorious face of grace in the form of a servant.
THE GREAT EXPECTATION
The Table Jesus Sets
Lu 22:7–20; Jn 13:1–5; Ex 12:1–11; Ps 23:5
Jesus sets a table for us in the midst of opposition — in the presence of his enemies — inviting us into a participatory, hope-filled remembrance that reorders our past and reshapes our future. Read with John’s upper room, where he rises from supper to wash, and the first Passover of Exodus 12, the meal becomes deliverance remembered and deliverance fulfilled, hosted by the One about to be handed over.
THE GREAT INVITATION
Being Built Up
We are differently gifted by the same Lord for a common purpose: to become His body!
Rom 12:3-8