PALM SUNDAY MESSAGE
JOHN 12: 9-19
TRIUMPH OVER DEATH – Shades of Grace Sermon by Pastor Will Shewey
My reading today picks up with a few more details about where
we left last weekend’s message, in Bethany, the village of Mary,
Martha and Lazarus. As you may recall Jesus had just raised
Lazarus from the dead. He had been in the tomb four days, and
his body was reeking with the odor of death.
If you and I had been there we would have abandoned all hope of
ever seeing Lazarus again on this earth. (But JESUS.)
1. Jesus wept. (I believe because he felt the brokenness of
those grieving over death of a loved one. Just like us. He
became one of us by means of the incarnation. He entered
this world as a human at Bethlehem, the ‘House of Bread.’
He is the Bread of Life that we talked about in the beginning
of Lent when Satan tempted him to turn stones into bread.
It’s ok to weep. Do not apologize for tears.
2. Jesus said four words “Take away the stone.” The disciples
would not understand any of the events surrounding
Lazarus’ resurrection for another couple of weeks. They
were like any of us as we ‘see through a glass darkly.’ The
old hymn says, “We’ll Understand it Better by and By.”
3. Jesus spoke three words “Lazarus Come forth.” Picture how
it may have been according to John’s description. John
11:44 “ And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with
graveclothes; and his face was bound about with a napkin.”
4. Jesus said six words “Loose him and let him go.”
And in my humble understanding, this is where the rubber hit the
road. They were now dealing with the testimony of Nicodemus,
the Samaritan woman at the well, the man who was born blind but
now healed, and a dead man who was already rotting in the cave
up walking around town. They couldn’t control hysteria now. This
Jesus was threatening their very way of life.
Many of the Jews of that day openly believed in Jesus as more
than a rabbi from Nazareth. They recognized his power both
religiously and politically. Some of them were still more committed
to the Pharisees religion and broke rank and took sides with the
ruling theological leaders of that day. Jesus was now a great
threat to their way of life. They didn’t want to rock the proverbial
boat, so they began a plot to kill Jesus. That’s when he withdrew
with the chosen few to a wilderness area to wait for all scripture to
be fulfilled as promised by the prophets. After an unspecified time
in the desert, they returned to the only real home our Lord
understood, and that was in Bethany.
Last week we also sat in the living room with Mary, Martha,
Lazarus and Jesus, and other disciples were also in attendance.
Martha cooked and Lazarus sat at the table with Jesus. Keep in
mind our verses from last week that Lazarus was probably the
sole provider for his sisters and he was grateful to be returned to
them so life could continue being the sustainer of the house. He
didn’t know how life would be different than before. But so much
of their story is not known. John does indicate in Chapter 12:9
that Lazarus was put on the most wanted list by the chief priests
as they consulted about ways to put him to death. Can you
imagine the pressure everyone was under. And why everyday
people were looking for a deliverer, a Messiah? They were ready
for deliverance and expected Jesus to take the revolution to a
next level.
Today’s Palm Sunday sermon begins here in John 12 and verse
12.-
Passover was now about five days away as well as I calculate the
events. Jesus rolled up his sleeping mat and strapped on his
backpack and headed out the door. His walk would normally take
a half hour since Jerusalem was only about two miles. But this
was not a normal trip.
Word quickly spread that Jesus was coming across the ridge and
straight for the Mount of Olives overlooking the holy city and the
great temple. He knew the Father’s plan and was orchestrating
every step. He had sent for the young donkey to be brought to
where he was. In case you don’t know, the ancient Middle Eastern
culture understood if a king from another jurisdiction came to town
riding on a horse, he was coming in warfare. But if he was riding a
donkey he was arriving on peaceful terms.
Jesus is the Prince of Peace.
The people broke palm branches and waved them in the air.
Many began chanting “Hosanna. Blessed is the King of Israel that
comes in the name of the Lord.” Others in the crowd took their
coats off and spread them in Jesus’ path. They were giving Him
the red-carpet treatment. His journey to the cross was begun.
I encourage you to read the Palm Sunday or Triumphal Entry into
Jerusalem as recorded in all four gospel accounts. You will get a
more complete description as the story unfolds by (these four
men Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.)
Monday. Jesus cleanses the temple in Jerusalem and overturns
the tables of the moneychangers. He weeps over the city.
Tuesday. He teaches in the temple, tells parables and again
confronts the religious leaders who oppose Him.
Wednesday. Judas Iscariot, who was hand-picked by Jesus to be
the treasurer secretly negotiates with the Sanhedrin to betray
Jesus. Wednesday has become known as ‘Spy Wednesday.’
Thursday. Jesus celebrates the LAST SUPPER with his disciples.
He institutes the EUCHARIST, washes their feet, and is arrested
in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Friday, called Good Friday. The Passion of Christ. He is tried as
an insurrectionist, sentenced to execution by crucifixion, is beaten
unmercifully with beard plucked out, spit upon, cursed and hung
naked before a busy highway for all to see. There were other
criminals beside him. He is pronounced dead and buried in
Nicodemus’ brand-new tomb.
Holy Saturday. He descends to the place of the dead while his
bruised body lies silently wrapped by a white shroud.
Next Week we will celebrate HIS TRIUMPH OVER DEATH.
Link to YouTube Video – John 4:1-29 – Receive Living Water
Shades of Grace offers memorial services at no cost to any family in grief. A certified counselor is available on site upon request, and a Parents of Addicted Loved One group/peer support meets each Sunday at 4:00 p.m. There is no financial cost to any thing we offer. If you’re unable to attend in person, all services are available online and are listed in our archives. There is also a way for you to contribute financially by a secure giving site listed on our Facebook page. We want you to claim a place with this congregation. All are welcome regardless of status, race, gender or any other “label”. God loves you.
We have friends who sleep in the streets, abandoned buildings and automobiles. Yes,
these include children and women. Our facilities offer meals five days a week to anyone hungry from the broader community, hot showers, birth certificates, mail service, emergency clothing and groceries.
For many who die alone and unclaimed, we help provide cremation and a final resting place. All services are free and without any strings attached. Many churches, caring citizens and civic organizations make this all happen.
Our Mission Statement is “Making disciples of Jesus Christ for transformation of the world.” Many thanks to all who join hands and hearts in unity as together the work of the “Church” is carried out.
We are zero tolerance when safety issues arise. Our goal is to make every worshiper, guests, and volunteers experience an atmosphere of security at all times. We are serving a unique sector of the city’s residents. East Sullivan Street is a safer place and the United Methodist Church is a positive permanent presence there.
Yes, we pay for extra security service, as all other similar organizations are required to do. We are doing our part of building healthy relationships and faithfully follow God’s call to reach the last, least, lost and lonely of our works.
NEWS AT SHADES OF GRACE:
Pastor Regina and/or Dr. Smiddy holds Bible Study, Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m.
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PAL – A group that is being formed for support parents of children with addiction.
Sunday is my true time of Sabbath, and I am grateful to be scattering gospel seeds along my path.
One of the vital services performed by Shades is the purchase of birth certificates for anyone who needs it. These documents are necessary for housing, jobs and many other reasons. Many of those who come to us are homeless and alienated from any family connection. So they don’t have access to this information, Jimmy secures the document and keeps a duplicate on file.
On July 1, 2014, I was appointed by the United Methodist Bishop to serve the streets of Kingsport, Tennessee.
As we prepare to begin our 10th year of ministry, we offer thanks and praise to God for more miracles than we could ever imagine. We are equally grateful for all our partners and friends who helped the ministry be where we are today. I look forward to sharing many more stories with you and experiencing many more virtual worship services. God be with you all.
Shades of Grace: A United Methodist Congregation is living proof of our living God who loves each one unconditionally and gives us all a reason to keep pushing forward in faith.
Join us online Sunday and revisit this very unique and enlightening worship event. And invite a friend to tune in too! I believe you will be inspired.
Ministry at God’s Living Room is a most life changing and rewarding experience. It is at times the most difficult and heart wrenching experiences. Only the Lord knows the true impact on lives of the least of these. There aren’t enough words to describe this storefront house of worship.
The one thing that has never changed in our ever evolving congregation is the acceptance of ALL people. I have said many times if everyone is not welcome, then no one is welcome. It’s all or nothing. I firmly believe this commitment of caring for the least of these is the reason for our miraculous success and growth in the city. I’m thankful to represent Jesus in the United Methodist Church.
We formerly live-streamed at 4:00 p.m. Sundays in real time. We continue streaming at that same time by edit\redaction and upload of previous Saturday service. Through it all, no aspect of our outreach and ministry ceased. We remain strong and vibrant as we seek to live into the vision of making disciples of Jesus Christ for transformation of our world. We are a safe sanctuary that welcomes and embraces ALL persons in the name of Jesus!
People come to the doors of Shades of Grace at all hours. People come in every size, shape, color, condition, circumstance, and unimaginable lifestyles. They come unhappy, high, hungover, ill, angry, rejected, dissatisfied, lonely, confused, unloved and feeling unworthy.
When they come, we do not ask them to answer questions or try to determine whether or not they are worthy.They simply come because the word ‘Church’ is on our windows. And Jesus says “Come.” We feed them, clothe them, give hot showers, medicines, and pray with those who are open to it. But all is done in Jesus’ Name. They know we will meet them where they are and not necessarily where we want them to be. A song we sing simply says, “People need the Lord. At the end of broken dreams, Christ is the open door.”
God loves all people. We are called to love all people. God is love. We’re simply scattering seeds and the Holy Spirit helps them grow. The end result belongs to God. We will continue to welcome, accept and embrace all people in the Name of Jesus Christ. We are the Church. We are the people of God. This is the Kingdom of God. It’s where I desire to be. Grateful for a storefront house of worship called Shades of Grace: A United Methodist Congregation. It is called God’s Living Room.
“Shades” began in October, 2014 as a new Church start of Holston Conference. Due to the nature of ministry with the least of these, there is no membership available. Anyone who claims a place here is accepted and given opportunities to be fully included in ministry. We offer sacrament of holy communion and baptism upon profession of faith. Worship is non traditional in many ways, but solidly grounded in Wesleyan Theology. We offer some of the very best music and worship to be found anywhere.
The ministry is active Monday through Saturdays every week, and closed on Sundays. We feed hundreds of meals to our community friends who are homeless and in need each week and provide hot showers for men and women. We furnish a clothing closet. We provide many funerals for homeless unclaimed in partnership with a local funeral home and Immanuel Lutheran Church.
Please share this ministry. It doesn’t matter where you live, who you love, car you drive (or not), live in a house or cardboard box, attire, piercings or tattoos. God loves ALL. As Oscar often says, “Pray for all who deal with addiction and depression. The world needs a lot more love. So, let it go; let it go.”
Challenging all to exercise and walk. Keeping up my steps. Staying healthy as possible to serve and witness for the Lord…Let’s get it done! Keep moving.
May eternal flames of the CHRIST candle continue to light our path as we “walk each other home”. My prayer is that not one of God’s little ones will ever be made to stumble because of my sincere efforts to fully follow the LORD. Thy will be done, LORD!
You can now listen to Shades of Grace on the Radio – FM 92.1
Everyone continue to pray for all who are feeling hopeless and helpless.
Link to YouTube Video – “Christ Our Hope in Life and Death”
Luke 10:27 “And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.”
It’s amazing how so many wandering souls make their way to our doors every day. Lord, May we be faithful to your call.
Serving the Last, Lost, Least and Lonely:
Hebrews 13:2 “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”
FYI – Coming Events
Wednesday at 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. – Bible Study with Pastor Regina Shelton, Will Shewey and Dr. Joe Smiddy
Recovery at Shades: Recovery meeting for ALL on Monday at 5:00 p.m. at 313 E. Sullivan St. Meetings will continue each Monday. Led by our Shades of Grace folk.
Would you like to share cards of encouragement with local persons in Recovery? Please write a note inside and drop them off at Shades of Grace at 313 E Sullivan Street anytime this week. Thank you friends!
“Link to YouTube Video – Watch Pastor Michele Beck’s Words of Inspiration
You Can Also Watch the Video of Sunday’s Service on the Shades of Grace UMC Facebook Page
We Have Provided a Donate Button for an Opportunity to Give. You will also be able to add prayer requests
