Preaching the Scriptures

The Rev. Jeremiah Williamson Luke 22:39-23:56   An Introduction to the Passion according to Luke   I am very sorry to tell you that the story you are about hear does not have a happy ending.   Not yet.   I don’t fault you if you expected better.   The Gospel story you heard just minutes ago, outside, in the garden, set, I suppose, unrealistic expectations.   You will soon hear the rest of that story.   And I feel I should warn you: it does take a shocking and horrific turn.   It all takes place on what feels like an impossibly small timeline. The entire story, beginning with the colt ride through Jerusalem, ending with the mysteriously vacant tomb, takes place over the course of just one week. The time between Jesus’ celebrated entry into the Holy City and his arrest is just a few days. And the arrest, trial, sentencing, and crucifixion: well, they all take place in just a matter of hours, before the earth can even make one complete ...

The Rev. Jeremiah Williamson Isaiah 49:1-7 Dream Bigger Nothing seems to be working. “I have labored in vain,” says the prophet Isaiah. “I have spent my strength for nothing.” That is a terrible feeling. Investment with no return. Effort without progress. I have labored in vain. The prophet has a word from God, but no one is listening. The prophet is called to bring the people hope, but they are hopeless. The prophet is a dreamer in the land where dreams go to die. It is a frustrating place to be. And so he cries out to God in holy protest: “I have labored in vain. I have spent my strength for nothing.” The prophet's task was an unenviable task. The line between platitudes and a word of hope is often uncomfortably thin – made even more uncomfortable because the wrong words in this situation would sting, would add insult to injury. Let's be clear, the prophet was not sent to turn some frowns upside down. Deep gloom enshrouds this people, this nati...

The Rev. Jeremiah Williamson Luke 23:33-43 The King Who Lost the Vote Jesus stood before the voting public one time . Just once. Like a King awaiting his royal throne, he stood before them, wearing an elegant robe and a custom-made crown. The winner would win freedom. But the crowd chose someone else; they voted for the other guy – and it wasn't close. But then, they also cast their vote for him. In one united voice the rallying masses chanted, “Crucify! Crucify him!” Jesus had healed their sick; he had fed their hungry; he had raised their dead. But standing before them now, he did not look like a king. His robe mocked him; his crown drained him. It was obvious to them. They needed a strong king; someone who would fight. And he was weak. He gave nice speeches. And he dreamed of impossible kingdoms. But they needed someone who would take real action; not someone who snuck away to quiet prayer gardens. And so they voted Barabbas. He would actu...

The Rev. Jeremiah Williamson Christ the King A 11-23-2014 Matthew 25:31-46 Treason! Two visions of sheep.   Two visions of a divided flock.   Two visions of a King.   Two visions of a Kingdom.   But it is not that they are the same – not exactly.   Not all of the details match up.   The historical contexts were certainly different.   And so were the speakers. The prophet Ezekiel speaks to the nation during a time of exile – the flock has been scattered.   In his vision the kings and leaders of Israel have failed.   The people have been separated from their homes, their land, each other.   But even crisis presents opportunity – if one is willing to take advantage; And the wealthiest members of the nation take advantage – exploiting and devastating the needy.   Ezekiel longs for the people to again become one flock under the true Shepherd – not another earthly monarch but God.   Ezekiel longs for G...