Lectionary: Series A (43)
  1. The followers of Jesus have a function to perform. When they do not perform it—that is, when they are not being themselves—the world suffers.
  2. Our first mistake in thinking about the blessed life is we expect to experience it fully in this life.
  3. On the other side of Christmas, we find (1) senseless suffering and (2) unstoppable salvation. A sermon on these verses should be honest about both.
  4. Unlike Luke, who provides most of the parts for the children’s program (the shepherds, the angel hosts, the innkeeper, and the animals), Matthew’s version is rated “M” for mature.
  5. There he sat, awaiting his executioner. John looked around at what God and His Messiah were not doing, and even the greatest among those born of woman had his doubts. “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?”
  6. The problem is not that we are unrepentant. The problem is our contrition is too small.
  7. In the middle of [Jesus'] eschatological discourse, as He answers the disciples’ question about the end of the age, Jesus ushers in Noah. But what does Noah have to do with Advent?