We begin the season of Lent by reading the story of Jesus entering the desert, fasting for weeks, and being tempted to trade everything in for empty promises.

Luke 7:1 After Jesus finished presenting all his words among the people, he entered Capernaum. 2 A centurion had a servant who was very important to him, but the servant was ill and about to die.

A servant of a Roman military leader is ill and several different groups draw together to heal him.

What if your condemnation or redemption is in your own hands?

35 Instead, love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, for he himself is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. 36 Be merciful (kindness to the ungrateful and wicked)l, just as your Father is merciful.37 Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not con…

Jesus takes his followers from across the countryside. He teaches them to break the negative cycle of their ancestors. You can see the pictures referenced using the Google Slides link below Link to Google Slides

We compare and contrast Jesus' message to his followers in two different gospel versions.

Peter and the disciples witness a catch of fish unlike anything they'v ever seen and then they are called to follow Jesus.

Day and night, crowds and isolation, water and land, success and failure all wrapped up in only eleven verses.

Jesus travels from synagogue to synagogue until he arrives in his hometown. He challenges the home crowd and they do not respond well.

Jesus travels home to read an ancient text in the synagogue of his childhood. He proclaims to the people that the ancient message of God has been fulfilled in their hearing.

The story begins with and is advanced by servants who are willing to follow Mary and Jesus.

A group from Nazareth travels to a wedding in Cana and Jesus shows the remarkable power his bringing to humanity.

Paul encourages a new faith community and I compare Paul's previous journey with the message.

Mary is approached by the angel, is told she will be a mother, and she immediately goes to share the news with Elizabeth

The prophet speaks to a torn and broken nation, offering a message of hope and purpose.

The prophet speaks to a torn and broken nation, offering a message of hope and purpose.

John the Baptist's dad Zechariah describes how his child will be like the rising sun on a new day.

We begin the Season of Advent with a text of anticipation and hope.

In the final reading of the Christian year, the people of Jerusalem question and debate who is the true king and what that king can do.