http://bible.com/events/49234754

Church of the Nazarene – East Rock

Easter 2024 “A Tale of Two Gardens”

“Where are you?”

Resurrection Sunday 2024.

Easter is really a tale of two gardens. The garden of the resurrection of course, but it’s also the story of another garden. A garden where sin and death entered our story.

The Cross stands between these two gardens, and the question remains for us “Where are you?”

John 19:16-18

Finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified. So the soldiers took charge of Jesus. Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha). There they crucified him, and with him two others—one on each side and Jesus in the middle.

Crucifixion was a terrible and horrific method of execution. Specifically designed to inflict pain and to slow down death.

Jesus would be there for several hours before he would cry out “It is finished.” He who knew no sin, no mistake, no flaw, was made to be sin for you and me. It is finished.

John 19:38-42

Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jewish leaders. With Pilate’s permission, he came and took the body away. He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs. At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid. Because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.

This once beautiful garden, full of beauty and life, now plays host to death. With that, the story of Jesus seemingly comes to a cold and dark end.

I bet if we were to ask Jesus’ closes friends and disciples in these moments: Where are you? They might have answered with something like-

1.Bewildered and broken.

2.Crushed and confused.

3.Perhaps they would have just said- I have no idea right now…

This garden tomb seemed to swallow up all of their hope…But today is resurrection Sunday.

Matthew 28:1-10

After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.” So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”

The Garden that once swallowed the disciples hope in death, brought forth resurrection life for all eternity. This is Victory. This is life and that eternal.

This is resurrection Sunday. The good news for those who believe in him.

Remember, this is a story of two gardens. Maybe today, you are stuck in the first garden, the garden of Eden.

Genesis 2:8-9

Now the Lord God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed. The Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

God created this garden perfect. All of creation was as it was supposed to be. That was true for Adam and Eve as well.

They were created to be God’s partners, co-gardeners in creation. They had calling, purpose, and most importantly un-broken fellowship with God. God has provided everything they need in a garden whose beauty is beyond imagination.

Within this garden there was one tree that was off limits. They were not to take and eat from that tree. Adam and Eve, they had a choice- Would they take God at his word? Or would they take control?

Genesis 3:7-8

Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves. Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden.

They decided to take control, to call their own shots.

Sin enters the world bringing its cousins fear, guilt, and shame. This once perfect garden, suddenly seems like a place more familiar to us.

Read a little further and there is accusation, blame, and denial between husband and wife. Sin entered the story and so did separation from God. The weight of failure and shame set in, and they hid.

Here’s the truth for us today. Sin entered our story in this Garden, and it’s still there. We are still making those same choices as Adam and Eve. Choosing to call our own shots, make our own way, do our own thing. And we still feel the effects of those decisions when we make those poor choices.

If that’s where you find yourself today, I have some really good news for you. Even in the midst of this garden full of brokeness, God is calling.

Look at the next verse in our Genesis text- I think this is the word for us today.

Genesis 3:9

But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?”

The very first thing we see God do in response to Man’s sin and hiding-He comes after them. God knew where they were, of course. He wanted THEM to realize where they were…turning their backs on God.

He wanted them to come out of hiding, to step out of their guilt and shame, and back into relationship with him.

And friends, God is calling you.

No matter where you are, how long it’s been, how bad it’s gotten, God see’s you and he’s asking you: “Where are you?”

Will you answer that call today?

This resurrection Sunday, He’s inviting you to come out of your hiding, step out of guilt and shame and into relationship with him.

Where are you?

Updates on the new Waynesboro campus

God is inviting us to step out in faith to plant a Spanish-speaking campus in the Waynesboro community. Join us on the journey!

Check out the link below for more information and for frequent updates throughout the journey.

Waynesboro

Giving at COTN

If you ever have questions or need help with online giving, please let us know: finance@cotnaz.org Thank you for your partnership in building the Kingdom of Christ as you impact others!

Giving

Church of the Nazarene – Harrisonburg

http://bible.com/events/49232705

The Untold Jesus Stories- Carrying the Cross

Simon carried your cross, and mine.

Today we conclude our teaching series called “The Untold Jesus Stories.”

Throughout this series we will have been looking into stories that are not literally “untold,” but some of the lesser known or lesser understood accounts that we find in the gospels.

This series has simply focused on some stories that perhaps we haven’t paused to consider very often.

Paul wrote to Timothy with the instruction: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

Our “untold” or lesser-known story today is found in Luke 23:23-27

Luke 23:23-27

But with loud shouts they insistently demanded that he be crucified, and their shouts prevailed. So Pilate decided to grant their demand. He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, the one they asked for, and surrendered Jesus to their will. As the soldiers led him away, they seized Simon from Cyrene, who was on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus. A large number of people followed him, including women who mourned and wailed for him.

Jesus was so weary from the beating he has received that he cannot continue to bear the weight of his cross. The Roman guards instructed Simon to carry the cross for Jesus.

Simon came to the Passover with his family to remember when God delivered the Children of Israel from the death grip of the Egyptian empire and their bondage there. But the story Simon found himself thrust into was different.

This was a new kind of redemption, a new kind of deliverance. This is the story of Christ crucified for the sins of the whole world.

Here’s the question: What does Simon the Cyrene have to do with you? With me?

Luke 23:26

As the soldiers led him away, they seized Simon from Cyrene, who was on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus.

We don’t know a lot about Simon even though his story appears in 3 of the 4 gospel accounts.

By Cyrene, it means that he’s from an area of Northern Africa known by that name.

The gospel of Mark records that he is father to Alexander and Rufus, and he has come to Jerusalem to worship at the Passover Festival.

Simon disappears from the story as the crucifixion continues. Jesus is crucified between two criminals.

There’s little doubt that this procession, this moment specifically, never faded from Simon‘s memory.

1. Simon is demonstrating what faith would look like 2,000 years later.

We must choose to take up our cross and follow after Christ.

Jesus never hid the true cost of discipleship. To join Christ, is to die to ourselves. To surrender our hearts, our desires, our attitudes to him. It is giving Jesus all authority in our lives. And unlike Simon of Cyrene- nobody will ever force you to bear that cross.

You must accept the call of Christ. You have to choose to follow after him. It’s the only way that truly leads to life.

Luke 9:23-25

Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?

Galatians 2:20

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

2. The cross Simon carried didn’t belong to Jesus, but to him (and to you and to me).

Jesus bore the penalty of sin for you and for me. Now he calls us, to bear our cross. Not that we literally die for our sins, no, that work has been done. But we are invited to lay down our right to ourselves, and follow Christ.

Scriptures for further study/reflection:

Luke 19:28-44

Matthew 27:27-32

Mark 15:20-24

Mark 15:21

Updates on the new Waynesboro campus

God is inviting us to step out in faith to plant a Spanish-speaking campus in the Waynesboro community. Join us on the journey!

Check out the link below for more information and for frequent updates throughout the journey.

Waynesboro

Giving at COTN

If you ever have questions or need help with online giving, please let us know: finance@cotnaz.org Thank you for your partnership in building the Kingdom of Christ as you impact others!

Giving

https://www.bible.com/events/49231419

Church of the Nazarene – East Rock

The Untold Jesus Stories- Carrying the Cross

Simon carried your cross, and mine.

Today we conclude our teaching series called “The Untold Jesus Stories.”

Throughout this series we will have been looking into stories that are not literally “untold,” but some of the lesser known or lesser understood accounts that we find in the gospels.

This series has simply focused on some stories that perhaps we haven’t paused to consider very often before.

Paul wrote to Timothy with the instruction: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

Our “untold” or lesser-known story today is found in Luke 23:23-27

Luke 23:23-27

But with loud shouts they insistently demanded that he be crucified, and their shouts prevailed. So Pilate decided to grant their demand. He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, the one they asked for, and surrendered Jesus to their will. As the soldiers led him away, they seized Simon from Cyrene, who was on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus. A large number of people followed him, including women who mourned and wailed for him.

Jesus, so weary from the beating he has received that he cannot continue to bear the weight of his cross. The Roman guards needing to get this show on the road, grab Simon and demand that he carries the cross for Jesus.

Simon came to the Passover with his family to remember when God delivered the Children of Israel from the death grip of the Egyptian empire and their bondage there. But the story Simon found himself thrust into was different.

This was a new kind of redemption, a new kind of deliverance. This is the story of Christ crucified for the sins of the whole world.

Here’s the question: What does Simon the Cyrene have to do with you? With me?

Luke 23:1-6

Then the whole assembly rose and led him off to Pilate. And they began to accuse him, saying, “We have found this man subverting our nation. He opposes payment of taxes to Caesar and claims to be Messiah, a king.” So Pilate asked Jesus, “Are you the king of the Jews?” “You have said so,” Jesus replied. Then Pilate announced to the chief priests and the crowd, “I find no basis for a charge against this man.” But they insisted, “He stirs up the people all over Judea by his teaching. He started in Galilee and has come all the way here.” On hearing this, Pilate asked if the man was a Galilean.

By the time Simon enters the story, Jesus has already been tried and sentenced to death.

The Jewish leaders didn’t have the authority to put Jesus to death, they would need to enlist the help of their otherwise hated enemy- The Romans.

After facing a mock trial before Herod, Jesus appears again before Pilate and his accusers.

Luke 23:13-24

Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers and the people, and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion. I have examined him in your presence and have found no basis for your charges against him. Neither has Herod, for he sent him back to us; as you can see, he has done nothing to deserve death. Therefore, I will punish him and then release him.” But the whole crowd shouted, “Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us!” (Barabbas had been thrown into prison for an insurrection in the city, and for murder.) Wanting to release Jesus, Pilate appealed to them again. But they kept shouting, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” For the third time he spoke to them: “Why? What crime has this man committed? I have found in him no grounds for the death penalty. Therefore I will have him punished and then release him.” But with loud shouts they insistently demanded that he be crucified, and their shouts prevailed. So Pilate decided to grant their demand.

The guilty gone free, and the innocent condemned to death. That’s the story of Jesus. That’s our story.

And it’s this story that Simon of Cyrene is thrust into.

Luke 23:26

As the soldiers led him away, they seized Simon from Cyrene, who was on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus.

We don’t know a lot about Simon even though his story appears in 3 of the 4 gospel accounts.

By Cyrene, it means that he’s from an area of Northern Africa known by that name.

The gospel of Mark records that he is father to Alexander and Rufus, and he has come to Jerusalem to worship at the Passover Festival.

Simon disappears from the story as the crucifixion continues. Jesus is crucified between two criminals.

I think it’s safe to say, this procession, this moment specifically never faded from Simons memory.

In a very real sense, in the days ahead the parade that Simon of Cyrene witnessed will pass before us. No one will force you into the story like the soldiers did to Simon. No, we must choose to get into the story.

We must choose to take up our cross and follow after Christ

Jesus never hid the true cost of discipleship. To join Christ, is to die to ourselves. To surrender our hearts, our desires, our attitudes to him. It is giving Jesus all authority in our lives. And unlike Simon of Cyrene- nobody will ever force you to bear that cross.

You must accept the call of Christ. You have to choose to follow after him. It’s the only way that truly leads to life.

The cross the Simon carried, was my cross, and it was yours. Jesus bore the penalty of sin for you and for me. Now he calls us, to bear our cross. Not that we literally die for our sins, no, that work has been done. But we are invited to lay down our right to ourselves, our self sovereignty, essentially all that we are- lay that down and follow Christ.

That’s the call.

Will you join Simon in bearing your cross, following after Jesus?

Updates on the new Waynesboro campus

God is inviting us to step out in faith to plant a Spanish-speaking campus in the Waynesboro community. Join us on the journey!

Check out the link below for more information and for frequent updates throughout the journey.

Waynesboro

Giving at COTN

If you ever have questions or need help with online giving, please let us know: finance@cotnaz.org Thank you for your partnership in building the Kingdom of Christ as you impact others!

Giving