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Church of the Nazarene – East Rock

Stories of Your Life Part 3: Mary

Mary- With Jesus at the beginning, with him until the end.‭‭

John‬ ‭19‬:‭23‬-‭25

‬‬When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. “Let’s not tear it,” they said to one another. “Let’s decide by lot who will get it.” This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled that said, “They divided my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment.” So this is what the soldiers did. Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.

Have you ever paused to consider how the story of her life was impacted by the cross? Mary, the mother of Jesus

Can anyone else in the Passion story be more devastated than her in this moment?

Yet, she is there. Close to Jesus. She was there because he was there.

Nothing mattered to Mary more than Jesus…Can the same be said for you?

I want to welcome you back to our Sunday morning teaching series “Stories of Your Life”

As a church family we are seeking to understand the meaning and the impact of Passion week through the perspectives and stories of key people involved.

We are reminded that these were real people, who had real questions and had to work through real challenges. People just like you and me.

But in the story of their life, we see them experience real grace and mercy through the person of Jesus Christ.

So, this series is about learning from their lives so that we too can know the forgiveness and life of Christ‭‭

Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭26‬-‭38

‬‬It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

From the moment we meet Mary in the birth announcement, she is a woman of tremendous faith in the Lord.“IT could cost me my husband, it could cost me my future, it might even cost me my life- but Lord, I am your servant.”

Mary was willing to trust the Lord with everything- She knew it wasn’t going to be easy. Her marriage, her future, her dreams, her plans- she brings under the rule and authority of God.

She simply says: So be it Lord, I am your servant.‭‭

John‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬-‭5‬‬

On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.” “Woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”

Can you imagine this moment for Mary? Mary, aware of the problem and wanting to help, turns to Jesus. She was accustomed to trusting his resourcefulness over the years.

She approaches him as she had so many times before- son can you help?

But this time was different- He doesn’t say “Sure mom”.

This time- Jesus let’s her know- Things are different now…She receives a gentle rebuke from her son.

D.A. Carson says “This must have been extremely difficult for Mary. She had born him, nursed him, taught his baby fingers elementary skills, watched him fall over as he learned to walk…But now that he had entered into the purpose of his coming, everything, even family ties had to be subordinated to his divine mission.Dont miss verse 11 “What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.”

Mary saw the glorious power and majesty of Christ, because she believed. Because her faith saw it fit to leave the matter in his hands.Mary trusted Him-Will you?

By the time we meet Mary at the cross, we can only imagine the ways her faith has been tested.

As a mother grieving and mourning over what is happening to her son.But also as a worshipper watching her Lord be crucified

But she is there…She loves him to much to leave him.

Throughout Mary’s life she trusted God way beyond what made natural sense. When most wouldn’t have believed- Mary did. And today friends, we have the great privilege and opportunity to learn from the story of her life.

As you consider the story of your life this morning- I wonder, what is keeping you from responding like Mary did?

Perhaps its doubt, or fear? Maybe you feel like Mary at the cross-the sky is dark and it all seems to be going wrong…What would it look like for you today to stick close with Jesus and simply pray “Lord i believe, help me overcome my unbelief”?

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Church of the Nazarene – Harrisonburg

Tough Sayings of Jesus – Thief On The Cross

Everything you need for salvation is found on that middle cross.

Powerful stories don’t just inspire you, or captivate you. Inspiring stories invite you into the story.

Throughout our new series, “The Stories of Your Life”, we are looking at the pages of Holy Week. But instead of simply reading the story, we are entering into the greatest story in human history. This is your story. This is my story.

Each week we will look at a glimpse through the eyes of one character along the journey.

What can we learn?

What can we apply to our lives right now?

How is this story from thousands of years ago still alive today?

Today we consider the thief on the cross.‭‭

Luke‬ ‭23‬:‭32‬-‭43

‬‬Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.” The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.” There was a written notice above him, which read: this is the king of the jews. One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

-We don’t really know his crimes, except to know that they were considered worthy of the death penalty.

-But what we do know is remarkable: it’s quite possible that no one in history had done so little and received so much. Can it be that a simple gesture of belief after a lifetime of sin can result in immediate salvation? The short answer to that question is, yes.“ Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise”

-Jesus is pointing to something that’s coming and not just what’s happening here on the cross. Jesus is pointing to resurrection.

-The resurrection of Easter marked such a victory that it overcame the power of all sin.

These criminals represent us.

-Jesus was the only innocent one on the hill that day. More than that, He’s the only truly innocent one who ever lived.-We were all born as sinners, and sin in our lives leads to death (Romans 6:23).

-The criminals were similar in many ways: they deserved what they were getting, they both acknowledge who Jesus is. It is how they respond that makes the difference.

Everything you need for salvation is found on that middle cross.

“It was another shocking reminder that grace does not depend on what we have done for God but rather what God has done for us. Ask people what they must do to get to heaven and most reply, ‘Be good.’ Jesus’ stories contradict that answer. All we must do is cry, ‘HELP!’

God welcomes home anyone who will have him and, in fact, has made the first move already.”

-Phillip Yancey

It’s quite possible that no one in history had done so little and received so much.

I’m not talking about the thief on the cross, I’m talking about me.

Verses for further study/reflection:

Matthew 27:38-44

Romans 10:8-10

Isaiah 64:6

Ephesians 2:8

Matthew 20:1-16

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Church of the Nazarene – East Rock

Stories of Your Life Part 2: The Thief on The Cross

Easter Sunday

Welcome you to our teaching series “Stories of your life”

As a church family we are seeking to understand the meaning and the impact of Passion week through the perspectives and stories of key people involved.

Real people with real faults, real questions, and who made some real mistakes but they also found real grace and mercy in Christ.

People like me and people like you…

This series is about learning from their lives so that we too can know the forgiveness and life of Christ, so we can see our stories changed for the glory of God.

Today, we will study the story of the three crosses, the story we see told along our highways

Jesus and two criminals, all sentenced to death by crucifixion

‭‭Luke‬ ‭23‬:‭32‬-‭33‬‬

Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left.

Crucifixion was common enough that the original readers of Luke’s gospel knew exactly what it meant when he says “they crucified him”. They knew the sounds, they knew the smells, they knew all too well the horror of this scene.

3 men sentenced to death.

The one in the middle-innocent of any crime, the sinless son God.

The other two, guilty, receiving the just penalty of their crimes.‭‭

Luke‬ ‭23‬:‭34‬-‭38

‬‬Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.” The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.” There was a written notice above him, which read: this is the king of the jews.

Three men, suffering immensely having just been nailed to cross, and their executioners throwing dice, playing games to see who will get their bloody clothes as a prize.

The notice of his crime has been placed above Jesus’ head for all to see “The king of the Jews”

The passersby are mocking him- “you could help others, but you can’t help yourself”

And Jesus…What’s response to all of this? “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing”‭‭

Luke‬ ‭23‬:‭39‬-‭43‬‬

One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

This second criminal, we don’t know his name, we don’t know his crime, but he had been convicted- he was found guilty and deserving of punishment.

But when he encountered Jesus he had a change of heart- he simply asked him “will you remember me when you come into your kingdom?”

Can it really be that simple?

Can one confession of faith and belief in Jesus overturn a life full of sin and brokenness?

The short answer of this story is- YES. Yes, it can.

Jesus looks at him and says “Truly I tell you, you can be sure, today you will be with me in paradise.”

That’s the power of the cross. That’s the power of the person of Jesus

The story of Easter cuts across our natural tendency to think we must earn our salvation by being good enough, by doing enough good things for other people, or by having our lives neat and tidy before we can come to Christ.

This guy couldn’t do any of that- he couldn’t attend church, no bible study, he couldn’t make amends with people he had wronged.

What saved him, is what saves you and me- faith in Jesus Christ.

We believe that Jesus calls us to live differently as part of his kingdom, He said if you love me, keep my commandments, and we believe that. But we also see in this story, that’s not what saves us.

The apostle Paul wrote: For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.

The story of Easter, of Christ Resurrection is the story of your life. It is the story that we draw our very breath in even now.

So that begs the question today-Where are you in the story?

Let’s consider the criminals, one on either side of Jesus in this story.

No doubt, they had a lot in common.

They were both found guilty of a crime, deserving of death.

They were both suffering in this moment.

They heard him cry out “Father forgive them”

They even both wanted to be saved in one way or another.

The truth is today, we too have a lot in common with these criminals.

Honestly, we too have earned what the criminals on the cross were receiving.

Oh sure, your record at the courthouse might be clear- but your heart isn’t-Jesus is the only innocent one in the story.

You and I- we harbor hatred in our hearts. We lust. We tell little white lies and big fat ones too, we focus on ourselves at the expense of others.

The truth is, you and I are sinners. And we all have brokenness, scars, and wounds to prove it.

The bible says that the wages of sin, is death. Sin always leads to death- It cannot lead anywhere else. Death in us, death in our relationships. And death always brings along its cousins of guilt, shame, despair, and hopelessness.

For everything they have in common, how were these two different?

The first, shows no remorse, feels no guilt. He might be willing to believe in Jesus if he did a miracle for him or relieved his suffering instantly. He only sees Jesus as a possible escape from the moment, from his punishment.”

If you are King- get me out of this mess now.”

Maybe that’s how you feel: Like your life is a mess- maybe you are angry. You’re mad at God and wondering why he’s not helping.

Maybe it’s not all your fault. Maybe there are a lot of things happening, feelings you’re having, things you’re dealing with that don’t make any sense.

But your posture is one of hostility towards God, bitterness, wondering what’s in this for me?

Let’s consider the other criminal-Remember, he is just as guilty right? He did the crime, now he’s got the time. But something is different here.He feared God. God was real to Him.

Rather than shaking his fist at God- he came to the end of himself. He admitted the wrong he had done- he owned up to his mistakes, his failures-yes, his sin.

He acknowledges the righteousness of Jesus- He believed that he was the Messiah- The savior.

Then, he looks to Jesus and asks for help- His belief in who Jesus had caused him to ask the most profound question of his life…Will you remember me? And Jesus welcomed him home.

How are you responding to the challenges, the heart aches, the mess in your life?

How do you respond to the sin of your past? The sin of your present?

Do you respond like the first man- shaking your fist?

Or like the second man, asking for Jesus to remember you?

Here is the powerful truth for us today friends: Everything you need for salvation is found on that middle cross.The Love, the grace, the forgiveness, the hope that you so desperately long for is found in the man on the middle cross- The person of Jesus.What will your response be?

Will you be the one lashing out against God?“I thought you were good, I thought you loved me”. Get me out of this mess now if you are GodOr will you be found at the end of yourself- asking God to remember you.In repentance. In humility.God, I’ve made mistakes, to many to count.

I can’t figure all this out, I don’t know where to go or what to do, but I know I need you.

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