Sermon Illustrations for the Third Sunday of Easter (2021)
Illustration
Acts 3:12-19
Miracles are so challenging for us to accept in the 21st century. We think they are only from biblical and historical times. Let me share an experience with you. When I was twelve years old, my four-year-old brother was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor. He was given a two-year survival prognosis. At the same time, in the same hospital, an eighth grade classmate was being treated for cancer and was expected to die within six months. I wish I could say the miracle happened for my brother, but it did not. He died within six months. We had some time with him, but he was sick for most of those six months. My classmate, on the other hand, did receive the miracle. She lived to graduate, go to college, and live into adulthood. Miracles really do happen. Keep the faith my friends. God is with us.
Bonnie B.
* * *
Acts 3:12-19
Americans tend to agree with Napoleon: “If you want a thing done well, do it yourself.” That’s in line with American actress Phyllis Diller’s advice: “Life is a do-it-yourself kit, so do it yourself.” Our lesson makes just the opposite witness. Peter wants no credit for what he did, claiming he relied fully on God. That witness is a lot more powerful than someone who claims to have done it alone. Famed preacher of the early church John Chrysostom put it this way in a sermon:
For nothing is so advantageous, and so likely to pacify the hearers, as to say nothing about oneself of an honorable nature, but, on the contrary, to obviate all surmise of wishing to do so. And, in truth, much more did they increase their glory by despising glory and showing that what had just taken place was no human act, but a Divine Work... (Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, First Series, Vol.11, p.55)
Martin Luther King Jr. made a similar point in a 1968 sermon warning against “the drum major instinct — a desire to be out front, a desire to lead the parade, a desire to be first.” (A Testament of Hope, p.260) In its place King recommended Jesus’ way:
And so Jesus gave us a new norm of greatness. If you want to be important — wonderful... But recognize that he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. That’s your new definition of greatness. (A Testament of Hope, p.265)
It is a good lesson for you when working for the church. Give God all the credit. You and I are just his servants.
Mark E.
* * *
1 John 3:1-7
Flashes of Thought: 1000 Choice Extracts from the Works of C.H. Spurgeon contains this fascinating insight.
Things are precious, often because of their relationship. The most precious thing a mother has is her dear babe. We all love those who are near to us by the ties of nature. Precious, therefore, in the sight of the Lord are His saints, because they are born in His household, by regeneration made to be His sons and daughters.
Think not that God our Father has less affection towards His children than we have towards ours. Ah, no! No mother’s heart ever yearned over her child, and no father’s bosom ever rejoiced over his offspring, as the heart of God yearns over His erring children, and as His soul rejoices when they come back to Him.
1 John 3:1 makes it clear, “See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are.” Through a relationship with Jesus Christ, we are children of God. He loves us even more than earthly parents love and cherish their children. As Max Lucado wrote, “If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it. If He had a wallet, your photo would be in it. He sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning. Face it, friend. He is crazy about you!”
Bill T.
* * *
1 John 3:1-7
“See what love the Father has given us…” is how the NRSV translates the beginning of this passage. But “love” is preceded by the word potapos which is translated different ways — “wonderful love” (NIV), “marvelous love” (The Message), “what kind of love” (Common English Bible), “what manner of love” (American Standard Version). Nicholl’s commentary on the Greek text chose “unearthly love” and I think saying “out of this worldly love” might not be too far off the mark. It’s like recognizing from a person’s accent that they must be from somewhere else. Potapos is also a word used when asking someone what country or place they’re from. It’s not just a geographical question. It calls attention to a person’s character or characteristics. The sense here is that the Father’s love is coming from no ordinary or earthly place. And so, if this love is what makes us children of God that’s got to be extraordinarily different love. Keep in mind that emperors like Augustus claimed to be descended from gods. Only the greatest rulers would be so audacious as to make such a claim. Yet this letter tells us that we, ordinary believers, regular folks, are not just making a claim to a fiction that no one believes. Who could believe after all a Roman emperor was descended from a god when we considered just how badly they behaved? No, we are not ourselves making the claim. God has done this because of a love from who knows where, which is far more powerful than the love we encounter in these parts.
Frank R.
* * *
Luke 24:36b-48
The story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus is a familiar one. Christ isn’t recognized even though he is interpreting every prophecy about the Messiah, from his coming to death and resurrection. Christ isn’t recognized until he sits at table, takes bread, asks for blessing and breaks the bread. Then the disciples’ eyes are opened. The presence of Jesus is in the breaking of the bread. Even today, there is something profound for me as I stand at the communion table, inviting everyone into Christ’s presence, taking bread, asking that it be blessed and breaking it to share from the table. Christ is present in a real way during the service of communion. It is why I am glad, that in my tradition at least, there is an open table. All are welcome to “see” Jesus. You are welcome — remember the invitation and the blessing.
Bonnie B.
* * *
Luke 24:36b-48
A recent poll conducted by the University of Chicago found that just 14% of Americans are very happy, down from 31% just 3 years ago. This text has some good and comforting news on this matter. Martin Luther offers two profound words of comfort while preaching on our lesson:
This is written for us, that we might learn that the Gospel of Christ’s resurrection comforts only fainthearted. And who are these? They are the poor, conscience-stricken ones, whose sins lie heavily upon them, who feel their faint heart, are loath to die, and are well-nigh startled by the sound of a rustling leaf. To these contrite, poor, and needy souls, the Gospel offers comfort to them, it is a sweet savor. (Complete Sermons, Vol.1/2, p.303)
Yes, even a man who is under grace and is sanctified falls away again from repentance and faith and thus loses his forgiveness, nevertheless this kingdom of grace stands firm and unmovable so that one may at any time be reinstated in it... in like manner as the sun raises daily in the heavens, and not only banishes the past night but proceeds without interruption to shine throughout the day, even though it be darkened and covered with thick clouds, yes even though someone closes his doors and windows against its light, still it remains the selfsame sun and, breaking all barriers down, it again and again presents itself to view. (Complete Sermons, Vol.1/2, pp.347-348)
Mark E.
Miracles are so challenging for us to accept in the 21st century. We think they are only from biblical and historical times. Let me share an experience with you. When I was twelve years old, my four-year-old brother was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor. He was given a two-year survival prognosis. At the same time, in the same hospital, an eighth grade classmate was being treated for cancer and was expected to die within six months. I wish I could say the miracle happened for my brother, but it did not. He died within six months. We had some time with him, but he was sick for most of those six months. My classmate, on the other hand, did receive the miracle. She lived to graduate, go to college, and live into adulthood. Miracles really do happen. Keep the faith my friends. God is with us.
Bonnie B.
* * *
Acts 3:12-19
Americans tend to agree with Napoleon: “If you want a thing done well, do it yourself.” That’s in line with American actress Phyllis Diller’s advice: “Life is a do-it-yourself kit, so do it yourself.” Our lesson makes just the opposite witness. Peter wants no credit for what he did, claiming he relied fully on God. That witness is a lot more powerful than someone who claims to have done it alone. Famed preacher of the early church John Chrysostom put it this way in a sermon:
For nothing is so advantageous, and so likely to pacify the hearers, as to say nothing about oneself of an honorable nature, but, on the contrary, to obviate all surmise of wishing to do so. And, in truth, much more did they increase their glory by despising glory and showing that what had just taken place was no human act, but a Divine Work... (Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, First Series, Vol.11, p.55)
Martin Luther King Jr. made a similar point in a 1968 sermon warning against “the drum major instinct — a desire to be out front, a desire to lead the parade, a desire to be first.” (A Testament of Hope, p.260) In its place King recommended Jesus’ way:
And so Jesus gave us a new norm of greatness. If you want to be important — wonderful... But recognize that he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. That’s your new definition of greatness. (A Testament of Hope, p.265)
It is a good lesson for you when working for the church. Give God all the credit. You and I are just his servants.
Mark E.
* * *
1 John 3:1-7
Flashes of Thought: 1000 Choice Extracts from the Works of C.H. Spurgeon contains this fascinating insight.
Things are precious, often because of their relationship. The most precious thing a mother has is her dear babe. We all love those who are near to us by the ties of nature. Precious, therefore, in the sight of the Lord are His saints, because they are born in His household, by regeneration made to be His sons and daughters.
Think not that God our Father has less affection towards His children than we have towards ours. Ah, no! No mother’s heart ever yearned over her child, and no father’s bosom ever rejoiced over his offspring, as the heart of God yearns over His erring children, and as His soul rejoices when they come back to Him.
1 John 3:1 makes it clear, “See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are.” Through a relationship with Jesus Christ, we are children of God. He loves us even more than earthly parents love and cherish their children. As Max Lucado wrote, “If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it. If He had a wallet, your photo would be in it. He sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning. Face it, friend. He is crazy about you!”
Bill T.
* * *
1 John 3:1-7
“See what love the Father has given us…” is how the NRSV translates the beginning of this passage. But “love” is preceded by the word potapos which is translated different ways — “wonderful love” (NIV), “marvelous love” (The Message), “what kind of love” (Common English Bible), “what manner of love” (American Standard Version). Nicholl’s commentary on the Greek text chose “unearthly love” and I think saying “out of this worldly love” might not be too far off the mark. It’s like recognizing from a person’s accent that they must be from somewhere else. Potapos is also a word used when asking someone what country or place they’re from. It’s not just a geographical question. It calls attention to a person’s character or characteristics. The sense here is that the Father’s love is coming from no ordinary or earthly place. And so, if this love is what makes us children of God that’s got to be extraordinarily different love. Keep in mind that emperors like Augustus claimed to be descended from gods. Only the greatest rulers would be so audacious as to make such a claim. Yet this letter tells us that we, ordinary believers, regular folks, are not just making a claim to a fiction that no one believes. Who could believe after all a Roman emperor was descended from a god when we considered just how badly they behaved? No, we are not ourselves making the claim. God has done this because of a love from who knows where, which is far more powerful than the love we encounter in these parts.
Frank R.
* * *
Luke 24:36b-48
The story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus is a familiar one. Christ isn’t recognized even though he is interpreting every prophecy about the Messiah, from his coming to death and resurrection. Christ isn’t recognized until he sits at table, takes bread, asks for blessing and breaks the bread. Then the disciples’ eyes are opened. The presence of Jesus is in the breaking of the bread. Even today, there is something profound for me as I stand at the communion table, inviting everyone into Christ’s presence, taking bread, asking that it be blessed and breaking it to share from the table. Christ is present in a real way during the service of communion. It is why I am glad, that in my tradition at least, there is an open table. All are welcome to “see” Jesus. You are welcome — remember the invitation and the blessing.
Bonnie B.
* * *
Luke 24:36b-48
A recent poll conducted by the University of Chicago found that just 14% of Americans are very happy, down from 31% just 3 years ago. This text has some good and comforting news on this matter. Martin Luther offers two profound words of comfort while preaching on our lesson:
This is written for us, that we might learn that the Gospel of Christ’s resurrection comforts only fainthearted. And who are these? They are the poor, conscience-stricken ones, whose sins lie heavily upon them, who feel their faint heart, are loath to die, and are well-nigh startled by the sound of a rustling leaf. To these contrite, poor, and needy souls, the Gospel offers comfort to them, it is a sweet savor. (Complete Sermons, Vol.1/2, p.303)
Yes, even a man who is under grace and is sanctified falls away again from repentance and faith and thus loses his forgiveness, nevertheless this kingdom of grace stands firm and unmovable so that one may at any time be reinstated in it... in like manner as the sun raises daily in the heavens, and not only banishes the past night but proceeds without interruption to shine throughout the day, even though it be darkened and covered with thick clouds, yes even though someone closes his doors and windows against its light, still it remains the selfsame sun and, breaking all barriers down, it again and again presents itself to view. (Complete Sermons, Vol.1/2, pp.347-348)
Mark E.
