Healing and eternal life through the sufferings and death of Jesus Christ
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Series V, Cycle B
Theme For The Day: Healing and eternal life through the sufferings and death of Jesus Christ, God's suffering servant and our Savior.
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: Isaiah 52:13-53:12 (C, RC, E)
This is the fourth Servant Song. The usual scholarly interpretation identifies the Servant with the nation of Israel. I must straight out confess that I have real problems with this interpretation. First of all, the images are intimately personal. "He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief..." (v. 3). A second problem, the author identifies himself with a collective ("our griefs, our sorrows"). In all probability, he is identifying himself with the nation of Judah. However, he refers to the Servant separately: "Surely he has borne our griefs...carried our sorrows." Thirdly, the author of this passage lifts up the Servant as one who suffers innocently, unjustly and vicariously. All the other prophets regard the destruction of Israel, Judah and Jerusalem as God's judgment on his sinful people. The sacrificial lamb for the Passover and other sacrifices was required to be perfect, unblemished. How could a sinful and rebellious nation be the sin bearer for the world (v. 6)? Fourthly, the author states that the Servant was stricken for the transgressions of God's people (v. 8). If the Servant is to be identified with the nation, then the nation is stricken for its own sins. This is clearly not the intent of the author of this portion of scripture, who plainly speaks of the Servant's sufferings as innocent and vicarious. Why can't we admit that we have here an inspired portrait of Jesus Christ, even though the author may have had some other contemporary of his in mind?
Lesson 2: Hebrews 10:16--25 (C); Hebrews 10:1--25 (E)
In this epistle the author continues to demonstrate the superiority of Christianity to Judaism. He maintains that there is no longer need for bloody sin offerings. Rather, we can all enter into the inner sanctuary of God's presence, corresponding to the Most Holy Place in the temple, through Christ's sacrificial death and priestly ministration. The anonymous writer encourages his Christian friends to draw near to God through Christ, cling tightly to their faith, and to come regularly together for mutual encouragement and corporate worship.
Lesson 2: Hebrews 4:14--16; 5:7--9 (RC)
(See Lent 5 and Proper 23)
Gospel: John 18:1-19:42 (C, RC); John (18:1--40) 19:1--37 (E)
This is John's passion account, beginning with Jesus' arrest in the Garden. John portrays Jesus as being very much in control, not a victim of circumstances. The sufferings and death of Jesus show his glory and power. Following his arrest Jesus is conveyed to Annas, the former high priest, for an informal hearing. Then Jesus is bound over to Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin. Finally, since the Jews could not convict anyone of a capital offense, the Lord's enemies bring him to Pilate. They more or less blackmail Pilate into convicting Jesus. A subplot lifts up Peter's denial of Jesus in the courtyard of the high priest. Jesus carries his own cross to Calvary. The soldiers gamble for his seamless robe. A unique aspect of John's account has Jesus commending his mother to the care of his beloved disciple, John (vv. 26--27). The piercing of Jesus' side produces an outpouring of blood and water (v. 34), symbolic of Baptism and Holy Communion. Not only does Joseph of Arimathea bury Jesus' body in his own tomb but Nicodemus brings ointments for the preparation of the Lord's body (v. 39).
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 22 (C); Psalm 22:1--21 (E) - "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
Psalm 30 (RC)
Prayer Of The Day
Great God, you have entered into the valley of human suffering and death in the person of your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. We give you endless thanks that by his death, you have destroyed the power of death for all believers. In Jesus' name. Amen.
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: Isaiah 52:13-53:12
Sin bearer (vv. 4--5). From the earliest times Christians have regarded Christ as the Suffering Servant of Isaiah. Christ took on the role of being the sin bearer of the world.
The problem of innocent suffering. This chapter speaks eloquently to the topic of innocent suffering. "By oppression and judgment, he was carried away..." (v. 8). Who can deny that countless lives have been snuffed out, afflicted or marred by the actions of others? This fact is the devil's greatest tool for promoting unbelief. However we identify the servant, the prophet maintains that he suffers for the sins of other people. We cannot deny that nations and individuals do suffer for the sins of other nations and other people. The prophet has no explanation for this injustice but asserts that the servant's innocent suffering must be viewed as a sin offering. It is not meaningless but has redemptive purpose. This brings to light the truth that God's people can let their suffering make them bitter or they can use it redemptively. The child of God continues to believe that all things do indeed work together for good (Romans 8).
Light at the end of the tunnel (v. 11). The Suffering Servant is given hope that the light of life will follow the dark tunnel of suffering. Those children of God who suffer, and who of us does not, can also be assured that our suffering and pain will lead to the light of a new day.
Lesson 2: Hebrews 10:16--25
Christ brings us into God's presence (vv. 19--20). The writer of Hebrews contends that Christ brings us into the presence of God (most holy place) through his sacrifice of himself (v. 19) and in his priestly role (v. 20). Through the offering up of himself we are sprinkled clean of our sins which separate us from God.
Hold on to your hope (v. 23). The writer of Hebrews addressed a group of Christians whose faith was waning. They were considering a return to their Jewish expression of faith. Perhaps since Christ had not yet returned, they began to question the veracity of their faith. They are reminded that God is faithful so they must hold tightly to their faith.
Keep assembling together (v. 25).The secret to keeping our faith and hope strong is in assembling together. An ember that is removed from the fire and placed by itself soon grows cold. So too, when a believer increasingly separates himself from the worship assembly of other believers, his heart will soon grow cold to the concerns of Christ.
Gospel: John 18:1-19:42
No sweat (v. 1). John's Jesus does not struggle with his lot in life, he does not seek to avoid suffering or death, he does not sweat great drops of blood as in Luke (Luke 22:44). John's Jesus does not pray for himself but for his disciples. Jesus is always in control. While John's depiction of Jesus clearly reveals his divinity, Jesus' humanity becomes less obvious. Notice how Jesus goes out to meet those who have come to arrest him and asks who they were seeking. When he replies that he is the one they were searching for, they fall to the ground (18:5), an action denoting fear and reverence. Jesus is calling the shots, not his foes.
Screwy scruples (18:28). After Jesus is taken to Annas, then to Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin, he is brought to the Roman governor. The scribes and Pharisees would not go into this pagan place because they did not want to become ceremonially unclean and not be able to keep the Passover. They had no scruples about killing a man and breaking one of the great moral laws of God but they had scruples about breaking minor ceremonial laws. Such scruples are screwy, wouldn't you agree? It reminds me of the priest who was being held up by a robber. When he was handing over his billfold, he stuttered:
"I--I--I'm so--so--sorr--y but I d--d--don't have much mo--money. I'm--m--m a priest."
The robber replied: "Oh, I'm sorry Father. I didn't know. Here's your billfold back."
The priest was enormously relieved and offered the robber a cigar. The thief retorted:
"Thanks, Father, but I've given up smoking for Lent."
Near the cross (19:25). In Mark's depiction of the crucifixion, the female disciples of Jesus are standing at a distance (Mark 15:40). John has these women near the cross, possibly because Jesus commends his mother to the care of John (vv. 26--27) and would be in need of talking range to do so. I prefer to think that these faithful women were indeed near the cross of the One they loved so dearly. Lent and Holy Week call on us to remain near the cross.
Mission accomplished (19:28). Jesus is in control of his life and his death. He has finished the mission the Father assigned him. He had completed his earthly responsibilities (commending his mother to John) and he had fulfilled the scripture passages concerning himself. His last words were: "It is finished!" Mission accomplished! Who of us does not pray that our mission will be accomplished when we are ready to give up our spirit?
SERMON APPROACHES WITH ILLUSTRATIONS
Lesson 1: Isaiah 52:13-53:12
Sermon Title: The Mission Of The Suffering Servant
Sermon Angle: This passage of scripture tells how our suffering servant, Jesus, ministered to our needs.
Outline:
1. He took up our infirmities (53:4).
2. He carried our sorrows (53:4).
3. He was punished for our sins (53:5--6).
4. He died in our place (53:8--9).
5. He made us righteous (53:11).
__________
In the late '70s a powerful movie was produced called The Deer Hunter. A group of American G.I.'s is captured by the Viet Cong and subjected to cruel torture. One of the men, Nick, cannot free himself from the horror of having to play Russian roulette. After their release, Nick stays in Saigon and continues to play the same deadly game for the entertainment of a group of sadistic gamblers who meet in a smoke--filled bar. A short time later, Nick's friend, Michael, who had returned home, comes back to Saigon to find his friend. He eventually finds him ensconced in a drugged stupor, playing Russian roulette. Michael tries to convince Nick to quit the insane game but he can't get through to him. Finally in desperation, in an attempt to shock him into reality, Michael picks up the revolver and puts it to his head. He is willing to risk his life in order to save his friend. Most people would view such an action as foolish but it enthroned human love as nothing else could. The cross is also viewed as foolishness by many, yet it showed the love of God as nothing else could. The cross is no defeat, no humiliation, precisely because it is the supreme act of divine love. Jesus, the Suffering Servant, enters into our sickness, our sorrow, and our death to free us from our self--destructive bondage.
Lesson 2: Hebrews 10:16--25
Sermon Title: Blessed Assurance
Sermon Angle: The writer of Hebrews invites us to draw near to God in full and confident assurance. Through faith in Christ we can approach the Almighty with confidence (v. 22). In baptism we are washed clean. Each time we confess our sins, every time we receive the Eucharist, the tarnish of our iniquities is scoured away. What a privilege it is to come to the Lord with Blessed Assurance! This confidence does not derive from the fact that Jesus is mine but that I, that we, belong to Jesus.
Outline:
1. Have you ever stayed away from worship or prayer because of a guilty conscience?
2. As Christians, we can come to God in full and blessed assurance because...
- we are baptized (v. 22) and belong to the Lord.
- Christ offered himself for our sins and we are forgiven.
3. Come into God's presence not with fear, nor complacency, but assurance.
Sermon Title: Positive Reinforcement
Sermon Angle: The believers are encouraged to be encouragers. "Let us consider how we might spur one another on toward love and good works" (v. 24). The way to be an encourager is through positive reinforcement. You don't provoke others to better things by always telling them what they are doing wrong; rather, you encourage them to employ their gifts. Another kind of positive reinforcement takes place when we work as a team. When I attended high school, these principles were put into effect most every Friday when our football or basketball team played. The whole school would assemble in the gymnasium for a "Pep Rally." The team was given the message: "We support you, we're in this together; let's go out there and gain the victory."
Gospel: John 18:1-19:42
Sermon Title: What Would You Do With The King Of Truth?
Sermon Angle: In Pilate's questioning, he asks Jesus if he is the King of the Jews. If true, this charge would make him guilty of treason. Jesus responds affirmatively and then adds that he was born to testify to the truth. Pilate makes his cynical query: "What is truth?" (v. 38). In effect, Jesus claims to be the king of truth and Pilate has to decide what to do with him. What would you do with the King of Truth? What have you done with him? These are the questions we need to get our congregation to deal with.
Outline:
1. Pilate asked Jesus if he were a king.
2. Jesus responded that he was a different sort of king - the king of truth (18:37).
3. Pilate had to decide what to do with this king of truth.
4. What have you done with the king of truth?
5. To know him is to know the truth about one's self and the goal of existence.
Sermon Title: Mistrial
Sermon Angle: The prolonged trial of O. J. Simpson has brought to focus the weaknesses of our legal system. Justice and truth seem to have gotten lost in this legal circus. At this point in time, most observers expect a mistrial. The trial of Jesus certainly qualifies for mistrial status, or should we say "mock trial"? As so often happens, expediency, not justice, wins the day. Both Pilate and the Jewish authorities were cynical creatures who came up with their own definitions of the truth. Fortunately for us all, the supreme Source and court of all truth reversed the verdict and set Christ free to be Lord and Savior of the world.
Outline:
1. Relate to a case where a mistrial was declared because of a technicality.
2. Show how Jesus' trial should have been declared a mistrial but that God used it for our salvation.
3. Establish how God reversed this unjust sentence posthumously.
4. Jesus is our king of truth and guarantee that grace will conquer both justice and injustice.
Sermon Title: Coming Out Of The Closet
Sermon Angle: Homosexuals speak of their coming out of the closet when they publicly make known their sexual preference. Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus were closet Christians. They were afraid to reveal their religious preference for fear of the censure of their eminent peers. Jesus' death brought them out of the closet to some degree. They mustered the courage to go to Pilate and ask for Jesus' body. Then they paid their final respects by preparing his body for burial (19:38--42). Our world is full of closet Christians. Jesus wants them to come out of the closet. It's not enough to declare him our religious preference; Jesus call us to enthrone him as Lord and King.
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: Isaiah 52:13-53:12 (C, RC, E)
This is the fourth Servant Song. The usual scholarly interpretation identifies the Servant with the nation of Israel. I must straight out confess that I have real problems with this interpretation. First of all, the images are intimately personal. "He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief..." (v. 3). A second problem, the author identifies himself with a collective ("our griefs, our sorrows"). In all probability, he is identifying himself with the nation of Judah. However, he refers to the Servant separately: "Surely he has borne our griefs...carried our sorrows." Thirdly, the author of this passage lifts up the Servant as one who suffers innocently, unjustly and vicariously. All the other prophets regard the destruction of Israel, Judah and Jerusalem as God's judgment on his sinful people. The sacrificial lamb for the Passover and other sacrifices was required to be perfect, unblemished. How could a sinful and rebellious nation be the sin bearer for the world (v. 6)? Fourthly, the author states that the Servant was stricken for the transgressions of God's people (v. 8). If the Servant is to be identified with the nation, then the nation is stricken for its own sins. This is clearly not the intent of the author of this portion of scripture, who plainly speaks of the Servant's sufferings as innocent and vicarious. Why can't we admit that we have here an inspired portrait of Jesus Christ, even though the author may have had some other contemporary of his in mind?
Lesson 2: Hebrews 10:16--25 (C); Hebrews 10:1--25 (E)
In this epistle the author continues to demonstrate the superiority of Christianity to Judaism. He maintains that there is no longer need for bloody sin offerings. Rather, we can all enter into the inner sanctuary of God's presence, corresponding to the Most Holy Place in the temple, through Christ's sacrificial death and priestly ministration. The anonymous writer encourages his Christian friends to draw near to God through Christ, cling tightly to their faith, and to come regularly together for mutual encouragement and corporate worship.
Lesson 2: Hebrews 4:14--16; 5:7--9 (RC)
(See Lent 5 and Proper 23)
Gospel: John 18:1-19:42 (C, RC); John (18:1--40) 19:1--37 (E)
This is John's passion account, beginning with Jesus' arrest in the Garden. John portrays Jesus as being very much in control, not a victim of circumstances. The sufferings and death of Jesus show his glory and power. Following his arrest Jesus is conveyed to Annas, the former high priest, for an informal hearing. Then Jesus is bound over to Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin. Finally, since the Jews could not convict anyone of a capital offense, the Lord's enemies bring him to Pilate. They more or less blackmail Pilate into convicting Jesus. A subplot lifts up Peter's denial of Jesus in the courtyard of the high priest. Jesus carries his own cross to Calvary. The soldiers gamble for his seamless robe. A unique aspect of John's account has Jesus commending his mother to the care of his beloved disciple, John (vv. 26--27). The piercing of Jesus' side produces an outpouring of blood and water (v. 34), symbolic of Baptism and Holy Communion. Not only does Joseph of Arimathea bury Jesus' body in his own tomb but Nicodemus brings ointments for the preparation of the Lord's body (v. 39).
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 22 (C); Psalm 22:1--21 (E) - "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
Psalm 30 (RC)
Prayer Of The Day
Great God, you have entered into the valley of human suffering and death in the person of your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. We give you endless thanks that by his death, you have destroyed the power of death for all believers. In Jesus' name. Amen.
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: Isaiah 52:13-53:12
Sin bearer (vv. 4--5). From the earliest times Christians have regarded Christ as the Suffering Servant of Isaiah. Christ took on the role of being the sin bearer of the world.
The problem of innocent suffering. This chapter speaks eloquently to the topic of innocent suffering. "By oppression and judgment, he was carried away..." (v. 8). Who can deny that countless lives have been snuffed out, afflicted or marred by the actions of others? This fact is the devil's greatest tool for promoting unbelief. However we identify the servant, the prophet maintains that he suffers for the sins of other people. We cannot deny that nations and individuals do suffer for the sins of other nations and other people. The prophet has no explanation for this injustice but asserts that the servant's innocent suffering must be viewed as a sin offering. It is not meaningless but has redemptive purpose. This brings to light the truth that God's people can let their suffering make them bitter or they can use it redemptively. The child of God continues to believe that all things do indeed work together for good (Romans 8).
Light at the end of the tunnel (v. 11). The Suffering Servant is given hope that the light of life will follow the dark tunnel of suffering. Those children of God who suffer, and who of us does not, can also be assured that our suffering and pain will lead to the light of a new day.
Lesson 2: Hebrews 10:16--25
Christ brings us into God's presence (vv. 19--20). The writer of Hebrews contends that Christ brings us into the presence of God (most holy place) through his sacrifice of himself (v. 19) and in his priestly role (v. 20). Through the offering up of himself we are sprinkled clean of our sins which separate us from God.
Hold on to your hope (v. 23). The writer of Hebrews addressed a group of Christians whose faith was waning. They were considering a return to their Jewish expression of faith. Perhaps since Christ had not yet returned, they began to question the veracity of their faith. They are reminded that God is faithful so they must hold tightly to their faith.
Keep assembling together (v. 25).The secret to keeping our faith and hope strong is in assembling together. An ember that is removed from the fire and placed by itself soon grows cold. So too, when a believer increasingly separates himself from the worship assembly of other believers, his heart will soon grow cold to the concerns of Christ.
Gospel: John 18:1-19:42
No sweat (v. 1). John's Jesus does not struggle with his lot in life, he does not seek to avoid suffering or death, he does not sweat great drops of blood as in Luke (Luke 22:44). John's Jesus does not pray for himself but for his disciples. Jesus is always in control. While John's depiction of Jesus clearly reveals his divinity, Jesus' humanity becomes less obvious. Notice how Jesus goes out to meet those who have come to arrest him and asks who they were seeking. When he replies that he is the one they were searching for, they fall to the ground (18:5), an action denoting fear and reverence. Jesus is calling the shots, not his foes.
Screwy scruples (18:28). After Jesus is taken to Annas, then to Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin, he is brought to the Roman governor. The scribes and Pharisees would not go into this pagan place because they did not want to become ceremonially unclean and not be able to keep the Passover. They had no scruples about killing a man and breaking one of the great moral laws of God but they had scruples about breaking minor ceremonial laws. Such scruples are screwy, wouldn't you agree? It reminds me of the priest who was being held up by a robber. When he was handing over his billfold, he stuttered:
"I--I--I'm so--so--sorr--y but I d--d--don't have much mo--money. I'm--m--m a priest."
The robber replied: "Oh, I'm sorry Father. I didn't know. Here's your billfold back."
The priest was enormously relieved and offered the robber a cigar. The thief retorted:
"Thanks, Father, but I've given up smoking for Lent."
Near the cross (19:25). In Mark's depiction of the crucifixion, the female disciples of Jesus are standing at a distance (Mark 15:40). John has these women near the cross, possibly because Jesus commends his mother to the care of John (vv. 26--27) and would be in need of talking range to do so. I prefer to think that these faithful women were indeed near the cross of the One they loved so dearly. Lent and Holy Week call on us to remain near the cross.
Mission accomplished (19:28). Jesus is in control of his life and his death. He has finished the mission the Father assigned him. He had completed his earthly responsibilities (commending his mother to John) and he had fulfilled the scripture passages concerning himself. His last words were: "It is finished!" Mission accomplished! Who of us does not pray that our mission will be accomplished when we are ready to give up our spirit?
SERMON APPROACHES WITH ILLUSTRATIONS
Lesson 1: Isaiah 52:13-53:12
Sermon Title: The Mission Of The Suffering Servant
Sermon Angle: This passage of scripture tells how our suffering servant, Jesus, ministered to our needs.
Outline:
1. He took up our infirmities (53:4).
2. He carried our sorrows (53:4).
3. He was punished for our sins (53:5--6).
4. He died in our place (53:8--9).
5. He made us righteous (53:11).
__________
In the late '70s a powerful movie was produced called The Deer Hunter. A group of American G.I.'s is captured by the Viet Cong and subjected to cruel torture. One of the men, Nick, cannot free himself from the horror of having to play Russian roulette. After their release, Nick stays in Saigon and continues to play the same deadly game for the entertainment of a group of sadistic gamblers who meet in a smoke--filled bar. A short time later, Nick's friend, Michael, who had returned home, comes back to Saigon to find his friend. He eventually finds him ensconced in a drugged stupor, playing Russian roulette. Michael tries to convince Nick to quit the insane game but he can't get through to him. Finally in desperation, in an attempt to shock him into reality, Michael picks up the revolver and puts it to his head. He is willing to risk his life in order to save his friend. Most people would view such an action as foolish but it enthroned human love as nothing else could. The cross is also viewed as foolishness by many, yet it showed the love of God as nothing else could. The cross is no defeat, no humiliation, precisely because it is the supreme act of divine love. Jesus, the Suffering Servant, enters into our sickness, our sorrow, and our death to free us from our self--destructive bondage.
Lesson 2: Hebrews 10:16--25
Sermon Title: Blessed Assurance
Sermon Angle: The writer of Hebrews invites us to draw near to God in full and confident assurance. Through faith in Christ we can approach the Almighty with confidence (v. 22). In baptism we are washed clean. Each time we confess our sins, every time we receive the Eucharist, the tarnish of our iniquities is scoured away. What a privilege it is to come to the Lord with Blessed Assurance! This confidence does not derive from the fact that Jesus is mine but that I, that we, belong to Jesus.
Outline:
1. Have you ever stayed away from worship or prayer because of a guilty conscience?
2. As Christians, we can come to God in full and blessed assurance because...
- we are baptized (v. 22) and belong to the Lord.
- Christ offered himself for our sins and we are forgiven.
3. Come into God's presence not with fear, nor complacency, but assurance.
Sermon Title: Positive Reinforcement
Sermon Angle: The believers are encouraged to be encouragers. "Let us consider how we might spur one another on toward love and good works" (v. 24). The way to be an encourager is through positive reinforcement. You don't provoke others to better things by always telling them what they are doing wrong; rather, you encourage them to employ their gifts. Another kind of positive reinforcement takes place when we work as a team. When I attended high school, these principles were put into effect most every Friday when our football or basketball team played. The whole school would assemble in the gymnasium for a "Pep Rally." The team was given the message: "We support you, we're in this together; let's go out there and gain the victory."
Gospel: John 18:1-19:42
Sermon Title: What Would You Do With The King Of Truth?
Sermon Angle: In Pilate's questioning, he asks Jesus if he is the King of the Jews. If true, this charge would make him guilty of treason. Jesus responds affirmatively and then adds that he was born to testify to the truth. Pilate makes his cynical query: "What is truth?" (v. 38). In effect, Jesus claims to be the king of truth and Pilate has to decide what to do with him. What would you do with the King of Truth? What have you done with him? These are the questions we need to get our congregation to deal with.
Outline:
1. Pilate asked Jesus if he were a king.
2. Jesus responded that he was a different sort of king - the king of truth (18:37).
3. Pilate had to decide what to do with this king of truth.
4. What have you done with the king of truth?
5. To know him is to know the truth about one's self and the goal of existence.
Sermon Title: Mistrial
Sermon Angle: The prolonged trial of O. J. Simpson has brought to focus the weaknesses of our legal system. Justice and truth seem to have gotten lost in this legal circus. At this point in time, most observers expect a mistrial. The trial of Jesus certainly qualifies for mistrial status, or should we say "mock trial"? As so often happens, expediency, not justice, wins the day. Both Pilate and the Jewish authorities were cynical creatures who came up with their own definitions of the truth. Fortunately for us all, the supreme Source and court of all truth reversed the verdict and set Christ free to be Lord and Savior of the world.
Outline:
1. Relate to a case where a mistrial was declared because of a technicality.
2. Show how Jesus' trial should have been declared a mistrial but that God used it for our salvation.
3. Establish how God reversed this unjust sentence posthumously.
4. Jesus is our king of truth and guarantee that grace will conquer both justice and injustice.
Sermon Title: Coming Out Of The Closet
Sermon Angle: Homosexuals speak of their coming out of the closet when they publicly make known their sexual preference. Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus were closet Christians. They were afraid to reveal their religious preference for fear of the censure of their eminent peers. Jesus' death brought them out of the closet to some degree. They mustered the courage to go to Pilate and ask for Jesus' body. Then they paid their final respects by preparing his body for burial (19:38--42). Our world is full of closet Christians. Jesus wants them to come out of the closet. It's not enough to declare him our religious preference; Jesus call us to enthrone him as Lord and King.
