Mary Magdalene is one of my biblical heroes. She’s the subject of my seminary entrance paper and (along with the Virgin Mary) thesis. I’ve read too many papers and books on Magdalene to count, many of which shed more heat than light on our knowledge of this early disciple.

Too many books about Mary purport to reveal Da Vinci Code-level secrets and controversies, which may help sell books but leaves the reader with something between a bitter taste in the mouth and the feeling you get after eating cotton candy on an empty stomach – it was irresistible for awhile, but now you’re still hungry. We get Mary the lover of Jesus, Mary the reformed prostitute, Mary the dispenser of Gnostic revelation, Mary the Greek-styled philosopher, and other outlandish characterizations that do not have a basis in scripture or even reliable tradition.

Into this mixed world of scholarship and hucksterism steps Wheaton Professor Jennifer Powell McNutt with her new book, The Mary We Forgot. McNutt centers the texts of the Gospels but explores the various traditions and early, extra-biblical works like The Gospel of Mary, too. This helps us rediscover this Jewish female apprentice of Christ who became the first person to see, converse with, and preach the risen Lord on that first Easter morning.

McNutt begins by advocating for a hermeneutic of surprise as to the hermeneutic of suspicion that dominates a lot of academia. She writes, “Scripture, in fact, can point us to God’s truth and goodness through unexpected avenues that lean contrary to first-century polite society and authorial self-interest. The dissonance between the text and its context can clue us in to the greater purpose of the work.” This “thread of surprise” that runs through the entire Bible is similar to what many scholars call the “theme of reversal” in the Gospels (especially Luke). We make sense of the role Mary plays in the Gospels when we discern the surprising aspects of the text, such as the revelation in Luke 8:1-3 that Mary and “many other women” financially provided for Jesus and the twelve, or that Jesus chose to appear to Mary first and put her on mission, when he could have easily appeared first to Peter and the beloved disciple.

The Mary We Forgot takes us from Palestine to France (and many other points along the way), tracing the legends and weighing evidence to see where Mary went after the Jerusalem church scattered. McNutt never devolves into unfounded speculation or deviates from her goal of helping us see Mary, the real Mary, more clearly. By helping us locate Mary’s place in the story of Jesus, she helps us see her place in the church today. What can the church learn from Mary? What can individual Christ-followers learn from Mary? Perhaps more than you think.

The Mary we forgot is the one we should remember. Read all about her, here.

Read my sermon manuscript below or watch the YouTube video for my sermon from Sojourn Church New Albany on Jesus and the Rich Man from Mark 10:17-31.

Good morning, my name is Bobby. I’m one of the pastors here. Peace be with you. Here at Sojourn we want to reach people with the gospel, build them up as God’s church, and send them wherever God leads to be champions of truth, beauty, and goodness. 

Act 1

How good is good enough? 

Most people who come to church want to be good. Even if you are not like the man in today’s story, and you don’t think you need to earn your salvation or a place in God’s family, you probably want to be like Jesus. This is the essence of discipleship.

Today’s passage might be bad news for us because even when money is tight for us, we have more options, more possessions, and a bigger safety net than 99% of all people around the world throughout history. To them, we would be rich.

But Jesus said again, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” – Mark 10:24-25

We might agree with the first apprentices of Jesus. “The disciples were even more amazed, and said to each other, “Who then can be saved?” – Mark 10:26 

The disciples reacted this way because it was common then, just as it’s common today, to see prosperity as an indication of God’s pleasure. We take certain verses in the Bible, mostly from wisdom literature like Proverbs, and we say, “It promises that if you work hard and you’re smart about it, you’ll get ahead. 

This is the American Dream. Work hard, be honest, pull yourself up by your bootstraps. We see someone successful and as long as they don’t flaunt it we think those are the good people. They did it right. #Blessed.

Acts 2: 

The man in today’s story might have thought so, but he’s in for a rude awakening.

“Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

“Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. – Mark 10:17-18

Jesus isn’t denying his own goodness or divinity. He’s meeting this young man where he is, and making sure this man focuses on the fact that only God is good, so only God is our hope. Jesus disrupts his assumptions before he even begins to answer.

You know the commandments: “You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honour your father and mother.” Mark 10:19

Notice that Jesus is quoting the “horizontal” part of the Ten Commandments – the commands about how we treat each other. If you’re not doing that stuff, you’re not honoring God. Not really. You can’t worship God with all your heart if you don’t love people.

But Jesus subs in a prohibition against fraud in place of the 10th commandment against covetousness. Why? Because he’s talking to a rich young ruler. We know he’s rich from this passage, we know he’s young from the same story in the Gospel of Matthew, and we know he’s a ruler from the Gospel of Luke. 

He’s a boss. He doesn’t need to covet his neighbor’s stuff because he can buy whatever he wants. But he needs to be honest in his business dealings. 

“Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.”

Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth. – Mark 10:20-22

Two things to keep in mind:

First, Jesus looked at him and loved him. – Mark 10:21

Everything Jesus says is because he loves him. This isn’t class warfare. This isn’t a smackdown. Jesus loves him and wants to give him a more abundant life.

Second, At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, – Mark 10:22

The English word “sad” doesn’t begin to cover it. This young man is hurting. He wants to be good. He has heard the gospel, which is that the kingdom of God is at hand. He wants to be part of it. He has done the best he could to keep the law of his people. Now, he has come to the one preaching the gospel and asks, “Am I okay? Anything else I should be doing?” 

And he hears, “Yeah. One more thing.” And it turns out to be everything. It’s hard to communicate the expression of pathos in this text. Scot McKnight translates it as:

“He, growing gloomy at the word, departed, grieving …” Lk 10:22 The Second Testament, Scot McKnight

Then Jesus said it’s easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter heaven. Camels were the largest animals in Palestine. The eye of the needle is the smallest opening. 

Forget what you heard about a supposed gate in Jerusalem called The Eye of the Needle that is just a bit too narrow for camels to squeeze through comfortably. There’s zero evidence for that – it’s one of those things someone made up a few hundred years ago because they were so focused on proving that everything in the Bible is literally true and scientifically plausible that they don’t understand symbolism and hyperbole. 

Jesus purposefully used a dramatic, crazy, and even funny image to illustrate his point. After all, what Jesus seems to require is stunning:

“One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” – Mark 10:21

Acts 3: 

What is Jesus saying? This was not in the Old Testament Law, and it’s not what Jesus requires of anyone else. Later some of his followers seem to remember this incident, but they miss the point.

While [Jesus] was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head.

Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, “Why this waste of perfume? It could have been sold for more than a year’s wages and the money given to the poor.” And they rebuked her harshly. – Mark 14:1-2

This is what Jesus wanted from the rich young ruler, right? I bet Jesus will side with these guys and let her have it.

“Leave her alone,” said Jesus. “Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me. She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial. Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.” – Mark 14:3-9

Jesus is inaugurating a kingdom that the poor will inherit. When we remember that, his words to the rich young ruler make sense. But Jesus defends this woman from the accusation that she could have used her wealth to help the poor instead of pouring it on him. 

This woman, whom John identifies as Mary of Bethany has a revelation of who Jesus is that surpasses most others. She knows the hungry will be filled, and the poor will see the king. She is demonstrating her trust in Jesus as that king. 

Similarly, Peter demonstrated trust in Jesus by leaving behind his fishing net, his means of earning a living, to follow Jesus. 

Then Peter spoke up, “We have left everything to follow you!” – Mark 10:28

Act 4:
Mary of Bethany trusts Jesus. Peter trusts Jesus (imperfectly at times, but his whole lifestyle is oriented around Jesus). So what should this rich man do? Trust Jesus. Give up the thing he was clinging to and learn to rely only on Jesus. Remember this incident happened immediately after Jesus was blessing children and said,

“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” – Mark 10:14-15

What demands did he put on the kids? None. Just be open and trusting like a child, eager to receive a blessing. All that stuff that the rich guy got so heartbroken about was just clutter in the way of realizing childlike dependence. And that fear (that he wouldn’t be okay without his stuff) was unnecessary.

 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age: homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—along with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life.  – Mark 10:29-30

One of the greatest risks for followers of the Jesus movement was rejection from family and friends. Jesus is bringing us into a new family – with one Father – that shares what they have, will lovingly work to alleviate poverty, and will walk with you through persecutions and troubles in this life. A family that will share eternity with you after trouble and persecution is no more, and poverty is erased. 

But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” Mark 10:31

The rich young ruler wasn’t just used to being rich but being in charge. If he gave his riches to the poor, he’d be putting himself into a position of dependence on God’s family. It’s not just that he would no longer be rich. It’s that he would no longer control his own destiny. 

We’ve often said that the gospel is the announcement that the kingdom of God is at hand and Jesus is king. Why is that good news? Because you and I make horrible kings and queens of our own lives. We are seldom satisfied and often afraid. Let go of your crown. 

You know what we learned in Bible Fellowship recently? In 1 Corinthians 9:25, Paul writes:

Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 

Do you know what the winners’ crowns were made out of in the sports contests of first-century Corinth? Withered celery. They got smarter in the second century and started using pine leaves, but not in Paul’s day. The best of your trophies and accomplishments will fade like withered celery. Don’t get so attached to them that you cannot give them up because ultimately, they will not last. Trust Jesus.

Monday Challenge:
I just want you to ask yourself two questions: 1. Do I trust Jesus? 2. How do I know I trust Jesus? 

He knows whether you trust him or not, so the question isn’t for him. This isn’t about proving anything to Jesus.

You may not really know until you step out in faith in some way and see how that makes you feel. Could be a big thing or a small thing. Could be related to money or possessions, or it could be something else. 

Do you trust Jesus? How do you know you trust Jesus? 

How can you orient your life around following Jesus, like Peter? How can you pour your sacrificial offering of worship on Jesus, like Mary? 

If you don’t know, ask him. It’s a dangerous question to ask, as the rich young ruler discovered. But when you ask, Jesus looks at you and loves you. If you follow the king, you gain the kingdom. And it will be worth it.

Good morning. My name is Bobby; I’m one of the pastors here. Peace be with you. At Sojourn, our mission is to reach people with the gospel, build them up as God’s church, and send them wherever God leads.

You might have just heard Jennifer read today’s text and thought you were experiencing deja vu. Didn’t we just have the same feeding miracle in Mark 6? The numbers are a little different but it seems like Jesus is doing the same thing, like a magician in residency: you can go back night after night, and they’re always going to pull the same rabbit out of the same hat. Is that all that’s going on here?

The last time I preached I said that the purpose of the Bible is to point us to the truth, beauty, and goodness of King Jesus so we will want to become Kingdom People. How does this story do that, in a different way than the previous story where Jesus did the same thing?

 
One reason for this second feeding miracle might be to show us how dull the disciples were. And, if we’re honest enough in our own self-assessments, we might realize that we’re often this dull, too. We make the same mistakes and miscalculations, over and over. We fall into the same traps. We doubt God in the same ways, in spite of all God has done for us in the past. 

The message here might be that Jesus is patient and kind, coming through for us in spite of our lack of faith. That’s a good message. But something deeper might be going on.

Another reason to tell this second story is to continue the theme that Jesus is rerunning the story of Israel in his life. He will become “faithful Israel,” fulfilling their end of the covenant with God. And he is God, fulfilling God’s end. There were two stories of a miraculous feeding in the wilderness during Israel’s exodus from slavery (Ex 16; Num 11). And now Jesus has performed two feeding miracles. 

But there’s another reason for this second story that’s easy to miss, and may make all the difference in your life. To discover it, we must pay attention to the preceding context – what happened in the verses right before this, which Pastor Jonah preached about last week. And we have to pay attention to geography. Last week’s reading told us where Jesus was:

Then Jesus left the vicinity of Tyre and went through Sidon, down to the Sea of Galilee and into the region of the Decapolis. – Mark 7:31

The Decapolis is an area east of the Jordan River (and southeast of the Sea of Galilee), with ten predominantly Gentile cities loosely linked by political alliances. Decapolis means “The Ten Cities.” Jesus and Toto are not in Kansas anymore. Jews are a minority now, and the ones who live there have adapted to gentile culture.

Once we’re aware of the geography we see other signs in the story that highlight the gentile focus of this miracle: 

Verse 8 says, “Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.”

The Greek word for baskets here is spurídes. This is a gentile basket made from coiled rope or reeds. Back in chapter six when Jesus fed people, the disciples collected leftovers in Jewish baskets called kóphinoi, which looked like wicker baskets. It would be like coming from a place where everyone walked around with backpacks, and now you’re seeing leather handbags.

So we had one feeding miracle in Jewish territory and now one in Gentile territory. And this miracle occurs right after Jesus healed a man in gentile territory who could not hear or speak, and a gentile woman whose daughter was possessed. Now we have the third miracle to reinforce the theme that Jesus brings good news to Jew and gentile alike. 

We can acknowledge that this is good news for us but still miss the radical nature of what Christ can do for us and in us if we don’t consider what life was like for Jesus and the family he was born into. 

He’s from Nazareth, population a few hundred, an hour’s walk from Sepphoris, the district capital of Galilee. The Jewish people had been conquered by Rome just like they’d been conquered in previous centuries by the Greeks, the Medes and Persians, the Babylonians, the Assyrians, and the Egyptians. Esau McCaulley writes, “It is wrong to imagine that Mary and Joseph lived in some idyllic farm town far from the politics of the day. Joseph and Mary grew up in the shadow of the empire with the reminder of Rome’s domination just a short jaunt down the road.”

Rome didn’t necessarily make life more difficult than previous empires had. In some ways, Caesar brought an economic prosperity that primarily benefited the rich but somewhat trickled down to lower classes because of things like increased trade and massive building projects.

But most Jews, like those in Nazareth, lived hand to mouth. And they were ruled by people who thought of them as second class. A Roman historian named Seutonius wrote an early second-century biography of Augustus, the Caesar of Jesus’s early years. Seutonius wrote this: 

“Augustus thought it most important not to let the native Roman stock be tainted with foreign or servile blood, and was therefore very unwilling to create new Roman citizens or permit manumission of more than a limited number of slaves.” 

A puppet king named Herod ruled Israel for Rome. When Herod died in 4 B.C. some Jewish people near Jesus’s hometown took the opportunity to revolt so Rome sent over 15,000 warriors from Syria to kill and destroy. The first-century Jewish historian Josephus wrote that the Roman general “Varus sent a part of his army presently to Galilee … and burned it.” Then Varus crucified 2000 of those who survived the initial attack.

This is the area where Jesus grew up. Some of his parent’s friends and relatives were probably killed in the carnage. If you grew up with the knowledge that a certain demographic of people do that kind of thing to your people, then when you see someone who looks like those people on the street, do you want to be buddies?

Shouldn’t Jesus tell his disciples, “Now I will rain down fire from heaven on these gentiles”? 

How can he turn to his Jewish apprentices and say, “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. Mark 8:2

At the very least, why doesn’t he just leave and let them fend for themselves? He’s led them outside the cities of the Decapolis to an open area with no Kroger in sight. He says, 

“If I send them home hungry, they will collapse on the way, because some of them have come a long distance.”

His disciples answered, “But where in this remote place can anyone get enough bread to feed them?” – Mark 8:3-4

So just abandon them. But he doesn’t. 

This may be more surprising when we remember Jesus’s mother. When Mary was pregnant with Jesus her cousin Elizabeth prophesied that Mary’s baby was the Lord. Then Mary prayed a song that we call the Magnificat. 

This is a song for the resistance, one of the most famous protest songs of all time, taken up everywhere from the medieval Peasant Revolt to 20th Century farm workers in Central America. Mary was Bob Dylan before Dylan was Dylan. Totalitarian governments have banned her song because it’s too revolutionary. Mary sings things about the God of her people, like:

He has brought down rulers from their thrones

    but has lifted up the humble.

He has filled the hungry with good things

    but has sent the rich away empty. – Luke 1:52-53

And yet here is Jesus, all grown up: 

“I have compassion for these people … If I send them home hungry, they will collapse on the way … Mark 8:2

Listen, we have to stop dunking on “Mary, Did You Know?” It’s fashionable to say, “Of course she knew; Gabriel told her.” I’ve said that. But there’s a lot Mary didn’t know. Twice, the Bible says she “pondered these things in her heart.” Just like all of us, she had to ponder the question, “Who is Jesus? What is he up to?” 

Her song was an accurate reflection of what God had done for her people and what God would do through Jesus, but she had no idea that her boy wasn’t going to be a warrior who conquered by killing his enemies, but by bringing them in.

A New Testament scholar named Helen Bond writes, “The feeding miracles … give a taste of the messianic banquet to come, a magnificent future feast to which Jew and gentile alike will be invited.” 

No matter what your name is, what color your skin is, how much money you’ve got, what your sex or nationality is, or even what you’ve done, Jesus welcomes you.

He even submitted to a conspiracy of leaders to kill him in the most degrading and painful way possible, recognizing that the real fight isn’t against other people but demonic powers that manipulate them. He knew the way to defeat those powers and he was willing to do it at enormous cost to himself, even when winning looked like losing: 

He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. – Colossians 2:13-15

Now, here’s the good part. That thing Jesus did in the Decapolis, having compassion on people he should have at least been indifferent to, if not hostile … we get to do that too. 

And we don’t just have the example of Jesus to help us do it but the power of Jesus, who has filled us with the Holy Spirit so we would bear fruit that looks like the life of Christ:

the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. – Gal 5:22-23

The Holy Spirit wants to produce within you a love so stunning, so brazen, so unconventional … a love that changed the world, and can change it again.

To whom should we show compassion? Ask yourself this: is it someone who would be hungry if they had nothing to eat? In other words, is it a human being? If they need to eat, then we need to love them. We get to love them, because Jesus first loved us. 

“I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. – Mark 8:2

So here’s my Monday challenge to you. I don’t know if you’ll be able to do this tomorrow but I want you to commit to planning this tomorrow – write it down if you have to – and then do it as soon as the opportunity arises:

The next time you’re somewhere: maybe in line at a grocery store or gas station, or some other public event, and you see someone who reminds you of “those people” – whoever are the kind of people that you’ve never had a great opinion of – ask God to give you compassion without condescension. 

Perhaps you can help them in some way, or maybe just pray. Say, “God, I don’t even know anything about this person’s story but I’m thinking uncharitable thoughts because of how they’re speaking to someone on the phone, or how long they’re taking to check out, or the clothes they’re wearing, the music that’s coming from their car,” or whatever it is. “Help me to see them as a fellow image bearer of you.”     This is just one small thing you can do. It won’t change the world, but it might begin to change you. And if you do it enough, you may start to find that your heart feels a bit lighter.

“I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. – Mark 8:2

I’ll say this once more: The Holy Spirit wants to produce within you a love so stunning, so brazen, so unconventional … a love that changed the world, and can change it again.

Certainly a love that will change your heart so that one day when you’re sitting at that great feast, and you’re looking at all kinds of people who are nothing like you, you’ll be glad you’re there.

Let’s pray.

Good morning. My name is Bobby; I’m one of the pastors here. Peace be with you. At Sojourn, our mission is to reach people with the gospel, build them up as God’s church, and send them wherever God leads us to be champions of truth, beauty, and goodness, showing with our words and deeds that

the Lord your God is gracious and compassionate. He will not turn his face from you if you return to him. 2 Chronicles 30:9

This is the final sermon in our series called Mosaic. Throughout this series we’ve said that as we approach the Scriptures, we must seek to understand what a passage says, what it means, and how it reveals Jesus. When we do this we find the answer to our own longings, our questions, our hopes and dreams. 

So today’s sermon structure is simple. For twenty minutes we’ll look at what 2 Chronicles 30:1-9 says, what it means, and how it reveals Jesus. In the last part we’ll connect it to the New Testament to see how Jesus is the fulfillment of our passage today, and why that’s good news for us. 

Hezekiah sent word to all Israel and Judah and also wrote letters to Ephraim and Manasseh … – 2 Chron 30:1

Israel was made up of twelve tribes. After King Solomon died, his son ruled badly. The northern tribes, which included tribes named Ephraim and Manasseh, seceded and took the name “Israel.”

The southern tribes took the name of their biggest tribe Judah, and they kept the capital city of Jerusalem. God wanted all his people to worship in the Jerusalem temple but Israel’s king felt that if his subjects kept traveling to Judah, it might weaken their loyalty to him. So he instituted worship sacrifices and ceremonies in his kingdom.

Two centuries later Assyria conquered this kingdom and killed or carried most of the people into captivity. 

Now in our passage, King Hezekiah of Judah, a descendent of Solomon, has consecrated and rededicated God’s temple. He wants to reunite all the tribes, including the few people in Ephraim and Manasseh who have survived Assyria’s conquest. In verse one he sends letters to their local leaders:

inviting them to come to the temple of the Lord in Jerusalem and celebrate the Passover to the Lord, the God of Israel. – 2 Chronicles 30:1

Hezekiah wants to host the first Passover celebration for the entire old kingdom of Israel since the days of Solomon, more than 200 years before. Verse 6:

At the king’s command, couriers went throughout Israel and Judah with letters from the king and from his officials, which read:

“People of Israel, return to the Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, that he may return to you who are left, who have escaped from the hand of the kings of Assyria. Do not be like your parents and your fellow Israelites, who were unfaithful to the Lord, the God of their ancestors … 2 Chronicles 30:6-7

Hezekiah invokes their shared history. These people living in Ephraim and the other Northern tribes have bitterly avoided Judah for several generations but they are kin. Their God delivered all of them from slavery in Egypt and led them into their land. Verse 9:

If you return to the Lord, then your fellow Israelites and your children will be shown compassion by their captors and will return to this land, for the Lord your God is gracious and compassionate. He will not turn his face from you if you return to him.” – 2 Chronicles 30:9

Hezekiah says you can return to God by coming to Jerusalem. Passover was one of three festivals they were supposed to attend together at the temple. Hezekiah paraphrases Exodus 34:6-7, which we’ve seen quoted in the passages we’ve studied in this series. So this is going to be a happy ending, right? Verse 10:

The couriers went from town to town in Ephraim and Manasseh, as far as Zebulun, but people scorned and ridiculed them. Nevertheless, some … humbled themselves and went to Jerusalem. 2 Chronicles 30:10-11

Most of Ephraim and the other tribes said, “No.” Scornfully. Hezekiah’s faithful reforms do lead to a revival, but it is not a revival of all God’s people, and it does not last. 

Part Two: What It Means (Interpretation)

So what does today’s text mean? 

The Old Testament contains two perspectives on the divided kingdom of Israel: Kings and Chronicles, much like the New Testament contains four biographies of Jesus. 

1 and 2 Kings was written during the Babylonian exile, when not only had the Northern Kingdom been conquered by Assyria but Judah was conquered by Babylon, the temple was destroyed, and all hope seemed lost. Kings is for those asking, “Why did God let this happen?”

Chronicles tells the same story but a bit less pessimistically. It was written later, after Persia conquered Babylon and let Jews return to Judah and rebuild the temple. Chronicles is for those asking, “What now?” How do we step back into God’s story and walk faithfully?

Somehow, someway the Chronicler believed God’s people could still learn from reading about Hezekiah’s attempt. Perhaps even the estranged people living in the old land of Ephraim can learn from this story and finally come home to God, for the Lord your God is gracious and compassionate. He will not turn his face from you if you return to him. 

But as the New Testament begins, although Assyria is a distant memory they are now ruled by Rome. They are waiting for a king who will do what Hezekiah could not. 

And the people living in the old territory of Ephraim are bitterly divided from Jews living around them. Many Jews living in Judea and the northernmost region called Galilee would go out of their way to avoid the people in that region. The feeling was mutual, and the dispute about where a follower of God should go to worship persisted. 

Christians see Christ as the new and better Hezekiah, God the Son who was born of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary, took upon himself the role of Israel, and became our passover lamb as he died for our sins to fulfill God’s promise to bless the world through Israel.

Part Three: How It Reveals (Sets The Stage For) Christ

But does anything in the Gospels of Jesus connect with the Chronicler’s tale of Hezekiah and scoffers in Ephraim? 

So (Jesus) came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. – John 4:5

Guess where that was? 

In the old territory of Ephraim. Guess who the hated Samaritans were? 

They claimed they were the true Israelites who had kept the ancient faith. Jews said, “No, they’re not related to us. They’re descended from the people that Assyria moved into the neighborhood after they killed and carried away our relatives.”

The truth is a little of each: they are a mixed ethnicity of colonists and Jews. Some of their ancestors were the people ridiculing Hezekiah for inviting them to observe Passover in Jerusalem. Even before the time of Solomon they had wanted to worship at Mount Gerizim, near their town. 

So when a Samaritan woman says in John 4 “Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem” she isn’t trying to change the conversation after Jesus revealed in verse 18 that he supernaturally knew “you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband.”

Because he reveals this, she perceives him to be a prophet who can answer the burning question of her people. This is about who is welcome in God’s house, and where God’s house is. But let’s back up to the beginning of this conversation, John 4:6 …

Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about noon.

When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink? … The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.) – John 4:6-9

This story speaks to age-old animosities, to class, race, gender, boundaries, beliefs. It’s about who God is and what that means for us, despite the sin that we commit and the sin that others commit against us.

The Samaritan woman was a sinner; we are all sinners. But there are plenty of books and Bible studies that raise questions about her character that the text doesn’t answer or encourage us to ask. And we paint her character in a way that doesn’t always make sense of her cultural background. 

For instance she was probably widowed some or most of those five marriages. We read “five husbands” and we instantly think, “She was divorced five times?” and then we start imagining how bad she must have been.

You can read more about that in a book by Dr. Caryn Reeder called The Samaritan Woman’s Story.

What John the Gospel writer wants us to notice are comparisons between the interactions of Jesus with this woman in chapter four, and Nicodemus in chapter 3. In Bible Fellowship we learn to read passages in context, asking, “What came before this passage? What came after?” 

Look at Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman to see what John wants us to glean from these stories – this is mostly from the NIV Study Bible:

Nicodemus, ch. 3                                                        Samaritan Woman, ch. 4

Jewish                                                                                Samaritan, the despised minority

Man                                                                                    Woman

Named                                                                               Unnamed

Pharisee, member of ruling council (3:1)                   Lesser status, draws her own water

Comes to Jesus at night (3:2)                                       Meets Jesus at midday 

Refers to Jesus as teacher                                              Perceives Jesus to be a prophet

Says little in comparison to Jesus                                Holds full conversation with Jesus

No arrival at understanding (3:9)                                Understands, believes, evangelizes

This is all about the upside down kingdom of God, where the first will be last and the last will be first. For the Lord your God is gracious and compassionate. He will not turn his face from you if you return to him.

This unnamed woman, marginalized by her sex, ethnicity, and status, is seen by Jesus. When he talks about her marital state he is saying, “I see you.” To whatever degree her circumstances are results of her sin or other people’s sin, God knows all of it and has come to upend the social structures of a humanity that has surrendered itself to the spiritual powers and principalities of this world. Verse 21:

“Woman,” Jesus replied, “believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem …  a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth – John 4:21, 23

Jesus, like Hezekiah, says everyone is welcome home. But Jesus adds that home isn’t just the Jerusalem temple anymore. Home is wherever you are. For the Lord your God is gracious and compassionate. He will not turn his face from you if you return to him. Verse 25:

The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.”

Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.” John 4:25-26

The first time in this Gospel that Jesus announces himself as the Messiah, he announces it to this unnamed Samaritan woman. And she turns out to be quite the missionary. Verse 39:

Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.” So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. And because of his words many more became believers. – John 4:39-41

So let’s put some things together from Hezekiah in the 7th century B.C. and Jesus in the first century A.D.

Hezekiah                                                                          Jesus

King of Judah                                                                 King of the world

Reestablishes Temple worship                                   Inaugurates “everywhere” worship

Sends letters to leaders in Samaritan region           Personally goes to unnamed woman

Inaugurates new Passover festival                             Becomes our Passover lamb

Is unsuccessful in reaching those estranged           Wins their allegiance

Ultimately his hopes are dashed                                His kingdom will have no end

The purpose of the Bible is to point us to the truth, beauty, and goodness of King Jesus so we will want to become Kingdom People. 

No matter who you are, where you’ve been, what you’ve done, what others have done to you, he sees you, he knows you, he wants you, and he will trust you with important kingdom responsibilities because the Lord your God is gracious and compassionate. He will not turn his face from you if you return to him.

Monday Checkup (Application) 

Invite someone to journey with us through the Gospel of Mark, beginning in two weeks. Invite someone who has never heard the story of Jesus. Invite someone who heard it long ago but needs to hear it again. And realize that we need to hear it again. Week in, week out, we’ll walk through this biography of Jesus. 

Pray tomorrow about who you can invite two weeks from today. Bring yourself, bring your family, bring your friends. Hear the story of Jesus again, because every chapter of that story sings these lyrics to your heart:

For the Lord your God is gracious and compassionate. He will not turn his face from you if you return to him.

In this age of information overload, how do we help our people remember sermons and apply them to their lives? By Wednesday, they’ve seen tons of shows and web series, read social media posts and news articles, seen tons of Instagram pics, had many conversations, and maybe even read a book.

At Sojourn New Albany, we help people remember and dive deeper into the Sunday sermon material by hosting The Midweek Checkup, a weekly web series on our Facebook page, YouTube, and our smartphone app each Wednesday. Every week Deacon Lindsey Blair and I provide a quick overview of the sermon. We post an audio version in the Sojourn New Albany podcast, and video versions on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram (IGTV).

Check out this week’s Checkup in the embedded video below – a recap and discussion of Pastor Jonah Sage’s sermon from April 30, 2023 on Hebrews 11:17-40:

In this age of information overload, how do we help our people remember sermons and apply them to their lives? By Wednesday, they’ve seen tons of shows and web series, read social media posts and news articles, seen tons of Instagram pics, had many conversations, and maybe even read a book.

At Sojourn New Albany, we help people remember and dive deeper into the Sunday sermon material by hosting The Midweek Checkup, a weekly web series on our Facebook page, YouTube, and our smartphone app each Wednesday. Every week Deacon Lindsey Blair and I provide a quick overview of the sermon. We post an audio version in the Sojourn New Albany podcast, and video versions on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram (IGTV).

Check out this week’s Checkup in the embedded video below – a recap and discussion of Pastor Jonah Sage’s sermon from April 16, 2023:

Welcome to Sojourn’s weekly worship music set list review & service recap. You’ll not only read a list of the songs we led but also the readings and prayers from our liturgy. You can also watch the video stream of the full service from our Facebook page (see a video of our sermon alone below).

Worship Director Justin Shaffer directs our liturgy, collaborating with our Creative Staff at Sojourn Church New Albany and our Liturgy writing team (Rebekah Carroll, Ryan Marsh, Libby Thorngate, and Lindsey Blair). This Sunday, Pastor Jonah Sage preached from Hebrews 10:26-39.

—Prelude: “By the Marks”

CALL TO WORSHIP:   Liturgist

1 Keep me safe, O God,

    for I have come to you for refuge.

2 I said to the Lord, “You are my Master!

    Every good thing I have comes from you.”

3 The godly people in the land

    are my true heroes!

    I take pleasure in them!

4 Troubles multiply for those who chase after other gods.

    I will not take part in their sacrifices of blood

    or even speak the names of their gods.

5 Lord, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing.

    You guard all that is mine.

6 The land you have given me is a pleasant land.

    What a wonderful inheritance!

7 I will bless the Lord who guides me;

    even at night my heart instructs me.

8 I know the Lord is always with me.

    I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.

-Psalm 16:1-8 NLT

—Song 2: “Promises” Key, Leader

LAMENT:  Justin

[Lament dealing with Louisville, other shootings]

Lord, in our shock and confusion, we come before you.

In our grief and despair in the midst of hate,

in our sense of helplessness in the face of violence,

we lean on you.

For the families of those who have been killed, 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers

For Juliana Farmer

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers

For James Tutt

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers

For Tommy Elliott

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers

For Deana Eckert

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers

For Joshua Barrick

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

For the shooter—help us to pray, Lord.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers

For the communities that have lost members—their anger, grief, fear—Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers.

For your Church striving to be your light in darkness beyond our comprehension, Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers.

For those entrusted with the healing of our bodies, 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers

For those entrusted with the safekeeping of our cities, 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers

For those entrusted with the governance of our cities

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers

In the face of hatred, may we claim love, Lord.

May we love those far off and those near.

May we love those who are strangers and those who are friends.

May we love those who we agree with and understand,

and even more so, Lord, those who we consider to be our enemies.

Kyrie Eleison. Lord, have mercy.

Heal our sin-sick souls.

Make these wounds whole, Lord

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers

—Song 3: “Abide With Me” Key, Leader

ASSURANCE & PEACE: Band Member

19 That Sunday evening the disciples were meeting behind locked doors because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders. Suddenly, Jesus was standing there among them! “Peace be with you,” he said. 20 As he spoke, he showed them the wounds in his hands and his side. They were filled with joy when they saw the Lord! 21 Again he said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” 22 Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven. If you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”

24 One of the twelve disciples, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), was not with the others when Jesus came. 25 They told him, “We have seen the Lord!”

But he replied, “I won’t believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in his side.”

26 Eight days later the disciples were together again, and this time Thomas was with them. The doors were locked; but suddenly, as before, Jesus was standing among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!”

28 “My Lord and my God!” Thomas exclaimed.

29 Then Jesus told him, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.”

-John 20:19-29 NLT 

——————————————   [SERMON]   ——————————————-

—Song 4: “Eyes on the Prize” Key, Leader

NICENE CREED: Liturgist

Today’s sermon taught us that the presence of Christ empowers us to suffer well together. Let’s proclaim our belief together!

We believe in one God,

the Father, the Almighty,

maker of heaven and earth,

of all that is, visible and invisible.

We believe in one Lord,

Jesus Christ,

the only-begotten Son of God,

eternally begotten of the Father,

God from God, Light from Light,

true God from true God,

begotten, not made,

of one Being with the Father;

through him all things were made.

For us and for our salvation

he came down from heaven,

was incarnate from the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary,

and was made man.

For our sake he was crucified

under Pontius Pilate;

he suffered death and was buried.

On the third day he rose again

in accordance with the Scriptures;

he ascended into heaven

and is seated at

the right hand of the Father.

He will come again in glory

to judge the living and the dead,

and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit,

the Lord, the giver of life,

who proceeds from the Father and the Son

who with the Father and the Son

is worshiped and glorified,

who has spoken through the prophets.

We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.

We acknowledge one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins.

We look for the resurrection of the dead,

and the life of the world to come. Amen.

COMMUNION: Liturgist

Every Sunday we announce and experience the mystery of faith. In the Lord’s supper, we are invited to 

remember that Christ’s very presence is available to us. He surrounds us, comforts us, shelters us. Let’s turn our minds and imaginations to the night that our Lord Jesus was betrayed. He took bread; and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take, eat; this is my Body, which is given for you: Do this in remembrance of me.”

Likewise, after supper, Jesus took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink this, all of you; for this is my Blood of the New Covenant, which is shed for you, and for many, for the forgiveness of sins: Whenever you drink it, do this in remembrance of me.”

Therefore we announce the mystery of faith together (say this with me)

Christ has died.

Christ is risen.

Christ will come again. 

Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us.

Therefore let us keep the feast!

Christ our Passover is sacrificed, once for all upon the Cross.

Therefore let us keep the feast!

As we begin to sing, come forward to receive communion. Our tradition is to take a piece of bread and dip it in the juice or wine – the wine will be marked by twine. If you are not a Christian, we ask you to wait and consider the Lord’s invitation for you today. This is a covenant renewal ceremony, where we remember the covenant Christ made with us by the shedding of his blood, the covenant we accepted as we were baptized into his name. 

Those of you who need gluten free communion elements will find them over here by the cross. And if you need a hands-free, single serve cup, you’ll find them in this far corner.

Behold the Lamb of God,
behold him who takes away the sins of the world.
Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb. 

—Song 5: “Psalm 23 (I am Not Alone)” Key, Leader

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Reader

—Song 6: “Our Great God” Key, Leader

BENEDICTION

In this age of information overload, how do we help our people remember sermons and apply them to their lives? By Wednesday, they’ve seen tons of shows and web series, read social media posts and news articles, seen tons of Instagram pics, had many conversations, and maybe even read a book.

At Sojourn New Albany, we help people remember and dive deeper into the Sunday sermon material by hosting The Midweek Checkup, a weekly web series on our Facebook page, YouTube, and our smartphone app each Wednesday. Every week Deacon Lindsey Blair and I provide a quick overview of the sermon. We post an audio version in the Sojourn New Albany podcast, and video versions on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram (IGTV).

Check out this week’s Checkup in the embedded video below – a recap and discussion of Pastor Jonah Sage’s sermon from Luke 24:9-27:

Welcome to Sojourn’s weekly worship music set list review & service recap. You’ll not only read a list of the songs we led but also the readings and prayers from our liturgy. You can also watch the video stream of the full service from our Facebook page (see a video of our sermon alone below).

Worship Director Justin Shaffer directs our liturgy, collaborating with our Creative Staff at Sojourn Church New Albany and our Liturgy writing team (Rebekah Carroll, Ryan Marsh, Libby Thorngate, and Lindsey Blair). This Sunday, Pastor Jonah Sage preached from Luke 24:9-27 on this Easter Sunday.

—Prelude: “Doxology” into “Were You There When The Stone Was Rolled Away (band playing under CTW)”

CALL TO WORSHIP:   Liturgist (band should be “vibing” under the CTW 

But very early on Sunday morning the women went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. They found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. So they went in, but they didn’t find the body of the Lord Jesus. As they stood there puzzled, two men suddenly appeared to them, clothed in dazzling robes.

 The women were terrified and bowed with their faces to the ground. Then the men asked, “Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive? He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Remember what he told you back in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and that he would rise again on the third day.”

Then they remembered that he had said this.

-Luke 24:1-8 NLT

—Song 2: “Amazing Grace verse 1 only (acapella)… into “Ancient of Days” Key, Leader

CONFESSION:  Band Member

Hear the Word of the Lord:

Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.

-Colossians 3:1-4 NLT

Let’s Pray:

Almighty God, you have raised Jesus from the grave and crowned him Lord of all.

We confess that we have not bowed before him

or acknowledged his rule in our lives.

We have gone along with the way of the world and failed to give him glory.

Forgive us and raise us from sin,

that we may be your faithful people,

obeying the commands of our Lord Jesus Christ,

who rules the world and is head of the church, his body. Amen.

-Worship Sourcebook

—Song 3: “In The Hours” Key, Leader

ASSURANCE & PEACE: Band Member

Hear this Wonderful News!

Death swallowed by triumphant Life!

Who got the last word, oh, Death?

Oh, Death, who’s afraid of you now?

It was sin that made death so frightening and law-code guilt that gave sin its leverage, its destructive power. But now in a single victorious stroke of Life, all three—sin, guilt, death—are gone, the gift of our Master, Jesus Christ. Thank God!

-1 Corinthians 15:55-57 (The Massage)

——————————————   [SERMON]   ——————————————-

—Song 4: “Redeemer” Key, Leader

He is risen!

He is risen indeed!

He is risen!

He is risen indeed!

He is risen!

He is risen indeed!

NICENE CREED: Liturgist

Let’s proclaim our belief together!

We believe in one God,

the Father, the Almighty,

maker of heaven and earth,

of all that is, visible and invisible.

We believe in one Lord,

Jesus Christ,

the only-begotten Son of God,

eternally begotten of the Father,

God from God, Light from Light,

true God from true God,

begotten, not made,

of one Being with the Father;

through him all things were made.

For us and for our salvation

he came down from heaven,

was incarnate from the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary,

and was made man.

For our sake he was crucified

under Pontius Pilate;

he suffered death and was buried.

On the third day he rose again

in accordance with the Scriptures;

he ascended into heaven

and is seated at

the right hand of the Father.

He will come again in glory

to judge the living and the dead,

and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit,

the Lord, the giver of life,

who proceeds from the Father and the Son

who with the Father and the Son

is worshiped and glorified,

who has spoken through the prophets.

We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.

We acknowledge one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins.

We look for the resurrection of the dead,

and the life of the world to come. Amen.

COMMUNION: Liturgist

Every Sunday we announce and experience the mystery of faith. In the Lord’s supper, we are invited to 

remember that Christ’s very presence is available to us. He surrounds us, invigorates, and inspires us. Let’s turn our minds and imaginations to the night that our Lord Jesus was betrayed. He took bread; and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take, eat; this is my Body, which is given for you: Do this in remembrance of me.”

Likewise, after supper, Jesus took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink this, all of you; for this is my Blood of the New Covenant, which is shed for you, and for many, for the forgiveness of sins: Whenever you drink it, do this in remembrance of me.”

Therefore we announce the mystery of faith together (say this with me)

Christ has died.

Christ is risen.

Christ will come again. 

Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us.

Therefore let us keep the feast!

Christ our Passover is sacrificed, once for all upon the Cross.

Therefore let us keep the feast!

As we begin to sing, come forward to receive communion. Our tradition is to take a piece of bread and dip it in the juice or wine – the wine will be marked by twine. If you are not a Christian, we ask you to wait and consider the Lord’s invitation for you today. This is a covenant renewal ceremony, where we remember the covenant Christ made with us by the shedding of his blood, the covenant we accepted as we were baptized into his name. 

Those of you who need gluten free communion elements will find them over here by the cross. And if you need a hands-free, single serve cup, you’ll find them in this far corner.

Behold the Lamb of God,
behold him who takes away the sins of the world.
Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb. 

—Song 5: “Revelation Song” Key, Leader

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Reader

—Song 6: “Easter Song” Key, Leader

BENEDICTION: Liturgist

In Jerusalem, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies

    will spread a wonderful feast

    for all the people of the world.

It will be a delicious banquet

    with clear, well-aged wine and choice meat.

There he will remove the cloud of gloom,

    the shadow of death that hangs over the earth.

He will swallow up death forever!

    The Sovereign Lord will wipe away all tears.

He will remove forever all insults and mockery

    against his land and people.

    The Lord has spoken!

In that day the people will proclaim,

“This is our God!

    We trusted in him, and he saved us!

This is the Lord, in whom we trusted.

    Let us rejoice in the salvation he brings!”

Go in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Peace be with you

-Isaiah 25:6-9 NLT

In this age of information overload, how do we help our people remember sermons and apply them to their lives? By Wednesday, they’ve seen tons of shows and web series, read social media posts and news articles, seen tons of Instagram pics, had many conversations, and maybe even read a book.

At Sojourn New Albany, we help people remember and dive deeper into the Sunday sermon material by hosting The Midweek Checkup, a weekly web series on our Facebook page, YouTube, and our smartphone app each Wednesday. Every week Deacon Lindsey Blair and I provide a quick overview of the sermon. We post an audio version in the Sojourn New Albany podcast, and video versions on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram (IGTV).

Check out this week’s Checkup in the embedded video below – a recap and discussion of Pastor Bobby Gilles’s sermon from Hebrews 10:19-25:

Welcome to Sojourn’s weekly worship music set list review & service recap. You’ll not only read a list of the songs we led but also the readings and prayers from our liturgy. You can also watch the video stream of the full service from our Facebook page (see a video of our sermon alone below).

Worship Director Justin Shaffer directs our liturgy, collaborating with our Creative Staff at Sojourn Church New Albany and our Liturgy writing team (Rebekah Carroll, Ryan Marsh, Libby Thorngate, and Lindsey Blair). This Sunday, Pastor Jonah Sage preached from Hebrews 10:19-25.

—Prelude: “Psalm 57″

CALL TO WORSHIP:   Liturgist

Themes: Palm Sunday 

21 As Jesus and the disciples approached Jerusalem, they came to the town of Bethphage on the Mount of Olives. Jesus sent two of them on ahead. 2 “Go into the village over there,” he said. “As soon as you enter it, you will see a donkey tied there, with its colt beside it. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone asks what you are doing, just say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will immediately let you take them.”

4 This took place to fulfill the prophecy that said,

5 “Tell the people of Jerusalem,

    ‘Look, your King is coming to you.

He is humble, riding on a donkey—

    riding on a donkey’s colt.’”

6 The two disciples did as Jesus commanded. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt to him and threw their garments over the colt, and he sat on it.

8 Most of the crowd spread their garments on the road ahead of him, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 Jesus was in the center of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting,

“Praise God for the Son of David!

    Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord!

    Praise God in highest heaven!”

10 The entire city of Jerusalem was in an uproar as he entered. “Who is this?” they asked.

11 And the crowds replied, “It’s Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”

-Matthew 21:1-11

—Song 2: “Love As You Love”

CONFESSION/ASSURANCE:  Band Member

Hear the word of the Lord:

1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!

    His faithful love endures forever.

2 Let all Israel repeat:

    “His faithful love endures forever.”

19 Open for me the gates where the righteous enter,

    and I will go in and thank the Lord.

20 These gates lead to the presence of the Lord,

    and the godly enter there.

…ask God to search your heart…

21 I thank you for answering my prayer

    and giving me victory!

22 The stone that the builders rejected

    has now become the cornerstone.

23 This is the Lord’s doing,

    and it is wonderful to see.

24 This is the day the Lord has made.

    We will rejoice and be glad in it.

25 Please, Lord, please save us.

    Please, Lord, please give us success.

26 Bless the one who comes in the name of the Lord.

    We bless you from the house of the Lord.

27 The Lord is God, shining upon us.

    Take the sacrifice and bind it with cords on the altar.

28 You are my God, and I will praise you!

    You are my God, and I will exalt you!

29 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!

    His faithful love endures forever.

-Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 NLT

[Spoken Text]

—Song 3: “Solid Rock”

PASSING OF THE PEACE: Band Member

Let’s take a moment to greet one another in the grace and peace we have in Christ  

——————————————   [SERMON]   ——————————————-

—Song 4: “Hosanna”

NICENE CREED: Liturgist

Today’s sermon taught us that a life worth living is a life immersed in the people of God. Let’s proclaim our belief together!

We believe in one God,

the Father, the Almighty,

maker of heaven and earth,

of all that is, visible and invisible.

We believe in one Lord,

Jesus Christ,

the only-begotten Son of God,

eternally begotten of the Father,

God from God, Light from Light,

true God from true God,

begotten, not made,

of one Being with the Father;

through him all things were made.

For us and for our salvation

he came down from heaven,

was incarnate from the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary,

and was made man.

For our sake he was crucified

under Pontius Pilate;

he suffered death and was buried.

On the third day he rose again

in accordance with the Scriptures;

he ascended into heaven

and is seated at

the right hand of the Father.

He will come again in glory

to judge the living and the dead,

and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit,

the Lord, the giver of life,

who proceeds from the Father and the Son

who with the Father and the Son

is worshiped and glorified,

who has spoken through the prophets.

We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.

We acknowledge one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins.

We look for the resurrection of the dead,

and the life of the world to come. Amen.

COMMUNION: Liturgist

Every Sunday we announce and experience the mystery of faith. In the Lord’s supper, we are invited to 

remember that Christ’s very presence is available to us. He surrounds us, invigorates, and inspires us. Let’s turn our minds and imaginations to the night that our Lord Jesus was betrayed. He took bread; and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take, eat; this is my Body, which is given for you: Do this in remembrance of me.”

Likewise, after supper, Jesus took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink this, all of you; for this is my Blood of the New Covenant, which is shed for you, and for many, for the forgiveness of sins: Whenever you drink it, do this in remembrance of me.”

Therefore we announce the mystery of faith together (say this with me)

Christ has died.

Christ is risen.

Christ will come again. 

Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us.

Therefore let us keep the feast!

Christ our Passover is sacrificed, once for all upon the Cross.

Therefore let us keep the feast!

As we begin to sing, come forward to receive communion. Our tradition is to take a piece of bread and dip it in the juice or wine – the wine will be marked by twine. If you are not a Christian, we ask you to wait and consider the Lord’s invitation for you today. This is a covenant renewal ceremony, where we remember the covenant Christ made with us by the shedding of his blood, the covenant we accepted as we were baptized into his name. 

Those of you who need gluten free communion elements will find them over here by the cross. And if you need a hands-free, single serve cup, you’ll find them in this far corner.

Behold the Lamb of God,
behold him who takes away the sins of the world.
Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb. 

—Song 5: “Be Thou My Vision”

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Reader

—Song 6: “Where Your Praise Never Ends”

BENEDICTION: Liturgist

16 Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless. 17 But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God,[e] just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy. 18 Yes, you should rejoice, and I will share your joy. [Go in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit! Peace be with you!]

-Philippians 2:5-11 NLT

In this age of information overload, how do we help our people remember sermons and apply them to their lives? By Wednesday, they’ve seen tons of shows and web series, read social media posts and news articles, seen tons of Instagram pics, had many conversations, and maybe even read a book.

At Sojourn New Albany, we help people remember and dive deeper into the Sunday sermon material by hosting The Midweek Checkup, a weekly web series on our Facebook page, YouTube, and our smartphone app each Wednesday. Every week Deacon Lindsey Blair and I provide a quick overview of the sermon. We post an audio version in the Sojourn New Albany podcast, and video versions on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram (IGTV).

Check out this week’s Checkup in the embedded video below – a recap and discussion of Pastor Bobby Gilles’s sermon from Hebrews 10:1-18:

Welcome to Sojourn’s weekly worship music set list review & service recap. You’ll not only read a list of the songs we led but also the readings and prayers from our liturgy. You can also watch the video stream of the full service from our Facebook page (see a video of our sermon alone below).

Worship Director Justin Shaffer directs our liturgy, collaborating with our Creative Staff at Sojourn Church New Albany and our Liturgy writing team (Rebekah Carroll, Ryan Marsh, Libby Thorngate, and Lindsey Blair). This Sunday, Pastor Bobby Gilles preached from Hebrews 10:1-18.

—Prelude: “Heaven”

CALL TO WORSHIP: Liturgist
Good morning, and welcome to Sojourn! We’re so glad that you’re here to worship with us. This week and this transition into spring is such a great reminder of how much our god loves to breathe life into his creation. Let’s prepare our hearts for worship by reading Psalm 146 together – please join in on the underlined portions.

1 Praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord, my soul.

2 I will praise the Lord all my life;
I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.
3 Do not put your trust in princes,
in human beings, who cannot save.
4 When their spirit departs, they return to the ground;
on that very day their plans come to nothing.
5 Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob,
whose hope is in the Lord their God.

6 He is the Maker of heaven and earth,
the sea, and everything in them—
he remains faithful forever.
7 He upholds the cause of the oppressed
and gives food to the hungry.
The Lord sets prisoners free,
8 the Lord gives sight to the blind,
the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down,
the Lord loves the righteous.
9 The Lord watches over the foreigner
and sustains the fatherless and the widow,
but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.

10 The Lord reigns forever,
your God, O Zion, for all generations.

Praise the Lord.
–Psalm 146, NIV

Praise the Lord, indeed. He is a great big God who sees, knows, and loves each and every one of us. Let’s sing.

—Song 2: “Refuge”

CONFESSION/LAMENT: Band Member
Hear these words.

12 For our offenses are many in your sight,
and our sins testify against us.
Our offenses are ever with us,
and we acknowledge our iniquities:
13 rebellion and treachery against the Lord,
turning our backs on our God,
inciting revolt and oppression,
uttering lies our hearts have conceived.
14 So justice is driven back,
and righteousness stands at a distance;
truth has stumbled in the streets,
honesty cannot enter.
15 Truth is nowhere to be found,
and whoever shuns evil becomes a prey.

The Lord looked and was displeased
that there was no justice.
–Isaiah 59: 12-15

Even after hearing and knowing the promises of Jesus, we still sometimes find ourselves in a similar state of mind like Isaiah wrote about — we sometimes feel hopeless, overwhelmed, and ashamed. Let’s take a moment and ask the Lord to remind us that the work is indeed complete.
Pause
Lord, we profess that you are good and your mercy endures forever, and we confess that we sometimes live life as if it were not true. Meet us where we are, as we are, and help us to see ourselves as you do — fully redeemed. Amen.

—Song 3: “Jesus Paid It All” 

ASSURANCE OF PARDON & PASSING OF THE PEACE: Band Member
In an act of great love, Jesus paid the price for you and for me. Indeed, the work is finished. “We have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. (Heb. 10:10)” This means that we can live life free from condemnation and filled with peace. Let’s take some time to share that peace with one another.

—————————————— [SERMON] ——————————————-

—Song 4: “God Alone ” 

NICENE CREED: Liturgist
Today’s sermon taught us that because of Jesus, we aren’t grasping in the dark. We know who we are,
whose we are, and where we stand. Let’s proclaim our belief together!

We believe in one God,
the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, visible and invisible.

We believe in one Lord,
Jesus Christ,
the only-begotten Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
of one Being with the Father;
through him all things were made.

For us and for our salvation
he came down from heaven,
was incarnate from the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary,
and was made man.

For our sake he was crucified
under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
and is seated at
the right hand of the Father.

He will come again in glory
to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit,
the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son
who with the Father and the Son
is worshiped and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.

We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen.

COMMUNION: Liturgist
Every Sunday we announce and experience the mystery of faith. In the Lord’s supper, we are invited to
remember that Christ’s very presence is available to us. He surrounds us, invigorates, and inspires us. Let’s turn our minds and imaginations to the night that our Lord Jesus was betrayed. He took bread; and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take, eat; this is my Body, which is given for you: Do this in remembrance of me.”

Likewise, after supper, Jesus took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink this, all of you; for this is my Blood of the New Covenant, which is shed for you, and for many, for the forgiveness of sins: Whenever you drink it, do this in remembrance of me.”

Therefore we announce the mystery of faith together (say this with me)

Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.

Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us.
Therefore let us keep the feast!
Christ our Passover is sacrificed, once for all upon the Cross.
Therefore let us keep the feast!

As we begin to sing, come forward to receive communion. Our tradition is to take a piece of bread and dip it in the juice or wine – the wine will be marked by twine. If you are not a Christian, we ask you to wait and consider the Lord’s invitation for you today. This is a covenant renewal ceremony, where we remember the covenant Christ made with us by the shedding of his blood, the covenant we accepted as we were baptized into his name.

Those of you who need gluten free communion elements will find them over here by the cross. And if you need a hands-free, single serve cup, you’ll find them in this far corner.

Behold the Lamb of God,
behold him who takes away the sins of the world.
Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.

—Song 5: “The Hill” 

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Reader

—Song 6: “Mighty to Save” 

BENEDICTION: Liturgist
“May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thess. 5:23) Go in the name of the father, the son, and the holy spirit. Peace be with you.

In this age of information overload, how do we help our people remember sermons and apply them to their lives? By Wednesday, they’ve seen tons of shows and web series, read social media posts and news articles, seen tons of Instagram pics, had many conversations, and maybe even read a book.

At Sojourn New Albany, we help people remember and dive deeper into the Sunday sermon material by hosting The Midweek Checkup, a weekly web series on our Facebook page, YouTube, and our smartphone app each Wednesday. Every week Deacon Lindsey Blair and I provide a quick overview of the sermon. We post an audio version in the Sojourn New Albany podcast, and video versions on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram (IGTV).

Check out this week’s Checkup in the embedded video below – a recap and discussion of Pastor Jonah Sage’s sermon from Hebrews 9:16-28:

In this age of information overload, how do we help our people remember sermons and apply them to their lives? By Wednesday, they’ve seen tons of shows and web series, read social media posts and news articles, seen tons of Instagram pics, had many conversations, and maybe even read a book.

At Sojourn New Albany, we help people remember and dive deeper into the Sunday sermon material by hosting The Midweek Checkup, a weekly web series on our Facebook page, YouTube, and our smartphone app each Wednesday. Every week Deacon Lindsey Blair and I provide a quick overview of the sermon. We post an audio version in the Sojourn New Albany podcast, and video versions on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram (IGTV).

Check out this week’s Checkup in the embedded video below – a recap and discussion of Pastor Jonah Sage’s sermon from Hebrews 9:11-15: