Scripture: Luke 1-2:20

While this may be the first message of our Lenten series, we begin our journey toward Easter with the story of Jesus’ birth. While it may seem like a strange place to start, the way God enters the world sets the stage for what is to come. Before Jesus can even utter a word, his message of hope for the nobodies of the world is being made clear.

Scriptures: Luke 4:18-19, Luke 4:16-30, Leviticus 13:45-46

In the ancient world, the disabled and the sick were often kept at the margins of society. In many ways, they were defined by their condition and people saw their illness or disability before seeing their humanity. While we have come a long way, there are still times we treat the sick and disabled in similar ways. Through one of the most touching stories of his ministry, Jesus teaches us a better way.

Scripture: Luke 8:26-39

While demon possession is something we have largely relegated to horror movies and supernatural television shows, in the ancient world, it was seen as something far more real and far more frightening. Because of that, those deemed to be possessed were among the most outcast and oppressed in ancient society. But once again, Jesus sees past the perceptions and into the hearts of those defined as nobodies and gives them new life.

Scriptures: Luke 10:25-37, Matthew 25:40

The parable of the Good Samaritan is one of the most familiar passages in scripture. On one level, its message is clear – take care of the least of these. However, as is often the case with the parables, there is a much deeper message to be found. It’s not an easy message to hear, but it has the power to transform who we see as our neighbors and how we are called to treat them.

Scripture: Luke 7:36-50

Stereotypes are often used to help us make sense of the world and people around us. But that doesn’t mean they are harmless or even true. In the book of Luke, Jesus often asks people to look beyond the labels they have applied to other people. In this week’s message, we explore what’s possible when we let go of stereotypes and really see people for who they are.

Scriptures: Luke 19:28-44, Luke 23

While most Christians are familiar with Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, there was another entry into Jerusalem that took place at the same time. Those two parades could not have been more different. Neither could the people they honored or the message they carried.

Scripture: Luke 24:1-12

While women were among the most marginalized members of society at the time Jesus lived, God chose them to be the first witnesses of the resurrection and to be the first to proclaim it had taken place. What they saw and what they said has forever changed the world. Join us for a special Easter celebration as we rejoice in the Good News they proclaimed, “Christ is risen!”