16/11/2024
St Luke's in Berry is running a series at church inviting people to meet Jesus. All sorts of people met Jesus, and he always had something to offer them, and challenge them with. I'd love to invite you along. Here's some of the upcoming weeks:
17 November- Jesus Meets the Outsider John 4
This week we follow an encounter that Jesus has with a women who is on the outer. She is far away from her own community, from God’s people, and from God himself. But when she meets Jesus, she is offered not just the way in, but the truth about herself, and our world. She is offered living water to quench a thirsty soul.
November 24 - Jesus Meets the Grieving John 11
“Jesus Wept” Three of Jesus closest earthly friends are in trouble. One is sick, and ends up dying. His two sisters are filled with grief. Jesus himself weeps at the loss of his friend. He shows his heart for the grieving. But Jesus is not just able to sympathise with us, as wonderful as that can be. He is able to offer true hope - a hope beyond grief, beyond sickness and death. Here Jesus reveals why he has come and what he can really do for a world marked by grief and trouble.
Dec 1 - Jesus Meets the Powerful John 18&19
“What is truth?” So remarks Pilate as he condemns Jesus to death, after declaring that he is innocent. The trial of Jesus shows his final encounter before his death with those who seemingly hold all the power. And yet in these remarkable verses Jesus overturns all our presumption about power. Power so often leads to misuse and corruption - but Jesus shows that rather than being a victim to fate and circumstance, he is able to use his power to love and to serve. He is in control the whole time, and yet willingly goes to the cross. The ultimate show of weakness ends up being the greatest display of power.
December 8 - Jesus Meets the Sceptic John 20
“But some doubted.” The Bible never seeks to sugar coat people’s response to Jesus, as if by giving us what we want to hear would be more convincing. Rather, the Bible simply seeks to give an account of how people actually responded. And people, upon meeting Jesus, even after the resurrection still had their doubts. This is an invitation to all of us who might doubt and be sceptical. The Bible does not shy away from such a challenge, but says, in the pages within here is all you need to find the truth - truth even for sceptics