July 19

Sunday School – Teacher – John Minnich

Subject – The Wisdom of Jesus – Mark 6:1-6

People were astonished by the wisdom of Jesus.

Astonished that He gave people a second chance.

Jesus Christ is the personification of God’s wisdom.

I like to keep the awesome wisdom of God in front of me – always.

Like: How can there be more stars in the sky than sands in the sea?

Jesus’ response to people was always perfect.

Jesus loved children.

Jesus’ wisdom in responding to people amazes me. Like the woman caught in adultery. “He who is without sin may cast the first stone.”

He touched people who were untouchable – like lepers.

The wisdom of Jesus reveals our true heart and at times our lack of wisdom.

Jesus never skipped a beat in responding with wisdom.

What would Jesus do with COVID 19?

With demonstrations?

With people who are demolishing buildings and statues?

Jesus always went the second mile.

He forgave.

Jesus’ wisdom turned the world upside down.

Jesus’ wisdom is free for the asking.

He will not force His wisdom on us.

However, His wisdom always reveals our true hearts.

People of the world cannot comprehend the wisdom of the crucifixion of Jesus, but to those who follow Him it is the power of salvation.

The wisdom of Jesus crushes the wisdom of man.

Opening Devotions Before the Sermon – Ron Copenhaver

We are in the middle of a heat wave, some from areas that are incredibly dry and the grass is withering and getting brown.

God’s Word is not like that – it never fades or dies. It is forever!

Sermon – David Wenger

John 19:1-42

This chapter is always part of our Love Feast and Communion service. We missed that this spring due to COVID 19.

I wish I could tell you to arrange the sanctuary right now for a communion service. Let me know if you have creative ideas for how we can make that happen this fall and stay within virus regulations.

These verses in John 19 remind us why Jesus died on the cross and the events leading up to his death.

Jesus went to the cross because that was the plan for our salvation – because He loved us.

He didn’t go to the cross because Pilot turned Him over to the Jews who hated him.

Making a right choice is not always the easy choice.

Making a right choice sometimes complicates a situation.

Imagine being a follower of Jesus and watching their hatred toward Him and not being able to do anything about it – knowing that you cannot save Him from crucifixion.

Those who loved Jesus stayed near the cross despite the brutal events.

Imagine the submission to God’s will that had to happen in the heart of Jesus to die on the cross.

He could have called ten thousand angels.

He had the power to come down from the cross before it was finished.

The greatest miracle that Jesus ever performed was that He didn’t come down from the cross.

Like a bill of sale: It is finished!

Salvation is now a free gift.

We can rest upon the finished work of Jesus.

When He says it is finished. It is finished. Our sins have been paid in full.

Being reminded of this should cause each of us to rededicate our lives to Him in a new way – with new courage and strength.