Virtual Church 2021-01 31 What Jesus Wants for all of Us

January 31, 2021

Today’s sermon we are going to explore two areas. The first is about Jesus’ authority. Why was it that what he said seemed to move people so profoundly. The second focus will be on the question, “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth?” This story about the man in the synagogue receiving healing gives a clear image of what Jesus want for all of us.

Jesus teaches with authority.
Chicken Soup for the Soul Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen How to Read the Bible and Still Be a Christian Dominic Crossan
Jesus’ authority and actions came from his soul.

“What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”

His Authority of Evil Spirits.
I do not believe in demons and evil spirits. I am mono theistic. One God. I do not believe in two gods, one with good intentions and angels the other with evil intentions and demons.
Context of the First Century/Anything not understood was called an evil spirit
It may feel we are possessed by a spirt that makes us do hurtful and harmful things.
I grew up in a Devil tradition
However, the reality is the thoughts we have, beliefs we live by and the actions we take, are from us!
Humans have an incredible capacity to glorious loving and selfless things. We also have the capacity to create incredible evil.
It comes from our own mind or psyche
I have found most unhealthy behaviors and belief systems come from a place of unresolved pain.
My Story! I thought I had lost my mind! I had not. I was just wounded and broken.

“What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth?

A woman I counseled for a year
Crossroad, can’t you just pray this away or isn’t there a pill I can take to make it go away?
Cooking pot went from ashes to overflowing with white flowers. The flowers poured out.
I knew then she was going to be okay.
She was reunited with her son and his family and became a live in nanny for her grandchild.
She was at peace.

“What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth?

Jesus what do you want with us? It seems clear to me. Jesus wants wholeness and healing.
Replace self-medication with living joyfully in the present moment.
Jesus would have us to become whole. Not possessed by unhealthy thoughts and behaviors
Jesus would have healed from our emotional and psychological wounds!
Psyche—soul. OUR SOUL WOUNDS.
What was his Authority? Love and the patience to allow the healing to take place.

Call to Celebration

We enter in this public space to profess our faith as one body.

God is universal.

Jesus embodies love and power.

Your in-dwelling spirit is creating among us.

We are co-creators with the universe.

You give us power to detach from toxins.

You call us out of hiding to be completely and fully human.

May we embrace the divine within and among us. Amen

Offertory

Universal Power, you see us in our capacity. We limit our abilities when we focus on things outside of us. You are calling us to live inwardly in order to project light. Help us to silence the external so we can hear the truth of our hearts. We have so many wonderful things to give and receive, because love has no barriers. Amen