Sermon Text: John 13:1-17
Jesus, some of us are drawn to You by the wonders the gospels attribute to You. Some are drawn by the compassionate ways that You responded to people who sought You in their physical need or spiritual hunger. Some trust that You are the fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel. Some of us have sought You tentatively and secretly, and have been confused by your instruction because of our concrete ways of viewing things. We hear, “born again,” “the wind blows wherever it pleases,” and “the Son of Man must be lifted up,” and often find those statements more confusing than enlightening, just as Nicodemus did.
Some of us, Jesus, are simply skeptical
about anything that challenges our materialistic take on reality, suggests
limits to our pursuit of wealth and pleasure, or makes difficult demands upon
us.
Most of us are here because we have acknowledged You and trusted You in some measure. We know, at some level, that full and fruitful lives must be centered in your word and your ways. So, now, work within us in ways that exceed our understanding. Let your Spirit blow through us and enliven our lives in fresh ways that bring honor and glory to You. Amen.
