The Gospel of John: Come and See the Unexpected Christ

Sunday we are going to consider an unexpected message from Jesus. John sets the stage by narrating Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem for the Passover. It’s an emotionally and politically charged moment. It’s Jesus’ moment to set himself up as king and lead his people. 

This scene is juxtaposed with the threat of the Jewish leaders who are making plans to arrest and put Jesus to death. John is setting the stage for Jesus’ unexpected choice and unexpected teaching. He wants you to believe in the One that God sent and the message that God is communicating through him.

Faced with two options, being king or being killed, Jesus moves toward death. Why? Because his death will rescue from God's judgment those who believe. But in that choice Jesus teaches us that believing in and following him means that we follow him in death. It’s counter-intuitive: the path to life is through death to self.

Join us Sunday and be surprised by Jesus’ unexpected message.