Scripture Reference: Matthew 19:1-9

As Jesus continues to show the “upside down” Kingdom, he takes aim at the social ill of divorce, which had become absurdly easy to obtain (for men…) and oppressive to wives. HOW he lays out the principles for marriage shows just how the Gospel provides hope for those hurting.

Sermon Points:

• The Text
• The Principle
• The Practice

Scripture Reference: Matthew 18:21-35

Jesus begins to unpack his Kingdom ethic in chapters 18-20, including a remarkable parable about his demands for radical forgiveness from his followers. Few topics can be more difficult for Jesus’ followers to stomach, but we have to make sense of it if we’re going to follow him.

Sermon Points: 

• Costliness of Forgiveness
• Reality of Forgiveness
• Practice of Forgiveness

Scripture Reference: Matthew 17:1-8

Few stories in the Gospel of Matthew are quite as strange to modern readers as the Transfiguration. But Jesus’ majesty are seen in stark relief when you see that behind this story is a Jewish backstory that shows just exactly what Jesus has come to do not just personally, but cosmically!

Sermon Points:

• The Story
  • The Countenance
  • The Company
  • The Cloud
• The Backstory