“An Extraordinary Journey” Series - Easter 2021

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“An Extraordinary Journey” Series Overview

The path we choose in life can bring unforeseen twists and turns.  Invariably, we ask “Where am I headed?  Who will go with me?  How do we get there?  How will we know when there is now here?”  An experienced traveler named Jesus invites us: “Come, follow me.”  But why should we follow this nobody from nowhere?  Because he promises an extraordinary journey. 

 

April 4 – Easter Sunday

AN EXTRAORDINARY JOURNEY: We do not find Jesus where we expect.  In Luke 24:1-3, 13-15, 28-31, the disciples’ encounter with the risen Christ is not at his grave but on their journey.  In resurrection, Christ meets us where we are and invites us to accompany him on a path of greater love.  It is an extraordinary journey.  How does Jesus defy expectations?

 

April 11 – Easter 2B

JESUS THE COMPANION: We all experience hurt and grief, and some pain never goes away.  The cross represents God’s solidarity with every person who has suffered.  In Romans 6:4-11, Paul describes our union with Christ’s death and resurrection.  Has someone supported you in trouble?

 

April 18 – Easter 3B

JESUS THE RECONCILER:  Jesus invites some people to his table whom we might exclude.  In Luke 7:36-39, 44-47, while Jesus is eating dinner with a Pharisee, an uninvited woman interrupts the meal to anoint Jesus.  Have you befriended someone unlike yourself?

 

April 25 – Easter 4B

JESUS THE LOVER: Many people avoid the risks of love.  Jesus shows us the power of love through his death and resurrection, as well as his ministry of teaching and healing.  In John 20:19-23 Jesus makes peace with the disciples who betrayed him and renews their assignment to forgive others.  What does love look like to you?

 

May 2 – Easter 5B – Confirmation Sunday

JESUS THE GUIDE: Following an established trail is easier than cutting one yourself.  Jesus goes before us to show us how to live.  In Philippians 2:1-11, Paul describes the unique pattern Jesus sets for us through humility and self-giving.  Who reminds you of Jesus?

 

May 9 – Easter 6B

JESUS THE SAGE: We favor the illusion that the world is “just fine,” but Jesus confronts that conceit.  In Matthew 5:1-11, Jesus opens his Sermon on the Mount with “The Beatitudes,” a series of counterintuitive statements.  What makes Jesus’ wisdom different?

 

May 16 – Easter 7B

JESUS THE REVOLUTIONARY: Getting closer to God feels risky.  In Luke 19:1-10, Zacchaeus wants to see Jesus but from a distance.  After spotting Zacchaeus, Jesus invites himself to dinner and changes Zacchaeus’ life.  How does following Jesus change you?

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