Welcome to New Covenant Church!

We are so glad you have joined us to celebrate the Risen Lord! This week we will hear a lesson from Fr. Christopher Caudle called "A Death Like This."  Here are the scriptures for this week:

The Liturgy of the Palms
Luke 19:28-40
Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29

The Liturgy of the Word
Isaiah 50:4-9a
Philippians 2:5-11
Luke 23:1-49

We look forward to seeing you online with us!

Hear the sermon now, " A Death Like This" - Fr. Christopher Caudle

The Essence of the Gospel

The gospel is fundamentally about the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. These events are not merely historical occurrences but are central to understanding the Christian faith. As Father Michael Sadler eloquently said, "The great work of the Church of Christ is to set forth the gospel of her Lord". The gospel presents a life that comes to give life to the world. In his letters, St. Paul emphasizes that the gospel consists of three core facts: Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day. This message is not just a set of doctrines or theology but the presentation of a transformative life.

Unity in Christ's Death and Resurrection

In his letter to the Romans, St. Paul provides a lens through which we can view Holy Week. He writes, "For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will surely also be united with him in a resurrection like his". This invitation to unite with Christ in his death and resurrection highlights the transformative power of baptism. Baptism symbolizes our union with Christ, not just in his death but also in the promise of resurrection and new life.

Observation of Jesus

Fr. Christopher encourages us to closely observe Jesus during Holy Week, noting the reactions of those around him, including the disciples and the crowds. Luke's gospel invites us to watch what happens to Jesus of Nazareth, from his entry into Jerusalem to his crucifixion. The crowds gathered because they had seen the miracles he had performed, and they watched closely as events unfolded.

Accusations Against Jesus

The accusations against Jesus by the leaders reveal how they misinterpreted his actions and message. They accused him of twisting the nation, forbidding the payment of taxes, claiming to be the Messiah, and stirring up the people. While there was some truth in these charges, Jesus' actions aimed to heal and reshape the nation. He declared that while Caesar had the right to things bearing his image, God had the right to things bearing His image. Jesus' mission was to reassemble the community in righteousness and communion with God.

Jesus' Humility and Suffering

Jesus' journey to the cross is portrayed as one of profound humility and suffering. He did not claim to be the Messiah in words but demonstrated it through his actions. He interrupted funerals by raising the dead, fed 5,000 people, healed lepers, and delivered people from evil spirits. These actions stirred up the people and challenged the status quo. As we observe Jesus during Holy Week, we are invited to decide if he is worthy of our loyalty and worship.

The Significance of the Cross

The cross is framed not as a failure but as the ultimate act of love and sacrifice. Jesus identified with human suffering and called for mercy even as he was crucified. The leaders scoffed at him, and the soldiers mocked him, yet Jesus responded with forgiveness and compassion. The cross symbolizes Jesus' willingness to lower himself to the depths of human suffering and offer himself as a substitute and sacrifice for humanity.

Invitation to Faith

Fr. Christopher emphasizes that Jesus draws near to humanity in their weaknesses and sorrows, inviting them to trust in him. Jesus' death was not the death of a righteous man surrounded by loved ones but the death of a victim of miscarriages of justice, abandoned by friends. Yet, in his great humility, Jesus walked with us and offered forgiveness for all. He invites us to contemplate his death and recognize that he died a death like ours, offering us the hope of resurrection and eternal life.

Hope in Resurrection

He concludes with the hope that believers can attain eternal life through Christ's death. This is the core promise of the gospel. Jesus' death and resurrection are not distant events but are intimately connected to our lives. As we celebrate Holy Week, we are reminded that Jesus' sacrifice offers us new life and the promise of resurrection.

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