Almost all humans recognize that there is a gap between what we should do and what we actually do. Also, we have invented many methods to try to deal with that gap. Unfortunately, we repeatedly discover that our methods don’t ultimately work. In John 1:19-34, John (the Baptist) called Jesus “the Lamb of God” and claimed that he is able to take away that gap in our lives. (Here are Larry’s complete sermon notes.)
Our little work of accepting each other in the church is part of the big work God is doing in the world.
Four short parables point to the surpassing value of the kingdom of God and the need to find it now.
This first parable from Matthew provides the key to understanding all the parables and to entering the kingdom of God.
