In John 2, Jesus began his public ministry with two incidents that started the countdown toward what he called “my hour.” Turning water into wine and driving out the marketers from the Temple courts seemed like two unrelated incidents. However, they both indicated that Jesus came to replace religious activities that could never take away sins. Also, these signs pointed forward to the way that he would take away sins: his death and resurrection. (Here are Larry’s complete sermon notes.)
Ever since there began to be two groups preaching and baptizing, there were those who wanted to set up a competition between them. In...
God has always been with his people, in various ways and temporarily in Old Testament times and later and permanently in human flesh.
The parable of the workers in the vineyard reminds us that entering the kingdom of God is not about our work but God’s generosity.