Calvary Chapel Sydney

As Jesus headed towards crucifixion on Calvary He provided an example of one clothed with humility and was a servant of all. Greatness in the kingdom of God is not based upon seniority but is revealed in lowliness of mind, surrender to God and obedience to God's will.

When Jesus observed the Passover and Feast of Unleavened Bread, He instituted a major shift from looking back to God's deliverance of the Hebrews from slavery in Egypt to what Jesus would accomplish on Calvary. All who rejoice and celebrate Jesus as our Passover ought to remove the leaven of sin from our lives to walk sincerely with Jesus who is the Truth.

James exhorts the believer to persevere through trials and temptations. However, these serve a spiritual purpose in the believer’s life to strengthen and approve our faith in God, being molded more into the image of Jesus Christ. The believer is to be faithful, being diligent in seeking and serving God, that fruit may be produced that glorifies God.

As Jesus taught He answered questions asked by His disciples. Jesus revealed insights about the future and exhorted His followers to hold fast to the truth. The disciples desired a timeline but Jesus gave them far better: a mouth and wisdom to answer and settled hearts to understand troubling signs revealed their redemption drew near.

Jesus contrasted the scribes who sought what they could gain with a poor widow who gave God all. In light of God giving Himself for us, we ought to first give ourselves to God as living sacrifices for His glory. It is more blessed to give than to receive.

Jesus came to earth as Messiah and overcame His opposition and enemies face to face. He silenced them with His wisdom while instructing those who follow Him in faith. Jesus is a King and Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek, and He is our LORD at hand ready to save.

As He preached the Gospel in the temple, Jesus was questioned concerning where His authority came from. His questioners did not believe they spoke to the LORD with all authority in heaven and earth! Jesus spoke a parable against those who sought to destroy Him, and He revealed the kingdom of God would be given to those who produced the fruit of it.

Jesus was obedient to the Father and went to Jerusalem knowing He would be rejected. He needed to humble Himself to embrace the process determined by God to save sinners to meet all our need. If we will be saved, we need to choose God's way through faith in Jesus.

Jesus told a parable to teach His disciples there would be a delay before His kingdom would be established. He emphasised the privilege of His servants to labour for His sake during His absence because Jesus is coming quickly and His reward is with Him.

Because Jesus has come to us, there is no limitation or deficiency too great to overcome to meet with Jesus by faith in Him. Are we willing to cry out for mercy or lay aside our pride to joyfully receive our Saviour?

Man tries to justify himself in vain, but those who humble themselves before God in repentance and faith He will justify. Coming to Jesus as little children is a requirement to enter the kingdom of God and receive eternal life.

Jesus teaches us truth about how we are blessed. As we live out our lives day by day, it can sometimes feel as if we are not blessed. We might think things like “What have I done wrong?” “Am I missing something because I’m not feeling blessed?” “Why is it so hard?” What did Jesus actually teach on being blessed?

While teaching concerning the kingdom of God, Jesus revealed His inevitable, unexpected return will result in the judgment of unbelievers. For people who would suffer for following Jesus the Parable of the Unjust Judge was an awesome reminder of God's love, care, and salvation of those who trust Him.

Jesus taught His disciples they had a duty to forgive others as God had forgiven them. Even when they had done all He commanded they remained unprofitable servants who benefited greatly by their loving and lasting relationship with Him. It is our duty to take heed to ourselves we are like the cleansed leper who returned with praise and thanksgiving to God.

After identifying His listeners as those who tried in vain to justify themselves, Jesus shared the story of the rich man and Lazarus. It is a cautionary revelation of the everlasting result of a life lived for self, and a comforting promise for those who repent and believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ because those God will vindicate.

No one wants to waste what they value. Through the Parable of the Unjust Steward Jesus taught the practical importance of making the most of our opportunities in this life with eyes on eternity. The ones who are faithful to give themselves to God He will commit the true, enduring riches of the kingdom of God.

Through three parables Jesus taught His hearers how God seeks and rejoices over all those who repent. How gracious is the almighty God who is love, extends grace, and is compassionate to all. Whether we align more with the older or younger brother at the moment, we always ought to rejoice in our great God who loves and receives those who repent (with rejoicing!).

God has given people the freedom to choose to follow Him or make excuses. As flavourful salt and a lit lamp serve purposes, the disciples of Jesus are evidenced through love of God, making disciples, taking up our cross, and following Him. After counting the cost and making peace with God, may our good works be seen by all so God will receive glory.

After Jesus responded to the invitation of a Pharisee to dine, He miraculously healed a man and showed compassion all His followers are to emulate. More than preaching good manners Jesus was an example of humility, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

Jesus used parables to teach people about the kingdom of God, and he promised what was hidden would be revealed. People who assumed they would be included in the kingdom of God would be shut out, but all who believe in Jesus and His Gospel will be born again. Through His death and resurrection Jesus would bring the once hidden power of the Gospel to light. Praise the LORD!