In response to the pride and feelings of superiority of the Pharisees, Jesus told 3 parables. The lost sheep, the lost coin and the lost son. In these he describes God as loving and merciful, seeking and welcoming the lost.

In Philippians 1 Paul describes his imprisonment as beneficial. It serves to further the gospel’s reach. Whether he’s released or looses his life, Jesus matters most.

As Paul begins his letter to the church at Philippi, he thanks them for their partnership and urges them to live out the way of Jesus in their time and place.

In the Great Commission, Jesus urges his disciples to make disciples. We too are invited to both be disciples and make disciples.

After his resurrection, Jesus appears to his disciples. He invites Thomas to lean in with all his questions and doubts, and he invites Peter to lean in with all his imperfections and failures. We too are invited to experience the Risen Savior.

Jesus meets two disciples on the road to Emmaus who are confused and processing Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. He explains from scripture God’s plan of redemption for humanity. We are invited into this resurrection life today.

Jesus' resurrection proved he is the Son of God and demonstrated his victory over death and evil. We are invited to resurrection life in here and now and for all eternity.

On Palm Sunday, we remember Jesus entering Jerusalem to a crowd cheering for the Son of David, the Messiah, the King who has arrived. Yet, days later a crowd will also chant, "Crucify him!" How do we receive Jesus?

As his ministry begins, Jesus’ identity as the Son of God is tested in the wilderness. Where humanity has failed to resist temptation, Jesus remains faithful. Like him, we are invited to depend on God and use Scripture to stand firm.

As God continues to lead the Israelites into the desert toward the Promised Land, they run out of food, and God miraculously provides manna for the people. Centuries later, Jesus comes as the Bread of Life offering abundant life to all who follow Him.