Home
The Teachings of Jesus
September 7, 2025 The Language of Jesus: “Awakening and Response”
SCRIPTURE READING Matthew 13: 44-46 (NRSV)
The Language of Jesus: “Awakening and Response” Rev. HeeYoung (Lucas) Lim
When I was a child, from a Korean perspective, Jesus looked like a stranger.
More precisely, for me, he looked like an American white man.
In the painting of Jesus, The Sacred Painting that I saw, Jesus was mostly white.
Even now, when I think of Jesus, I think of a Caucasian Jesus.
When I was living in Paraguay, I saw a white man who looked a lot like the picture of Jesus. It was at the Roosevelt Library in the American Culture center in Paraguay. When I was studying with some friends there was a person next to us who was looking for some books. I looked at his face, and it looked exactly like the person in the painting of Jesus that I knew.
I remember my Paraguayan friend who was in that library with me. He looked at the teacher’s face and asked him, “Are You Jesus?.” And he just laughed and said that his name was Nick. He was an English teacher at the American Cultural Center in Paraguay at that time.
. After that, whenever I saw teacher Nick, I greeted him by putting my hands together respectfully in a prayerful position. He had experienced those kinds of attitudes from others. I remember Mr. Nick accepted my greeting with a big smile. I also remember that I told my friends that those who want to see Jesus, you have to go to the American Cultural Center in Paraguay.
Let me ask a question. Some of you can answer me privately but I am a little curious about how the image of a white Jesus is understood by others. In other words, if you were to imagine an image of a white Jesus who looked like a white Jesus, would you find it familiar or unfamiliar? How’s the image of white Jesus shaping you and your faith?
For me, Jesus was actually a stranger. When I was a child, I did not speak English, so the English speaking white Jesus was a stranger and that was normal for me. And how about you? Are you on the same page or not?
Scholars don't actually believe that Jesus looked like the images of the white man depicted today. It would be virtually impossible to reconstruct an accurate first-century image of Jesus today. The true to life appearance of Jesus would be very unfamiliar for all of us today. And unfamiliar means, in other words, a stranger.
All four gospels tell us about the story of Jesus and the core message of these four gospels is Jesus is the good news of God. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, record the teachings of Jesus' life and the whole life of Jesus is the gospel. And, that’s the life of the Kingdom of God.
At the time that Jesus lived, the understanding of Jesus as the good news, was a very strange message to the people of Israel. Especially to the religious leaders, this teaching seemed to be out of the Jewish tradition. However, the teaching and whole life of Jesus was the best interpretation and fulfillment of Jewish tradition.
However, many of the religious leaders of that time, rejected Jesus’s teaching because it was unfamiliar.
On the other hand, those who were defined by the religious leaders of the day as sinners, as not being children of God, they found in the gospel message in Jesus' teaching a different perspective. Even though the teachings were unfamiliar, they realized even sinners are the children of God. They are the descendants of Abraham.
In that sense, Jesus' first calling the people to repentance (μετανοεῖτε) is a very refreshing message. It's a word that brings a new awareness of life as God, as God's people, to what they had known as the citizens of God.
This word, metanoeite(μετανοεῖτε), awake and response, is the lens through which the two parables we read today that we read. It is sometimes defined as changing one’s mind or conversion.
The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. A man found it and reburied it; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
It is easy to understand the meaning of the kingdom of heaven as a treasure hidden in a field in this context. But the kingdom of God is not only finding the hidden treasure in the field, but also the act of selling everything and buying the field.
If grace is the discovery of the treasure hidden in the field, then Jesus' teaching is that the kingdom of God is the decision to surrender everything you have in order to receive or possess that grace, the gift.
The second parable is a relevant story.
"The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls; and when he finds one of great value, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it.
Again, the second parable emphasizes the action of decision, the giving up of all one has in order to obtain a pearl of great value.
Through these two parables, we get a glimpse of Jesus' thoughts.
To live your life in the kingdom of God is an action, a decision to accept and follow the teachings of Jesus in order to be the people of the kingdom of God. Actually, Jesus showed us what being citizens of the Kingdom of God looked like by how he lived His own life every day.
Jesus' teachings would not have been familiar to everyone.
Sadly, it probably didn't reach everyone.
The parables illustrate that.
The treasure hidden in the field is not visible to many people because they have never seen it. That means the kingdom of God is invisible to those who haven't discovered the hidden treasure. In the story of the merchant who bought a valuable pearl, not everyone realized how valuable it was. So the merchant sold everything he owned and bought the pearl!
Grace is a free gift, and so these persons who found the treasure hidden in the field and who found the pearl experienced that grace. But they didn't stay where they were; they put that grace into their actions. They sold everything in themselves to make Grace their own.
The gospel of Jesus Christ, the good news of the kingdom of God, can be also invisible in the 21st century, as it was in the first century, and perhaps even in our daily lives.
However, the value of grace can be found in the places where we come and go. The point is what we are doing with that Grace. The value of that Grace can come to us. Our choice is whether we are ready to receive it or not. When that value is revealed to our eyes through the language of Jesus Christ, are we ready to leave everything behind and follow that value?
The treasure of the field, the pearl of great value, in other words, it symbolizes Jesus Christ.
The gospel of the kingdom of God, Jesus Christ, demands awakening and making choices from you and me today.
Here is the awakeness question to us: is Jesus still needed today in the 21st century? We all believe, Yes, we need Jesus even today. We need Jesus to lead us to the way. Then where is our response to finding the treasure and the pearl of great value?
Do we really believe that Jesus leads us to eternal life and that is a great value for us?
If so, does the value of Jesus leading us cause us to give up everything and focus on him? It does not mean that you have to give up all your worldly belongings. It means we need to believe that you have enough with Jesus in your lives.
Is Jesus good news for us? In other words, is Jesus your final treasure or great value of pearl?
Jesus Christ means everything to us.
He is still telling us to open our eyes, to wake up.
He still tells us that there are treasures that are not seen, but are priceless. He still tells us that there is a pearl of great value that is worth more than anything else.
He's not talking about us getting rich. Being rich is not the end. Jesus is not telling us to find more precious treasures, nor is He telling us to accumulate more wealth. It is an awakening and response when we find Grace, Jesus. Awakeness is not enough if there is no response. Our response is to accept Jesus and to follow His teachings throughout our lives, then we will celebrate for we are the people of God. And the Bible tells us that will be enough.
Let us pray.
Let Your gospel and your message be enough for us, for our church, today.
Let us rejoice, with our awakening and response. In Jesus’s name we pray. Amen.
September 7, 2025 The Language of Jesus: “Awakening and Response”
SCRIPTURE READING Matthew 13: 44-46 (NRSV)
The Language of Jesus: “Awakening and Response” Rev. HeeYoung (Lucas) Lim
When I was a child, from a Korean perspective, Jesus looked like a stranger.
More precisely, for me, he looked like an American white man.
In the painting of Jesus, The Sacred Painting that I saw, Jesus was mostly white.
Even now, when I think of Jesus, I think of a Caucasian Jesus.
When I was living in Paraguay, I saw a white man who looked a lot like the picture of Jesus. It was at the Roosevelt Library in the American Culture center in Paraguay. When I was studying with some friends there was a person next to us who was looking for some books. I looked at his face, and it looked exactly like the person in the painting of Jesus that I knew.
I remember my Paraguayan friend who was in that library with me. He looked at the teacher’s face and asked him, “Are You Jesus?.” And he just laughed and said that his name was Nick. He was an English teacher at the American Cultural Center in Paraguay at that time.
. After that, whenever I saw teacher Nick, I greeted him by putting my hands together respectfully in a prayerful position. He had experienced those kinds of attitudes from others. I remember Mr. Nick accepted my greeting with a big smile. I also remember that I told my friends that those who want to see Jesus, you have to go to the American Cultural Center in Paraguay.
Let me ask a question. Some of you can answer me privately but I am a little curious about how the image of a white Jesus is understood by others. In other words, if you were to imagine an image of a white Jesus who looked like a white Jesus, would you find it familiar or unfamiliar? How’s the image of white Jesus shaping you and your faith?
For me, Jesus was actually a stranger. When I was a child, I did not speak English, so the English speaking white Jesus was a stranger and that was normal for me. And how about you? Are you on the same page or not?
Scholars don't actually believe that Jesus looked like the images of the white man depicted today. It would be virtually impossible to reconstruct an accurate first-century image of Jesus today. The true to life appearance of Jesus would be very unfamiliar for all of us today. And unfamiliar means, in other words, a stranger.
All four gospels tell us about the story of Jesus and the core message of these four gospels is Jesus is the good news of God. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, record the teachings of Jesus' life and the whole life of Jesus is the gospel. And, that’s the life of the Kingdom of God.
At the time that Jesus lived, the understanding of Jesus as the good news, was a very strange message to the people of Israel. Especially to the religious leaders, this teaching seemed to be out of the Jewish tradition. However, the teaching and whole life of Jesus was the best interpretation and fulfillment of Jewish tradition.
However, many of the religious leaders of that time, rejected Jesus’s teaching because it was unfamiliar.
On the other hand, those who were defined by the religious leaders of the day as sinners, as not being children of God, they found in the gospel message in Jesus' teaching a different perspective. Even though the teachings were unfamiliar, they realized even sinners are the children of God. They are the descendants of Abraham.
In that sense, Jesus' first calling the people to repentance (μετανοεῖτε) is a very refreshing message. It's a word that brings a new awareness of life as God, as God's people, to what they had known as the citizens of God.
This word, metanoeite(μετανοεῖτε), awake and response, is the lens through which the two parables we read today that we read. It is sometimes defined as changing one’s mind or conversion.
The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. A man found it and reburied it; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
It is easy to understand the meaning of the kingdom of heaven as a treasure hidden in a field in this context. But the kingdom of God is not only finding the hidden treasure in the field, but also the act of selling everything and buying the field.
If grace is the discovery of the treasure hidden in the field, then Jesus' teaching is that the kingdom of God is the decision to surrender everything you have in order to receive or possess that grace, the gift.
The second parable is a relevant story.
"The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls; and when he finds one of great value, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it.
Again, the second parable emphasizes the action of decision, the giving up of all one has in order to obtain a pearl of great value.
Through these two parables, we get a glimpse of Jesus' thoughts.
To live your life in the kingdom of God is an action, a decision to accept and follow the teachings of Jesus in order to be the people of the kingdom of God. Actually, Jesus showed us what being citizens of the Kingdom of God looked like by how he lived His own life every day.
Jesus' teachings would not have been familiar to everyone.
Sadly, it probably didn't reach everyone.
The parables illustrate that.
The treasure hidden in the field is not visible to many people because they have never seen it. That means the kingdom of God is invisible to those who haven't discovered the hidden treasure. In the story of the merchant who bought a valuable pearl, not everyone realized how valuable it was. So the merchant sold everything he owned and bought the pearl!
Grace is a free gift, and so these persons who found the treasure hidden in the field and who found the pearl experienced that grace. But they didn't stay where they were; they put that grace into their actions. They sold everything in themselves to make Grace their own.
The gospel of Jesus Christ, the good news of the kingdom of God, can be also invisible in the 21st century, as it was in the first century, and perhaps even in our daily lives.
However, the value of grace can be found in the places where we come and go. The point is what we are doing with that Grace. The value of that Grace can come to us. Our choice is whether we are ready to receive it or not. When that value is revealed to our eyes through the language of Jesus Christ, are we ready to leave everything behind and follow that value?
The treasure of the field, the pearl of great value, in other words, it symbolizes Jesus Christ.
The gospel of the kingdom of God, Jesus Christ, demands awakening and making choices from you and me today.
Here is the awakeness question to us: is Jesus still needed today in the 21st century? We all believe, Yes, we need Jesus even today. We need Jesus to lead us to the way. Then where is our response to finding the treasure and the pearl of great value?
Do we really believe that Jesus leads us to eternal life and that is a great value for us?
If so, does the value of Jesus leading us cause us to give up everything and focus on him? It does not mean that you have to give up all your worldly belongings. It means we need to believe that you have enough with Jesus in your lives.
Is Jesus good news for us? In other words, is Jesus your final treasure or great value of pearl?
Jesus Christ means everything to us.
He is still telling us to open our eyes, to wake up.
He still tells us that there are treasures that are not seen, but are priceless. He still tells us that there is a pearl of great value that is worth more than anything else.
He's not talking about us getting rich. Being rich is not the end. Jesus is not telling us to find more precious treasures, nor is He telling us to accumulate more wealth. It is an awakening and response when we find Grace, Jesus. Awakeness is not enough if there is no response. Our response is to accept Jesus and to follow His teachings throughout our lives, then we will celebrate for we are the people of God. And the Bible tells us that will be enough.
Let us pray.
Let Your gospel and your message be enough for us, for our church, today.
Let us rejoice, with our awakening and response. In Jesus’s name we pray. Amen.
September 14, 2025 Clear Words, Clear Life Rev. HeeYoung (Lucas) Lim
Matthew 7: (15-20) 21-27 (NRSV)
Clear Words, Clear Life
In America, immigrant people say it is good to have friends like these: a plumber, an electrician, a heating (company) person, and a car mechanic. And I think this is not only for immigrants but everyone. Isn’t it? I thank God. I have some friends like that.
Today, I want to tell you about my friend. He is a car mechanic. His name is Augustine.
I met Augustine when I served the church in Rutherford. At that time, he was not very active in church. He was just a visitor and not a professing member. Someone said that he came to the church only once or twice a month (or bimonthly).
We became closer during the COVID season because we both got sick at the same time. During those two weeks, we called and asked each other about how we were feeling and how our symptoms were improving. Then we said and decided, “When we get better, let’s eat together.”
Later, after we both healed from the COVID, we met at his mechanic. We talked about many things. We talked about Mexico, the state where he grew up, and how he learned to fix cars.
Then we talked about Christian faith. It was not my intention. I just asked him about when he first visited the church. Then he shared a little bit of his thoughts. He said, “Many friends tried to make me a believer. But I was not convinced.”
And he explained a little bit of the details. When people told him about Jesus, he thought and raised these questions: “How can I meet Jesus who lived 2,000 years ago?”
People told him, “You must Love Jesus. You must believe that Jesus loves you”
But he asked, “How can I love someone I have never met?” So he asked them again, “How can I love Jesus, if I never saw Him?”
His Christian friends did not like those questions. They told him, “You have no faith.” And some of his friends left him because of that. So, Augustine thought, “Then, I must have no faith.”
That made sense to me at that time. So, I asked by myself, can we love Jesus whom we never met? Actually, he did not ask me that question. However, that question stuck in my mind.
And honestly, I did not have a quick answer for him.
As I am from a Christian family background, I had never asked this before. So, I paused while he was talking to me. Then I said, “You are right, Augustine. We cannot meet Jesus of the 1st Century in person today.”
We, as the Christians, often think we know Jesus well. We believe He saved us. We try to follow His teaching. We received the words of Jesus as Christians, and that means we are the followers of Jesus.
But Augustine’s question made me think again. “How can Jesus, who lived 2,000 years ago, love us today?” “How can you prove that?”
If someone asked you those questions, what would you say?
Today’s Bible text is the end of Jesus’ sermon that he taught on the mountain (Matthew 5–7). So, it is called the Sermon on the Mount.
And the verses that we read today are the ending part of this sermon on the mountain. It can summarized like this: God cares about our heart, not just our actions. It is not only about doing great works or wielding great power. It is about the fruit that we produce. Good trees will produce great fruit.
It is like a person building the house on rock.
Let’s think a little bit detail what Jesus said at at that time:
(v. 21) “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.
Jesus focused on the action in order to become the people of God
Then the people answered Jesus, (v. 22) “‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And that response make sense because Jesus mentioned “doing” so they responded with what they “did”
However, Jesus answered coldly, “I never knew you. Go away from Me. you who behave lawlessly”
That sounds very harsh. They did big things in the name of Jesus, the Lord. But still, Jesus said, “I don’t know you.”
Prophecy is important. Helping people is important. Doing justice in God’s name is important. But what else? Did they miss something else? Calling and doing in the Lord’s name is not enough?
Here is the warning point of Jesus in today’s verses. Calling and doing something with the Lord's name is not enough if our will is not on the same page with God’s will.
Living as a child of God is not just using His name.
It is like a good tree. A good tree bears good fruit. A good tree does not bear bad fruit. An apple tree gives apples. So a child of God shows God’s life.
So we ask, “Who can truly live as a Christian?” And the answer to that question is those who have Jesus in their heart.
Now, Jesus shares another story with us. One man built a house on rock. Another built a house on sand. The lesson is simple. A strong house needs a strong foundation. Building on rock is hard work. Sand is easier. But only rock makes the house strong.
Jesus is saying: Living by His words is not easy. It takes effort. The way is not easy. It is a narrow, hard one.
This is not about bragging to someone about your masterpieces. It is not about success. It is about the heart and the action being one. It is about living with a pure heart, the heart of Jesus. It is about carrying Jesus in us and our lives.
So we can answer follow up questions like these: “Do my actions show Jesus?” “Are my actions rooted in God?”
Doing great things may impress people. Casting out demons. Doing miracles. Speaking like a prophet. That’s so cool for others.
But Jesus’ focus is not on our nominal actions. His focus is on the foundation of us. Do we build on Christ? Like a good tree bears good fruit, a true Christian life grows from Christ.
Are we living Jesus’ clear words in a clear life for us?
Let me go back to my friend Augustine as I conclude this sermon. At that time, I did not give him a perfect answer. I could not say, “You have no faith” because that was not a good answer for him. I could not say, “Just come to church and you’ll be fine” because that’s too easy. I was not sure what would work for him.
Secretly, I prayed for a minute. Then God gave me wisdom.
So, I told him this: “Augustine, you are right. We cannot meet Jesus from the first century.
But we can meet people who live like Jesus today. And that's what we called Christian.
I am one of them, I am not perfect but I try everyday.
If you are with me, then you will know a little bit about Jesus of the first century. And you will feel that Jesus loves you as Jesus loves me”
He watched me and said “I will try.”
After that, every time I met him, I prayed. I prayed that my life would show Jesus clearly to him. My words would show Jesus clearly to him.
As the time passed, Augustine became a professing member of the United Methodist Church. He professed his belief in front of the people that he will be a follower of Jesus.
He began to serve the church and to help many people. He comforted the sick. He encouraged the weak. Through him, many people felt God’s love. I saw good fruit in him. I even learned from him. He showed me what the life of Jesus of the 1st century looked like. He was learning Jesus’ clear words and clear life.
Last Tuesday, he called me. He was very sad. His thirty-year-old nephew died in a big car accident. He asked me to lead the funeral on Friday and Saturday. I joined the services.
It was not easy. I saw his pain. His pain and the pain of family members. All were grieving. His mother, sisters, nephew’s young wife and children were deeply sad.
But I also saw his faith. He did not fall apart. He stood on the rock. When he read the obituary of his nephew, as his uncle, it was a beautiful time as he shared the story of Mr. Francisco.
So many people and family members were comforted by what Augustine said. Despite the fact that he was weeping, he was okay because of God and God’s people. He said he felt God’s peace even in sorrow.
And I saw that Augustine had built his life on the rock of Christ. I hugged him and stayed until the end of the funeral services.
Jesus’ clear words and clear life invite us. It is not easy to build on the rock. It takes time. It takes effort. But it is strong. It will last.
May our words and our lives be one. May they be clear in Christ. May our lives bear good fruit.
That’s the life of Christians
Let us pray.
Lord Jesus, We put our roots in You. Help us live by Your Word. Let our lives bear good fruit.
Even if the way is hard, make our lives firm on the rock. In Jesus’s name, we
Matthew 7: (15-20) 21-27 (NRSV)
Clear Words, Clear Life
In America, immigrant people say it is good to have friends like these: a plumber, an electrician, a heating (company) person, and a car mechanic. And I think this is not only for immigrants but everyone. Isn’t it? I thank God. I have some friends like that.
Today, I want to tell you about my friend. He is a car mechanic. His name is Augustine.
I met Augustine when I served the church in Rutherford. At that time, he was not very active in church. He was just a visitor and not a professing member. Someone said that he came to the church only once or twice a month (or bimonthly).
We became closer during the COVID season because we both got sick at the same time. During those two weeks, we called and asked each other about how we were feeling and how our symptoms were improving. Then we said and decided, “When we get better, let’s eat together.”
Later, after we both healed from the COVID, we met at his mechanic. We talked about many things. We talked about Mexico, the state where he grew up, and how he learned to fix cars.
Then we talked about Christian faith. It was not my intention. I just asked him about when he first visited the church. Then he shared a little bit of his thoughts. He said, “Many friends tried to make me a believer. But I was not convinced.”
And he explained a little bit of the details. When people told him about Jesus, he thought and raised these questions: “How can I meet Jesus who lived 2,000 years ago?”
People told him, “You must Love Jesus. You must believe that Jesus loves you”
But he asked, “How can I love someone I have never met?” So he asked them again, “How can I love Jesus, if I never saw Him?”
His Christian friends did not like those questions. They told him, “You have no faith.” And some of his friends left him because of that. So, Augustine thought, “Then, I must have no faith.”
That made sense to me at that time. So, I asked by myself, can we love Jesus whom we never met? Actually, he did not ask me that question. However, that question stuck in my mind.
And honestly, I did not have a quick answer for him.
As I am from a Christian family background, I had never asked this before. So, I paused while he was talking to me. Then I said, “You are right, Augustine. We cannot meet Jesus of the 1st Century in person today.”
We, as the Christians, often think we know Jesus well. We believe He saved us. We try to follow His teaching. We received the words of Jesus as Christians, and that means we are the followers of Jesus.
But Augustine’s question made me think again. “How can Jesus, who lived 2,000 years ago, love us today?” “How can you prove that?”
If someone asked you those questions, what would you say?
Today’s Bible text is the end of Jesus’ sermon that he taught on the mountain (Matthew 5–7). So, it is called the Sermon on the Mount.
And the verses that we read today are the ending part of this sermon on the mountain. It can summarized like this: God cares about our heart, not just our actions. It is not only about doing great works or wielding great power. It is about the fruit that we produce. Good trees will produce great fruit.
It is like a person building the house on rock.
Let’s think a little bit detail what Jesus said at at that time:
(v. 21) “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.
Jesus focused on the action in order to become the people of God
Then the people answered Jesus, (v. 22) “‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And that response make sense because Jesus mentioned “doing” so they responded with what they “did”
However, Jesus answered coldly, “I never knew you. Go away from Me. you who behave lawlessly”
That sounds very harsh. They did big things in the name of Jesus, the Lord. But still, Jesus said, “I don’t know you.”
Prophecy is important. Helping people is important. Doing justice in God’s name is important. But what else? Did they miss something else? Calling and doing in the Lord’s name is not enough?
Here is the warning point of Jesus in today’s verses. Calling and doing something with the Lord's name is not enough if our will is not on the same page with God’s will.
Living as a child of God is not just using His name.
It is like a good tree. A good tree bears good fruit. A good tree does not bear bad fruit. An apple tree gives apples. So a child of God shows God’s life.
So we ask, “Who can truly live as a Christian?” And the answer to that question is those who have Jesus in their heart.
Now, Jesus shares another story with us. One man built a house on rock. Another built a house on sand. The lesson is simple. A strong house needs a strong foundation. Building on rock is hard work. Sand is easier. But only rock makes the house strong.
Jesus is saying: Living by His words is not easy. It takes effort. The way is not easy. It is a narrow, hard one.
This is not about bragging to someone about your masterpieces. It is not about success. It is about the heart and the action being one. It is about living with a pure heart, the heart of Jesus. It is about carrying Jesus in us and our lives.
So we can answer follow up questions like these: “Do my actions show Jesus?” “Are my actions rooted in God?”
Doing great things may impress people. Casting out demons. Doing miracles. Speaking like a prophet. That’s so cool for others.
But Jesus’ focus is not on our nominal actions. His focus is on the foundation of us. Do we build on Christ? Like a good tree bears good fruit, a true Christian life grows from Christ.
Are we living Jesus’ clear words in a clear life for us?
Let me go back to my friend Augustine as I conclude this sermon. At that time, I did not give him a perfect answer. I could not say, “You have no faith” because that was not a good answer for him. I could not say, “Just come to church and you’ll be fine” because that’s too easy. I was not sure what would work for him.
Secretly, I prayed for a minute. Then God gave me wisdom.
So, I told him this: “Augustine, you are right. We cannot meet Jesus from the first century.
But we can meet people who live like Jesus today. And that's what we called Christian.
I am one of them, I am not perfect but I try everyday.
If you are with me, then you will know a little bit about Jesus of the first century. And you will feel that Jesus loves you as Jesus loves me”
He watched me and said “I will try.”
After that, every time I met him, I prayed. I prayed that my life would show Jesus clearly to him. My words would show Jesus clearly to him.
As the time passed, Augustine became a professing member of the United Methodist Church. He professed his belief in front of the people that he will be a follower of Jesus.
He began to serve the church and to help many people. He comforted the sick. He encouraged the weak. Through him, many people felt God’s love. I saw good fruit in him. I even learned from him. He showed me what the life of Jesus of the 1st century looked like. He was learning Jesus’ clear words and clear life.
Last Tuesday, he called me. He was very sad. His thirty-year-old nephew died in a big car accident. He asked me to lead the funeral on Friday and Saturday. I joined the services.
It was not easy. I saw his pain. His pain and the pain of family members. All were grieving. His mother, sisters, nephew’s young wife and children were deeply sad.
But I also saw his faith. He did not fall apart. He stood on the rock. When he read the obituary of his nephew, as his uncle, it was a beautiful time as he shared the story of Mr. Francisco.
So many people and family members were comforted by what Augustine said. Despite the fact that he was weeping, he was okay because of God and God’s people. He said he felt God’s peace even in sorrow.
And I saw that Augustine had built his life on the rock of Christ. I hugged him and stayed until the end of the funeral services.
Jesus’ clear words and clear life invite us. It is not easy to build on the rock. It takes time. It takes effort. But it is strong. It will last.
May our words and our lives be one. May they be clear in Christ. May our lives bear good fruit.
That’s the life of Christians
Let us pray.
Lord Jesus, We put our roots in You. Help us live by Your Word. Let our lives bear good fruit.
Even if the way is hard, make our lives firm on the rock. In Jesus’s name, we
September 21, 2025 The Friend Who Shows God’s Wisdom Rev. HeeYoung (Lucas) Lim
Luke 7: 33-35 (NRSV)
Welcome to Picnic Sunday in Westwood Church!
Coming to church every Sunday is not an easy choice.
That’s why I thought—at least twice a year or more—it’s good for us to gather together, to enjoy a seasonal gathering.
A time when everyone can come, and feel welcome, and enjoy. That’s what Picnic Sunday is all about! Just come and enjoy.
Picnic Sunday also reminds us of one thing very important: God’s invitation of love. It’s not just for church members who have a membership. It’s for everyone. So, today is a day to share God’s love with all people.
And guess what? Today is an extra special Picnic Sunday. At one o’clock in the afternoon., we’ll also have live music!
This was not in the original plan that I had.
But because Mr. Warren and his friends gave their time and gifts to us, we now get to enjoy the music.
And it is my joy to introduce and be with Mr. Warren and his musician friends.
Today, I want to share one story with you. It’s about Jesus.
Back in the first century, people had a strong idea about who could be called “God’s children.”
They thought only people who obeyed all of God’s laws could belong to God.
If you didn’t, then you weren’t really God’s child.
It was much like how we live in America and follow American laws.
If you lived in God’s kingdom, they thought you had to follow all of God’s laws too.
But here’s the problem: there were so many religious laws, that many people couldn’t keep them all. Those who failed—or those who were seen as “sinners” by society—were pushed away. Only the very religious or holy groups thought they belonged to God's people.
Then, once Jesus was with them, Jesus did something shocking: He spent time with the people who were called “sinners.”
He ate meals with them. He talked with them. Because of this, some people called him a “glutton” and a “drunk.” They said he broke the rules.
But Jesus stood strong. He said:
“Wisdom is vindicated by all her children.”
What does that mean? It means Jesus showed God’s wisdom by what He did.
He showed that he truly came from God.
The word vindicate means “to prove something is right.”
Jesus proved that eating with all kinds of people—sharing food and sharing God’s love to the sinners, also called marginalized people at that time - was the right thing to do.
God’s kingdom is not for people who earn it or qualify for it. It is for people who are invited. It is a gift. That’s what “grace” means—a free gift.
Jesus came to bring us back into this loving relationship with God. The “grace of Jesus” is like a gift we could never earn, but God gives it to us with no cost.
And that is what Picnic Sunday is. Everything today is a gift for you—this worship, the food, and the music.
Our church members even prepared and brought foods and snacks, and Juices to share with you. Why? Because we are sharing the grace of Jesus. Picnic Sunday is a way to show that you are God’s beloved children too.
So today, if you are tired, if life feels heavy, hear this: you are welcome at this party in Jesus’ name.
May you hear God’s voice of peace and love for you on this Picnic Sunday.
As you eat, drink, and enjoy each other’s company, I pray this Picnic Sunday will overflow with God’s grace, peace, love, and comfort for you. And please share the grace of Jesus to those who need to be your neighbors.
Amen
Luke 7: 33-35 (NRSV)
Welcome to Picnic Sunday in Westwood Church!
Coming to church every Sunday is not an easy choice.
That’s why I thought—at least twice a year or more—it’s good for us to gather together, to enjoy a seasonal gathering.
A time when everyone can come, and feel welcome, and enjoy. That’s what Picnic Sunday is all about! Just come and enjoy.
Picnic Sunday also reminds us of one thing very important: God’s invitation of love. It’s not just for church members who have a membership. It’s for everyone. So, today is a day to share God’s love with all people.
And guess what? Today is an extra special Picnic Sunday. At one o’clock in the afternoon., we’ll also have live music!
This was not in the original plan that I had.
But because Mr. Warren and his friends gave their time and gifts to us, we now get to enjoy the music.
And it is my joy to introduce and be with Mr. Warren and his musician friends.
Today, I want to share one story with you. It’s about Jesus.
Back in the first century, people had a strong idea about who could be called “God’s children.”
They thought only people who obeyed all of God’s laws could belong to God.
If you didn’t, then you weren’t really God’s child.
It was much like how we live in America and follow American laws.
If you lived in God’s kingdom, they thought you had to follow all of God’s laws too.
But here’s the problem: there were so many religious laws, that many people couldn’t keep them all. Those who failed—or those who were seen as “sinners” by society—were pushed away. Only the very religious or holy groups thought they belonged to God's people.
Then, once Jesus was with them, Jesus did something shocking: He spent time with the people who were called “sinners.”
He ate meals with them. He talked with them. Because of this, some people called him a “glutton” and a “drunk.” They said he broke the rules.
But Jesus stood strong. He said:
“Wisdom is vindicated by all her children.”
What does that mean? It means Jesus showed God’s wisdom by what He did.
He showed that he truly came from God.
The word vindicate means “to prove something is right.”
Jesus proved that eating with all kinds of people—sharing food and sharing God’s love to the sinners, also called marginalized people at that time - was the right thing to do.
God’s kingdom is not for people who earn it or qualify for it. It is for people who are invited. It is a gift. That’s what “grace” means—a free gift.
Jesus came to bring us back into this loving relationship with God. The “grace of Jesus” is like a gift we could never earn, but God gives it to us with no cost.
And that is what Picnic Sunday is. Everything today is a gift for you—this worship, the food, and the music.
Our church members even prepared and brought foods and snacks, and Juices to share with you. Why? Because we are sharing the grace of Jesus. Picnic Sunday is a way to show that you are God’s beloved children too.
So today, if you are tired, if life feels heavy, hear this: you are welcome at this party in Jesus’ name.
May you hear God’s voice of peace and love for you on this Picnic Sunday.
As you eat, drink, and enjoy each other’s company, I pray this Picnic Sunday will overflow with God’s grace, peace, love, and comfort for you. And please share the grace of Jesus to those who need to be your neighbors.
Amen
September 28, 2025 The Upside-Down Language of Jesus Rev. HeeYoung (Lucas) Lim
Rev. HeeYoung (Lucas) Lim
The Upside-Down Language of Jesus
The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City has a special room. It is dedicated to the work of an artist named Man Ray(Emmanuel Radnitzky; 1890-1976). Among the artworks, one in particular captured my eye, displayed on the floor not the wall. Have you ever seen this artwork before?
What do you see in this artifact? I will give you ten seconds. (Or should I give you twenty?)
If you only see this picture that I share with you, you may not know the details behind this artifact.
You may confuse this with weather painting or photography.
Now, let me show you the full picture of this artwork. Do you see how it was created?
Yes, it had been made by clothes hangers. When I first saw this artwork, I felt a little bit confused. Because it seemed so simple that I thought, “I could make this too.”
I had hangers at home. (Of course, not the same kind of hangers.)
Maybe I can ask Marion Garnsey to get some. Maybe, if I talked with Bob Hurley, our active trustee member, we could make something even better than Man Ray’s piece. I stared at the hangers and the shadow on the floor.
It seemed strange. It made me curious. And the question came up. What was the artist trying to say to us?
At that moment, one math idea came to my mind. A hanger is 3D, but its shadow on the floor is 2D. When we only see the shadow, it looks simple. But it can make us imagine many things. This artwork feels like that.
When we only see the 2D shadow, our imagination takes over.
We might wonder, “How was this unusual design created? What created this shadow pattern? If we only see the 2-dimensional artwork, our interpretation of the shadow may be very different from the 3-dimensional source that created the shadow.
And what we imagine the shadow to be is often based on our culture, knowledge, and tradition.
In the same way, we often understand the words of God through culture and tradition. The Bible passage we read today is a long story with two parables, mustard seed, and the woman and the leaven(yeast).
As we have time limitation, I will take care of the story of Jesus who healed the woman and the second parable of leaven.
Jesus healed a woman on the Sabbath. That was one of his great miracles. The woman had been sick for eighteen years. An unclean spirit had made her worse.
But Jesus healed her, and everyone who witnessed that should have been happy to see this woman released from her suffering. But the religious leaders were not. They did not even think of the woman. They were focused on their tradition, that it was NOT appropriate that Jesus healed someone on the Sabbath day.
(A few Bible scholars even wonder if this woman might have been Mary Magdalene.)
But in Jewish tradition, people were not supposed to work on the Sabbath. So when Jesus healed her, the synagogue leader said Jesus broke a religious rule. And, Jesus answered with strong words. He called his critics hypocrites and said, “You take care of your animals on the Sabbath. You give them water.” “But you do not care about a daughter of God who is suffering.”
Through the action of healing a suffering woman, Jesus showed the true meaning of the Sabbath. The Sabbath is not only about rules. It is about freedom. It is about life. It is about remembering that God created the world and set His people free.
So, the Sabbath is not meant to control people with rigid traditions. It was meant to give life and to restore freedom to humanity.
Then Jesus told two short parables: the mustard seed and the yeast.
Today I want to focus on the parable of the leaven. Leaven is what we know as yeast. In the Old Testament, leaven is described as a symbol of corruption, because it is fermented or spoiled.
In Jewish tradition, both leaven and women were seen as unclean or inappropriate, and women were often pushed aside. But in Jesus’ parable, a woman and leaven - which is yeast - come together to make something wonderful happen.
For the people who loved Jesus, this parable may have brought joy and hope. But it must have made the religious leaders uncomfortable, because Jews avoided yeast and ate only unleavened bread.
So, the religious leaders must have been shocked when Jesus compared God’s kingdom to leaven…and added a woman who used the leaven to bake bread. This parable of Jesus is short, but its meaning is deep. Yes, leaven can symbolize corruption or destruction. But, leaven (yeast) can also make dough rise and yield more bread. From Jesus’s perspective, leaven makes it possible to feed many more people. So even something “unclean or inappropriate” can also be transformed to do good.
This parable describes the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus did not use images of authorities or powerful priests to describe that Kingdom. Rather, he used the image of a weak and small woman to describe the Kin(g)dom of God. Just as Jesus healed a woman on the Sabbath, He lifted up the lowly. For Jesus, yeast(leaven) became a symbol of God’s kin(g)dom spreading in a beautiful way.
According to the woman who made the bread, she mixed three batches of flour which can feed one hundred fifty people…a large number to feed at that time. A woman’s small act showed that anyone can live as God’s people.
When Jesus used “unclean or inappropriate” images, they became holy and beautiful expressions to describe the kin(g)dom of God. Through the voice of Jesus, they became a new way to describe God’s kingdom.
God’s kingdom was already with Jesus. It was hidden from the people who opposed Jesus. But it was revealed to God’s children who were ready to hear.
When Jesus said, even the words were not appropriate, that made appropriate description about the Kin(g)dom of God.
Now, let us return to the artifact that I shared with you.
A hanger is usually for hanging clothes. The existence of a hanger is for hanging clothes. But in the artist Man Ray’s hands, it became something more. It was not just a hanger anymore.
It became a mysterious shape from many dimensions, shining in two dimensions on the floor. The kingdom of God is like this. A life that seems worthless. A language that seems unclean or inappropriate. However, when Jesus speaks with them, these terms become beautiful descriptions. When Jesus speaks, they become words of heaven.
So, I hope our words can also follow Jesus’ words. When you and I speak the language for communicating with the people in the world, let us share the good news as Jesus did. Let our speaking and conversation with others be the good news because we are the people of God and we are the followers of Jesus. May our words give people a taste of God’s Kin(g)dom.
Let us pray.
Lord, thank You for showing us Your kingdom through the woman’s action. Her action with leaven, the yeast, created the Kin(g)dom of heaven.
When Jesus described them, the words became a holy and beautiful expression. God, we pray that you use your ways to reveal your good news. Remind us that it is not about our worth, but about Your calling. And let the people we meet today, experience Your kin(g)dom through our speaking and action.
In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Rev. HeeYoung (Lucas) Lim
The Upside-Down Language of Jesus
The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City has a special room. It is dedicated to the work of an artist named Man Ray(Emmanuel Radnitzky; 1890-1976). Among the artworks, one in particular captured my eye, displayed on the floor not the wall. Have you ever seen this artwork before?
What do you see in this artifact? I will give you ten seconds. (Or should I give you twenty?)
If you only see this picture that I share with you, you may not know the details behind this artifact.
You may confuse this with weather painting or photography.
Now, let me show you the full picture of this artwork. Do you see how it was created?
Yes, it had been made by clothes hangers. When I first saw this artwork, I felt a little bit confused. Because it seemed so simple that I thought, “I could make this too.”
I had hangers at home. (Of course, not the same kind of hangers.)
Maybe I can ask Marion Garnsey to get some. Maybe, if I talked with Bob Hurley, our active trustee member, we could make something even better than Man Ray’s piece. I stared at the hangers and the shadow on the floor.
It seemed strange. It made me curious. And the question came up. What was the artist trying to say to us?
At that moment, one math idea came to my mind. A hanger is 3D, but its shadow on the floor is 2D. When we only see the shadow, it looks simple. But it can make us imagine many things. This artwork feels like that.
When we only see the 2D shadow, our imagination takes over.
We might wonder, “How was this unusual design created? What created this shadow pattern? If we only see the 2-dimensional artwork, our interpretation of the shadow may be very different from the 3-dimensional source that created the shadow.
And what we imagine the shadow to be is often based on our culture, knowledge, and tradition.
In the same way, we often understand the words of God through culture and tradition. The Bible passage we read today is a long story with two parables, mustard seed, and the woman and the leaven(yeast).
As we have time limitation, I will take care of the story of Jesus who healed the woman and the second parable of leaven.
Jesus healed a woman on the Sabbath. That was one of his great miracles. The woman had been sick for eighteen years. An unclean spirit had made her worse.
But Jesus healed her, and everyone who witnessed that should have been happy to see this woman released from her suffering. But the religious leaders were not. They did not even think of the woman. They were focused on their tradition, that it was NOT appropriate that Jesus healed someone on the Sabbath day.
(A few Bible scholars even wonder if this woman might have been Mary Magdalene.)
But in Jewish tradition, people were not supposed to work on the Sabbath. So when Jesus healed her, the synagogue leader said Jesus broke a religious rule. And, Jesus answered with strong words. He called his critics hypocrites and said, “You take care of your animals on the Sabbath. You give them water.” “But you do not care about a daughter of God who is suffering.”
Through the action of healing a suffering woman, Jesus showed the true meaning of the Sabbath. The Sabbath is not only about rules. It is about freedom. It is about life. It is about remembering that God created the world and set His people free.
So, the Sabbath is not meant to control people with rigid traditions. It was meant to give life and to restore freedom to humanity.
Then Jesus told two short parables: the mustard seed and the yeast.
Today I want to focus on the parable of the leaven. Leaven is what we know as yeast. In the Old Testament, leaven is described as a symbol of corruption, because it is fermented or spoiled.
In Jewish tradition, both leaven and women were seen as unclean or inappropriate, and women were often pushed aside. But in Jesus’ parable, a woman and leaven - which is yeast - come together to make something wonderful happen.
For the people who loved Jesus, this parable may have brought joy and hope. But it must have made the religious leaders uncomfortable, because Jews avoided yeast and ate only unleavened bread.
So, the religious leaders must have been shocked when Jesus compared God’s kingdom to leaven…and added a woman who used the leaven to bake bread. This parable of Jesus is short, but its meaning is deep. Yes, leaven can symbolize corruption or destruction. But, leaven (yeast) can also make dough rise and yield more bread. From Jesus’s perspective, leaven makes it possible to feed many more people. So even something “unclean or inappropriate” can also be transformed to do good.
This parable describes the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus did not use images of authorities or powerful priests to describe that Kingdom. Rather, he used the image of a weak and small woman to describe the Kin(g)dom of God. Just as Jesus healed a woman on the Sabbath, He lifted up the lowly. For Jesus, yeast(leaven) became a symbol of God’s kin(g)dom spreading in a beautiful way.
According to the woman who made the bread, she mixed three batches of flour which can feed one hundred fifty people…a large number to feed at that time. A woman’s small act showed that anyone can live as God’s people.
When Jesus used “unclean or inappropriate” images, they became holy and beautiful expressions to describe the kin(g)dom of God. Through the voice of Jesus, they became a new way to describe God’s kingdom.
God’s kingdom was already with Jesus. It was hidden from the people who opposed Jesus. But it was revealed to God’s children who were ready to hear.
When Jesus said, even the words were not appropriate, that made appropriate description about the Kin(g)dom of God.
Now, let us return to the artifact that I shared with you.
A hanger is usually for hanging clothes. The existence of a hanger is for hanging clothes. But in the artist Man Ray’s hands, it became something more. It was not just a hanger anymore.
It became a mysterious shape from many dimensions, shining in two dimensions on the floor. The kingdom of God is like this. A life that seems worthless. A language that seems unclean or inappropriate. However, when Jesus speaks with them, these terms become beautiful descriptions. When Jesus speaks, they become words of heaven.
So, I hope our words can also follow Jesus’ words. When you and I speak the language for communicating with the people in the world, let us share the good news as Jesus did. Let our speaking and conversation with others be the good news because we are the people of God and we are the followers of Jesus. May our words give people a taste of God’s Kin(g)dom.
Let us pray.
Lord, thank You for showing us Your kingdom through the woman’s action. Her action with leaven, the yeast, created the Kin(g)dom of heaven.
When Jesus described them, the words became a holy and beautiful expression. God, we pray that you use your ways to reveal your good news. Remind us that it is not about our worth, but about Your calling. And let the people we meet today, experience Your kin(g)dom through our speaking and action.
In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
“The Meal for Us”
MARCH 30, 2025 Heaven’s Feast Starts Now Rev. Hee Young Lim
SCRIPTURE READING Isaiah 25:6-9
Heaven’s Feast Starts Now “The Meal for Us” Sermon Series (4)
Imagine this. Do you remember that Jesus fed more than five thousand people with only five loaves and two fish?
One day, a huge crowd gathered near the Sea of Galilee. The people came to hear Jesus. They listened all day. But as time passed, they became hungry. Hardly anyone had food. The disciples wondered what to do about a hungry crowd. When Jesus told them to feed the crowd themselves, they were stunned and asked, “How can we feed so many?”
Then, a young boy stepped forward. He had a small lunch—five loaves and two fish. The people and disciples looked at it and shook their heads. “This is not enough,” they said. But Jesus smiled.
Jesus told everyone to sit on the grass. Then He took the bread and fish. He prayed and thanked God. Then He started to break the bread and share it. Something amazing happened! The food kept coming! Thousands of people ate until they were full. There was even food left over!
This was not just a miracle. Jesus was showing us something important: a glimpse of God’s kin(g)dom. In God’s kin(g)dom, no one is hungry. In God’s kin(g)dom, everyone has enough. In God’s kin(g)dom, God’s love is everywhere.
Friends, you must have heard this story of the loaves and fishes many times before, but have you ever heard it in relation to the Holy Communion that we take on the first Sunday of the month?
I will tell you about my first experience taking Holy Communion. When I was a child, I took Communion at a church in South Korea. The room was very quiet. Everyone was serious. This was true of Holy Communion in most South Korean churches at that time. Some churches even played a video of Jesus suffering before we took the bread and the cup.
Communion felt like a funeral. We thought about the Last Supper and about Jesus’ pain. We sat in silence and some sensitive people did not like that kind of Communion.
Yes, it is important to remember Jesus’ sacrifice. But later, I learned something new. Communion is not just about sadness. It is about God’s kin(g)dom coming to us now, as the feast of Heaven on earth, in the church. Have you ever experienced this? I didn’t when I was in South Korea.
Later, when I was studying in seminary, I learned that this story about Jesus’s feeding more than five thousand people, is connected to the Holy Communion. At first, I was surprised. I had always understood the Holy Communion in a very traditional way.
So, I asked my professor how this was possible.
She explained that Jesus’ actions in John 6 were like those at the Holy Communion on Maundy Thursday.
John 6:11 says:
"Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and gave them to the people who were sitting there. He did the same with the fish, giving as much as they wanted."
I found this very interesting, so, I asked my professor another question: "Is the Lord’s Supper happy or sad?" This may seem like a strange question.
The feeding of the 5,000 seems happy, because the hungry people were fed and satisfied.
But Holy Communion feels sad on Maundy Thursday night, causing some people to think of Communion as a sad event.
Have you ever taken Communion on Maundy Thursday?
When I was in Korea, Communion during Holy Week always felt sad.
We thought about Jesus' suffering and death.
We watched scenes from The Passion of the Christ and remembered Jesus’ pain.
So, I never thought of Communion as joyful.
But when I asked my professor if Communion is sad or happy, she thought about my question for 10 seconds, then answered,
"It is both."
Jesus said, “Do this in remembrance of me.” But "remember" does not only mean thinking about the past. It means knowing that Jesus is alive and with us today.
Holy Communion is not just about sorrow. It is a time to experience the joy of God’s kin(g)dom.
Today, we read from Isaiah. Some may ask, "What does the Holy Communion of Jesus have to do with the prophets like Isaiah?"
And my answer is “there are many”
Isaiah was a great prophet of Israel.
His book talks about Israel’s broken relationship with God.
But it also speaks of hope for the people of Israel.
Isaiah describes what will happen when God’s kin(g)dom comes.
Isaiah 25:6 says:
"On this mountain the Lord of hosts will prepare a feast for all people."
This reminds us of John 6.
The people who followed Jesus on the mountain saw this feast come true.
Isaiah 25:7 says:
And he will destroy on this mountain the shroud that is cast over all peoples, the sheet that is spread over all nations
This prophecy has been fulfilled through Jesus, especially in the story of feeding more than five thousand people.
It was not just for religious people and Jews.
It was not just for the rich.
It was for everyone. It is for everyone.
Isaiah 25:8 says:
He will swallow up death forever. Then the Lord God will wipe away the tears from all faces, and the disgrace of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the Lord has spoken.
The people who saw Jesus feed the 5,000 remembered Isaiah’s words. Jesus fed all people and the people who witnessed this feeding recognized that Jesus was the “Lord of hosts” referenced by Isaiah in today’s reading.
John 6:14 says:
When the people saw the sign that he had done, they began to say, “This is indeed the prophet who is to come into the world.”
So, even before the Last Supper happened, people already experienced a Holy Communion. They had a taste of what was to come with Jesus’ great miracle of loaves and fish; It was a joyful and happy feast with the people.
God’s Feast Has Already Begun
Friends, heaven’s feast is not only in the future. It has already begun. And it is always with us. When we take Holy Communion, we join and experience this heavenly feast.
So today, as you take the bread and the cup, open your heart. This is not just bread and juice. This is the food of heaven.
When you eat this bread, Jesus’ life fills you.
When you drink this cup, you join God’s celebration.
Through this meal, you know that God’s kin(g)dom is already here.
Through Jesus, we are invited to the joyful feast of God’s kin(g)dom.
God’s invitation gives us freedom.
God’s invitation leads us to a new life.
My friend Linda told me about a small group that met at Rutherford UMC before I became pastor there. Here is her story: Our group met once a week for scripture,
prayer, song, and discussion. For one week each month, the six of us gathered at the Panera location in East Rutherford. We would find a spot where we could gather close together. Some of us ordered food for dinner. Some just had coffee and cake. We ate, drank, talked about scripture, sang a hymn softly, and shared prayer and fellowship. Sometimes other people dining there would smile and say "Amen" when they heard us pray. There was no wine and the only bread was the sandwich rolls. Was this a Holy Communion?"
Next Sunday, if you take the Holy Communion, remember not only the sorrow of Jesus’ suffering,
but also the joy of his resurrection and return.
And this Holy Communion is part of our foretaste of the feast of Heaven.
Isaiah says God will wipe away every tear. - He will remove all shame.
He will prepare a great feast for you.
May God comfort all your shame and great sadness with this table. Amen.
Let us pray.
God who comforts from shame, suffering, and our big sadness,
Through the Lord’s Supper, bring peace to those in pain.
Help us see not only Jesus’ suffering, but also the hope of returning to Jesus.
May our Holy Communion remind us of the great feast in heaven.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
SCRIPTURE READING Isaiah 25:6-9
Heaven’s Feast Starts Now “The Meal for Us” Sermon Series (4)
Imagine this. Do you remember that Jesus fed more than five thousand people with only five loaves and two fish?
One day, a huge crowd gathered near the Sea of Galilee. The people came to hear Jesus. They listened all day. But as time passed, they became hungry. Hardly anyone had food. The disciples wondered what to do about a hungry crowd. When Jesus told them to feed the crowd themselves, they were stunned and asked, “How can we feed so many?”
Then, a young boy stepped forward. He had a small lunch—five loaves and two fish. The people and disciples looked at it and shook their heads. “This is not enough,” they said. But Jesus smiled.
Jesus told everyone to sit on the grass. Then He took the bread and fish. He prayed and thanked God. Then He started to break the bread and share it. Something amazing happened! The food kept coming! Thousands of people ate until they were full. There was even food left over!
This was not just a miracle. Jesus was showing us something important: a glimpse of God’s kin(g)dom. In God’s kin(g)dom, no one is hungry. In God’s kin(g)dom, everyone has enough. In God’s kin(g)dom, God’s love is everywhere.
Friends, you must have heard this story of the loaves and fishes many times before, but have you ever heard it in relation to the Holy Communion that we take on the first Sunday of the month?
I will tell you about my first experience taking Holy Communion. When I was a child, I took Communion at a church in South Korea. The room was very quiet. Everyone was serious. This was true of Holy Communion in most South Korean churches at that time. Some churches even played a video of Jesus suffering before we took the bread and the cup.
Communion felt like a funeral. We thought about the Last Supper and about Jesus’ pain. We sat in silence and some sensitive people did not like that kind of Communion.
Yes, it is important to remember Jesus’ sacrifice. But later, I learned something new. Communion is not just about sadness. It is about God’s kin(g)dom coming to us now, as the feast of Heaven on earth, in the church. Have you ever experienced this? I didn’t when I was in South Korea.
Later, when I was studying in seminary, I learned that this story about Jesus’s feeding more than five thousand people, is connected to the Holy Communion. At first, I was surprised. I had always understood the Holy Communion in a very traditional way.
So, I asked my professor how this was possible.
She explained that Jesus’ actions in John 6 were like those at the Holy Communion on Maundy Thursday.
John 6:11 says:
"Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and gave them to the people who were sitting there. He did the same with the fish, giving as much as they wanted."
I found this very interesting, so, I asked my professor another question: "Is the Lord’s Supper happy or sad?" This may seem like a strange question.
The feeding of the 5,000 seems happy, because the hungry people were fed and satisfied.
But Holy Communion feels sad on Maundy Thursday night, causing some people to think of Communion as a sad event.
Have you ever taken Communion on Maundy Thursday?
When I was in Korea, Communion during Holy Week always felt sad.
We thought about Jesus' suffering and death.
We watched scenes from The Passion of the Christ and remembered Jesus’ pain.
So, I never thought of Communion as joyful.
But when I asked my professor if Communion is sad or happy, she thought about my question for 10 seconds, then answered,
"It is both."
Jesus said, “Do this in remembrance of me.” But "remember" does not only mean thinking about the past. It means knowing that Jesus is alive and with us today.
Holy Communion is not just about sorrow. It is a time to experience the joy of God’s kin(g)dom.
Today, we read from Isaiah. Some may ask, "What does the Holy Communion of Jesus have to do with the prophets like Isaiah?"
And my answer is “there are many”
Isaiah was a great prophet of Israel.
His book talks about Israel’s broken relationship with God.
But it also speaks of hope for the people of Israel.
Isaiah describes what will happen when God’s kin(g)dom comes.
Isaiah 25:6 says:
"On this mountain the Lord of hosts will prepare a feast for all people."
This reminds us of John 6.
The people who followed Jesus on the mountain saw this feast come true.
Isaiah 25:7 says:
And he will destroy on this mountain the shroud that is cast over all peoples, the sheet that is spread over all nations
This prophecy has been fulfilled through Jesus, especially in the story of feeding more than five thousand people.
It was not just for religious people and Jews.
It was not just for the rich.
It was for everyone. It is for everyone.
Isaiah 25:8 says:
He will swallow up death forever. Then the Lord God will wipe away the tears from all faces, and the disgrace of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the Lord has spoken.
The people who saw Jesus feed the 5,000 remembered Isaiah’s words. Jesus fed all people and the people who witnessed this feeding recognized that Jesus was the “Lord of hosts” referenced by Isaiah in today’s reading.
John 6:14 says:
When the people saw the sign that he had done, they began to say, “This is indeed the prophet who is to come into the world.”
So, even before the Last Supper happened, people already experienced a Holy Communion. They had a taste of what was to come with Jesus’ great miracle of loaves and fish; It was a joyful and happy feast with the people.
God’s Feast Has Already Begun
Friends, heaven’s feast is not only in the future. It has already begun. And it is always with us. When we take Holy Communion, we join and experience this heavenly feast.
So today, as you take the bread and the cup, open your heart. This is not just bread and juice. This is the food of heaven.
When you eat this bread, Jesus’ life fills you.
When you drink this cup, you join God’s celebration.
Through this meal, you know that God’s kin(g)dom is already here.
Through Jesus, we are invited to the joyful feast of God’s kin(g)dom.
God’s invitation gives us freedom.
God’s invitation leads us to a new life.
My friend Linda told me about a small group that met at Rutherford UMC before I became pastor there. Here is her story: Our group met once a week for scripture,
prayer, song, and discussion. For one week each month, the six of us gathered at the Panera location in East Rutherford. We would find a spot where we could gather close together. Some of us ordered food for dinner. Some just had coffee and cake. We ate, drank, talked about scripture, sang a hymn softly, and shared prayer and fellowship. Sometimes other people dining there would smile and say "Amen" when they heard us pray. There was no wine and the only bread was the sandwich rolls. Was this a Holy Communion?"
Next Sunday, if you take the Holy Communion, remember not only the sorrow of Jesus’ suffering,
but also the joy of his resurrection and return.
And this Holy Communion is part of our foretaste of the feast of Heaven.
Isaiah says God will wipe away every tear. - He will remove all shame.
He will prepare a great feast for you.
May God comfort all your shame and great sadness with this table. Amen.
Let us pray.
God who comforts from shame, suffering, and our big sadness,
Through the Lord’s Supper, bring peace to those in pain.
Help us see not only Jesus’ suffering, but also the hope of returning to Jesus.
May our Holy Communion remind us of the great feast in heaven.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
