No Answers (or Questions) at a Distance
This Sunday will mark the conclusion of our series on the questions of Jesus, “The Questions He Asks.” Over the past weeks we have looked at all manner of questions that Jesus poses in the Gospels. Questions that invite and challenge, that provoke us and draw us to Jesus, the great question-asker. Several of you have commented to me how rich this focus on the words and questions have Jesus has been, I couldn't agree more.
As a quick summary of the series here is a list of the questions we’ve covered thus far, with one more to go. If you missed any of them I encourage you to go back and listen.
Who do you say I am?
What are you seeking?
Why are you so afraid?
Do you want to be well?
Do you see this woman?
Do you also want to leave?
Do you understand what I have done to you?
Do you not yet understand?
What is the kingdom of God like?
As the series comes to a close one statement from David Taylor’s sermon has stuck with me. Jesus provides no answers and asks no questions at a distance. He’s near. He draws near and stays near. In everyday life, Jesus is near.
I hope this truth is one you carry forward from this series. Jesus is with you, church, by His Holy Spirit, and still asking questions of us. Inviting, challenging, provoking, and drawing us to himself. As we move on from this series let us continue to listen for the questions he asks; to notice and listen for the compassionate and life-giving voice of Jesus. A specific and simple encouragement I have is for you to set aside a moment or two of silence each day, inviting Jesus to speak and ask of you what he will. I'm confident Jesus, our near Savior and Lord, will meet us in this.
If you have had a sense of God speaking to you in or through this series, or feel a sense of invitation in some way moving forward I’d love to hear from you. Confident in the nearness of Jesus and the presence of the Spirit with us we can and do expect Jesus to speak, call, and question. A gift of community is the way we can share with and encourage others in what we discern Jesus to be saying. I look forward to hearing how Jesus, the great question-asker, is meeting you.
In Christ,
Peter+
Ps. Through the Anglican Immigrant Initiative we’re aware of some needs regarding asylum seekers at the border, especially for sponsors. You can read more about the opportunity to engage in this profound ministry of Christ-like hospitality here, and can financially support some of the needs related to these sponsorships here through a sister Anglican church heavily involved. If you’d like to talk more about this please don’t hesitate to let me know.
Pps. Sign up for the Parish Retreat! We are filling up!