Author: Michael K. Marsh

Sermon

The Advocate – A Sermon On John 14:15-21

That we need an Advocate to change God’s mind about us just doesn’t fit a God “who so loved the world.” It’s contrary to Jesus saying that he came not to condemn the world but to save, heal, and transform it (John 3:17). “I came,” he says, “that they may have life, and have it abundantly” (John 10:9).

What if the Advocate’s role is not to change God’s mind but to change our minds about ourselves and each other? Continue reading The Advocate – A Sermon On John 14:15-21

Michael K. Marsh6 Comments
Sermon

The Question of Reopening – A Sermon on Psalm 23 and John 10:1-10

Jesus says that he is the gate. Gates open and close. Gates keep sheep in, and thieves and bandits out. Gates close to death and open to life.

I’m attracted to the gate metaphor because it fits what is happening in our country, our state, our town, your life and my life. I’m talking about reopening. Continue reading The Question of Reopening – A Sermon on Psalm 23 and John 10:1-10

Michael K. Marsh16 Comments
Easter, Sermon

Easter Unlocked And Opened – A Sermon On John 20:19-31

The Second Sunday of Easter – John 20:19-31 Every year I come to this day – the Second Sunday of Easter – and I wonder what difference last Sunday – Easter Sunday – has made. Are our lives and world different because of Easter and, if so, how and in what ways? Look around. What do you see? Has your life changed? Are you living … Continue reading Easter Unlocked And Opened – A Sermon On John 20:19-31

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Sermon

Holy Week And Easter In The Season Of COVID-19

Whether it is the four seasons of the year or the seven seasons of the liturgical year, each season is a lens through which we see and experience life. Each season offers a unique perspective on life, highlights certain events, and emphasizes particular activities. This year, in addition to the usual and familiar seasons, there has been another season, the Season of COVID-19. It has … Continue reading Holy Week And Easter In The Season Of COVID-19

Michael K. Marsh2 Comments
Easter, Sermon

Easter Happens – An Easter Sermon On Matthew 28:1-10

Alleluia! Christ is risen!

It echoes in here when I say that, sort of like it might in an empty tomb.

Most everyone is at home, keeping to themselves. Anxiety is in the air. There are no overflowing crowds celebrating Jesus’ resurrection. People are not showing up dressed in their Easter finest. There are no fancy dresses or hats. There are no “eggstravaganzas” or kids gathered with Easter baskets. Friends and family are not sitting down together for a big Easter feast. It’s been a time of turmoil, chaos, and loss. People are shaken, as if by an earthquake. The future is unknown and uncertain. Continue reading Easter Happens – An Easter Sermon On Matthew 28:1-10

Michael K. Marsh6 Comments
Holy Week, Sermon

Not Sorrowing As Those Without Hope – A Holy Saturday Sermon On John 19:38-42

Holy Saturday is an in between day. It’s the day after Good Friday and the day before Easter. What was is no longer and what will be is not yet. If Good Friday is the day of the loss, Holy Saturday is that day when the reality of the loss begins to set in. And I’ll bet you know what that’s like. Continue reading Not Sorrowing As Those Without Hope – A Holy Saturday Sermon On John 19:38-42

Michael K. Marsh4 Comments
Holy Week, Sermon

Life In The Shadow Of The Cross – A Good Friday Sermon

Good Friday – John 18:1-19:42 What about your death gives meaning to your life today? In what ways is death inviting you to live more fully, to connect more deeply with others, to love more freely and completely?  My stomach is churning even as I ask you those questions. I don’t want to face my death any more than you want to face yours. And … Continue reading Life In The Shadow Of The Cross – A Good Friday Sermon

Michael K. Marsh9 Comments
Holy Week, Sermon

Let’s Never Stop Loving – A Maundy Thursday Sermon On John 13:1-7, 31-35

Maundy Thursday – John 13:1-17, 31-35 The last couple of days I’ve been thinking of previous Maundy Thursdays and previous foot washings. There are no feet to wash tonight but I think there’s something to be learned from that.   One of the things that struck me as I thought about this night and this liturgy is that Maundy Thursday just might be the original … Continue reading Let’s Never Stop Loving – A Maundy Thursday Sermon On John 13:1-7, 31-35

Michael K. Marsh5 Comments
Holy Week, Sermon

This Is The One – A Palm Sunday Sermon On Matthew 21:1-11

Palm Sunday – Matthew 21:1-11 Most years Palm Sunday tends to focus on the palms. But not this year. This year there is no palm procession. We’re not waving our palms and children aren’t having sword fights with theirs. We’re not walking into the church together singing All glory, laud, and honor and “the lips of children [are not making] sweet hosannas ring.” There are … Continue reading This Is The One – A Palm Sunday Sermon On Matthew 21:1-11

Michael K. Marsh8 Comments