Most of you read the title and thought, ” Yeah, I wish.” I know, none of us will preach as well as Jesus this Sunday or any other Sunday. It isn’t even the goal of a preacher to preach as well as Jesus, but to point toward Jesus.
However, you should have it as a primary goal this Easter to preach with the heart of Jesus.
If you have been a pastor for more than a month, you have heard of CEO church attenders…those people who attend church on Christmas and Easter Only. Knowing that those people will be in the pews on Easter Sunday, it is tempting to poke fun at them (“welcome back, we’ve missed you, see you again in December”), to dismiss them, or even to belittle them.
But, I don’t think Jesus would do that.
Jesus didn’t avoid the woman at the well. He nourished her soul.
Jesus didn’t shun Lazarus. He ate with him.
Jesus didn’t beat Peter down. He restored him.
Jesus didn’t shame Thomas. He invited him to touch his wounds.
Jesus didn’t condemn Paul. He saved him.
Many people will walk into worship this Sunday for the first time in a long time. Your goal must be to introduce them to Jesus. The Savior who is humble, gentle, and kind. Jesus was harsh toward religious leaders. But, to the outcast, the hurt, and the seeking, Jesus was merciful, tender, and forgiving.
Jesus invites all who are weary and heavy laden to come to him. He gives rest.
Since Jesus gives rest, make sure that you proclaim that rest on Sunday morning. Jesus died to atone for our sins. He rose three days later overcoming death, hell, sin, and the grave.
He died, rose, and ascended to save sinners.
Sinners will come through the doors of your church on Sunday morning. You can beat them up for coming to church. You can make fun of them. You can belittle them.
Or, you can welcome them.
You can thank them for coming and offer them to drink from the well of living water that never dries up.
You can invite them to eat at your table or visit them in their home.
You can restore those who have denied Christ.
You can extend the grace, mercy, and forgiveness of Jesus to those who have persecuted his people.
This Easter, you can fill your sermon with soundbites. Or, you can fill your sermon with love, grace, mercy, and kindness.
Pastor, preach like Jesus. Love those he brings into your midst. Honor Christ by treating people as he would treat them.
Preach like Jesus, and perhaps, many will experience Jesus in new and fresh ways.
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
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