First Congregational of Hamilton

Agony in the Garden

Earlier in Luke’s gospel Jesus climbed a mountain with his sleepy disciples (Lk 9:32 [https://fcchamilton.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7ad9905e0b1c54435b5c40dc5&id=b2bddd8ea4&e=d809b29a61]) to pray. It was a spectacular revelation of his glory in his transfiguration! As we approach the summit of Luke’s gospel, Jesus again goes to a mountain, to the mount of Olives (Lk 22:39 [https://fcchamilton.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7ad9905e0b1c54435b5c40dc5&id=185bd9104a&e=d809b29a61]). He goes to pray and again his disciples are sleepy… but this time there is no glorious display. There is agony, betrayal, denial, abandonment. This Sunday, we’ll consider together what Jesus’ agony means for us.

The Lord's Great Desire

This week, we move from the very public debates and teachings of Jesus in the temple courts to the intimate gathering at Passover before his arrest. Luke's gospel, uniquely, adds the note that Jesus greatly desired to eat this Passover with them. Why? What does Jesus' innovation say about who he is and what communion means for us? In preparation read John 13:1-17  [https://us.list-manage.com/6bOnISc6aT8?e=d809b29a61&c2id=8be2d478bcc1e75805be66756cf6e291]and Luke 22:1-39 [https://us.list-manage.com/je4pjNjDVVG?e=d809b29a61&c2id=8be2d478bcc1e75805be66756cf6e291]. It will be great to be with you for worship. We hope you will invite a friend.

A Trap for Jesus

What does Jesus mean by "Give back to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's" (Luke 20:19-26 [https://fcchamilton.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7ad9905e0b1c54435b5c40dc5&id=af9d9442d2&e=5911f83a2c])? Come find out how this might shape our own understanding of our relationship with the state, and indeed, our own sense of meaning and identity.

Jesus, Jerusalem, Judgement

As Jesus drew near to Jerusalem, he lamented the doom he saw coming for the city he loved. We will reflect this week on how Jesus’ proclamation of looming judgment on Jerusalem carries a message for ourselves as well. Please read Luke 19:41-48 [https://fcchamilton.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7ad9905e0b1c54435b5c40dc5&id=1a3d8bdc27&e=d809b29a61] (and time permitting, Luke 21:5-36 [https://fcchamilton.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7ad9905e0b1c54435b5c40dc5&id=2206f5b4fc&e=d809b29a61]) to prepare for this Sunday.

Zaccaeus

The 'fog of war' is the uncertainty in situational awareness experienced in military situations. As we contend with the 'fog' of information in our world, how do we see clearly? In Luke 18:35-19:10, [https://fcchamilton.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7ad9905e0b1c54435b5c40dc5&id=9706f65152&e=d809b29a61] the final stop before we reach Jerusalem, Jesus passes through Jericho and encounters two men, short of seeing (one for his blindness, the other for his height). Come and find out what they see.