Resurrection UMC Hastings

It’s Mother’s Day this Sunday, but don’t expect a message about a mother’s love or about loving our own mothers. Instead, we focus on loving our mothers-in-law and on a farming/gardening practice called gleaning.

Gardening/farming all began in the garden (of Eden), making it the first (and oldest) profession. It was easy and good. Then sin entered the picture. The result? Now gardening/farming is a lot of hard work.

Jesus tells a parable about planting, and the disciples are like, “Huh?” So Jesus explains it: Good seeds + good soil = good growth, and an abundant harvest.

Once you’ve seen all that Jesus is and does for us, perhaps the question to answer is not, “Why should I follow Jesus?” but instead, “Why not? Why not believe? Why not follow Jesus?”

Once you’ve seen all that Jesus is and does for us, perhaps the question to answer is not, “Why should I follow Jesus?” but instead, “Why not? Why not believe? Why not follow Jesus?”

If Jesus didn’t rise from the dead, as promised, then he can’t keep a single other promise. But he did keep that promise. We are called to do the same. That’s what friends do. What a friend we have in Jesus!

Do you know a friend who would literally die for you, even if you treated them poorly? Jesus would, because that’s what he did. He’s the friend we have in Jesus! Is there anyone you would die for?

A friend shares their deepest thoughts and feelings, and listens as you share yours. Jesus is such a friend and holds nothing back. We are called to do the same. Because that’s what friends do.

The best friends are the ones who are always interceding for you and praying for all the aspects of your life. Because that’s what friends do. And that’s what Jesus does for his friends, i.e. all of us.

Jesus is kind and loving, but he is also honest. He has the hard conversations and speaks the truth in love. We are called to do the same. Because that’s what friends do.