Rev. James Harper preaches on Luke 20:45-21:4 as part of our Following Jesus Sermon Series through the Book of Luke.

The story of the widow's mite is often interpreted as a lesson about sacrificial giving, when it may actually be Jesus highlighting religious corruption. Positioned between Jesus' condemnation of scribes who 'devour widows' houses' and prophecies about the temple's destruction, this account shows a vulnerable woman exploited by corrupt religious leaders. Jesus appears heartbroken, not impressed, by her giving everything she had to live on. This serves as a warning about how religious institutions can drift from their purpose and exploit the vulnerable, while also reminding us of the importance of accountability structures and healing for those hurt by the church.

Rev. James Harper preached on Luke 20:27-44 as part of our sermon series "Following Jesus" on the Book of Luke.

Jesus confronted the Sadducees who denied the resurrection with a powerful defense of life after death. The Sadducees, a powerful but disliked group who controlled the Jewish Sanhedrin, tried to trap Jesus with a trick question about marriage in the afterlife. Jesus responded by revealing their misunderstanding of both God's character and Scripture. He explained that the resurrection reality differs from earthly life, and pointed to scriptural evidence including God's self-identification as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob - patriarchs who were physically dead but alive to God. This resurrection hope gives meaning that transcends our circumstances and reminds us that God desires eternal relationship with us.

Rev. James Harper preaches on Luke 20:20-26 as part of our sermon series, Following Jesus in the Book of Luke.