When God Comes Near

When God Comes Near by David Paladino - a2vc.org. Like us on fb.com/vineyardannarbor or watch our livestream Sundays @ 10:45am - vimeo.com/annarborvineyard

In his Palm Sunday sermon, Dave reflects on the complexities of Jesus' arrival in Jerusalem, which is narrated in the Gospel of Luke. He discusses the tension between the celebratory mood of Jesus' followers and the somber reality of Jesus' mission, which culminates in his crucifixion. Dave explores how different groups—the joyful disciples, the threatened religious leaders, and Jesus himself—perceived this event. Jesus' entry provokes various reactions, underscoring the conflict and misunderstanding between him and the religious authorities, who are portrayed as increasingly antagonistic.

Dave then introduces the concept of the "false self," using the character from the film "Good Will Hunting" as an analogy to explain how people construct protective personas based on their desires and agendas. This idea extends to a "religious false self," where individuals manipulate their spirituality to fit their needs, rather than fully surrendering to God's will. The sermon illustrates how these false identities conflict with the authenticity and challenge presented by Jesus' teachings and actions, particularly as he confronts the commercial and exclusive practices in the temple.

The sermon concludes by tying the themes of false self and true surrender to the broader narrative of Holy Week. Dave emphasizes that Jesus' life, death, and resurrection exemplify the ultimate surrender and service to God, challenging followers to move beyond superficial faith. He encourages the congregation to embrace a more profound spiritual journey, aided by the model of Jesus' obedience and sacrifice, which is commemorated during Holy Week. This journey involves letting go of the religious false self and genuinely engaging with God through practices like the Lord's Prayer, which reflects Jesus' life and teachings.