Today, we dive into one of Jesus’ parables told in two different places, exploring their deeper meanings and transformative implications. Are these stories about divine judgment, or are they invitations to a life of trust, grace, and courage in the face of uncertainty?

We unpack the Parable of the Talents and its counterpart in Luke’s Gospel, reframing traditional interpretations and examining how these stories challenge us to rethink God’s character and our response to grace. Along the way, we explore themes of trust, justice, and the cost of doing the right thing, with a powerful parallel to Zacchaeus’ story.

This week, we explore the powerful lessons of Matthew 25 through Jesus’ parables on readiness, grace, and judgment. We delve into the deeper meaning of Jesus’ teachings and how they challenge our expectations of certainty, faithfulness, and generosity. Discover how these parables invite us to embrace grace, trust the divine timing, and shine our light in the world—even in moments when we might feel unprepared. Perfect for anyone seeking a fresh perspective on spirituality, purpose, and living with compassionate faith in today’s complex world.

Jesus taught primarily in parables. Short pithy stories that surprise us with Jesus' unique perspective on life. These parables centre around three main concepts. Kingdom, Grace and, wait for it... Judgment. Over the last few years we have developed series to focus on the stories of kingdom, and of grace, and in this series we intend to face into the hardest parables, those that give us Jesus' unique perspective on judgment.

Jesus taught primarily in parables. Short pithy stories that surprise us with Jesus' unique perspective on life. These parables centre around three main concepts. Kingdom, Grace and, wait for it... Judgment. Over the last few years we have developed series to focus on the stories of kingdom, and of grace, and in this series we intend to face into the hardest parables, those that give us Jesus' unique perspective on judgment. And maybe, like Jesus, we can come to believe that even this, is for our good. And as we immerse ourselves in Jesus' narrative world-we hope to be transformed by the experience of gracious judgment.

In this sermon, we begin our new series on the parables of judgment—one of the most challenging and misunderstood aspects of Jesus’ teachings. Judgment often sounds intimidating, but what if it’s not about condemnation or punishment? What if it’s God’s loving correction, guiding us back when we’ve strayed off the path?

Join us as we explore:

• How Jesus reframes judgment as an act of love and guidance, not punishment
• The true meaning behind Jesus’ parables of judgment, like the parable of the vineyard
• Why God’s judgment is for us, not against us, and how it helps us find life, not destruction
• The deeper purpose of God’s correction in our journey toward grace

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Judgment is not about fear; it’s God’s loving invitation to live differently.
• God’s judgment clears away the obstacles that keep us from experiencing His grace.
• Jesus offers a new understanding of judgment—one that leads us to life, not ruin.

🌿 If you’ve ever struggled with the idea of God’s judgment, this message offers a fresh perspective full of hope, love, and grace.

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In this week’s sermon, we tackle one of the most challenging aspects of faith: our relationship with wealth. Is generosity an obligation, or can it be a deeper, more fulfilling part of our spiritual journey? We explore how wealth has often corrupted religious spaces, leading to misconceptions like the 10% tithe, and we break down what the Bible really says about giving.

Join us as we:

• Debunk the cultural myth of the tithe.
• Explore Jesus’ teaching on generosity in the Sermon on the Mount.
• Unpack René Girard’s theory of mimetic desire and how it shapes our modern relationship with wealth.
• Discover how a “good eye” can lead us to a life of meaningful, intentional generosity that reflects the heart of God.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Generosity isn’t about obligation; it’s about becoming the person you want to be.
• Jesus calls us to invest in things that have lasting value, not just material wealth.
• Faith and wealth are connected, and a healthy relationship with both can illuminate our path forward.

If you’re ready to rethink how faith and wealth intersect in your life, this message is for you.

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In this bonus podcast, we explore the often misunderstood relationship between Jesus and the Pharisees. While the Pharisees are frequently seen as the “villains” of the New Testament, there is much more nuance to their interactions with Jesus. We’ll discuss the different groups present in Jesus’ time, including the Sadducees, Zealots, and Essenes, and how Jesus’ teachings most closely aligned with the Pharisees, despite some important differences.

We’ll learn about the Pharisees’ emphasis on study, interpretation of the Torah, and their innovative approach to making religious practices accessible to the common people. We’ll also discuss why Jesus sometimes critiqued certain Pharisees while maintaining respect for their overall tradition. Understanding this relationship helps us better appreciate both Jesus’ teachings and our Jewish neighbors today.

As pastors and friends, this is a question that emerges in conversation pretty regularly. We all have doubts about what we believe, questions about whether our beliefs are well-founded, and we struggle sometimes to find the rhythms and habits that support the faith we want to foster. At Commons, we think wrestling with these questions is an essential part of being a faith-full human. In fact, our journey towards understanding who Jesus is and what He teaches often brings us to a point where we must wrestle with our uncertainties, and hopefully do it together.

Throughout this series, we will delve into these themes, offering practical insights and encouragement. We will explore how our doubts can lead to deeper faith, how friendships can support us, and how volunteering can bring us closer to God and each other. Together, let's hold onto faith, knowing that it is through our questions, our connections, and our acts of service that we truly find the divine.