Sermon Recap: “Grace That Transforms” @ Heritage UMC

This past Sunday at Heritage United Methodist Church, Pastor Janean brought us a message that was as bold as it was necessary. Titled “Grace That Transforms” and rooted in Matthew 7:15–23, the sermon asked us to look past our spiritual activity and examine or spiritual vitality.  Are we going through the motions or are we producing the fruit of the spirit?

She challenged us with this question: “Am I becoming more like Jesus?” Too often, we assume we’re growing simply because we’re busy doing church things—but Jesus warns us that true transformation is deeper than that. It’s not what we say or do on the surface, but the condition of our hearts that reveals who we’re becoming.

Are we living a life that reflects a life shaped by grace? Are we producing fruit that reflects the life of a United Methodist? 

As someone who calls Heritage UMC home, I’m so thankful for a church that doesn’t just gather for worship, but truly strives to be a gathering place for the community, a growing place that is raising up the next generation of the Church, and a loving place that is supporting and caring for those in need in our community and across the world.  Grace isn’t just taught, it’s lived.

And that’s where our mission becomes personal: to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. That kind of change begins within. It's in the quiet daily transformation that shows up not in applause or recognition, but in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control.

If you're ready to stop just doing church and start becoming more like Jesus, we invite you to take a next step. Join a small group, serve with us, or reach out to a pastor—we’re here to grow together. Because at Heritage United Methodist Church, grace doesn’t just cover you—it transforms you.

If you missed Sunday’s services, you can watch them HERE.

Sermon Recap: The Echo of Pentecost @ Heritage United Methodist Church, Clearwater

Pentecost Sunday is a powerful and deeply moving Sunday in the church calendar. This year, I was not able to be in church on Sunday morning because my family and I were departing for family vacation. However, I was fortunate enough to receive Pastor Janean’s sermon outline so I was still able to experience some of this year’s Pentecost Sunday at Heritage United Methodist Church. As I read through the sermon outline, I couldn’t help but feel that the Spirit isn’t just something we remember from Acts 2—it is something we experienced.

Pentecost wasn’t a one-time event—it’s a continuing movement. The Holy Spirit didn’t just descend with fire and wind on the disciples; the Spirit continues to move in our world, in our church, and even in us today.

Pastor Janean draws a beautiful connection between the original Pentecost and the heart-warming experience of John Wesley, the founder of Methodism. On May 24, 1738, Wesley felt his heart “strangely warmed,” and it changed everything. That personal Pentecost moment helped ignite a global movement that continues to inspire us to transform the world.

Acts 2:1-21 is one of the most dramatic passages in the Bible. Reading through that scripture will leave you feeling charged up with the Holy Spirit. Pastor Janean reminds us that God’s grace doesn’t whisper—it echoes. That echo, first heard in Jerusalem, was carried forward by the early disciples, by John Wesley, and now by us here at Heritage United Methodist Church.

What struck me most was this: Pentecost isn’t about creating monuments—it’s about becoming a movement. Wesley didn’t want to build something new; he wanted to renew the Church. He believed in empowering ordinary people through small groups, acts of service, and Spirit-led lives. And that’s still our mission today.

At Heritage, we describe ourselves and have identified our core values as being as a GATHERING PLACE, a GROWING PLACE, and a LOVING PLACE—and on Pentecost Sunday, those values are especially alive. Whether it’s mentoring a child or student, providing for a foster family, or welcoming a neighbor, we’re invited to keep echoing God’s grace in practical ways.

Pastor Janean issued a call to action for us to consider our part in that echo:

• Will we say “yes” to serving?

• Will we invite others to share the love of Christ we’ve found here?

• Will we give generously to extend the reach of that echo?

• Will we pray boldly for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit here at Heritage United Methodist Church?

Pentecost didn’t end in Acts 2—and it doesn’t end at the end of a Sunday service. It continues every time we allow the Holy Spirit to move through us. Whether it's mentoring a child, welcoming a neighbor, or supporting missions like Zoe Empowers, we are part of the echo.

At Heritage, the fire of Pentecost is still burning. The Spirit is still moving. And the call to transform the world still stands.

Let the echo begin again—right here, through us.

If you missed the service, you can watch it HERE. I am looking forward to watching it as soon as I return.

Sermon Recap: Our Zoe Kids—and the Promise of Jeremiah 29:11

On Sunday, Beth Potter stopped by and shared some eye-opening information with us about the impact our support has on Zoe Empowers.  We provide missional support to Zoe Empowers through the Florida Conference of the UMC.  They provide a 3 year training program to teach orphans and vulnerable youth about hygiene, entrepreneurship, and child rights.  It is an opportunity for these youth to learn skills to not only provide care for themselves, but to help those coming behind them, too.

I’ve heard Jeremiah 29:11 many times: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord… “plans to give you hope and a future.” But hearing it in the context of the Zoe Empowers program changed the way I see that promise.

We were reminded that “our kids”—the 77 children we’ve been supporting in Rwanda—aren’t just a line item in the budget or a photo on a bulletin board. They are real lives being transformed by love, faith, and empowerment. These kids, many of them orphans or heads of household as young as 14, are growing food, building businesses, and caring for their siblings—all because a group of churches said yes to hope.

One story that stuck with me was Clarice. She started with just a $50 microgrant, bought clothes to resell, and used her profits to attend vocational school. Now, she’s a tailor. But she didn’t stop there—she put her sister through school too and helped her launch a business. That’s what Zoe does: it empowers kids to lift each other.

It’s overwhelming—in the best way—to realize that our prayers, support, and small sacrifices have helped launch futures. These children who once lived in total poverty are now entrepreneurs, students, leaders, and believers in a God who has not forgotten them.

And they call us their parents.

They thank us. They believe they won't disappoint us. That’s what hit me hardest: they see us as family. And we are.

This December, our Zoe kids will graduate. But the work isn’t done. Our district is already forming support for a new group, and some churches are even stepping forward to adopt additional groups on their own.  We have the opportunity to partner with 2 other United Methodist Churches in our district to support a new group of kids.  The new group launches in January 2026 and we hope to be the third to help launch these kids into a new life of independence.

If you’ve ever wondered if your giving makes a difference—wonder no more. It does. It has. It will again.

Let’s keep being the hope.

If you’d like to check out the sermon from Beth, click HERE.  If you would like to support Zoe Empowers, you can give using the same method you use for your tithes and offerings, just make sure to notate Zoe Empowers in the memo or note line. If you’d like to give online, you can do that HERE.

Sermon Recap: Once I Was Blind But Now I See

 At Heritage United Methodist Church in Clearwater, we believe in making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. This past Sunday, those words came to life as Pastor Matt Horan led us through a powerful message based on John 9:1–25, the story of a man born blind whose life was transformed by an encounter with Jesus.

But what really made this Sunday unforgettable was hearing the testimony of our worship director, Jason Langdon, a man who has twice experienced literal blindness—and healing. His story was more than a testimony; it was a modern echo of the ancient miracle in John 9, grounding the Scripture in today’s reality.

Digging into History—and Heart

Pastor Matt began by flexing his Bible nerdiness and taking us deep into the story of Jerusalem’s history, describing how the Gihon Spring and Hezekiah’s Tunnel led to the creation of the Pool of Siloam—the very place where Jesus sent the blind man to wash. We explored how the physical layout of Jerusalem helped shape the spiritual journey in John 9.

The message was clear: the miracle wasn’t about healing a man’s eyes. It was about challenging religious gatekeeping. The Pool of Siloam was the final step before entering the Temple—the symbolic presence of God. Jesus didn’t just heal the man; he sent him to a place that represented inclusion, belonging, and divine access.

And the Pharisees? They couldn’t handle it.

They refused to believe that someone born blind could be accepted, seen, and made whole. Pastor Matt reminded us that when we let religious pride determine who belongs and who doesn’t, we stop seeing with the eyes of Jesus.

Testimony that Brought John 9 to Life

Then came Jason’s testimony. Jason shared his personal experience of being blind and regaining sight.  I think it’s safe to say, I wasn’t the only one with tears.

At a young age, Jason experienced detached retinas, leaving him completely blind. He recalls, "It's one thing to be born blind and it's another when you actually could see and then you lose your vision." Jason spoke of feeling  a sense of peace wash over him despite being afraid when receiving the news. Like the blind man in the story, he kept all of his faith in God.  He did not let blindness keep him from where he knew God wanted him to be.  Just like the blind man went to the Pool of Siloam, Jason continued to lead worship, guided to the stage by others, declaring, "There's nothing else that I could do and there's nothing else I'd rather do than to worship Him."    

After surgery and a faster than expected healing process, Jason's sight was restored. Years later, he faced another challenge with cataracts causing blindness, leading to another surgery. This time, he was awake during the procedure, describing the experience as looking through a kaleidoscope as the doctor inserted the lenses. When the doctor finished, Jason sat up to find his vision not just restored, but better than ever before. He marveled at the details he could now see – the vibrant colors of grass, the intricate designs in nature that he had never noticed before.

Jason’s story reminded me that miracles are still happening.  They aren’t just for biblical times. It’s happening here, among us, in Clearwater, in real lives.  And we want to be part of those miracles.   We are not here to be exclusionary.  We are here to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.  

Making Room in the Temple

This message challenges all of us: Are we Pharisees, clinging to control and excluding others? Or are we followers of Christ, making room at the table, at the Pool, at the Temple, for people who are finding their way to God?

At Heritage United Methodist Church, we choose the latter. We’re creating space for the overlooked, for the hurting, for those who “once were blind but now see.” We are a church where everyone is sent to the Pool of Siloam—to be healed, welcomed, and sent into the presence of God.

Sermon Recap of Pastor Matt’s Sermon to the High School Graduates at Heritage United Methodist Church, Clearwater

This past Sunday at Heritage United Methodist Church in Clearwater, we celebrated a big moment—our high school graduates getting ready to step into the real world. As someone who’s been part of this church family for years, this is the 2nd Graduation Sunday in which one of my own children was recognized.  I’m here to tell you, it doesn’t get easier watching your little kids become adults.

Pastor Matt, in true form, crafted this week’s sermon for our graduates.  He did provide the caveat that he was still preaching from the Bible and hopefully we would find value in his words no matter when we graduated.  If you missed it, here’s what really stood out to me from his message to the graduating class of 2025.

“You’re Entering a Sea of Ideas”: Faith Advice for High School Graduates

One thing that really stuck with me was when Pastor described the world our grads are stepping into as a “sea of ideas.” Whether it’s on college campuses or in the workplace, they’ll be surrounded by new perspectives, beliefs, and ways of thinking.

He said:
“You’ll be swimming in the sea of ideas—exploring, learning, questioning. And that’s okay. Just don’t forget who you are and what you’ve learned here at Heritage United Methodist Church.”

While curiosity is good, our faith is the anchor that helps us stay grounded.

Faith Isn’t Superstition—It’s Trusting God When It’s Hard

Another eye-opening part of the message was about the difference between faith and superstition.

Pastor Matt said it like this -

 “Faith is doing what God wants us to do and believing His way is better. Superstition is trying to get God to do what we want.”

It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking if we do the “right” things, God will bless us the way we expect. But real faith means trusting God even when we don’t see the outcome yet.

That’s a truth every graduate (and honestly, every adult) needs to hold on to.

Worship Isn’t Just Music—It’s How You Live

We also talked about what worship really means. Spoiler alert: it’s more than just showing up to church on Sunday.

You’ve heard Pastor Matt say this before, “Worship is about what your life is organized around—your time, your money, your thoughts. Whatever that is, that’s what you really worship.”

If someone looked at my calendar and bank statement, would they see a life centered on Jesus? Oof.  That’s a hard question and I probably have more work to do.

For our Heritage UMC high school graduates on our corner of Clearwater in Countryside this was a great reminder to live out worship every day, not just in the pews. Be a reflection of Jesus to those around you.

Changing the World Starts with Making Disciples

Our mission statement at Heritage United Methodist Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

One of my favorite parts of the message was this:
“You don’t change the world after you make disciples—you change the world by making disciples.”

That’s a pretty bold statement, but it’s true. If we want to see the world become more loving, just, and kind, it starts with helping people know Jesus and follow Him. Whether you're a student or not, this is a mission we all share.

The Real Test of Scripture: Does It Bear Fruit?

How do we apply the Bible in real life? The United Methodist Church uses conferencing to discern and apply scripture.  Is the application of scripture producing the fruit of the spirit?

Pastor Matt said:
“If applying the Bible doesn’t produce love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control… something’s off.”

That’s such a practical way to check if we’re really following Jesus, not just talking about it.

Being Like Jesus Isn’t Always Easy… But It’s Always Worth It

This part got emotional. Pastor asked, “Do you really want your kids to be like Jesus?” That’s a big question—because Jesus faced rejection, betrayal, and suffering. But he also brought hope, healing, and life.

He reminded us:
“The world needs churches that are willing to be like Jesus. And it needs parents and families who are willing to send their kids to be like Him, too.”

That line gave me chills. It reminded me that we’re not just sending our graduates into the world—we’re sending disciples, and God goes with them.

7 Faith-Focused Life Lessons for High School Graduates

Here’s a quick recap of the life advice Pastor gave our grads (and all of us):

1. Remember who you are in Christ.
   Stay rooted in your identity as a child of God.
   
   

2. Keep your ears and heart open.
   Listen to others without losing yourself.
   
   

3. Worship through how you live.
   Let Jesus guide your priorities—not just on Sunday.
   
   

4. Make disciples, don’t wait to change the world.
   You transform the world through people, not programs.
   
   

5. Apply Scripture in a way that bears fruit.
   If it’s not producing love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, recheck your application.
   
   

6. Be like Jesus, even when it’s hard.
   Faithfulness sometimes looks like sacrifice.
   
   

7. Stay connected with your church family.
   We’re here cheering you on, praying for you, and always ready to support you.
   
   

Final Thought

James 1:22 says:
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”

To our amazing high school graduates from Heritage United Methodist Church, Clearwater: You are ready. You’ve been equipped with faith, with truth, and with the love of a church family that believes in you. Go out with confidence. Jesus goes with you every step of the way.

Combined Service Sunday & Hurricane Relief

Dear Heritage Family and Friends,

This Sunday, October 13, 2024, we will have one combined service at 10a.m. in the sanctuary.  This service will be a time for prayer, comfort, and rest.  Please note that if you are unable to attend services in person, a pre-recorded service will be streamed at 9a.m. and 11a.m. HERE.

If you need assistance with hurricane relief such as repairs at your home, yard clean up, charging your devices, taking a shower, or a hot meal, please click HERE.

If you are able to assist with hurricane relief please click HERE.

Towards the end of service on Sunday, we will spend time together hearing from anyone that wants to share their story, anyone that needs assistance, and anyone that is able to provide assistance.  Hopefully, we will be able to match up anyone with a need with someone that has the ability to meet that need!

It has been an incredibly stressful 2 weeks.  Remember to be kind and gentle with those around you.  Thank you for being the hands and feet of Jesus wherever you are.

Serving with you,
Ashley Allen

Hurricane Milton - All Hands

Dear Heritage Family and Friends,

My family and I were extremely lucky in that we did not lose power or suffer any major damage to our home during Hurricane Milton.  As my husband and I talked about survivor's guilt this afternoon, I was reminded what Katie Crum recently said in her video message to us after Hurricane Helene.  She reminded us that we shouldn't have guilt because if everyone had suffered major damage to their homes, there wouldn't be anyone with the wherewithal to help those that needed help.  

Tomorrow at 8:30 a.m. we will be at Heritage to help Logan start cleaning up the property.  If you have the wherewithal, we would be so grateful for your help.  Please wear closed toes shoes, work clothes, and you might want to have a pair of gloves.  If you have rakes, shovels, blowers or any equipment of that nature, please bring it with you.  

Blessings,
Ashley Allen
Director of Communication and Engagement

HURRICANE MILTON

Dear Heritage Members and Friends,

As we await the arrival of Hurricane Milton, please know that your staff is praying for you and your family.  Please take this time to make the necessary preparations in advance of the arrival of Milton. Your safety is of utmost importance and we are praying for all of you to stay safe.  Please review the below information:

1. Heritage United Methodist Church will be closed beginning at 3pm on Monday, October 7, 2024 through Friday, October 11, 2024.  The facilities will be closed during this time and groups will not be permitted to meet on campus.

2. The Pumpkin Patch is currently closed and will remain closed through Friday, October 11, 2024.  If you were scheduled to be a story reader, or to work a shift during this time, you do not need to report for that assigned duty.  Stephanie Barr or Lauren Lopez will reach out to reschedule your volunteer time after the hurricane, if needed.  If the closure date extends beyond Friday, October, 11, 2024, additional communication will be sent out.

3. If you are concerned about flooding and need to park your vehicle on higher ground, you may use the church parking lot at your own discretion.  Heritage cannot ensure the safety of your vehicle, but you are welcome to use the lot if needed.

4. Pinellas County residents are encouraged to visit disaster.pinellascounty.gov for emergency management services and information.

5. Hillsborough County residents are encouraged to visit hcfl.gov/departments/emergency for emergency management services and information.

6. Updates regarding the status of Heritage will be provided via email, facebook, and/or the website heritageumc.com as information becomes available and we are able to provide updates.

Any decision regarding Sunday morning services, Student Ministry, and Pumpkin Palooza will be made after the storm passes and we are able to assess the campus for safety.  If you are scheduled to volunteer in any capacity on Sunday, or work in Children's Ministry, you will be directly contacted by Lauren Lopez, Amanda Gantzert, or me regarding your scheduled assignment. 

Please check in with us and each other before and after the storm.  We want to help wherever we can, and we know that you do, too.  

Blessings,
Ashley Allen
Director of Communication and Engagement

Four Part Harmony

You’re right—I have no business writing a blog article about music. Fortunately, that’s not what this is about.

A worship service has four parts that all go together to complete the journey that the congregation travels together.

Gathering

The first part of the service is designed to bring us all together. In includes items like calls to worship, opening or congregational prayers, processional hymns or opening worship sets, entrance by acolytes with the processional cross and flame to light candles on the platform, processing in of the choir and clergy, welcomes, greetings, announcements, professions of faith, baptisms, and any other elements that help us connect to God and one another, and get our journey underway.

Proclamation

At this point the congregation turns toward the Scriptures. This segment might include an opening sermon bumper video, a musical anthem (performed for, rather than sung with, the congregation) piece that leads into the sermon, a prayer for enlightenment, Scripture readings, and the sermon.

Response

We are not just to hear the Scriptures, but to do what they say. Therefore, once the Gospel is proclaimed, there must be a time of response. This can include an altar call for people to pray at the kneeling rail, the offering including financial giving and written responses on connection cards, the sacrament of Holy Communion, prayers of thanksgiving, and offertory music.

Sending

Once we have responded to the Gospel, it is time for us to be sent into the world to live out the challenge of the Scriptures. This includes items like a recessional hymn, closing prayers, a last worship music set and “sendout,” recessing out by acolytes with the cross and flame that had been lit during the service, a recessing of the choir, and a benediction.

Keep a lookout! You’ll see all four of these segments every Sunday at Heritage, so see if you can spot the moments when we move from one to the next!

That’s Just Sunday Around Here

Sunday, April 21st, 2024.

9am: Our first worship service begins led by our modern band, with Josh, a college student, on drums; college students Ioanna and Lilly on vocals, and Ben, a high school student, playing bass.  Jesús is leading the tech team, with high school students Josie running the video screens and Christian running the lights, and middle school student Luke operating the gimbal camera.  Paige, a former intern and current college student and leader at the FSU Wesley Foundation, is home from school for the weekend and is in attendance.  During the service, 9-year-old Maddox receives his 3rd grade Bible, and several high school and college students are leading in our children's ministry.

10am: Middle School, high school, and college students are among those who spring into action, led by Ioanna, to convert the sanctuary from the modern to the traditional service.

11am: Our second worship service begins.  Jesús again is leading the tech team, this time with middle school student Mason running the video screens.  Elementary school students Chloe, Ty, and Jaiye are serving as acolytes.  High school student Ryan begins the service with the call to worship.  College students Taylar, Ioanna, Kendrick, Troy, and Kaitlyn sing in the choir, and perform the Beatles’  “Let it Be” together.

12pm: Pastor Matt's “Gen Z College and Early Career” Bible class gets through about 20 verses in an hour and a half as they ponder dozens of their questions, theories, and possibilities together.

2pm: Heritage becomes scout troop central as scouts and troop leaders fill the fellowship hall, main hallway, and parlor for their next event. 

6pm: About 150 church members and friends gather on nearby Honeymoon Island to cheer on the middle schoolers of our 2024 confirmation class as some are baptized and others reaffirm their baptism ahead of this coming weekend’s Confirmation Sunday.  While out there other students chose to reaffirm their baptisms or be baptized for the first time as well!

An outside observer might ask, was this a “youth Sunday”?  Those who know us would respond simply, “Nope. That’s just ‘Sunday’ around here.”

It continues to be a privilege to tithe alongside you to keep on making Sundays like that one happen weekly at Heritage United Methodist!  

Confirmation Crosses

You may have noticed the wall of crosses in the narthex above the table where you get your coffee or hot tea on Sunday mornings.  It’s easy to see them and think that they are just a design choice that someone made to fill up that wall.  And while the crosses are beautiful, and certainly have begun to fill up that wall, you should know that each cross is unique in design and was selected with intention.

Each cross represents a student that has gone through the confirmation process.  In 2022, our current Student Ministry Director, Peggy Ingram, began this new tradition.  She, along with one or two staff members, use their knowledge about the confirmation students and select a cross that they believe the student would like, but that also represents that student’s personality.  

But let’s back up just a minute.  Peggy and those staff members also reach out to various small groups, teams, or individuals, to ask if they would agree to pray over each confirmation student as they go through the process of confirmation.  Each student is assigned an individual or couple within the church that dedicates their time to pray for the student. Those prayer partners receive the cross that is selected for the student and they pray over that cross.  They pray for that student’s wisdom, family, grades, and anything else that the student might need prayer for.  It is a worthy and humble calling.

On Confirmation Sunday, these crosses are presented to the students.  However, the students do not take the crosses home.  The crosses are hung on the cross wall in the narthex as a visual reminder to us that these students are the next generation of the church, to continue to pray for them as they prepare to transform the world.  When these students graduate from high school, they will be given their individual cross to take with them wherever they go next with the knowledge that this congregation has faithfully and ceaselessly prayed for them.  And when these students look at their cross, they will know that they always have a home at Heritage.

So, the next time you walk by that wall, pause for a moment and look at those crosses.  Really see them.  They aren’t just decor.  They are students that we are raising up to transform the world with the love of Jesus.  

Lent@Landmark: Day 40

Jesus’ ordeal hanging on the cross began around 9am. About two hours later, he spoke to the thief on the cross beside him, and entrusted his mother to John’s care. At noon a strange nightfall took place, lasting until Jesus died, at around 3pm. The mid-afternoon daylight returned, and soon after, Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea arrived with Pontius Pilate’s permission to bury Jesus. John, Mary the mother of Jesus, Mary the wife of Clopas (Mary’s sister and brother-in-law, Jesus’ aunt and uncle), and Mary Magdalene were already there.

Anyone who’s lost a close friend or relative knows the experience of having the grief put on hold while the funeral tasks are done. The feelings of busyness gives the feelings of loss a place to hide. Perhaps the last six people with Jesus experienced the same thing. Climbing, holding an arm or leg while the nails were removed, preparing a place to lay his body, discarding the crown of thorns, wiping away blood, applying the spices Nicodemus provided. Then they carried him to the tomb, rested him inside, and rolled a stone over the entrance. They went home to prepare the concoction that would mask the smell of death and decay for when they would go back to the tomb. And then… nothing.

The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it. Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment. (Luke 23:55-56)

There was nothing they could do. It was the Sabbath day, and they were literally not allowed to be busy. They had a whole day of doing nothing but sitting with the loss, replaying the last few days. How did things fall apart so fast? They were so sure he was the Messiah—how could they have been so wrong? What would they do now? Would anyone else ever make them feel how Jesus made them feel, or inspire them the way Jesus inspired them?

They had a whole day to sit with these thoughts, a whole day to let it sink in—Jesus was dead. That second day would have been a very long, sad day…

Lent@Landmark: Day 39

Early in the morning, all the chief priests and the elders of the people made their plans how to have Jesus executed. So they bound him, led him away and handed him over to Pilate the governor.

When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders. “I have sinned,” he said, “for I have betrayed innocent blood.”

“What is that to us?” they replied. “That’s your responsibility.”

So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself. (Matthew 271-5)

This is a part of Good Friday often overlooked. The focus is on Jesus, as it should be, but it’s a part of the story that does grasp for our attention.

It seems that he did not expect that Jesus would be condemned. It is unclear what Judas expected—perhaps he was given assurances by the chief priests that something less severe would happen to Jesus? His first step once seized with remorse is to return to them and change his story.

On some level, I feel that this is something of a redemption story for Judas. It removes him from the plot—once the chief priests got what they needed from Judas, they cut him loose, even though he recanted his testimony, and proceeded in seeking Jesus’ crucifixion.

On another, this is a story of terrible loss. Judas has realized his addiction to money, realized the effects of his greed, and confessed his sin. Imagine the moment of forgiveness that could have happened after the resurrection. Imagine the relief Judas could have felt upon seeing Jesus alive again! May we all learn from Judas that we should never see reconciliation as out of reach. —MH

Lent@Landmark: Day 38

When Jesus had finished saying all these things, he said to his disciples, “As you know, the Passover is two days away—and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.”

Then the chief priests and the elders of the people assembled in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, 4 and they schemed to arrest Jesus secretly and kill him.

This is just such a slimy moment, isn’t it?  Jesus has just preached about the Kingdom coming on Earth as it is in Heaven.  He paints a picture of justice and compassion--of care for the outcast, the sick, the poor, the imprisoned.  He points towards hope in the face of oppression, but then, the oppressors take notice.  

The religious authorities who benefit from the situation they’re in decide that they need to get rid of him, but they also keep an eye on the public relations aspect of it!  They decide to wait until crowds disperse from events leading up to Passover.  After all, some of these people had hope now, perhaps for the first time in their lives!

Humanity’s capacity for selfishness is great. Our capacity for selflessness is greater through faith in Jesus Christ. —MH

Lent@Landmark: Day 37

I love watching CBS’ show Undercover Boss. In each episode a high ranking executive of a company goes "undercover," wearing a disguise to conceal their true identity.  They then give up their desk at the corporate office for a few days and work some shifts alongside the front line employees of the company in their actual restaurants, retail locations, convenience stores, etc.

Each episode is a transformative experience as they gain a better understanding of what life is like for the people who really make the company's work happen. Then they return to their regular role, hopefully with their leadership enriched by the experience.

The thing that hovers over the whole show, however, is the impending “reveal.” You know that this Harvard MBA graduate washing lettuce in the back of a restaurant will eventually return to their normal life. It’s a tough transition, but it’s just a few days.

Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him. (John 13:3-5)

It’s hard to miss the stark contrast between what an “Undercover Boss” does and what God did for us in Jesus Christ. There was no question about who Jesus was and the authority He had, but the incarnation was not for one episode. It wasn’t an out of the ordinary few days. God spent an entire lifetime with us. In the moments when it was most difficult, he didn’t take off a disguise and roll the credits. He didn’t demand better treatment. He didn’t ask, “Don’t you know who I am?” He stayed at it, even when the front line people he came to live and work beside turned on him and killed him.

What are the limits to your humility? Where do you draw the line? Where do you stop and declare, “No, this is beneath me”?

Fortunately for us, God’s love for us knows no such limit. -MH

PS. One of the biggest gifts of Undercover Boss was the very funny Saturday Night Live sketch in which Adam Driver reprised his role as Star Wars’ “Kylo Ren,” and went undercover as the boss of the “Starkiller Base.” Click here to have a look.

Lent@Landmark: Day 36

I feel that there are a few things that come flying at us out of the Bible over and over again. One of them is this: God is not in the business of “lowering the bar.”

And now the LORD says, who formed me in the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob back to him, and that Israel might be gathered to him, for I am honored in the sight of the LORD, and my God has become my strength—he says, "It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the survivors of Israel; I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth." (Isaiah 49:5-6)

Another is this: God picks us up. God holds onto us with a firm grip. God jumps over the bar. God, then puts us back on the ground to tell the story of how we miraculously got over that impossibly high bar.

Get ready. When God raises the bar, you’re about to have an awesome story to tell. —MH

Lent@Landmark: Day 35

One of the little bits of Bible trivia I’ve picked up along the way in my travels was that one of the guys walking the “Road to Emmaus” was Jesus’ uncle, a brother of Joseph. The uncle was married a woman named Mary, who was actually one of the remaining handful of people still present with Jesus when he died on the cross. They don’t get much mention in the Bible, but they must have obviously been very close to Jesus, which adds another interesting layer to the Emmaus Road story that follows Jesus’ resurrection. As He’s breaking bread with them, Luke tells us:

“And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him.” (Luke 24:31)

One of the most important prayers we should pray is for our eyes, for it is abundantly clear that we don’t see the way Jesus did. We are distracted by things that don’t matter, and often can’t see past them to the things that do.

What is it that God wants you to see? —MH

Lent@Landmark: Day 34

“I don’t get it.”

It’s the worst response when you tell a joke, tell a story, tutor someone in school, etc. It means our first try didn’t get through. It made sense to us, but that doesn’t matter much if the point is getting it to make sense to someone else, so it also means that we’re going to have to try explaining it a different way.

(Unless you were telling a joke. If you have to explain a joke, the moment is pretty much lost, I’m afraid…)

I confess that my second attempt at explaining is not always my best. I am probably a little stunned by the ineffectiveness of my first, thinking something like, “What do you mean you don’t get it?” “What don’t you get?” “That joke is hilarious—maybe you just don’t have much of a sense of humor.”

My second attempt, therefore, may lack effort or creativity. I might just say the same thing again, or I might say it again, but slower. I have been known to talk fast on occasion. After my third or fourth attempt, it begins to occur to me that they aren’t the problem, and that maybe I don’t get how to explain this very well.

“Consider your own call, brothers and sisters: not many of you were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong.” (1Corinthians 1:26-27)

Before we let ourselves get frustrated by those we think can’t keep up with us, introspection is in order. Being in the lead does not make us a good leader—helping people keep up with us does. Knowing a lot does not make us a good teacher, helping others know what we know does. —MH

PS. It’s also possible that the joke just wasn’t that funny…

Lent@Landmark: Day 33

Bethsaida was a town with an intermingled population of Jews and Greeks, or “Gentiles.” As John mentions it in his Gospel, we’re reminded of the advice previous generations gave us, and that we’ve all given to the generations after us.

“It’s all about who you know.”

Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, "Sir, we wish to see Jesus." Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. (John 12:20-22)

At some point these Greeks got talking about Jesus, and how they’d love to get to meet him. Along the way they got the same advice we all got—it’s all about who you know. Someone must have told them, “Hey, I know a guy… when you get there, ask for Philip…”

Are there any people in your life that, if someone told them they wanted to know more about Jesus, they’d send them to you? If so, keep up the good work! If not, ask in prayer that you’d become that person to whom people are sent when they want to get to know Jesus. That’s a prayer God would love to answer. —MH

Lent@Landmark: Day 32

Jesus didn’t beat around the bush.

That’s an odd expression, isn’t it? We all know that to “beat around the bush” means that we’re not being direct, skirting an issue rather than taking it on head first. It actually comes from medieval times, when hunters would hire people to go into the woods with sticks and beat the ground around the bushes to chase the game out. However, you wouldn’t hit the bushes directly for fear of injuring the game before the hunter who hired you got a crack at it, or for fear of hitting a bees nest, which of course could bring an end to the hunt in a hurry.

That’s why it’s “around” the bush—fear of what my happen. And that’s why Jesus didn’t do it—he wasn’t afraid, and so he said what needed to be said, like John 12:25, for example.

“Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life.” (John 12:25)

That’s a tough one, right? I feel a desire to spin that one into something a little more palatable, which reveals, upon careful introspection, that I am afraid of what might be revealed (or what might jump out of the bushes where it’s hiding) if I said that, or if someone said it to me.

It’s best to just face the question, then. Where have I drawn the line regarding what I’m willing to give up to become more like Jesus? Do I hold out a hand toward the Lord and say, “Stop right there, God. I love these things too much to offer them to You.”

Of course, we probably wouldn’t say it that way. We’d probably beat around the bush. —MH