We see Jesus responding to Mary (and Martha) and the community as they grieve the death of Lazarus in John 11:32-35. I offer us to consider that Jesus responded differently to each person meeting them where they were. And I invite us to consider how best to care for others, and even ourselves, as we find ourselves experiencing grief through different examples. Afterwards, several of us continued the topic of Being With ourselves and others over a Q&A conversation over lunch at a local restaurant in this historic arts district (link below).
I preached this sermon as the guest speaker for Central Christian Church in Ft. Worth Texas. Senior Minister (Pastor) Lisa and I met years ago in seminary and we’ve marveled at how God has given both of us specific and unexpected ministries along the way. I was honored to be able to serve the church in this way today. I pray this material sparks something within that you will continue to process together with God. May it be so.
I used to live in Texas but since 4 months ago in May, I’ve fully accepted the call to serve in-person at a faith-based hospital system in Western Kentucky as a Board Certified Chaplain (BCCI-APC) and Hospital Chaplain Supervisor and Chaplain Educator Student (CES). I’m back visiting Texas from South Carolina doing a packed whirlwind “tour” of “Being With” different people and groups for a few different organizations to ‘Be With’ dear friends, make new connections, and improve my craft in the field of chaplaincy.
Scroll down below to watch a recording of the sermon or the entire service! Scroll down even further to watch my ‘After Sermon Background Preaching Tips‘ video (but I haven’t recorded it yet) where I’m keeping up my routine of sharing a few thoughts after I preach. But then after that, you’ll find the Q&A recording there if that’s helpful to listen to.
I am always hopeful that these offerings of sharing my sermons would bless and encourage you in your own journey with God and in your ministry of service to others. Feel free to reach out to me or leave a comment below, anytime.
Blessings and peace!
John 11:32-35 NIV
32 When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”
33 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. 34 “Where have you laid him?” he asked.
“Come and see, Lord,” they replied.
35 Jesus wept.
A few photos!
Preaching Tips Background Video
I haven’t recorded this yet, but I’ll add it later if I do. Instead, I’ve added a recording of the question and answer session which happened right after the worship service linked below. Hope it’s helpful and encouraging!
Blessings~ Your Sister in Christ
Do share with me what resonates with you, in your particular roles of ministry (or however you’ve come to find this particular video)! Thanks!
You can watch my After Preaching Tips video playlist here.
You can find the rest of my Sermons here! https://sejanashines.com/preaching and my Sermons playlist here.
Here’s a new link with all kinds of ways to connect with me! https://lnk.bio/sejanashines.
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