Apr 3, 2011
Focus readings: Matt 21:1-11, Phillipians 2:5-11
The original of this sermon included two video Clips from Bluefishtv The sermon makes pretty good sense without the clips but if you click on the titles it will take you to a preview of the videos: Abraham Lincoln: Perserverance to live by faith. and Famous Failures.
Some of the greatest figures in history have known incredible failure before they have known success. I am no great figure but I was turned down to study ministry and teaching. In today's sermon you will hear of some actually great people who had even more spectacular failures.
In human terms Jesus was also a failure. He died publically shamed and disgraced. His movement had fallen apart. He had no money and although he was supposed to be a King he had no Army. Most if not all of his friends had deserted him. Even on Palm Sunday when a great crowd welcomed him, he did not look that great. He rode not on a horse but on a donkey and his honour guard were not warriors but fishermen and tax collectors. Yet today the world's largest religion owns his name. His life has had a greater impact and has been a greater success than any other. None of us is Jesus, but as well as thinking about who Jesus is, today's message encourages you to acknowledge that God can use any person despite their failings, to do good and even wonderful things.
Questions for thought or discussion.
What other people do you know of, have had failures I their lives and have ended up doing good or wonderful things? What did you think of the examples in the video clips? Is there some failure you would be willing to share with others that you overcame to get to where you are? (If so share it.) What do you think the story of Jesus has to say about success, failure and what God is like?