Transforming stories
We’re excited to launch a new 7-week sermon series tomorrow, exploring some of the wonderful parables of Jesus in Luke’s gospel.
Most people think of parables as old stories with simple moral lessons and earthy illustrations. But the stories Jesus told are far more than that. Jesus tells them to draw us closer to him in faith and therefore to transform our very lives.
Whether you’ve heard these parables many times or you're encountering them for the first time, we pray that this series will challenge us, comfort us and ultimately change us, as we see more clearly the true nature of Jesus' kingdom and what it means to truly follow him as our king.
Here’s a glimpse at what’s ahead:
-
The good samaritan (Luke 10:25-37): A story that shatters boundaries and redefines what it means to be a neighbour. Jesus invites us to love others like he loves us, with a compassion that crosses cultural, social, and religious lines.
-
The rich fool (Luke 12:13-21): A warning against the illusion of security in material wealth. Jesus challenges us to consider where our treasure truly lies, and what it means to be “rich toward God.”
-
The two lost sons (Luke 15:11-32): Often called the parable of the prodigal son, this powerful story reveals the extravagant grace of the Father, not just to the rebellious, but also to the self-righteous.
-
The shrewd manager (Luke 16:1-13): Perhaps Jesus’ most puzzling parable, it forces us to think about how we use our resources and whether we live with an eternal perspective.
-
The rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31): A sobering contrast between two lives, two eternities, and the dangers of ignoring the suffering around us.
-
The persistent widow (Luke 18:1-8): A call to persistent prayer and confident hope in the God who listens and acts for the good of his people.
-
The Pharisee and the tax Collector (Luke 18:9-17): A stark picture of two men praying at the temple: the proud Pharisee and the humble tax collector.
Before each Sunday, please read through the passage beforehand and pray for the Spirit’s help to understand it. Then come ready to hear Jesus speak and to be changed by his words of grace and truth.
Yours in Christ,
Mark Barry
Assistant Minister
Community Connections
16 August 2025