At that time the festival of the Dedication took place in Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon. The Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, [or the Christ] tell us plainly.” (John 10:22-24)
The crowds gathered around Jesus candidly saying—“Stop talking in riddles and parables. If you are Messiah, just tell us!” It’s a challenge of authenticity, a call to defend his identity—“Come on, just level with us!”
Haven’t there been times when you prayed that prayer? Just tell me plainly what I need to know, Jesus. Show me clearly who you are, and the way I should go. Help me make the right decision. Make your will for me crystal clear. Give me a sign. Tell me plainly, so there is no misunderstanding, but keep it simple, so I get it.
It isn’t that Jesus needs to improve his communications skills—He’s been speaking clearly since the very beginning. The problem is that the message he’s preaching isn’t what the people want to hear. They are looking for a particular kind of Messiah, one who fits neatly in their idea of what a Messiah looks like, how a Messiah acts. They are looking for someone who will save them while they sit passively by and watch.
But Jesus is calling his followers into something completely different—Something much more. Jesus is calling his followers into a life-changing, intimate relationship. It’s a call to action. Jesus says, “My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me.” Join us this week at Sedona United Methodist Church as Rev. Fred Mast offers a message entitled “Call to Action”.
Sunday mornings we enter the spirit of worship at 9:30 am featuring uplifting music, special times of prayer, and passionate life changing messages that will move you closer in your relationship with Jesus Christ and others. Sunday school offered for children kindergarten to 6th grade.
Immediately following worship, you are invited to stay and join us in our Fellowship Hall for a very special fellowship time featuring delicious goodies and snacks, beverages, and always great hot coffee. This is the friendliest and most welcoming fellowship time anywhere!
Join us this Saturday May 7th for our Annual Community Parking Lot Sale (Party) from 8:00a.m. to 3:00p.m. Arts, Crafts, Foods, Antiques, Household Items, Books, and so much more. For more information, please call the church office at (928)282-1780 or check out our website.
We offer several weekly book and bible studies: Tuesday’s @ 1:45pm Adult Studies at The Gathering Place in West Sedona (Revelations Study); and Thursday’s Women’s Bible Study at 9:45am (Studying the Gospel of John). We offer so many great missions, ministries, and fellowship opportunities at Sedona UMC.
Visit our website at us on www.sedonaumc.org and “Like” us on Facebook. We are conveniently located at 110 Indian Cliffs Road off the Back O’Beyond roundabout on Route 179 in Sedona. All are welcome at Sedona UMC—Come and grow with us! Invite, pick-up, and bring your friends and family.
