In Mark 2:23-28 some Pharisees accuse Jesus and his disciples of violating the Sabbath law by snacking on some grain while they walked through the fields. Jesus does not argue with their accusation. We notice, instead, that he teaches that there is a righteousness more important in God's sight than religious observance. He wants them to know that God gave some religious instructions for the benefit of humankind, not as a way to keep human beings "in line." Jesus teaches his disciples to honor God's heart as well as God's words.

In Mark 2:18-22, Jesus provides two vivid parables that give a vision of his revolutionary mission in the world. Jesus came to establish a New Covenant from God with humankind. This new covenant includes God's gracious gift of a new way of thinking about everything. Something sorely needed in today's chaos.

Recent, violent riots combine with the recent pandemic to raise questions about just what kind of moment we are living in. There is a temptation to fear, because the times are unfamiliar to us, and many things that seemed secure are now in question. In this message, we consider how the once-and-for-all hope in Christ gives Christians hope for this time and for all others.