King's Church Darlington

Matthew 23.1-12. Jesus warns his disciples against religious hypocrisy, which was a strong feature of the Pharisees' way of life. Always concerned to look good and be treated with deference by the common people, Jesus says that these are the very opposite of the Kingdom of God he is inaugurating. Apologies: the first few minutes of this sermon are missing due to a technical issue. 12 January 2025.

Matthew 22.34-46. At the end of a series of tests and traps from Israel's religious leaders, an expert in the Law is sent to test him one last time with a question about the greatest commandment of the 613 stipulations in the Law of Moses. Jesus answers with not one, but two commandments that summarise the entire Old Testament, before making his detractors look like mugs yet again with a question of his own, after which nobody dares ask him any more questions. 5 January 2025.

What child does not relish the chance to see Santa in his grotto? But the question he asks is a bit problematic. Have you been good this year? How good is good enough to get a present? Isn't grace about receiving gifts because we're loved?

At Our Christmas at King's service, two people who became Christians in the last twelve months share how Christmas is going to be a whole lot different for them this year. 22 December 2024.

Philippians 2.5-11. One of the most stunning passages in the Bible on the Christmas miracle describes the majestic, omnipotent Son of God humbled himself to become a defenceless spec, smaller than half a grain of sand, to become one of us, and save us. John opens up the passage and points out some of the implications for us. 8 December 2024.

Matthew 22.15-33. In the week before his death, several different groups (not friendly among themselves but united in their hostility towards Jesus) approach him trying to catch him out. In this passage, religious hardliners, liberals and politicians alike all fail to trap him as each time, Jesus amazes them with his brilliant response. 1 December 2024.

Matthew 22.1-14. In this parable, God is a father arranging the wedding of his son. But some snub the father with lame excuses. So, Plan B, the father sends servants out all over town to fill the hall. Then, in another twist, one of the guests is not dressed for the occasion and is ejected from the feast. What can it all possibly mean? 24 November 2024.

Matthew 21.33-46. It's Tuesday of Passover week. Jesus is three days away from his death and he speaks to the religious authorities about it in the form of a story showing how the Old Testament prophets were constantly rejected by faithless Israel. Jesus will be the latest (and greatest) in this long line. But like dispensing with a foundation, making the building collapse and crush anyone inside, it will turn out to be catastrophic for all those who reject him. 17 November 2024.

Matthew 21.23-32. Annoyed by Jesus' incendiary behaviour the previous day, the temple leadership approach Jesus when they find him teaching publicly and ask him what right he has to be doing that. Jesus responds with a simple question which perfectly exposes their evil intentions before telling a story which shows that repentant sinners are more righteous than finely dressed clergy with unbelieving hearts. 10 November 2024.

Matthew 21.12-22. In the week leading up to the cross, the tension between Jesus and the religious authorities grows and grows. Not least because Jesus' behaviour is increasingly confrontational. He causes a right old disturbance in the temple and then curses a perfectly healthy-looking fig tree, making it wither and die. What is going on? What did it mean for those watching these extraordinary scenes and what does it mean for us today? 3 November 2024.