In this sermon, we explore the profound meaning behind Christ’s celebration of the Passover, contrasting it with the familiar but sentimental imagery of "’Twas the Night Before Christmas." Christ’s Passover reveals a radical, costly redemption that goes far beyond simple reward or punishment. It challenges us to recognize our unworthiness and embrace the violent yet life-giving sacrifice of our Savior.

Far from a mere memorial, the Lord’s Supper invites us into ongoing communion with the living Christ, who nourishes and sustains us through his broken body and shed blood. This meal is a powerful reminder that true greatness in God’s kingdom comes not from status or ambition but from humble service and reliance on grace.

In a tense confrontation at the temple, Jesus faces the religious leaders’ challenge: “By what authority do you do these things?” Through a powerful parable about a vineyard and its tenants, Jesus exposes their refusal to recognize His divine authority. This story warns of the dangers of relying on covenant identity, heritage, and tradition over true faith.  Christ calls all to hear, receive, and live under Christ’s lordship which leads to bearing glorious fruit in God’s vineyard.

As Jesus approaches Jericho, which is an iconic city of judgment, He is revealed as the greater Joshua, leading not a campaign of physical conquest, but one of redemption in two phases. In Luke’s account, we meet two individuals: a blind beggar and a wealthy tax collector. Though physically blind, the beggar sees Jesus, rightly identifying him as the Son of David, the Messiah. Zacchaeus, the rich man whose name means “righteous,” is short in stature, a symbol pointing to his moral and spiritual insufficiency.

Despite their social disparity, both men encounter Christ and recognize Him as the true life-giver and equalizer. Their faith, not their status, identifies them as sons of Abraham. As the old mission of Israel ends in exile due to human failure, Jesus begins a new mission, fulfilling the promise through His suffering and the power of the cross.

In Him, we too are called to live as Spirit-led pilgrims, emptying ourselves of worldly significance and finding our identity, hope, and peace in Christ alone. He is not contaminated by sinners, but He sanctifies them as the perfect righteous priest king.

One might wonder if Jesus is the Son of Man or Eeyore, always bringing people down right when his mission gains potential momentum.  We see an example of this when a rich ruler seeks eternal life, affirming Christ as God. He leaves sad, but why? Because Jesus exposed the one thing the man couldn’t surrender: his status. Though he claimed obedience, his identity was rooted in his accomplishments.  It might be his wealthy status or his righteousness, but it was not in Christ. Jesus, who never denies His divinity, challenges this man and us to move beyond performance and status.  We are called to be humble, empty ourselves, and embrace humility and daily dependence on Christ who is the sole source of life and eternal status.

As Jesus continues His journey to Jerusalem, the place of supposed peace, He encounters rejection, brokenness, and unexpected faith. Passing between Galilee and Samaria, He heals ten lepers—yet only one, a Samaritan, returns to give thanks. In this moment, Christ shows that true cleansing and peace don't come from heritage or even the strength of our faith, but from faith in Him alone.