About this episode
This episode explores the central themes of Jesus' life and ministry, focusing on nonviolence and radical love during the season of Lent.
Lent was originally a season for new converts to learn and prepare for their baptism on Easter. During that time, they would study what was central to Christianity. As we enter this new series, we study what is central to Jesus’ life and ministry: radical welcome, love for neighbor, care for the vulnerable, nourishment for the hungry, nonviolence in the face of injustice. At the heart of Jesus’ teachings, we find liberation, love, mercy, and grace—all of which are meant to be very good news for us all. Jesus’ words are easily distorted and sanitized in our modern world. Following Jesus leads to a richer, more expansive life, but it’s not necessarily comfortable. Jesus’ ministry can be described as “radical” which comes from the Latin word “radicalis,” meaning “root” or “ground.” Therefore, the good news should bring us back to our roots. Emulating Jesus and embodying his teachings should ground us in who God created us to be. Can we be “good news” people in a world too often burdened by bad news? This Lent, let us remember that the good news really is good news. It is joyful—like fine wine saved for celebration. It grows like a mustard seed and smells like perfume poured from an…
Topics covered
- Lent
- Christianity
- Nonviolence
- Radical Welcome
- Love for Neighbor
Keywords
- good news
- radical welcome
- care for the vulnerable
- nourishment for the hungry
- mercy
- grace
- Jesus' teachings
- liberation
More episodes of The Table UMC
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- Being Awake to God · April 12, 2026
- Alive In The World · April 5, 2026
- Inspiring Us To Act · March 29, 2026
- Rooted In Justice, Mercy and Faithfulness · March 22, 2026
- Protection and Care for the Vulnerable · March 15, 2026
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