"Seeds and Sacrifice"
John 12:20-26
Why did Jesus have to die? What did his death accomplish? When we say "Christ died for our sins," what does that mean exactly? How does Jesus' death reconcile God with humankind?
I am sure I am not the only Christian who has struggled with these questions. But struggle we must, for Christ's atoning death is one of the central beliefs of our faiths.
The New Testament presents several different images to interpret the meaning of Jesus' death on the cross. In one image, Jesus is the ransom paid to free humanity from the prison of our sins. In another, Jesus is the sacrifice -- the "Lamb of God" -- which atones for people's sins.
But these images raise uncomfortable questions: Does the Church's proclamation of atonement glorify abuse and violence? Does it persuade people, especially women and other historically oppressed groups, to endure suffering? Is God an angry father who inflicts a kind of cosmic child abuse on his son?
Come join us for worship this Sunday, March 25 at 10 am and hear a different image -- one that Jesus himself offers -- that presents a life-giving view of his death.
The First Congregational Church of Stoughton, an Open and Affirming congregation of the United Church of Christ, is located at 76 Pierce Street, Stoughton, MA.
No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you're welcome here!
