Lectionary readings
Is 43: 16-21
Phil 3: 4-14
John 12: 1-
Notes from Tuesday zoom between Sam Wells and Jolley
General introduction comments
Sam’s Lenten Fasting and Passion Sunday
Sam discussed his personal experience with Lenten fasting and its impact on his preaching. He also shared his thoughts on the Catholic Church’s decision to combine Passion Sunday with Palm Sunday, which he believes was a bad idea. Sam expressed his preference for Passion Sunday, which he sees as a way to consider the passion as a whole, rather than focusing on Good Friday or Palm Sunday. He also mentioned his recent publications where he has been more outspoken about his views on the cross and its significance.
Passion Sunday and God’s Unfinished Work:
Isaiah 43:16-21
Sam discusses the significance of Passion Sunday and Isaiah 43:16-21 in relation to God’s character and purposes. He suggests that this passage is particularly relevant for those facing new life stages, such as retirement or remarriage, as it emphasises that God is not finished with them yet. Sam explains that in its original context, the passage was written to exiles in Babylon, drawing parallels between their situation and the Exodus from Egypt to instil hope and trust in God’s ability to bring them back from exile.
Is He Going to Do It Again?
Sam discussed the theme of “Is he going to do it again?” in the context of JPR Williams’ famous tries against England in the 1970s. He suggested that this phrase could be used as a sermon title for an exegesis of a passage about God’s actions in the Exodus. Sam also proposed two corporate ways to preach on this theme: delving into the life of the community and reflecting on the community’s history, particularly during difficult times.
New Beginnings and Humble Inspirations
Sam and Jolley discussed sermon ideas, focusing on the concept of new beginnings and the power of inspiration. Sam suggested using examples of major movements that started from humble beginnings to illustrate the idea of God doing a new thing. Jolley agreed, noting the importance of stepping into the future rather than trying to recreate the past. They also touched on the idea of being inspired by the life and openness that made people able to step into new things.
Exploring Authenticity in Christian Faith.
John 12:1-8.
In the meeting, Jolley and Sam discussed the significance of knowing Christ and the importance of humility and tentativeness in the Christian faith. They explored the idea of using Passion Sunday as a platform to discuss these themes, with a focus on the gospel passage from John 12:1-8. Sam emphasised the need to approach evangelism in a genuine and authentic manner, rather than promoting something that may be perceived as fake or narrow. They also touched upon the idea of anticipation and the concept of shaking the dust off one’s feet, but decided not to tie these themes too closely to Passion Sunday.
Pouring Perfume: Extravagant Love and Life
Sam discussed the micro and macro stories surrounding the pouring of perfume over someone’s feet. He emphasised the extravagance of God’s love, likening it to the pouring of perfume, and how it should inspire people to live their lives in a similar manner. He also shared an anecdote about a woman who climbed the Himalayas and the concept of living a life of extravagance.
Alison Hargreaves was a renowned British mountaineer and mother of two. In 1995, she achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the first woman to summit Mount Everest solo, without supplemental oxygen or Sherpa support. Tragically, later that year, she died while descending from the summit of K2, the world’s second-highest peak, during a violent storm.
Following her death, there was significant media debate regarding her decision to undertake such perilous climbs as a mother. Her husband, Jim Ballard, addressed these criticisms by emphasising that climbing was an integral part of Alison’s identity. He stated, “I loved Alison because she wanted to climb the highest peak her skills would allow her to. That’s who she was.”
Sermon Series “Extravagant Love: Preaching the Passion” development
Overview
This resource invites preachers and leaders to engage Passion Sunday as a distinct moment in the Lenten journey—one that allows deep reflection on Christ’s suffering, God’s ongoing work of renewal, and the call to authentic, generous discipleship.
Idea 1: Passion Sunday – Making Space for the Cross
Focus: The significance of Passion Sunday as distinct from Palm Sunday
Themes:
- Holding space for lament, reflection, and the whole arc of the Passion
- Reclaiming theological and liturgical depth in the lead-up to Holy Week
- Personal reflection: What does the cross mean in my life now?
Earthing the theology locally
Reflective writing: “Where do I locate myself in the story of the Passion?”
Idea 2: God Is Not Finished Yet
Texts: Isaiah 43:16–21
Themes:
- God’s power to bring new life from exile, endings, and uncertainty
- “Is He Going to Do It Again?”: Remembering God’s past faithfulness as fuel for present hope
- Letting go of nostalgia to step into God’s future
Earthing the theology locally
examples of moments of change—retirement, loss, new roles.
Invite the community to tell stories of God’s faithfulness during hard times.
Idea 3: The Power of Humble Beginnings :
Cross-text theme: Isaiah 43 with Philippians 3
Themes:
- God’s “new thing” often begins small
- Paul’s renunciation of religious credentials for the sake of Christ
- Living with tentativeness, humility, and openness
Earthing the theology locally
Identify where in your life/ministry God may be starting something new
Explore how communities can cultivate openness rather than control
Idea 4: Knowing Christ
Authentic Faith in a Loud World Text: Philippians 3:4–14
Themes:
- “Losing to gain”: letting go of false identities or securities
- Knowing Christ through suffering, not just triumph
- Authentic evangelism rooted in lived experience
Earthing the theology locally
examples of vulnerability and truthfulness in faith
Encourage practices of witness that flow from love and experience, not pressure
Idea 5: Pouring Perfume
Extravagant Love and Life. Text: John 12:1–8
Themes:
- Mary’s costly devotion as a model of worship and discipleship
- Living extravagantly in response to God’s extravagant love
- Choosing worship even when others don’t understand
Earthing the theology locally
Use the story of the woman climbing the Himalayas to illustrate courageous devotion
Invite people to name or symbolically offer their “perfume” (gifts, time, attention)
Idea 6: Integrated Theme:
Passion Sunday is not just about looking at Jesus’ suffering, but living in response to His love
We are called to live Passion-shaped lives: courageous, humble, hope-filled, and generous
