The Rhetoric of Jesus

We are in the thick of a nasty campaign for the presidency. Right now, three candidates are still vying their way to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. As a result, words are flying as statements are being made about who each candidate is. The campaign rhetoric is thick! Senator John McCain says he will be ready from day one, bringing to the office “Courageous Service, Experienced Leadership and Bold Solutions.” Senator Hillary Clinton says she is “one of American’s foremost advocates for children and families,” a “champion for health care, women’s rights and human rights around the world.” Senator Barack Obama says he is one who can “unite people around a politics of purpose – a politics that puts solving the challenges of everyday Americans ahead of partisan calculation and political gain.” All of these statements are made on the candidates’ websites.

Jesus also has a few things to say about who he is. In John’s Gospel, there are more than a dozen emphatic “I am” statements. In this sermon series, “The Rhetoric of Jesus,” we’ll look at a few of these statements in an effort to discover who Jesus is and what difference he makes for today.

May 18: Penetrating Light, based on John 8:1-12

May 25: One in the Field, based on John 10:1-21

June 1: Stories from the Bakery, based on John 6:25-40

June 8: Miracle Grow, based on John 15:1-17

June 15: Resurrection and Life, based on John 11:17-27

June 22: What Difference Does He Make for Today?