Rest and Growth

In this Lenten sermon series, we study the stories and parables that defined Jesus’ final chapter in ministry. The story of Lent is a story of messy middles. Jesus is on the road, but he’s not there yet. Jesus is telling stories, but the crowds don’t understand. Jesus is leading a parade, but it’s not the one they expected. Jesus is risen, but the disciples can’t forget the cross. The story of Lent, the story of our faith, is a story of messy middles and nuanced surprises. So this Lent, we are remembering that faith is more complex than this or that, black or white, true or false storytelling. This Lent, we are wading into the middle of these sacred texts to find God and to stretch our own understanding and we hope you’ll join us. Welcome to an in-between Lent. This is the light before the dawn.

The gardener in the vineyard knows the fig tree needs rest, nutrients, and time - and it also needs to produce fruit. Both things are true, which is also true for us. If we are always striving for more growth without taking time to rest, we will burn out. But if we are only ever resting, we won’t bear fruit or grow. The fig tree also teaches us that the in between time - of nurture before fruit - can be where transformation begins.