Sermon Illustrations

Brennan Manning, author of The Ragamuffin Gospel says, “Whatever our failings may be, we need not lower our eyes in the presence of Jesus. . . .[W]e need not hide all that is ugly and repulsive in us. Jesus comes not for the super-spiritual but for the wobbly and weak kneed who know they don’t have it all together, and who are not too proud to accept the handout of amazing grace. As we glance up, we are astonished to find the eyes of Jesus open with wonder, deep with understanding, and gentle with compassion” (30).