Encounters with Jesus (in the gospel of Matthew)

Unexpected answers to life’s big questions

For over 2000 years people in every generation, from every culture and every background have come to discover in Jesus what it means to live ‘life to the full’. The gospel accounts that tell of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection, have helped people discover answers to life’s big questions – questions about freedom, hope, identity, meaning, purpose, satisfaction, suffering and death.

We all want a happy, fulfilled, relationally full and thriving life, but how do we get such a life? Whilst Instagram might make our lives look like that, we know that is not the truth. Our modern digital world is increasingly full of anxiety, divisions, uncertainty and loneliness. We are full of doubts and insecurities, often oscillating between relentless striving and frustrating apathy. Can Jesus show us a better way? Can he give us the rest and contentment we all want?

This term, in our Sunday preaching series and midweek City Groups, we’re going to look at 13 different encounters that Jesus has with different people in the gospel of Matthew. We’ll see if we too can be changed and transformed by encountering Jesus ourselves, whether for the first time or the 100th time, and learn what it is to live fully, freely and joyfully.

As Jesus famously says in Matthew 11:28-30:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

I encourage us all, whether you’re a long time member of CCC or just checking out Jesus for the first time, why not respond to his offer to come to him (to encounter him!) and discover the rest our souls long for?

Here is how we will structure our series, including our Christmas Services at both CCC South & Central. After four of our Sunday talks there will be a live Q&A afterwards (anonymously via your phone, or through open question and answer) and there will also be personal testimonies.

• 24th Sept – The Great Enemy (Matt 4:1-11) – Who am I?
• 1st Oct – The Storm (Matt 8:23-27) – Where is God in suffering? (Q&A)
• 8th Oct – The Paralytic (Matt 9:1-8) – What’s wrong with the world?
• 15th Oct – The Tax Collector (Matt 9:9-17) – How do I change? (Q&A)
• 22nd Oct – The Canaanite Woman (Matt 15:21-28) – What does faith look like?
• 29th Nov – The Apostle Peter – part 1 (Matt 16:13-28) – Who is Jesus? (Q&A)
• 5th Nov – The Apostle Peter – part 2 (Matt 18:15-35) – How can I forgive?*
• 12 Nov  – The Rich Young Man (Matt 19:16-30) – What is true success? (Q&A)
• 19th Nov – The Mother of James & John (Matt 20:20-28) – How do I find contentment?
• 26th Nov – The Religious Leaders (Matthew 23:1-39) – What’s wrong with religion? (Q&A)
• 3rd Dec – Jesus’ Genealogy (Matt 1:1-17) – Carol Services
• 10th Dec – Joseph (Matt 1:18-25) – Reel Life? Talk? Musicians? (Central = The Banquet)
• 17th Dec – The Magi (Matt 2:1-12) – Family Carol Service (South) & Carols by Candlelight (Central)
• 24th Dec – Herod (Matt 2:13-23) – Christmas Eve Service (South only)

Jesus said in Matthew 13:45-46:

“The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.”

May we discover the pearl of great value this term as we encounter Jesus through the gospel of Matthew.

If you’d like to join us as we explore these encounters with Jesus, here are the options

1. CCC South: 10.30am at Oatlands Primary School (Stillorgan)
2. CCC Central: 4.30pm at Synge Street Secondary School (Portobello)
3. City Groups: various times and locations throughout the week – do contact us if you want to join one.

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*CCC Central will not meet on 5th Nov as they will be at their Weekend Away in Castledaly Manor (Athlone). If you are not on the weekend away and normally attend our evening congregation, you’d be welcome to join us in the morning at CCC South.