The land of Israel was occupied by a foreign army (Rome). King Herod Antipas, an immoral tyrant, held sway over the region of Galilee. Various groups of rebels fought these powers. Political violence was commonplace.

Jesus stepped into the heart of this fraught context. He traveled from village to village healing the sick, casting out evil spirits, and preaching good news. In a time when the bad behavior of kings and governors heaped trouble on the shoulders of common people, Jesus pointed toward “the kingdom of God.”

Christ’s message was simple: The rules in God’s realm are different.

To give people a sense of what this looked like, Jesus spoke in stories. He told parables. He acted the part of a court jester. He called the culture’s accepted norms into question and invited people to discover deeper truths for their lives.

This autumn, Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church will study Christ’s parables. We will listen to God’s Jester describe alternatives to narratives of selfishness, arrogance, and apathy. We will consider how Christ’s brief, but powerful stories can help us live in fuller, less anxious, more joyful, and more loving ways.

Amidst the frightened and angry chatter of the day, won’t you join us as we consider a sacred alternative to the kingdoms of this world?

Join us for the journey.

• Hidden
  Sunday, Sept. 7
  Homecoming Sunday
  The Rev. Dr. Scott Black Johnston
• Ferment
  Sunday, Sept. 14
  The Rev. Dr. Scott Black Johnston
• Weeds
  Sunday, Sept. 21
  The Rev. Dr. Scott Black Johnston
• Answers
  Sunday, Sept. 28
  The Rev. Dr. Scott Black Johnston
• Strays
  Sunday, Oct. 5
  World Communion Sunday
  The Rev. Dr. Scott Black Johnston
• Justice
  Sunday, Oct. 12
  The Rev. Natalie Owens-Pike
• Attire
  Sunday, Oct. 19
  The Rev. Dr. Scott Black Johnston
• Unfair
  Sunday, Oct. 26
  The Rev. Dr. Scott Black Johnston
• Humility
  Sunday, Nov. 2
  All Saints Sunday
  The Rev. Chris Palmer
• Abundance
  Sunday, Nov. 9
  The Rev. Dr. Scott Black Johnston
• Revenge
  Sunday, Nov. 16
  The Rev. Dr. Scott Black Johnston
• Buy the Farm
  Sunday, Nov. 23
  Pledge Sunday
  The Rev. Dr. Scott Black Johnston