An Idle Tale Becomes Good News: Messages on Lent and Easter Themes

Each chapter in this collection of twenty meditations considers a specific phrase or object related to Jesus' ministry in his final days or in his resurrection appearances. In several cases, this is something intangible yet very distinct, such as Jesus' prayer for his disciples, Pilate's wife's dream, or the astounding news of the resurrection that seemed like an "idle tale." Other messages address objects that could have been seen and touched: the torn curtain in the temple, ropes, scars, or the burial spices the women brought to the empty tomb. But whether tangible or intangible, each symbol reflects a significant event in the biblical narrative, which Sheets explores to see what lessons can be drawn for today's Christian living. This volume is excellent for adult Sunday school classes or other study groups, devotional reading during Lent and Easter, and as background for sermon preparation. A companion book of children's sermons based on the same texts (Alleluia! by Elaine M. Ward) is also available from CSS Publishing Company.

Herchel Sheets is a proven quantity. Here he focuses fifty years of disciplined biblical and theological study in a series of skillfully crafted seminal sermons on the passion and resurrection of Christ. His hermeneutic hinges on themes that are definite and precise, such as a jar of ointment, a drug refused. In every instance, he ties the truth to the contemporary with illustrations from literature and life that constitute a cornucopia for teachers and preachers. This volume is a keeper!
L. Bevel Jones III, Bishop in Residence
Candler School of Theology, Emory University

In this volume, Herchel Sheets takes us on a journey as Jesus makes his way to Jerusalem -- from Lent to Resurrection and Eastertide. With his great biblical understanding, fine theological mind, and broad literary knowledge, he brings us rich vignettes of the life and ministry of Jesus. A splendid preacher, teacher, and writer has produced a homiletical gem!
James Lloyd Knox
United Methodist Bishop (retired)

Herchel H. Sheets has been a United Methodist minister for more than a half century. His most recent appointment was as the Assistant to the Bishop and Director of Ministerial Services for the North Georgia Annual Conference. In addition, he has pastored several congregations, and has served as a college and seminary teacher, annual conference program director, and district superintendent. The author of eight previous books and numerous articles in various publications, Dr. Sheets is now an adjunct professor at Emory University's Candler School of Theology, and is in frequent demand as a preacher, teacher, and workshop leader for local churches, conferences, retreats, and training schools.