Sermons on Luke (Page 2)
God Helps Those Who Help Themselves?
This week we move on to the phrase “God Helps Those Who Help Themselves.” On one hand, this makes sense. No one would pray for a new job without also updating their resume and applying for work. On the other hand, this kind of mentality can be used as an excuse to avoid helping those in need. Is that the purpose? Scripture: Psalm 10:14,17-18; Psalm 18:6,16; Psalm 121:1-2 (CEB)
Everything Happens for a Reason?
This week we will begin a series called “1/2 Truths.” Every week we will explore and analyze a common Christian phrase. We’ll ask ourselves what we really mean when we repeat these phrases, and why they are both comforting and uncomfortable. Most of our common phrases are only half true. Together we will pray, learn, and examine our hearts in order to find the whole truth through God’s love and grace. Scripture: Deuteronomy 30:15-20 (CEB)
It’s the End of the World as We Know It (and I Feel Fine)
On this Easter Sunday, we acknowledge that the world continues to change. Even in the face of adversity and the ways the world can feel dark, we can celebrate the light of hope and resurrection! Scripture: Luke 24:1-12, Acts 10:34-43 (CEB)
Crucified with the Outlaws
This final week before Easter, we begin with Jesus’ procession into Jerusalem as well as the final moments of the Passion. It is here that Jesus has become the outcast and the outlaw, and in these final moments Jesus continues to offer infinite grace. Scripture: Luke 23:32-49 (CEB)
The Final Week
While Palm Sunday is still a week away, this Sunday we focus on Jesus’ final week and final teachings. At the conclusion of this week’s text, Jesus tells Zacchaeus in Jericho that his focus is “to seek and save the lost.” Then he leaves Jericho and enters Jerusalem riding on a donkey. He teaches during the week, continuing to lift up the lowly. We are nearing the pinnacle of his ministry, and these teachings are essential. Scripture: Luke 19:1-10 (CEB)
On the Journey to Jerusalem
This week’s text shows Jesus interacting with a particular marginalized community. Skin diseases like the one described in the text had special rules in the Jewish community, and in general were thought to be highly communicable. Jesus shows a refusal to give in to the fear inherent in these rules and culture, and instead lifts up these persons who have been pushed to the margins. Scripture: Luke 17:11-19 (CEB)
Parables from the Underside
Two sons – one leaves home, squanders his inheritance, and begs for forgiveness. Another who never left home, didn’t spend his inheritance, and begs for recognition. The younger son needs redemption. The older son needs restoration. How is the oldest son like our LGBT+ siblings, most notably our transgender siblings, who are afraid and hurt, and who are asking the church to recognize them? Scripture: Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 (CEB)
Simon, Do You See this Woman?
The season of Lent is essential in Christian tradition, and is made up of the forty days (not including Sundays) that lead up to Easter Sunday. This Sunday, we continue our series in consideration of the treatment of women. One of the questions Jesus asks the pharisee is: “Do you see this woman?” We all want to be seen and valued, no matter who we are. Scripture: Luke 7:36-50 (CEB)
Lifting Up the Lowly
As we begin exploring the Gospel of Luke, God chooses an old couple who have been infertile and then chooses a very young woman. Both will bring children into the world—and those children will change the world. Scripture: Luke 1:39-55 (CEB)
Super Sunday
This week is Transfiguration Sunday, a significant day for us as we move into Lent. These are a reminder of God’s power and presence, and of how Jesus both fulfills and transcends the laws and the prophets. It must have been an incredible sight! As we celebrate Transfiguration Sunday, let us experience the wonder and joy—and let us do so as we turn our faces toward Lent. Scripture: Matthew 17:1-9 (CEB)
But I Say
As we continue the Sermon on the Mount from the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus pushes even more overtly against the common cultural practices—practices that remain today. He reminds us that our very thoughts are worthy of our consideration and evaluation. I suggest that what Jesus is getting at is that he wants more from us than a change in behavior. He wants from us and from humanity a change in heart, a change in being. Scripture: Matthew 5:21-37 (NRSVue)
You Are
In today’s text, Jesus asks us to reflect on the power we already have. “You are salt. You are light.” Not, “Do you want to be salt, or do you want to be light?” You already are. You already add flavor to this world. You already shine with a dazzling light. You are already loved and cherished by God. Scripture: Matthew 5:13-20 (CEB)