Sports, Disappointment, and the Gospel

Luke 10:25–28

Luke 10:25-28 

English Standard Version 

  It's one thing to know the rules of the road.  It's another to follow them.  The kids sometimes point out that I'm not obeying the posted speed limit on the freeway.  I know what the rules are, but do I follow them 100% of the time?  I do not.  

  Here, we have a lawyer approaching Jesus.  He has all the head knowledge he will ever need.  He comes to Jesus with a simple question about eternal life.  Jesus asks him a basic question, and when the lawyer answers correctly, Jesus tells him so, and the adds a command.  Go and do.  It's not enough just to know, but the lawyer, and all of us, have to go out and follow the law of God.  We're called to love the Lord with all our hearts and soul and strength and mind, and to love our neighbor as ourselves.  I agree with the pastor who said that one of our biggest sins is that we don't love God enough -- we love other things more.  Each of us has something different, but the takeaway is that we don't make time to fall in love with God every day.  We wake up in the morning and busy ourselves, and the rest of the day often rushes onward from there.  Are we falling in love with God?  If we can start there, God will show us how to love one another.  I believe that.  

  It's one thing to know.  It's another to do.  May we pray for the courage and wisdom to obey.

Easter Sermon 2026 (Luke 24:1-12)

Luke 10:21-24

Luke 10:21-24 

English Standard Version 

  What is the greatest treasure?  If you're a king, you either have it or can obtain it.  Nothing is off limits, right?  

  Here is Jesus, telling the disciples that they have obtained the greatest treasure of all.  They have seen Jesus, and they believe.  Do you think they realized what they had?

  I think of these same disciples, on this Maundy Thursday, fleeing from the soldiers in the hopes of saving their own lives.  They see Jesus arrested and suddenly all seems so small and fragile, their kingdom having toppled so fast.  Do they feel like Jesus contains wisdom beyond compare?  Or do they think that all is lost?

  We often feel this fragile and small.  But Jesus can go confidently to his arrest because he has no fear.  He knows true power and righteousness, and death does not frighten him.  He has come in love, for love, and love shall conquer all.