Luke 10:13-16

Luke 10:13-16 

English Standard Version 

  You don't hear these verses preached very often in devotional settings.  Nobody chooses these when they're looking to offer a little encouragement to a small group.  They don't print this on the cover of those cute pink children's Bibles.  

  It's sad to think about places that have rejected Jesus, but it's a reminder that just because someone hears the words of Jesus, it doesn't lead to transformation.  I think about when the devil showed up to tempt Jesus -- he knew the words of Scripture, but they clearly hadn't penetrated his heart.  Knowing about Jesus isn't the same as knowing Jesus.  

  The challenge for us, then, is to ensure we're seeking to know Jesus.  Let's not settle for simply knowing enough.  Let's pursue a deep knowledge, a transformational knowledge, so that we're growing closer and closer to Christ.

Palm Sunday Sermon (2026)

Luke 10:1-12

Luke 10:1-12 

English Standard Version 

  The mission of God continues to expand -- Jesus has called more than the twelve, bringing others in and then sending them out, that they join with what God is doing.  There is plenty of work to be done, and a singular mission.  Where there are those who receive the disciples, there is a message:  The Kingdom of God has come near.  Where there are those who reject the disciples, there is a message:  The Kingdom of God has come near.  The message does not change based on how people receive it.  The Kingdom is coming, and it is not under human control.  May we not miss it.  May we be on the lookout for it, because just because we're not paying attention, it doesn't mean the Kingdom is not near.  Think of the villages that rejected Jesus.  Or think of Pilate, not realizing who Jesus was.  The Kingdom was right there, so close they could touch it.  Jesus was ready to join them... and they turned him away.  Think of the chance they lost.

  This day, the Kingdom is near.  Will you watch for it?  Will you wait for it?  Will you open your eyes and the eyes of your heart to see where the Kingdom is moving?  God is calling you, God is sending you, so may we endeavor, each and every day, to be caught up in what God is doing, and to look for ways God is sending us.

Luke 9:57–62

Luke 9:57-62 

English Standard Version 

  I read once that the reasons given were legally allowed reasons to put off military service.  In other words, in most circumstances, these are valid and understandable.  Jesus denies them, not to be mean, for we've seen that Jesus is anything but mean, but Jesus is trying to help people see what the totality of commitment means.  We're not accustomed to this kind of commitment -- we think in terms of what's convenient, and we do what we can, when we can.  Most people understand when things get put off.

  But Jesus is showing us how consuming the Kingdom of God is.  Scripture also tries to show us that when we truly grasp the Kingdom in the depths of our hearts, we won't want anything to stand in the way of our commitment.  This is what allows Paul to speak as eloquently as he does from prison.  He's overwhelmed with the Gospel and wants nothing else.  Some other leaders and pastors throughout the years display this same passion.  

  May we pray for glimpses of God's Kingdom like this.  May it consume our hearts.  Blaise Pascal, the mathematical genius, had a mystical vision in 1654, and he had his notes from it sewn into his jacket lining so he could refer to it, so completely did it change him.  I encourage you to look it up... clearly something captured him.  It starts out:  FIRE.  GOD of Abraham, GOD of Isaac, GOD of Jacob, not of the philosophers and of the learned. Certitude. Certitude. Feeling. Joy. Peace. GOD of Jesus Christ.  

  It goes on to mention tears of joy and a desire to never be separated from Christ.  It concludes: Complete submission to Jesus Christ and to my director. Eternally in joy for a day’s exercise on the earth. May I not forget your words. Amen.