Sermon on Jesus as the Shepherd (8.2.2026)

Luke 16:1–4

Luke 16:1-4

English Standard Version 

  This parable has always confounded me.  Jesus lifts up the tale of a dishonest manager who doesn't seem to be admirable, but he does act decisively.  Perhaps this is what Jesus is trying to help us grasp.  Perhaps Jesus is trying to help us understand the importance of acting urgently.  When we recognize that we are falling short, and that God is calling us to be faithful servants, we should strive to act immediately, to seek to grow in faithfulness.  It's easy to put that off, to promise ourselves that we'll focus on discipleship later, but Jesus doesn't want us to wait around until later.  Jesus calls us to grow now, to focus now, that we might put the Kingdom of God above all the other urgent things calling out to us now.  

Luke 15:28–32

Luke 15:28-32 

English Standard Version 

  Do you remember how the Father watched out for the younger son, and when he was coming home, he ran to him?

  The Father comes out to the older son, too.  

  He comes with a reminder -- all that is mine is yours.  The Father has never left the older son, and the older son is not missing anything.  He has the love of the Father and the presence of the Father.  Perhaps he has forgotten how to rejoice with his Father, but the Father has come to remind me of that and to invite him into the celebration -- for the feast is rich and ready.  The celebration is prepared.  Does the older son remember how to celebrate?

  The Father comes to you, no matter where you are, no matter who in the story you relate to.  You are welcome to come and celebrate, to taste rich food and relax at the table.  God is good and loves you, and there is grace for you.

Luke 15:25–28

Luke 15:25-28 

English Standard Version 

  There's an old joke where St. Peter is giving a tour to some new inhabitants of heaven and he tells them to be quiet when passing a certain room, because that's where one group is and they think they're the only ones there.  Depending on the denomination you grew up in, that group's label will have been different, but the joke still lands.  It reminds me of John 21 when Peter and Jesus are talking about Peter's future, and Jesus is giving Peter all the details, but Peter sees John and asks Jesus, "Well, what about him?"  We're always wondering about how other people stand with God, and we often think we know that certain people or groups are on the outside looking in.  

  The prodigal son has returned, and now the story turns to the older brother.  He's the one who watched his younger brother demand his inheritance and cut himself off from the family.  The older brother has opinions about his younger brother, and when he hears of the radical grace extended upon the return, he is shocked and angry.  He refuses to go in to the party.

  We can all grasp his point of view.  He's so upset that he can't bring himself to be at peace with how the father is treating the younger son.  The father isn't operating according to his calculations of who deserves what.  This is the struggle of the Pharisees -- they see Jesus mingling with people who they think are less worthy than they are, and they're shocked and offended.  Do they see themselves as needing mercy, as needing grace?  Do we all recognize how dependent we are on God's reaching out to us in grace?  It's hard to set aside self-righteousness and pride and recognize our complete need of grace.  Are our hearts in love with the God who gives generously and freely?  

  Thankfully, the Bible portrays God's grace as abundant and unlimited.  Grace given to another doesn't lessen grace available for us.  It widens the community and makes the feast richer, more pleasing, as God longs for God's house to be full.  There is room for each at the table, so may we pray for hearts ready to celebrate another sinner finding grace, coming just as we are, fully reliant on God.