Sermon on Philippians 3 for October 4, 2026

Luke 20:20–26

Luke 20:20-26 

English Standard Version 

  The Pharisees set up a trap for Jesus -- they're always working to catch him in his own words.  If Jesus says that they should pay tribute to Caesar, then he's acknowledging and perhaps approving of the Roman occupation of Jerusalem, which would upset some people.  If he says that it's not lawful, then the Romans might want to arrest him for sedition.  There's no right answer.  

  So Jesus doesn't directly answer the question.  Instead, he acknowledges the reality -- that some things belong to Caesar, but much more belongs to God.  Who are we to limit what God has a claim on?  Are the Pharisees going to define this?  

  We often try and offer God some meager corner, or believe that if we do one thing over here, then we've taken care of our offerings to God for the week.  We'd be wise to think seriously on what Jesus has to say here, and recognize God's claim on all of us.  How do we think about giving everything over to God, since God has created all?

Luke 20:17-19

Luke 20:17-19 

English Standard Version 

  Jesus knew the Pharisees and scribes and chief priests objected to his teachings -- but he didn't back down.  He continued to confront them with the Truth, to open their eyes to the ways that sin and brokenness was at work in their lives, hearts, and community. 

  So naturally, they heard his words and repented, right? 

  No... they decided they'd see about getting him arrested instead.  Which looks really bad on your resume when you arrive at the pearly gates and have to explain to St. Peter that time you tried to have Jesus thrown in jail and possibly killed.

  Where would God confront you?  What hard words might God say to you to open your eyes to the ways sin is at work in your heart, in your life, in your relationships?  I think we all know what some answers to that might be, but we often try and avoid asking the hard questions or thinking about these things.  We'd much rather ignore them.  

  But God wants to see us grow, every day.  Sometimes that means stretching, sometimes that means pruning.  

  What might God be asking of you today?

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