Luke 20:27–33

Luke 20:27-33

English Standard Version 

  This is likely not the burning question that many people have about the resurrection.  Well, at least it's not mine.  You may wonder what the Sadduccees are doing.

  One thing to note is that the Sadduccees didn't believe in the resurrection of the dead.  (Which made them Sad. You See?  Preacher jokes...)  So they're constructing this absurd scenario to make the resurrection look like just an extension of this world, only with comical scenarios caused by the forward projection of some laws.

  But that's what the resurrection is like.  It's not simply this world, only with a few things changed.  God isn't simply trying to tweak this world.  God is transforming us, at work in us and through us by the power of the Holy Spirit.  The resurrection is something new, something different, and the focus isn't on us and what our living quarters will be like.  It's about a new relationship with God, one with unlimited worship and joy.  

  So let's not get caught up in debates about what exactly dancing on clouds will be like.  Instead think about the dynamic relationship with your Creator, who is awesome in power and might, filled with love and mercy forever and ever.

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?