March 7, 2021
Join our online worship at 9 a.m. or later at: stmarkknox.org/sermons
Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. – Luke 14:27
Many who have lived most of their lives in the church, can recall some of the most oft-quoted sayings for Jesus. If, like me, you spent your younger years in Sunday School and doing memorization and speed drills to find verse, you might even be able to quote chapter and verse of many of those familiar quotes. Yet, when we set back and look at how these verse frame the full story, we might notice a few more things.
The gospel of Luke, for instance has Jesus sermon about the true cost of discipleship among a large crowd that had gathered, while Jesus is making his way towards Jerusalem, and we must realize that this is towards the end of Jesus public ministry. The framing of this sermon teaching us the way out the cost of what it means to follow Jesus. During this time, Jesus is popular among the people surrounding Bethany, and many come to the places where he is staying to hear him speak. Yet, Jesus knows where he is going, and the cost it will take on him. He is seemingly weeding down the follows, to those who are willing to go all the way with him to the cross, to the grace. They are told they must carry their own cross and follow.
Following this statement, there are small parables speaking of what it means to weight the cost, to know what it takes and to live for true purpose, casting aside that which does not matter (“possessions” – Luke 14:33). Jesus concludes this sermon with the statement of salt losing its saltiness or flavor, and being good for nothing – the reminder that purpose matters in the following.
It is just after this, that we come to another set of parable about weighing cost. As we flip the page to Chapter 15, we find those familiar stories of the lost sheep, lost coin, and prodigal son. Here we see Jesus purpose for why he must continue to seek, offer forgiveness, and follow the path the Father in heaven has set for him to become the Savior of the World. Perhaps this framing will help us to remember our purpose in sharing the good news, helping others know the love and mercy of our God in Jesus.
Grace & Peace,
Sam