Sermons on Luke
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Sermons on Luke

EVEN IN OUR FEAR, WE ARE CALLED FORWARD

Luke 1:26-39 (NRSV) When the angel Gabriel breaks into Mary’s life, she responds with confusion, resistance, and fear – and with good reason! The text says that she is “greatly troubled!” And yet, Mary steps forward anyway, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” But notice, Mary’s yes is not immediate and not naïve, it is rooted in her vulnerability, trust, and even survival. The Rev. Dr. Boyung Lee describes…

INSISTING ON HOPE THIS ADVENT

Luke 1:5-13, Lamentations 3:55-57 (NRSV) “In the time of Herod …” places Jesus’ birth in a world shaped by political unrest, societal uncertainty, violence and fear. In this context, Luke introduces us to Elizabeth and Zechariah – an aging childless, priestly couple whose life is centered on a deep longing and faithful waiting. This intense longing and waiting creates a particular kind of fear. Although it invokes an “inner shaking, a disruption of body and spirit,” it is not a failure.…

DEEP COMMITMENTS: DISCERNMENT

Luke 9:28-36 As we discovered last week, John Wesley believes that reason provides knowledge which informs our understanding of God and life, but reason alone cannot explain everything – thus the need for a faith and “spiritual” experience of God that continually transforms our lives into an expression and embodiment of the love of God, other(s), and self. In other words, although our faith and experience of God will express realities that are beyond the intellectual bounds of reason, our…

DEEP COMMITMENTS: REFLECTION

Luke 2:41-47 John Wesley, the founder of the 18th Methodist movement and what became the worldwide Wesleyan tradition, was an advocate for theological reflection and education for all people (regardless of their social status). Embracing the intellectual component of our humanity, he believed that “reading Christians are growing Christians. When Christians cease to read, they cease to grow.” Consequently, he believed that reason (along with experience, scripture, and tradition) is one of the fundamental sources we draw upon in order…

Neighborhood and Commons

This week, in order to find God in our midst, we look into our own neighborhood. Diana Butler Bass reminds us of this simple, yet profound reality by quoting that famous theologian, Fred Rogers: “It’s a beautiful day in this neighborhood, a beautiful day for a neighbor. Would you be mine? Could you be mine? I’ve always wanted to have a neighbor just like you. I’ve always wanted to live in a neighborhood with you.” Worship online with thetable.live. CCLI…

Grief & Hope

Grief is a healthy response to Jesus’ death and a valid way to enter worship on Easter morning. And yet, the women at the empty tomb are given hope amidst their mourning. The other disciples don’t believe the women’s message, but Peter, living in the in-between of grief and hope, runs to the tomb to see for himself. Grieving doesn’t have to make us hopeless. Hope can compel us to take action when we are deep in grief. Worship online…

Acceptance & Resistance

Our Lenten worship series is inspired by A Sanctified Art and called Everything [In] Between. This worship series is an invitation to navigate the polarities in our lives with more faith, intention, and openness to be transformed. As Jesus dies on the cross, one thief resists him and the other accepts him as Messiah. Jesus resists the empire but accepts his fate. We also are called to resist systems of power and oppression, and yet we ultimately have to accept…

Shouting & Silence

Our Lenten worship series is inspired by A Sanctified Art and called Everything [In] Between. This worship series is an invitation to navigate the polarities in our lives with more faith, intention, and openness to be transformed. Pastor Matt’s message invites reflection on Luke 19.29-40. Jesus doesn’t instigate his own parade. Instead, just his quiet presence alone inspires the multitude to shout out and praise God. When the religious leaders try to silence the crowd, Jesus tells them that the…

Righteousness & Mercy

Our Lenten worship series is inspired by A Sanctified Art and called Everything [In] Between. This worship series is an invitation to navigate the polarities in our lives with more faith, intention, and openness to be transformed. Pastor Matt’s message invites reflection on Jesus’ encounter with Zacchaeus in Luke 19.1-10. The crowds grumble at Jesus’ self-invitation to stay with Zacchaeus, and their righteous indignation isn’t without cause. As a tax collector, Zacchaeus has extorted money and acted in collusion with…
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