Sermon Notes: Luke 9:51-62 The season of Pentecost. A time when the faithful come and hear the scriptural jewels of the Bible. Big, juicy texts, full of subtleties and complexities, exploring the intricacies of discipleship. This lesson tells that Jesus is beginning his journey to the cross. There are 15 more chapters in Luke, all of which detail that journey. Jesus is going willingly, to lay down his life, setting his face toward Jerusalem. When the disciples saw how Jesus was not received in a Samaritan village, they suggested calling down fire from heaven to consume them. But Jesus rejected the firebombing idea. We are called to better and higher things than what this world would do. God says love your neighbors as yourselves. Even the Samaritans, who were enemies of the Jews because they disagreed on how to worship God, were to be loved. It is true that even today we are most angry with those who are most like us. Familiarity breeds contempt. Why is that? The law keeps us in check, but it does not give us an excuse to indulge in revenge. Scripture tells us to live by the Spirit. The Beatitudes say blessed are the peacemakers, and the meek. The fruits of the Spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. We are called to a higher life, and do not have to submit to the yoke of slavery. Jesus freed us from that. Love your neighbors as much as you love yourself. The fruits of the Spirit are available to us all.
Posted on: Tue, 02 Jul 2013 12:29:46 +0000
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