SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, September 21, 2025

Dear Friends in Jesus –

As Chapter 14 closes, Luke mentions that "great crowds are following Jesus." He doesn’t identify them as devotees or disciples, so it’s left to us to imagine who would be on the road with this itinerant Phenom. I don’t believe Jesus is purposefully winnowing or culling, but it’s clear that he is urging them to acknowledge there are consequences, costs that must be considered. He tells them, “Listen well if you would understand my meaning.”

We know that even the disciples, or especially the disciples aren’t always quick on the uptake, so Jesus comes from a different angle to communicate the simple, often mundane, but remarkable love of God.

He tells three parables, one not unlike the others, all about…being lost? being found? being cared for, sought, loved, celebrated? Yes! This Sunday, a lamb and a coin. Next week, a son.

In our time, in these times that seem more perilous each day, we see the profound patience of a love that will not let us go. So let’s come together to pray, sing, to hold each other. Where else do you spend a few minutes to be strengthened and positioned in the grace of the God of love for the week?

See you Sunday –
In great anticipation,