Proper 18 series B study

 

Proper 20

Mark 9:30-37

Our Father cares for His children with the Gospel of His Son

“Jesus’ definition of greatness”

The Collect for Proper 20: “O God, whose strength is made perfect in weakness, grant us humility and childlike faith that we may please You in both will and deed; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.”  Amen 

For your information: Capernaum was a fishing village located on the northwest tip of the Sea of Galilee. It is mentioned in all four gospels. It was reported to have been the hometown of the tax collector Matthew, and located not far from Bethsaida, the hometown of the apostles Simon Peter, Andrew, James and John. One Sabbath, Jesus taught in the synagogue in Capernaum and healed a man who was possessed by an unclean spirit (Luke 4:31–36 and Mark 1:21–28). This story is notable for being the only one common between the gospels of Mark and Luke, but not contained in the Gospel of Matthew. Afterwards, Jesus healed Simon Peter's mother-in-law of a fever (Luke 4:38–39). 

According to Luke 7:1–10 and Matthew 8:5, Capernaum is also the place where Jesus healed the servant of a Roman centurion who had asked for His help. Capernaum is also the location of the healing of the paralytic lowered through the roof to reach Jesus reported in Mark 2:1–12 and Luke 5:17–26. In Matthew 9:1 the town is referred to only as "his own city" (Matthew 9:1-7).

Questions/Discussion

1. According to vs. 30-32 Jesus again foretells His death, and resurrection. “They went on from there and passed through Galilee. And he did not want anyone to know, for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him. And when he is killed, after three days he will rise.” But they did not understand the saying, and were afraid to ask him.”

2. By the time we get to verse 32, Jesus has just imparted a crucial teaching, telling them who he is, and not for the first time. The prospect of the Messiah being taken and killed just does not compute. When God comes in glory, it is surely to conquer his enemies, not to "be handed over into the hands of men, and they will kill him" (31). So, "they did not understand what he was saying and they were afraid to ask him" (verse 32).

3. What is the focus of Jesus’ work with the disciples at this point? Why?

4. To what degree do the disciples seem to understand Him? What is their chief concern? What is the point of His words about the child? How do they speak to what the disciples have been saying?

5. Brainstorm. Make a list of questions you think the disciples might have wanted to ask Jesus at that point. What questions are people afraid to ask God?  What questions do you wish could be asked at church?

6. What does this passage have to do with the other readings for today?  The Theme for today: “The Christian and his opposition” can be clearly seen in the three main readings. In the Old Testament lesson [Jeremiah 11:18—20], Jeremiah asks vengeance upon his enemies.  In the Epistle [James 3:13-4:10], opposition has its source in worldly wisdom. In the Gospel, [Mark 9:30-37], Jesus goes to Jerusalem to face His oppressors. Christians live in a world with a different mindset.  Friendship with the world places us at enmity to God. So, how do we strike a balance of living in the world and still being different?  

7. What important points did you glean from the text, the sermon, and service? What was important to you?

 

What is Jesus’ definition of “greatness”? What is His standard? His measuring stick? Jesus answers that question in the Gospel of Matthew. With very clear and specific words. “At that time, the disciples came to Jesus asking ‘who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’  Calling unto Himself an infant παιδίον Jesus placed him in front of them and said ‘whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one such child in My name receives Me. But if anyone causes one of these little ones; who believes in Me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea…see that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I tell you that their angels in heaven always behold the face of My Father.” {Matthew 18:1; 4-6; 10}

Merciful God, Your Son Jesus Christ was lifted upon a cross that He might bear the sin of the world and draw all people to Himself. Grant that we who glory in His death for our redemption may faithfully heed His call to bear the cross and follow Him. Lord, thank You for Your work through the lives of others. Lead me to welcome those miracles and mercies that You show through every one of Your people…

These words. Should sound familiar to us. They have been read. Hundreds of times. Over the past thirty-one years. They are included. In the baptism order of service. Used at this parish. Are you surprised? At these words?  Are you offended? By these words of the Savior?

Jesus is quite specific. When it comes to defining greatness μείζων. Jesus gives further instruction of what it means to be great according to His definition.

The disciples had been engaged in that very conversation.  Like any parent. Who can clearly overhear the bickering and arguing that goes on. Jesus asks them once they enter the house. “What were you arguing about on the road?” {v. 33} Jesus has them dead to rights.  Mark informs us they kept quiet. They were silent. Because they have been bickering. About who was the greatest among them. {v.34} Consider Jesus’ clear and definitive response.

Grant us Thy peace throughout our earthly life,

Our balm in sorrow and our stay in strife;

Then, when Thy voice shall bid our conflict cease,

Call us, O Lord, to Thine eternal peace.

Savior, Again to Thy Dear Name We Raise stanza four, Lutheran Service Book #917

Saturday prior to Proper 18

 

1

Psalm 146– Sunday’s hymn of the day, Praise the Almighty (LSB 797), is based on the appointed psalm for this week.  Having seen everything that Christ has done our only response is to return to Him our worship and praise. The psalm is an exhortation to trust in the Lord, Zion’s King. Psalm 146 is the first of five Hallelujah psalms with which the Psalter closes (Psalms 146-150).

1 Praise the Almighty, my soul, adore Him!

Yes, I will laud Him until death;

With songs and anthems I come before Him

As long as He allows me breath.

From Him my life and all things came;

Bless, O my soul, His holy name.

Allelujah, allelujah!

2 Trust not in rulers; they are but mortal;

Earth-born they are and soon decay.

Vain are their counsels at life’s last portal,

When the dark grave engulfs its prey.

Since mortals can no help afford,

Place all your trust in Christ, our Lord.

Allelujah, allelujah!

Collect for Psalm 146: God of glory and power, happy indeed are those who have put their trust in you. Shine the brightness of your light upon us that we may love you always with a pure heart and praise you forever; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Sources:

1. The Crucifixion Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcut copyright © from WELS  used with permission for personal and congregational use

2. Collect for Psalm 146, For All the Saints, A Prayer Book For and By the Church Vol. IV The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, © 1996 Delhi, NY

Friday prior to Proper 18

 

1

Mark 7:31-37—Jesus privately heals a deaf man with a speech defect. 

When Jesus returns from his trip to Tyre, a man with deafness and a speech difficulty is brought to Jesus. The method of healing is touching – Jesus put his finger in the man’s ears and touched his tongue Jesus looked to heaven in prayer for power to heal. He sighed – a sign of compassion or weariness, or both? The miracle was performed privately and he asks for silence about it. But the people were so impressed that they could not remain silent. They gave Jesus an evaluation; “He has done all things well.”

There was a crowd present for the healing. Here was Jesus’ opportunity to get favorable publicity. Yet, he shunned it by taking the man away from the crowd to heal him. Later Jesus demanded that they tell no one of the miracle. Why the secrecy? Jesus did not want people to follow him because of his miraculous power. Although he was concerned about the people’s physical needs, he was more concerned with the spiritual needs. Moreover, Jesus wanted the people to see that he came to suffer and die for the sin of the world, and this could not be revealed at this time. 

They remembered Jesus’ original word in Aramaic, Ephphatha – “Be opened!” In answer to that command, the man’s ears were opened, his tongue was freed. To be opened is to be freed, released, and liberated. We are bound tightly together by sin, Satan and our fears, tensions and anxieties. Christ relaxes us, frees us from fear, and we are opened to health and salvation.  2

The original translation of verse 37 literally reads, “Well! All things He has done!” A standard of excellence has been stamped on everything Jesus has done. He is able to make the deaf hear. This should not surprise us. Everything Jesus is doing is what God had promised to do when He came to redeem His people see Isaiah 35:5-6.

Collect for Proper 18 –O God, from whom all good proceeds, grant to us Your humble servants, Your whole inspiration, that we may set our minds on the things that are right and, by Your merciful guiding, accomplish them; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. 3

Sources:

1.The Crucifixion Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcut copyright © from WELS  used with permission for personal and congregational use

2. Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series B, John Brokhoff, © 1981 CSS Publishing, Lima, OH

3. Collect for Proper 18, Lutheran Service Book, © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Wednesday prior to Proper 18

1

Isaiah 35:4-7a—When the LORD comes, there will be redemption and release for His people

The children of Israel are captives in Babylon and the people are assured that the LORD will come with vengeance to deliver them and bring them back to their country and temple. They are not to be afraid, for the LORD is in control of human history. The nations that persecuted Israel shall be punished. The good news is that God will come and save his people from bondage. When he comes, there will be deliverance for all who are bound in various ways; blind, deaf, dumb and lame. The dry, burning desert will become a place where there is plenty of water. 

This is a message only for the “fearful heart.” Who does not have fear? Does this not include everyone? We all have some kind of fear; we differ only in that our fears may be different types. In this passage of Scripture the LORD tells us not to fear. Is it as easy as that? The LORD goes farther in saying he is coming to save us. Fear puts us into captivity. The LORD releases us by coming to us and giving us faith which is the antidote to fear.  2

Be strong and do not fear; God will come.  The coming Messiah will bring a standard of excellence. When God comes to redeem His people, health and healing will be evident. The eyes of the blind will be opened; the ears of the deaf unstopped, the lame with leap and the mute will speak. Jesus will quote this passage in Matthew 11:5 to prove that He is the Lord’s chosen and anointed one, the Messiah.

A prayer for the LORD to guide us – Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings with Your most gracious favor, and further us with Your continual help, that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in You we may glorify Your holy name and finally, by Your mercy, obtain eternal salvation; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. 3

Sources:

1. The Crucifixion Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcut copyright © from WELS  used with permission for personal and congregational use

2. Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series B, John Brokhoff © 1981 CSS Publishing, Lima, OH

3. Collect for Guidance, Lutheran Service Book ©2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

 

Tuesday prior to Proper 18

 

1

Psalm 146; key verse, verse 2— I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. The psalmist makes a vow to praise the Lord as long as he lives. This is similar to the vow we make on the day of our confirmation. 

Question: Do you intend to continue steadfast in this confession and church and to suffer all, even death, rather than fall away from it? Answer: I do, by the grace of God.

PRAISE TO THE LORD, WORTHY OF OUR TRUST

Psalm 146 begins a series of five final songs in the Book of Psalms, and the five are known as the Hallelujah Psalms. “In the earlier psalms, we have studied the writers’ grief, shames, sins, doubts, and fears. We have witnessed the people of God in their defeats and victories, their ups and downs in life. We have encountered rebellious words and struggling faith. All this is behind us now. In these final psalms every word is praise.” (James Montgomery Boice)  2

Collect for Psalm 146: God of glory and power, happy indeed are those who have put their trust in you. Shine the brightness of your light upon us, that we may love you always with our heart and praise you forever; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.  3

A Prayer for obedience to God’s Word – O holy and most merciful God, You have taught us the way of Your commandments. We implore You to pour out Your grace into our hearts. Cause it to bear fruit in us that being ever mindful of Your mercies and Your laws, we may always be directed to Your will and daily increase in love toward You and one another. Enable us to resist all evil and to live a godly life. Help us to follow the example of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and to walk in His steps until we shall possess the kingdom that has been prepared for us in heaven; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. 4

Sources:

1. The Crucifixion Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcut copyright © from WELS  used with permission for personal and congregational use

2. https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/psalm-146

3. Collect for Psalm 146, For All the Saints A Prayer Book For and By the Church, Vol. IV, The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, © 1996 Delhi, NY 

4. Collect for obedience to God’s Word, Lutheran Service Book, © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Monday prior to Proper 18

1

Psalm 28:1-2, 6-7, Antiphon, Psalm 28:8 – The Lord is the strength of His people, He is the saving refuge of His anointed. The entire psalm is a prayer for deliverance from deadly peril at the hands of malicious and God-defying enemies. To rebel against the Lord’s Anointed is also to rebel against the One who anointed him. The Lord’s anointed is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The English word “Messiah” comes from the Hebrew word for “anointed one” and the English word “Christ” comes from the Greek word for “anointed one”. (See also Matthew 1:17)

God’s standard of excellence is the theme for this coming Sunday. In the Old Testament lesson (Isaiah 35:4-7a), God’s people are called to be strong and not to fear as God promises to come to His people. The language which is used is similar to that used of the coming Messiah. In the Epistle lesson (James 2:1-10 14-18) excellence is seen in how the believer behaves. Favoritism is forbidden; rather keeping the law is what is expected. The Christian faith is not merely a philosophical exercise of the mind. Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.  

In the Gospel lesson (Mark 7:31-37) a standard of excellence has been stamped on everything Jesus has done. He fulfills the prediction given in the Old Testament lesson. This causes the believer to express praise and adoration to the Lord who has done all things well as expressed in the hymn of the day, which is based on this week’s appointed psalm (Psalm 146).

Collect for Psalm 28:  Strong Shepherd of your people, when you Son stretched out his hands on the cross, you heard him and he did not become like those who go down into the pit. By his resurrection strengthen your people to offer you thanks for the mighty works that you have done, and make our hearts dance for joy; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 2

Sources:

1. The Crucifixion Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcut copyright © from WELS  used with permission for personal and congregational use

2. Collect for Psalm 28, For All The Saints, A Prayer Book For and By the Church Vol. IV,  The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, © 1986 Delhi, NY 

 

Pentecost 16 - Proper 18

Pentecost 16 – Proper 18

September 9, 2018

Mark 7: (24-30) 31-37

Mk.7:31-37 – “ effaqa!”

Last week's Gospel placed Jesus in Galilee. As He was disputing with the Scribes and the Pharisees. He leaves Galilee. And this week. Having been in Tyre and Sidon. We find Him in the region of the "ten cities". But wherever He goes. His reputation precedes Him.

O God, from whom all good proceeds, grant to us Your humble servants Your hold inspiration, that we may set our minds on the things that are right and by Your merciful guiding, accomplish them.

Our text tells us, "and they brought unto Him a man that was deaf and had an impediment in his speech".  Instead of making a display of this unfortunate man. Jesus took him aside.

And dealt with him in private. And in the man's own language. That's how Jesus dealt with the man then. And that is how He chooses to deal with you today. He speaks to you according to your need. And in a way in which you will understand. He comes to you. Exactly when you need Him. 

And through His Word. He speaks to you. And tells you. Exactly. And precisely. What you need to hear.

Mark tells us, "He put His fingers into his ears and spit and touched his tongue, and looked up to heaven".  It's hard to miss our Lord's message. Even for the deaf man. Jesus says, "I understand your problem!  You've got ears that don't hear. And a tongue that doesn't work.  I'm going to do some-thing about it!  I'm lifting up eyes to heaven. 'From whence cometh our help'.  That's My Father's home. But I've left it. To enter the world of the deaf. And the blind. And the dead in trespasses and sin!"

Jesus groans deeply. ἐστέναξενBecause knew the man’s plight. Just as He understands you.  He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows. Isaiah 53:3-4 He takes your misery to Himself. And He bear them.

This is what makes Jesus your Lord and Savior. John reminds us, "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us." (John 1) Jesus came into your world. To combat and defeat those forces which held you captive. The devil. This world. And your own sinful flesh. He came to forgive you. And restore you. And set you free. Of all of these deadly forces.

And then comes the word, ephphatha! effaqa!  {which means: "be open!"} - And the rest is history! Yet, No! The rest is not history. The rest is Gospel!  There is something similar about the word effaqa! ephphatha "be open" in our text for today. - And the statement, "it is finished" of Calvary.

Where Jesus' very life-blood cries out effaqa! ephphatha  for you. We are reminded, "God in Christ was reconciling the world unto Himself, not counting our sin against us." (2 Corinthians 5:19)

It is this proclamation. Of the life. Death. And resurrection of Jesus Christ. God's Holy Spirit in the Word and Sacraments continues to speak. To the deaf and mute in spirit. And to the dead in trespasses and sin. There lies the power of God. To open ears to the Good News of the kingdom. And to loose tongues into glorious confession that Jesus Christ is Lord.

You might ask, "What is the point of all of this?" Well, As Jesus spoke that word effaqa! ephphatha "be open" back then. There is one mighty ephphatha effaqa! yet to be spoken. On that day.Cleansed by your baptism. In Jesus' Name. You will stand with a robe washed clean in the blood of the Lamb.

Then you will hear Him say, "By virtue of the merits of My blood-bought redemption, these have done all things well. Now, come and inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world!"

The church has a name for that. We call it "grace." And we are called to proclaim it. To celebrate it. Each day of our lives. And to believe it. Rejoice then this day. For in Jesus Christ your sins have been forgiven. And heaven is now your home.

___________

Words-700

Passive Sentences-4%

Readability-89.3%

Reading Level-2.5

Illustration from a woodcut by Baron Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld, 1794-1872, a distinguished German artist known especially for his book, Das Buch der Bücher in Bilden (The Book of Books in Pictures). © WELS used by permission for personal and congregational use. 

Time in the Word - Pentecost 16 Proper 18

Time in the Word
 3 -8  September 2018

Proper 18
Preparation for next week, Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost

A prayer for God to guide us – Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings with Your most gracious favor, and further us with Your continual help, that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in You we may glorify Your holy name and finally, by Your mercy, obtain eternal salvation; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

A prayer for guidance in our calling – Lord God, You have called Your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but only that Your hand is leading us and Your love supporting us; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

For Labor Day – Lord Jesus as once You shared in our human toil and thus hallowed the work of our hands, bless and prosper those who maintain the industries and service sectors of this land. Give them a right regard for their labors, and grant them the just reward for their work that they may find joy in serving You and in supplying our needs.

For the those unemployed and underemployed – Heavenly Father, we commend to Your care those who suffer want and anxiety from lack of work. Grant that the wealth and resources of this right land by profitably used to that all persons may find suitable and fulfilling employment and receive just payment for their labor

A Prayer for obedience to God’s Word – O holy and most merciful God, You have taught us the way of Your commandments. We implore You to pour out Your grace into our hearts. Cause it to bear fruit in us that being ever mindful of Your mercies and Your laws, we may always be directed to Your will and daily increase in love toward You and one another. Enable us to resist all evil and to live a godly life. Help us to follow the example of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and to walk in His steps until we shall possess the kingdom that has been prepared for us in heaven; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

This Week’s Morning Prayer Readings

Read and review the following Bible stories for each day…

Tuesday, September 4–. Isaac blesses Jacob-Genesis 25,27 selective verses

Wednesday, September 5– Chapel Day

Thursday, September 6- Jacob’s dream –Genesis 27-28 selective verses

Friday, September 7- Jacob’s wives –Genesis 29 selective verses

From the Small Catechism – 5^th & 6^th Commandment

God’s standard of excellence is the theme for this coming Sunday. In the Old Testament lesson God’s people are called to be strong and not to fear as God promises to come to His people. The language which is used is similar to that used of the coming Messiah. In the Epistle lesson excellence is seen in how the believer behaves. Favoritism is forbidden; rather keeping the law is what is expected. The Christian faith is not merely a philosophical exercise of the mind. Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.  In the Gospel lesson a standard of excellence has been stamped on everything Jesus has done. He fulfills the prediction given in the Old Testament lesson. This causes the believer to express praise and adoration to the Lord who has done all things well as expressed in the hymn of the day, which is based on this week’s appointed psalm. 

Collect for Proper 18 –O God, from whom all good proceeds, grant to us Your humble servants, Your whole inspiration, that we may set our minds on the things that are right and, by Your merciful guiding, accomplish them; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

Monday, 2 September 2018—Psalm 28:1-2, 6-7, Antiphon, Psalm 28:8 – The Lord is the strength of His people, He is the saving refuge of His anointed. The entire psalm is a prayer for deliverance from deadly peril at the hands of malicious and God-defying enemies. To rebel against the Lord’s Anointed is also to rebel against the One who anointed him. The Lord’s anointed is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The English word “Messiah” comes from the Hebrew word for “anointed one” and the English word “Christ” comes from the Greek word for “anointed one”. (See also Matthew 1:17)

Tuesday, 3 September 2018—Psalm 146; key verse, verse 2— I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. The psalmist makes a vow to praise the Lord as long as he lives. This is similar to the vow we make on the day of our confirmation. Question: Do you intend to continue steadfast in this confession and church and to suffer all, even death, rather than fall away from it? Answer: I do, by the grace of God.

Wednesday, 4 September 2018—Isaiah 35:4-7a— Be strong and do not fear; God will come.  The coming Messiah will bring a standard of excellence. When God comes to redeem His people, health and healing will be evident. The eyes of the blind will be opened, the ears of the deaf unstopped, the lame with leap and the mute will speak. Jesus will quote this passage in Matthew 11:5 to prove that He is the Lord’s chosen and anointed one, the Messiah.   

Thursday, 5 September 2018—James 2:1-10 14-18 — Favoritism is forbidden – faith and deeds are explained. It’s quite easy to say, “I believe,” “I have faith,” “I trust,” etc. Too often these are empty words and phrases. James explains that the sign of a genuine faith is shown in deeds. The key verse is verse 17, “In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”

James has no argument with the notion that we are saved by grace through faith. (See Ephesians 2:8-9) What he does say is that genuine faith will be demonstrated by certain actions and behaviors. (See Ephesians 2:10) This is the sign of excellence, faith that is active and engaging. 

Friday, 6 September 2018—Mark 7:31-37—The original translation of verse 37 literally reads, “Well! All things He has done!” A standard of excellence has been stamped on everything Jesus has done. He is able to make the deaf hear. This should not surprise us. Everything Jesus is doing is what God had promised to do when He came to redeem His people see Isaiah 35:5-6.

Saturday, 7 September 2018—Psalm 146– Sunday’s hymn of the day, Praise the Almighty (LSB 797), is based on the appointed psalm for this week.  Having seen everything that Christ has done our only response is to return to Him our worship and praise. The psalm is an exhortation to trust in the Lord, Zion’s King. Psalm 146 is the first of five Hallelujah psalms with which the Psalter closes (Psalms 146-150). 

Sources:

Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 and Lutheran Worship © 1980 Concordia Publishing House and from Lutheran Worship © 1980 Concordia Publishing House.

Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcut  used with permission from WELS

Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series B – John Brokhoff © 1981 CSS Publishing, Lima, OH

Pentecost 16 - Proper 18

Proper 18

4 September 2016

Luke 14:25–35

Christ Jesus Has Paid the Cost of Discipleship for You

A disciple of Jesus Christ will “bear his own cross” (Luke 14:27) and follow the Lord through death into life. Discipleship is costly because it crucifies the old man with “all that he has” (Luke 14:33), in order to raise up the new man in Christ. The disciple disavows “his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life” (Luke 14:26) in deference to Christ. That way of the cross is impossible, except that Christ Jesus has already paid the cost. His cross is set before you as “life and good, death and evil” (Deut. 30:15). Taking up His cross is to “choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him” (Deut. 30:19–20). To live that life in Christ is also to bear His cross in love, “that your goodness might not be by compulsion but of your own accord” (Philemon 14).

There is a common tendency to enter ventures without considering what is required. When this is done, many are unable to fulfill the conditions and all may be lost. You buy a car, but can you make the monthly payments, pay the taxes, insure the car, and pay the maintenance, repairs and gas bills? You jump into marriage, but are you able to pay the bills, make the sacrifices, educate the children, and stay home at night to baby-sit? You matriculate to college, but are you qualified to writer term papers and pass exams? You agree to take a job, but are you willing to get up early each workday, deny yourself leisure, and put out the effort of doing a good job? These we can understand, but have we ever considered the cost of being a follower of Jesus Christ? In two parables, Jesus urges us to count the cost. If you desire to follow the Christ you must ask yourself, am I prepared to count the costs? Choose but choose wisely.

Jesus uses two different circumstances to illustrate his basic point: discipleship requires a conscious advance commitment, made with a realistic estimate of the ultimate personal cost. The practical nature of the circumstances Jesus so vividly pictures underlines the fact that Christian discipleship is not some theoretical abstract ideal but a hard reality of life.

1. Do I want to be a Christian? Do not become a “rash disciple”

A. The foolish tower-builder began to build without knowing whether he could complete the project.

B. The king will not go to war with insufficient troops, lest he is forced to sue for peace.

C. Do not enlist as a disciple, a follower of Christ, without first counting the cost.

1. Some followed Jesus only for the loaves and fish.

a. They desired for Him to be their bread king.

b. They were following for selfish ulterior motives.

2. Some now follow Jesus for selfish reasons.

a. Some follow Christ for business or social advantages. In another parable Jesus explains, “The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful.” Matthew 13:22

b. They do not hear the word "with joy" and never permit the message about the kingdom to control them. Life has too many other commitments that slowly choke the struggling plant, so that it never matures and bears fruit.

D. The competing "thorns"--the worries of this life and devotion to wealth snuff out spiritual life. "Deceitfulness" is how the Savior describes these temptations. One may not even be aware of the choking that is going on until it is too last. This warning is timeless. What you think will save or satisfy may in fact be the one thing that will rob you of life and happiness. Choose but choose wisely. Your dream might turn into a nightmare.

1. Jesus asks His disciples, “Will you also go away?” John 6:67-68

2. Jesus wants steadfast disciples; “He who stands firm to the end will be saved.” Matthew 24:13 “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

Transition: Do not become a rash disciple. Instead, know the cost.

2. Do I know the cost? “In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:33

A. Our possessions are gifts of God, always for our good. “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17

B. Possessions can prove to be a stumbling block to discipleship. “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”1 Timothy 6:10;

C. Choose Christ over riches, “No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.” Matthew 6:24, because Christ gives you abiding riches.

1. The forgiveness of sins. “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7

2. The assurance of the abiding love of God. “Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.” Psalm 73:23-25

3. The hope of heaven. “Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:8

Transition: The demands and costs are high. Choose but choose wisely.

3. Am I willing and able to pay the price?

A. Life is a gift, which we seek to preserve and enjoy.

B. The time may come when you must decide between your life and Christ. Which is more important? Choose – but choose wisely.

1. Christ predicts that persecutions will come. “All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.” Matthew 10:22

2. There is a danger to choosing life instead of Christ. “But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven.” Matthew 10:33

3. Christ encourages us to take up our cross daily. “Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their fathers treated the prophets.” Luke 6:22-23

C. Choose Christ over life because Christ gives you real life.

1. He gives you life in fellowship with God now. “We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.” 1 John 1:3

2. He gives eternal life. Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26 “Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.” Revelation 2:10

A wise man once said, “He who loves liberty more than life, let him follow me.” Jesus says, “He who love Me more than family, possessions, and life itself let him follow Me.” Lord, help me to choose wisely. Help me always to choose Christ over anyone or anything else.

Face of Christ - http://spiritlessons.com/Documnets/Jesus_Pictures/Jesus_Christ_Pictures.htm

Words – 1,398

Passive Sentences –2%

Reading Ease – 76.1%

Reading Level -5.9

Time in the Word - Pentecost 16 - Proper 18

Christ Jesus Has Paid the Cost of Discipleship for You

A disciple of Jesus Christ will “carry his own cross” (Luke 14:27) and follow the Lord through death into life. Discipleship is costly because it crucifies the old man with “all his own possessions” (Luke 14:33), in order to raise up the new man in Christ. The disciple disavows “his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life” (Luke 14:26), in deference to Christ. That way of the cross is impossible, except that Christ Jesus has already paid the cost. His cross is set before you as “life and prosperity, and death and adversity” (Deut. 30:15). Taking up His cross is to “choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants, by loving the Lord your God, by obeying His voice, and by holding fast to Him” (Deut. 30:19–20). To live that life in Christ is also to bear His cross in love, “that your goodness should not be as it were by compulsion, but of your own free will” (Philemon 14).

Prayer for Christian vocation: Heavenly Father, grant Your mercy and grace to Your people in their many and various callings. Give them patience, and strengthen them in their Christian vocation of witness to the world and of service to their neighbor in Christ's name; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Prayer for likeness to Christ: O God, by the patient suffering of Your only-begotten Son You have beaten down the pride of the old enemy. Now help us, we humbly pray, rightly to treasure in our hearts all that our Lord has of His goodness borne for our sake that following His blessed example we may bear with all patience all that is adverse to us; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Prayer for agriculture: Almighty God, You bless the earth to make it fruitful, bringing forth in abundance whatever is needed for the support of our lives. Prosper the work of farmers and all those who labor to bring food to our table. Grant them seasonable weather that they may gather in the fruits of the earth in abundance and proclaim Your goodness with thanksgiving; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Prayer for industry and commerce: Lord Jesus Christ, as once You shared in our human toil and thus hallowed the work of our hands, bless and prosper those who maintain the industries and service sectors of this land. Give them a right regard for their labors, and grant them the just reward for their work that they may find joy in serving You and in supplying our needs; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Collect for the Martyrdom of St John the Baptist (29 August): Almighty God, You gave Your servant John the Baptist to be the forerunner of Your Son, Jesus Christ, in both his preaching of repentance and his innocent death. Grant that we, who have died and risen with Christ in Holy Baptism, may daily repent of our sins, patiently suffer for the sake of the truth, and fearlessly bear witness to His victory over death; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Monday, 29 August 2016—Psalm 119:28–32; antiphon, Psalm 119:27—The readings for Sunday reflect the theme of discipleship. Whose disciples shall we be? That is, in whom shall we place our trust? Let us be like the psalmist, who boldly pronounces, I have chosen the way of faithfulness . . . I cling to your testimonies, O Lord. This he can say with confidence, not because of anything in him, but because he prays, Make me understand the way of your precepts, and the LORD answers.

Tuesday, 30 August 2016—Psalm 1—The contrast between the righteous and the wicked is brought into sharp contrast in this, the first of the psalms. We know that we are not righteous in ourselves, but, since we are in Christ, His righteousness is our righteousness. Those who are in Christ are fit the description of the description of the blessed man, the righteous man, in the psalm.

Wednesday, 31  August 2016—Deuteronomy 30:15–20—In Moab (Deut 29:1), before they entered the Promised Land, Moses re-iterated the covenant between the LORD and His people, the Children of Israel. He reminded them of how the LORD led them out of bondage in Egypt and cared for them throughout their sojourn in the wilderness. Then, Moses tells the Israelites that they must follow one of two paths: to continue as God’s Chosen People or to turn their backs on the One who chose them, made them His own, preserved them, and promised to take them into a land where He would continue to shower blessings upon them. It seems that the decision would be easy to make: Choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the LORD your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days, yet we know that most people, including most of the Jews, the descendants of the Children of Israel, have chosen instead the way that leads away from God, and into death, eternal death. Let us ever remain faithful to the One who provides life through His Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Thursday, 1 September 2016—Philemon 1–21—During the summer months, our epistle readings make their way through some of the letters (epistles) in the New Testament. This summer, we read through Galatians, the first half of Colossians, and, last Sunday, we finished the latter portion of Hebrews.

Sunday’s reading is from Philemon, but it is the only reading we shall have from that book, as it is only 25 verses long.

Philemon is a personal letter from St Paul to a man named Philemon. Paul intercedes for Philemon’s runaway slave, Onesimus, who had stolen from his master, but subsequently became a Christian. In what is a model of Christian reconciliation, Paul pleads on behalf of Onesimus, just as Christ pleads to His father on our behalf. “We are Christ’s Onesimi,” wrote Luther, “restored by Christ, who, by giving up his rights, compelled the Father to lay aside his wrath.”

Friday, 2 September 2016—Luke 14:25–35—We are told that great crowds accompanied Jesus, but accompanying Him is not enough. A person must be ready and willing to turn his back on the things of this world: his family, his life, indeed, all he has. The things of this life must never stand in the way of our discipleship with Christ, that is, our faith in Him as the sole procurer of our salvation, and the only thing that matters.

Saturday, 3 September 2016—Sunday’s Hymn of the Day is Oh, That the Lord Would Guide My Ways(LSB #707). Our readings speak of the necessity of being Christ’s faithful disciples, shunning the things and ways of this world. This, we can only do when the Lord guides our ways: He grants us grace to know and do His will.

Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House
Woodcut by Baron Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld, 1794-1872, a distinguished German artist known especially for his book, Das Buch der Bücher in Bilden [The Book of Books in Pictures]) ©WELS