Jesus had set his face toward Jerusalem (Luke 9:51) and was resolved to traverse that path to the bitter end. He explained to the Twelve disciples multiple times that a rendezvous with death awaited him in that city. In the sermon text for this Lord’s Day (Luke 18:31-34), Jesus explained this once again, but this time added graphic details of his shameful death which would be followed by his resurrection. The disciples were confused; they simply could not grasp the idea of a Messiah who dies. Only the resurrection of Jesus would open their eyes of understanding.

Luke 18 contains a series of stories and events placed together to drive home the point that the self-reliance of Jesus’ opponents was misguided. Only those who come to Jesus with a sense of their own helplessness and need can enter the kingdom. The sermon text (Luke 18:18-30) records Jesus’ encounter with a man who seemed to have everything. But, in the end, he walked away without the thing that he truly needed: a Savior-King.

I.     People instinctively assign value based on perceived worthiness. 15

II.     But Jesus values the weak and the helpless. 16

III.      The kingdom belongs to those who come to Him as weak and helpless. 17

Luke chapter 18 began with a parable that taught the disciples to pray for the coming kingdom (Luke 1-8). The sermon text for this Lord’s Day adds a second parable about prayer. This parable explains what God requires of those who enter the kingdom. We must humble ourselves before him and seek his mercy.

This Lord’s Day we will remember the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We will explore the significance of Isaiah’s prophecy that the Son given by God is Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6)

At the end of Luke 17, Jesus described his future return as a fulfillment of the hope of his followers and as a day of dreadful judgment poured out on those who oppose him. The text for this Lord’s Day (Luke 18:1-8) continues the theme of the Lord’s return. In it, Jesus tells a parable to instruct the disciples to continue to pray, “Thy kingdom come,” even though the coming seems delayed. Pray with confidence that He will come and vindicate his people.

In the sermon text for this Lord’s Day, Pharisees asked Jesus about the coming kingdom. Jesus’ reply was surprising: the kingdom is among you because the king stands before you. He went on to explain to the disciples that before the kingdom is established, he must suffer and die. But he assured them that he would return one day in glory and majesty, executing judgment on those who reject him.

This Lord’s Day, our speaker will be Mark Buhr. His message, from Galatians 6:10.

This Lord’s Day, our speaker will be Mark Buhr. His message, from Galatians 6:9, will focus on the promises of God that empower the Christian to perseverance and faithful service.

In the sermon text for this Lord’s Day, Jesus mercifully heals ten lepers. Only one of them returns to thank Jesus for his life-changing mercy. Ironically, the one who gives thanks is an outsider, a pagan. The Scriptures use leprosy as a vivid, living object lesson that illustrates the ravages of sin. The climax of the story is Jesus’ pronouncement the leper was “saved” by faith.