Turning to the crowds, Jesus warns them to "count the costs." Better to not begin the journey at all than to start something, only to turn away in shame later. Following Jesus means that everything else must take second-place to God. The journey is more that worth the cost but Jesus wants us to know the challenges ahead.

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While eating dinner at the home of a religious leader, Jesus continues to develop the image of the kingdom of God as a great feast to which all are invited -- especially the last, the lost, and the least. God's invitation continues goes out into the world through us. To whom might Jesus want you to extend that invite and welcome?

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Luke 14:1-11: "I don't deserve to be here!" It could be a proud demand to be elevated to a better place or it could be a humble statement of gratitude and wonder that we were included at all. Jesus tells the Pharisees and us to take the second approach. Elevate others, bring them closer to God, and that Jesus-like posture of humility will bring us closer to God than any effort at self-promotion!

Pastor John and Dave on Luke: 13:31-35: Jesus is warned that Herod is coming for him to take his life. Rather than react with fear, Jesus displays resolve. He will complete the purposes that God has given him. Yes, he will give his life like a hen that protects her chicks, but it will be in according to God's will, not anyone else's, not even Herod's.

Pastor Walt Quick preaches on Luke 12:13-26 as part of our Luke: Kingdom Costs sermon series.

John Mury and Greg Hsu discuss Luke 13:22-30: "On the way to his destiny in Jerusalem, Jesus is asked a question: 'Lord, will only a few be saved?' Rather than satisfy this curiosity, Jesus directs this person to turn their attention to their own walk with God. This invitation is for us all — we are all invited, right now, to pursue God rather than worry or wonder what God has in store for everyone else. This invitation goes out to everyone; how will you respond?"

Pastors John Mury and Chris Gredenius discuss Luke 13:10-21: "After a confrontation over healing on the Sabbath, Jesus tells two stories—one about a mustard seed that grows into a great tree and the other about a pinch of yeast that transforms the entire mound of dough. Both stories illustrate how God uses small things to make big impacts. Jesus is pointing out that he (and we) might seem small, but God can use our faithfulness to make an outsized impact on the world."

Pastors John Mury and Chris Gredenius discuss Luke 13:1-9: "In the musical "Hamilton" (and in actual history), George Washington refers to a hopeful vision of peace and delight under one's own vine and fig tree. This image actually comes from the Bible, referred to in numerous places in the prophets. God is the gardener and God's people are the fig tree, intended to supply sweetness and delight to the world. But are we producing fruit? Or do we resist the work of the gardener?"

Pastors John Mury and Taylor Burgoyne discuss Luke 12:49-59: "The moment of decision can be difficult. Choosing one path can mean separating with people who choose a different path. Jesus warns us that following him is like choosing a path will often bring division between friends and family. In the meantime, we must leave no debt of love or forgiveness unpaid as we never know when our paths will come to an end."

Pastors John Mury and Dave Swaim discuss Luke 12:35-48: "On this final journey to Jerusalem, Jesus knows that he will soon leave his disciples. He teaches them to be watchful for his return. In the meantime, what we do matters. How we treat one another, especially how leaders treat everyone else, matters. Rather than living for our own advantage, the example of Jesus is to humble ourselves and serve one another with joy!"