3rd Sunday After Pentecost (Series C)

Old Testament Reading: 1 Kings 19:9b-21
Epistle Reading: Galatians 5:1, 13-25
Gospel Reading: Luke 9:51-62

Worship Service
June-29-2025
Theme:
The Priorities of the Kingdom of God

Main Message:
The sermon emphasizes that God’s kingdom must take precedence over all other aspects of life, including physical needs, emotional ties, and even family obligations. Jesus’ teachings in the Gospel (referencing Luke 9:51–62) illustrate that discipleship demands radical prioritization—even over things that seem noble, like burying one’s father or saying goodbye to loved ones.


Key Points:
1. Jesus’ Journey to Jerusalem:
◦ Jesus "sets His face" toward Jerusalem, signaling the beginning of His journey to the cross.
◦ The Samaritans reject Him because of the historical conflict over the proper place of worship.
◦ This detour adds at least three days to His journey, symbolizing that faithfulness often requires sacrifice.

2. Radical Discipleship:
◦ Several people express a desire to follow Jesus, but they have conditions (e.g., burying a parent or saying farewell).
◦ Jesus responds sharply—not out of cruelty, but to demonstrate that God’s call must come first.
◦ The call to follow Christ demands immediate, unconditional commitment.

3. Our Misplaced Priorities:
◦ Humans naturally obsess over physical needs—safety, prosperity, appearance.
◦ These are legitimate needs but become distorted when they replace spiritual priorities.
◦ Our sinful nature corrupts our priorities and leads us to focus on self over God.

4. Spiritual Priorities First:
◦ The means of grace (Word and Sacrament) are the highest needs of the Christian life.
◦ Regular worship, receiving communion, and hearing the Gospel are essential to maintaining proper priorities.
◦ Church attendance and spiritual life should not be optional or conditional on convenience.

5. Freedom in Christ:
◦ Drawing from Galatians, the sermon notes that Christ has set us free not for selfish living but to serve others in love.
◦ Walking in the Spirit means abandoning fleshly desires like jealousy, anger, and division.
◦ Our true calling is spirit-led service and love, not legalism or self-indulgence.

6. Keeping in Step with the Spirit:
◦ Only through the Holy Spirit can we rightly order our lives and keep our eyes on Jesus.
◦ Christ equips, justifies, sanctifies, and empowers believers to do kingdom work.
◦ Keeping focused on Word and Sacrament keeps us focused on Christ Himself.


Conclusion:
The priorities of the Kingdom of God must supersede all earthly concerns. As believers, we are called to follow Jesus wholeheartedly, keeping in step with the Holy Spirit and participating regularly in the means of grace. Only through Christ and His Spirit can we live out this radical calling.