Sermon Introduction –
This Sunday, we are going to hear one of Jesus’ toughest teachings: “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” Why would anyone want to do something so difficult? What does it mean for you to take up your cross today?
Introduction to this week’s readings –
The prophet Jeremiah speaks of the incurable wound of his suffering yet finds in God’s words the delight of his heart. When Peter doesn’t grasp Jesus’ words about suffering, Jesus tells the disciples they will find their lives in losing them. Such sacrificial love is described by Paul when he urges us to associate with the lowly and not repay evil with evil. In worship we gather as a community that we might offer ourselves for the sake of our suffering world.
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