Sermons

This is the last of our series on the Gospel of Luke. Our passage today presents what it means to be a disciple. It also contains a prediction by Jesus of judgment on the nation and the world. Simon of Cyrene was compelled to bear Jesus' cross. Then, we see a group mourning for Jesus. He tells them they should instead cry for themselves, because judgment was coming to Jerusalem, in AD70. As with last week's sermon, Jesus counseled them to do something counter to the norm. Last week, it was for the people facing the judgment of Jerusalem to flee to the hills instead of seeking refuge within the city walls. This week, the women were advised not to seek motherhood as judgment drew near. Contrary to conventional thinking, the day of judgment would be a day of joy, because it is the will of God. We rejoice that God has a plan of salvation for the righteous, but wrath comes from rejection of the Lamb. The women were called to believe now, "when the wood is green," or during a time of peace. Later, when the wood is dry, or when the siege by the Romans comes, it would be harder to trust in God. We are called upon to bear the cross of Christ, to follow Him and not go our own way. Jesus' purpose was to suffer the cross for our sakes. We are called to face what's coming, and let Jesus lead.