Sermon - Fr. Lee Schaefer “The Costly Kingdom”

Introduction:  When we first hear the Gospel this morning we may find ourselves disagreeing with Jesus, or at the very least the person who recorded these words.  Perhaps the writer simply misunderstood what Jesus was saying.  Unless you hate what is most dear in your life you are unworthy of the kingdom of God.  What do you ‘love’ most about your life?  Would you be willing to give that particular thing up for the Kingdom?  Or would you be willing to make what you love most secondary to God’s Kingdom?

I)  The crowd is following Jesus toward Jerusalem and inevitably the cross.  Do they really understand what they are doing?  They seem delighted by Jesus’ teaching, miracles, and his concern for them.  They are seemingly oblivious to the great cost of the Kingdom.  Jesus tries to alert his followers to what is coming just beyond their immediate sight.

II)  Jesus’ words seem harsh – if you do not hate those closest to you and yes even your life you cannot be my follower.  He shares with them two analogies to try and help them understand what he is saying.  First he asks them if someone tries to build something without carefully considering the cost and his ability to pay the cost, he may end up with a foundation and little else.  Jesus then gives the example of a king going to do battle without considering if he can actually win the battle against an enemy far more powerful. 

III)  Here at St. Michael’s there is a ‘cost’ for discipleship.  We are committed to trying to live out our being disciples of Christ by inviting others to follow us.  This coming Sunday we are inviting the community to join us here at St. Michael’s in an attempt to live out our mission.  What are you willing to do to help us accomplish our mission?  Would you be willing to go out after the service and bring them a gift from St. Michael’s?  Are you willing to greet a new person and sit next to them and help them with the service?  Would you be willing to go to two services to help reach out to those who join us this Sunday?  Would you make breakfast?  Teach Sunday school?  Read the bulletin board in the Narthex and consider what God may be calling you to do?