Sermon: Plain and Simple? February 24, 2019

Here’s the sermon for the 7th Sunday after Epiphany. Click the link to watch, listen to, read, or download the sermon.

The plain-spoken Christ continues his sermon. At first glance, it all seems straightforward enough. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. It is simple. The problem is that it’s also impossible. In our sinfulness, we instead do unto others as they have done unto us. We don’t love our enemies. We don’t bless those who make our lives more difficult. We don’t give as generously as we could to those who are in need. What then do we do? We flee once more to Christ. In the cross, we see Jesus live out his own teachings. He loves his enemies to the end; he gives to those who take everything from him; he does kindness and mercy unto others even though these others have not returned the favor. And now, in Christ, we are called to do likewise. By his power alone, we can begin to live a life that is simply directed toward God and neighbor.