Sermon and Video for the 18th Sunday after Pentecost
Video of Divine Service 2024 Pentecost 18 Jeremiah 11:18-20 James 3:13-4:10 Mark 9:30-37 Questions Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. Amen. Questions are asked in today’s texts. The questions lead us to reflect upon the humanity of the disciples as well as our own motives, attitudes, and behaviors. These reflections lead us to seek God’s help, specifically, His help through the cross of Jesus Christ. The first question is from James: “ Who is wise and understanding among you? ” My thinking is that if any of us leaps up and says, “Yes sir! That’s me, at your service!” Perhaps that individual ought to sit down and wait for what comes next. The Holy Spirit may very well stir our ears and heart so that we hear this as an accusation. Pride makes us think we are wiser than what we really are. Was it not pride that led the disciples to argue among themselves about who is the greatest amon