What Would You Preach?

– Ponderings:

If you were asked to preach one – and only one – sermon, what would you preach? Set aside any qualms about public speaking or doubts about your preaching ability, and focus solely on the message. What would you most want others to hear? What is the one thing you most want others to know?

It isn’t an easy question. In Luke 4, beginning with v. 16, Jesus is about to preach his first sermon, and it’s an important one. To make matters more interesting, he’s preaching in his hometown. Luke tells us that Jesus went into the synagogue in Nazareth that Sabbath day, “as was his custom.” In other words, these people knew Jesus. He’s grown up with them, some might be family and others friends. Imagine yourself preaching to people who really know you. That’s not easy … because they know you too well and they’ll know right away if your words aren’t authentic.

Jesus’s sermon that day came from the words of the prophet Isaiah where he spoke of a Messiah, an anointed one, who would come to earth and deliver people from oppression and sin. Then Jesus said very simply, “Isaiah was talking about me. I’m the one.” Can you imagine the reaction? These people knew Jesus, knew his parents, and watched him grow up. At first, they were astonished that he had made such a claim. Then they began asking themselves who he thought he was. They probably laughed a little. Then they started to get angry, especially as he persisted and even told them he knew they wouldn’t believe them. By the end, they ran him out of town. That’s a strong reaction to a sermon!

Maybe the lesson to be learned is this: If you follow Jesus you better be prepared to hear some things you’d rather not hear. Jesus’ teachings often comfort, but they also confront. Almost all are challenging and don’t fit neatly into a world that values comfort, success, and personal happiness. They can seem radical, even shocking, but are always meant to call us closer to the heart of discipleship.

So, what would be your sermon? Would it comfort or confront? How would it challenge those who hear it? One little tip from a pastor: it’s not uncommon for the pastor to get into the sermon and realize they are also preaching to themselves. Preaching sermons can be uncomfortable, not just for the listener but also for the preacher. So, when thinking about your sermon, prepare to be uncomfortable.

Prayer: Jesus, your words challenge me. They make me uncomfortable, and yet I know they are true. Help me to love you above all else and to follow in your footsteps, even when it’s hard. May your love transform my priorities and my heart. Amen.

PS – I’d love to hear what your sermon would be. Let me know!