Sermon for the Eighth Sunday after Pentecost

LISTEN

Jesu Juva

“Which Inheritance Do You Want?”

Text: Luke 12:13-21; Colossians 3:1-11; Ecclesiastes 1:2; 2:12-14, 18-26

 

Grace, mercy, and peace to you from God our Father, and from our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

Someone in the crowd said to [Jesus], “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.”

I just want to point out something about that statement to begin . . . if the brothers are dividing an inheritance, that means their father just died. And instead of mourning, they’re fighting. Instead of coming together, they’re splitting apart. Instead of comforting, they’re coveting. Dad’s dead. What can I get?

Every once in a while a story like that will hit the news or social media. It’s sad. And it’s ugly. There’s going to be a winner and a loser, and while you may get what you want, in the meantime you lose your brother, split up the family, cause irreparable harm. Is it worth it? Is that thing, that money, worth that?

Some would say yes. And at times, for something far less. Stupid fights and disagreements divide brothers and sisters, husbands and wives, parents and children. Maybe you’ve been there, made that mistake. The people and families God gave to love us and for us to love, are thrown away. You may have gotten what you wanted, but did you really become richer? Or did you really become poorer?

And to make things even worse, this request was made of Jesus right after He was teaching about not fearing those who can only kill the body; fear the one who has authority to cast into hell. Don’t fear losing the worldly, Jesus said; fear losing the eternal. Fear losing the one who loves you more than anything in this world; more than any other part of creation. And in response to that . . . yeah, yeah. But tell my no good brother to divide the inheritance with me! 

I don’t know . . . Maybe we do it, too. We come here. We hear the Word. We receive the gifts. Eternal things. Eternal life. And then we leave . . . and does Dr. Jekyll become Mr. Hyde? Do we forget about the eternal and focus again on the worldly? Do I put more effort into acquiring worldly riches instead of heavenly riches? Am I all about getting rather than giving? It doesn’t really make sense, does it? But it’s an easy trap to fall into.

That’s why Jesus says: Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness. All covetousness. Whatever form it takes. And what’s translated there as take care means look at yourself. Take a look at your life, how you’re living, what you’re doing, what your heart is going after, what you’re throwing away. And be on guard against this happening in your life. Cause it’s so easy, and it so often happens before you know it.

Like the man in the parable. Jesus does this a lot: He makes a point, and then tells a parable to back it up, drive it home. And let’s be honest: all of us would like to be the man in the parable. His farm had an unbelievable year. He probably had worked very hard to make that happen. And now, he’s got it made. He doesn’t have to work anymore. He can buy all he wants and enjoy the good life. Except he can’t, for that very night he dies. And as they say, you can’t take it with you. 

Now the problem isn’t the riches, but what those riches do to us. These riches were a gift from God, but became this man’s god. So instead of being rich toward God, he was rich for himself. Instead of finding his security in being a child of God, his security was in his wealth. Instead of finding his value in God and His love, his value was in the number and size of his barns and houses. And so as a result, he died a very poor man. 

This is what St. Paul was talking about in the Epistle we heard today, too. He mentions covetousness among those earthly things that hurt us, and did you catch what he called it there? Idolatry. For what we want, what we set our heart on, whether we get it or keep chasing after it, becomes our god. It is what we fear, love, and trust. What I fear not having, what I love and want more than anything, what I trust will make me happy. What I will do anything - or almost anything - for. And the problem is not the person or the thing or the activity or whatever it is - the problem is that it has captured your heart. The problem is what it has done to you. And sadly, many very wealthy, successful, famous people, who seem to have it all, like the man in the parable, die very poor. 

So Jesus says: Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness. That is, don’t let that happen to you. Because what idolatry does is it takes our hearts and minds off the true and puts them onto the false. It makes us think the lie is true and the truth is a lie. It makes us believe that these things can and will make me happy and give me what I want, but instead do the very opposite. And when talking about this with my catechumens, the example I use is salt water. Salt water is deceptive, because salt water cannot quench your thirst. If your drink salt water, it only makes you more thirsty. It actually kicks your kidneys into overdrive, so drinking salt water doesn’t hydrate you, it actually dehydrates you. 

The man in the parable, his riches were his salt water. The more he drank, the man he wanted. The more he had, the more he wanted. What’s yours? It might be different for each of you, but we all have something. Look at yourself, as Jesus said. What is that salt water you need to guard your heart against? 

Because - here’s the thing - while we’re setting our hearts and minds on this or that, we’re missing, we’re not seeing, the true riches we do have. The man in the Gospel who wanted Jesus to get him his share of the inheritance, missed the true treasure that was standing right in front of him! The very Son of God in human flesh! The Son of God who came not to divide His inheritance with us, but to give us the whole thing! The kingdom of God, Sonship, eternal life - all of it, yours. And it’s an inheritance, which means He will die to pass it on to you. And not a natural death, like we all hope for, that we’ll die in our sleep. But a crucifixion. A cursed death. A death with your curse, so you can die without that curse. The Son of God, the King of the universe, died a very poor man, to make you rich.

That’s why St. Paul says to seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

That’s where your life is. That’s your true treasure. That’s an inheritance that will never get used up or go away. So not for nothing does the prophet Jeremiah call Jesus the fountain of living water (Jeremiah 17:13). And Jesus Himself says, If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink (John 7:37). And then this too, whoever drinks of the water that I will give him, Jesus says, will never be thirsty again (John 4:14). So what Paul is saying is: Quit drinking the salt water of this world, which is killing you! Stop living the same old way. Sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness . . . anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth . . . lying. Why do you do those thing? What are you hoping for, looking for, with them? Put them all away, he says. Lock them up and throw away the key. 

That’s not where your life is, or where you will find the life your looking for. King Solomon tried that, as we heard in the Old Testament reading, and look where it left him! Vanity, vanity, he says. It’s all meaningless. Striving after wind. Striving after riches and dying poor.

There’s a better way. Instead of, Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me! How about: Lord, give me your inheritance! And Jesus says: Yes! Done! Here is my inheritance, here are the gifts that no one and no thing can take from you - not even death. With these you may or may not be healthy, wealthy, and wise in this world, but you will die a very rich man. Here is forgiveness for your sins, life for your death, glory for your shame, the eternal for what is passing away - the true God and His gifts, instead of false gods and their lies. All for you. Be washed, be clean, be fed and nourished. And while your riches and richness may be hidden now, when Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in the richness of His glory.

And in the meantime, instead of Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me! How about: Brother, let me share my inheritance with you. And how do we do that? Telling others about Jesus, certainly. But not just with our words, but also with our lives. Forgiving, loving, serving, giving. Being faithful to my husband or wife. Being generous with my time. Telling the truth. Being patient and kind. And you know what? Sometimes doing those things may make you feel like you’re being crucified! They’re not easy, especially when others don’t appreciate them, take advantage of you, don’t do the same for you, and even make fun of you. But that’s what they did to Jesus, too. And still He did that, for you. And so still we do that, for them.And you lose nothing. For your wealth, your inheritance, is not of this world. 

And when you die, the wealth, the inheritance, you leave behind will be true wealth, and a true inheritance. The Jesus kind. The lasting kind. And when you die, you will die a very rich man, with riches you can take with you. Forever. Because your brother gave His inheritance to you.

In the Name of the Father, and of the (+) Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The Congregation at Prayer

For the Week of Pentecost 8 (August 4-9, 2025)

Invocation: In the Name of the Father and of the (+) Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Speak the Apostles’ Creed. 

Verse: Psalm 33:18 – “Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love.”

Hymn of the Week:  Lutheran Service Book #666 “O Little Flock, Fear Not the Foe”

Hymns for Sunday: 728, 666, 634, 768, 725, 798

Readings for the Week: [The readings for Thursday-Saturday are the Scriptures for this coming Sunday.]

Monday: Psalm 33:12–22

What is our hope in trouble our strength or the Lord’s? Why is this often so hard? How do we know the Lord will help?

Tuesday: Jeremiah 23:16-29

There are people who tell us what we want to hear, and those who tell us what we need to hear – which is better? Why? What’s the danger of listening to the wrong words?

Wednesday: Matthew 7:15-23

How do faith and works go together? Why must they?

Thursday: Genesis 15:1–6

What made Abram doubt? How did God reassure him? What promises has God given you to help when doubts and fears arise?

Friday: Hebrews 11:1–16

How does faith enable us to move into the future with boldness and confidence? How can these heroes off faith inspire us?

Saturday: Luke 12:22–40

Does telling you not to worry make you worry less or more?! How can we worry less? What’s the key?

The Catechism - The Lord’s Prayer: The Fourth Petition [Part 2]: Give us this day our daily bread. What is meant by daily bread? Daily bread includes everything that has to do with the support and needs of the body, such as food, drink, clothing, shoes, house, home, land, animals, money, goods, a devout husband or wife, devout children, devout workers, devout and faithful rulers, good government, good weather, peace, health, self-control, good friends, good reputation, faithful neighbors, and the like.

Collect for the Week: Almighty and merciful God, it is by Your grace that we live as Your people who offer acceptable service. Grant that we may walk by faith, and not by sight, in the way that leads to eternal life; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord. Amen.

The Prayers:  Please pray for . . .

+ yourself and for all in need (remembering especially those on our prayer list).

+ God’s blessing, wisdom, and guidance for our congregation’s Building Committee.

+ the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Argentina, for God’s wisdom, blessing, guidance, and provision.

+ God’s blessing, guidance, and provision for the Lutheran Church Extension Fund.

Conclude with the Lord’s Prayer and Luther’s Morning or Evening Prayer from the Catechism.

Now joyfully go about your day (or to bed) in good cheer, child of God!

Collect for the Week © 2018 Concordia Publishing House.

Lutheran Service Book Hymn License: 110019268

Sermon for the Seventh Sunday after Pentecost

LISTEN

Jesu Juva

“Praying as Children”

Text: Luke 11:1-13; Genesis 18:17-33; Colossians 2:6-19

 

Grace, mercy, and peace to you from God our Father, and from our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

Lord, teach us to pray.

It’s an odd request, don’t you think? Surely the disciples knew how to pray. The Jews had their prayers. They prayed in the Synagogue. They prayed the Psalms. But something was missing. They didn’t pray as Jesus did. But to be true disciples - that is, followers, students, learners - they would need to learn this and follow Jesus in this way, too. It’s time, Lord. You’ve taught us so much. Teach us to pray. John taught his disciples. You teach your disciples.

And actually, it’s what we need, too. Oh, you know how to pray, right? You pray the Lord’s Prayer, you pray before meals, you pray here in church, you pray in times of trouble . . . and yet, like the disciples, we’re missing something. Yes? We get busy and so put off our prayers and somehow don’t get back to them. We tell people we’ll pray for them, and then forget to do so. We want to pray more, know we should pray more, but somehow always fall short. Lord, teach us to pray! It’s not such an odd request after all.

So Jesus does. Of course He does! Maybe He hadn’t yet, not because He didn’t know they needed it, but because He wanted them to ask. He wanted them to realize it, and the importance of it. How often had they seen Jesus go off by Himself to pray? How often had they tried and failed? How often did they wonder about this? But now they ask. And I’m sure Jesus smiled. Yes, I’d love to teach you to pray.

(1.) And he said to them, “When you pray, say: Father . . .”

Now I stopped there, not because the rest of the words aren’t important, but because this word is most important. As I teach my catechumens, when you dig deep into the words of this prayer, the Lord’s Prayer that the Lord gives us to pray, you realize that in these few words, we are praying for everything. It’s not wrong to pray in addition to these words and with more specific requests as needs arise - that’s good! But even if we don’t, it’s all included here. 

But the foundation of it all, is that very first word: Father. Or as Matthew says, Our Father. Jesus can pray that because He is the Son of God, the Son of the Father. And we can pray that way because we are sons of God in the Son of God. When we come to God through Jesus, we are not coming to Him as Master, Lord, Creator, Sovereign, Almighty, or Most High; we’re not coming as servants asking for a favor - we are coming to our Father. And that makes a difference.

You do not ask your boss at work, the police officer who pulled you over, or your car mechanic the same as you ask your father at home for things. It’s a different relationship - or, at least, it should be. For in God we have a perfect Father, with perfect love for us. A Father who wants to provide and has promised to do so. A Father who isn’t in this for Himself - He doesn’t need anything, and certainly doesn’t need anything from us! He wants to give and take care of you. And while He does so much even without our prayers, as the catechism repeatedly teaches us, He wants us to turn to Him in prayer, as dear children ask their dear father. Like Abraham did, as we heard earlier. That conversation was like a son asking his father, and a father listening to his son.

So why don’t we? Why don’t we pray like Abraham? Or why don’t we more? Is it that we doubt our Father’s love, that He wants to help or really will help? Maybe. Or is it because we think we’re not worthy, that we have to improve and get better if we want God to listen to our prayers? Or do we think we can handle things ourselves? And that’s what God wants us to do - handle it and not bother Him! 

Well, Jesus doesn’t bother with any of that. Just states the fact. When you pray, do so on the basis of nothing else than this: Father. God is your Father and you are His child. He loves you and wants you to pray. He loves you and wants to help and provide. You’re not worthy! You’ll never be worthy. But you’re His child, and that’s better. 

(2.) But then there’s more . . . Jesus says more. He doesn’t only give us the words to say - which is good because even though we have them, we still don’t pray as we should, right? So He also teaches us to pray by sending us folks to pray for. For the best way to learn is to do.

That’s the reason for the parable Jesus then speaks. This man suddenly has a need, something has popped up in His life, and he doesn’t have the means to deal with it. Ever been there? So he goes to the one he knows can help him and provide him what he needs. Now in the parable, it’s not easy! He has to pester his neighbor to give him what he needs, which is what we often do when we ask each other for things. Especially children! Please, please, PLEASE! We’re bold, impudent, persistent, shameless, even rude maybe at times! If our need is great enough. If we’re really feeling pinched. 

But Jesus doesn’t tell this parable because that’s how our Father is, and that we need to be that way with Him! He goes on to say that’s NOT how our Father is! That He wants to help and give and provide. Good gifts! So ask, seek, and knock! If we do it with one another, then why not with our Father in heaven? 

And fathers listen to their children, even when they won’t listen to others. Like the father on his way to work, who passes by the people asking for money he sees everyday. But one day, he is with his daughter, who asks: Daddy, who are these people? What do they want? And when he tells her, she looks up at him and asks him: Can we help them? And even though he didn’t before, he does now. Because his child asked and she matters to him.

There are people in our world who cannot pray. They don’t know God as their Father and Saviour. But you do. You are His dearly loved child and you matter to Him. He has promised to hear and answer your prayers - not just for yourself, but for others, too. So don’t sell those prayers short! We don’t know exactly what He will do, how or when He will answer those prayers, but we know He will, the prayers of His children, according to His good and gracious will. 

(3.) So pray these words, pray for these people, and then ask for one more thing too, Jesus says: the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit who help us in our weakness, who Himself prays for us, and who helps us to pray. The Holy Spirit who connects us to Jesus, who brings us to the Father. For the Father who sends us great blessings, sends us the two greatest blessings of all: His Son and His Spirit, so that we be His children here in time, and there for eternity.

I think we sometimes, perhaps, focus on the there in eternity at the expense of the here in time. Certainly, the there in eternity is important. Eternal life instead of eternal death. Sign me up! That’s why the Father sent His Son to take our death-causing and God-condemning sins to the cross for us and die for us, to atone for them, to be our sin offering and our guilt offering and our peace offering, that we have peace and unity with God our Father again. And we celebrate that and receive that here each Sunday, culminating with our seat at our Father’s Table, to feast on the life-giving Body and Blood of Jesus. And we have forgiveness, life, salvation, and all we need for life as children of God.

But there in eternity is not yet. Here in time is. And our Father doesn’t just want to be our Father then and there, but here and now. And He is, but He also wants us to live that life as His children, in faith and confidence and joy. And so He also sends us His Spirit, that we live as His children right now. The Spirit who shows us our sin and shows us our Saviour, so that we repent, receive the forgiveness we need, and live a new life. A sanctified life.

That’s the life Paul was describing for the Christians in Colossae in the Epistle we heard today. He says there are a lot of things in this world that would lead us astray and away from God - things the world says are important, are true, are wisdom. And they sound good and look good and and we think they give us what we want. But they don’t. Empty deceit, Paul calls it. Empty. Like opening a beautifully wrapped gift box that gets your hopes up that there’s something equally as good and beautiful inside . . . only to find there’s nothing in it. Just think of all the things our world points to . . . Do this and you’ll have life! Be this and you’ll be happy! Follow this way and all will be well! And sometimes churches listen, too. Do this and you’ll grow! Be this and your church will be dynamic. Follow this way to success. And you open that great sounding box . . . and it’s empty.

Now contrast the gifts of God  . . . They may not look as good to our eyes . . . I’d rather have a long, hot shower than a little splash of water. I’d rather have steak and potatoes than a tasteless wafer of bread and a sip of mediocre wine. I’d rather have people tell me I’m right and good on my own, just the way I am (or want to be), than I forgive you all your sins. I’d rather read a really good novel than the Bible. But while the gifts of God may not look beautiful on the outside, the gifts they contain are unequaled. The forgiveness, salvation, and new life we need, purchased for you by the blood of Jesus, and given to you by the Holy Spirit. That you not lead a life that ends in death, but live a life that will never end. 

Therefore, Saint Paul said, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

So pray that be true for you. To live a life in Christ, in His love and forgiveness, in His grace and mercy, abounding in thanksgiving. Maybe with all you’re going through in your life right now, such a life seems impossible, like climbing Mt. Everest! And for you, it is! But not for your Saviour, for whom all things are possible. Who after being buried and crushed under the sins of the world - a mountain of sins far greater than Mt. Everest! - rose to life again, and ascended not to the top of a mountain, but far higher than that! To heaven, to the right hand of the Father, where He is ruling all things for the good of His church and His children. For you.

So Lord, teach us to pray? Yes! To pray for this. All this. And praying for this, receive it. And receiving it, live it. For so you have commanded us to pray, and have promised to hear us. So Amen, amen! Which means, Yes, yes, be of good cheer, be confident, be bold, dear child of God! For Amen, amen, means yes, yes, it shall be so! 

In the Name of the Father, and of the (+) Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.