Worship Preparation - May 31, 2026
Read the sermon text: Luke 9:18-27
Read the sermon summary: We left the episode of the feeding of the 5,000 wondering, Do the disciples not yet understand who Jesus is? In our passage for this Sunday, we see that Peter rightly answers Jesus' question, Who do you say that I am? Peter has the right answer; Jesus is the Christ of God. But does he understand all that that entails? In this passage we get more clarity about what it means that Jesus is the Messiah and what it means for those who wish to follow him. Especially surprising in this context is the use of the title, the Son of Man. Jesus is the one from Daniel's vision, given all authority, all power, and the worship of every nation. And he is the one who will suffer and be killed. This, in turn, has implications for anyone who would want to be a disciple of Jesus. In their earthly lives, this will mean renouncing their old selves and embracing Jesus as the one around whom their lives orbit. In preparation for the sermon consider the following questions: Why do you think Jesus told the disciples to tell no one about his identity as the Christ? What does it mean, here, to deny self? What does it mean to save one's life? To lose it for Christ's sake?
Read the following song lyrics in relation to the sermon:
How Deep The Father's Love For Us
Verse 1
How deep the Father's love for us
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory
Verse 2
Behold the Man upon a cross
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished
Verse 3
I will not boast in anything
No gifts no pow’r no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection
Why should I gain from His reward
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom
CCLI Song #1558110
Stuart Townend
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