Traditional | 9:45 a.m. | 07.05.2026

Heat. Heat. Heat. Yeah.

Yeah. Heat. Yeah. Yeah. Heat. Oh Oh my Heat.

Heat. Heat. Please remain standing as we affirm Please remain standing as we affirm together our faith in the triune God together our faith in the triune God together our faith in the triune God with the Apostles's Creed. I believe in with the Apostles's Creed. I believe in with the Apostles's Creed. I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only son, our Lord, who was conceived by the son, our Lord, who was conceived by the son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontious Pilate, was suffered under Pontious Pilate, was suffered under Pontious Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried. The third crucified, dead, and buried. The third crucified, dead, and buried. The third day he rose from the dead. He ascended day he rose from the dead. He ascended day he rose from the dead. He ascended into heaven and siteth at the right hand into heaven and siteth at the right hand into heaven and siteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From then he of God the Father Almighty. From then he of God the Father Almighty. From then he shall come to judge the quick and the shall come to judge the quick and the shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of Holy Catholic Church, the communion of Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the saints, the forgiveness of sins, the saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life resurrection of the body, and the life resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.

everlasting. everlasting. Amen. Heat. Heat. Well, good morning to all of you. I'm so Well, good morning to all of you. I'm so glad you're here. Um, hope you made it glad you're here. Um, hope you made it glad you're here. Um, hope you made it through. Maybe you were uh hunkered in through. Maybe you were uh hunkered in through. Maybe you were uh hunkered in your closet with your dog when the your closet with your dog when the your closet with your dog when the fireworks were going off. Uh, I know fireworks were going off. Uh, I know fireworks were going off. Uh, I know folks who were that our dogs hate Fourth folks who were that our dogs hate Fourth folks who were that our dogs hate Fourth of July. It's their least favorite day.

of July. It's their least favorite day. of July. It's their least favorite day. Anyway, um I hope you had a good day Anyway, um I hope you had a good day Anyway, um I hope you had a good day yesterday and um we're glad you're here yesterday and um we're glad you're here yesterday and um we're glad you're here today. Welcome to those of you today. Welcome to those of you today. Welcome to those of you worshiping with us on live stream as worshiping with us on live stream as worshiping with us on live stream as well. We're glad you're a part of it. We well. We're glad you're a part of it. We well. We're glad you're a part of it. We have lots of folks traveling in the have lots of folks traveling in the have lots of folks traveling in the summer and we're always grateful that summer and we're always grateful that summer and we're always grateful that you choose to worship with us from you choose to worship with us from you choose to worship with us from wherever you are. Hope you'll really wherever you are. Hope you'll really wherever you are. Hope you'll really participate during the service today. participate during the service today. participate during the service today. Please let us know that you're here. Um, Please let us know that you're here. Um, Please let us know that you're here. Um, if you are here in the sanctuary, you if you are here in the sanctuary, you if you are here in the sanctuary, you can do that. Uh, there is a a little can do that. Uh, there is a a little can do that. Uh, there is a a little card in your pew pocket that says card in your pew pocket that says card in your pew pocket that says welcome. And, uh, you can put your welcome. And, uh, you can put your welcome. And, uh, you can put your contact information on that and drop it contact information on that and drop it contact information on that and drop it in the offering plate later in the in the offering plate later in the in the offering plate later in the service. Uh, the easiest way is to use service. Uh, the easiest way is to use service. Uh, the easiest way is to use St. Luke's app and, uh, you can download St. Luke's app and, uh, you can download St. Luke's app and, uh, you can download that. It has all sorts of great um, that. It has all sorts of great um, that. It has all sorts of great um, resources on it. And if you're online resources on it. And if you're online resources on it. And if you're online there on our our website platform, then there on our our website platform, then there on our our website platform, then you can uh, there's a little tab there you can uh, there's a little tab there you can uh, there's a little tab there that says check in and hope that you that says check in and hope that you that says check in and hope that you will do that. And uh if you're here in will do that. And uh if you're here in will do that. And uh if you're here in the sanctuary, come on out to the the sanctuary, come on out to the the sanctuary, come on out to the gathering room after the service and gathering room after the service and gathering room after the service and enjoy some uh refreshments and some enjoy some uh refreshments and some enjoy some uh refreshments and some fellowship. If I haven't had the chance fellowship. If I haven't had the chance fellowship. If I haven't had the chance to meet you, I'd love that opportunity.

to meet you, I'd love that opportunity. to meet you, I'd love that opportunity. Um after the service uh today, um a Um after the service uh today, um a Um after the service uh today, um a number of announcements I hope you'll number of announcements I hope you'll number of announcements I hope you'll just look at all of these in your just look at all of these in your just look at all of these in your bulletin today. I do want to lift up. We bulletin today. I do want to lift up. We bulletin today. I do want to lift up. We have a new um artist in the Rotunda have a new um artist in the Rotunda have a new um artist in the Rotunda Gallery that you might want to go down Gallery that you might want to go down Gallery that you might want to go down after the service and check out the after the service and check out the after the service and check out the artwork that's down there. Um, note the artwork that's down there. Um, note the artwork that's down there. Um, note the backpack uh contest for if you have backpack uh contest for if you have backpack uh contest for if you have children that would like to submit a uh children that would like to submit a uh children that would like to submit a uh um artwork for the backpack tags. This um artwork for the backpack tags. This um artwork for the backpack tags. This coming Saturday is our second Saturday coming Saturday is our second Saturday coming Saturday is our second Saturday serve and would love to have you uh help serve and would love to have you uh help serve and would love to have you uh help us in a number of ways, but I do want to us in a number of ways, but I do want to us in a number of ways, but I do want to just say that um during the summer we just say that um during the summer we just say that um during the summer we really like to emphasize the food drive. really like to emphasize the food drive. really like to emphasize the food drive. You can bring your food up uh and You can bring your food up uh and You can bring your food up uh and they'll unload it out of your car right they'll unload it out of your car right they'll unload it out of your car right into the CCSC truck. But it's also a into the CCSC truck. But it's also a into the CCSC truck. But it's also a great um all through the month of July, great um all through the month of July, great um all through the month of July, we have Christmas in July. So anytime we have Christmas in July. So anytime we have Christmas in July. So anytime during the week or on a Sunday, bring a during the week or on a Sunday, bring a during the week or on a Sunday, bring a couple of bags of of non-p perishable couple of bags of of non-p perishable couple of bags of of non-p perishable food and and leave them in the gathering food and and leave them in the gathering food and and leave them in the gathering room in the bin in there. And um because room in the bin in there. And um because room in the bin in there. And um because during the summer, the needs go up, but during the summer, the needs go up, but during the summer, the needs go up, but the donations go down to the to the food the donations go down to the to the food the donations go down to the to the food pantry at Christian Community Service pantry at Christian Community Service pantry at Christian Community Service Center, and we very much want to uh keep Center, and we very much want to uh keep Center, and we very much want to uh keep supplying that. Uh notice there's a new supplying that. Uh notice there's a new supplying that. Uh notice there's a new study for women, and there's a a a book study for women, and there's a a a book study for women, and there's a a a book study that Ryan Tusensky is uh uh study that Ryan Tusensky is uh uh study that Ryan Tusensky is uh uh leading on how to be yourself. Just all leading on how to be yourself. Just all leading on how to be yourself. Just all sorts of great opportunities that I hope sorts of great opportunities that I hope sorts of great opportunities that I hope you'll avail yourself of uh to be a part you'll avail yourself of uh to be a part you'll avail yourself of uh to be a part of. So today we're continuing our series of. So today we're continuing our series of. So today we're continuing our series of sermons that focus on Jesus movement of sermons that focus on Jesus movement of sermons that focus on Jesus movement of where he was um the geography of the

of where he was um the geography of the of where he was um the geography of the of the gospels. And um today he leaves of the gospels. And um today he leaves of the gospels. And um today he leaves Capernaum where he spent most of the Capernaum where he spent most of the Capernaum where he spent most of the time in in his ministry and he goes to time in in his ministry and he goes to time in in his ministry and he goes to non-Jewish territory. So that's what non-Jewish territory. So that's what non-Jewish territory. So that's what we're going to be talking about today as we're going to be talking about today as we're going to be talking about today as uh Jesus moves into that. Listen now as uh Jesus moves into that. Listen now as uh Jesus moves into that. Listen now as we hear the scripture read from the we hear the scripture read from the we hear the scripture read from the Gospel of Matthew Gospel of Matthew Gospel of Matthew >> from Matthew chapter 15. >> from Matthew chapter 15. >> from Matthew chapter 15. Jesus left that place and went away to Jesus left that place and went away to Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Ty and Sidon. Just then, the district of Ty and Sidon. Just then, the district of Ty and Sidon. Just then, a Canaanite woman from that region came a Canaanite woman from that region came a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, "Have mercy on out and started shouting, "Have mercy on out and started shouting, "Have mercy on me, Lord, son of David. My daughter is me, Lord, son of David. My daughter is me, Lord, son of David. My daughter is tormented by a demon." But he did not tormented by a demon." But he did not tormented by a demon." But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples answer her at all. And his disciples answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, "Send her came and urged him, saying, "Send her came and urged him, saying, "Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us." away, for she keeps shouting after us." away, for she keeps shouting after us." He answered, "I was sent only to the He answered, "I was sent only to the He answered, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." lost sheep of the house of Israel." lost sheep of the house of Israel." But she came and knelt before him, But she came and knelt before him, But she came and knelt before him, saying,"Lord, help me." He answered, "It saying,"Lord, help me." He answered, "It saying,"Lord, help me." He answered, "It is not fair to take the children's food is not fair to take the children's food is not fair to take the children's food and throw it to the dogs." She said, and throw it to the dogs." She said, and throw it to the dogs." She said, "Yes, Lord. Yet even the dogs eat the "Yes, Lord. Yet even the dogs eat the "Yes, Lord. Yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master's crumbs that fall from their master's crumbs that fall from their master's table."

table." table." Then Jesus answered her, "Woman, great Then Jesus answered her, "Woman, great Then Jesus answered her, "Woman, great is your faith. Let it be done for you as is your faith. Let it be done for you as is your faith. Let it be done for you as you wish." and her daughter was healed you wish." and her daughter was healed you wish." and her daughter was healed from that moment. The word of God for from that moment. The word of God for from that moment. The word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God. amazing. amazing. Gra Let us pray.

Let us pray. Merciful God, we've anticipated and Merciful God, we've anticipated and Merciful God, we've anticipated and counted down to this weekend with hearts counted down to this weekend with hearts counted down to this weekend with hearts both full of grief and full of both full of grief and full of both full of grief and full of gratitude. gratitude. gratitude. We remember the ache, the fear, the We remember the ache, the fear, the We remember the ache, the fear, the desperation and longing of last July 4th desperation and longing of last July 4th desperation and longing of last July 4th when 139 precious lives were lost in the when 139 precious lives were lost in the when 139 precious lives were lost in the Hill Country flooding. And there are Hill Country flooding. And there are Hill Country flooding. And there are still no words for the grief that still no words for the grief that still no words for the grief that entangles us. entangles us. entangles us. There are empty chairs at dinner tables There are empty chairs at dinner tables There are empty chairs at dinner tables and beds without sleeping children. and beds without sleeping children. and beds without sleeping children. And there are arms and hearts that feel And there are arms and hearts that feel And there are arms and hearts that feel like they will never be full again on like they will never be full again on like they will never be full again on this side of eternity. this side of eternity. this side of eternity. We pray for those parents and We pray for those parents and We pray for those parents and grandparents and siblings and friends grandparents and siblings and friends grandparents and siblings and friends who carry this unimaginable absence. And who carry this unimaginable absence. And who carry this unimaginable absence. And we ask that your light pierces the we ask that your light pierces the we ask that your light pierces the darkness of their grief. darkness of their grief. darkness of their grief. And we pray for those who survived but And we pray for those who survived but And we pray for those who survived but still bear the weight of that still bear the weight of that still bear the weight of that devastating night.

devastating night. devastating night. You know all of this. You know what we You know all of this. You know what we You know all of this. You know what we carry. Through the prophet Isaiah. You carry. Through the prophet Isaiah. You carry. Through the prophet Isaiah. You tell us not to fear, for you are with tell us not to fear, for you are with tell us not to fear, for you are with us. not to be afraid for you are our us. not to be afraid for you are our us. not to be afraid for you are our God. You will strengthen us. You will God. You will strengthen us. You will God. You will strengthen us. You will help us. You will hold on to us with help us. You will hold on to us with help us. You will hold on to us with your righteous right hand. We know that your righteous right hand. We know that your righteous right hand. We know that in every season of life and death, you in every season of life and death, you in every season of life and death, you are near us, standing firm when we are near us, standing firm when we are near us, standing firm when we falter. And so we are clinging to that falter. And so we are clinging to that falter. And so we are clinging to that promise this morning, Lord. And we trust promise this morning, Lord. And we trust promise this morning, Lord. And we trust you even when we don't understand. you even when we don't understand. you even when we don't understand. We've anticipated this weekend with We've anticipated this weekend with We've anticipated this weekend with gratitude as well. On our country's gratitude as well. On our country's gratitude as well. On our country's 250th birthday, we are grateful to live 250th birthday, we are grateful to live 250th birthday, we are grateful to live in a place where we are free to gather in a place where we are free to gather in a place where we are free to gather freely with family and friends, where we freely with family and friends, where we freely with family and friends, where we can worship without fear. We're grateful can worship without fear. We're grateful can worship without fear. We're grateful for those who have dedicated their lives for those who have dedicated their lives for those who have dedicated their lives and even sacrifice them for our and even sacrifice them for our and even sacrifice them for our democracy. democracy. democracy. We are grateful for the nurses, parents, We are grateful for the nurses, parents, We are grateful for the nurses, parents, veterans, neighbors, volunteers, veterans, neighbors, volunteers, veterans, neighbors, volunteers, immigrants, teachers, artists, and immigrants, teachers, artists, and immigrants, teachers, artists, and ordinary citizens whose quiet acts of ordinary citizens whose quiet acts of ordinary citizens whose quiet acts of love make this country beautiful each love make this country beautiful each love make this country beautiful each day. As we offer gratitude for our day. As we offer gratitude for our day. As we offer gratitude for our freedom, we recall Paul telling the freedom, we recall Paul telling the freedom, we recall Paul telling the Galatians to use their freedom to serve Galatians to use their freedom to serve Galatians to use their freedom to serve one another in love, for that is how one another in love, for that is how one another in love, for that is how freedom grows. We do not take lightly freedom grows. We do not take lightly freedom grows. We do not take lightly the promises of liberty and justice for

the promises of liberty and justice for the promises of liberty and justice for all. Give us the courage to keep growing all. Give us the courage to keep growing all. Give us the courage to keep growing into the people that you created us to into the people that you created us to into the people that you created us to be. We pray all of this in the name of be. We pray all of this in the name of be. We pray all of this in the name of Jesus who taught us to pray. Our Father, Jesus who taught us to pray. Our Father, Jesus who taught us to pray. Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this earth as it is in heaven. Give us this earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our day our daily bread. And forgive us our day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespasses as we forgive those who trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not trespass against us. And lead us not trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from into temptation, but deliver us from into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the evil. For thine is the kingdom and the evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. power and the glory forever. Amen. power and the glory forever. Amen. I'd like to invite our ushers to come I'd like to invite our ushers to come I'd like to invite our ushers to come forward to receive our gifts, our forward to receive our gifts, our forward to receive our gifts, our tithes, and our offering as we take this tithes, and our offering as we take this tithes, and our offering as we take this time to really pour ourselves out for time to really pour ourselves out for time to really pour ourselves out for others, others in our church and others others, others in our church and others others, others in our church and others in our community.

This is my song This is my song of God of all the nations. A song of peace A song of peace for lands of far and this is my home this is my home country where my heart here are my hopes here are my hopes my dreams my holy we with hopes and dreams we with hopes and dreams as true and high as My country skies My country skies are blueer than the ocean.

And sunlight beams And sunlight beams on on on and other land other land have sunlight too and over there have sunlight too and over there have sunlight too and over there and skies are So hear my song. So hear my song. Oh God of all the nations, a song of peace a song of peace for their land and for mine. Yeah.

Yeah. Heat. Thank you guys for that beautiful music.

Thank you guys for that beautiful music. Thanks. Uh what a treat to have uh these Thanks. Uh what a treat to have uh these Thanks. Uh what a treat to have uh these musicians here with us on this uh musicians here with us on this uh musicians here with us on this uh weekend. We're uh so grateful. Would you weekend. We're uh so grateful. Would you weekend. We're uh so grateful. Would you join me in a a time of prayer? Oh God, join me in a a time of prayer? Oh God, join me in a a time of prayer? Oh God, open us up today. open us up today. open us up today. Open our eyes that we might see and our Open our eyes that we might see and our Open our eyes that we might see and our ears that we might hear. Open our ears that we might hear. Open our ears that we might hear. Open our hearts, God, that we might feel. hearts, God, that we might feel. hearts, God, that we might feel. And then, oh Lord, open our hands that And then, oh Lord, open our hands that And then, oh Lord, open our hands that we might give and serve and love. we might give and serve and love. we might give and serve and love. Amen. I suspect that most of you never saw the I suspect that most of you never saw the uh movie Mean Girls. Uh you'd have to uh movie Mean Girls. Uh you'd have to uh movie Mean Girls. Uh you'd have to have had a teen or a tween in the early have had a teen or a tween in the early have had a teen or a tween in the early as uh 20's. as uh 20's. as uh 20's. Um I happen to have one who I am told Um I happen to have one who I am told Um I happen to have one who I am told took her to it when she was in the took her to it when she was in the took her to it when she was in the fourth grade and it was a little fourth grade and it was a little fourth grade and it was a little inappropriate for her but uh anyway um inappropriate for her but uh anyway um inappropriate for her but uh anyway um it became a broad maybe you're it became a broad maybe you're it became a broad maybe you're sophisticated and saw it on Broadway. It sophisticated and saw it on Broadway. It sophisticated and saw it on Broadway. It became a Broadway musical uh that went became a Broadway musical uh that went became a Broadway musical uh that went on only about two years although won a on only about two years although won a on only about two years although won a bunch of awards but closed when COVID uh bunch of awards but closed when COVID uh bunch of awards but closed when COVID uh came about. Um, here here's the story.

came about. Um, here here's the story. came about. Um, here here's the story. It's about Katie, a a a girl who moves It's about Katie, a a a girl who moves It's about Katie, a a a girl who moves from overseas into uh into high school. from overseas into uh into high school. from overseas into uh into high school. And and the truth is, you don't need to And and the truth is, you don't need to And and the truth is, you don't need to have seen the movie because you probably have seen the movie because you probably have seen the movie because you probably lived it because you went to high lived it because you went to high lived it because you went to high school. um you uh she moves into this uh school. um you uh she moves into this uh school. um you uh she moves into this uh into this school and um she's looking into this school and um she's looking into this school and um she's looking for friends and I guess she's fortunate for friends and I guess she's fortunate for friends and I guess she's fortunate because she is attractive and she gets because she is attractive and she gets because she is attractive and she gets drawn into this little group of uh the drawn into this little group of uh the drawn into this little group of uh the popular girls um called the plastics. popular girls um called the plastics. popular girls um called the plastics. They were they referred to them as the They were they referred to them as the They were they referred to them as the plastics. And uh she she was she she plastics. And uh she she was she she plastics. And uh she she was she she didn't really want to be a part of it. didn't really want to be a part of it. didn't really want to be a part of it. She actually started um as a way of sort She actually started um as a way of sort She actually started um as a way of sort of being a spy for other groups in of being a spy for other groups in of being a spy for other groups in there, but she got drawn into the there, but she got drawn into the there, but she got drawn into the plastics. And the plastics really plastics. And the plastics really plastics. And the plastics really thought they were more blessed than thought they were more blessed than thought they were more blessed than anyone else. They were more blessed. anyone else. They were more blessed. anyone else. They were more blessed. They were a little better than They were a little better than They were a little better than everybody. They looked down their nose a everybody. They looked down their nose a everybody. They looked down their nose a little bit at everybody. They thought little bit at everybody. They thought little bit at everybody. They thought they were really the right ones. Now, they were really the right ones. Now, they were really the right ones. Now, there were lots of other groups, too. Of there were lots of other groups, too. Of there were lots of other groups, too. Of course, you had your nerds and your your course, you had your nerds and your your course, you had your nerds and your your band geeks and your jocks and your band geeks and your jocks and your band geeks and your jocks and your freaks and, you know, all of these freaks and, you know, all of these freaks and, you know, all of these different groups. They even had a little different groups. They even had a little different groups. They even had a little cafeteria map that she could show and cafeteria map that she could show and cafeteria map that she could show and draw little circles on about where draw little circles on about where draw little circles on about where everybody was to sit. And then, of everybody was to sit. And then, of everybody was to sit. And then, of course, you had those untouchables, course, you had those untouchables, course, you had those untouchables, those people who had no group and were those people who had no group and were those people who had no group and were just out on their own eating lunch just out on their own eating lunch just out on their own eating lunch alone.

alone. alone. Well, the the story goes on with all Well, the the story goes on with all Well, the the story goes on with all sorts of fighting and fussing and sorts of fighting and fussing and sorts of fighting and fussing and problems between the plastics and the problems between the plastics and the problems between the plastics and the other groups. And um but here's where it other groups. And um but here's where it other groups. And um but here's where it gets unrealistic gets unrealistic gets unrealistic because at the end of the movie, as the because at the end of the movie, as the because at the end of the movie, as the as it reaches the climax, uh Katie is as it reaches the climax, uh Katie is as it reaches the climax, uh Katie is elected to be the spring fling queen. elected to be the spring fling queen. elected to be the spring fling queen. And in the midst of it, she realizes And in the midst of it, she realizes And in the midst of it, she realizes that, you know, it really doesn't matter that, you know, it really doesn't matter that, you know, it really doesn't matter how popular you are. And she she gives how popular you are. And she she gives how popular you are. And she she gives this acceptance speech in which she this acceptance speech in which she this acceptance speech in which she says, "Everyone is special in their own says, "Everyone is special in their own says, "Everyone is special in their own way. Everybody belongs." And she takes way. Everybody belongs." And she takes way. Everybody belongs." And she takes her tiara off and she breaks it into her tiara off and she breaks it into her tiara off and she breaks it into little pieces and gives it to her little pieces and gives it to her little pieces and gives it to her classmates as a sign of saying we're all classmates as a sign of saying we're all classmates as a sign of saying we're all part of the group and they all live part of the group and they all live part of the group and they all live happily ever after. That's the way it happily ever after. That's the way it happily ever after. That's the way it worked out. worked out. worked out. Now, I don't think anyone has ever um Now, I don't think anyone has ever um Now, I don't think anyone has ever um has ever said this before, but I believe has ever said this before, but I believe has ever said this before, but I believe that the trajectory of scripture is the that the trajectory of scripture is the that the trajectory of scripture is the trajectory of mean girls. That's never trajectory of mean girls. That's never trajectory of mean girls. That's never been a sermon thesis before, but it is been a sermon thesis before, but it is been a sermon thesis before, but it is today. Um, right? that this that the the today. Um, right? that this that the the today. Um, right? that this that the the trajectory of scripture is one that trajectory of scripture is one that trajectory of scripture is one that moves from a group of people who are moves from a group of people who are moves from a group of people who are specially blessed specially blessed specially blessed to recognizing that everybody is part of to recognizing that everybody is part of to recognizing that everybody is part of God's family. Everybody is blessed. That God's family. Everybody is blessed. That God's family. Everybody is blessed. That this circle expands.

this circle expands. this circle expands. Let's do just a little bit of Bible Let's do just a little bit of Bible Let's do just a little bit of Bible study um quickly. If you want to look at study um quickly. If you want to look at study um quickly. If you want to look at sort of how how the trajectory of sort of how how the trajectory of sort of how how the trajectory of scripture works, first remember that the scripture works, first remember that the scripture works, first remember that the Bible is not a single book, but a a Bible is not a single book, but a a Bible is not a single book, but a a group of books, right? It's a group of group of books, right? It's a group of group of books, right? It's a group of books that the Holy Spirit has has books that the Holy Spirit has has books that the Holy Spirit has has stitched together into a narrative that stitched together into a narrative that stitched together into a narrative that is like a it's a little bit like a is like a it's a little bit like a is like a it's a little bit like a sailboat that is sailing across the lake sailboat that is sailing across the lake sailboat that is sailing across the lake that tacks back and forth and back and that tacks back and forth and back and that tacks back and forth and back and forth and back and forth, but it is forth and back and forth, but it is forth and back and forth, but it is headed somewhere, headed somewhere, headed somewhere, right? And so in in it starts with right? And so in in it starts with right? And so in in it starts with Abraham as you think about it. Abraham Abraham as you think about it. Abraham Abraham as you think about it. Abraham as a as um a special family and he and as a as um a special family and he and as a as um a special family and he and God says to Abraham, I want you to take God says to Abraham, I want you to take God says to Abraham, I want you to take off and go to the land that I send you off and go to the land that I send you off and go to the land that I send you and um and you're going to have you're and um and you're going to have you're and um and you're going to have you're going to have you're going to belong the going to have you're going to belong the going to have you're going to belong the land is going to belong to you. You're land is going to belong to you. You're land is going to belong to you. You're going to have descendants as many as the going to have descendants as many as the going to have descendants as many as the stars in the sky and your name will be a stars in the sky and your name will be a stars in the sky and your name will be a blessing. And he says so even at the blessing. And he says so even at the blessing. And he says so even at the beginning when he's saying you're beginning when he's saying you're beginning when he's saying you're special he also is saying you are special he also is saying you are special he also is saying you are blessed to be a blessing by you every blessed to be a blessing by you every blessed to be a blessing by you every family of the earth will be blessed.

family of the earth will be blessed. family of the earth will be blessed. So it goes from this special family to So it goes from this special family to So it goes from this special family to now it become then it becomes a special now it become then it becomes a special now it become then it becomes a special people and then it becomes a special people and then it becomes a special people and then it becomes a special nation and and and then throughout all of this and and and then throughout all of this there is this struggle between this there is this struggle between this there is this struggle between this saying you're a special nation you are saying you're a special nation you are saying you're a special nation you are are specially blessed and um and you are specially blessed and um and you are specially blessed and um and you need to remain pure and you need to need to remain pure and you need to need to remain pure and you need to remain faithful and and you shouldn't remain faithful and and you shouldn't remain faithful and and you shouldn't intermar and you shouldn't connect with intermar and you shouldn't connect with intermar and you shouldn't connect with anybody foreign and you should certainly anybody foreign and you should certainly anybody foreign and you should certainly not worship any foreign gods and you not worship any foreign gods and you not worship any foreign gods and you shouldn't assimilate into other shouldn't assimilate into other shouldn't assimilate into other cultures. You need to remain remain uh cultures. You need to remain remain uh cultures. You need to remain remain uh uh faithful and and there's this back uh faithful and and there's this back uh faithful and and there's this back and forth and back and forth. But even and forth and back and forth. But even and forth and back and forth. But even sprinkled through all of that, there are sprinkled through all of that, there are sprinkled through all of that, there are these heroes that are of those foreign these heroes that are of those foreign these heroes that are of those foreign faiths. There are these heroes that are faiths. There are these heroes that are faiths. There are these heroes that are of these foreigners that are in the of these foreigners that are in the of these foreigners that are in the midst of it who who saved the people midst of it who who saved the people midst of it who who saved the people Israel over and over and over again. Israel over and over and over again. Israel over and over and over again. And the prophets at the same time And the prophets at the same time And the prophets at the same time they're saying look you need to be you they're saying look you need to be you they're saying look you need to be you need to remain faithful to yourself need to remain faithful to yourself need to remain faithful to yourself but at the same time they're saying but at the same time they're saying but at the same time they're saying things here's what the pro where the things here's what the pro where the things here's what the pro where the prophet Isaiah lands Isaiah says prophet Isaiah lands Isaiah says prophet Isaiah lands Isaiah says Isaiah 19:24 Isaiah 19:24 Isaiah 19:24 on that day this is he's predicting the on that day this is he's predicting the on that day this is he's predicting the the the end game on that day Israel will the the end game on that day Israel will the the end game on that day Israel will be the third with Egypt and Assyria a be the third with Egypt and Assyria a be the third with Egypt and Assyria a blessing living in the midst of the blessing living in the midst of the blessing living in the midst of the earth. Blessed be Egypt, my people, and

earth. Blessed be Egypt, my people, and earth. Blessed be Egypt, my people, and Assyria, the work of my hands, and Assyria, the work of my hands, and Assyria, the work of my hands, and Israel, my heritage. Israel, my heritage. Israel, my heritage. All of them belong to God. All of them belong to God. All of them belong to God. So, jump with me to the New Testament. So, jump with me to the New Testament. So, jump with me to the New Testament. And we get from from this sense where And we get from from this sense where And we get from from this sense where it's it's just the people of Israel to it's it's just the people of Israel to it's it's just the people of Israel to this this controversy about whether this this controversy about whether this this controversy about whether Gentiles should be allowed into the Gentiles should be allowed into the Gentiles should be allowed into the community of faith. And then we get to community of faith. And then we get to community of faith. And then we get to Paul standing on the Aropagus in Athens, Paul standing on the Aropagus in Athens, Paul standing on the Aropagus in Athens, this incredible multicultural city where this incredible multicultural city where this incredible multicultural city where he says, "We are all God's family." he says, "We are all God's family." he says, "We are all God's family." Right? You we we've all been a part of Right? You we we've all been a part of Right? You we we've all been a part of this. You need to know this God who is this. You need to know this God who is this. You need to know this God who is manifest in Jesus Christ. We are all manifest in Jesus Christ. We are all manifest in Jesus Christ. We are all God's family. It's not just for Jews. God's family. It's not just for Jews. God's family. It's not just for Jews. So, so that that trajectory So, so that that trajectory So, so that that trajectory uh moving from through the Old Testament uh moving from through the Old Testament uh moving from through the Old Testament into the New Testament. Richard Hayes into the New Testament. Richard Hayes into the New Testament. Richard Hayes who is a the late Richard Hayes was a a who is a the late Richard Hayes was a a who is a the late Richard Hayes was a a renowned New Testament scholar uh um he renowned New Testament scholar uh um he renowned New Testament scholar uh um he and his son wrote a book and uh really and his son wrote a book and uh really and his son wrote a book and uh really at the end of his life and here's what at the end of his life and here's what at the end of his life and here's what he writes.

he writes. he writes. On the basis of the apostles and the On the basis of the apostles and the On the basis of the apostles and the prophets, we conclude that the story of prophets, we conclude that the story of prophets, we conclude that the story of God and humanity is meant to be one of God and humanity is meant to be one of God and humanity is meant to be one of everexpanding grace. everexpanding grace. everexpanding grace. God's mysterious plan in the fullness of God's mysterious plan in the fullness of God's mysterious plan in the fullness of time is, and he quotes Ephesians, to time is, and he quotes Ephesians, to time is, and he quotes Ephesians, to gather up all things in him. The Bible gather up all things in him. The Bible gather up all things in him. The Bible is the story of that gra that grace, its is the story of that gra that grace, its is the story of that gra that grace, its expansion to the world as a whole, to expansion to the world as a whole, to expansion to the world as a whole, to men and women alike, to foreign nations, men and women alike, to foreign nations, men and women alike, to foreign nations, and to those who were previously and to those who were previously and to those who were previously expressly banned from the community's expressly banned from the community's expressly banned from the community's worship. worship. worship. You know, it's funny. I I was doing uh You know, it's funny. I I was doing uh You know, it's funny. I I was doing uh the research for this um sermon, and so the research for this um sermon, and so the research for this um sermon, and so I had already titled the sermon an I had already titled the sermon an I had already titled the sermon an expanding circle. So I type into Google expanding circle. So I type into Google expanding circle. So I type into Google an expanding circle and a book called an expanding circle and a book called an expanding circle and a book called that shows up and it was in 1981 by a that shows up and it was in 1981 by a that shows up and it was in 1981 by a man named Peter Singer, a philosopher um man named Peter Singer, a philosopher um man named Peter Singer, a philosopher um a u an anthropologist of sorts and his a u an anthropologist of sorts and his a u an anthropologist of sorts and his his um uh treatise, his hypothesis is his um uh treatise, his hypothesis is his um uh treatise, his hypothesis is that that the evolving of the human race that that the evolving of the human race that that the evolving of the human race as an evolving uh is an is a evolution as an evolving uh is an is a evolution as an evolving uh is an is a evolution from a a sense of from a a sense of from a a sense of taking care only of oneself and one's taking care only of oneself and one's taking care only of oneself and one's family to a an ever expanding what what family to a an ever expanding what what family to a an ever expanding what what he calls a circle of moral concern.

he calls a circle of moral concern. he calls a circle of moral concern. He says it goes from early early humans He says it goes from early early humans He says it goes from early early humans who were only concerned with family to who were only concerned with family to who were only concerned with family to then as the as consciousness grew and uh then as the as consciousness grew and uh then as the as consciousness grew and uh reason grew within the human being moves reason grew within the human being moves reason grew within the human being moves to being concerned for family and tribe to being concerned for family and tribe to being concerned for family and tribe and then moves from being from there and then moves from being from there and then moves from being from there from family, tribe and community and from family, tribe and community and from family, tribe and community and then from family, tribe, community and then from family, tribe, community and then from family, tribe, community and nation and then from family, tribe, nation and then from family, tribe, nation and then from family, tribe, community, nation and all to all community, nation and all to all community, nation and all to all humanity. that sense of history itself humanity. that sense of history itself humanity. that sense of history itself as this expanding circle. What an as this expanding circle. What an as this expanding circle. What an interesting thought. I have to ponder interesting thought. I have to ponder interesting thought. I have to ponder and decide whether I completely believe and decide whether I completely believe and decide whether I completely believe it. But that same sort of of movement. it. But that same sort of of movement. it. But that same sort of of movement. I have to say on this Independence Day I have to say on this Independence Day I have to say on this Independence Day uh weekend, it had me thinking a lot uh weekend, it had me thinking a lot uh weekend, it had me thinking a lot about our country and what does that about our country and what does that about our country and what does that mean about who we are and how how do we mean about who we are and how how do we mean about who we are and how how do we understand ourselves as blessed as understand ourselves as blessed as understand ourselves as blessed as perhaps even specially blessed perhaps even specially blessed perhaps even specially blessed exceptional and yet at the same time exceptional and yet at the same time exceptional and yet at the same time understand that it's not just about us.

understand that it's not just about us. understand that it's not just about us. uh uh a newspaper article pointed me to uh uh a newspaper article pointed me to uh uh a newspaper article pointed me to a speech by in 1944 a speech by in 1944 a speech by in 1944 by uh Justice Learned Hand. He was an by uh Justice Learned Hand. He was an by uh Justice Learned Hand. He was an associate justice of the second court of associate justice of the second court of associate justice of the second court of appeals in um uh a federal court of appeals in um uh a federal court of appeals in um uh a federal court of appeals. I think it's in New York. And appeals. I think it's in New York. And appeals. I think it's in New York. And um on on I am I am an American day in um on on I am I am an American day in um on on I am I am an American day in 1944, he gave a speech that was only 1944, he gave a speech that was only 1944, he gave a speech that was only three and a half minutes long. pastor, three and a half minutes long. pastor, three and a half minutes long. pastor, you need to learn from this man. Um, and you need to learn from this man. Um, and you need to learn from this man. Um, and in in it, he uh here's what it's called, in in it, he uh here's what it's called, in in it, he uh here's what it's called, the spirit of liberty. And he he starts the spirit of liberty. And he he starts the spirit of liberty. And he he starts by talking about liberty is not built by talking about liberty is not built by talking about liberty is not built into a constitution. It's built into the into a constitution. It's built into the into a constitution. It's built into the hearts of people. And here's what he hearts of people. And here's what he hearts of people. And here's what he says. And what is this liberty which says. And what is this liberty which says. And what is this liberty which must lie in the hearts of men and women? must lie in the hearts of men and women? must lie in the hearts of men and women? It is not the ruthless, the unbridled It is not the ruthless, the unbridled It is not the ruthless, the unbridled will. It is not freedom to do as one will. It is not freedom to do as one will. It is not freedom to do as one likes. likes. likes. I cannot define it. I can only tell you I cannot define it. I can only tell you I cannot define it. I can only tell you my own faith. The spirit of liberty is my own faith. The spirit of liberty is my own faith. The spirit of liberty is the spirit which is not too sure that it the spirit which is not too sure that it the spirit which is not too sure that it is right. The spirit of liberty is the is right. The spirit of liberty is the is right. The spirit of liberty is the spirit which seeks to understand the spirit which seeks to understand the spirit which seeks to understand the mind of other men and women. The spirit mind of other men and women. The spirit mind of other men and women. The spirit of liberty is the spirit which weighs of liberty is the spirit which weighs of liberty is the spirit which weighs their interests alongside its own their interests alongside its own their interests alongside its own without bias. The spirit of liberty without bias. The spirit of liberty without bias. The spirit of liberty remembers that not even a sparrow falls remembers that not even a sparrow falls remembers that not even a sparrow falls to the earth unheeded. The spirit of to the earth unheeded. The spirit of to the earth unheeded. The spirit of liberty is the spirit of him who near

liberty is the spirit of him who near liberty is the spirit of him who near 2,000 years ago taught mankind that 2,000 years ago taught mankind that 2,000 years ago taught mankind that lesson it has never learned but never lesson it has never learned but never lesson it has never learned but never quite forgotten. That there may be a quite forgotten. That there may be a quite forgotten. That there may be a kingdom where the least shall be heard kingdom where the least shall be heard kingdom where the least shall be heard and considered side by side with the and considered side by side with the and considered side by side with the greatest. I love that line. That has greatest. I love that line. That has greatest. I love that line. That has never learned but never quite forgotten. never learned but never quite forgotten. never learned but never quite forgotten. that it isn't just about us, that it isn't just about us, that it isn't just about us, but it's about those others and our but it's about those others and our but it's about those others and our responsibility responsibility responsibility as those who are blessed to be about the as those who are blessed to be about the as those who are blessed to be about the business of of including them. business of of including them. business of of including them. So that's the the trajectory that I see So that's the the trajectory that I see So that's the the trajectory that I see of of scripture and and perhaps of of of scripture and and perhaps of of of scripture and and perhaps of history. history. history. But what does that have to do with But what does that have to do with But what does that have to do with today's uh passage of scripture? So um today's uh passage of scripture? So um today's uh passage of scripture? So um if you'll take a look at your bulletin if you'll take a look at your bulletin if you'll take a look at your bulletin and uh if you're online the map that and uh if you're online the map that and uh if you're online the map that comes on I want you to see three areas comes on I want you to see three areas comes on I want you to see three areas that Jesus went to. Now he in today's that Jesus went to. Now he in today's that Jesus went to. Now he in today's scripture he leaves Capernaum where he's scripture he leaves Capernaum where he's scripture he leaves Capernaum where he's been doing his ministry in Galilee a been doing his ministry in Galilee a been doing his ministry in Galilee a predominantly Jewish area and he leaves predominantly Jewish area and he leaves predominantly Jewish area and he leaves there and goes first to he goes to there and goes first to he goes to there and goes first to he goes to Phoenicia uh which is Ty and Siden. This Phoenicia uh which is Ty and Siden. This Phoenicia uh which is Ty and Siden. This is modern-day Lebanon. These would be is modern-day Lebanon. These would be is modern-day Lebanon. These would be Canaanite cities. Okay. These are people Canaanite cities. Okay. These are people Canaanite cities. Okay. These are people who had lived in this area for years and who had lived in this area for years and who had lived in this area for years and years and years, generations after years and years, generations after years and years, generations after generations. These are Canaanites.

U then if you look to your right, you'll U then if you look to your right, you'll see the decapus. He actually after our see the decapus. He actually after our see the decapus. He actually after our scripture of for today, he leaves Ty and scripture of for today, he leaves Ty and scripture of for today, he leaves Ty and Siden goes back along the Sea of Galilee Siden goes back along the Sea of Galilee Siden goes back along the Sea of Galilee into um into the Dicapus. The decaps was into um into the Dicapus. The decaps was into um into the Dicapus. The decaps was 10 Roman citystates. These are small 10 Roman citystates. These are small 10 Roman citystates. These are small cities that had self-ruule cities that had self-ruule cities that had self-ruule and these are Roman cities. So these are and these are Roman cities. So these are and these are Roman cities. So these are primarily Greeks and Romans who live in primarily Greeks and Romans who live in primarily Greeks and Romans who live in the decaps. the decaps. the decaps. And then you see Samaria. Now in the And then you see Samaria. Now in the And then you see Samaria. Now in the Gospel of John, Jesus goes through Gospel of John, Jesus goes through Gospel of John, Jesus goes through Samaria on his way to Jerusalem, which Samaria on his way to Jerusalem, which Samaria on his way to Jerusalem, which by the way says something about him by the way says something about him by the way says something about him anyway because most people would have anyway because most people would have anyway because most people would have gone around Samaria. But he goes through gone around Samaria. But he goes through gone around Samaria. But he goes through Samaria. The Samaritans were a a group Samaria. The Samaritans were a a group Samaria. The Samaritans were a a group who broke off from the Jewish faith. who broke off from the Jewish faith. who broke off from the Jewish faith. They they they they were a a split off They they they they were a a split off They they they they were a a split off and they believed that you should and they believed that you should and they believed that you should worship on Mount Garazm instead of uh in worship on Mount Garazm instead of uh in worship on Mount Garazm instead of uh in Jerusalem. They're really left over from Jerusalem. They're really left over from Jerusalem. They're really left over from the northern state of Israel. And um but the northern state of Israel. And um but the northern state of Israel. And um but they were considered heretics. They were they were considered heretics. They were they were considered heretics. They were they were anathema, the worst of the they were anathema, the worst of the they were anathema, the worst of the worst. And um so Jesus is on his way worst. And um so Jesus is on his way worst. And um so Jesus is on his way through Samaria and he stops and has a through Samaria and he stops and has a through Samaria and he stops and has a conversation with a Samaritan woman. Now conversation with a Samaritan woman. Now conversation with a Samaritan woman. Now here's why all of these are in here here's why all of these are in here here's why all of these are in here together is because Jesus has gone into together is because Jesus has gone into together is because Jesus has gone into these areas.

these areas. these areas. You have to ask yourself why. You have to ask yourself why. You have to ask yourself why. Here's what I want you to know. He did Here's what I want you to know. He did Here's what I want you to know. He did not go into those areas to Ty and Siden not go into those areas to Ty and Siden not go into those areas to Ty and Siden and the dicapists and the dicapists and the dicapists in order to um convert the Canaanites or in order to um convert the Canaanites or in order to um convert the Canaanites or the Romans. the Romans. the Romans. Here's what he says. I came only to Here's what he says. I came only to Here's what he says. I came only to reach the lost of the of the lost of the reach the lost of the of the lost of the reach the lost of the of the lost of the house of Israel. house of Israel. house of Israel. In other words, he's he is expanding the In other words, he's he is expanding the In other words, he's he is expanding the circle in the sense that most of them circle in the sense that most of them circle in the sense that most of them would have said, "Hey, they've made would have said, "Hey, they've made would have said, "Hey, they've made their decision. They're no longer a part their decision. They're no longer a part their decision. They're no longer a part of us. They're they're out. But these of us. They're they're out. But these of us. They're they're out. But these are these are Jews who are living in Ty are these are Jews who are living in Ty are these are Jews who are living in Ty and Siden or living in the decaps and and Siden or living in the decaps and and Siden or living in the decaps and he's wanting to bring them back into the he's wanting to bring them back into the he's wanting to bring them back into the faith. This is him leaving the 99 to go faith. This is him leaving the 99 to go faith. This is him leaving the 99 to go look for the one to bring that one back look for the one to bring that one back look for the one to bring that one back in to the into the house of Israel. He's in to the into the house of Israel. He's in to the into the house of Israel. He's not trying to convert the Canaanites. not trying to convert the Canaanites. not trying to convert the Canaanites. He's not trying to convert the Romans. He's not trying to convert the Romans. He's not trying to convert the Romans. He's just trying to reach the lost of He's just trying to reach the lost of He's just trying to reach the lost of the of the tribe of Israel.

the of the tribe of Israel. the of the tribe of Israel. And then he has this experience And then he has this experience And then he has this experience where this Canaanite woman comes up and where this Canaanite woman comes up and where this Canaanite woman comes up and says, "Have mercy on me, son of David. says, "Have mercy on me, son of David. says, "Have mercy on me, son of David. My child has a demon." Now, you may My child has a demon." Now, you may My child has a demon." Now, you may understand that to be mental illness. understand that to be mental illness. understand that to be mental illness. You may understand that as demon You may understand that as demon You may understand that as demon possession. So, it's either a cure or a possession. So, it's either a cure or a possession. So, it's either a cure or a or an exorcism. But what I would tell or an exorcism. But what I would tell or an exorcism. But what I would tell you is he he this woman is crying out. you is he he this woman is crying out. you is he he this woman is crying out. And here's what he does. He ignores her. And here's what he does. He ignores her. And here's what he does. He ignores her. He just ignores her. She's not a part of He just ignores her. She's not a part of He just ignores her. She's not a part of the house of Israel. She's Canaanite. the house of Israel. She's Canaanite. the house of Israel. She's Canaanite. She's in the other group. She's outside She's in the other group. She's outside She's in the other group. She's outside the circle. the circle. the circle. And the disciples come and try and shoe And the disciples come and try and shoe And the disciples come and try and shoe her away, but she'll have none of it. her away, but she'll have none of it. her away, but she'll have none of it. And she says, "Um, you know, my And she says, "Um, you know, my And she says, "Um, you know, my daughter, you can cure my daughter." And daughter, you can cure my daughter." And daughter, you can cure my daughter." And and here's what Jesus says. and here's what Jesus says. and here's what Jesus says. Would I throw bread to the dogs? Would I throw bread to the dogs? Would I throw bread to the dogs? He calls her a dog. He calls her a dog. He calls her a dog. Is that the Jesus I know? Now, some Is that the Jesus I know? Now, some Is that the Jesus I know? Now, some scholars just can't believe it and they scholars just can't believe it and they scholars just can't believe it and they just say, "Oh, he's being sarcastic or just say, "Oh, he's being sarcastic or just say, "Oh, he's being sarcastic or he's trying to teach the disciples a he's trying to teach the disciples a he's trying to teach the disciples a lesson or something like that." Doesn't lesson or something like that." Doesn't lesson or something like that." Doesn't seem like that.

seem like that. seem like that. He in fact, it's it's like he's he's He in fact, it's it's like he's he's He in fact, it's it's like he's he's like, "You're not part of my mission." like, "You're not part of my mission." like, "You're not part of my mission." And she says, "But even the dogs get to And she says, "But even the dogs get to And she says, "But even the dogs get to eat the crumbs under the table." eat the crumbs under the table." eat the crumbs under the table." And something inside him And something inside him And something inside him changes. I call this his Grinch moment. changes. I call this his Grinch moment. changes. I call this his Grinch moment. Have you ever saw the Grinch movie where Have you ever saw the Grinch movie where Have you ever saw the Grinch movie where the Grinch's heart grows three sizes the Grinch's heart grows three sizes the Grinch's heart grows three sizes that day? It It's like something happens that day? It It's like something happens that day? It It's like something happens inside Jesus and he understands inside Jesus and he understands inside Jesus and he understands something a little differently. All of a something a little differently. All of a something a little differently. All of a sudden, he sees this woman as a human sudden, he sees this woman as a human sudden, he sees this woman as a human being, a child of God. being, a child of God. being, a child of God. And he says, "Your faith has made you And he says, "Your faith has made you And he says, "Your faith has made you whole and has your faith h has led to whole and has your faith h has led to whole and has your faith h has led to the your daughter being healed." the your daughter being healed." the your daughter being healed." This is an amazing story to me. What it This is an amazing story to me. What it This is an amazing story to me. What it teaches me is that that during these teaches me is that that during these teaches me is that that during these three years, Jesus mission was unfolding three years, Jesus mission was unfolding three years, Jesus mission was unfolding in front of him. It's not like he had it in front of him. It's not like he had it in front of him. It's not like he had it all figured out when he when he began all figured out when he when he began all figured out when he when he began his work and was baptized. Um that that his work and was baptized. Um that that his work and was baptized. Um that that he knew he was headed to the cross at he knew he was headed to the cross at he knew he was headed to the cross at the beginning, but in fact, the the the beginning, but in fact, the the the beginning, but in fact, the the truth is it's like it's coming to him as truth is it's like it's coming to him as truth is it's like it's coming to him as he goes through until the point where he he goes through until the point where he he goes through until the point where he realizes he's got to go to Jerusalem and realizes he's got to go to Jerusalem and realizes he's got to go to Jerusalem and and die. So here you have this and die. So here you have this and die. So here you have this trajectory of Jesus life. And here trajectory of Jesus life. And here trajectory of Jesus life. And here here's where here's where it ends at the here's where here's where it ends at the here's where here's where it ends at the Gospel of Matthew. The same one who Gospel of Matthew. The same one who Gospel of Matthew. The same one who said, "It's it's not for, you know, I I said, "It's it's not for, you know, I I said, "It's it's not for, you know, I I only came to the lost sheep of the house only came to the lost sheep of the house only came to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Go therefore and make of Israel. Go therefore and make of Israel. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them disciples of all nations, baptizing them disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son in the name of the Father and the Son in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I've commanded you. And

obey everything I've commanded you. And obey everything I've commanded you. And remember, I am with you always to the remember, I am with you always to the remember, I am with you always to the end of the age." This expanding circle end of the age." This expanding circle end of the age." This expanding circle of God's grace, all nations of God's grace, all nations of God's grace, all nations So what does this have to do with us? So what does this have to do with us? So what does this have to do with us? Well, I think it's a powerful story of Well, I think it's a powerful story of Well, I think it's a powerful story of how our own hearts have these circles how our own hearts have these circles how our own hearts have these circles that that keep people as them on the that that keep people as them on the that that keep people as them on the other side and us is on this side and other side and us is on this side and other side and us is on this side and and we make judgments about those people and we make judgments about those people and we make judgments about those people on the other side based on categories we on the other side based on categories we on the other side based on categories we put them in. We put them in a category put them in. We put them in a category put them in. We put them in a category based on what they we think their based on what they we think their based on what they we think their ideology is or what their politics is or ideology is or what their politics is or ideology is or what their politics is or what their nationality is or or how they what their nationality is or or how they what their nationality is or or how they dress, whether their pants uh hang down, dress, whether their pants uh hang down, dress, whether their pants uh hang down, you know, as they walk and you can see you know, as they walk and you can see you know, as they walk and you can see their underwear out out the back or their underwear out out the back or their underwear out out the back or whether they have tattoos all over them whether they have tattoos all over them whether they have tattoos all over them or or what kind of car they drive or or or what kind of car they drive or or or what kind of car they drive or whether they wear a red hat or whether whether they wear a red hat or whether whether they wear a red hat or whether they wear a blue tie or we make all of they wear a blue tie or we make all of they wear a blue tie or we make all of these these um categorizations and come these these um categorizations and come these these um categorizations and come to judgement. ments and decide whether to judgement. ments and decide whether to judgement. ments and decide whether they're part of the inner circle or part they're part of the inner circle or part they're part of the inner circle or part of the outer circle. And what Jesus is of the outer circle. And what Jesus is of the outer circle. And what Jesus is saying is that's a human being. That's a saying is that's a human being. That's a saying is that's a human being. That's a person, an individual person. And until person, an individual person. And until person, an individual person. And until you know their story and know their you know their story and know their you know their story and know their life, well, let me give you some life, well, let me give you some life, well, let me give you some examples. Um examples. Um examples. Um I I have a colleague who was um always I I have a colleague who was um always I I have a colleague who was um always said he never understood alcoholism.

said he never understood alcoholism. said he never understood alcoholism. He said it just didn't make sense to He said it just didn't make sense to He said it just didn't make sense to him. Just him. Just him. Just just don't drink. just don't drink. just don't drink. If it's ruining your life, put it down. If it's ruining your life, put it down. If it's ruining your life, put it down. Stop it. You have agency. Quit picking Stop it. You have agency. Quit picking Stop it. You have agency. Quit picking up the glass. Quit going to the liquor up the glass. Quit going to the liquor up the glass. Quit going to the liquor store and buying the the booze. Just store and buying the the booze. Just store and buying the the booze. Just stop it. It's wrecking your life. And stop it. It's wrecking your life. And stop it. It's wrecking your life. And that a decision that that it's a a that a decision that that it's a a that a decision that that it's a a matter of willpower. And if you don't matter of willpower. And if you don't matter of willpower. And if you don't have the willpower, okay, but you know, have the willpower, okay, but you know, have the willpower, okay, but you know, you just have the willpower. until his you just have the willpower. until his you just have the willpower. until his daughter became an alcoholic. daughter became an alcoholic. daughter became an alcoholic. And then he could sit and talk to her. And then he could sit and talk to her. And then he could sit and talk to her. And then he watched her as she struggled And then he watched her as she struggled And then he watched her as she struggled with this inner force. She just couldn't with this inner force. She just couldn't with this inner force. She just couldn't seem to figure out where it came from. seem to figure out where it came from. seem to figure out where it came from. And all of a sudden, it wasn't And all of a sudden, it wasn't And all of a sudden, it wasn't it wasn't that he understood, but that it wasn't that he understood, but that it wasn't that he understood, but that somehow he saw her as a human being somehow he saw her as a human being somehow he saw her as a human being really differently. really differently. really differently. Uh maybe some of you know Bob Miller. Uh maybe some of you know Bob Miller. Uh maybe some of you know Bob Miller. Bob grew up here at St. Luke's and is a Bob grew up here at St. Luke's and is a Bob grew up here at St. Luke's and is a member of our church. Um, and he uh got member of our church. Um, and he uh got member of our church. Um, and he uh got involved in uh Jubilee prison ministry involved in uh Jubilee prison ministry involved in uh Jubilee prison ministry and he loves it. He goes to into Jubilee and he loves it. He goes to into Jubilee and he loves it. He goes to into Jubilee with Jubilee into uh the prisons and with Jubilee into uh the prisons and with Jubilee into uh the prisons and meets with people who are incarcerated meets with people who are incarcerated meets with people who are incarcerated um and helps them plan for when they um and helps them plan for when they um and helps them plan for when they come out. And it's a great ministry.

come out. And it's a great ministry. come out. And it's a great ministry. Shares with them the gospel. Well, uh he Shares with them the gospel. Well, uh he Shares with them the gospel. Well, uh he got paired with a man named Jerry. and got paired with a man named Jerry. and got paired with a man named Jerry. and Jerry um Jerry was a convicted sex Jerry um Jerry was a convicted sex Jerry um Jerry was a convicted sex offender offender offender and he said, "You know, I I had a and he said, "You know, I I had a and he said, "You know, I I had a viewpoint about convicted sex offenders. viewpoint about convicted sex offenders. viewpoint about convicted sex offenders. I knew I they were in a category I I I knew I they were in a category I I I knew I they were in a category I I thought they were the worst of the thought they were the worst of the thought they were the worst of the worst. And I got of all things, God worst. And I got of all things, God worst. And I got of all things, God hooked me up with Jerry. hooked me up with Jerry. hooked me up with Jerry. And he said, I began to to hear his And he said, I began to to hear his And he said, I began to to hear his story and I saw the decisions he made. story and I saw the decisions he made. story and I saw the decisions he made. Some of them, you know, obviously not Some of them, you know, obviously not Some of them, you know, obviously not the good decisions, the good decisions, the good decisions, but I saw him as a human being. And I but I saw him as a human being. And I but I saw him as a human being. And I began to understand what was going on in began to understand what was going on in began to understand what was going on in his life now, understand his sense of of his life now, understand his sense of of his life now, understand his sense of of regret, understand what he's going to regret, understand what he's going to regret, understand what he's going to have to carry his whole life. All of have to carry his whole life. All of have to carry his whole life. All of those things, he said, just changed those things, he said, just changed those things, he said, just changed completely how I understood him and what completely how I understood him and what completely how I understood him and what I thought about him. I thought about him. I thought about him. Uh Judy Marshand is a friend. and she um Uh Judy Marshand is a friend. and she um Uh Judy Marshand is a friend. and she um she was in our church in Sugarland and she was in our church in Sugarland and she was in our church in Sugarland and she worked with uh CASA uh child she worked with uh CASA uh child she worked with uh CASA uh child advocates. Child Advocates works with advocates. Child Advocates works with advocates. Child Advocates works with children who have been removed from children who have been removed from children who have been removed from their home who are in foster care is a their home who are in foster care is a their home who are in foster care is a is an advocate for them with the courts is an advocate for them with the courts is an advocate for them with the courts and um but what happens is as CASA works and um but what happens is as CASA works and um but what happens is as CASA works with social workers to reunite them with with social workers to reunite them with with social workers to reunite them with either their family or some uh other either their family or some uh other either their family or some uh other family connection with the family that family connection with the family that family connection with the family that they had. She said that when she started they had. She said that when she started they had. She said that when she started she just could not understand

she just could not understand she just could not understand uh child neglect or child abuse. She uh child neglect or child abuse. She uh child neglect or child abuse. She just couldn't understand it. It just just couldn't understand it. It just just couldn't understand it. It just made no sense to her. She just thought made no sense to her. She just thought made no sense to her. She just thought that these are terrible people. And she that these are terrible people. And she that these are terrible people. And she says, as she began to work with says, as she began to work with says, as she began to work with families, she realized that in so many families, she realized that in so many families, she realized that in so many ways they just couldn't help it. That ways they just couldn't help it. That ways they just couldn't help it. That they this is where they'd grown up. This they this is where they'd grown up. This they this is where they'd grown up. This was the this is the only thing they'd was the this is the only thing they'd was the this is the only thing they'd known, the only way to parent, the only known, the only way to parent, the only known, the only way to parent, the only way families worked. They'd not had any way families worked. They'd not had any way families worked. They'd not had any any they'd never seen or experienced any they'd never seen or experienced any they'd never seen or experienced anything else. anything else. anything else. and that it was so uh that for her it it and that it was so uh that for her it it and that it was so uh that for her it it her sense of compassion not just for the her sense of compassion not just for the her sense of compassion not just for the child but for the family began to grow child but for the family began to grow child but for the family began to grow enormously. enormously. enormously. It's so funny when we leave our little It's so funny when we leave our little It's so funny when we leave our little circle of people who think like us and circle of people who think like us and circle of people who think like us and agree with us and live like us and we agree with us and live like us and we agree with us and live like us and we begin to experience people in those begin to experience people in those begin to experience people in those other categories other categories other categories and we really begin to know them and and we really begin to know them and and we really begin to know them and know their story. know their story. know their story. You know, our heart grows three sizes.

You know, our heart grows three sizes. You know, our heart grows three sizes. Somehow we want to expand the circle. I don't know where the first uh time I I don't know where the first uh time I heard the story was. Um heard the story was. Um heard the story was. Um I've been doing research about the first I've been doing research about the first I've been doing research about the first person who ever told it. It's a it's a person who ever told it. It's a it's a person who ever told it. It's a it's a rather famous preacher story. I think it rather famous preacher story. I think it rather famous preacher story. I think it was William Barkley who's a great Bible was William Barkley who's a great Bible was William Barkley who's a great Bible scholar and teacher. But uh during the scholar and teacher. But uh during the scholar and teacher. But uh during the second world war um a group of soldiers, second world war um a group of soldiers, second world war um a group of soldiers, one of their um one of their um one of their um their brothers was was killed in in their brothers was was killed in in their brothers was was killed in in action and they wanted to bury him. They action and they wanted to bury him. They action and they wanted to bury him. They came across a Catholic uh church that came across a Catholic uh church that came across a Catholic uh church that had a little cemetery by it. And so they had a little cemetery by it. And so they had a little cemetery by it. And so they went to the priest to see if they could went to the priest to see if they could went to the priest to see if they could bury him in that cemetery. And the bury him in that cemetery. And the bury him in that cemetery. And the priest says, "Well, was he Catholic?" priest says, "Well, was he Catholic?" priest says, "Well, was he Catholic?" And they said, "No, he wasn't Catholic." And they said, "No, he wasn't Catholic." And they said, "No, he wasn't Catholic." And the priest said, "I am so sorry, but And the priest said, "I am so sorry, but And the priest said, "I am so sorry, but um you know this is a Catholic cemetery. um you know this is a Catholic cemetery. um you know this is a Catholic cemetery. You have to be Catholic to be buried You have to be Catholic to be buried You have to be Catholic to be buried here." And so they buried him just here." And so they buried him just here." And so they buried him just outside the the fence of the Catholic outside the the fence of the Catholic outside the the fence of the Catholic cemetery. The war ends. They all go cemetery. The war ends. They all go cemetery. The war ends. They all go home. Um some years pass and they come home. Um some years pass and they come home. Um some years pass and they come back. The little group of soldiers that back. The little group of soldiers that back. The little group of soldiers that are still alive come back and go back to are still alive come back and go back to are still alive come back and go back to Italy where they this had happened. And Italy where they this had happened. And Italy where they this had happened. And they go back to that church to visit the they go back to that church to visit the they go back to that church to visit the grave of their friend. and they're grave of their friend. and they're grave of their friend. and they're looking outside the the cemetery for the looking outside the the cemetery for the looking outside the the cemetery for the grave of their friend and they can't grave of their friend and they can't grave of their friend and they can't find it anywhere. And so they go to the find it anywhere. And so they go to the find it anywhere. And so they go to the priest who's still there and they said, priest who's still there and they said, priest who's still there and they said, "Did you where was your friend?" And he "Did you where was your friend?" And he "Did you where was your friend?" And he says, "I'll take you to them." And so he says, "I'll take you to them." And so he says, "I'll take you to them." And so he takes him over and there he is inside takes him over and there he is inside takes him over and there he is inside the inside the fence of the of the

the inside the fence of the of the the inside the fence of the of the cemetery. cemetery. cemetery. And the they said, "So what did you do? And the they said, "So what did you do? And the they said, "So what did you do? Did you dig up the grave and move him Did you dig up the grave and move him Did you dig up the grave and move him and reberry him in there?" And the the and reberry him in there?" And the the and reberry him in there?" And the the priest says, "No, I just moved the priest says, "No, I just moved the priest says, "No, I just moved the fence. fence. fence. I just moved the fence so he was inside. I just moved the fence so he was inside. I just moved the fence so he was inside. I think what Jesus does throughout this I think what Jesus does throughout this I think what Jesus does throughout this through the whole Bible is God is moving through the whole Bible is God is moving through the whole Bible is God is moving the fence, the fence, the fence, moving the fence, expanding the circle, moving the fence, expanding the circle, moving the fence, expanding the circle, reaching out. Jesus is the atoning sacrifice for our Jesus is the atoning sacrifice for our sins sins sins and not for ours alone but also for the and not for ours alone but also for the and not for ours alone but also for the sins of the whole world. sins of the whole world. sins of the whole world. One of my favorite poems is by Edward One of my favorite poems is by Edward One of my favorite poems is by Edward Markham Edwin Markham. It's a very short Markham Edwin Markham. It's a very short Markham Edwin Markham. It's a very short four stanzas.

four stanzas. four stanzas. He drew a circle and shut me out. He drew a circle and shut me out. He drew a circle and shut me out. heretic, rebel, a thing to flout. heretic, rebel, a thing to flout. heretic, rebel, a thing to flout. But love and I had a wit to win. We drew But love and I had a wit to win. We drew But love and I had a wit to win. We drew a circle a circle a circle and shut him in. and shut him in. and shut him in. Let's pray. Gracious God, we confess Let's pray. Gracious God, we confess Let's pray. Gracious God, we confess that we have fences. We have those on that we have fences. We have those on that we have fences. We have those on the outside and us on the inside, and we the outside and us on the inside, and we the outside and us on the inside, and we make judgments of those who stand make judgments of those who stand make judgments of those who stand outside the the circle. outside the the circle. outside the the circle. God uh you expand the circle of your God uh you expand the circle of your God uh you expand the circle of your grace to include all your children. grace to include all your children. grace to include all your children. Help us to expand the circle in our Help us to expand the circle in our Help us to expand the circle in our hearts as well. hearts as well. hearts as well. Amen. Amen. Amen. Our closing hymn is the voice of God is Our closing hymn is the voice of God is Our closing hymn is the voice of God is calling. It's uh number 436. calling. It's uh number 436. calling. It's uh number 436. Um let's stand as we sing together.

All All of is is Christ upon your name.

upon your name. and those who serve So go bear witness to the love of God in So go bear witness to the love of God in this world so that those to whom love is this world so that those to whom love is this world so that those to whom love is a stranger will find in you generous a stranger will find in you generous a stranger will find in you generous friends. The grace of the Lord Jesus friends. The grace of the Lord Jesus friends. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, love of God, and communion of Christ, love of God, and communion of Christ, love of God, and communion of the Holy Spirit be with you now and the Holy Spirit be with you now and the Holy Spirit be with you now and forever. Amen.

Heat. Heat. Heat.