September 7, 2025 – 13th Sunday after Pentecost ( Proper 18 )
Gospel: Luke 14:25-33
Rev. Misa Furumoto
Today is a joyful day at Nara Christ Church. We will celebrate the baptism and confirmation of three people, and the confirmation of two others. We are blessed that Bishop Masato Yoshida, who has retired from the Tohoku Diocese and is now serving in the Diocese of Kyoto, will lay hands on them and also preach in the 10:30 service. If you have time, please join us; we’ll have a lunch and celebration time afterwards too.
When I first looked at today’s Gospel passage, I was honestly startled. At first glance, it hardly seems like the right Scripture for such a happy occasion as baptism and confirmation. Some of the candidates’ family and friends who are not Christians will be present too. What if they hear Jesus’ words and think, “This is terrifying!” I even found myself wishing that today’s text had been one of Jesus’ gentler words. But in the end, I must trust both in the bishop who will preach and, above all, in the work of the Holy Spirit among us.
The Gospel tells us that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem, where he would face the cross. Large crowds followed him, amazed by the miracles they had seen: the dead raised, the blind given sight, demons cast out, thousands fed with just a few loaves and fish. To them, Jesus seemed like a hero. But it was not just the miracles—his words carried an authority and power unlike any they had heard from the scribes. He lifted up children and said, “Whoever is least among you is the greatest.” He taught about being a true neighbor. He even declared in public that the heart of the Sabbath is not rules but love.
No wonder so many people thought, “This is the one! If I follow him, I will find happiness.” They followed eagerly, full of hope.
And then, suddenly, Jesus turned to them and said: “Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even life itself—cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.”
I imagine the crowd froze in shock. What a frightening demand! Hate your family? Give up your life? Carry a cross? Give up all your possessions? If we take those words literally, who among us could possibly be his disciple? I know I couldn’t. I love my family dearly. And I value my life. Having once faced cancer, I still go for regular check-ups, hoping for more years of life. As for giving up everything I own—that seems impossible. So what did Jesus mean?
He offered two parables. One was about a man who begins to build a tower without first counting the cost. The other was about a king who rushes into battle against a stronger army without considering the odds. These are about people who act without thinking, who commit without understanding what lies ahead.
Jesus was warning the crowds. Many followed him only on the surface, attracted by his miracles and authority, but blind to what awaited him in Jerusalem. He wanted them to see clearly: to be his disciple is to walk the way of the cross.
But does that mean we must all literally die for others? Should we throw ourselves in front of danger, or give away our very hearts for someone else’s transplant? Not necessarily. God has given each of us our life as a precious gift. To carry the cross, I believe, means something closer to this: to ask ourselves again and again, “Am I living for God? Am I placing God’s love first in my life?”
I recently heard someone say that carrying our cross can mean simply this: using our time for the sake of others. A candle shines beautifully in the dark because it melts away as it burns. A baby grows strong because a parent sacrifices sleep to feed and comfort them. And we share eternal life today because Jesus spent his earthly time—his whole life—for us.
The crowd in Luke’s Gospel did not yet understand this. But we do. To follow Jesus, to be his disciple, is not about earning salvation. We are already saved by his cross. The moment we believe and receive that gift, our world begins to change. Life, once black and white, begins to show color. We discover joy in giving our time and care to others. We learn to accept ourselves as God’s beloved children, and therefore to accept others. We rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep. This is the Kingdom of God. To live in it and to help it grow—that is what it means to be a disciple.
Can we do it? On our own, probably not. The way is narrow. But we are not alone. At baptism and confirmation, every promise is answered with the words: “I will, with God’s help.” And God is faithful. When we ask, he gives us the Holy Spirit, our helper and guide. The Spirit is like a mighty wind, carrying us through the narrow gate into life.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
