4th Sunday after Pentecost

This past Sunday, we heard in Matthew 10 that Jesus teaches that following him means trusting God’s care while boldly living out faith, even when it brings cost or division, because true life is found not in self-preservation but in giving oneself to Christ.

Reflection Questions - 
1. Where do you feel tension between following Jesus and maintaining comfort, security, or approval?
2. What fears might keep you from living more openly and honestly in your faith, and how does Jesus’ promise of God’s care speak to those fears? 
3. How do you understand the idea of “taking up your cross” in your everyday life right now?
4. In what ways do you see discipleship as a response to God’s grace rather than something you must earn? 
5. When have you experienced the paradox Jesus describes—that letting go or giving self away led to deeper, fuller life? 
6. How can you live out courage and trust this week in a way that reflects God’s love for all people?

Prayer - 
Gracious God, you have called us in love and claimed us in baptism, not because of what we have done but because of your mercy; give us courage to follow Jesus in the midst of fear and uncertainty, trusting that you hold us more dearly than even the sparrows. Free us from the need to cling to our own lives, and lead us by your Spirit to live boldly, love deeply, and serve generously, so that your grace may be made known in all we do; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Pastor Amanda was on vacation, and so there was a guest preacher. Because of that, no sermon manuscript is available.