The kids get this. I think one of the problems is that kids have adults (or other people) to answer to, but as adults we've grown out of that. We've forgotten that. The word duty is under-used in our culture. In this passage in Luke Jesus points out that a servant has a duty an obligation to his/her master. Doing one's duty is not extraordinary, but expected. For those who follow Him we have a duty. Even if it's awkward or demanding of us.

This is one of the passages I enjoy. Partially because it bothers a lot of people. Jesus does something that makes us ask "What are you doing?" He compliments someone for being shrewd, crafty, and maybe a little unerhanded. If you aren't asking yourself 'What the heck is he doing?' by the end of the story, then I haven't read it right.

Jennifer Chanley continues sharing her knowledge about the Garden of Eden and it's significances up to the resurrection of Christ. (If you need to watch part one it is July 17th on our sermons page.)

He knows it's going to be costly to follow Him he belabors the point. He even attempts to disuade people from following Him unless they are up to paying the price that that will mean. When we follow Him we follow Him. He never says, "Come On, it'll be fun!" or "Come on it's a piece of cake!"

He never promises easy going. We get that wrong in our prayers a lot. We pray for what we want instead of His will be done. He never says our families will never experience hardship. Measure the full cost up front of following Him. Following Him will be costly.

If we consider ourselves servants of God, but don't live in faithful ways we may deserve a great thrashing alike to the servant in our lesson today. The more we have received and been blessed with the more we claim to be God's people. The more severe thrashing we deserve if we don't live out his ways towards others.

The idea that our lives, wonderful as they are, are but a temporary condition is inherent in all he says and does and teaches. Jesus has no illusion about our lives. Jesus always has his eyes on the long game. We are gifted at having our eye on the short game.