There he sat, awaiting his executioner. John looked around at what God and His Messiah were not doing, and even the greatest among those born of woman had his doubts. “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?”

The problem is not that we are unrepentant. The problem is our contrition is too small.

In the middle of [Jesus'] eschatological discourse, as He answers the disciples’ question about the end of the age, Jesus ushers in Noah. But what does Noah have to do with Advent?

Faithful celebration of the Reformation is possible only for those who understand they have nothing. Whose incapability and insufficiency are obvious and owned. Who recognize their dependence on God for all things. In other words, Reformation is for children.

I suggest preaching a sermon that directs attention away from the main characters. Instead, highlight for your hearers (and proclaim loudly and clearly) the promise of Jesus in this text.

This text gives us only a glimpse, a preview, of God’s plan in Christ to restore his broken creation to its physical and social perfection.

Imagine what it would be like if, when people in our community thought about this congregation, the first thing that came to mind was how forgiving we are.

Luke does not tell us who asked it. But it’s a good question. “Lord, will those who are saved be few?”

Jesus is still in the business of dividing. He has come to divide us from our sinful thoughts and habits. He has come to divide us from false views of the world and distortions of His Word.

The Father knows our needs because he knows everything. This is a comforting thought, but only if He is gracious.

Jesus names what life does not consist of, and in doing so he gets to something near and dear to our hearts as Americans—our possessions.

When we pray, we should have in mind His name and His provision and His forgiveness. In other words, we ask God to do what God promises to do.