Luke 9:51-62

Hampton Baptist

Charles R. Smith

July 1, 2007 Commissioning Service

In the first verse of our passage, Luke intentionally recorded that Jesus set his face to go to Jerusalem. This statement of resolve would filter everything else for the remainder of his life. While he had enjoyed popularity in the countryside, he knew that his mission was to give his life for the world. That meant he had to journey to Jerusalem, the center of religious and earthly power for that area. It was not only the capitol city, but also the nerve-center of Judaism, home of the Temple. And when Jesus made the decision to go to Jerusalem, nothing could deter him. He was not going to settle down anywhere, even though the disciples thought it was a good idea to spend some time in Samaria. The most direct route from the province of Galilee to the province of Judea, where Jerusalem was located, was through the province of Samaria. While Jews despised the Samaritans because they were considered "half-breeds," Jesus decided not to tarry, not even in Samaria. The presence of a Jewish Rabbi in Samaria was indeed rare. He could’ve done great work in Samaria in helping to break down barriers, or in offering his disciples another example of how to show love to people who were different or even hostile. Ministering in Samaria seemed like a good idea to the disciples, yet Jesus had already set his face to go to Jerusalem. His reason of coming to earth, the ultimate rationale behind the incarnation lay ahead of him, and nothing could deter him from his mission.

Jesus knew why he had come to earth; he understood what he was to do. Sure there were plenty of good times to be had. He could have stayed in the countryside performing mighty works of healing and enjoying the popularity. Yet he knew his primary purpose.

For those going on the Mission Trip: we will have a good time. We will laugh, cut-up, and giggle. We will assemble next Sunday morning at 5:30 to leave by 6:00 and then travel the 500 miles to Jefferson City, Tennessee. For many, the ride will be fun, because they will be traveling with their friends. Each evening, we will have access to the Student Activities Center which includes an Olympic-sized indoor pool, three basketball courts, racquetball courts, gameroom, work-out facility and TV lounge. That facility on the campus of Carson-Newman is very impressive. But that is not why we are going on the mission trip. Sure, the dorms are air-conditioned, and we will build on existing friendships and create new relationships, but again, that is not the primary reason we are going on the Mission Trip.

I am delighted to expose our youth to a Baptist college campus, but that is also a by-product of this year’s Summer Mission Project.

The two houses on which we will be working require repairs which the owners cannot provide because of the great expense. One home-owner is now on oxygen. Her kitchen sink empties into two five-gallon buckets which have to be emptied outside. Her bathroom plumbing, including shower tiles, toilet and the flooring around it, needs to be replaced. A gable overhang with new roofing has to be built to prevent ongoing water damage. Rotted pieces of pressed-board siding, fascia boards, and soffits around the entire house need to be replaced. Rotten exterior window-frames need repair and decking and stairs for the deck need to be replaced. And then, we will scrape and paint the entire house. The homeowner’s insurance company has threatened to cancel the policy if repairs are not completed by the end of July.

Repairs on the second house are not quite as extensive. We will repair loose tin panels on the roof; install new decking, railings, and steps on the back porch; replace sheetrock walls and ceiling in the bathroom; and build shelving for the bathroom

Because of the size of our group, some will also serve in other areas. Each month, Appalachian Outreach processes 60,000 pounds of clothing; what is not used is sent to a facility in North Carolina which then sends them overseas. Many of the area’s indigents also receive regular supplements of food; some members of our group will provide needed assistance in the Ministry Center.

While we will enjoy our time together, have fun on the Carson-Newman campus at night, our primary purpose will be to offer tangible expressions of the love of Jesus Christ.

As Jesus journeyed to Jerusalem, realizing that he was going to be giving his life for all of humanity, some people said that they wanted to follow him, but they wanted Jesus to wait until they were finished with some other tasks. Knowing that following God’s initiative would cost Jesus his own life, he was not pleased with the delays offered by would-be followers. Placing other interests or tasks ahead of a person’s following Jesus proved to be unacceptable. Following what God wanted would cost Jesus his life. Following what God wants for those with whom we will be working will cost us much sweat equity, sore muscles, and time away from home. The bottom line is this: following Jesus costs everyone something. There is no free ride; being a disciple of Jesus was never intended to be a walk on Easy Street. Jesus requires that in following him, we also accept the costs. Yet our costs will never compare with what Jesus gave: his own life. And that is worthy of our communion celebration today. While not every person from HBC will be physically going to Tennessee, all of us are called to follow, no matter the cost. Join me at the table as we celebrate the great love of Jesus Christ, who gave his life for us.