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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

What are our priorities? -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2017
As we come to the end of the Pentecost season with Thanksgiving on the horizon, it is appropriate th
His favorite strange and mysterious way -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- David Kalas -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2014
The phrase is not found in scripture, but it has worked its way into common parlance.
Here comes the judge -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- David Kalas -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2011
In the 1970s, comedian Flip Wilson made famous a series of routines that featured the phrase "Here c
Motivational speaking -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30, Psalm 123 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2002
The tradition of "fire and brimstone" preaching runs deep.
Accountability -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 1999
Our lessons for this day are not very pleasant ones. There are no warm fuzzies to be had here.
Am I responsible? -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 1996


Like the four Gospels, each giving a unique perspective on

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Risky Business -- Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 123 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Ron Love, Mary Austin -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel text, Jesus tells a parable that on the surface seems like a first-
All In -- Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 123 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2014

Like last week’s lectionary gospel passage, the parable of the talents seems to go against the gr

Mattress, Credit Union, Or World? -- Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2011
The parable of the talents is one of those scriptural passages that is so familiar -- particularly g
Judge Deborah -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A
Dear Fellow Preachers,

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Building up -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2011
Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing. (v.
Invisible armor -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2008
Put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation.
Be an encourager -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A
Good morning, boys and girls. It is so good to be together.
Help one another -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A
Good morning! I brought something good for you this morning.
Under construction -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A
How many of you like to play with building blocks? (Let them
A word of encouragement -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you know how to

SermonStudio

Standing Ovation -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a standing round of applause (use a sign that reads "Give a standing round of applaus

Devotional

SermonStudio

Proper 28 / Pentecost 26 / OT 33 -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Stephen P. Mccutchan -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2007
...

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 (2017) -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Bob Ove -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2017
Judges 4:1-7
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 (2014) -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Derl G. Keefer, Bob Ove -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2014
Judges 4:1-7
In my last pastoral assignment... -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2014
In my last pastoral assignment I lived in a parsonage, but my congregation gave me the privilege of
Don't get caught up in times... -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2014
Don't get caught up in times and dates.
NULL -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2011
Judges 4:1-7
NULL -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Ron Love -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2011
In the late 1800s there were three African-American leaders who wanted to integrate blacks into whit
NULL -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2011
Thieves come in the night. Drunkenness comes in the night. Sleep comes in the night.
NULL -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Brian Hohmeier -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2011
In Michal Ajvaz's The Other City, the protagonist discovers a hidden side of Prague when the
I walk in the mornings... -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2008
I walk in the mornings near the hospital. Sometimes I walk early and sometimes a little later.
A man was walking down... -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2008
A man was walking down the road when he came upon a half-completed cathedral.
If we take Paul literally... -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2008
If we take Paul literally and never close our eyes to sleep, soon we would not notice anything at al
As Pam was going through... -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2008
As Pam was going through her mother's desk she happened upon a notebook full of names.
Judges 4:1-7 Christians... -- Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Judges 4:1-7 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2008
Judges 4:1-7
Following the horrific events of... -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2002
Following the horrific events of 9/11, a young woman in New Jersey refused to leave her apartment be
There are people who qualify... -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2002
There are people who qualify for the title "encourager," and they are worth so much in the Church.
Staying awake at critical times... -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2002
Staying awake at critical times can save something as precious as our own souls, or something as mun
Anthony de Mello, the Jesuit... -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2002
Anthony de Mello, the Jesuit retreat leader and writer, once told a story about keeping awake: The M
You are all sons of... -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 1999
"You are all sons of the light and sons of the day." Alexanderos Papaderos was a theologian and educ
Karen was driving her Girl... -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 1999
Karen was driving her Girl Guides home when suddenly Angela began to cry.
Scientists are certain that Mount... -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 1999
Scientists are certain that Mount Rainier in Washington will erupt again some day, causing enormous
I shy away from believers... -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 1999
I shy away from believers who make predictions about the Lord's return to earth.
I admire people who live... -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 1996
I admire people who live in the city and use the public

The Immediate Word

Risky Business -- Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 123 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Ron Love, Mary Austin -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel text, Jesus tells a parable that on the surface seems like a first-
All In -- Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 123 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2014

Like last week’s lectionary gospel passage, the parable of the talents seems to go against the gr

Mattress, Credit Union, Or World? -- Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2011
The parable of the talents is one of those scriptural passages that is so familiar -- particularly g

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Risky Business -- Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 123 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Ron Love, Mary Austin -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel text, Jesus tells a parable that on the surface seems like a first-
All In -- Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 123 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2014

Like last week’s lectionary gospel passage, the parable of the talents seems to go against the gr

Mattress, Credit Union, Or World? -- Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2011
The parable of the talents is one of those scriptural passages that is so familiar -- particularly g
Judge Deborah -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A
Dear Fellow Preachers,

SermonStudio

Proper 28 / Ordinary Time 33 -- Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 123 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2014
Theme of the Day
Serving God His way.

Collect of the Day
Proper 28 / Pentecost 26 / Ordinary Time 33 -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
Talents are meant to be used.

Old Testament Lesson
Proper 28 -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONS

Lesson 1: Judges 4:1--7 (C)
Proper 28, Pentecost 26, Ordinary Time 33 -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme
The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
Proper 28 -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS

Lesson 1: Judges 4:1-7 (C)
Be Ready -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Gary L. Carver -- 1997
I am sure that most of you shook the slats out of the cradle when you first heard the following stor
Being ready for Christ's kingdom -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS

Lesson 1: Judges 4:1--7 (C)
Proper 28 -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 1992
Lesson 1: Judges 4:1-7 (C)

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Risky Business -- Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 123 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Ron Love, Mary Austin -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel text, Jesus tells a parable that on the surface seems like a first-
All In -- Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 123 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2014

Like last week’s lectionary gospel passage, the parable of the talents seems to go against the gr

Mattress, Credit Union, Or World? -- Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2011
The parable of the talents is one of those scriptural passages that is so familiar -- particularly g
Judge Deborah -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A
Dear Fellow Preachers,

SermonStudio

What Can We Believe about Judgment Day? -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2010
Most of the biblical images of the coming day of the Lord suggest a belief that it will be a day of
How, Then, Shall We Live? -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2007
I saw on America's Funniest Videos recently a little girl, about five or six years old, in a
The Day Of The Lord -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Richard C. Brand -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2004
For a man who claims that he does not know much about the coming day of the Lord, Paul has certainly

The Village Shepherd

Don't Be Surprised... -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A
The earthquake which hit the mountain village of San Giuliano di Puglia in Italy had devastating

Stories

StoryShare

A Song Of Rejoicing -- Matthew 25:14-30, Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Psalm 123 -- Sandra Herrmann, Keith Wagner -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2014
Contents
"A Song of Rejoicing" by Sandra Herrmann
The End Of What? -- Matthew 25:14-30, Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Psalm 123 -- David O. Bales, John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2011
Contents
"The End of What?" by David O. Bales
"The Aqueduct" by John Sumwalt
Inspiring Courage -- Matthew 25:14-30, Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Psalm 123 -- Argile Smith, Gregory L. Tolle, C. David Mckirachan -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2008
Contents
What's Up This Week
"Inspiring Courage" by Argile Smith
A Fond Farewell -- Matthew 25:14-30, Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Psalm 123 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt, Susan Monnarjahn, Evelyn Mclachlan -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2005
Contents
What's Up Next Week: "A Fond Farewell" by John & Jo Sumwalt

Worship

The Immediate Word

Risky Business -- Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 123 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Ron Love, Mary Austin -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel text, Jesus tells a parable that on the surface seems like a first-
All In -- Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 123 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2014

Like last week’s lectionary gospel passage, the parable of the talents seems to go against the gr

Mattress, Credit Union, Or World? -- Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2011
The parable of the talents is one of those scriptural passages that is so familiar -- particularly g
Judge Deborah -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A
Dear Fellow Preachers,

SermonStudio

Proper 28/Pentecost 26/Ordinary Time 33 -- Matthew 25:14-30, Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2007
Prayer Of The Day
Proper 28 -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2007
Call To Worship
One: Before there was any time,
All: there was God.
Might As Well Be You And Me -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
Proper 28 -- Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 123, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2004
Hymns
Awake My Soul, Stretch Every Nerve (NCH491, CBH609)
Proper 28 -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2001
Theme: Children Of Light

Call To Worship
Clothed For Salvation -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 1998
Second Lesson: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
Theme: Clothed For Salvation
PROPER 28 -- Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 123, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- B. David Hostetter -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 1992
CALL TO WORSHIP
Proper 28 / Ordinary Time 33 -- Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 123, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- B. David Hostetter -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 1992
CALL TO WORSHIP
The jealousy of God -- Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18, Psalm 76, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- Paul A. Laughlin -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 1989
Exegetical note: Writing in the days of the reformer King Josiah and the prophet Jeremiah, Zephaniah
God's wrath on man's sin -- Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Heth H. Corl -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 1986
Call to Worship
Leader:
PROPER 27 -- Psalm 50:7-15, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Norman A. Beck -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 1986
Since the Lutheran Lectionary texts for Pentecost 24, with the single substitution of Amos 5:18-24 f

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Proper 28 / Ordinary Time 33 -- Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 123, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- B. David Hostetter -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 1992
CALL TO WORSHIP

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Dean Feldmeyer
Bethany Peerbolte
George Reed
Christopher Keating
Mary Austin
Thomas Willadsen
For September 23, 2018:
  • Memory and Wisdom by Dean Feldmeyer -- What’s the difference in being wise and being experienced? Or is there one?

StoryShare

Keith Hewitt
David O. Bales
Contents
“Buzzkill” by Keith Hewitt
“A Capable Woman, Past And Present” by David O. Bales
“Like A Tree To The Very Last Leaf” by David O. Bales


Buzzkill
by Keith Hewitt
Mark 9:30-37

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Arley K. Fadness
“Whoever welcomes one such child in my name, welcomes me...” (v.37a)

Good morning children,

It is so good to see you. I have a message this morning about little people like you. Want to hear it?  (children respond)

Do you ever argue? Do you argue with your sister or brother? Do you ever argue with your parents? Or teachers? Or classmates?

Arguing is not the same as fighting. Actually, it is healthy to argue. Arguing can be fun and useful as long as there is respect for one another.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Bill Thomas
Bonnie Bates
Mark Ellingsen
Bob Ove
Frank Ramirez
Ron Love
Proverbs 31:10-31, Psalm 1
Betty Ford was the wife of Gerald Ford, the 38th President of the United States. Gerald Ford took office on August 9, 1974 with the resignation of Richard Nixon. Betty loved domestic life, but this was no longer possible when she became the First Lady. When asked about the difficulties of her new life in the White House she replied, “I wish I’d married a plumber. At least he’d be home by five o’clock.”

Application: A good marriage does require sacrifice.
Ron L.
Wayne Brouwer
In H. G. Wells’ tale “The Queer Story of Brownlow’s Newspaper,” it is November 10, 1931, when Mr. Brownlow returns to his apartment at the end of work and sits down to read his evening paper. As he takes the wrapped bundle in his hands he thinks it feels different than usual. Looking at the address he notices that it was supposed to go to an Evan O’Hara. Still, if he got Mr. O’Hara’s newspaper it is likely that this is only a minor mix-up, and that Mr. O’Hara is already enjoying Mr. Brownlow’s paper over a cup of tea. So Mr. Brownlow unwraps the daily journal and settles in.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Timothy Duckling was big and strong. His had been the first egg to hatch and so he was older than all his brothers and sisters and the strongest of the brood. Timothy had learned to swim almost as soon as he staggered out of his egg, for he had instinctively followed his mother to the water.

SermonStudio

George W. Hoyer
In order to be last, you must give others a place in front of you. This is important to realize if you are interested in reaching first place. For Jesus here says, "Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all." Realize also that, given the kind of world we are part of, the people whom you must permit to go before you will be a mixed bag, indeed. You can't pick and choose, because that would mean the discards would be behind you. They would become last.

Special Occasion