Kick & A Miss

Kevin West begins his sermon with a personal anecdote about missing the ball while playing soccer as a child, using this as an analogy for the disciples' repeated misunderstandings of Jesus' teachings in the Gospel of Mark. He highlights how Jesus, on His way to Jerusalem and crucifixion, continually tries to prepare His disciples for what is to come, but they consistently "kick and miss" the point.

The sermon delves into specific examples from Mark's gospel, such as Peter's confession of Jesus as the Messiah followed by his rebuke of Jesus' prediction of suffering (Mark 8:27-33). Kevin also mentions the disciples' argument about greatness (Mark 9:33-37) and James and John's request for positions of power (Mark 10:35-45). These instances demonstrate the disciples' failure to grasp Jesus' teachings about the nature of God's kingdom and true greatness.

Kevin then focuses on the episode where the disciples try to stop someone casting out demons in Jesus' name (Mark 9:38-41). He explains how this reveals the disciples' narrow view of God's work and their desire to maintain exclusive authority. Jesus corrects them, emphasizing the importance of even small acts done in His name and warning against causing others to stumble in their faith.

The sermon draws parallels to the Old Testament story of Moses and the 70 elders in Numbers 11. West highlights the similarity between Joshua's reaction to Eldad and Medad prophesying in the camp and the disciples' reaction to the unauthorized exorcist. This comparison illustrates the human tendency towards tribalism and distrust of those outside our immediate group.

Kevin then incorporates teachings from the book of James, emphasizing the need for humility, submission to God, and resistance to the devil (James 4:7-10). He explains how these principles are essential in overcoming the quarrels and favoritism that James addresses in his letter.

Throughout the sermon, Kevin maintains a focus on the importance of trusting Jesus and keeping our eyes fixed on Him. He emphasizes that our human desires for security, greatness, and control can only be properly ordered through a focus on Christ and His sacrifice on the cross.

Kevin concludes by inviting listeners to reflect on the image of the crucifix as they receive the Eucharist, encouraging them to see it as a representation of the God we can trust – the one who, through the cross, is drawing all people to Himself (John 12:32). This final exhortation ties together the themes of trust, humility, and the centrality of Christ's sacrifice in the Christian life.