Luke 9:51-62

In this sermon from Christ City Church's series on the Gospel of Luke, Pastor Perry Cheng examines the pivotal moment when Jesus "sets his face toward Jerusalem," marking the decisive turn toward the cross in Luke's narrative. Pastor Cheng explores three encounters along the road where would-be followers offer excuses — burying a father, saying farewell to family — and Jesus responds with urgent, uncompromising calls to discipleship that prioritize the kingdom of God above all earthly obligations. The sermon challenges listeners to confront the hidden costs of following Jesus, pressing them to examine whether comfort, family ties, or unfinished business quietly hold greater loyalty in their lives than Christ himself.