Sermon Notes

Rock Bible Church Bulletin 11.8.26.pdf

Living His Narrative

Luke 20:27–47 (ESV)

Pastor Scott Berglin | Lead Pastor

November 8, 2026

God from Luke’s Eyes to Yours

Living His Narrative

Are We Living According to Our Own Story, or the Story God Is Writing?

In Luke 20:27–47, Jesus encounters questions and challenges from religious leaders who are trying to test Him. Their questions reveal more than curiosity; they expose hearts that are focused on their own understanding rather than recognizing who Jesus truly is.

Jesus responds with wisdom and authority, challenging the assumptions behind their questions and pointing people toward a greater understanding of God's truth.

This passage reminds us that following Jesus means more than having the right questions or accumulating knowledge. It means allowing Him to reshape how we think, how we understand God's Word, and how we live.

Living His Narrative means allowing Jesus to shape our thinking, our perspective, and our lives.

LUKE 20:27–47

The Three Sermon Points

01 · HIS ANSWERS

Values His Answers Over Our Questions

LUKE 20:27–40

Jesus is confronted by the Sadducees, who question Him about the resurrection. Their question is designed to challenge and discredit Him, but Jesus responds by revealing how limited their understanding really is.

We can become so focused on the questions we want answered that we miss what God is revealing to us. Sometimes our questions come from genuine curiosity, but other times they reflect our desire to control, challenge, or fit God into our own understanding.

Jesus invites us to recognize that God's truth is greater than our assumptions. We must be willing to listen to His answers, even when they challenge what we think we know.

Reflect & Apply

Am I more interested in getting my questions answered or understanding what God wants me to know?
Do I approach Scripture with an open heart?
Am I willing to let God's truth challenge my assumptions?
Where might I need to trust God's wisdom rather than my own understanding?

KEY THOUGHT

Don't let your questions become bigger than your confidence in God's truth. Value His answers above your assumptions.

02 · HIS PERSPECTIVE

Gives Us New Thinking

LUKE 20:41–44

Jesus shifts the conversation by asking the religious leaders a question about the identity of the Messiah. He challenges them to think beyond their familiar assumptions and recognize the significance of who He is.

Following Jesus requires more than simply adding religious information to the way we already think. It means allowing Him to change our perspective.

Our experiences, traditions, expectations, and personal preferences can influence how we see the world. But God's perspective is greater than ours. When we allow Scripture to shape our thinking, we begin to see people, circumstances, and decisions differently.

Reflect & Apply

Where do I need to see a situation from God's perspective instead of my own?
Am I allowing my traditions or expectations to limit what God wants to teach me?
Does my understanding of Jesus influence the way I approach everyday decisions?
What might change if I allowed God's Word to reshape my thinking?

KEY THOUGHT

Jesus doesn't simply give us more information. He gives us a new way to think, see, and live.

03 · HIS FREEDOM

Is Free of Condemnation

LUKE 20:45–47

Jesus warns His disciples about the religious leaders who love public recognition, positions of honor, and appearances of righteousness while taking advantage of others.

Jesus exposes the difference between looking religious and truly living in a way that honors God. Religious performance can become a way to gain approval, recognition, or influence rather than an expression of a genuine relationship with Him.

Living His narrative means we are no longer driven by the need to impress people or establish our own righteousness. We can live with humility, integrity, and confidence in what God has done for us.

Our identity is not based on what others think of us or how well we perform. We are called to live out the freedom that comes from knowing Jesus and following Him.

Reflect & Apply

Am I more concerned about how others see me or how God sees my heart?
Are my actions motivated by love and faith or by a desire for recognition?
Do I treat others with humility and integrity?
Am I living in the freedom of God's grace rather than trying to earn approval?

KEY THOUGHT

Live from the freedom Jesus gives, not from the pressure to impress others or earn your worth.

Commentary & Application

Luke 20:27–47 challenges us to examine the story we are living. The religious leaders were focused on testing Jesus, defending their understanding, and maintaining their positions. Jesus called them to something greater: recognizing God's truth and living with genuine humility.

We can fall into similar patterns. We can become consumed with our questions, attached to our own perspectives, or concerned with how others perceive us.

But Jesus invites us to live differently.

Value His Answers

Let God's truth have the final word, even when it challenges what you believe.

Embrace New Thinking

Allow Jesus to reshape your perspective and influence the way you approach life.

Live in Freedom

Release the pressure to impress others. Pursue humility, integrity, and a genuine relationship with God.

The question isn't simply what story we're telling. It's whether our lives reflect the story God is writing.

Key Takeaways

01. Value God's Answers. His truth is greater than our questions, assumptions, and expectations.

02. Stay Open to His Truth. Don't let familiarity or personal preferences prevent you from learning.

03. Allow Jesus to Change Your Thinking. Following Him means seeing life through His perspective.

04. Choose Humility Over Recognition. Genuine faith is demonstrated through our hearts and actions, not appearances.

05. Live in the Freedom of Christ. Your identity is rooted in Him, not in the approval of others.

06. Live His Narrative. Let your everyday choices reflect the truth, grace, and purpose of Jesus.

Your Next Step: Live His Narrative

This week, take an intentional step toward allowing Jesus to shape your thinking and your actions.

1. LISTEN TO HIS ANSWERS.

Spend time in Scripture. Bring your questions to God with an open heart, willing to receive what He wants to teach you.

2. CHALLENGE YOUR THINKING.

Identify one assumption, expectation, or perspective that may need to change in light of God's Word.

3. CHOOSE HUMILITY.

Look for opportunities to serve others without seeking recognition or approval.

4. LIVE IN HIS FREEDOM.

Stop measuring your worth by what others think. Remember who you are in Christ.

5. REFLECT HIS STORY.

Consider how your words, choices, and relationships can demonstrate the character of Jesus this week.

Take It With You

We can spend our lives defending our own understanding, chasing recognition, and trying to make our story work the way we want it to.

Jesus calls us to something better.

Value His answers over your questions. Allow Him to give you new thinking. Live in the freedom that comes from knowing Him.

Don't just know His story. Live His narrative.

Reflect & Respond

Take some time this week to consider these questions:

Am I valuing God's answers over my own questions?
Where is Jesus challenging the way I think?
Am I living for God's approval or the recognition of others?
What would it look like to live more fully in the freedom Jesus offers?
What is one practical way I can reflect His narrative this week?

YOUR PRAYER THIS WEEK

Lord, help me value Your truth above my own understanding. Give me a new perspective, shape my heart, and help me live in the freedom You offer. May my words, choices, and actions reflect Your story. Amen.

One Question for the Week