Sunday 26th July 2026 - Ninth Sunday of Pentecost

REFLECTION: Matthew 13:44-58 “The Cost of the Kingdom”

How good are you at recognizing a bargain? Are you able to recognize a true

treasure when you see it? And what would you be prepared to give up in order

to get hold of that treasure?

Jesus tells us in today’s readings that receiving the kingdom of heaven is the like

discovering the greatest treasure you can imagine, and you should go all out for

it. In this cluster of three parables, The Hidden Treasure, The Pearl of great

Value, and The Net, Jesus urges his followers to make sure that they secure their

place in the kingdom of Heaven, even if it costs them all they have, for nothing

compares to knowing Jesus and receiving his gift of eternal life.

Here is an outline:

1. Sell all you have to gain the kingdom – don’t miss out!

a. Wouldn’t you sell everything you have to gain an even greater treasure? (44)

b. It’s like the greatest pearl ever found – sell all the others to get it! (45-46)

c. What would we have to give up in order to gain the kingdom?

2. What if we don’t pay the price?

a. The parable of the net – a parable of judgment (47-50)

b. Many won’t count the cost: even Jesus’ family rejected him (53-58)

3. Have you understood all these things?

a. If so, act quickly (51)

b. The kingdom of God has new treasures as well as old (the Old Covenant

-52)

To Think About

Is the treasure of eternal life and knowing God something that you would

be prepared to sacrifice comforts and worldly treasures for?

Hymns:

TIS 111 Praise to the Lord, the almighty

MP 799 All I once held dear

MP 37 As the deer pants

TIS 547 Be thou my vision

OLD TESTAMENT TALKS FROM BISHOP PAUL BARKER on the

Character of God: "The LORD, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast

love." July 22, 29 and August 5. 7:30 to 8:30pm at Glen Waverley Anglican

and on livestream. We will be using the livestream at our Wednesday Growth

Group.

BUILDING FUND GOLD COIN Our buildings are always in need of

repairs. Envelopes are available from Cliff/Lorraine Willis to put your coin in.

ARCHBISHOP RIC THORPE and his wife Louie will be with us on Sunday

August 2nd at our 10am service for a joyful celebration of our St James

Patronal Festival together with baptisms, confirmations and reception of

members. Preparation is underway for those to be confirmed and

baptized. There is still time for anyone from another tradition who wishes to

be received as a member of the Anglican Church; speak to Graeme. We

encourage folk from all our congregations to be present at this special service.

This will be followed by our traditional international lunch.

SETTING UP We will be setting up the Parish Centre and the Hall next

Saturday from 1pm.

DOREEN LILLEY We are saddened by the death of Doreen Lilley who

served so faithfully over many years at St James in a number of different roles

including Choir and Flowers.

INTERNATIONAL LUNCHEON Could all the Team Leaders please meet

for a brief meeting after service today in the side Chapel. Thank you. Margo

HELP NEEDED If you feel you could help once a month assisting with

morning tea, it would be very much appreciated. Please contact Kaye on 0490

090 507 for more information.

LAWN MOWING ROSTER 25th July – Samoan Youth

READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY – 2nd August: Genesis 32. 22-31;

Psalm 17. 1-7, 16; Romans 9. 1-8 (9-16); Matthew 14. 13-21

FROM THE ANGLICAN DIARY Oodthenong Episcopate, Archdeaconry of

the Yarra, Deanery of the Yarra/Plenty: Anglican Parish of Banyule, St Peter’s

Bundoora, St Margaret’s Eltham, All Saints’ Greensborough, St Matthew’s

Panton Hill with St Andrew’s St Andrews, Christ Church Whittlesea with St

Peter’s Kinglake, St Matthias’ Mernda, St John’s Diamond Creek with St

Katherine’s St Helena and St Michael’s Yarrambat.

THIS WEEK WE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR: Nigel, Jen, Glen, Sherene,

Gloria, Ron, Ruth, Mike, Amy, Cecil, Beryl, Paul, Fabian, Charles, Marla,

Jeremiah, Tahlia, Suzanne, Kurt, Kieran & Colin.