July 1, 2026

36 Startups

The Gospel of Luke 9:61–62

Still another said, ‘I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.’ Jesus replied, ‘No-one who puts a hand to the plough and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.’ 

Dear Readers,

Bangladesh is a densely populated country in Southeast Asia. Dhaka, its capital city, has a population of around 10 million and is one of the fastest growing megacities in the world. The agricultural sector of the country primarily produces rice, tea, and sugarcane. Today’s stamp depicts a worker plowing a field with two oxen. 

I can well imagine that Jesus also spoke to a farmer while he was plowing in his fields. He had invited him to become his disciple and to follow him. Just the way Jesus did it time and again. He called the two professional fishermen, Simon Peter and his brother Andrew, to follow him while they were still working. Jesus told them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men!” (Gospel of Matthew 4:18–20). And what did the two fishermen do? “Immediately they left their nets and followed him.” Or take Matthew, who was working as a tax collector Jesus told him, “Follow me!” (Matthew 9:9). What did Matthew, the tax collector do? “And he got up and followed him!” Now Jesus calls someone else, i.e. the farmer, to become his disciple and follow him. For Jesus, this means making the Kingdom of God the top priority in life immediately. Everything else becomes less important.

Time and again, men and women have done just that and decided to live with the Lord Jesus Christ. They left their old lives behind and began to “plow”—that is, to cultivate—the Kingdom of God with Jesus Christ. They “sowed the Word of God”, or they were able to reap the fruits of their ministry. They served God with their gifts and devoted all their strength ensuring that others, too, might hear and experience the good news of God’s love. They left their old lives behind and followed Jesus Christ.

There is no account of what the farmer at the plow finally decided. Perhaps he was among the 72 disciples whom Jesus called into his service shortly thereafter (Gospel of Luke 10:1–2)? He sent 72 newly called disciples in teams of two to the surrounding towns and villages. As the Lord´s messengers their mission was to bring both God’s love and peace to the people like seeds. The goal of their work would be mercy and peace through forgiveness and reconciliation.

A farmer who is plowing his fields already has the harvest in mind. Otherwise, it wouldn’t make sense to even start the work. Of course, the seeds must grow first. But he works in his fields with the purpose of reaping a bountiful harvest. Even as he plows, he already has the harvest in mind. 

I want to compare this to a startup enterprise. These are young, newly founded companies with the goal to grow fast. Success is their target. In a similar way, Jesus sends out his teams of two. God brings something completely new to people: all people are to come to know God’s love. All people are to be redeemed from the bondage of sin through Jesus’ atoning death on the cross. All people are to live reconciled with God. All people are to be filled with the power of the Holy Spirit and serve God and their fellow human beings. This has never happened before. And this still unique until today.

Now Jesus sends out his 36 “spiritual startups.” Even today, Christians in our churches can be such small “spiritual startups.” They can use their gifts and abilities for the glory of God and as a blessing to their fellow human beings. We Christians can also serve God and our fellow human beings in our daily lives, “plowing” our way through society and sowing the love of God. The goal: Goodness should grow wherever we live and work. We Christians are called to be a blessing to others. So, let’s get to work and look ahead! Our heavenly Father will make it flourish!

Thank you for visiting me and listening to me. I look forward to seeing you again for the next short sermon on July 15.