Join Us for Worship: Sundays at 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM https://www.flourishinggrace.org/plan... In this message titled Right Side Up, Pastor Benjer McVeigh walks through Luke 9:43–62 to confront the ways we often follow Jesus with an upside-down understanding of what He has truly called us to. Set in the final stretch before Jesus heads to Jerusalem and the cross, this passage reveals a series of misunderstandings among Jesus’ disciples—misunderstandings that reflect the same tendencies many of us struggle with today. Despite witnessing miracles, the disciples were confused when Jesus spoke clearly about His suffering and death. They debated who among them was the greatest, attempted to exclude others doing ministry in Jesus’ name, called down judgment on outsiders, and offered conditional discipleship: “I will follow you, but first…” Through these interactions, Jesus gently but firmly corrects each distorted perspective, inviting His followers to see the way of the cross not just as a theological event, but as a pattern for their lives. Pastor Benjer illustrates this point with a humorous yet sobering story about misreading a MapQuest printout in college. The story becomes a metaphor for our spiritual lives: no matter how diligently we try to “follow the directions,” if we begin with the wrong understanding of Jesus’ path—if our spiritual map is upside down—we will miss what He’s truly calling us to. Jesus is not looking for admirers who fit Him into their existing lives; He is calling disciples who will lay their lives down daily, just as He did. Throughout the message, Pastor Benjer identifies four common lies that keep believers from living the way of the cross: “I am the greatest,” “We are the rightest,” “It’s us versus them,” and “Sure, Jesus—but first.” Each of these reflects a heart that, like the disciples in Luke 9, is still struggling to understand the radical call of the kingdom. Rather than pursuing power, tribal superiority, division, or delayed obedience, Jesus calls us to humility, unity, compassion, and full surrender. This sermon is not about trying harder or being better. It’s a call to reorient ourselves to the true map of discipleship—one where Jesus leads the way in suffering, sacrifice, and resurrection life. The invitation is not simply to believe in the cross as doctrine but to embody it in daily life. Pastor Benjer urges listeners to examine whether they have truly said “yes” to Jesus without conditions, or if there are lingering “but first”s that are keeping them from full obedience. For those who are exploring faith or are not yet followers of Jesus, this message offers a clear presentation of who Jesus is: not merely a teacher or moral example, but the suffering Savior who gave His life on the cross to bring us forgiveness, purpose, and eternal life. Today is an invitation to say “yes” to Jesus—not to religion or performance, but to a relationship with the one who laid everything down for us. Recorded live at Flourishing Grace Church in Bountiful, Utah, this sermon is part of our ongoing series through the Gospel of Luke. Whether you’re a long-time believer or just beginning your spiritual journey, we invite you to reflect on the direction your life is heading and whether your map is right side up. To learn more about Flourishing Grace Church or connect with our ministry, visit flourishinggrace.org. We’d love to walk with you as you follow Jesus—fully, humbly, and faithfully.