Sermon — Two Words that Toppled a King

(I preached this sermon at Christ Lutheran Church on Sunday October 25, 2026. It is based on 2 Samuel 11:1–5, 26–27; 12:1–9; Psalm 51:1–9. You can listen to the audio at this link.)

Before I start, I want to say something. Today’s story is about a powerful man who takes a woman who could not say no. Some of you know that story from the inside. If you need to step out at any point, please do. Nobody here will think less of you. I’ll be available after worship if you want to talk, and at the end of this sermon I’m going to give you some places to reach out to. You are safe here.

Let’s start with the first verse. “In the spring of the year, the time when kings go out to battle.” That’s how the story begins. Kings were supposed to be out with their soldiers. David sends Joab and the army out to fight, and David stays home.

One evening he gets up from his couch and takes a walk on the roof of the palace. From up there he can see the whole city. He can see into people’s yards. He can see a woman bathing.

I want you to hold on to that picture of David on the roof, looking down. Because that is where this whole story goes wrong. David has gotten used to being up there. He has gotten used to looking down on people.

Think about where that palace sits. It’s built above everything else in the city. That’s more than architecture. It tells everyone who is on top.