Good News or Bad News?

For 12/9/2012


Advent is a time of preparation and waiting but what are we really waiting for – a child born in a manger or something else? And what are the ramifications of this arrival, what do you expect and just what might happen when the time of waiting is over? What is the meaning of Jesus’ arrival for you this year?


Malachi has some ideas on what should be expected and they are very un-babe-in-the-manger like. Read on and you may find some additional thoughts to include in your Christmas preparations. Malachi speaks to a community which had returned from exile and rebuilt the temple, yet the new world of blessings and peace spoken of by prophets like Isaiah had not commenced. He likely is writing to a people who are disheartened and question God’s promises.

Malachi 3:1-4  The Message Version
3:1 “Look! I’m sending my messenger on ahead to clear the way for me. Suddenly, out of the blue, the Leader you’ve been looking for will enter his Temple—yes, the Messenger of the Covenant, the one you’ve been waiting for. Look! He’s on his way!” A Message from the mouth of God-of-the-Angel-Armies.
2-4 But who will be able to stand up to that coming? Who can survive his appearance? He’ll be like white-hot fire from the smelter’s furnace. He’ll be like the strongest lye soap at the laundry. He’ll take his place as a refiner of silver, as a cleanser of dirty clothes. He’ll scrub the Levite priests clean, refine them like gold and silver, until they’re fit for God, fit to present offerings of righteousness. Then, and only then, will Judah and Jerusalem be fit and pleasing to God, as they used to be in the years long ago.

Malachi later identifies the messenger as Elijah (4:5-6) and the Gospels give John the Baptist this role. In the Jewish tradition Elijah’s return preceeds the coming of the Messiah and a seat and cup is reserved for him at the Seder Table.

• Verse 1 brings good news for the Israelites. What does Malachi give as the purpose of the coming of the messenger (v 1)? Does this sound like what they may have been looking and hoping for? How must the people have felt when they heard these words?

• The good news is tempered with a stern reality? What will be the focus of the Lord’s return, what will be done? Is it something to anticipate with relish? What does it appear that Malachi feels is standing between the Israelites and God’s blessing?

• Dietrich Bonhoeffer writes of this theme of judgment in an Advent sermon he preached in 1928:

It is very remarkable that we face the thought that God is coming, so calmly, whereas previously peoples trembled at the day of God . . . . We have become so accustomed to the idea of divine love and of God's coming at Christmas that we no longer feel the shiver of fear that God's coming should arouse in us. We are indifferent to the message, taking only the pleasant and agreeable out of it and forgetting the serious aspect, that the God of the world draws near to the people of our little earth and lays claim to us. The coming of God is truly not only glad tidings, but first of all frightening news for every one who has a conscience.

Only when we have felt the terror of the matter, can we recognize the incomparable kindness. God comes into the very midst of evil and of death, and judges the evil in us and in the world. And by judging us, God cleanses and sanctifies us, comes to us with grace and love.1

• What is your reaction to Bonhoeffer’s words? Have you ever included thoughts of God’s judging with Advent? Do these words fit with your understanding and feelings about Jesus as you think about his birth?

• Is there any part of the Christian theology or liturgy that includes cleansing as a part of Jesus’ coming? What did the people who came to John the Baptist receive as part of the preparation he was announcing?

• Malachi’s words might be more appropriate for Lent rather than Advent but can we really separate the two? Are there any elements of our Lenten preparation which might also be included in Advent?

• Let’s review, after thinking about these questions what should we include in our expectations and thoughts about the consequences of the birth of Christ? What would you include in a description of who Jesus is and the meaning his coming has for you? Try writing it down as part of your Advent preparations.

Closing Prayer

Prepare us to embrace your presence and your leading, O God of promise. Open our hearts to the words of your prophets, who bid us to journey in your wise ways of justice and peace. Amen.

Next Week’s Scriptures: Luke 3:7-18, Philippians 4:4-7, Isaiah 12:2-6, Zephaniah 3:14-20

Christ the King

For 11/25/2012

This Sunday is celebrated in many traditions as Christ the King Sunday, the last Sunday in the church year (Advent begins next week). In the Catholic tradition Christ the King Sunday celebrates the all-embracing authority of Christ as King and Lord of the cosmos.


• What do we know about Christ that would cause him to be given the title – King? The title was usually something attributed to Jesus, the much more common form of address or characterization was Lord.

Early Christians viewed Jesus as "the Lord" and the Greek word Kyrios which may mean God, lord or master appears over 700 times in the New Testament, referring to him. In Romans 10:9-13 Paul emphasized the salvific value of the title, and stated that confessing by mouth that Jesus is Lord leads to salvation. The high frequency of the use of the term Kyrios in the Acts of the Apostles indicates how natural it was for early Christians to refer to Jesus in this way. This title persisted among Christians as the predominant perception of Jesus for a number of centuries.

The use of the Kyrios title for Jesus is central to the development of New Testament Christology, for the early Christians placed it at the center of their understanding and from that center attempted to understand the other issues related to the Christian mysteries. The question of the deity of Christ in the New Testament is inherently related to the Kyrios title of Jesus used in the early Christian writings and its implications for the absolute lordship of Jesus. In early Christian belief, the concept of Kyrios included the Pre-existence of Christ for they believed that if Christ is one with God, he must have been united with God from the very beginning.
                                                                                                      From Wikipedia
• Is the title King or Lord meaningful to you? What might be some alternative contemporary descriptors for him that conveys the same imagery?

• What forms of address or titles do you use for Jesus?

Pilate and Jesus

Pontius Pilate was the Roman Governor of Jerusalem and Judea with headquarters on Caesarea and came to Jerusalem during times like Jewish festivals when large, potentially riotous crowds might be present. Pilate brutally crushed three large riots during his tenure (26-36 CE) but had to deal with many smaller uprisings during his tenure. He had come to Jerusalem for this Passover with a large cohort of armed soldiers. For the Romans duty in Judea was a hardship post because of the constant problems with the Jews. For their part the Jews hated the Romans for their taxes, religious insensitivity and of course being occupiers.

Jesus Accused (from John 18)

12 So the soldiers, their officer, and the Jewish police arrested Jesus and bound him. 13First they took him to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year… 24Then Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest… 28 Then they took Jesus from Caiaphas to Pilate’s headquarters. It was early in the morning. They themselves did not enter the headquarters, so as to avoid ritual defilement and to be able to eat the Passover. 29So Pilate went out to them and said, ‘What accusation do you bring against this man… 31Pilate said to them, ‘Take him yourselves and judge him according to your law.’ The Jews replied, ‘We are not permitted to put anyone to death.’

• What do the actions of the Jewish leaders (they had responsibility for day to day governing) says about their attitudes toward Jesus and their relationship with Pilate? Why would they go to all this trouble for a nobody from the hills during this important religious celebration?

• If you were Pilate, given the history of the constant problems governing the Jews, how would you have felt when they showed up “early in the morning’ demanding that he take action against Jesus? What do you think was the tone of his conversation with them?

• What would his mood have been as he turned to Jesus to question him as John's Gospel continues:

18:33 Pilate went back into the palace and called for Jesus. He said, “Are you the ‘King of the Jews’?” 34 Jesus answered, “Are you saying this on your own, or did others tell you this about me?” 35 Pilate said, “Do I look like a Jew? Your people and your high priests turned you over to me. What did you do?” 36 “My kingdom,” said Jesus, “doesn’t consist of what you see around you. If it did, my followers would fight so that I wouldn’t be handed over to the Jews. But I’m not that kind of king, not the world’s kind of king.” 37 Then Pilate said, “So, are you a king or not?” Jesus answered, “You tell me. Because I am King, I was born and entered the world so that I could witness to the truth. Everyone who cares for truth, who has any feeling for the truth, recognizes my voice.” 38-39 Pilate said, “What is truth?”

• What is the issue that Pilate seems most concerned about? Why would it be something that the Romans would concern themselves?

• What seems to be Jesus’ attitude and demeanor as he answers Pilate’s questions? What do you think his mental condition was at the time?

• What would Pilate’s understanding of king and kingdom be? What would a king expect that others would see as his role, responsibilities? How would Pilate expect those in the kingdom to behave in his presence? Do you think that Jesus’ words reassured him?

• How would you describe God’s kingdom? How does it differ from Pilate’s? Review the contrasts made below in What is the Kingdom of God.

• What does Jesus say he was born for? How would you describe the truth or wisdom that he brought to us?

• What do you think was Pilate’s attitude as he asked Jesus the question, “what is truth?” John begins his gospel with words about Jesus as God’s wisdom:

1:14 The Word (Divine Wisdom) became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generous inside and out, true from start to finish

How would you answer Pilate’s question?

• How does the truth Jesus brought to us contrast with the conventional wisdom of our culture today? Do you think that it is significantly different than during the rule of the Roman Empire?

• Why do you think that this scripture was chosen for Christ the King Sunday?

Closing Prayer

Holy God, your reign is justice and love, grace and truth, wisdom and compassion. Help us to find our place in your kingdom that we might bear witness to it with the whole of our lives. Amen.

Next Week’s Scriptures: Luke 21:25-36, Jeremiah 33:14-16, Psalm 25:1-10, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13

What is the Kingdom of God?

From Wikipedia:

The kingdom of God or kingdom of Heaven is a foundational concept in the Abrahamic religions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Interpretations of the phrase range from the restoration of the Land of Israel to a world-wide kingdom, from a theocratic monarchy to an egalitarian utopia, and from an earthly kingdom to one in the afterlife.

The term "kingdom of God" is found in all four Christian canonical gospels and in the Pauline epistles. The Gospel of Matthew uses the phrase "kingdom of Heaven" more often, perhaps to avoid offending Jews in the early church or perhaps simply a translation of the rabbinical expression "Malkut Shamayim".

From http://www.christcenteredmall.com/teachings/kingdom-of-god-4.htm:

In the simplest terms, the Kingdom of God is the rule of God. Thus, it can be said that wherever the Lord Jesus Christ reigns, there you have the Kingdom of God. This is true whether Jesus rules in an individual life or over a group of people.

God is a Spirit (John 4:24), and therefore His Kingdom exists in the spiritual realm — a realm which is presently invisible to our natural eyes. Someday, God's Kingdom will come in all its fullness, but it is now "at hand" for us to enter into by faith. God writes the laws of His Kingdom on our hearts (Jeremiah 31:33-34) and calls us to walk in obedience to His commandments. Through the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit, we can experience the reign of God in our daily lives.

It is the Spirit of God Who reveals the ways of God to the children of God (see John 14:26). The Bible says in I Corinthians 2:9-10, "But as it is written, 'Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.' But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God." The rule and reign of God within the hearts of men, women, boys and girls is the reality of the Kingdom of God on earth!

Here are seven biblical truths to help us further understand what God's Kingdom is:

The Kingdom of God is both a present reality and a future certainty.

The Kingdom of God is opposite to our human reasoning.

The Kingdom of God is revealed in the ministry of Jesus.

The Kingdom of God is revealed in the power of the Holy Spirit.

The Kingdom of God is righteousness, peace, and joy.

The Kingdom of God is entered only on God's terms.

The Kingdom of God is inaccessible to the wicked.



Becoming A Follower

For January 15, 2012

All Scriptures are from The Message Version

It is helpful to use this blog as a discussion starter for two or more people but it will also stimulate some thoughts if used by one reader. The material is used by a Sunday Study Group at Hamilton Christian Church in St. Louis, Missouri. Commentaries for these scriptures can be found on Textweek.com through this link http://www.textweek.com/mkjnacts/jn1d.htm.

Unlike the other three Gospels John does not include a 40 day time for Jesus in the wilderness but instead moves to the calling of his first disciples. The exact location of John’s ministry of baptism is not know but thought to be somewhere between the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea. John’s Gospel continues with an account of the day after Jesus’ baptism:

John 1:35-36 The next day John was back at his post with two disciples, who were watching. He looked up, saw Jesus walking nearby, and said, "Here he is, God's Passover Lamb." 37-38The two disciples heard him and went after Jesus. Jesus looked over his shoulder and said to them, "What are you after?" They said, "Rabbi" (which means "Teacher"), "where are you staying?" 39He replied, "Come along and see for yourself." They came, saw where he was living, and ended up staying with him for the day. It was late afternoon when this happened.
40-42Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, was one of the two who heard John's witness and followed Jesus. The first thing he did after finding where Jesus lived was find his own brother, Simon, telling him, "We've found the Messiah" (that is, "Christ"). He immediately led him to Jesus. Jesus took one look up and said, "You're John's son, Simon? From now on your name is Cephas" (or Peter, which means "Rock").

• When someone is called a disciple, what does it mean to you? The Free Dictionary includes these two definitions: One who embraces and assists in spreading the teachings of another. An active adherent, as of a movement or philosophy.

• What can we say about the two disciples, what they believed, what and who were they prepared to expect? Do you think that they spent a considerable amount of time with John and gave his ministry a high priority?

• What do you think was their depth of knowledge of scripture, their level of spirituality, and desire to grow closer to God might have been? Is there any doubt that they were prepared and excited about the possibility of becoming disciples of the Messiah?

• We read about Andrew and the first story of evangelism in the New Testament, why did Andrew contact his brother Simon? What can we surmise about Simon and his spirituality?

• What words would you use to describe the state of readiness of the two to follow Jesus?

• You may be a seeker or yourself a disciple; a follower of Christ. How were you prepared, what caused you to move from being prepared to actually making the step of becoming a follower? Some are prepared as children by being part of a faith community but at some point take the step of becoming a follower; others are prepared by the experiences of life which create anticipation and readiness – what is your story?

• As aside notice Jesus’ recognition of Simon for who he was, how do you think that was the case? Possible divine wisdom or might Jesus have had some exposure to John’s disciples prior to his baptism?

John’s Gospel continues with the Lectionary Scripture for this date. The story of the second day continues with more disciples joining Jesus. There are some geographical issues with this account as John was probably operating somewhere south of the Sea of Galilee and the best guess is that Bethsaida is somewhere north of the Sea.

John 1:43-44 The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. When he got there, he ran across Philip and said, "Come, follow me." (Philip's hometown was Bethsaida, the same as Andrew and Peter.) 45-46Philip went and found Nathanael and told him, "We've found the One Moses wrote of in the Law, the One preached by the prophets. It's Jesus, Joseph's son, the one from Nazareth!" Nathanael said, "Nazareth? You've got to be kidding." But Philip said, "Come, see for yourself."
47When Jesus saw him coming he said, "There's a real Israelite, not a false bone in his body." 48Nathanael said, "Where did you get that idea? You don't know me." Jesus answered, "One day, long before Philip called you here, I saw you under the fig tree." 49Nathanael exclaimed, "Rabbi! You are the Son of God, the King of Israel!" 50-51Jesus said, "You've become a believer simply because I say I saw you one day sitting under the fig tree? You haven't seen anything yet! Before this is over you're going to see heaven open and God's angels descending to the Son of Man and ascending again."

• What can we surmise about Philip, might he also have been a disciple of John? Is there any other explanation for his response to Jesus’ invitation? What was Nathanial’s response? Did they know Jesus? What must have happened to change their perception and engendered this degree of respect for the carpenter’s son from Nazareth?

• Put yourself in their place, what would have had to happen to you to accept this Jesus as not just another spiritual person but God’s Messiah – how big of a leap of faith was called for?
There is a good bit of fodder for theologians and various interpretations in this story which you can read about in the commentaries but let us focus of a second point, did these well prepared disciples know who this Jesus really was, what his role was to be, what teachings would be, what they would be required to do as his followers?

• Think about yourself, when you declared your belief in and commitment to Jesus did you know what you life as a follower would entail and the changes and challenges being a follower would bring to you?

• As the disciples traveled with Jesus they learned, were mystified, misunderstood him, some denied and betrayed him, on a journey that led to the investing of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. As you look back now, what has changed in your understanding and what questions have arisen about the nature of Jesus, who he is and what his role in your personal devotional life and spirituality since your formal response to his call (your baptism)? How do you feel about your current understanding of Jesus – should we feel badly if we have unanswered questions or is that the nature of faith?

Confusion about the nature of Jesus Christ is not a new phenomena as we read in Wikipedia:
Following the Apostolic Age, from the 2nd century onwards, a number of controversies developed about how the human and divine are related within the person of Jesus.  As of the 2nd century, a number of different and opposing approaches developed among various groups. For example, Arianism did not endorse divinity, Ebionism argued that Jesus was an ordinary mortal, while Gnosticism held docetic views which argued that Christ was a spiritual being that only appeared to have a physical body. The resulting tensions lead to schisms within the church in the 2nd and 3rd centuries, and ecumenical councils were convened in the 4th and 5th centuries to deal with the issues. Eventually in 451 the Hypostatic union was decreed, namely that Jesus is both fully divine and fully human, making this part of the creed of Orthodox Christianity.

The Huypostatic Union did not end the speculation about the nature of Christ with for instance Isaac Newton, one of the most influential scientific and mathematical minds of human history being a devoted follower of Arianism as he served in the decidedly orthodox Christian Academy at Cambridge University in the late 17th century – we need to allow ourselves the opportunity to explore and question as a element of our own personal spiritual growth.

• As a final exercise take a few minutes to write down your own personal understanding of the nature of Jesus Christ and the role he plays in your personal spiritual life:

Closing Prayer

I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, God may grant that I may be strengthened in my inner being with power through his Spirit, 17and that Christ may dwell in my heart through faith, as I am being rooted and grounded in love. 18I pray that I may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that I may be filled with all the fullness of God. Amen

 Ephesians 3:16-19 NRSV (pronouns changes as appropriate)

Next Week's Lectionary Scriptures:  1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20, Jonah 3:1-5, 10, Psalm 62:5-12

Please comment in the comment's box or by clicking on the word comments in the sentence “Posted by John at XXXX “ at the bottom of the page

Crucifixion and Me

For 4/17/2011
Some churches celebrate this day as Palm Sunday, the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem to begin his final day on earth, and others as Passion Sunday the beginning of Jesus’ trials and suffering through those final days. You can read all of the events of that last week in the Passion Sunday Lectionary scripture Matthew 26:14-27:66. But today we will look at the Passion Sunday Lectionary scripture by Paul in his letter to the church at Philippi which speaks to the meaning of those last days. But to set the stage we need to address the nature of this Jesus who died on the cross. So we first read from Matthew about the time Jesus spent in prayer at Gethsemane as it makes a connection to Paul’s thoughts:

Matthew 26:36-38 Then Jesus went with them to a garden called Gethsemane and told his disciples, "Stay here while I go over there and pray." Taking along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he plunged into an agonizing sorrow. Then he said, "This sorrow is crushing my life out. Stay here and keep vigil with me." 39Going a little ahead, he fell on his face, praying, "My Father, if there is any way, get me out of this. But please, not what I want. You, what do you want?" … 42He then left them a second time. Again he prayed, "My Father, if there is no other way than this, drinking this cup to the dregs, I'm ready. Do it your way." 43-44When he came back, he again found them sound asleep. They simply couldn't keep their eyes open. This time he let them sleep on, and went back a third time to pray, going over the same ground one last time. 45-46When he came back the next time, he said, "Are you going to sleep on and make a night of it? My time is up, the Son of Man is about to be handed over to the hands of sinners. Get up! Let's get going! My betrayer is here."

·What gets your attention as you read about Gethsemane, what reactions do you have to it?

·What can we learn about his feelings as he faced the events that were to come?

Our understanding of who Jesus is complex and can be somewhat mysterious. John 1 describes him in these terms:

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

·Without getting into deep theological ideas what do these two scriptures highlight about our understanding of who Jesus (the Word) is? What are some of the ideas about him as “the Word was God? Are there any other ideas you would add to his description as being God?
·The second scripture tells us that Jesus became flesh and dwelled among us? What would you cite as examples of him acting as a human being?
·Does the Gethsemane story emphasize his human or his godly nature? What do you see as examples of his human nature? Are there any glimpses of his godly nature?
·Two men who were very close to him slept during this time of agony. What does it say about them and possibly their understanding of what was to come? What are you including in your Lenten preparations to stay awake to the magnitude of the events of this coming week?

Let’s take a look as some reflections that Paul had about the example Jesus set during that final week :

Phillipians 2:5-8 Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn't think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn't claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion.

·How does Paul characterize Jesus in what is probably a hymn from the earliest days of the Christian faith? Make a list of the attributes describing him. How does Paul present the dual nature of Christ?
·How does this scripture expand our understanding of the Gethsemane experience? What does Paul think that we should remember as we travel through this week?
·What do you see as the most important points of this scripture? Why did he “set aside the privileges of deity” and instead was selfless and obedient? What can we learn from this about living a vibrant spiritual life?

Skipping ahead Paul gives us his take on the example Jesus set for us:

12-13 …Be energetic in your life of salvation, reverent and sensitive before God. That energy is God's energy, an energy deep within you, God himself willing and working at what will give him the most pleasure.
·Jesus acted in obedience to God as he faced the cruelty and agony of the coming crucifixion. How does he urge us to act in response to Jesus’ example? What word describes the nature of our response? What is the source of the energy in our spiritual lives? What can we be assured of if we tap into God’s energy?
·Is there any new insight for you into how we should understand the events of this coming week? Our demeanor during Lent can be one of darkness and sorrow which is certainly appropriate for the crucifixion to come. What does Paul suggest should accompany that demeanor and how do you think we can include it in our personal preparations.

If you would like to comment click on comments by the envelope at the bottom of this posting.

Closing Prayer
For the life of Christ within us, turning all our fears to freedom, helping us to live for others: Father, Son and Holy Ghost we praise you. Amen

The Oxford Book of Prayer

Next Week’s Lectionary Scriptures:
Matthew 28:1-10, Acts 10: 34-43, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24, Colossians 3:1-4, Philippians 2:5-8, 12-13

Who Are You

For December 12, 2010

In looking at today’s scripture it is important to remember the prominent role that John the Baptist plays in the religious life of Jerusalem at the time of Jesus. John had established a ministry of baptism for purification and repentance in the river Jordan. He also was a prophetic voice for a coming messiah who would bring God’s justice to the world. John was a historical figure mentioned in Josephus’ Jewish Antiquities written late in the first century. The reasons Josephus did not record Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection could lead us to lots of discussion but needs to be the topic for another day.

John built a considerable following including some who may have become Jesus’ first disciples. His influence was such that we can see many passages in the Gospels that make it clear that John was subordinate to Jesus. The extent of influence of John’s disciples can be seen in Acts as Paul re-baptizes believers who had received “John’s baptism” of repentance in places as far away as Corinth and Ephesus some 30 years after the crucifixion. Our scripture for today should be read with these things in mind:

Matthew 11:2-3 John, meanwhile, had been locked up in prison. When he got wind of what Jesus was doing, he sent his own disciples to ask, "Are you the One we've been expecting, or are we still waiting?" 4-6Jesus told them, "Go back and tell John what's going on: The blind see, The lame walk, Lepers are cleansed, The deaf hear, The dead are raised, The wretched of the earth learn that God is on their side."Is this what you were expecting? Then count yourselves most blessed!"

· Why was John in Prison (Herod had arrested John, put him in chains, and sent him to prison to placate Herodias, his brother Philip's wife. John had provoked Herod by naming his relationship with Herodias "adultery." Herod wanted to kill him, but he was afraid because so many people revered John as a prophet of God. Matthew 14) Who came to Jesus with John’s question? What do these things tell us about the impact of John’s ministry?

· What do you think caused John to question whether Jesus was the one he expected and prophesied would come? This question arises after John’s baptism of Jesus and a declaration that he was just that person and Luke’s assertion that Mary and Elizabeth (John’s mother) were related.

Ben Witherington writes the following in WorkingPretcher.org:

In the first place, Jesus did not come simply repeating John's warning of looming judgment on God's people; he came proclaiming the inbreaking Dominion and salvation of God, even for the least, the last, and the lost. In the second place, Jesus did not take up the mantle and lifestyle of an ascetical prophet, like John had done. Jesus ate and drank with sinners and tax collectors, and refused to take on himself the clothing and demeanor of one who was in mourning. In the third place, Jesus did not assume the roles of a Davidic warrior king or ruler. Indeed, he preached non-resistance, turning the other cheek, and self-sacrificial love. Furthermore, Jesus did not march on Jerusalem nor did he thunder condemnation on Caesar or his legions.

Do you think that these realities about Jesus might even have contributed to the confusion of his disciples who seemed at times to exasperate him?

· What does Jesus cite as evidence that he is the “One we have been expecting”? Instead of kingly power what is happening and who does it most benefit?

· Now it is your turn? As you experience this time of Advent preparation how would you describe the Jesus whose birth you will celebrate on December 25th? How is your life different because you have met him?



As we move on in today's scripture, Jesus describes John:

Matthew 11:7-10 When John's disciples left to report, Jesus started talking to the crowd about John. "What did you expect when you went out to see him in the wild? A weekend camper? Hardly. What then? A sheik in silk pajamas? Not in the wilderness, not by a long shot. What then? A prophet? That's right, a prophet! Probably the best prophet you'll ever hear. He is the prophet that Malachi announced when he wrote, 'I'm sending my prophet ahead of you, to make the road smooth for you.'
11-14"Let me tell you what's going on here: No one in history surpasses John the Baptizer; but in the kingdom he prepared you for, the lowliest person is ahead of him. For a long time now people have tried to force themselves into God's kingdom. But if you read the books of the Prophets and God's Law closely, you will see them culminate in John, teaming up with him in preparing the way for the Messiah of the kingdom. Looked at in this way, John is the 'Elijah' you've all been expecting to arrive and introduce the Messiah.

· What does Jesus tell the crowd about John? Who is he and who is he not? Do you remember anything about Elijah, one of the most revered of the Old Testament prophets who “went up into heaven in a whirlwind”? The very last verse of the Old Testament records God’s promise, “See, I will send the prophet Elijah to you before that great and dreadful day of the LORD comes.” What does Jesus want them to understand about John’s stature, importance, and standing in God’s eyes?

· Jesus begins gives us one of the many allusions to the Kingdom of God or Kingdom of Heaven that we find in the gospels. What will it be like? Who will have stature there? How do you feel about this assertion, if it is the case who would be ahead of you in the kingdom? How do you feel about this idea?

· What happened to the promised Elijah, John the Baptist? Was announcing a new kingdom risk free? Are there risks today in being a bearer of the Good News? Certainly not death in this country but what are some impediments to each of us being an Elijah today?

· Is there something in this story of John the Baptist that you are inspired to include in your Advent prayers?

Closing Litany From Psalm 146

Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob,

whose hope is in the LORD their God.

The LORD sets prisoners free,

the LORD gives sight to the blind,

the LORD lifts up those who are bowed down,

the LORD loves the righteous.

The LORD sustains the fatherless and the widow.

The LORD reigns forever,

Praise the LORD.

Next Week’s Lectionary Scriptures: Isaiah 7:10-16, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25