Baptism and the Spirit

For 1/13/2013


Baptism is one of the most significant steps that people take in their faith journey. All of the Gospels include the story of Jesus’ baptism (John’s version however is not crystal clear that Jesus was baptized) so we will look at that event today. But as you read it the real question is what does your baptism mean to you today and also why is it such a very public act?  Today's Lectionary scripture is from Luke 3:

15 The interest of the people by now was building. They were all beginning to wonder, “Could this John be the Messiah?” 16-17 But John intervened: “I’m baptizing you here in the river. The main character in this drama, to whom I’m a mere stagehand, will ignite the kingdom life, a fire, the Holy Spirit within you, changing you from the inside out. He’s going to clean house—make a clean sweep of your lives. He’ll place everything true in its proper place before God; everything false he’ll put out with the trash to be burned.” 18There was a lot more of this—words that gave strength to the people, words that put heart in them.                        The Message Version

• What kind of a baptism does John promise? Does he seem to downplay it? How about himself, who does he say he is? Does it sound like some kind of a low key event? You can read one persons take on John and Jesus at the bottom on this study.

• What kind of baptism is promised by the one who is coming? Is a model for this kind of baptism in the Pentecost story?  Link to Acts 2:1-21

• What does this kind of baptism mean to you and did you experience some of these dynamics either at the time of your baptism or as you reflect upon your faith journey? Did you feel that it was an act of repentance as well as a spiritual moment?

• What does verse 15 tell us about the people and one of the reasons that John was the source of so much interest? Why do you think so many people flocked into the wilderness to experience his baptism? Do you think that significant numbers of people today might have the same type of feelings and pressures? How might we reach out to fill this need?

• The Jews were living under Roman occupation with the promise of God’s covenant with Abraham seemingly out of reach; what might they hope a Messiah would accomplish? What would the characteristics of this type of person have been? How does this paradigm contribute to the confusion about Jesus?

• How does John characterize the consequences of the coming Messiah in verse 16-17? How do you interpret these words? Is it what the people wanted to hear? Is it what you want to hear? Can you see in them the message of Good News in the Gospel Message? Was John’s prophecy correct?

Back to Luke 2:

21-22 After all the people were baptized, Jesus was baptized. As he was praying, the sky opened up and the Holy Spirit, like a dove descending, came down on him. And along with the Spirit, a voice: “You are my Son, chosen and marked by my love, pride of my life.”    The Message Version

• Why do you think that Jesus participated in the act of baptism? When does the Holy Spirit descend upon him?

• What is Jesus doing after his baptism? Is it unusual to find Jesus praying as we read the gospel story? Why did Jesus pray, he was the son of God? What can prayer bring to our lives, even as we pray for others?

• What happened to Jesus as he prayed? Why did he need the Spirit to descend upon him? Fred Craddock has written: The coming of the Holy Spirit does not make Jesus the Son of God; Luke has told us who Jesus is from the time of the annunciation. The Holy Spirit comes to empower Jesus for his ministry. He will soon be led by the Spirit into the desert (4:1), and then he will return "in the power of the spirit into Galilee"

• Does the idea of Jesus needing empowerment fit with your understanding of who he is?

• Do you think that the Holy Spirit descends upon us and is present with us at some point or is it more episodic? What gives you confidence that the Spirit is present with you?

• What words does Jesus hear after baptism? Do you think that they have any relevance for us as we experienced our own baptism? What meaning might they have for those we love and for those with whom we have conflict?

• How does this story fit into this liturgical season of Epiphany? Was confusion about Jesus’ identity and misguided expectations for him part of the gospel story? Is there confusion and disagreement today, even among Christians, about aspects of the nature of Christ?

Closing Prayer

How we long to be affirmed, O God, to be told we are loved and valued. Strengthen our hearts to hear your voice speaking these words to us. Open our hearts to cling to your all embracing love. Amen.

Next week’s scriptures: John 2:1-11, Isaiah 62:1-5, Psalm 36:5-10, I Corinthians 12:1-11

From FINDING HOPE WHEN ALL AROUND US, THINGS ARE CRUMBLING by Rex A. E. Hunt

Who was John the Baptiser? Scholars speculate that John was a young man, probably in his late 20s - very early 30s. He had spent most of his youth, maybe as many as 14 years or so,

living in the desert wilderness. He was also a young man who was passionate about his cause.

Some might say ‘obsessed’. Others have even hinted ‘jealous’ of his cousin, Jesus.

Storytellers and poets on the other hand, give a bit more colourful picture. Matthew describes him, and in a detail never given to Jesus: “John wore a garment made of camel-hair with a leather belt round his waist, and his food was locusts with wild honey.” Although there is every likelihood the early Christian communities made-up the story dialogue between John and Jesus (in the gospels) their efforts were designed to show that Jesus, and not John, was the more important.

From all we know about his preaching style John strongly claimed that the nearness of the kingdom or realm or empire of God was a judgement to inspire fear (or at least change) in the ‘disobedient’ - the so-called insider. While similar, his preaching style was also in contrast to Jesus’ style, that the nearness of the kingdom or realm or empire of God was an invitation to inspire hope in the ‘ordinary’ - the so-called outsider. Two different visions or dreams by which to renew a hurting nation. So we should not be too surprised when the storyteller we call Matthew has John asking the question of Jesus: Who the heck are you - really?

He (John) comes out of the desert wilderness and starts to call people to take a long, hard look at themselves. For their political situation was such they needed a word of hope. Life could be pretty bleak. Often without hope. Not the message we tend to see on our Christmas cards, is it?

But that’s the political context of the first Christmas story. And while both John and Jesus chose to follow different dreams, both were seeking to transform their world, and bring an end to war and violence, injustice and oppression.



Jesus, Herod and the Band of Scholars

For 1/6/2013


Today's Lectionary Gospel lesson is Matthew 2:1-12 which is a very familiar scripture for Christians.  First let's take a look at some of the actors in the story:

Epiphany Observance. . Epiphany is one of the oldest holy days in Christianity along with Christmas and Easter. Originating in the Eastern Orthodox church is observed in the Protestant church from January 6th through Ash Wednesday. January 6th is twelve days from Christmas.  There are lots of resources for further information on Epiphany but one non-denominational is http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epiphany_(holiday)

Epiphany from the Greek epifaneia meaning an appearing, disclosure, manifestation, unveiling brightness. Often used of the glorious manifestation of the gods, and esp. of their coming to help; in the NT the coming of Christ.

Magi (band of scholars) – Many interpretations of just who they were. Some say astrologers, wise men, priests, philosophers or magicians. On any account it was not unusual for foreign regimes to send emissaries to give gifts to new kings or rulers.

Herad the Great – Voted “King of the Jews” by the Roman Senate he ruled Judea for over 30 years. Two things that stand out about him are his ruthless killings of those he considered rivals including his wife and several sons and the major building projects he undertook including the rebuilding of the Jewish temple.

Star – Because Jesus’ birth would have preceded Herod’s death in 4 BCE many have settled on 7 BCE when there was a confluence of Jupiter and Saturn. There were apparently other confluences and the appearance of comets during the years shortly before Herod’s death.

Matthew tells us:

2: 1-2 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem village, Judah territory— this was during Herod’s kingship—a band of scholars arrived in Jerusalem from the East. They asked around, “Where can we find and pay homage to the newborn King of the Jews? We observed a star in the eastern sky that signaled his birth. We’re on pilgrimage to worship him.” 3-4 When word of their inquiry got to Herod, he was terrified—and not Herod alone, but most of Jerusalem as well. Herod lost no time. He gathered all the high priests and religion scholars in the city together and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?” 5-6 They told him, “Bethlehem, Judah territory. The prophet Micah wrote it plainly: It’s you, Bethlehem, in Judah’s land, no longer bringing up the rear. From you will come the leader who will shepherd-rule my people, my Israel.”  The Message Version

• What was Herod’s reaction to the appearance of the wise men? Who did they tell him they were looking for? The scripture uses the word terrified for Herod and the people’s reaction. What other feelings might Herod have had? Why were the people frightened?

• If the scholars were coming to honor the birth of a king how must they have felt when people had no idea what they were talking about and they found a reaction of fright to what they must have felt was good news? Wouldn’t the people have been excited to hear about the birth of the Messiah?

• The chief priests and scribes gave Herod the information about the birthplace of the Messiah but seem to have no further involvement in the events. Is this surprising? What might you have done if you were alive in those times? What would it have taken to cause a person to take the risks associated with joining the wise men in their search?

• What would your reaction be if you knew Jesus was coming to your house tomorrow? What range of emotions might you have?

7-8 Herod then arranged a secret meeting with the scholars from the East. Pretending to be as devout as they were, he got them to tell him exactly when the birth-announcement star appeared. Then he told them the prophecy about Bethlehem, and said, “Go find this child. Leave no stone unturned. As soon as you find him, send word and I’ll join you at once in your worship.” 9-10 Instructed by the king, they set off. Then the star appeared again, the same star they had seen in the eastern skies. It led them on until it hovered over the place of the child. They could hardly contain themselves: They were in the right place! They had arrived at the right time! 11 They entered the house and saw the child in the arms of Mary, his mother. Overcome, they kneeled and worshiped him. Then they opened their luggage and presented gifts: gold, frankincense, myrrh. 12 In a dream, they were warned not to report back to Herod. So they worked out another route, left the territory without being seen, and returned to their own country.  The Message Version

What reasons might Herod have had for secretly calling for the wise men? Do you think that they bought his story?

How do you visualize the description of the star going and stopping over Jesus’ birthplace happening? What did the wise men find at their destination? Did it fit the perceptions they might have had as they began their journey?

In spite of the very humble circumstances of Jesus birth the wise men worshipped him. What must have happened to cause them to choose to do this?

What does Matthew want us to understand about Jesus from this story? Who recognizes and worship Jesus and who does not? What does the appearance of the magi tell us about Jesus; what does Matthew want us to understand?

What was/is your epiphany?  What contributes to your recognition and worship of Christ despite the lack of historical verification and potential of improbability in so much of the gospel story? What has made Jesus real for you, your epiphany?

Closing Litany

May the Lord bless us and keep us; may the Lord make his face to shine upon us, and be gracious to us; may the Lord lift up his countenance upon us, and give us peace. Amen

Next Week’s Lectionary Scriptures: Isaiah 43:1-7, Psalm 29, Acts 8:14-17, Luke 3:15-17, 21-22

Shape Up - A New Day Is Coming

For 12/16/2012


The story of John the Baptist is included in all four gospels and his disciples appear on several occasions in Luke’s story of the early church (Acts). But what does he have to say to us today as we prepare for the celebration of the baby’s birth? He spoke out with words of accusation and instruction, just what do they have to do with us today?

Luke 3:7-9 When crowds of people came out for baptism because it was the popular thing to do, John exploded: “Brood of snakes! What do you think you’re doing slithering down here to the river? Do you think a little water on your snakeskins is going to deflect God’s judgment? It’s your life that must change, not your skin. And don’t think you can pull rank by claiming Abraham as ‘father.’ Being a child of Abraham is neither here nor there—children of Abraham are a dime a dozen. God can make children from stones if he wants. What counts is your life. Is it green and blossoming? Because if it’s deadwood, it goes on the fire.”

• How do you visualize him as he speaks to the crowd? What is his demeanor, appearance, and what are the characteristics of his speaking voice? What would your reaction be if you had trudged all the way out into the desert to hear them?

• One of foundations of the faith John’s listeners was being a descendant of Abraham and heirs of God’s covenant with him. What does John say about that and what would their reaction have been? What does he say really counts? Can we fall victim to the same kind of assumptions? What really counts for us, do we hold onto things that effect our ability to be truly repentant (change direction)?

• We are told that large crowds came out to hear John, what might have motivated them to trek out into the desert to hear this man? What message or speaker might motivate you to go out of your way to listen to in person? Has anyone you have heard speak influenced your faith life for better or worse?

• John is prominent in the Gospels with two beginning with his story. What do we know about John, who were his parents and was his relationship to Jesus? Here are some links to Luke 1.  His parents  Connection to Jesus  His Birth  Unlike Jesus who has one or two possible references, John the Baptist appears in recorded history.  The following passage in the first-century Jewish historian, Flavius Josephus, is especially valuable as all our other descriptions of John come from Christian sources.

[116] Now some of the Jews thought that the destruction of Herod's army came from God, and that very justly, as a punishment of what he did against John, that was called the Baptist: for Herod slew him, who was a good man, and commanded the Jews to exercise virtue, both as to righteousness towards one another, and piety towards God, and so to come to baptism; for that the washing [with water] would be acceptable to him, if they made use of it, not in order to the putting away [or the remission] of some sins [only], but for the purification of the body; supposing still that the soul was thoroughly purified beforehand by righteousness. Now when [many] others came in crowds about him, for they were very greatly moved [or pleased] by hearing his words, Herod, who feared lest the great influence John had over the people might put it into his power and inclination to raise a rebellion, (for they seemed ready to do any thing he should advise,) thought it best, by putting him to death, to prevent any mischief he might cause, and not bring himself into difficulties, by sparing a man who might make him repent of it when it would be too late. Accordingly he was sent a prisoner, out of Herod's suspicious temper, to Macherus, the castle I before mentioned, and was there put to death. Now the Jews had an opinion that the destruction of this army was sent as a punishment upon Herod, and a mark of God's displeasure to him. Antiquities of the Jewish People, 18.116-19: Perseus Digital Library

John’s message had an impact on the crowd and they began to ask questions:

Matthew 3:10 The crowd asked him, “Then what are we supposed to do?” 11 “If you have two coats, give one away,” he said. “Do the same with your food.” 12 Tax men also came to be baptized and said, “Teacher, what should we do?” 13 He told them, “No more extortion—collect only what is required by law.” 14 Soldiers asked him, “And what should we do?” He told them, “No shakedowns, no blackmail—and be content with your rations.”

• What is the crowd’s reaction to John’s admonition? How profound is John’s direction to them? Is this some esoteric or mystical life he telling them they must embrace? How do we find out what we need to change? Is it really something we always want to hear?

• Have you ever changed direction for the better in some aspect of your life? What kind of things motivates us to make these changes? What are some feelings we have after making them?

• How do you feel about hearing this scripture in Advent when we focus on joy and celebration?

John now both speaks to his role and of the coming of someone and something even greater:

15 The interest of the people by now was building. They were all beginning to wonder, “Could this John be the Messiah?” 16-17 But John intervened: “I’m baptizing you here in the river. The main character in this drama, to whom I’m a mere stagehand, will ignite the kingdom life, a fire, the Holy Spirit within you, changing you from the inside out. He’s going to clean house—make a clean sweep of your lives. He’ll place everything true in its proper place before God; everything false he’ll put out with the trash to be burned.” 18 There was a lot more of this—words that gave strength to the people, words that put heart in them. The Message!

• What kind of baptism does John offer? What is it intended to do? How does he describe the impact of the messiah’s baptism – what will happen, what will change?

• What your memories of you baptism? Did you feel that it was an act of repentance as well as a spiritual moment? Has it taken on more or less meaning over time?

• What does John make clear is his status as opposed to the coming Messiah? If you read the Gospels you will see repeated instances of this clarification which speaks to the stature of John whose influence could be felt up to the time of their being written. See this example of his influence in Acts:

Acts 19 1-2 Now, it happened that while Apollos was away in Corinth (about 20 years after the resurrection), Paul made his way down through the mountains, came to Ephesus, and happened on some disciples there. The first thing he said was, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed? Did you take God into your mind only, or did you also embrace him with your heart? Did he get inside you?” “We’ve never even heard of that—a Holy Spirit? God within us?” 3 “How were you baptized, then?” asked Paul. “In John’s baptism.”

• What do you take away from this, does this discussion fit into your idea of Advent preparation?

Closing Prayer

Enter my heart, O Holy Spirit, and set me free. Throw open the locked doors of my mind, cleanse the chambers of my thought for your dwelling; light there fires of a new understanding of truth. Amen. From a prayer by Eric Milner-White

Next Week’s Scriptures: Luke 2:39-45 (45-55), Micah 5:2-5, Luke 1:47-55 or Psalm 80:1-7, Hebrews 10:5-10

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

Pay Attention - Big Things Are Going To Happen!

For 12/2/2012

This is the first Sunday in the Advent season which is a time of announcement of the coming, the birth of the Savior, but the Gospel Scripture for this Sunday contains a different kind of announcement – the Second Coming. Each of the three synoptic gospels contains warnings about the end times. Some contain references to the destruction of the temple which was probably an accomplished fact when the gospels were written but here Luke’s words are more general. But first to set the scene:

• Recall a time of crisis when the world around you seemed to be coming apart. Were there some things that seemed out of your control? What could you control and what resources helped you find your way through?

Now Luke’s recording of Jesus’ announcement with his words of caution and advice about his return:

Luke 21:25-26 “It will seem like all hell has broken loose—sun, moon, stars, earth, sea, in an uproar and everyone all over the world in a panic, the wind knocked out of them by the threat of doom, the powers-that-be quaking.
27-28 “And then—then!—they’ll see the Son of Man welcomed in grand style—a glorious welcome! When all this starts to happen, up on your feet. Stand tall with your heads high. Help is on the way!”
29-33 He told them a story. “Look at a fig tree. Any tree for that matter. When the leaves begin to show, one look tells you that summer is right around the corner. The same here—when you see these things happen, you know God’s kingdom is about here. Don’t brush this off: I’m not just saying this for some future generation, but for this one, too—these things will happen. Sky and earth will wear out; my words won’t wear out.
34-36 “But be on your guard. Don’t let the sharp edge of your expectation get dulled by parties and drinking and shopping. Otherwise, that Day is going to take you by complete surprise, spring on you suddenly like a trap, for it’s going to come on everyone, everywhere, at once. So, whatever you do, don’t go to sleep at the switch. Pray constantly that you will have the strength and wits to make it through everything that’s coming and end up on your feet before the Son of Man.”
From The Message Version

• What are the signs of the time of the coming of the Son of Man ? How are people reacting to these signs? Can you see any of these kind of events in our world today? Do you think that fear and foreboding by people because of disastrous events is unique to our times?

*Is Jesus’ returning an important part of your theology?  See the article below by David Lose which looks at both the idea of a second coming and living our real lives today.

• How is Jesus portrayed as returning? How would you imagine it happening if it occurred tomorrow, where might it happen and how would it received? Revelations prophesies in this fashion:
21:1 I saw Heaven and earth new-created. Gone the first Heaven, gone the first earth, gone the sea.
2 I saw Holy Jerusalem, new-created, descending resplendent out of Heaven, as ready for God as a bride for her husband.
3-5 I heard a voice thunder from the Throne: “Look! Look! God has moved into the neighborhood, making his home with men and women! They’re his people, he’s their God. He’ll wipe every tear from their eyes. Death is gone for good—tears gone, crying gone, pain gone—all the first order of things gone.” The Enthroned continued, “Look! I’m making everything new. Write it all down—each word dependable and accurate.”
From the Message Version

What are some of the major themes of the Revelations scripture? Are any of them meaningful to you?

• Jesus uses the analogy of springtime to speak of signs of his return – of the spiritual renewal of the world. Have you had times of spiritual renewal? What prepared you for the experience? What triggered it? If not are there signs that you should seek renewal?

• Can times of trial be a part of our journey to redemption? Have you discovered things about your faith because of hard times? Did signs of God’s presence come through as you experienced the difficulties?

• Jesus tells us not to get distracted, to pay attention, to be alert, that we can miss the signs if we forget we are on a faith journey. What is your experience in maintaining a faith focus in hard times? What helps and what hinders a faithful journey when things are really bad for us?

• Jesus seems to say that these events will happen in the lifetime of those he is speaking to? What do you make of this prediction some 2000 years later, what do his words mean to you as a person of faith today?

• Much of scripture and certainly this one are about the faithfulness of God to the promises God made to humankind. For those of us who live in the real world the events in our lives, the lives of those around us and the ongoing injustice, famine, war and natural disasters can test this certainty. So we must rely on faith and the writer of Hebrews gives us a very brief but wonderful definition of faith:

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

From The New English Version

This is indeed the human condition, connected to the mysterious infinity by faith alone.

Closing Litany (from Psalm 25)

Make me to know your ways, O Lord;

teach me your paths.

Lead me in your truth, and teach me,

for you are the God of my salvation;

for you I wait all day long.

Make me to know your ways, O Lord;

teach me your paths.

Lead me in your truth, and teach me,

for you are the God of my salvation;

for you I wait all day long.

Amen

Next Week’s Scriptures: Luke 3:1-6, Philippians 1:3-11, Luke 1:68-79, Baruch 5:1-9 or Malachi 3:1-4

From WorkingPreacher.org

Apocalyptic texts come across to most of our hearers as alien, strange, even off-putting. Truth be told, whatever worries we may occasionally harbor about, nuclear or environment holocaust, most of us express little day-to-day concern about the end of the world and even less about Jesus' second coming. In this respect, we may feel that we live at a great distance from Luke's audience.

At the same time, we are as intimately acquainted as they were with the challenges presented by waiting for an event that seems late in coming. We may be waiting for an event on a national or global scale like economic recovery, an end to war in Iraq and Afghanistan, or concerted international action to reduce pollution. Or we may be waiting an event on a personal level like the results from a biopsy, a letter from an estranged child, or the safe return of a loved one from a tour of duty. Whatever the case, we know the challenge of waiting, the stress of waiting, the anxiety of waiting.

In this context, Luke offers us a perspective that, while it will not remove our waiting, it may affect its character. We live, according to Luke, between the two great poles of God's intervention in the world: the coming of Christ in the flesh and his triumph over death. In this regard we should not forget that these verses serve as the hinge between Jesus' teaching and his passion – and the coming of Christ in glory at the end of time and his triumph over all the powers of earth and heaven. This "in-between time," though fraught with tension, is nevertheless also characterized by hope as both the beginning and the ending of the story of the Church – and therefore of our story –which has been secured by Christ. We are therefore free to struggle, to wait, to work, to witness – indeed to live and die – with hope because we know the end of the story.

From Moses to Martin Luther King, Jr., history is full of examples of those who, because they had been to the mountaintop, had peered into the promised land, and had heard and believed the promise of a better future, found the challenges of the present not only endurable, but hopeful. We, too, amid the very real setbacks, disappointments, or worries of this life, can "stand up and raise [our] heads" because we have heard Jesus' promise that our "redemption draws near."

David Lose
Marbury E. Anderson Biblical Preaching Chair
Luther Seminary
St. Paul, MN



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.



Christ as the Ultimate Sacrifice

For 11/18/2012

The writer of Hebrews develops the image of Christ as the great high Priest who fulfills and completes the Jewish system of sacrifice for much of the epistle preceding this scripture. This raises the whole topic of sacrifices which we will discuss below:


Hebrews 10:11-14 Every priest goes to work at the altar each day, offers the same old sacrifices year in, year out, and never makes a dent in the sin problem. As a priest, Christ made a single sacrifice for sins, and that was it! Then he sat down right beside God and waited for his enemies to cave in. It was a perfect sacrifice by a perfect person to perfect some very imperfect people. By that single offering, he did everything that needed to be done for everyone who takes part in the purifying process.                                                        All Scriptures are from The Message Version

• What does the writer of Hebrews tell us about the Jewish practice of sacrifice (which was only carried out at the temple in Jerusalem)? How is Jesus’ sacrifice different? How is Jesus different from the Priests? What is your understanding of Jewish sacrificial practices, see below for some ideas:

Contrary to popular belief, the purpose of qorbanot (sacrifice) is not simply to obtain forgiveness from sin. Although many qorbanot have the effect of expiating sins, there are many other purposes for bringing qorbanot, and the expiatory effect is often incidental, and is subject to significant limitations. The purposes of qorbanot are much the same as the purposes of prayer: we bring qorbanot to praise G-d, to become closer to Him, to express thanks to G-d, love or gratitude. We bring qorbanot to celebrate holidays and festivals. Others are used to cleanse a person of ritual impurity (which does not necessarily have anything to do with sin). And yes, many qorbanot, like many prayers, are brought for purposes of atonement.

The atoning aspect of qorbanot is carefully circumscribed. For the most part, qorbanot only expiate unintentional sins, that is, sins committed because a person forgot that this thing was a sin. No atonement is needed for violations committed under duress or through lack of knowledge, and for the most part, qorbanot cannot atone for a malicious, deliberate sin. In addition, qorbanot have no expiating effect unless the person making the offering sincerely repents his or her actions before making the offering, and makes restitution to any person who was harmed by the violation.                                                                                     
                                            From: http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Judaism/qorbanot.html

According to the Talmud, repentance was among the first things God created; even before God created the physical universe. When the Temple in Jerusalem was active, a Jew was required to bring various sacrifices for certain types of sins. Although sacrifices were required, the most essential part was teshuva, the person bringing the sacrifice would confess his sins. Presently, with the Temple destroyed, atonement may nevertheless be granted by doing teshuva.                                                              From Wikipedia

• Who do you think that the writer is thinking of when he refers to the enemies Jesus is waiting for to “cave in”? Do you think that Jesus is waiting on anything from each of us? What does it take for someone/something to be Jesus’ enemy? Could this be linked to the second coming?

• What is your reaction to the idea that a human sacrifice was needed for us to be acceptable to God? Is this requirement part of your image of who God is?

The writer of Hebrews continues with words taken from the prophet Jeremiah (31:33-34)

14-18 The Holy Spirit confirms this: This new plan I’m making with Israel isn’t going to be written on paper, isn’t going to be chiseled in stone; This time “I’m writing out the plan in them, carving it on the lining of their hearts.” He concludes, I’ll forever wipe the slate clean of their sins. Once sins are taken care of for good, there’s no longer any need to offer sacrifices for them.

• The writer is connecting this paraphrase of Jeremiah to the fact that Jesus’ sacrifice made us acceptable to God. What does Jesus’ sacrifice make possible for us? How would we be different if God’s law (will) were part of our hearts and minds? Do you relate to this promise in any way?

• Why is no further sacrifice required? However we all fall short, what is required of us to continue in this right relationship with God? What do you do when you fall short, are there a variety of steps depending on the nature of forgiveness required?

The imagery in this next scripture refers to the curtain which separated the Holy of Holies (God’s residence) in the temple which was a place only the high priests could enter.

Hebrews 10:19-21 So, friends, we can now—without hesitation—walk right up to God, into “the Holy Place.” Jesus has cleared the way by the blood of his sacrifice, acting as our priest before God. The “curtain” into God’s presence is his body. 22-25 So let’s do it—full of belief, confident that we’re presentable inside and out. Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.

• What should be our mindset as we seek the presence of God? What are the benefits of having confidence in our relationship with God? Is this an element of your faith? Can we be overconfident? How does confidence play a role in this transition time?

• How are we different because of having our “great priest” according to verse 22? How important is this idea in order for our faith to have meaning? Do you have any sense of your body being a holy place? How can this awareness help us as we live our daily lives?

• What is God faithful about and what evidence do you have that this is true? Have there been times when this has been seemingly in question?

• How should we approach encouraging love and helping out? What have you see work in this faith community? How important has it been and will it be in this transition period?

Closing Litany (From Psalm 16)

Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge.

I say to the Lord, ‘You are my Lord;

I have no good apart from you.’

The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup;

you hold my lot.

The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;

I have a goodly heritage.

I bless the Lord who gives me counsel;

in the night also my heart instructs me.

I keep the Lord always before me;

because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.

You show me the path of life.

In your presence there is fullness of joy;

in your right hand are pleasures for evermore.

Amen

Next Week’s Scriptures: 1 Samuel 1:4-20 or Daniel 12:1-3, 1 Samuel 2:1-10 or Psalm 16, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18), 19-25, Mark 13:1-8