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.



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

Be Prepared!

For 12/4/2011
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 through this link http://www.textweek.com/yearb/adventb2.htm.


This second Sunday in Advent the Lectionary scriptures continue the theme of preparation, preparing for good news, preparing for salvation. We will look at three stories about preparation, two from the New and one from the Old Testament.  The first is from Isaiah:

Isaiah has three sections and possibly three authors, today’s scripture is a sudden transition from the prophecy by ‘first’ Isaiah to King Hezekiah that the Israelites would be exiled into Babylon. Written at some time during the exile it is intended to bring good news to the exiles, probably intended to encourage them to return to Jerusalem after decades of living as aliens in a strange land.

Isaiah 40:1-5 "Comfort, oh comfort my people," says your God. "Speak softly and tenderly to Jerusalem, but also make it very clear that she has served her sentence, that her sin is taken care of—forgiven! She's been punished enough and more than enough, and now it's over and done with." Thunder in the desert! "Prepare for God's arrival! Make the road straight and smooth, a highway fit for our God. Fill in the valleys, level off the hills, Smooth out the ruts, clear out the rocks. Then God's bright glory will shine and everyone will see it. Yes. Just as God has said."

• What words strike you in this scripture? What image of God is painted in these verses? What has prepared the people for the return of God’s favor?
• Isaiah uses the imagery of building a road fitting for the coming of God to the chosen people. Does it seem that the preparation be easy? What kind of road do you envision the scripture describes? Is it clear who will do the road building?
• Why is the preparation important? What will be the end result?
• Can the preparation Isaiah calls for in the road construction serve as a metaphor for the preparation that people need to make in order for God to “shine … bright” in their lives? What are some ways in which our church community is helping us prepare the way? Are there other ways you plan to become spiritually prepared for Christmas? How might our preparation make “God’s bright glory…shine”?

Another preparation scripture comes from Mark 1:

4-6John the Baptizer appeared in the wild, preaching a baptism of life-change that leads to forgiveness of sins. People thronged to him from Judea and Jerusalem and, as they confessed their sins, were baptized by him in the Jordan River into a changed life. John wore a camel-hair habit, tied at the waist with a leather belt. He ate locusts and wild field honey.
7-8As he preached he said, "The real action comes next: The star in this drama, to whom I'm a mere stagehand, will change your life. I'm baptizing you here in the river, turning your old life in for a kingdom life. His baptism—a holy baptism by the Holy Spirit—will change you from the inside out."

• John prepares the way for Jesus in this opening scripture from Mark’s Gospel, how does he prepare the people? What seems to be the response? Do you think that there might be some parallels in contemporary society?
• How is John described? Does he point to “Then God's bright glory will shine and everyone will see it” as Isaiah proclaimed? Does this story of preparation share any of the majesty of Isaiah’s picture? Did Jesus live among humankind in glory?
• What kind of baptism does John tell the people he is giving them? Read the summary from Wikipedia below describing the meaning of a Jewish ceremony akin to baptism. What does its purpose seem to be and how does it fit the principle of “turning your old life in for kingdom life”

Jewish Tvilah

Although the term "baptism" is not used to describe the Jewish rituals, the purification rites in Jewish laws and tradition, called "Tvilah", have some similarity to baptism, and the two have been linked. The "Tvilah" is the act of immersion in natural sourced water, called a "Mikvah" In the Jewish Bible and other Jewish texts, immersion in water for ritual purification was established for restoration to a condition of "ritual purity" in specific circumstances. For example, Jews who (according to the Law of Moses) became ritually defiled by contact with a corpse had to use the mikvah before being allowed to participate in the Holy Temple. Immersion is required for converts to Judaism as part of their conversion. Immersion in the mikvah represents a change in status in regards to purification, restoration, and qualification for full religious participation in the life of the community, ensuring that the cleansed person will not impose uncleanness on property or its owners.

• How does John describe the baptism Jesus will initiate? What does this mean to you? What do you believe the result of your baptism was?

2 Peter 3 points out another fact about our preparation – God has already come among us – we need to prepare for the second coming:

Don't overlook the obvious here, friends. With God, one day is as good as a thousand years, a thousand years as a day. God isn't late with his promise as some measure lateness. He is restraining himself on account of you, holding back the End because he doesn't want anyone lost. He's giving everyone space and time to change… Since everything here today might well be gone tomorrow, do you see how essential it is to live a holy life? Daily expect the Day of God, eager for its arrival… So, my dear friends, since this is what you have to look forward to, do your very best to be found living at your best, in purity and peace. Interpret our Master's patient restraint for what it is: salvation.

• What does the writer of 2 Peter want us to know, what are we preparing for and what do we need to know about it? Why is there a seeming delay in the second coming/establishment of God’s Kingdom on earth? What picture of God do you see in these words?
• How should we prepare, what should we remember, what should lose importance? Is the idea of a second coming important in your spiritual life? If so how does it impact your life?
• Have you ever thought about this theology as you experienced Advent? For us Jesus has already appeared, what comes next? Jesus’ return?

Closing Litany (from Psalm 85)

God, you smiled on your good earth!

You lifted the cloud of guilt from your people,

you put their sins far out of sight.

God's about to pronounce his people well,

The holy people he loves so much,

so they'll never again live like fools.

See how close his salvation is to those who fear him?

Amen

Next Week’s Lectionary Scriptures: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, John 1:6-8, 19-28, Psalm 126 or Luke 1:47-55, Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11

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

What did you see?

For January 16, 2010

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. 

Today is the second Sunday of Epiphany. One definition (Wikipedia) of an epiphany is that “it is the sudden realization or comprehension of the (larger) essence or meaning of something. Such as new information or an experience, often insignificant by itself, that illuminates a deeper truth.” The gospels and indeed much is scripture is the story of the many ways in which God has been revealed to mankind throughout history.  The gospels first epiphany stories are associated with the events surrounding the birth of Christ. Another records the events of Jesus’ baptism and John the Baptists relating of his own personal epiphany on that day. We will look at his story today:

The Witness John 1:29-31 The very next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and yelled out, "Here he is, God's Passover Lamb! He forgives the sins of the world! This is the man I've been talking about, 'the One who comes after me but is really ahead of me.' I knew nothing about who he was—only this: that my task has been to get Israel ready to recognize him as the God-Revealer. That is why I came here baptizing with water, giving you a good bath and scrubbing sins from your life so you can get a fresh start with God."
32-34 John clinched his witness with this: "I watched the Spirit, like a dove flying down out of the sky, making himself at home in him. I repeat, I know nothing about him except this: The One who authorized me to baptize with water told me, 'The One on whom you see the Spirit come down and stay, this One will baptize with the Holy Spirit.' That's exactly what I saw happen, and I'm telling you, there's no question about it: This is the Son of God."

· What does John say about himself, why is he baptizing? What does John’s gospel leave out of our traditional picture of John? Look at Matthew’s Gospel for some ideas:

Matthew 3:1-2 While Jesus was living in the Galilean hills, John, called "the Baptizer," was preaching in the desert country of Judea. His message was simple and austere, like his desert surroundings: "Change your life. God's kingdom is here."
3 John and his message were authorized by Isaiah's prophecy: Thunder in the desert! Prepare for God's arrival! Make the road smooth and straight!
4-6 John dressed in a camel-hair habit tied at the waist by a leather strap. He lived on a diet of locusts and wild field honey. People poured out of Jerusalem, Judea, and the Jordanian countryside to hear and see him in action. There at the Jordan River those who came to confess their sins were baptized into a changed life.

· Matthew gives us a vivid picture of John the Baptist, what do you think that the writer of this gospel wants us to understand about him? On the other hand, what do you think that the writer of John’s Gospel wanted us wanted to remember about him?

· Based on Matthew’s description of John why these visitors come to see him? What other paths might he have taken to utilize or take advantage of the reputation he had developed? In contrast what does John’s Gospel tell us he said about his purpose?

· What does the Baptizer say about Jesus in John’s gospel? What words or phrases does he use in describing him and what he is to do? Why did he baptize him? What validated the nature of Jesus to him? What does baptize ‘with the Holy Spirit’ mean to you?

· What imagery does John’s Gospel use in 1:32-34 to describe the Spirit? What understanding does John want us to have of the Spirit? How would you describe the nature of the Spirit, what imagery would you use to explain it to someone?

· What do John’s words in 1:32-34 tell us about his response to being in the presence of Jesus? Who is he saying this to and what might the potential reactions have been? Would there have been those who might have reacted negatively or even saw him as a threat because of his declaration?

· What was your own personal epiphany? Not when did you begin attending worship or religious services but what caused you to begin your own personal faith journey? Did or have you told others about it? Why or why not?

· How would you describe your faith journey, has it included multiple epiphanies? Another way of considering the question – what has sustained you as you have lived out your faith?

Followers and Leaders 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."
37-38 The 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?"
39 He 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.
40-42 Andrew, 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").

1. What is the chain of events that begins with John’s revelation to his followers? What does it say about the effects of our willingness to tell others about our epiphany experiences? Has the relating of events in your faith journey ever affected someone else?

2. What terms are used to describe Jesus, what names is he given? What names would you use to describe the nature of Jesus to someone? Each name represents the picture of Jesus that each has come to believe. That understanding is a combination of the life’s experience of each one and their interpretation of their epiphany experience? What benefit comes from a willingness to share our personal revelations with others?

3. How does Jesus respond to John’s disciples in verse 39? What does he say to them? What are you looking for and what have you seen in your faith life? How would you like others to benefit from what you have experienced.

4. Sometime later John begins to have doubts about Jesus – a story for another day. Does epiphany mean that all of our doubts and questions go away? What has helped you maintain a faith journey in spite of the inevitable experience of uncertainty and the seemingly unanswerable?

5. The scripture describes good followers, responding to a leader. What are some characteristics of a good follower? What do these characteristics tell us about a robust faith life?

6. What are the attributes of a person you will follow? Who has been a leader/mentor in some aspect of your life and what caused you to value them? What is it about Jesus that causes you to be a Christian? Why do you value his presence in your life?

Closing Prayer

Loving God, we thank you for the Spirit that has descended upon us from heaven. Empower us to invite others to come and see through our words and works. For we seek to be faithful followers of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Next Week’s Scriptures: Matthew 4:12-23, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Psalm 27:1, 4-9, Isaiah 9:1-4

Please comment by clicking on the word comments in the sentence Posted by John at XXXX at the bottom of the page

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