Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Psalm 27:1,5-13, Philippians
3:17-4:1, Luke 13:31-35
When I
first looked at the lectionary readings for today, I thought to myself, “really
God...really?” At first glance, it made no sense to me why this story
would be in the lectionary on its own. I struggled with where the good news can
be found in this story. As I struggled with this it became clear to me
that this passage from Luke is part of a larger narrative which culminates in
this story and sets the stage for the Passion later in the gospel. So,
before we dive into the gospel reading for today, I would like to back up a
little bit to see what was happening in the gospel narrative that builds up to
today, where we find Jesus lamenting over Jerusalem.
In the
verses preceding today's reading Jesus tells a series of parables about the Kingdom of God. To be specific, Jesus compares the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed that grows into a
large bush where many birds live. He also says that the Kingdom of God
is like yeast that a woman makes into leavened bread. And finally Jesus
compares the Kingdom
of God to a narrow door
in which those who are last will be first and those who are first will be last.
Jesus does not explain these parables in detail, he does not walk us through
them step by step. However, I believe his point is made clear. The Kingdom of God that Jesus speaks of is something
that was unheard of before.
These
were parables that pointed to a message, an idea, a deeper understanding of God
that was not taught in the synagogues or in the home. It was
revolutionary idea for that time and place. It is a message that the
disciples were not expecting and it’s still different than we expect.
Now, up
to this point in the gospel of Luke the Pharisees have not really been friendly
to Jesus. Many times they are who Jesus poses questions to. They are seen
within Jewish society as the authority on the law. They were also used by
Jesus as an example of what was wrong with the Jewish faith and how it had
strayed from the original covenant with Moses. They are the ones who were
the most outwardly uncomfortable with his message because it undermined their
authority and if Jesus’ message spread and became accepted they would be rendered
unnecessary.
Because
of this, shall we say tense, relationship it is strange that the Pharisees are
the ones who warn Jesus that Herod wants to kill him. What is their motivation
for warning him, especially when later in the gospel they are the ones who most
want him gone? This dynamic is at odds again because Jesus was just speaking of
a Kingdom of God that is not favorable to them. From
Jesus’ reaction, it shows that the Pharisees had ulterior motives in relaying
this news.
Jesus is
not fooled by their seemingly friendly warning, and instead gives them a
message to take back to Herod.[1]
It is a message that he will continue his ministry. He will continue his
journey toward Jerusalem.
He will not be persuaded to take the easy way out, to save himself and
avoid the fate that awaited him in Jerusalem.
Instead he continues, towards the city that kills its prophets and stones
those who are sent there.
Jesus
does this not only to show the Pharisees that he is not blind to their
political relationship with Herod, but also to show both the Pharisees and
Herod that they are not as in control as they think they are. Showing them
their lack of control is important to Jesus because it is a way of
demonstrating that the Kingdom
of God can be here and
now too. The Kingdom where the those who are first become last, and those who
are last become first is being brought to earth through Jesus’ teaching
and healing. A kingdom where the marginalized are not cast to the
fringes of society but are warmly welcomed into the fold. It is a
Kingdom where earthly kings have no power and judgement will come to those who
have abused their authority and exploited others for their own means and
desires.
This is
where our gospel story calls out to each of us, to be part of bringing that
Kingdom to our present day. Often we think of ourselves as disciples or as the
word is translated from Greek “those who follow.” But following was
never the goal. The goal is always to be formed into apostles, or again as the
word is translated from Greek “those who are sent.”[2]Christians
are not to be followers only, passively waiting for Christ’s second coming.
Christianity is a faith of action.
We are called to go out into the world as well and not remain in the comfort and safety of our homes or this church.
We are called to go out into the world as well and not remain in the comfort and safety of our homes or this church.
As each
of us goes out into the world, it is our Christian responsibility to help those
in the community who are seen as “last.” We are called to minister to
those who do not have a place in our society. Christianity is not just
for the privileged few but for everyone, from the CEO’s of major corporations
to the homeless person begging for change on the street. For some of you
this could mean befriending someone you see is constantly left out. For others
it could be volunteering at the ICM food and clothing bank or collection
donations for them. For others it could be donating your time and resources to
a cause that is near and dear to your heart.
Regardless
of where your faith is made manifest, we are called to action in a world that
desperately needs the message of hope and love that we have to offer. We
cannot afford to be passive players in God’s creation, assuming that someone
else will take care of an issue. We are called to be the change and bring
about the Kingdom in the here and now.
Of course
I am sure that many of you are sitting there thinking, “this is all well and
good Reverend Lauren, but how can I make a difference? Do my actions
really make an impact on others?”
Living
out our faith and spreading the inclusive message of God will not be easy.
There are going to be people along the way who try to get you to take the
easy way, a way that changes the course of your life. What if Jesus had
listened to the Pharisees and not gone to Jerusalem?
What if Jesus took the easy way out, thinking of himself and putting his
own needs and desires at the forefront of his actions?
Temptation is going to come our way, the easy way will lead us away from our commitment to Jesus. Do not be lead astray by the easy way or those who try to tell you that no matter what you do nothing will change.
Temptation is going to come our way, the easy way will lead us away from our commitment to Jesus. Do not be lead astray by the easy way or those who try to tell you that no matter what you do nothing will change.
The
season of Lent reminds us of the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus made for each of
us. We are in the midst of a season that challenges us to reflect upon
our lives as a means to deepen our relationship with God. In chapter 9 of
Luke’s gospel Jesus says, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves
and take up their cross daily and follow me.” While Lent often focuses on
what we give up, it is also a time to take things on as a spiritual practice.
It will not be easy. The crosses were are to bear are not light.
We will be tempted to take the easy way out and be tempted to be passive.
When you head out into the world as apostles of Christ what cross will you take up daily?
How will you follow Christ?
Amen.
When you head out into the world as apostles of Christ what cross will you take up daily?
How will you follow Christ?
Amen.
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