Luke 20:27 – 40 Resurrection
Some Sadducees, those who deny that there is a resurrection, came forward and put this question to him, saying, "Teacher, Moses wrote for us, 'If someone's brother dies leaving a wife but no child, his brother must take the wife and raise up descendants for his brother.' Now there were seven brothers; the first married a woman but died childless. Then the second and the third married her, and likewise all the seven died childless. Finally the woman also died. Now at the resurrection whose wife will that woman be? For all seven had been married to her." Jesus said to them, "The children of this age marry and remarry; but those who are deemed worthy to attain to the coming age and to the resurrection of the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage. They can no longer die, for they are like angels; and they are the children of God because they are the ones who will rise. That the dead will rise even Moses made known in the passage about the bush, when he called 'Lord' the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob; and he is not God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive." Some of the scribes said in reply, "Teacher, you have answered well." And they no longer dared to ask him anything.
The plot to try to discredit Jesus proceeds, this time with the Sadducees as the instigators. They construct this highly unlikely scenario of brothers and widows - times seven. Jesus answers patiently that in the age to come our past relationships and situations no longer apply. After resurrection we are not this one’s wife or that one’s husband. I imagine we also leave all our infirmities behind – age, illness, disability. No one knows for certain what it and we will be like. Resurrection itself is a matter of faith, but I like to think we will be bright souls, purified and buoyant individuals, forgiven for our past transgressions and judged for our good works and good qualities. Wouldn’t that be nice? What do you think?
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Monday, April 18, 2011
Luke 20:20 – 26 Give to Caesar
Luke 20:20 – 26 Give to Caesar
They watched him closely and sent agents pretending to be righteous who were to trap him in speech, in order to hand him over to the authority and power of the governor. They posed this question to him, "Teacher, we know that what you say and teach is correct, and you show no partiality, but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it lawful for us to pay tribute to Caesar or not?" Recognizing their craftiness he said to them, "Show me a denarius; whose image and name does it bear?" They replied, "Caesar's." So he said to them, "Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God." They were unable to trap him by something he might say before the people, and so amazed were they at his reply that they fell silent.
Looking for any excuse to cause Jesus’ downfall, the Scribes and Pharisees send spies to try to trip Jesus up. They ask him whether they ought to pay taxes or not. If the Scribes and Chief Priests can get Jesus to deny the Roman’s authority perhaps the Romans will arrest Jesus. Jesus of course sees through their ploy and answers with the following statement: “Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” This outfoxes his adversaries for the moment, but I want to look more closely at this statement. What does it really mean? What is Caesar’s? What is God’s?
Caesar is the civil authority. In return for taxes paid the population receives protection and services. At least that is what a government is supposed to do, although we can all attest to the fact that that government’s oppress, misuse resources and are subject to corruption and mistakes. They are the imperfect practical reality of our lives. But what is God’s? We know from our reading of scripture that God wants us to love him and love others as we love ourselves. He wants to be at the center of our lives. Our dealings with our government and the economy are not to be the primary relationships in our lives and receive our primary focus. Our love for God and those around us, our families, our neighbors, are where our true mission lies.
They watched him closely and sent agents pretending to be righteous who were to trap him in speech, in order to hand him over to the authority and power of the governor. They posed this question to him, "Teacher, we know that what you say and teach is correct, and you show no partiality, but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it lawful for us to pay tribute to Caesar or not?" Recognizing their craftiness he said to them, "Show me a denarius; whose image and name does it bear?" They replied, "Caesar's." So he said to them, "Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God." They were unable to trap him by something he might say before the people, and so amazed were they at his reply that they fell silent.
Looking for any excuse to cause Jesus’ downfall, the Scribes and Pharisees send spies to try to trip Jesus up. They ask him whether they ought to pay taxes or not. If the Scribes and Chief Priests can get Jesus to deny the Roman’s authority perhaps the Romans will arrest Jesus. Jesus of course sees through their ploy and answers with the following statement: “Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” This outfoxes his adversaries for the moment, but I want to look more closely at this statement. What does it really mean? What is Caesar’s? What is God’s?
Caesar is the civil authority. In return for taxes paid the population receives protection and services. At least that is what a government is supposed to do, although we can all attest to the fact that that government’s oppress, misuse resources and are subject to corruption and mistakes. They are the imperfect practical reality of our lives. But what is God’s? We know from our reading of scripture that God wants us to love him and love others as we love ourselves. He wants to be at the center of our lives. Our dealings with our government and the economy are not to be the primary relationships in our lives and receive our primary focus. Our love for God and those around us, our families, our neighbors, are where our true mission lies.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Luke 20: 1-19 Jesus’ Authority
Luke 20: 1-19 Jesus’ Authority
One day as he was teaching the people in the temple area and proclaiming the good news, the chief priests and scribes, together with the elders, approached him and said to him, "Tell us, by what authority are you doing these things? Or who is the one who gave you this authority?" He said to them in reply, "I shall ask you a question. Tell me, was John's baptism of heavenly or of human origin?" They discussed this among themselves, and said, "If we say, 'Of heavenly origin,' he will say, 'Why did you not believe him?' But if we say, 'Of human origin,' then all the people will stone us, for they are convinced that John was a prophet." So they answered that they did not know from where it came. Then Jesus said to them, "Neither shall I tell you by what authority I do these things." Then he proceeded to tell the people this parable. "(A) man planted a vineyard, leased it to tenant farmers, and then went on a journey for a long time. At harvest time he sent a servant to the tenant farmers to receive some of the produce of the vineyard. But they beat the servant and sent him away empty-handed. So he proceeded to send another servant, but him also they beat and insulted and sent away empty-handed. Then he proceeded to send a third, but this one too they wounded and threw out. The owner of the vineyard said, 'What shall I do? I shall send my beloved son; maybe they will respect him.' But when the tenant farmers saw him they said to one another, 'This is the heir. Let us kill him that the inheritance may become ours.' So they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. 3 What will the owner of the vineyard do to them? He will come and put those tenant farmers to death and turn over the vineyard to others." When the people heard this, they exclaimed, "Let it not be so!" But he looked at them and asked, "What then does this scripture passage mean: 'The stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone'? Everyone who falls on that stone will be dashed to pieces; and it will crush anyone on whom it falls." The scribes and chief priests sought to lay their hands on him at that very hour, but they feared the people, for they knew that he had addressed this parable to them.
The Scribes and Pharisees think they can stop Jesus by challenging his authority. He turns the question of his authority back on them and they get caught up in their bad intentions. Jesus sees through them and refuses to let them off the hook. The then tells the Parable of the Tenants in which the owner of a vineyard sends a series of representatives to collect his share of the profits. The tenants deal harshly with those representatives, sending them away empty handed. The owner sends his son, his ultimate representative, who will surely receive the tenants’ respect. Instead the tenants see the son as the only thing standing between them and their possession of the vineyard they have been renting. They kill the son. “What will happen next?” Jesus asks the Pharisees. He answers his own question: The vineyard owner will make and end of the tenants and give the vineyard to others. This is a very thinly veiled description of their own situation, starring the Scribes and the Pharisees as the tenant farmers. Jesus predicts their fall and his vindication. They do not fail to get the point, but instead of repenting of their intentions they deepen their folly by continuing to plot Jesus’ downfall.
One day as he was teaching the people in the temple area and proclaiming the good news, the chief priests and scribes, together with the elders, approached him and said to him, "Tell us, by what authority are you doing these things? Or who is the one who gave you this authority?" He said to them in reply, "I shall ask you a question. Tell me, was John's baptism of heavenly or of human origin?" They discussed this among themselves, and said, "If we say, 'Of heavenly origin,' he will say, 'Why did you not believe him?' But if we say, 'Of human origin,' then all the people will stone us, for they are convinced that John was a prophet." So they answered that they did not know from where it came. Then Jesus said to them, "Neither shall I tell you by what authority I do these things." Then he proceeded to tell the people this parable. "(A) man planted a vineyard, leased it to tenant farmers, and then went on a journey for a long time. At harvest time he sent a servant to the tenant farmers to receive some of the produce of the vineyard. But they beat the servant and sent him away empty-handed. So he proceeded to send another servant, but him also they beat and insulted and sent away empty-handed. Then he proceeded to send a third, but this one too they wounded and threw out. The owner of the vineyard said, 'What shall I do? I shall send my beloved son; maybe they will respect him.' But when the tenant farmers saw him they said to one another, 'This is the heir. Let us kill him that the inheritance may become ours.' So they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. 3 What will the owner of the vineyard do to them? He will come and put those tenant farmers to death and turn over the vineyard to others." When the people heard this, they exclaimed, "Let it not be so!" But he looked at them and asked, "What then does this scripture passage mean: 'The stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone'? Everyone who falls on that stone will be dashed to pieces; and it will crush anyone on whom it falls." The scribes and chief priests sought to lay their hands on him at that very hour, but they feared the people, for they knew that he had addressed this parable to them.
The Scribes and Pharisees think they can stop Jesus by challenging his authority. He turns the question of his authority back on them and they get caught up in their bad intentions. Jesus sees through them and refuses to let them off the hook. The then tells the Parable of the Tenants in which the owner of a vineyard sends a series of representatives to collect his share of the profits. The tenants deal harshly with those representatives, sending them away empty handed. The owner sends his son, his ultimate representative, who will surely receive the tenants’ respect. Instead the tenants see the son as the only thing standing between them and their possession of the vineyard they have been renting. They kill the son. “What will happen next?” Jesus asks the Pharisees. He answers his own question: The vineyard owner will make and end of the tenants and give the vineyard to others. This is a very thinly veiled description of their own situation, starring the Scribes and the Pharisees as the tenant farmers. Jesus predicts their fall and his vindication. They do not fail to get the point, but instead of repenting of their intentions they deepen their folly by continuing to plot Jesus’ downfall.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Luke 19:45-48 The Temple Traders
Luke 19:45-48 The Temple Traders
Then Jesus entered the temple area and proceeded to drive out those who were selling things, saying to them, "It is written, 'My house shall be a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves.'" And every day he was teaching in the temple area. The chief priests, the scribes, and the leaders of the people, meanwhile, were seeking to put him to death, but they could find no way to accomplish their purpose because all the people were hanging on his words.
As I noted earlier, Jesus upon entering Jerusalem had thrown down the gauntlet. By letting himself be called both “king” and “blessed who comes in the name of the Lord” he has challenged both the political and religious leaders. Now he goes after the merchants and traders who set up shop in the temple precincts adding (financial) injury to insult. The chief priests are unhappy to say the least and vow to destroy him. What is Jesus problem with the combination of worship and commerce? The temple is supposed to be a house of prayer. The priests are supposed to be looking after the spiritual well-being of God’s people and lead them in the worship of God. There is no need for merchants in the temple. Anything any one may want or need is available in the city in numerous locations. There is no reason to waylay the faithful their way to worship. It is at best a distraction and at worst an abuse of power since I assume that the priests benefit from allowing the merchants to sell in such a prime location. Jesus objects. This is not what a temple is for. Jesus is going to preach his message of repentance until his last breath. The Chief Priests and Scribes hear his message but instead of feeling the need to change, they plot his demise. The stage is set for betrayal.
Then Jesus entered the temple area and proceeded to drive out those who were selling things, saying to them, "It is written, 'My house shall be a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves.'" And every day he was teaching in the temple area. The chief priests, the scribes, and the leaders of the people, meanwhile, were seeking to put him to death, but they could find no way to accomplish their purpose because all the people were hanging on his words.
As I noted earlier, Jesus upon entering Jerusalem had thrown down the gauntlet. By letting himself be called both “king” and “blessed who comes in the name of the Lord” he has challenged both the political and religious leaders. Now he goes after the merchants and traders who set up shop in the temple precincts adding (financial) injury to insult. The chief priests are unhappy to say the least and vow to destroy him. What is Jesus problem with the combination of worship and commerce? The temple is supposed to be a house of prayer. The priests are supposed to be looking after the spiritual well-being of God’s people and lead them in the worship of God. There is no need for merchants in the temple. Anything any one may want or need is available in the city in numerous locations. There is no reason to waylay the faithful their way to worship. It is at best a distraction and at worst an abuse of power since I assume that the priests benefit from allowing the merchants to sell in such a prime location. Jesus objects. This is not what a temple is for. Jesus is going to preach his message of repentance until his last breath. The Chief Priests and Scribes hear his message but instead of feeling the need to change, they plot his demise. The stage is set for betrayal.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Luke 19:41-44 Poor Jerusalem
Luke 19:41-44 Poor Jerusalem
As he drew near, he saw the city and wept over it, saying, "If this day you only knew what makes for peace--but now it is hidden from your eyes. For the days are coming upon you when your enemies will raise a palisade against you; they will encircle you and hem you in on all sides. They will smash you to the ground and your children within you, and they will not leave one stone upon another within you because you did not recognize the time of your visitation."
As Jesus enters Jerusalem amid all the Hosannas, knowing what fate awaits him, he weeps not for himself but for Jerusalem. "If this day you only knew what makes for peace--but now it is hidden from your eyes.” he says. He goes on to predict a devastating future for the city. What does this “if only” mean? Could this fate have been avoided? The cynic in me says “no”. I have been reading a book recently called “Journey to the Common Good" by Walter Brueggeman. One of the Bible stories examined in the book is the Exodus, the story of the deliverance of the Israelites from Pharaoh. God has heard the cries of his people longing for freedom from oppression. First, through Moses God tries to reason with Pharaoh. When that doesn’t work he acts in a big way, breaking the Israelites out of slavery through the utter destruction of the Pharaoh’s vaunted army in dramatic fashion. (the parting of the Red Sea). They rejoice in their freedom, but all too soon begin to fall back into their old ways, doubting God and disobeying his commandments. My guess is that this is where Jerusalem is today – full of doubts and disobedience. (Maybe we could say it is where we are today as well.) Human nature, then and now is remarkable consistent. As I think about this scripture a little more, something else occurs to me. Not only are people consistent in their willfulness and lack of faith, but amazingly God is also consistent in his mercy. He once again is ready to act in a big way – by sending his only Son to die for our salvation. For three years Jesus has been preaching repentance, gathering followers, challenging the status quo and making enemies. Jesus, in doing his Father’s will, in laying down his life in trust, is about to do something really big, something that will have tremendous consequences for all of us and the entire world. Maybe instead of focusing on the stubborn willfulness of us I should be focusing on the tremendous mercy of God. Changing our ways remains necessary, and hopefully with God’s help, remains possible.
As he drew near, he saw the city and wept over it, saying, "If this day you only knew what makes for peace--but now it is hidden from your eyes. For the days are coming upon you when your enemies will raise a palisade against you; they will encircle you and hem you in on all sides. They will smash you to the ground and your children within you, and they will not leave one stone upon another within you because you did not recognize the time of your visitation."
As Jesus enters Jerusalem amid all the Hosannas, knowing what fate awaits him, he weeps not for himself but for Jerusalem. "If this day you only knew what makes for peace--but now it is hidden from your eyes.” he says. He goes on to predict a devastating future for the city. What does this “if only” mean? Could this fate have been avoided? The cynic in me says “no”. I have been reading a book recently called “Journey to the Common Good" by Walter Brueggeman. One of the Bible stories examined in the book is the Exodus, the story of the deliverance of the Israelites from Pharaoh. God has heard the cries of his people longing for freedom from oppression. First, through Moses God tries to reason with Pharaoh. When that doesn’t work he acts in a big way, breaking the Israelites out of slavery through the utter destruction of the Pharaoh’s vaunted army in dramatic fashion. (the parting of the Red Sea). They rejoice in their freedom, but all too soon begin to fall back into their old ways, doubting God and disobeying his commandments. My guess is that this is where Jerusalem is today – full of doubts and disobedience. (Maybe we could say it is where we are today as well.) Human nature, then and now is remarkable consistent. As I think about this scripture a little more, something else occurs to me. Not only are people consistent in their willfulness and lack of faith, but amazingly God is also consistent in his mercy. He once again is ready to act in a big way – by sending his only Son to die for our salvation. For three years Jesus has been preaching repentance, gathering followers, challenging the status quo and making enemies. Jesus, in doing his Father’s will, in laying down his life in trust, is about to do something really big, something that will have tremendous consequences for all of us and the entire world. Maybe instead of focusing on the stubborn willfulness of us I should be focusing on the tremendous mercy of God. Changing our ways remains necessary, and hopefully with God’s help, remains possible.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Luke 19: 28-40 Entry into Jerusalem
Luke 19: 28-40 Entry into Jerusalem
After he had said this, he proceeded on his journey up to Jerusalem. As he drew near to Bethphage and Bethany at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples. He said, "Go into the village opposite you, and as you enter it you will find a colt tethered on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it here. And if anyone should ask you, 'Why are you untying it?' you will answer, 'The Master has need of it.'" So those who had been sent went off and found everything just as he had told them. And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, "Why are you untying this colt?" They answered, "The Master has need of it." So they brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks over the colt, and helped Jesus to mount. As he rode along, the people were spreading their cloaks on the road; and now as he was approaching the slope of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of his disciples began to praise God aloud with joy for all the mighty deeds they had seen. They proclaimed: "Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord. 7 Peace in heaven and glory in the highest." Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, "Teacher, rebuke your disciples." 8 He said in reply, "I tell you, if they keep silent, the stones will cry out!"
Jesus enters Jerusalem and begins the final phase of his journey, a journey that will end in death and resurrection. I link the two because he and we cannot have one without the other. But enough about that for now. Jesus I suppose could have snuck into Jerusalem quietly. Maybe that would have put events off for a while. But he didn’t. He made the very public, almost triumphal entry that we celebrate on Palm Sunday – with the donkey, the spread cloaks, the palms waving, the crowd cheering. Actually, the crowd links him with God saying that he is “blessed” and “comes in the name of the Lord”. The crowd also calls him a “king”, so in one fell swoop, both the political and religious leaders currently in power are put on guard. The Pharisees take note and ask him to rebuke his followers’ presumptiveness. He replies that even if he could the very stones would cry out. The stage is set. Jesus is steadfast and ready.
After he had said this, he proceeded on his journey up to Jerusalem. As he drew near to Bethphage and Bethany at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples. He said, "Go into the village opposite you, and as you enter it you will find a colt tethered on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it here. And if anyone should ask you, 'Why are you untying it?' you will answer, 'The Master has need of it.'" So those who had been sent went off and found everything just as he had told them. And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, "Why are you untying this colt?" They answered, "The Master has need of it." So they brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks over the colt, and helped Jesus to mount. As he rode along, the people were spreading their cloaks on the road; and now as he was approaching the slope of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of his disciples began to praise God aloud with joy for all the mighty deeds they had seen. They proclaimed: "Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord. 7 Peace in heaven and glory in the highest." Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, "Teacher, rebuke your disciples." 8 He said in reply, "I tell you, if they keep silent, the stones will cry out!"
Jesus enters Jerusalem and begins the final phase of his journey, a journey that will end in death and resurrection. I link the two because he and we cannot have one without the other. But enough about that for now. Jesus I suppose could have snuck into Jerusalem quietly. Maybe that would have put events off for a while. But he didn’t. He made the very public, almost triumphal entry that we celebrate on Palm Sunday – with the donkey, the spread cloaks, the palms waving, the crowd cheering. Actually, the crowd links him with God saying that he is “blessed” and “comes in the name of the Lord”. The crowd also calls him a “king”, so in one fell swoop, both the political and religious leaders currently in power are put on guard. The Pharisees take note and ask him to rebuke his followers’ presumptiveness. He replies that even if he could the very stones would cry out. The stage is set. Jesus is steadfast and ready.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Luke 19:11 – 27 A Hard Story to Swallow
Luke 19:11 – 27 A Hard Story to Swallow
While they were listening to him speak, he proceeded to tell a parable because he was near Jerusalem and they thought that the kingdom of God would appear there immediately. So he said, "A nobleman went off to a distant country to obtain the kingship for himself and then to return. He called ten of his servants and gave them ten gold coins and told them, 'Engage in trade with these until I return.' His fellow citizens, however, despised him and sent a delegation after him to announce, 'We do not want this man to be our king.' But when he returned after obtaining the kingship, he had the servants called, to whom he had given the money, to learn what they had gained by trading. The first came forward and said, 'Sir, your gold coin has earned ten additional ones.' He replied, 'Well done, good servant! You have been faithful in this very small matter; take charge of ten cities.' Then the second came and reported, 'Your gold coin, sir, has earned five more.' And to this servant too he said, 'You, take charge of five cities.' Then the other servant came and said, 'Sir, here is your gold coin; I kept it stored away in a handkerchief, for I was afraid of you, because you are a demanding person; you take up what you did not lay down and you harvest what you did not plant.' He said to him, 'With your own words I shall condemn you, you wicked servant. You knew I was a demanding person, taking up what I did not lay down and harvesting what I did not plant; why did you not put my money in a bank? Then on my return I would have collected it with interest.' And to those standing by he said, 'Take the gold coin from him and give it to the servant who has ten.' But they said to him, 'Sir, he has ten gold coins.' 'I tell you, to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. Now as for those enemies of mine who did not want me as their king, bring them here and slay them before me.'"
Jesus tells another parable about a nobleman who gave sums of money to servants to invest while he was away on a journey. When he returned he checked up on his investments. He rewarded the ones who made a good return and took away from the one who did not. He consolidated his hold on power by slaying his enemies and announces the moral of the story “'I tell you, to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.” Why does Jesus tell this parable and what are we supposed to learn from it? This pronouncement sounds like some type of “law of the jungle” capitalist manifesto, a kind of “might makes right” justification , the very antithesis of what Jesus has stood for. Following on the example of Zacchaeus who Jesus complimented for his generosity and just behavior, it is somewhat unbelievable. Maybe that’s the point, although Jesus does not explicitly state that there are two ways we can respond to wealth and power – the way of Zacchaeus or the way of the nobleman turned king. That’s all I can come up with. Any ideas?
While they were listening to him speak, he proceeded to tell a parable because he was near Jerusalem and they thought that the kingdom of God would appear there immediately. So he said, "A nobleman went off to a distant country to obtain the kingship for himself and then to return. He called ten of his servants and gave them ten gold coins and told them, 'Engage in trade with these until I return.' His fellow citizens, however, despised him and sent a delegation after him to announce, 'We do not want this man to be our king.' But when he returned after obtaining the kingship, he had the servants called, to whom he had given the money, to learn what they had gained by trading. The first came forward and said, 'Sir, your gold coin has earned ten additional ones.' He replied, 'Well done, good servant! You have been faithful in this very small matter; take charge of ten cities.' Then the second came and reported, 'Your gold coin, sir, has earned five more.' And to this servant too he said, 'You, take charge of five cities.' Then the other servant came and said, 'Sir, here is your gold coin; I kept it stored away in a handkerchief, for I was afraid of you, because you are a demanding person; you take up what you did not lay down and you harvest what you did not plant.' He said to him, 'With your own words I shall condemn you, you wicked servant. You knew I was a demanding person, taking up what I did not lay down and harvesting what I did not plant; why did you not put my money in a bank? Then on my return I would have collected it with interest.' And to those standing by he said, 'Take the gold coin from him and give it to the servant who has ten.' But they said to him, 'Sir, he has ten gold coins.' 'I tell you, to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. Now as for those enemies of mine who did not want me as their king, bring them here and slay them before me.'"
Jesus tells another parable about a nobleman who gave sums of money to servants to invest while he was away on a journey. When he returned he checked up on his investments. He rewarded the ones who made a good return and took away from the one who did not. He consolidated his hold on power by slaying his enemies and announces the moral of the story “'I tell you, to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.” Why does Jesus tell this parable and what are we supposed to learn from it? This pronouncement sounds like some type of “law of the jungle” capitalist manifesto, a kind of “might makes right” justification , the very antithesis of what Jesus has stood for. Following on the example of Zacchaeus who Jesus complimented for his generosity and just behavior, it is somewhat unbelievable. Maybe that’s the point, although Jesus does not explicitly state that there are two ways we can respond to wealth and power – the way of Zacchaeus or the way of the nobleman turned king. That’s all I can come up with. Any ideas?
Monday, March 14, 2011
Luke 19: 1 – 10 Zacchaeus
Luke 19: 1 – 10 Zacchaeus
He came to Jericho and intended to pass through the town. Now a man there named Zacchaeus, who was a chief tax collector and also a wealthy man, was seeking to see who Jesus was; but he could not see him because of the crowd, for he was short in stature. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree in order to see Jesus, who was about to pass that way. When he reached the place, Jesus looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house." And he came down quickly and received him with joy. When they all saw this, they began to grumble, saying, "He has gone to stay at the house of a sinner." But Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, "Behold, half of my possessions, Lord, I shall give to the poor, and if I have extorted anything from anyone I shall repay it four times over." And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house because this man too is a descendant of Abraham. For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost."
Jesus decides to visit Zacchaeus, the chief tax collector of Jericho and a wealthy man. This person seems far outside Jesus’ usual constituency of the poor and disenfranchised. In fact he seems to be the polar opposite. Jesus, however, continues to confound conventional wisdom and defy stereotypes. He has come to call sinners, he reminds us, and anyone who gives him an opening is worthy of his time and attention – even wealthy tax collectors. Thank God for that! I too am wealthy by many standards and like Zacchaeus, I am far from perfect. Zacchaeus actually becomes someone we can all look up to, someone who works within his reality – his wealth and position of power – resolving to be generous with his blessings and just in his actions. Jesus applauds his efforts and announces his salvation. Zacchaeus is a model for us and a sign of hope for our salvation. Generosity and Justice. Amen.
He came to Jericho and intended to pass through the town. Now a man there named Zacchaeus, who was a chief tax collector and also a wealthy man, was seeking to see who Jesus was; but he could not see him because of the crowd, for he was short in stature. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree in order to see Jesus, who was about to pass that way. When he reached the place, Jesus looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house." And he came down quickly and received him with joy. When they all saw this, they began to grumble, saying, "He has gone to stay at the house of a sinner." But Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, "Behold, half of my possessions, Lord, I shall give to the poor, and if I have extorted anything from anyone I shall repay it four times over." And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house because this man too is a descendant of Abraham. For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost."
Jesus decides to visit Zacchaeus, the chief tax collector of Jericho and a wealthy man. This person seems far outside Jesus’ usual constituency of the poor and disenfranchised. In fact he seems to be the polar opposite. Jesus, however, continues to confound conventional wisdom and defy stereotypes. He has come to call sinners, he reminds us, and anyone who gives him an opening is worthy of his time and attention – even wealthy tax collectors. Thank God for that! I too am wealthy by many standards and like Zacchaeus, I am far from perfect. Zacchaeus actually becomes someone we can all look up to, someone who works within his reality – his wealth and position of power – resolving to be generous with his blessings and just in his actions. Jesus applauds his efforts and announces his salvation. Zacchaeus is a model for us and a sign of hope for our salvation. Generosity and Justice. Amen.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Luke: 18:31-43 The Beginning of the End
Luke: 18:31-43 The Beginning of the End
Then he took the Twelve aside and said to them, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem and everything written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled. He will be handed over to the Gentiles and he will be mocked and insulted and spat upon; and after they have scourged him they will kill him, but on the third day he will rise." But they understood nothing of this; the word remained hidden from them and they failed to comprehend what he said. Now as he approached Jericho a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging, and hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what was happening. They told him, "Jesus of Nazareth is passing by." He shouted, "Jesus, Son of David, 8 have pity on me!" The people walking in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent, but he kept calling out all the more, "Son of David, have pity on me!" Then Jesus stopped and ordered that he be brought to him; and when he came near, Jesus asked him, "What do you want me to do for you?" He replied, "Lord, please let me see." Jesus told him, "Have sight; your faith has saved you." He immediately received his sight and followed him, giving glory to God. When they saw this, all the people gave praise to God.
Jesus foretells his passion, death and resurrection. His followers cannot grasp it. A mood of introspection and sadness seems to grip Jesus as he journeys on. He is preoccupied by his future and yet he is still asked to meet the needs of those around him. His disciples need him, people who look to him for cures need him. Even in his distress he must carry out his mission, preach, cure and prepare his followers. He does so and his actions and words bring glory to God. His role is never an easy one but his understanding of its importance, his obedience to God’s will, and his trust in the God’s ultimate plan sustains him. Obedience and Trust. Why do I find those two requirements so difficult?
Then he took the Twelve aside and said to them, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem and everything written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled. He will be handed over to the Gentiles and he will be mocked and insulted and spat upon; and after they have scourged him they will kill him, but on the third day he will rise." But they understood nothing of this; the word remained hidden from them and they failed to comprehend what he said. Now as he approached Jericho a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging, and hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what was happening. They told him, "Jesus of Nazareth is passing by." He shouted, "Jesus, Son of David, 8 have pity on me!" The people walking in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent, but he kept calling out all the more, "Son of David, have pity on me!" Then Jesus stopped and ordered that he be brought to him; and when he came near, Jesus asked him, "What do you want me to do for you?" He replied, "Lord, please let me see." Jesus told him, "Have sight; your faith has saved you." He immediately received his sight and followed him, giving glory to God. When they saw this, all the people gave praise to God.
Jesus foretells his passion, death and resurrection. His followers cannot grasp it. A mood of introspection and sadness seems to grip Jesus as he journeys on. He is preoccupied by his future and yet he is still asked to meet the needs of those around him. His disciples need him, people who look to him for cures need him. Even in his distress he must carry out his mission, preach, cure and prepare his followers. He does so and his actions and words bring glory to God. His role is never an easy one but his understanding of its importance, his obedience to God’s will, and his trust in the God’s ultimate plan sustains him. Obedience and Trust. Why do I find those two requirements so difficult?
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Luke 18: 18-30 Who Can Be Saved?
Luke 18: 18-30 Who Can Be Saved?
An official asked him this question, "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus answered him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments, 'You shall not commit adultery; you shall not kill; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; honor your father and your mother.'" And he replied, "All of these I have observed from my youth." When Jesus heard this he said to him, "There is still one thing left for you: sell all that you have and distribute it to the poor, and you will have a treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." But when he heard this he became quite sad, for he was very rich. Jesus looked at him (now sad) and said, "How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God." Those who heard this said, "Then who can be saved?" And he said, "What is impossible for human beings is possible for God." Then Peter said, "We have given up our possessions and followed you." He said to them, "Amen, I say to you, there is no one who has given up house or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God who will not receive (back) an overabundant return in this present age and eternal life in the age to come."
A wealthy and powerful young man asks Jesus how to achieve everlasting life. Jesus refers him to the Commandments, specifically those concerned with love of neighbor, which the young man claims to have done since childhood. Then Jesus adds one more little thing – the man must give all his possessions to the poor and follow Jesus. This appears to be a deal-breaker for the young man. I guess it goes to the issue of the spirit of the law vs. the letter of the law. Jesus sums up the law in two simple statements: Love God above all, Love neighbor as you love yourself. Perhaps what Jesus is saying is that if you truly carry out these laws then you want to follow him and his ways with your heart and soul. If you love your neighbor as yourself then you would want to do all in your power to make the lives of those around you better. This is a message that not only the young man finds hard to swallow. I too am far from meeting this standard. How is it possible he and we ask? Only with God’s help. Only by having our hearts and minds changed could such a countercultural message of justice, solidarity, generosity and humility ever be possible.
An official asked him this question, "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus answered him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments, 'You shall not commit adultery; you shall not kill; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; honor your father and your mother.'" And he replied, "All of these I have observed from my youth." When Jesus heard this he said to him, "There is still one thing left for you: sell all that you have and distribute it to the poor, and you will have a treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." But when he heard this he became quite sad, for he was very rich. Jesus looked at him (now sad) and said, "How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God." Those who heard this said, "Then who can be saved?" And he said, "What is impossible for human beings is possible for God." Then Peter said, "We have given up our possessions and followed you." He said to them, "Amen, I say to you, there is no one who has given up house or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God who will not receive (back) an overabundant return in this present age and eternal life in the age to come."
A wealthy and powerful young man asks Jesus how to achieve everlasting life. Jesus refers him to the Commandments, specifically those concerned with love of neighbor, which the young man claims to have done since childhood. Then Jesus adds one more little thing – the man must give all his possessions to the poor and follow Jesus. This appears to be a deal-breaker for the young man. I guess it goes to the issue of the spirit of the law vs. the letter of the law. Jesus sums up the law in two simple statements: Love God above all, Love neighbor as you love yourself. Perhaps what Jesus is saying is that if you truly carry out these laws then you want to follow him and his ways with your heart and soul. If you love your neighbor as yourself then you would want to do all in your power to make the lives of those around you better. This is a message that not only the young man finds hard to swallow. I too am far from meeting this standard. How is it possible he and we ask? Only with God’s help. Only by having our hearts and minds changed could such a countercultural message of justice, solidarity, generosity and humility ever be possible.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Luke 18:15 – 17 Trust, continued
Luke 18:15 – 17 Trust, continued
When I first looked at this scripture the other day I puzzled over it. It seemed a minor passage about children, babies of all people. Now I think it is key or rather I should say “trust” is key. Jesus, his entire life, his death, his preaching, and his message, is absurd by the standards of today and by the measurements of our culture. If we model ourselves on him, on his words, his deeds, we will from time to time surely be taken advantage of, misunderstood, ridiculed, overlooked, and worse – as Jesus was. Mother Teresa, one of my favorites, wrote this wonderful poem entitled “Anyway”. You may be familiar with it:
Mother Teresa's Anyway Poem
People are often unreasonable, illogical and self centered;
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies;
Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;
Be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;
Build anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;
Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;
Give the world the best you've got anyway.
You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and your God;
It was never between you and them anyway.
Trust. Trust in him who came to call us and show us the way. Trust in him who sent him. Trust.
When I first looked at this scripture the other day I puzzled over it. It seemed a minor passage about children, babies of all people. Now I think it is key or rather I should say “trust” is key. Jesus, his entire life, his death, his preaching, and his message, is absurd by the standards of today and by the measurements of our culture. If we model ourselves on him, on his words, his deeds, we will from time to time surely be taken advantage of, misunderstood, ridiculed, overlooked, and worse – as Jesus was. Mother Teresa, one of my favorites, wrote this wonderful poem entitled “Anyway”. You may be familiar with it:
Mother Teresa's Anyway Poem
People are often unreasonable, illogical and self centered;
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies;
Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;
Be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;
Build anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;
Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;
Give the world the best you've got anyway.
You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and your God;
It was never between you and them anyway.
Trust. Trust in him who came to call us and show us the way. Trust in him who sent him. Trust.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Luke 18: 15 – 17 Trust Me
Luke 18: 15 – 17 Trust Me
People were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them, and when the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. Jesus, however, called the children to himself and said, "Let the children come to me and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it."
This passage mentions children, a group not often talked about in scripture. Actually, excuse me, he mentions infants, even rarer. It seems like Jesus’ message (in the minds of many) is targeted to men, even reserved to men. Women and children are an afterthought. Although it does not mention who brings out the children, from the reaction of the disciples who “rebuked them”, I have to believe it was women. Jesus once again goes way beyond conventional wisdom. He not only wants to have the children brought to him, but he holds them up to his listeners as examples who are worthy of him. We are to be as trusting, as accepting as children.
How do we measure the quality of a child’s acceptance? It is innocent, with no calculation of cost. It is wholehearted, holding nothing back. It is straightforward and direct, nor overcomplicated. As Jesus gave his admonition about children he begins with “Amen I say to you”. We could translate that to “Trust Me”. Children are pre-disposed to trust - openhearted and genuine. What a high bar to meet. By the time we are adults we have somehow decided that that sort of trust is foolish and even impossible. Cynicism becomes a barrier to faith, and yet that is what Jesus calls us to put aside. It is not an easy path to follow, but it is his way and the way he holds out to us.
People were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them, and when the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. Jesus, however, called the children to himself and said, "Let the children come to me and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it."
This passage mentions children, a group not often talked about in scripture. Actually, excuse me, he mentions infants, even rarer. It seems like Jesus’ message (in the minds of many) is targeted to men, even reserved to men. Women and children are an afterthought. Although it does not mention who brings out the children, from the reaction of the disciples who “rebuked them”, I have to believe it was women. Jesus once again goes way beyond conventional wisdom. He not only wants to have the children brought to him, but he holds them up to his listeners as examples who are worthy of him. We are to be as trusting, as accepting as children.
How do we measure the quality of a child’s acceptance? It is innocent, with no calculation of cost. It is wholehearted, holding nothing back. It is straightforward and direct, nor overcomplicated. As Jesus gave his admonition about children he begins with “Amen I say to you”. We could translate that to “Trust Me”. Children are pre-disposed to trust - openhearted and genuine. What a high bar to meet. By the time we are adults we have somehow decided that that sort of trust is foolish and even impossible. Cynicism becomes a barrier to faith, and yet that is what Jesus calls us to put aside. It is not an easy path to follow, but it is his way and the way he holds out to us.
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