Sermons Illustrations For Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 (2023)
Illustration
Exodus 12:1-14
This passage is a remembrance of the passover and the exodus journey out of Egypt. The remembrance and the traditions are important. They are important to us all. That is one of the reasons change is so very hard for the church. We like things done in the traditional way, in ways that comfort rather than challenge us. You will remember the Israelites traveling to the promised land weren’t always happy either. I, too, believe in traditions, but in the traditions of loving God, loving our neighbor, commemorating the life and ministry of Jesus, and living into the challenge of being a faithful follower of Jesus. This journey has its traditions: loving in the face of hate and anger, speaking out for injustice, baptizing in the name of God, eating at the table prepared by Jesus. I have no trouble with those remembrances. What are the remembrances and traditions that you hold, and do they bring you into closer relationship with God, or simply keep you standing in a place of your own comfort?
Bonnie B.
* * *
Exodus 12:1-14
A poll taken at the end of 2022 by Pew Research revealed that four in ten U.S. adults faced high levels of psychological distress. A December 11, 2020 article by Matthew Ridley in Science indicates that those with the lowest incomes are one and a half to three times more likely than the rich to experience depression or loneliness. Americans need the kind of hope for the future that the passover celebration provides.
In considering this text, we Christians can echo the reflections of the famed Jewish freedom fighter Elie Wiesel, as he noted: “I love passover because for me it is a cry against indifference, a cry for compassion.” Another helpful Jewish reflection on the matter comes from Rabbi Ben Greenberg:
If one examines the story from a simple reading it becomes clear that the Exodus is about the miraculous. It is about God emerging to shape the fate of humanity in the most dramatic, supernatural and awe-inspiring way possible.
Modern Black historian Albert Raboteau speaks of how this story can help us like it helped the slaves “project a future radically different from the present...” (Slave Religion, p.312) This sort of future hope can transfer into a new politic that might even give hope to the poor. All it would take is for all of us to realize here in America John Calvin’s vision of the purpose of government.
Its purpose, he wrote is that we “...see to it, as all serve to do, that men breathe, eat, drink, and are kept warm...” (Institutes of the Christian Religion [Westminster Press ed.], p.1488)
Mark E.
* * *
Exodus 12:1-14
I will pass through the land of Egypt that night, and I will strike down every firstborn in the land of Egypt, from human to animal, and on all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments: I am the Lord. (v. 12)
The phrasing of this verse implies that God’s passage through Egypt is like that of a king – and that means that it is God who is the true ruler of Egypt, and of all nations, and not Pharaoh, despite what he thinks. Not only that, but as is the right of a king, God will pass judgement on the gods of the Egyptians who, though exalted in Egypt in art, statuary, monuments, and in the writings preserved to our time, are not only powerless in the face of the true king but are nonexistent. The Egyptians looked to their gods for protection, but the gods are exposed for what they truly are.
Nothing.
Frank R.
* * *
Romans 13:8-14
Martin Luther once wrote, “God does not need your good works, but our neighbor does.” That statement resonated with me. Considering this text, I came across this anonymous anecdote not too long ago. I thought it was a bit humorous, but mostly a profound illustration of love. A teacher asked a boy this question: “Suppose your mother baked a pie and there were seven of you—your parents and five children. What part of the pie would you get?”
“A sixth,” replied the boy.
“I’m afraid you don’t know your fractions,” said the teacher. “Remember, there are seven of you.”
“Yes, Miss Smith,” said the boy, “but you don’t know my mom. Mom would say she didn’t want any pie.”
Loving your neighbor as yourself means sacrificially putting other’s needs ahead of your own. Loving is what we, as Christians, owe to others.
Bill T.
* * *
Romans 13:8-14
“The night is far gone; the day is near.” There are times when we are sleepless, and it seems as if morning will never arrive – and yet eventually it will. I think Paul is suggesting that there is a holy urgency in the present darkness of our lives and of this world to get the important things done. It is time to stop the destructive behavior that can be the default setting for many of us, and to focus on the commandments, including the greatest commandments of Jesus, which in this case includes Leviticus 19:18 – “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
What may we may accomplish while waiting for the light? In Colonial America, it was common to people to go to bed when the sun set. Yet they often woke in the middle of the night, instead of tossing and turning, they would use that time to do some cleaning around the house, write a few letters, or attend to some tasks they might not get to otherwise. And then, when sleep beckoned, they would go back to sleep until the morning.
There is always something we can do in this present darkness, while waiting for the light of Christ, some task which advances the people of God. In this way, we can be found at our post when the end occurs, either for ourselves, or for all creation with the return of Jesus in glory.
Frank R.
* * *
Matthew 18:15-20
John Wesley saw Jesus’ formula for discipline in this lesson as an excellent way to avoid speaking behind people’s backs (Works, Vol.6, pp.114-116,119) John Calvin notes in this text that “Christ enjoins his disciples to forgive one another; but to do so in a manner as to endeavor to correct their faults.” (Calvin’s Commentaries, Vol.XVI/2, p.352) The Lutheran Apology of The Augsburg Confession reminds us how powerful The Power of the Keys with which Jesus commissioned the Church is. The document reads:
The Power of the Keys administers and offers the gospel through absolution which is the true voice of the gospel... Therefore, we must believe the voice of the one absolving us no less than we would believe a voice from heaven. (The Book of Concord [2000 ed.], p.193)
Mark E.
* * *
Matthew 18:15-20
Handling conflict is not an easy thing, even for Christians. There have been many people who have been wounded by “friendly fire” from “well-meaning” brothers and sisters. I came across this anecdote and thought it illustrated the point well. Though a bit humorous, I found it to be a bit sad, too.
The pastor and music director at the church did not get along at all. One week, the pastor preached on commitment and how we should dedicate ourselves to service. Right after the sermon, the music director led the choir in singing, “I Shall Not Be Moved.”
The next Sunday, the pastor preached on giving and how we should gladly give to the work of the Lord. The music director then led the song, “Jesus Paid It All.”
Undeterred, the next Sunday, the pastor preached on gossiping and how we should watch our tongues. The following hymn was “I Love To Tell The Story.”
Finally, the pastor became disgusted over the situation and the next Sunday he told the congregation he was considering resigning. The choir then sang “Oh, Why Not Tonight.”
When the preacher resigned the next week, he told the church that Jesus had led him there, and Jesus was taking him away. The choir then sang, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.”
A sad situation, but fictional. However, the feelings often are not fictional. The principles Jesus lays out for handling conflict are clear, but often ignored. Carey Niewholf wrote, “Growing churches handle conflict directly, biblically, humbly, and healthily.” Will you?
Bill T.
* * *
Matthew 18:15-20
As a minister, I find myself mediating conflict. Often my first conversation with the person who is the angriest or the one who trusts me the most. Having studied family systems theory, I try not to get triangulated in the conflict, but encourage the one who comes to me to have a conversation with the person with whom the conflict exists. Sometimes there is great fear involved, and I end up sitting with the two who are in conflict to pray and listen and make sure each is heard and understood. Rarely is the conflict impossible to manage. Usually this works with individual conflicts. Now, a conflict with the whole of the congregation or one that has spilled into the work of the church making it a challenge to work or worship together, is another matter altogether. Sometimes we need to engage the congregation in conflict mediation or, in extreme cases of abuse, ask a member to seek another worshipping community. From my perspective, this is a difficult decision to make. Yet, again the conversation needs to be spoken as truth in love. Jesus is pretty clear about the conflict management process. We need to be as well.
Bonnie B.
This passage is a remembrance of the passover and the exodus journey out of Egypt. The remembrance and the traditions are important. They are important to us all. That is one of the reasons change is so very hard for the church. We like things done in the traditional way, in ways that comfort rather than challenge us. You will remember the Israelites traveling to the promised land weren’t always happy either. I, too, believe in traditions, but in the traditions of loving God, loving our neighbor, commemorating the life and ministry of Jesus, and living into the challenge of being a faithful follower of Jesus. This journey has its traditions: loving in the face of hate and anger, speaking out for injustice, baptizing in the name of God, eating at the table prepared by Jesus. I have no trouble with those remembrances. What are the remembrances and traditions that you hold, and do they bring you into closer relationship with God, or simply keep you standing in a place of your own comfort?
Bonnie B.
* * *
Exodus 12:1-14
A poll taken at the end of 2022 by Pew Research revealed that four in ten U.S. adults faced high levels of psychological distress. A December 11, 2020 article by Matthew Ridley in Science indicates that those with the lowest incomes are one and a half to three times more likely than the rich to experience depression or loneliness. Americans need the kind of hope for the future that the passover celebration provides.
In considering this text, we Christians can echo the reflections of the famed Jewish freedom fighter Elie Wiesel, as he noted: “I love passover because for me it is a cry against indifference, a cry for compassion.” Another helpful Jewish reflection on the matter comes from Rabbi Ben Greenberg:
If one examines the story from a simple reading it becomes clear that the Exodus is about the miraculous. It is about God emerging to shape the fate of humanity in the most dramatic, supernatural and awe-inspiring way possible.
Modern Black historian Albert Raboteau speaks of how this story can help us like it helped the slaves “project a future radically different from the present...” (Slave Religion, p.312) This sort of future hope can transfer into a new politic that might even give hope to the poor. All it would take is for all of us to realize here in America John Calvin’s vision of the purpose of government.
Its purpose, he wrote is that we “...see to it, as all serve to do, that men breathe, eat, drink, and are kept warm...” (Institutes of the Christian Religion [Westminster Press ed.], p.1488)
Mark E.
* * *
Exodus 12:1-14
I will pass through the land of Egypt that night, and I will strike down every firstborn in the land of Egypt, from human to animal, and on all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments: I am the Lord. (v. 12)
The phrasing of this verse implies that God’s passage through Egypt is like that of a king – and that means that it is God who is the true ruler of Egypt, and of all nations, and not Pharaoh, despite what he thinks. Not only that, but as is the right of a king, God will pass judgement on the gods of the Egyptians who, though exalted in Egypt in art, statuary, monuments, and in the writings preserved to our time, are not only powerless in the face of the true king but are nonexistent. The Egyptians looked to their gods for protection, but the gods are exposed for what they truly are.
Nothing.
Frank R.
* * *
Romans 13:8-14
Martin Luther once wrote, “God does not need your good works, but our neighbor does.” That statement resonated with me. Considering this text, I came across this anonymous anecdote not too long ago. I thought it was a bit humorous, but mostly a profound illustration of love. A teacher asked a boy this question: “Suppose your mother baked a pie and there were seven of you—your parents and five children. What part of the pie would you get?”
“A sixth,” replied the boy.
“I’m afraid you don’t know your fractions,” said the teacher. “Remember, there are seven of you.”
“Yes, Miss Smith,” said the boy, “but you don’t know my mom. Mom would say she didn’t want any pie.”
Loving your neighbor as yourself means sacrificially putting other’s needs ahead of your own. Loving is what we, as Christians, owe to others.
Bill T.
* * *
Romans 13:8-14
“The night is far gone; the day is near.” There are times when we are sleepless, and it seems as if morning will never arrive – and yet eventually it will. I think Paul is suggesting that there is a holy urgency in the present darkness of our lives and of this world to get the important things done. It is time to stop the destructive behavior that can be the default setting for many of us, and to focus on the commandments, including the greatest commandments of Jesus, which in this case includes Leviticus 19:18 – “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
What may we may accomplish while waiting for the light? In Colonial America, it was common to people to go to bed when the sun set. Yet they often woke in the middle of the night, instead of tossing and turning, they would use that time to do some cleaning around the house, write a few letters, or attend to some tasks they might not get to otherwise. And then, when sleep beckoned, they would go back to sleep until the morning.
There is always something we can do in this present darkness, while waiting for the light of Christ, some task which advances the people of God. In this way, we can be found at our post when the end occurs, either for ourselves, or for all creation with the return of Jesus in glory.
Frank R.
* * *
Matthew 18:15-20
John Wesley saw Jesus’ formula for discipline in this lesson as an excellent way to avoid speaking behind people’s backs (Works, Vol.6, pp.114-116,119) John Calvin notes in this text that “Christ enjoins his disciples to forgive one another; but to do so in a manner as to endeavor to correct their faults.” (Calvin’s Commentaries, Vol.XVI/2, p.352) The Lutheran Apology of The Augsburg Confession reminds us how powerful The Power of the Keys with which Jesus commissioned the Church is. The document reads:
The Power of the Keys administers and offers the gospel through absolution which is the true voice of the gospel... Therefore, we must believe the voice of the one absolving us no less than we would believe a voice from heaven. (The Book of Concord [2000 ed.], p.193)
Mark E.
* * *
Matthew 18:15-20
Handling conflict is not an easy thing, even for Christians. There have been many people who have been wounded by “friendly fire” from “well-meaning” brothers and sisters. I came across this anecdote and thought it illustrated the point well. Though a bit humorous, I found it to be a bit sad, too.
The pastor and music director at the church did not get along at all. One week, the pastor preached on commitment and how we should dedicate ourselves to service. Right after the sermon, the music director led the choir in singing, “I Shall Not Be Moved.”
The next Sunday, the pastor preached on giving and how we should gladly give to the work of the Lord. The music director then led the song, “Jesus Paid It All.”
Undeterred, the next Sunday, the pastor preached on gossiping and how we should watch our tongues. The following hymn was “I Love To Tell The Story.”
Finally, the pastor became disgusted over the situation and the next Sunday he told the congregation he was considering resigning. The choir then sang “Oh, Why Not Tonight.”
When the preacher resigned the next week, he told the church that Jesus had led him there, and Jesus was taking him away. The choir then sang, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.”
A sad situation, but fictional. However, the feelings often are not fictional. The principles Jesus lays out for handling conflict are clear, but often ignored. Carey Niewholf wrote, “Growing churches handle conflict directly, biblically, humbly, and healthily.” Will you?
Bill T.
* * *
Matthew 18:15-20
As a minister, I find myself mediating conflict. Often my first conversation with the person who is the angriest or the one who trusts me the most. Having studied family systems theory, I try not to get triangulated in the conflict, but encourage the one who comes to me to have a conversation with the person with whom the conflict exists. Sometimes there is great fear involved, and I end up sitting with the two who are in conflict to pray and listen and make sure each is heard and understood. Rarely is the conflict impossible to manage. Usually this works with individual conflicts. Now, a conflict with the whole of the congregation or one that has spilled into the work of the church making it a challenge to work or worship together, is another matter altogether. Sometimes we need to engage the congregation in conflict mediation or, in extreme cases of abuse, ask a member to seek another worshipping community. From my perspective, this is a difficult decision to make. Yet, again the conversation needs to be spoken as truth in love. Jesus is pretty clear about the conflict management process. We need to be as well.
Bonnie B.
