Sermon Illustrations For Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 (2023)
Illustration
Genesis 29:15-28
One of the best April Fool’s day tricks was done by a roommate of mine in college. The three of us lived in an apartment. Bob and I were good about going to class, but Ted would often sleep in and miss the eight o’clock class. On the night before April 1, after Bob and I had gone to bed, Ted moved every clock in our apartment one hour ahead. This was before cell phone days, so we depended on alarm clocks. So, at 6:15 when the alarm sounded, Bob and I got up. We checked on Ted who said he was not going that day. No surprise. We got ready and left the apartment and got to the parking lot at the University of Kansas. We were stunned that we could get a parking space on the front row. We walked toward our building and saw no one on campus yet. It was strange. Finally, we decided to check what was going on. We stepped into the business school and saw that the clock read 6:45! Ted was back in the apartment, roaring with laughter.
I believe that to be the best practical joke played on me. This passage in Genesis describes a trick, but it is no joke. The conniving nature of both Jacob and Laban are on display in this sad story.
Jacob loves Laban’s younger daughter, Rachel. After working seven years, he expects to marry her only to find that Laban has substituted Leah, Rachel’s older sister, as the bride. On the morning after the wedding celebration, Jacob realizes the identity of his bride and is outraged. He and Laban barter for another seven years of work for Rachel. I can’t help but wonder, in this story, how Leah must have felt? She was unchosen, unloved and used in a bait and switch deal by her father. Even when the trick is discovered, she doesn’t get mentioned. In many ways, jokes and tricks are funny, until they aren’t. That might be good to remember.
Bill T.
* * *
Genesis 29:15-28
John Calvin comments on Laban’s dishonest dealings with Jacob, seeing it as a lesson in human nature. He writes:
Such an example is certainly worthy of notice, for men seldom err in general principles, and therefore... every man ought to receive what is his due; but as soon as they descend to their own affairs, perverse self-love blinds them...Wherefore, let us learn to restrain ourselves that a desire of our own advantage not prevail to the sacrifice of justice. (Calvin’s Commentaries, Vol. I/2, pp.129-130)
In a similar vein, Martin Luther notes how Jacob’s willingness to comply with customs of Laban’s country (v.26) illustrates what the Christian is to make of laws and customs which seem
unfair. Generally, Luther would have us obey them unless there is specific biblical precedent to disobey. In a comment which gives sound guidance on what to make of the actions of a lot of biblical characters, he writes:
Customs, laws, and rights should be observed, and examples should be followed... No example should be followed unless it is similar in all respects. If you are similar to Jacob, and if such a case, such an occasion and necessity, arises, then you will be permitted to do what Jacob was permitted to do. If you are not similar to Jacob in all respects, you will have to adhere to the law and the common customs. (Luther’s Works, Vol.5, p.308)
Luther also suggests that the lesson might be used to extol the virtues of marriage, and what it takes to have a good marriage. Lecturing on the text the reformer observed:
For although passion and the love of sex for sex remains, yet that bond concerning which Moses says that a wife should be an inseparable companion for life in the eyes of her husband is very hard and difficult. For no matter what calamity befalls either their bodies, their property, or their offspring that firm and indissoluble bond remains. (Luther’s Works, Vol.5, pp.289-290)
Mark E.
* * *
Genesis 29:15-28
One can only imagine why Jacob didn’t recognize that he was sleeping with Leah and not with Rachel. And one can only imagine why Laban, in fact, lied to Jacob demanding another seven years of work in exchange for the bride Jacob really wanted. Have you ever been tricked or deceived? It may not have been to the extent that Jacob was deceived, but how did you feel? Would you have complied with another request from that person? I’m not sure I would be able to do so. Being deceived hurts. It makes us question the other person and sometimes even ourselves for letting ourselves be deceived. There is no mention in the early part of the story as to how Leah and Rachel feel. The patriarchal culture of the time cared less for the feelings of women. I sit in wonder about the family dynamic here and shake my head. The biblical history is confusing and remains so.
Bonnie B.
* * *
Romans 8:26-39
I read Romans 8:31-39 (with the exception of verse 36 which breaks the flow) at every funeral I perform. It’s great poetry, of course, but it’s an even greater promise that God will pull out all the stops for us. It is God who justifies. It is God who intercedes. And nothing will separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
All this reminds of me Julian of Norwich (1343-circa 1416), who survived the Black Death, though it seems likely that the rest of her family did not. In 1373, while close to death, she received a series of visions of Jesus which are now known as “The Revelations of Divine Love.” She wrote a shorter version soon afterwards, making her the first woman to write a book in English. Twenty years later, she wrote a longer version with deeper reflections. She spent the last decades of her life as an Anchorite, receiving the last rites and then entombed in a small room attached to the church. One curtained window opened towards the sanctuary, so she could worship with her community. The other opened to the street, so that she could listen to the pain of others, and offering advice, prayer, and encouragement.
In a world of suffering and pain she wrote that the love of God was even greater. She was assured that, “All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well.” The pain and suffering that seemed so powerful was nothing compared to the love of God and suffering Jesus endured gladly for us, and she wrote: “This is the great deed ordained of our Lord God from without beginning, treasured and hid in his blessed breast, only known to himself, by which deed he shall make all things well.”
And reflecting, she wrote, “And standing all this, me thought it was impossible that all manner of thing should be well…. And to this I had no other answer in shewing of our Lord but this, that that is impossible to thee is not impossible to me. I shall save my word in all thing, and I shall make all thing well.” (Chapter 32, page 40)
Julian did not write scripture, but she did write about her vivid experience. Her testimony, along with the work of other mystics, convinces me that Paul is right. We ain’t seen nothing yet.
Frank R.
* * *
Romans 8:26-39
Many people remember the song “Tie A Yellow Ribbon ‘Round the Old Oak Tree,” but few are aware of the background of that popular 1970’s song. L. Russell Brown, the songwriter, shared that story with “The Tennessean” in November of 2018. He was reading Readers Digest and came across an article about a soldier coming home from the Andersonville Prison after the Civil War. He wrote to his girlfriend these words, “"I'll understand if I should stay on the stagecoach. But if I shouldn't, tie a big yellow handkerchief on the big oak tree outside of town. And then I'll know if it's there, I should get off, but I'll understand that you found someone else in the last three years." As the stagecoach approached, he asked the driver and the others in the coach to look for him. When they came to the big oak tree, they screamed. It was covered in yellow handkerchiefs. Brown realized that this story would make a great song.
The rest is, as they say, history. That song is a poignant reminder that nothing could separate those in love, not even prison. In a powerful and even more profound way, Paul reminds the Christians at Rome that nothing can separate them from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Nothing can separate, not life or death; not angels or rulers; or anything anywhere can separate us from God’s love. If you need proof of God’s love, look no further than the tree outside the city of Jerusalem at the Place of the Skull. There the proof of God’s love hung on a tree.
Bill T.
* * *
Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52
Mustard seeds, treasure, a pearl of great price, and yet one more cast of the net in hopes of a great catch – the elements of these parables come from everyday life. Who hasn’t dreamed of an extraordinary harvest when planting a garden, searched for a treasure, haunted an auction looking for that pearl, or thought to themselves that one more try might just bring in a hundredfold harvest?
Rewriting the parables to reflect the professions of our Information Age, keeping in mind the professions and avocations of our church members, is not a bad idea. The parables of Jesus are earthy and down to earth.
Don’t work too hard for total accuracy. Remember, mustard seeds don’t grow into trees. They’re plants. Perhaps this comment was meant to make the listeners laugh. They knew mustard seeds didn’t grow into trees. Or maybe the outcome reminds us of just how incredible the possibilities become when we truly live a parabolic life.
Frank R.
* * *
Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52
The parables of the mustard seed, the pearl of great value, and associated images in the text remind us of the hidden character of God’s work. According to John Calvin they “are intended to instruct believers to prefer the Kingdom of Heaven to the world, and therefore to deny themselves and all the desires of the flesh...” (Calvin’s Commentaries, Vol. XVl.I/2, p.131)
To this point he adds that, “We commonly set a high value on what is visible, and therefore the new and spiritual life, which is held out to us in the gospel is little esteemed by us, because it is hidden, and lies in hope.” (Ibid.) Living in hope entails leaving the results of our service up to God. Martin Luther made that point:
I cannot foresee the fruit of my teaching, which people are to be converted and which not... who are you, after all to search out these things? Do your duty and leave the result to God. (What Luther Says, p.928)
Mark E.
* * *
Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52
Defining the kingdom of heaven is not an easy task, and Jesus uses several parables to try and explain it. The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, it is like yeast. It is like good seed which is nurtured, even though it is infested with weeds. The parables are confusing and sometimes the disciples do not even understand. Yet, the good seed and the weeds are allowed to grow together. To kill the weeds is to risk killing to good seed growth. God allows both to grow. If we, as faithful followers of Jesus, are the good seed, then it is incumbent upon us to live among those who are seeking faithfulness and those who are not. I recently heard a friend and colleague say, “Let us choose to be seeds and not weeds in the world.” Maybe in our case, living a faithful life, and planting the seeds of faith around us, will transform some of the “weeds.”
Bonnie B.
One of the best April Fool’s day tricks was done by a roommate of mine in college. The three of us lived in an apartment. Bob and I were good about going to class, but Ted would often sleep in and miss the eight o’clock class. On the night before April 1, after Bob and I had gone to bed, Ted moved every clock in our apartment one hour ahead. This was before cell phone days, so we depended on alarm clocks. So, at 6:15 when the alarm sounded, Bob and I got up. We checked on Ted who said he was not going that day. No surprise. We got ready and left the apartment and got to the parking lot at the University of Kansas. We were stunned that we could get a parking space on the front row. We walked toward our building and saw no one on campus yet. It was strange. Finally, we decided to check what was going on. We stepped into the business school and saw that the clock read 6:45! Ted was back in the apartment, roaring with laughter.
I believe that to be the best practical joke played on me. This passage in Genesis describes a trick, but it is no joke. The conniving nature of both Jacob and Laban are on display in this sad story.
Jacob loves Laban’s younger daughter, Rachel. After working seven years, he expects to marry her only to find that Laban has substituted Leah, Rachel’s older sister, as the bride. On the morning after the wedding celebration, Jacob realizes the identity of his bride and is outraged. He and Laban barter for another seven years of work for Rachel. I can’t help but wonder, in this story, how Leah must have felt? She was unchosen, unloved and used in a bait and switch deal by her father. Even when the trick is discovered, she doesn’t get mentioned. In many ways, jokes and tricks are funny, until they aren’t. That might be good to remember.
Bill T.
* * *
Genesis 29:15-28
John Calvin comments on Laban’s dishonest dealings with Jacob, seeing it as a lesson in human nature. He writes:
Such an example is certainly worthy of notice, for men seldom err in general principles, and therefore... every man ought to receive what is his due; but as soon as they descend to their own affairs, perverse self-love blinds them...Wherefore, let us learn to restrain ourselves that a desire of our own advantage not prevail to the sacrifice of justice. (Calvin’s Commentaries, Vol. I/2, pp.129-130)
In a similar vein, Martin Luther notes how Jacob’s willingness to comply with customs of Laban’s country (v.26) illustrates what the Christian is to make of laws and customs which seem
unfair. Generally, Luther would have us obey them unless there is specific biblical precedent to disobey. In a comment which gives sound guidance on what to make of the actions of a lot of biblical characters, he writes:
Customs, laws, and rights should be observed, and examples should be followed... No example should be followed unless it is similar in all respects. If you are similar to Jacob, and if such a case, such an occasion and necessity, arises, then you will be permitted to do what Jacob was permitted to do. If you are not similar to Jacob in all respects, you will have to adhere to the law and the common customs. (Luther’s Works, Vol.5, p.308)
Luther also suggests that the lesson might be used to extol the virtues of marriage, and what it takes to have a good marriage. Lecturing on the text the reformer observed:
For although passion and the love of sex for sex remains, yet that bond concerning which Moses says that a wife should be an inseparable companion for life in the eyes of her husband is very hard and difficult. For no matter what calamity befalls either their bodies, their property, or their offspring that firm and indissoluble bond remains. (Luther’s Works, Vol.5, pp.289-290)
Mark E.
* * *
Genesis 29:15-28
One can only imagine why Jacob didn’t recognize that he was sleeping with Leah and not with Rachel. And one can only imagine why Laban, in fact, lied to Jacob demanding another seven years of work in exchange for the bride Jacob really wanted. Have you ever been tricked or deceived? It may not have been to the extent that Jacob was deceived, but how did you feel? Would you have complied with another request from that person? I’m not sure I would be able to do so. Being deceived hurts. It makes us question the other person and sometimes even ourselves for letting ourselves be deceived. There is no mention in the early part of the story as to how Leah and Rachel feel. The patriarchal culture of the time cared less for the feelings of women. I sit in wonder about the family dynamic here and shake my head. The biblical history is confusing and remains so.
Bonnie B.
* * *
Romans 8:26-39
I read Romans 8:31-39 (with the exception of verse 36 which breaks the flow) at every funeral I perform. It’s great poetry, of course, but it’s an even greater promise that God will pull out all the stops for us. It is God who justifies. It is God who intercedes. And nothing will separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
All this reminds of me Julian of Norwich (1343-circa 1416), who survived the Black Death, though it seems likely that the rest of her family did not. In 1373, while close to death, she received a series of visions of Jesus which are now known as “The Revelations of Divine Love.” She wrote a shorter version soon afterwards, making her the first woman to write a book in English. Twenty years later, she wrote a longer version with deeper reflections. She spent the last decades of her life as an Anchorite, receiving the last rites and then entombed in a small room attached to the church. One curtained window opened towards the sanctuary, so she could worship with her community. The other opened to the street, so that she could listen to the pain of others, and offering advice, prayer, and encouragement.
In a world of suffering and pain she wrote that the love of God was even greater. She was assured that, “All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well.” The pain and suffering that seemed so powerful was nothing compared to the love of God and suffering Jesus endured gladly for us, and she wrote: “This is the great deed ordained of our Lord God from without beginning, treasured and hid in his blessed breast, only known to himself, by which deed he shall make all things well.”
And reflecting, she wrote, “And standing all this, me thought it was impossible that all manner of thing should be well…. And to this I had no other answer in shewing of our Lord but this, that that is impossible to thee is not impossible to me. I shall save my word in all thing, and I shall make all thing well.” (Chapter 32, page 40)
Julian did not write scripture, but she did write about her vivid experience. Her testimony, along with the work of other mystics, convinces me that Paul is right. We ain’t seen nothing yet.
Frank R.
* * *
Romans 8:26-39
Many people remember the song “Tie A Yellow Ribbon ‘Round the Old Oak Tree,” but few are aware of the background of that popular 1970’s song. L. Russell Brown, the songwriter, shared that story with “The Tennessean” in November of 2018. He was reading Readers Digest and came across an article about a soldier coming home from the Andersonville Prison after the Civil War. He wrote to his girlfriend these words, “"I'll understand if I should stay on the stagecoach. But if I shouldn't, tie a big yellow handkerchief on the big oak tree outside of town. And then I'll know if it's there, I should get off, but I'll understand that you found someone else in the last three years." As the stagecoach approached, he asked the driver and the others in the coach to look for him. When they came to the big oak tree, they screamed. It was covered in yellow handkerchiefs. Brown realized that this story would make a great song.
The rest is, as they say, history. That song is a poignant reminder that nothing could separate those in love, not even prison. In a powerful and even more profound way, Paul reminds the Christians at Rome that nothing can separate them from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Nothing can separate, not life or death; not angels or rulers; or anything anywhere can separate us from God’s love. If you need proof of God’s love, look no further than the tree outside the city of Jerusalem at the Place of the Skull. There the proof of God’s love hung on a tree.
Bill T.
* * *
Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52
Mustard seeds, treasure, a pearl of great price, and yet one more cast of the net in hopes of a great catch – the elements of these parables come from everyday life. Who hasn’t dreamed of an extraordinary harvest when planting a garden, searched for a treasure, haunted an auction looking for that pearl, or thought to themselves that one more try might just bring in a hundredfold harvest?
Rewriting the parables to reflect the professions of our Information Age, keeping in mind the professions and avocations of our church members, is not a bad idea. The parables of Jesus are earthy and down to earth.
Don’t work too hard for total accuracy. Remember, mustard seeds don’t grow into trees. They’re plants. Perhaps this comment was meant to make the listeners laugh. They knew mustard seeds didn’t grow into trees. Or maybe the outcome reminds us of just how incredible the possibilities become when we truly live a parabolic life.
Frank R.
* * *
Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52
The parables of the mustard seed, the pearl of great value, and associated images in the text remind us of the hidden character of God’s work. According to John Calvin they “are intended to instruct believers to prefer the Kingdom of Heaven to the world, and therefore to deny themselves and all the desires of the flesh...” (Calvin’s Commentaries, Vol. XVl.I/2, p.131)
To this point he adds that, “We commonly set a high value on what is visible, and therefore the new and spiritual life, which is held out to us in the gospel is little esteemed by us, because it is hidden, and lies in hope.” (Ibid.) Living in hope entails leaving the results of our service up to God. Martin Luther made that point:
I cannot foresee the fruit of my teaching, which people are to be converted and which not... who are you, after all to search out these things? Do your duty and leave the result to God. (What Luther Says, p.928)
Mark E.
* * *
Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52
Defining the kingdom of heaven is not an easy task, and Jesus uses several parables to try and explain it. The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, it is like yeast. It is like good seed which is nurtured, even though it is infested with weeds. The parables are confusing and sometimes the disciples do not even understand. Yet, the good seed and the weeds are allowed to grow together. To kill the weeds is to risk killing to good seed growth. God allows both to grow. If we, as faithful followers of Jesus, are the good seed, then it is incumbent upon us to live among those who are seeking faithfulness and those who are not. I recently heard a friend and colleague say, “Let us choose to be seeds and not weeds in the world.” Maybe in our case, living a faithful life, and planting the seeds of faith around us, will transform some of the “weeds.”
Bonnie B.
