Death To Glory
Sermon
Sermons on the Second Readings
Series II, Cycle C
Once in a far-off land, there was a great king whose dominion extended far and wide. His power and authority were absolute. One day, as events would happen, a young man, a commoner, committed a grave offense against the king. In response, the king and his counselors gathered together to determine what should be done. They decided that since the offense was so grave and had been committed by a commoner against someone so august as the king, the only punishment that would satisfy justice was death. The king's son, the crown prince, however, interceded on the young offender's behalf -- you see, they were best friends. The prince spoke with his father and the counselors; the debate grew rather heated. In the end, the king declared, "The offender must pay a price for his offense. I decree that he must carry a heavy burden up Temple Mountain. If he survives the ordeal he shall live!"
The prince again interceded for his friend. He knew the burden of which his father spoke was the weight of death and he knew his friend would not be able to carry it. Thus, the prince declared, "Royal blood has been offended, therefore, only royal blood can pay the price." So the prince shouldered the heavy burden himself, and with his friend trailing behind him, he began the ascent of the mountain. The task was very difficult. The higher the prince climbed, the heavier the burden became. The prince slipped and stumbled several times, but he always managed to right himself and keep going. When the two friends first saw the summit, their goal, the prince collapsed from sheer exhaustion. He said to his friend, "In order for justice to be served, the price must be paid." The young man understood the prince and, thus, he shouldered the burden himself and, now with the prince following, managed to climb the rest of the way to the summit. When the two friends reached their goal, the prince, with his last ounce of strength, lifted the burden high over his head and then he died.
The king, observing all these events from below, declared, "Justice has been done." Then with his great power he returned his son to life. The prince, now returned to life, said, "Not so, not yet. Justice has not been served. Royal blood received help along the way!" The king had to agree. He pardoned the young offender and the two best friends lived happily ever after.1
Although a man of royal blood the prince unhesitatingly went to his friend's aid and shouldered the burden which he knew his associate could not bear alone. He chose to assist one in need and through his efforts that lead to his death, found, in the end, the glory of God. The Easter season celebrates how Jesus moved from death to glory. His life, his death, and his resurrection, provide the example we must follow in our relations with one another. As Jesus chose to die and through that sacrifice found life, so the prince shouldered the burden for his friend and found God. We must do likewise.
In today's lesson from the book of Revelation we hear of a special vision of the seer John. He speaks of myriads of angels who praise the lamb who was slain. This is the same lamb of which John's Gospel spoke when the precursor, John the Baptist, cried out, "Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29b). The sacrifice of the lamb, his willingness to be slain brings him power, wealth, wisdom and might, honor and glory, and praise. This great praise given to the Lamb comes not only from the myriads of angels, but, we are told, from every creature in heaven and earth. Blessings, honor, glory, and might must be given forever. The Lamb was sacrificed, Jesus has been crucified, but he has been raised from the dead and, thus, receives the honor and praise of all the world.
The angels see in the sacrifice of the Lamb the formula necessary for the glory that only God can create, for himself and all those who have followed the path the Lamb has trod. Clearly, the example we need has been provided; now it is our task to do what is necessary to follow. It is up to us how we will respond.
While the book of Revelation, as we heard today, provides ample information and verification that Jesus has passed from death to glory and thus encourages us to do likewise, we should also remind ourselves that the Lord's whole life and ministry proclaimed this same important message. From the outset of his earthly life, it was clear that Jesus was set on a course that would lead from death to glory, sacrificing himself for others and teaching his disciples to do likewise. On numerous occasions in varied ways Jesus played the servant making it clear that such action should be normative for all who wish to follow in his footsteps. Jesus told his disciples, "Whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be your slave; just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life [as] a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:28). Similarly in another context, Jesus taught his followers who were competing for position: "Whoever wants to be the first must be the last of all and servant of all" (Mark 9:35). In still another setting he said, "The greatest among you will be the servant" (Matthew 23:11). The role of the servant, if lived well, is one of dying to self for the betterment of others. If we are to live like Jesus then this must be our goal as well.
Another important aspect of the servant role is the virtue of humility. Jesus certainly taught this important quality by the way he lived and the message he preached. Jesus told a parable about those who sought places of honor at a banquet (Luke 14:7-14). He suggested it was best to sit at the low end of the table, so as to be raised up. Humility was also demonstrated by the younger so-called "prodigal" son (Luke 15:11-32) when, realizing that he had erred, the boy returned to his father seeking to confess his sin and once again to be obedient. Jesus summarized his teaching with the powerful words, "All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted" (Matthew 23:12).
Jesus' ability to pass from death to glory was also demonstrated through his fearless challenge of rules and authority that he believed were misguided and not God-centered. To speak and act against the prevailing Jewish ruling elite, as had the prophets before him, was a dangerous and problematic road to follow. Yet, without thinking about what it might cost personally, Jesus unhesitatingly placed himself in harm's way, allowing himself not only to suffer ridicule and abuse, but ultimately death by crucifixion. Jesus never shied away from his goals nor the challenge necessary to achieve them. He never looked back or questioned his mission, confident that the death he endured would bring the glory and the inauguration of his kingdom in this world.
Moving from death to glory, living the Easter message, is a great challenge. Yet, we know from the experience of Jesus that this is precisely what we need to do in order to find the eternal life which is God's promise to all who believe. Moving from death to glory involves every part of our life and is manifest in multiple ways. First, we can see this transition in carrying the burdens of others.
As contemporary followers of Christ, we have a highly significant responsibility to be Christlike in assisting our sisters and brothers with the burdens they carry. In our various day-to-day work we generally do this very well. Whether we are teachers, nurses, engineers, city workers, or we work at home. Even if we are retired, our ability to carry others' burdens is accomplished with great flair and gusto. The problem comes, for many of us, in our personal relationships. Many times we do not recognize the burdens that others carry. This is not because we cannot see them, but we choose not to see them. It is much more convenient to be like the priest and the Levite in the parable of the good Samaritan and simply "pass by." This type of blindness is self-imposed. Only we can remove the blinders or dark glasses that keep us from seeing or the ear plugs that keep us from hearing the needs of others. If Jesus' resurrection is to have any lasting effect for our world, then we must be up to the challenge to carry the burdens of others and see in that, as did the prince, our true vocation.
Next, our movement from death to glory involves finding new life. Today is our celebration of the new life which God can give to us. No matter our age, status in life, or day-to-day activity, we all can use new beginnings and must rejoice in the hope that Jesus' resurrection brings. Maybe we have felt stagnant in our prayer, our employment, or our relationship with God. Possibly, we seek renewal in a relationship, in our family, with friends, or someone in our office. Some may feel held bound by past hurts, inflicted upon our person or ones we have inflicted on others. Still others may find the routine of daily life a downward spiral from which we seemingly cannot escape. Today, however, God releases us from our bondage, as assuredly as the Jews were freed from Egypt and Jesus was raised from death. The new life is ours for the taking.
Lastly, our movement from death to glory forces us to seek renewal in our lives. Maybe what needs to be restored is our self-confidence. Many people think too little of themselves. Others may think too highly of themselves, their position, or their abilities. In both cases, Jesus' resurrection can restore us to where we should be. Possibly, we feel inadequate, we are not up to the challenge of a new responsibility, ministry, or task. We won't try something new. In other cases we need to restore our attitudes to ones that are more loving, less judgmental, and, thus, more Christlike. Still others need a restoration of faith and confidence, in special people, traditional ideas, the church, and yes, for some, even God.
The Easter story, Jesus' movement from death to glory, is at its essence one of sacrifice. A beautiful story well illustrates the challenge set before us. There once was an ancient temple bell famous for its beautiful tone. It had been commissioned by a king many years ago as a way of showing devotion to the Buddha. The king's advisors had told him that making a bell in honor of the Buddha would save the nation from foreign invasion, so the king approached the greatest bell maker in the realm with this commission. The man worked long and hard and produced many bells, but none had the extraordinary tone necessary for its special purpose. Finally, the bell maker went to the king and told him the only way he could get the bell desired was to sacrifice a young maiden. Soldiers were thus dispatched to find a young girl. Coming upon a poor mother in a small village they took her young daughter. The child cried in vain "Emille, Emille" -- "Mother, O Mother." When the molten lead and iron were prepared, the girl was thrown into the mix. At last the bell maker had succeeded. The bell, called the Emille Bell, made a sound more beautiful than any other. When it rang, most people praised the artist who had produced the sound, but whenever the woman whose child was sacrificed heard it, her heart broke anew. Her neighbors, who knew of her sacrifice and pain, could not hear the tone without the pain, either. Only those who understand sacrifice can feel the pain. Others just enjoy the sound.
As we continue to bask in the resurrection, let us understand our need to die to self, to be servants, to sacrifice so as to find the glory that can be ours. Let us follow the examples of the prince who shouldered his friend's burden and Jesus who taught us to be servants. Our reward in heaven will be great.
____________
1. Paraphrased from "The Burden: A Tale of Christ," in John Aurelio, Colors! Stories of the Kingdom (New York: Crossroad, 1993), pp. 130-132.
The prince again interceded for his friend. He knew the burden of which his father spoke was the weight of death and he knew his friend would not be able to carry it. Thus, the prince declared, "Royal blood has been offended, therefore, only royal blood can pay the price." So the prince shouldered the heavy burden himself, and with his friend trailing behind him, he began the ascent of the mountain. The task was very difficult. The higher the prince climbed, the heavier the burden became. The prince slipped and stumbled several times, but he always managed to right himself and keep going. When the two friends first saw the summit, their goal, the prince collapsed from sheer exhaustion. He said to his friend, "In order for justice to be served, the price must be paid." The young man understood the prince and, thus, he shouldered the burden himself and, now with the prince following, managed to climb the rest of the way to the summit. When the two friends reached their goal, the prince, with his last ounce of strength, lifted the burden high over his head and then he died.
The king, observing all these events from below, declared, "Justice has been done." Then with his great power he returned his son to life. The prince, now returned to life, said, "Not so, not yet. Justice has not been served. Royal blood received help along the way!" The king had to agree. He pardoned the young offender and the two best friends lived happily ever after.1
Although a man of royal blood the prince unhesitatingly went to his friend's aid and shouldered the burden which he knew his associate could not bear alone. He chose to assist one in need and through his efforts that lead to his death, found, in the end, the glory of God. The Easter season celebrates how Jesus moved from death to glory. His life, his death, and his resurrection, provide the example we must follow in our relations with one another. As Jesus chose to die and through that sacrifice found life, so the prince shouldered the burden for his friend and found God. We must do likewise.
In today's lesson from the book of Revelation we hear of a special vision of the seer John. He speaks of myriads of angels who praise the lamb who was slain. This is the same lamb of which John's Gospel spoke when the precursor, John the Baptist, cried out, "Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29b). The sacrifice of the lamb, his willingness to be slain brings him power, wealth, wisdom and might, honor and glory, and praise. This great praise given to the Lamb comes not only from the myriads of angels, but, we are told, from every creature in heaven and earth. Blessings, honor, glory, and might must be given forever. The Lamb was sacrificed, Jesus has been crucified, but he has been raised from the dead and, thus, receives the honor and praise of all the world.
The angels see in the sacrifice of the Lamb the formula necessary for the glory that only God can create, for himself and all those who have followed the path the Lamb has trod. Clearly, the example we need has been provided; now it is our task to do what is necessary to follow. It is up to us how we will respond.
While the book of Revelation, as we heard today, provides ample information and verification that Jesus has passed from death to glory and thus encourages us to do likewise, we should also remind ourselves that the Lord's whole life and ministry proclaimed this same important message. From the outset of his earthly life, it was clear that Jesus was set on a course that would lead from death to glory, sacrificing himself for others and teaching his disciples to do likewise. On numerous occasions in varied ways Jesus played the servant making it clear that such action should be normative for all who wish to follow in his footsteps. Jesus told his disciples, "Whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be your slave; just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life [as] a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:28). Similarly in another context, Jesus taught his followers who were competing for position: "Whoever wants to be the first must be the last of all and servant of all" (Mark 9:35). In still another setting he said, "The greatest among you will be the servant" (Matthew 23:11). The role of the servant, if lived well, is one of dying to self for the betterment of others. If we are to live like Jesus then this must be our goal as well.
Another important aspect of the servant role is the virtue of humility. Jesus certainly taught this important quality by the way he lived and the message he preached. Jesus told a parable about those who sought places of honor at a banquet (Luke 14:7-14). He suggested it was best to sit at the low end of the table, so as to be raised up. Humility was also demonstrated by the younger so-called "prodigal" son (Luke 15:11-32) when, realizing that he had erred, the boy returned to his father seeking to confess his sin and once again to be obedient. Jesus summarized his teaching with the powerful words, "All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted" (Matthew 23:12).
Jesus' ability to pass from death to glory was also demonstrated through his fearless challenge of rules and authority that he believed were misguided and not God-centered. To speak and act against the prevailing Jewish ruling elite, as had the prophets before him, was a dangerous and problematic road to follow. Yet, without thinking about what it might cost personally, Jesus unhesitatingly placed himself in harm's way, allowing himself not only to suffer ridicule and abuse, but ultimately death by crucifixion. Jesus never shied away from his goals nor the challenge necessary to achieve them. He never looked back or questioned his mission, confident that the death he endured would bring the glory and the inauguration of his kingdom in this world.
Moving from death to glory, living the Easter message, is a great challenge. Yet, we know from the experience of Jesus that this is precisely what we need to do in order to find the eternal life which is God's promise to all who believe. Moving from death to glory involves every part of our life and is manifest in multiple ways. First, we can see this transition in carrying the burdens of others.
As contemporary followers of Christ, we have a highly significant responsibility to be Christlike in assisting our sisters and brothers with the burdens they carry. In our various day-to-day work we generally do this very well. Whether we are teachers, nurses, engineers, city workers, or we work at home. Even if we are retired, our ability to carry others' burdens is accomplished with great flair and gusto. The problem comes, for many of us, in our personal relationships. Many times we do not recognize the burdens that others carry. This is not because we cannot see them, but we choose not to see them. It is much more convenient to be like the priest and the Levite in the parable of the good Samaritan and simply "pass by." This type of blindness is self-imposed. Only we can remove the blinders or dark glasses that keep us from seeing or the ear plugs that keep us from hearing the needs of others. If Jesus' resurrection is to have any lasting effect for our world, then we must be up to the challenge to carry the burdens of others and see in that, as did the prince, our true vocation.
Next, our movement from death to glory involves finding new life. Today is our celebration of the new life which God can give to us. No matter our age, status in life, or day-to-day activity, we all can use new beginnings and must rejoice in the hope that Jesus' resurrection brings. Maybe we have felt stagnant in our prayer, our employment, or our relationship with God. Possibly, we seek renewal in a relationship, in our family, with friends, or someone in our office. Some may feel held bound by past hurts, inflicted upon our person or ones we have inflicted on others. Still others may find the routine of daily life a downward spiral from which we seemingly cannot escape. Today, however, God releases us from our bondage, as assuredly as the Jews were freed from Egypt and Jesus was raised from death. The new life is ours for the taking.
Lastly, our movement from death to glory forces us to seek renewal in our lives. Maybe what needs to be restored is our self-confidence. Many people think too little of themselves. Others may think too highly of themselves, their position, or their abilities. In both cases, Jesus' resurrection can restore us to where we should be. Possibly, we feel inadequate, we are not up to the challenge of a new responsibility, ministry, or task. We won't try something new. In other cases we need to restore our attitudes to ones that are more loving, less judgmental, and, thus, more Christlike. Still others need a restoration of faith and confidence, in special people, traditional ideas, the church, and yes, for some, even God.
The Easter story, Jesus' movement from death to glory, is at its essence one of sacrifice. A beautiful story well illustrates the challenge set before us. There once was an ancient temple bell famous for its beautiful tone. It had been commissioned by a king many years ago as a way of showing devotion to the Buddha. The king's advisors had told him that making a bell in honor of the Buddha would save the nation from foreign invasion, so the king approached the greatest bell maker in the realm with this commission. The man worked long and hard and produced many bells, but none had the extraordinary tone necessary for its special purpose. Finally, the bell maker went to the king and told him the only way he could get the bell desired was to sacrifice a young maiden. Soldiers were thus dispatched to find a young girl. Coming upon a poor mother in a small village they took her young daughter. The child cried in vain "Emille, Emille" -- "Mother, O Mother." When the molten lead and iron were prepared, the girl was thrown into the mix. At last the bell maker had succeeded. The bell, called the Emille Bell, made a sound more beautiful than any other. When it rang, most people praised the artist who had produced the sound, but whenever the woman whose child was sacrificed heard it, her heart broke anew. Her neighbors, who knew of her sacrifice and pain, could not hear the tone without the pain, either. Only those who understand sacrifice can feel the pain. Others just enjoy the sound.
As we continue to bask in the resurrection, let us understand our need to die to self, to be servants, to sacrifice so as to find the glory that can be ours. Let us follow the examples of the prince who shouldered his friend's burden and Jesus who taught us to be servants. Our reward in heaven will be great.
____________
1. Paraphrased from "The Burden: A Tale of Christ," in John Aurelio, Colors! Stories of the Kingdom (New York: Crossroad, 1993), pp. 130-132.
