Jesus Denounces Scribes and Pharisees
Worship
Lectionary Worship Workbook
Series II, Cycle A Gospel Texts
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Invitation to the Celebration
At the end of the Music for Preparation, bang a gavel on the lectern. Then say something similar to this: "Theoretically, we're awake; and we're ready for a God-event, not only for ourself, but also for the community of faith. So, let's worship, in the Name of God, the Creator, Liberator, Sustainer, Energizer! And, all the people said, 'Tah-dah!' "
P: The call of Christ is not an easy one.
M: It is an invitation to self-giving humility.
P: It requires hard work in the face of disappointment.
M: It means going on when it seems as though everyone else has given up.
P: We will need to stop judging each other's faith and to support each other if we are to follow Christ.
M: We offer this support as we celebrate the life of faith, hope, love, together.
Response
Chorus only to "Allelu!" (words and music by Ray Repp, Folk Encounter, Hope Publishing Company. See Appendix I for address).
Prayer of Praise
O Christ, the life, keep on waking us up; that we, confronted by your majesty, the nearness of your Kingdom, and the power of your truth, may rise, ashamed from dreaming about ourself, enter into life, serve your purpose, and celebrate your truth anew, in spirit and in reality, not only with our words, not only with our emotions, but with our whole life.
Hymn of Praise
"O Lord, Our God, How Excellent" (Fred R. Anderson, 1986; Este's Psalmes, 1592).
We Seek Forgiveness
The Act of Recognizing Our Self-Righteousness
Where did we ever get the idea that we're not supposed to be disturbed? The Gospel disturbs us before healing us. If we read the Scripture carefully, and let God's Spirit interpret it for us, we will discover that all of us have the spirit of the scribes and Pharisees. (Two minutes of silence, with the suggestion that we write down how we see the spirit of the religious leaders of Jesus' day living in us today.)
Prayer of Confession
O God of grace and power, you come to us in surprising ways with surprising messages, some of which we want to hear, and some of which we want to ignore. You call us to live in unexpected ways, performing unexpected tasks. We confess that we do not always welcome your surprises, or greet you with joy. We prefer the familiar, the comfortable, the usual; we prefer to think that we have the answers for others. From our resistance to your bringing to birth within us any new visions; for our attempts to reject your truth about ourself, because we prefer self-denial; for our desire to create you in our image, rather than to give ourselves to your new creation, forgive us. Forgive us, God, and bring to birth in us a new openness to your expected presence, and your surprising direction for our lives.
Response
"Standing in the Need of Prayer" (Black Spiritual from Singing the Lord's Song, Discipleship Resources. See Appendix I for address).
The Act of Pardon for Our Self-Righteousness
We have a choice: We can refuse to recognize that in our own self-righteousness, which leads to hatred and hostility, we are God's enemy. Or we can choose to recognize that in our loving and accepting, we are God's friend. We make that choice in every decision, every relationship, every event of our life.
P: God in Christ accepts our humanity, every bit of it.
M: Despite our brokenness and I-centeredness and self-righteousness, we embrace our humanity, and the One who redeems and renews it.
P: God in Christ has set us free.
M: We are free! And we are responsible!
P: God in Christ allows us to experience newness, a new person, a new day, a new song.
M: We celebrate life in the risen, living Christ.
P: So be it!
Response
"Oh, Freedom!" (Black Spiritual, found in Singing the Lord's Song, Discipleship Resources. See Appendix I for address).
We Are Listening!
Message with the Children of All Ages
Jesus was not always a nice man. He said some tough things to the religious leaders of his day. His motto for life was not "don't worry; be happy." What do you think of that? (Pause.) One day a young boy said to his friends, "I don't like Jesus; he makes me brush my teeth every night." It's easy to use Jesus, or to use what we believe about Jesus, against others. Jesus will have none of that. Explain in children's words the meaning of the last two verses of the Gospel.
Reading from the Newer Covenant
With the children still present, have one of your actors present the Scripture in language that speaks to us today. You may want to refer to The Cotton Patch Version, by Clarence Jordan, and revise it for your congregation.
Proclamation of the Good News
John Fife, in the January/February, 1997 issue of The Other Side, points out clearly that the early church understood its mission. It stood against the corrupt powers of the church and state. They knew why they were being killed, just as Jesus knew. The church, when it takes the biblical mandate seriously, will suffer persecution, both by the state, and the church which is indebted to the state. (Order from The Other Side, 300 West Apsley St., Philadelphia, PA 19144-4221; 215-849-2178.)
Response
"Song of Hope"Ê(Alvin Schutmaat, 1984; Argentine Folk Melody).
We Are Accountable!
Stewardship Challenge
Stewardship of Humility and Servanthood. How slick and weasel-like is self-righteousness! Humility is a quality we often question in others, but assume in ourselves. As Walter B. Knight says in the Gospel Herald, "Humility is elusive. It is such a fragile plant that the slightest reference to it causes it to wilt and die."
Prayer of Dedication
We pray, Lord, that these gifts of money represent our humble, rather than our self-righteous, relationship with You and toward Your world.
We Leave For Ministry!
Charge to the Congregation
How will we avoid the religion of the scribes and Pharisees this week, as we remember that a critic is one who points out how imperfectly other people do that which the critic does not do at all? Any suggestions?
Meditation
"The Florentines flattered Savonarola until they found he meant business; then, they burnt him" (Dean Inge).
Music Possibilities In Addition To Those Already Suggested
Music for Preparation: "Carillon for a Joyful Day," McKay.
Hymn of Praise: "O Lord, Our God, Most Earnestly," The Psalter, 1912; alt., 1972.
Response to the Prayer of Praise: "Let Us Sing to the Lord," Psalm 95, Moyer.
Response to the Act of Receiving New Life: "The Lord's Prayer," West Indies Version; melody set down by Olive Pattison, 1945; harmony by Richard D. Wetzel, 1972.
Offertory: "A Prayer for the Innocent,"ÊMcKay.
Hymn of Commitment: "O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee," Washington Gladden, 1879.
Music for Dismissal: "Benedictions," McKay.
Invitation to the Celebration
At the end of the Music for Preparation, bang a gavel on the lectern. Then say something similar to this: "Theoretically, we're awake; and we're ready for a God-event, not only for ourself, but also for the community of faith. So, let's worship, in the Name of God, the Creator, Liberator, Sustainer, Energizer! And, all the people said, 'Tah-dah!' "
P: The call of Christ is not an easy one.
M: It is an invitation to self-giving humility.
P: It requires hard work in the face of disappointment.
M: It means going on when it seems as though everyone else has given up.
P: We will need to stop judging each other's faith and to support each other if we are to follow Christ.
M: We offer this support as we celebrate the life of faith, hope, love, together.
Response
Chorus only to "Allelu!" (words and music by Ray Repp, Folk Encounter, Hope Publishing Company. See Appendix I for address).
Prayer of Praise
O Christ, the life, keep on waking us up; that we, confronted by your majesty, the nearness of your Kingdom, and the power of your truth, may rise, ashamed from dreaming about ourself, enter into life, serve your purpose, and celebrate your truth anew, in spirit and in reality, not only with our words, not only with our emotions, but with our whole life.
Hymn of Praise
"O Lord, Our God, How Excellent" (Fred R. Anderson, 1986; Este's Psalmes, 1592).
We Seek Forgiveness
The Act of Recognizing Our Self-Righteousness
Where did we ever get the idea that we're not supposed to be disturbed? The Gospel disturbs us before healing us. If we read the Scripture carefully, and let God's Spirit interpret it for us, we will discover that all of us have the spirit of the scribes and Pharisees. (Two minutes of silence, with the suggestion that we write down how we see the spirit of the religious leaders of Jesus' day living in us today.)
Prayer of Confession
O God of grace and power, you come to us in surprising ways with surprising messages, some of which we want to hear, and some of which we want to ignore. You call us to live in unexpected ways, performing unexpected tasks. We confess that we do not always welcome your surprises, or greet you with joy. We prefer the familiar, the comfortable, the usual; we prefer to think that we have the answers for others. From our resistance to your bringing to birth within us any new visions; for our attempts to reject your truth about ourself, because we prefer self-denial; for our desire to create you in our image, rather than to give ourselves to your new creation, forgive us. Forgive us, God, and bring to birth in us a new openness to your expected presence, and your surprising direction for our lives.
Response
"Standing in the Need of Prayer" (Black Spiritual from Singing the Lord's Song, Discipleship Resources. See Appendix I for address).
The Act of Pardon for Our Self-Righteousness
We have a choice: We can refuse to recognize that in our own self-righteousness, which leads to hatred and hostility, we are God's enemy. Or we can choose to recognize that in our loving and accepting, we are God's friend. We make that choice in every decision, every relationship, every event of our life.
P: God in Christ accepts our humanity, every bit of it.
M: Despite our brokenness and I-centeredness and self-righteousness, we embrace our humanity, and the One who redeems and renews it.
P: God in Christ has set us free.
M: We are free! And we are responsible!
P: God in Christ allows us to experience newness, a new person, a new day, a new song.
M: We celebrate life in the risen, living Christ.
P: So be it!
Response
"Oh, Freedom!" (Black Spiritual, found in Singing the Lord's Song, Discipleship Resources. See Appendix I for address).
We Are Listening!
Message with the Children of All Ages
Jesus was not always a nice man. He said some tough things to the religious leaders of his day. His motto for life was not "don't worry; be happy." What do you think of that? (Pause.) One day a young boy said to his friends, "I don't like Jesus; he makes me brush my teeth every night." It's easy to use Jesus, or to use what we believe about Jesus, against others. Jesus will have none of that. Explain in children's words the meaning of the last two verses of the Gospel.
Reading from the Newer Covenant
With the children still present, have one of your actors present the Scripture in language that speaks to us today. You may want to refer to The Cotton Patch Version, by Clarence Jordan, and revise it for your congregation.
Proclamation of the Good News
John Fife, in the January/February, 1997 issue of The Other Side, points out clearly that the early church understood its mission. It stood against the corrupt powers of the church and state. They knew why they were being killed, just as Jesus knew. The church, when it takes the biblical mandate seriously, will suffer persecution, both by the state, and the church which is indebted to the state. (Order from The Other Side, 300 West Apsley St., Philadelphia, PA 19144-4221; 215-849-2178.)
Response
"Song of Hope"Ê(Alvin Schutmaat, 1984; Argentine Folk Melody).
We Are Accountable!
Stewardship Challenge
Stewardship of Humility and Servanthood. How slick and weasel-like is self-righteousness! Humility is a quality we often question in others, but assume in ourselves. As Walter B. Knight says in the Gospel Herald, "Humility is elusive. It is such a fragile plant that the slightest reference to it causes it to wilt and die."
Prayer of Dedication
We pray, Lord, that these gifts of money represent our humble, rather than our self-righteous, relationship with You and toward Your world.
We Leave For Ministry!
Charge to the Congregation
How will we avoid the religion of the scribes and Pharisees this week, as we remember that a critic is one who points out how imperfectly other people do that which the critic does not do at all? Any suggestions?
Meditation
"The Florentines flattered Savonarola until they found he meant business; then, they burnt him" (Dean Inge).
Music Possibilities In Addition To Those Already Suggested
Music for Preparation: "Carillon for a Joyful Day," McKay.
Hymn of Praise: "O Lord, Our God, Most Earnestly," The Psalter, 1912; alt., 1972.
Response to the Prayer of Praise: "Let Us Sing to the Lord," Psalm 95, Moyer.
Response to the Act of Receiving New Life: "The Lord's Prayer," West Indies Version; melody set down by Olive Pattison, 1945; harmony by Richard D. Wetzel, 1972.
Offertory: "A Prayer for the Innocent,"ÊMcKay.
Hymn of Commitment: "O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee," Washington Gladden, 1879.
Music for Dismissal: "Benedictions," McKay.
