Maundy Thursday/Holy Thursday
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Series VI, Cycle B
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14 (C); Exodus 12:1-8 (11-14) (RC); Exodus 12:1-14a (E)
This story records what for our Jewish friends is a powerful memory. God has ordered that each Israelite family or household select an unblemished lamb, either sheep or goat, preserve it for fourteen days, then the lamb is to be slaughtered and eaten according to some very elaborate instructions. This is to be done hurriedly since God was, apparently, in a hurry. The blood from the lamb was to be placed on the door or lintel of each home to identify the residents as innocents. Following that, God would then pass throughout the land killing all firstborn children and animals. This entire celebration was to be observed throughout time as a reminder of the greatness of God, and of GodÍs redemptive power. The passing over of the innocent residents would be celebrated as the Passover.
The Christian reader must be respectful of this Jewish tradition, and remind oneself of the awesome suffering which characterized their early history. The desire for vengeance, if not admirable by todayÍs standards, is understandable. How literally we are to read this is a difficult problem. Assuming that things happened as reported, we must gently remind ourselves that these instructions were in fact given, not by God, but by men who assumed they were receiving instructions from God. From our present perspective, we wonder why God would slaughter innocent children, not to mention animals, no matter what wrongs their parents may have committed. If I may suggest an alternative, better that God should have dealt with the guilty Egyptians or whomever, not the babies.
Maybe a twentieth century Christian simply cannot think himself or herself back into the minds of the people of that time. Perhaps such as we cannot judge. Yet, if one were to preach on this passage, perhaps as an effort to instruct our congregations about the religion of our Jewish brothers and sisters, it would be necessary, I think, to reject the idea of vengeance. Jesus would teach a better way.
Lesson 2: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (C, RC); 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (27-32) (E)
Every minister who has served a church for a few years, especially churches which have frequent church suppers, will get a smile by reading the prior few verses to this passage. Those wonderful, irrepressible, disreputable Corinthians. I know a bunch like them and you may too. They show up at the supper, get first in line, fill their plates, and by the time the more mannerly folks get to the table, the good stuff is gone. Also, since wine in church was more fashionable then than now (I write as a Methodist), it seems that some of those folks were boozing it up. All in all, Paul was upset. ThatÍs why the LordÍs Supper, which used to be a full-scale meal, became a symbolic meal. So Paul has written what has become the liturgy of many a Christian church. The bread symbolizes JesusÍ body ñbroken'' for us. The ñwine'' symbolizes JesusÍ blood. We wonÍt struggle here with the question of whether the elements ñare'' the body and blood or whether they are ñlike'' the body and blood. Earlier generations got excited over that issue. IÍm quite happy to leave each believer to his or her own faith in the matter.
In preaching, there are two central points. One, we are to contemplate our conduct and attitudes and be healthily self-critical. Two, having confessed to ourselves and to God the wrongs we may have done (or the good left undone), we can then accept forgiveness.
Gospel: John 13:1-17, 31b-35 (C); John 13:1-15 (RC, E)
Jesus, realizing that the end is near, that not long afterward he must die, gives a vivid example to his beloved disciples, demonstrating that if you truly love someone, you serve that person. Never do you exalt yourself above someone you love.
Foot washing was an ultimate act of subservience in that day. Most people wore sandals, or perhaps were barefoot. Roads were dirt, and keeping oneÍs feet clean was „ well „ impossible. When a man of prominence visited another such person, a servant was often called to wash the visitorÍs feet. Only a person of lowly estate would ever be asked or expected to do such an act. What Jesus did must have stunned his followers. Peter could no more allow that than any of us would at first permit such personal service from our most admired person.
Jesus explained. This was an example. If he, the Son of God, could bow to such service, then his disciples could follow suit. It was the very opposite of self-importance. To set aside oneÍs powers, oneÍs status, and to bow down in this way was a gift of love. The disciples would never forget this remarkable action.
When we turn to the final verses of this passage, John 31-35, we find the ultimate statement of the Christian faith. ñJust as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples....''
Gospel: Luke 22:14-30 (E)
Jesus announces to his closest friends that the end is near for him, that suffering then death are close. He will refrain from drinking and eating, but urges the others to do so as an act of oneness with him. So, again, we have the words attributed to Jesus instituting the LordÍs Supper. Devout Christians are divided on the question as to whether this rather formal statement was literally spoken by Jesus, or whether later authors carefully rendered into a few words the statements, the teachings, and the actions of Jesus toward the end of his life. As with many biblical passages, we must pray for understanding, realizing that some equally sincere Christian people will find answers different from each other. Whether these words are those of Jesus, or a faithful summary of his teachings on the subject, we can hopefully agree that by this sacrament we are brought into very intimate relationship with him who died for us and, therefore, with God.
SERMON SUGGESTIONS
Title: ñSomething Good Will Happen''
Text: Exodus 12:1-14
Theme: There is good news and bad news in this passage. The good news is the promise that God, who assures us of justice in a world in which justice is so often not to be seen, promises ultimate consequences for wrongdoing, and ultimate justification for righteousness. The bad news is that this passage is suspect if we are to believe that God would punish the innocent to vindicate and avenge the wronged. One can only presume a certain amount of hyperbole (exaggeration) in this story. Or, one must assume that well-meaning Hebrew writers, in their zeal for justice, misunderstood God.
Having acknowledged the likelihood that this story of the Passover is a legend, we need also to understand that it is a powerful story to a people who had suffered horribly and needed a tradition to bind them together with hope and a sense of GodÍs understanding and sympathy. A sermon based on this passage could emphasize:
1. There will finally be justice in GodÍs world. As Christians we realize that justice does not always happen in this life, but ultimately the universe makes no sense unless we can believe that eventually God will put all things right.
2. There is hope for tomorrow. The Passover is an assurance that good things lie ahead for those who are faithful to GodÍs will.
3. God goes with us. In the text, the people had an unquestioned sense of GodÍs intimate daily presence. He had empowered Moses and their other leaders. He did and will show the way in life for those who remain close to him.
Title: ñHarmony In The Church''
Text: 1 Corinthians 11:17-32
Theme: This passage is a reminder that in some ways people donÍt change. My first church nearly split one year over the issue of a full breakfast with pancakes, sausage, and the like for an Easter morning breakfast versus mere coffee and doughnuts. Bless their hearts, they finally got together. But we people are funny about some things. So were the Corinthians. The communal meal had to be made symbolic so thereÍd be enough elements for everyone. This could be a good basis for a sermon on church life and the need for generosity of spirit and the values of democracy.
1. The church was instituted as a place where people could draw together in harmony. Sometimes our human nature gets in the way of that.
2. As we live life together, itÍs important that we accept the fact that we sometimes wonÍt get our way, yet we are to support the church in good spirit. I have been through seven major building programs in churches and in every one we lost someone who didnÍt get his way (yes, it was always men). God calls us to be peacemakers, not troublemakers.
3. Forgiveness is an essential element in church life. A faithful church is one in which we are able to deal with our petty little squabbles, yet draw together in love, forgiving angry outbursts and snide comments. This passage, finally, concludes with the LordÍs Supper, which allows us to contemplate our sins and to receive:
4. GodÍs forgiveness.
Title: ñDoing The Right Thing''
Text: John 13:31b-35
Theme: What a wonderful world this would be if we were able, even just those of us who call ourselves ñChristian,'' to comply with JesusÍ injunction that we love one another as he has loved us. What we can do is try. My own wife and daughter, when they pass through a tollbooth on a highway, always pay double, to cover the car behind them. A trifle, to be sure. What it does is remind them to be thoughtful of other people.
1. Jesus, in washing his disciplesÍ feet, showed them the way of serving others. In asking them to do the same for others, he was also asking us to do the same. Although some churches actually have foot washing ceremonies, I think the modern counterpart is other forms of service.
2. In the course of an ordinary day, we may have few dramatic opportunities, but we have numerous small opportunities. Letting a driver into a long line of traffic. Saying an encouraging word to a tired sales clerk. Giving a compliment for someone elseÍs good work. Complimenting a co-worker to the boss. Stifling the impulse to criticize another person. Jesus once said he who is faithful in little is faithful in much.
3. We are not to seek gratitude or reward. This can be the hardest part of doing something nice for someone else. I think it was Emerson who said, ñThe greatest joy is to be caught doing a secret good.'' Perhaps. But the real measure of serving others is that there is an inner reward for doing what we know is kind and gracious, even when the other person says nothing. This especially applies to honesty. To always try to do the right thing may win few laurels, but it will be pleasing to God and I have a feeling the time will come when that will mean the most.
ADDITIONAL ILLUSTRATIONS
An April 1997 issue of Sports Illustrated reported the results of a survey of 198 Olympic athletes and Olympic hopefuls. They were asked two questions. The first question was how they would respond if offered an illegal performance-enhancing drug with the guarantee that they would not be caught and that they would win their event: Would they take the drug? One hundred and ninety-five answered, ñYes!''
The second question asked if they were offered an illegal performance-enhancing drug with the understanding that they would not be caught and they would win all their events, but after winning their final event they would die, would they take the drug? One hundred and six answered, ñYes.''
Surely this says something about ethics in America today, and ethical excellence is one way we love one another.
____________
When I was a little boy, maybe five or six, I made a small woven mat in school. The teacher helped, but it was my creation. It was made of many colored yarns, a truly excellent creation by my childish measure. I gave it to my paternal grandmother, whom I loved very much, as a gift. It immediately became one of her treasures, placed on an antique table in the parlor of my grandparentsÍ fine old home on Main Street. One day when I was visiting my grandparents for a vacation week, Grandma found it necessary to scold me. My punishment was that I must sit quietly in a chair for a few minutes. I, of course, was angry and felt mistreated, though I understand now I needed exactly what I was getting. I decided that Grandma should suffer in some way for scolding me, so I dashed over and picked up the mat. I returned to my imprisoning chair, but I announced to Grandma that I was taking back the mat. It was to be no longer hers. Obviously hurt by this, Grandma, an old softy who never said an unkind word, let me up. What a brat I was for doing that. I have felt badly about that ever since, though I suppose Grandma and Grandpa may have laughed about it that evening. But what is it in us that sometimes wants to hurt another person, often the person we love? ArenÍt we all, or at least most of us, having to overcome this selfishness within if we are ever truly to love? Is that part of what the Bible means by sin?
____________
The following appeared in a publication of Asbury Theological Seminary. ñI suppose I saw this most clearly in 1975 when my three-year-old son, Scott, was in Marion General Hospital, Marion, Indiana. Scott was back in his room after hernia surgery. Still sedated, he thrashed his arms in pain and cried out, ïDaddy! Daddy! Where are you? Where are you, Daddy?Í Do you know where his daddy was? Holding him. I was cradling him in my arms.
ñThen I saw it! When we are thrashing about, crying out to God, ïWhere are you, God?Í He is not only with us, he is holding us in his arms, until by and by we see him clearly again.'' (This was written by David L. Thompson.)
____________
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 (C) „ ñI was low and he saved me.''
Psalm 78:14-20, 23-25 (E) „ The story of IsraelÍs past history.
Prayer Of The Day
Eternal God of love, for the many sins of which we are guilty, those selfish acts, those hurtful words „ for the failures to do the kindnesses we could have done „ for the unholy thoughts which we have entertained, forgive us. Cleanse us, O God, enable us yet to become the worthy children which we were created to be. In ChristÍs saving name we pray. Amen.
Lesson 1: Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14 (C); Exodus 12:1-8 (11-14) (RC); Exodus 12:1-14a (E)
This story records what for our Jewish friends is a powerful memory. God has ordered that each Israelite family or household select an unblemished lamb, either sheep or goat, preserve it for fourteen days, then the lamb is to be slaughtered and eaten according to some very elaborate instructions. This is to be done hurriedly since God was, apparently, in a hurry. The blood from the lamb was to be placed on the door or lintel of each home to identify the residents as innocents. Following that, God would then pass throughout the land killing all firstborn children and animals. This entire celebration was to be observed throughout time as a reminder of the greatness of God, and of GodÍs redemptive power. The passing over of the innocent residents would be celebrated as the Passover.
The Christian reader must be respectful of this Jewish tradition, and remind oneself of the awesome suffering which characterized their early history. The desire for vengeance, if not admirable by todayÍs standards, is understandable. How literally we are to read this is a difficult problem. Assuming that things happened as reported, we must gently remind ourselves that these instructions were in fact given, not by God, but by men who assumed they were receiving instructions from God. From our present perspective, we wonder why God would slaughter innocent children, not to mention animals, no matter what wrongs their parents may have committed. If I may suggest an alternative, better that God should have dealt with the guilty Egyptians or whomever, not the babies.
Maybe a twentieth century Christian simply cannot think himself or herself back into the minds of the people of that time. Perhaps such as we cannot judge. Yet, if one were to preach on this passage, perhaps as an effort to instruct our congregations about the religion of our Jewish brothers and sisters, it would be necessary, I think, to reject the idea of vengeance. Jesus would teach a better way.
Lesson 2: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (C, RC); 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (27-32) (E)
Every minister who has served a church for a few years, especially churches which have frequent church suppers, will get a smile by reading the prior few verses to this passage. Those wonderful, irrepressible, disreputable Corinthians. I know a bunch like them and you may too. They show up at the supper, get first in line, fill their plates, and by the time the more mannerly folks get to the table, the good stuff is gone. Also, since wine in church was more fashionable then than now (I write as a Methodist), it seems that some of those folks were boozing it up. All in all, Paul was upset. ThatÍs why the LordÍs Supper, which used to be a full-scale meal, became a symbolic meal. So Paul has written what has become the liturgy of many a Christian church. The bread symbolizes JesusÍ body ñbroken'' for us. The ñwine'' symbolizes JesusÍ blood. We wonÍt struggle here with the question of whether the elements ñare'' the body and blood or whether they are ñlike'' the body and blood. Earlier generations got excited over that issue. IÍm quite happy to leave each believer to his or her own faith in the matter.
In preaching, there are two central points. One, we are to contemplate our conduct and attitudes and be healthily self-critical. Two, having confessed to ourselves and to God the wrongs we may have done (or the good left undone), we can then accept forgiveness.
Gospel: John 13:1-17, 31b-35 (C); John 13:1-15 (RC, E)
Jesus, realizing that the end is near, that not long afterward he must die, gives a vivid example to his beloved disciples, demonstrating that if you truly love someone, you serve that person. Never do you exalt yourself above someone you love.
Foot washing was an ultimate act of subservience in that day. Most people wore sandals, or perhaps were barefoot. Roads were dirt, and keeping oneÍs feet clean was „ well „ impossible. When a man of prominence visited another such person, a servant was often called to wash the visitorÍs feet. Only a person of lowly estate would ever be asked or expected to do such an act. What Jesus did must have stunned his followers. Peter could no more allow that than any of us would at first permit such personal service from our most admired person.
Jesus explained. This was an example. If he, the Son of God, could bow to such service, then his disciples could follow suit. It was the very opposite of self-importance. To set aside oneÍs powers, oneÍs status, and to bow down in this way was a gift of love. The disciples would never forget this remarkable action.
When we turn to the final verses of this passage, John 31-35, we find the ultimate statement of the Christian faith. ñJust as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples....''
Gospel: Luke 22:14-30 (E)
Jesus announces to his closest friends that the end is near for him, that suffering then death are close. He will refrain from drinking and eating, but urges the others to do so as an act of oneness with him. So, again, we have the words attributed to Jesus instituting the LordÍs Supper. Devout Christians are divided on the question as to whether this rather formal statement was literally spoken by Jesus, or whether later authors carefully rendered into a few words the statements, the teachings, and the actions of Jesus toward the end of his life. As with many biblical passages, we must pray for understanding, realizing that some equally sincere Christian people will find answers different from each other. Whether these words are those of Jesus, or a faithful summary of his teachings on the subject, we can hopefully agree that by this sacrament we are brought into very intimate relationship with him who died for us and, therefore, with God.
SERMON SUGGESTIONS
Title: ñSomething Good Will Happen''
Text: Exodus 12:1-14
Theme: There is good news and bad news in this passage. The good news is the promise that God, who assures us of justice in a world in which justice is so often not to be seen, promises ultimate consequences for wrongdoing, and ultimate justification for righteousness. The bad news is that this passage is suspect if we are to believe that God would punish the innocent to vindicate and avenge the wronged. One can only presume a certain amount of hyperbole (exaggeration) in this story. Or, one must assume that well-meaning Hebrew writers, in their zeal for justice, misunderstood God.
Having acknowledged the likelihood that this story of the Passover is a legend, we need also to understand that it is a powerful story to a people who had suffered horribly and needed a tradition to bind them together with hope and a sense of GodÍs understanding and sympathy. A sermon based on this passage could emphasize:
1. There will finally be justice in GodÍs world. As Christians we realize that justice does not always happen in this life, but ultimately the universe makes no sense unless we can believe that eventually God will put all things right.
2. There is hope for tomorrow. The Passover is an assurance that good things lie ahead for those who are faithful to GodÍs will.
3. God goes with us. In the text, the people had an unquestioned sense of GodÍs intimate daily presence. He had empowered Moses and their other leaders. He did and will show the way in life for those who remain close to him.
Title: ñHarmony In The Church''
Text: 1 Corinthians 11:17-32
Theme: This passage is a reminder that in some ways people donÍt change. My first church nearly split one year over the issue of a full breakfast with pancakes, sausage, and the like for an Easter morning breakfast versus mere coffee and doughnuts. Bless their hearts, they finally got together. But we people are funny about some things. So were the Corinthians. The communal meal had to be made symbolic so thereÍd be enough elements for everyone. This could be a good basis for a sermon on church life and the need for generosity of spirit and the values of democracy.
1. The church was instituted as a place where people could draw together in harmony. Sometimes our human nature gets in the way of that.
2. As we live life together, itÍs important that we accept the fact that we sometimes wonÍt get our way, yet we are to support the church in good spirit. I have been through seven major building programs in churches and in every one we lost someone who didnÍt get his way (yes, it was always men). God calls us to be peacemakers, not troublemakers.
3. Forgiveness is an essential element in church life. A faithful church is one in which we are able to deal with our petty little squabbles, yet draw together in love, forgiving angry outbursts and snide comments. This passage, finally, concludes with the LordÍs Supper, which allows us to contemplate our sins and to receive:
4. GodÍs forgiveness.
Title: ñDoing The Right Thing''
Text: John 13:31b-35
Theme: What a wonderful world this would be if we were able, even just those of us who call ourselves ñChristian,'' to comply with JesusÍ injunction that we love one another as he has loved us. What we can do is try. My own wife and daughter, when they pass through a tollbooth on a highway, always pay double, to cover the car behind them. A trifle, to be sure. What it does is remind them to be thoughtful of other people.
1. Jesus, in washing his disciplesÍ feet, showed them the way of serving others. In asking them to do the same for others, he was also asking us to do the same. Although some churches actually have foot washing ceremonies, I think the modern counterpart is other forms of service.
2. In the course of an ordinary day, we may have few dramatic opportunities, but we have numerous small opportunities. Letting a driver into a long line of traffic. Saying an encouraging word to a tired sales clerk. Giving a compliment for someone elseÍs good work. Complimenting a co-worker to the boss. Stifling the impulse to criticize another person. Jesus once said he who is faithful in little is faithful in much.
3. We are not to seek gratitude or reward. This can be the hardest part of doing something nice for someone else. I think it was Emerson who said, ñThe greatest joy is to be caught doing a secret good.'' Perhaps. But the real measure of serving others is that there is an inner reward for doing what we know is kind and gracious, even when the other person says nothing. This especially applies to honesty. To always try to do the right thing may win few laurels, but it will be pleasing to God and I have a feeling the time will come when that will mean the most.
ADDITIONAL ILLUSTRATIONS
An April 1997 issue of Sports Illustrated reported the results of a survey of 198 Olympic athletes and Olympic hopefuls. They were asked two questions. The first question was how they would respond if offered an illegal performance-enhancing drug with the guarantee that they would not be caught and that they would win their event: Would they take the drug? One hundred and ninety-five answered, ñYes!''
The second question asked if they were offered an illegal performance-enhancing drug with the understanding that they would not be caught and they would win all their events, but after winning their final event they would die, would they take the drug? One hundred and six answered, ñYes.''
Surely this says something about ethics in America today, and ethical excellence is one way we love one another.
____________
When I was a little boy, maybe five or six, I made a small woven mat in school. The teacher helped, but it was my creation. It was made of many colored yarns, a truly excellent creation by my childish measure. I gave it to my paternal grandmother, whom I loved very much, as a gift. It immediately became one of her treasures, placed on an antique table in the parlor of my grandparentsÍ fine old home on Main Street. One day when I was visiting my grandparents for a vacation week, Grandma found it necessary to scold me. My punishment was that I must sit quietly in a chair for a few minutes. I, of course, was angry and felt mistreated, though I understand now I needed exactly what I was getting. I decided that Grandma should suffer in some way for scolding me, so I dashed over and picked up the mat. I returned to my imprisoning chair, but I announced to Grandma that I was taking back the mat. It was to be no longer hers. Obviously hurt by this, Grandma, an old softy who never said an unkind word, let me up. What a brat I was for doing that. I have felt badly about that ever since, though I suppose Grandma and Grandpa may have laughed about it that evening. But what is it in us that sometimes wants to hurt another person, often the person we love? ArenÍt we all, or at least most of us, having to overcome this selfishness within if we are ever truly to love? Is that part of what the Bible means by sin?
____________
The following appeared in a publication of Asbury Theological Seminary. ñI suppose I saw this most clearly in 1975 when my three-year-old son, Scott, was in Marion General Hospital, Marion, Indiana. Scott was back in his room after hernia surgery. Still sedated, he thrashed his arms in pain and cried out, ïDaddy! Daddy! Where are you? Where are you, Daddy?Í Do you know where his daddy was? Holding him. I was cradling him in my arms.
ñThen I saw it! When we are thrashing about, crying out to God, ïWhere are you, God?Í He is not only with us, he is holding us in his arms, until by and by we see him clearly again.'' (This was written by David L. Thompson.)
____________
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 (C) „ ñI was low and he saved me.''
Psalm 78:14-20, 23-25 (E) „ The story of IsraelÍs past history.
Prayer Of The Day
Eternal God of love, for the many sins of which we are guilty, those selfish acts, those hurtful words „ for the failures to do the kindnesses we could have done „ for the unholy thoughts which we have entertained, forgive us. Cleanse us, O God, enable us yet to become the worthy children which we were created to be. In ChristÍs saving name we pray. Amen.
