The power of God in Christ to deliver us from sickness and death
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Series V, Cycle B
Theme For The Day: The power of God in Christ to deliver us from sickness and death.
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: 2 Samuel 1:1, 17--27 (C)
David's love for both Saul and Jonathan comes clearly through this elegy over the two men. David's unselfishness can be seen in the fact that David does not rejoice that those who stood in the way of his becoming king are slain. The love he had for Jonathan was greater that his love for any woman (v. 26).
Lesson 1: Wisdom 1:13--15; 2:23--24 (RC)
Lesson 1: Deuteronomy 15:7--11 (E)
Lesson 2: 2 Corinthians 8:7--15 (C); 2 Corinthians 8:7--9, 13--15 (RC); 2 Corinthians 8:1--9, 13--15 (E)
The rift between Paul and the Corinthian Church has been healed. The apostle turns his attention to the physical needs of the church in Jerusalem. He encourages the Corinthians to complete their offering to the Jewish church, a project which they began a year before. Prior to this passage (vv. 8:1 and ff.) Paul lifts up the example of the church in Macedonia. They were extremely poor but they gave sacrificially. The Macedonians provide an example of grace for their much richer Corinthian sisters and brothers. Paul also lifts up the example of Christ who, though he was rich (referring to his pre--existence), he became poor through his incarnation as a human, so that he might make the Corinthians rich in God's grace (v. 9). They are encouraged to give freely of what they have, not what they don't have, so that there might be equality. The Corinthians will then be enriched by the abundance of praise and thanksgiving to God that will overflow from their gifts. The phrase "the one who had much did not have too much and the one who had little did not have too little" comes from Exodus 16:18 and refers to the gathering of manna during the wilderness period.
Gospel: Mark 5:21--43 (C, RC); Mark 5:22--24, 35b--43 (E)
A portion of Mark between last week's and this week's Gospel (5:1--20), the story of the casting out the demons of the man in the cemetery into the swine, has been skipped. After that event Jesus' party crosses the lake once again and is met by Jairus, a synagogue official, who literally begs Jesus to lay his hands on his little daughter and heal her (v. 23). Jesus agrees to go to his house and is accompanied by a large crowd. While en route, a woman who has suffered for years from a hemorrhage touches the fringe of his garment and is healed. Jesus stops, for he perceives that healing energy has flowed from him into another person and asks who has touched him. Jesus looks around and finally the woman comes forward in fear and trembling. It is important that she acknowledge the source of her healing. She must have expected a scolding but instead received a blessing. "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace..." (v. 34). As Jesus continues to the house of Jairus, word comes that the girl has died. Jesus assures the father, and continues on with Peter, James and John. When they arrive, the crowd is in mourning. Jesus announces that she is not dead but sleeping. They laugh at him. Jesus dismisses them from the girl's presence and goes in to her with her family. Jesus takes her by the hand, saying, "Little girl, get up" (v. 41). He charges them not to broadcast the miracle, for fear that it would cause a tumult.
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 130 (C) - "There is forgiveness with you" (v. 4).
Psalm 112 (E)
Psalm 29 (RC)
Prayer Of The Day
Lord Jesus, you have never turned away from those who truly seek you. Free us from fear, that we might cling to your promises even when the Enemy of our souls seeks to pull us into the depths of despair. In the powerful name of Jesus. Amen.
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: 2 Samuel 1:1, 17--27
How the mighty have fallen (vv. 19, 27). David laments the death of his king and his dearest friend with the refrain above. The mighty of the earth do indeed perish and fall down as do the most lowly, but the mighty fall harder since they plummet from a greater height.
Jonathan, the faithful son and friend. Jonathan was not only David's dearest and most trusted friend but he was a loving son as well. This was not easy after Saul's jealousy of David caused him to seek to destroy Jonathan's best friend. Jonathan did not betray David, though a worldly person would have sought to do so, because David was likely to receive the throne rather than the rightful heir. Neither was Jonathan anything other than a loyal son, who fought and died at his father's side. Jonathan did not let personal ambition blunt his love for his father or his friend.
The wonder of being loved. In David's lament he extols Jonathan's love as being wonderful, surpassing the love of women. This is no little statement for a man who killed another man for the love of a woman. Being truly loved is indeed wonderful; nothing else in life can surpass it.
Lesson 2: 2 Corinthians 8:7--15
Another excellent way. In 1 Corinthians 12:31 Paul starts his love chapter by stating: "And I will show you a still more excellent way." Love is the greatest but generosity has to run a close second. Actually, generosity is an expression of love. Paul challenges the Corinthians: "Now as you excel in everything - in faith, in speech, in knowledge - so we want you to excel in this generous undertaking" (v. 7). What undertaking? The offering for the needs of the saints in Jerusalem.
The test of love. Paul bluntly states that this business of being generous is a test of love (v. 8). He doesn't seem to mind challenging the Corinthians with the excellent generosity of another church (the Macedonians); nor does he shrink back from citing the example of the supreme generosity of our Lord in laying aside the glories of heaven for the trials of mortal existence (v. 9). Paul challenges the Corinthians to finish the test in a timely fashion (vv. 10--11).
Eager attitude (v. 12). Paul indicates that the attitude is what makes the gift acceptable or not. He urges an eager attitude in giving to the need of fellow Christians. I don't suppose the apostle to the Gentiles would agree with the saying: "The Lord loveth a cheerful giver but taketh from a grouch."
Fair balance (v. 14). The apostle's vision is not that some Christians should be givers and others receivers but that there be a fair balance between giving and receiving. It is not for us to determine the proper balance; God will see to it that those who give will also receive in return. Also, those who receive through the generosity of others will be empowered and encouraged to give.
Gospel: Mark 5:21--43
The power of persistent prayer. Jairus, a leader in the local synagogue, came to Jesus and begged him repeatedly to heal his daughter (v. 21). One might question why he had to beg repeatedly but whatever the reason, his begging reaped results. Jesus did come and heal the little girl. There is power in persistent prayer.
The healing touch (v. 23). Jairus specifically requested Jesus to come and lay his hands on his daughter in order to heal her. He had undoubtedly witnessed the Lord healing others in this manner. There is healing in Jesus' touch. We have been touched by Jesus and are called to share his healing touch with those who seek wholeness.
Give credit to your physician (vv. 26--34). The woman healed of her hemorrhages frequented many doctors but they were no help. As a last resort she thought she would try Jesus. She reasoned that if only she touched Jesus' garment, she could be healed and Jesus wouldn't even know it. She touched the hem of the Lord's garment and felt immediately that she was healed. Her hope of anonymity was shattered when Jesus stopped and asked who had touched him. Finally she came forward to admit that it was she. Jesus is eager to heal those who reach out to him but he isn't interested in magic; that is, he doesn't want us to tap into his power without acknowledging and confessing him.
Faith healing. When the messengers came from the house of Jairus with the sad news that Jairus' daughter was dead, Jesus counseled the father not to fear, but to only believe (v. 36). Jesus needed and wanted the faith of the father and others to make the healing or resuscitating easier. When he got to the house he found the neighbors in mourning. He asked the reason for the uproar, since the child was not dead but only sleeping (v. 39). They reacted with derisive laughter. Jesus sent the unbelieving mob away and went in to the girl with her parents and his closest disciples. For him to do a miracle there needed to be a climate of faith. Almost all of the Lord's healings were faith healings.
SERMON APPROACHES WITH ILLUSTRATIONS
Lesson 1: 2 Samuel 1:1, 17--27
Sermon Title: The Cry Of Mortality
Sermon Angle: David lamented over and over again, "How the mighty have fallen!" He was, of course, mourning those of eminent standing, a king and a prince. David was in shock. It could be that for the first time he was struck with the stinging awareness of his mortality and the mortality of all living things. When someone of high estate dies, we reason with ourselves that if they can fall, how much more will we. In a sense, most of us think that we're mighty when we're young, that we're invincible; then someone close to us dies or we become sick or suffer the ravages of age. Our Lord too was mighty, in the very image of God, yet he also fell subject to the power of sin and death for our sake. Christ suffered our fallen condition, but he rose again from the dead. Like Saul and Jonathan, our mortal cord will be severed, but with Jesus we rise again.
Outline:
1. David was cut to the heart by the death of Saul and Jonathan. The lament "How the mighty have fallen!" expressed his grief.
2. David's lament might have also been a recognition of his own mortality.
3. We likewise lament our own mortality.
4. We have hope, which David did not, through the fallen and risen Jesus.
Sermon Title: Farewell To Arms
Sermon Angle: "How have the mighty fallen and the weapons of war perished!" (v. 27). One wonders if David didn't have a realization of the futility of brother killing brother with the weapons of war. How could he not realize the horrible waste of it all? Yet throughout his reign he continued to engage in battle and the sword continued to pierce his heart with sorrow, as his own sons took up arms against him or their brothers. The deaths of Saul and Jonathan point to the truth later spoken by Jesus: "Those who take up the sword will perish by the sword."
Lesson 2: 2 Corinthians 8:7--15
Sermon Title: How To Be A Truly Excellent Church
Sermon Angle: Different churches pride themselves on various things. Some take pride in their beautiful building; others point to their excellent choir or their gifted pastor. Some boast of their largess or the breadth of their programs. Paul urges the Corinthian church to be excellent in generosity, in giving (v. 7). Here are some indications of a church that is excellent in giving.
Outline:
1. It gives freely, not as a command (v. 8).
2. It focuses on the self--giving love of Jesus (v. 9).
3. It has follow--through (vv. 10--11).
4. It is eager to help (v. 12).
Sermon Title: Guidelines For Giving
Sermon Angle: Not long ago, I talked with a friend from another state who constantly has problems but won't commit himself to being part of a Christian community. When I questioned him on this issue, he said, "I already told you why I don't go to church. They are always talking about money." What an excuse! It's true that churches shouldn't be talking about money but they had better talk about giving because the Bible never tires of the subject. Our faith is founded on the self--giving love of God in Christ (v. 9). So let's talk about New Testament guidelines for giving. Many church leaders cite the tithe as one such guideline. I don't agree because the tithe is an Old Testament standard, based on legalism. Go ahead and tithe but not out of any sense of obligation. In the New Testament giving is always a free response to God's grace. Here are some guidelines from our text.
Outline:
1. Let love motivate your giving.
2. Let Jesus be the inspiration for your giving (v. 9).
3. Give eagerly (v. 12).
4. Give in accordance with your means (v. 12).
__________
The relationship that Paul commended to the Corinthians might be called Christian symbiosis. Symbiosis can be defined as two creatures living together for a prolonged period of time in a relationship that may or may not be beneficial to both parties. Parasitism is a relationship where one creature lives off its host. The relationship is beneficial to the guest but destructive to the host. Tapeworms are an example of such a relationship. Commensalism is a relationship where one party in the relationship benefits but the other is unaffected. Certain ocean--dwelling fish attach to larger fish or sharks and hitch a free ride, as they gather the dinner scraps left by the host. Mutualism is a third form of symbiosis, which benefits both parties. Lichens are an apt example of mutualism. Lichens are a flowerless plant consisting of the cohabitation between algae and fungus. Algae provides the food, while the fungus stores the water. Lichens are found in many harsh and barren environments, clinging to rock, trees and other objects, but neither could exist without the other.
The kind of symbiosis which Paul commends to the Corinthians is of this last type, mutualism. Rich and poor churches need one another. The rich churches can provide needed resources, funds and training, while the poor churches can give back spiritual depth, an example of simplicity in living, and a chorus of praise and thanks to God. The aim of Christian symbiosis is not that one party be burdened and the other be relieved of responsibility but the free flow of mutuality.
Gospel: Mark 5:21--43
Sermon Title: No Hiding From Jesus
Sermon Angle: The woman with the hemorrhages approached Jesus in the midst of the crowd from the rear. She wanted something from Jesus (healing) but she didn't want Jesus himself (v. 27). She thought, if only I touch Jesus, I will be healed. Her plan was to sneak in, get what she wanted, and then get out of there. But Jesus was aware that someone had touched him in a special way (many people were pressing against him) and demanded that this person identify him or herself. We cannot steal Jesus' power and run. To receive Jesus' help and healing, we must also seek the Lord himself.
Outline:
1. The woman wanted to receive Jesus' help anonymously (v. 27).
2. Jesus demanded the person to identify herself (v. 30).
3. She came forward, confessing what she had done (v. 33).
4. Jesus announced that her faith made her well.
5. When we come out of hiding and approach Jesus face to face, we are made whole.
Sermon Title: Consumer Religion
Sermon Angle: We mustn't be too hard on the woman with the hemorrhages but her approach typifies an approach to religion which is popular in our day. We might dub it consumer religion. People seek to obtain a certain good or effect without a commitment to Christ or to his Church. In addition to healing, they may seek knowledge on coping with life, entertainment, programs for their children and much more. These things are all right but become pure consumerism if they are not wedded with commitment to follow Christ as Lord.
Sermon Title: An Unstoppable Faith
Sermon Angle: In this Gospel we see three examples of an unstoppable faith. First there is Jairus. He pushes his way to Jesus in the midst of a large throng, falls to his knees, and implores Jesus repeatedly to heal his little daughter who is near death. On the way to Jairus' house Jesus comes in contact with the woman who had the hemorrhages. This woman had seen all the doctors, tried all the cures, becoming destitute in the process. Yet she would not give up the quest for a cure. She heard about Jesus and believed that he could cure her. She found her way to Jesus even though he was being mobbed. The third person with an unstoppable faith was Jesus. He believed that he could indeed cure these sick ones. Even after it was reported that Jairus' daughter was dead, he never hesitated to believe that the Father would give him the strength to revive her. He counselled the girl's father "Do not fear, only believe" (v. 36). When he told the mourners that she was only sleeping, not dead, they laughed at him, but he persisted in belief (v. 40).
Outline:
Introduction: Three people demonstrated the power of an unstoppable faith.
1. Jairus continued to believe that Jesus could heal his daughter.
2. The woman with hemorrhages had faith Jesus could heal her.
3. Jesus believed he had the power to do all this and would not accept defeat.
4. God wants to give you an unstoppable faith through the power of his Spirit.
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: 2 Samuel 1:1, 17--27 (C)
David's love for both Saul and Jonathan comes clearly through this elegy over the two men. David's unselfishness can be seen in the fact that David does not rejoice that those who stood in the way of his becoming king are slain. The love he had for Jonathan was greater that his love for any woman (v. 26).
Lesson 1: Wisdom 1:13--15; 2:23--24 (RC)
Lesson 1: Deuteronomy 15:7--11 (E)
Lesson 2: 2 Corinthians 8:7--15 (C); 2 Corinthians 8:7--9, 13--15 (RC); 2 Corinthians 8:1--9, 13--15 (E)
The rift between Paul and the Corinthian Church has been healed. The apostle turns his attention to the physical needs of the church in Jerusalem. He encourages the Corinthians to complete their offering to the Jewish church, a project which they began a year before. Prior to this passage (vv. 8:1 and ff.) Paul lifts up the example of the church in Macedonia. They were extremely poor but they gave sacrificially. The Macedonians provide an example of grace for their much richer Corinthian sisters and brothers. Paul also lifts up the example of Christ who, though he was rich (referring to his pre--existence), he became poor through his incarnation as a human, so that he might make the Corinthians rich in God's grace (v. 9). They are encouraged to give freely of what they have, not what they don't have, so that there might be equality. The Corinthians will then be enriched by the abundance of praise and thanksgiving to God that will overflow from their gifts. The phrase "the one who had much did not have too much and the one who had little did not have too little" comes from Exodus 16:18 and refers to the gathering of manna during the wilderness period.
Gospel: Mark 5:21--43 (C, RC); Mark 5:22--24, 35b--43 (E)
A portion of Mark between last week's and this week's Gospel (5:1--20), the story of the casting out the demons of the man in the cemetery into the swine, has been skipped. After that event Jesus' party crosses the lake once again and is met by Jairus, a synagogue official, who literally begs Jesus to lay his hands on his little daughter and heal her (v. 23). Jesus agrees to go to his house and is accompanied by a large crowd. While en route, a woman who has suffered for years from a hemorrhage touches the fringe of his garment and is healed. Jesus stops, for he perceives that healing energy has flowed from him into another person and asks who has touched him. Jesus looks around and finally the woman comes forward in fear and trembling. It is important that she acknowledge the source of her healing. She must have expected a scolding but instead received a blessing. "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace..." (v. 34). As Jesus continues to the house of Jairus, word comes that the girl has died. Jesus assures the father, and continues on with Peter, James and John. When they arrive, the crowd is in mourning. Jesus announces that she is not dead but sleeping. They laugh at him. Jesus dismisses them from the girl's presence and goes in to her with her family. Jesus takes her by the hand, saying, "Little girl, get up" (v. 41). He charges them not to broadcast the miracle, for fear that it would cause a tumult.
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 130 (C) - "There is forgiveness with you" (v. 4).
Psalm 112 (E)
Psalm 29 (RC)
Prayer Of The Day
Lord Jesus, you have never turned away from those who truly seek you. Free us from fear, that we might cling to your promises even when the Enemy of our souls seeks to pull us into the depths of despair. In the powerful name of Jesus. Amen.
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: 2 Samuel 1:1, 17--27
How the mighty have fallen (vv. 19, 27). David laments the death of his king and his dearest friend with the refrain above. The mighty of the earth do indeed perish and fall down as do the most lowly, but the mighty fall harder since they plummet from a greater height.
Jonathan, the faithful son and friend. Jonathan was not only David's dearest and most trusted friend but he was a loving son as well. This was not easy after Saul's jealousy of David caused him to seek to destroy Jonathan's best friend. Jonathan did not betray David, though a worldly person would have sought to do so, because David was likely to receive the throne rather than the rightful heir. Neither was Jonathan anything other than a loyal son, who fought and died at his father's side. Jonathan did not let personal ambition blunt his love for his father or his friend.
The wonder of being loved. In David's lament he extols Jonathan's love as being wonderful, surpassing the love of women. This is no little statement for a man who killed another man for the love of a woman. Being truly loved is indeed wonderful; nothing else in life can surpass it.
Lesson 2: 2 Corinthians 8:7--15
Another excellent way. In 1 Corinthians 12:31 Paul starts his love chapter by stating: "And I will show you a still more excellent way." Love is the greatest but generosity has to run a close second. Actually, generosity is an expression of love. Paul challenges the Corinthians: "Now as you excel in everything - in faith, in speech, in knowledge - so we want you to excel in this generous undertaking" (v. 7). What undertaking? The offering for the needs of the saints in Jerusalem.
The test of love. Paul bluntly states that this business of being generous is a test of love (v. 8). He doesn't seem to mind challenging the Corinthians with the excellent generosity of another church (the Macedonians); nor does he shrink back from citing the example of the supreme generosity of our Lord in laying aside the glories of heaven for the trials of mortal existence (v. 9). Paul challenges the Corinthians to finish the test in a timely fashion (vv. 10--11).
Eager attitude (v. 12). Paul indicates that the attitude is what makes the gift acceptable or not. He urges an eager attitude in giving to the need of fellow Christians. I don't suppose the apostle to the Gentiles would agree with the saying: "The Lord loveth a cheerful giver but taketh from a grouch."
Fair balance (v. 14). The apostle's vision is not that some Christians should be givers and others receivers but that there be a fair balance between giving and receiving. It is not for us to determine the proper balance; God will see to it that those who give will also receive in return. Also, those who receive through the generosity of others will be empowered and encouraged to give.
Gospel: Mark 5:21--43
The power of persistent prayer. Jairus, a leader in the local synagogue, came to Jesus and begged him repeatedly to heal his daughter (v. 21). One might question why he had to beg repeatedly but whatever the reason, his begging reaped results. Jesus did come and heal the little girl. There is power in persistent prayer.
The healing touch (v. 23). Jairus specifically requested Jesus to come and lay his hands on his daughter in order to heal her. He had undoubtedly witnessed the Lord healing others in this manner. There is healing in Jesus' touch. We have been touched by Jesus and are called to share his healing touch with those who seek wholeness.
Give credit to your physician (vv. 26--34). The woman healed of her hemorrhages frequented many doctors but they were no help. As a last resort she thought she would try Jesus. She reasoned that if only she touched Jesus' garment, she could be healed and Jesus wouldn't even know it. She touched the hem of the Lord's garment and felt immediately that she was healed. Her hope of anonymity was shattered when Jesus stopped and asked who had touched him. Finally she came forward to admit that it was she. Jesus is eager to heal those who reach out to him but he isn't interested in magic; that is, he doesn't want us to tap into his power without acknowledging and confessing him.
Faith healing. When the messengers came from the house of Jairus with the sad news that Jairus' daughter was dead, Jesus counseled the father not to fear, but to only believe (v. 36). Jesus needed and wanted the faith of the father and others to make the healing or resuscitating easier. When he got to the house he found the neighbors in mourning. He asked the reason for the uproar, since the child was not dead but only sleeping (v. 39). They reacted with derisive laughter. Jesus sent the unbelieving mob away and went in to the girl with her parents and his closest disciples. For him to do a miracle there needed to be a climate of faith. Almost all of the Lord's healings were faith healings.
SERMON APPROACHES WITH ILLUSTRATIONS
Lesson 1: 2 Samuel 1:1, 17--27
Sermon Title: The Cry Of Mortality
Sermon Angle: David lamented over and over again, "How the mighty have fallen!" He was, of course, mourning those of eminent standing, a king and a prince. David was in shock. It could be that for the first time he was struck with the stinging awareness of his mortality and the mortality of all living things. When someone of high estate dies, we reason with ourselves that if they can fall, how much more will we. In a sense, most of us think that we're mighty when we're young, that we're invincible; then someone close to us dies or we become sick or suffer the ravages of age. Our Lord too was mighty, in the very image of God, yet he also fell subject to the power of sin and death for our sake. Christ suffered our fallen condition, but he rose again from the dead. Like Saul and Jonathan, our mortal cord will be severed, but with Jesus we rise again.
Outline:
1. David was cut to the heart by the death of Saul and Jonathan. The lament "How the mighty have fallen!" expressed his grief.
2. David's lament might have also been a recognition of his own mortality.
3. We likewise lament our own mortality.
4. We have hope, which David did not, through the fallen and risen Jesus.
Sermon Title: Farewell To Arms
Sermon Angle: "How have the mighty fallen and the weapons of war perished!" (v. 27). One wonders if David didn't have a realization of the futility of brother killing brother with the weapons of war. How could he not realize the horrible waste of it all? Yet throughout his reign he continued to engage in battle and the sword continued to pierce his heart with sorrow, as his own sons took up arms against him or their brothers. The deaths of Saul and Jonathan point to the truth later spoken by Jesus: "Those who take up the sword will perish by the sword."
Lesson 2: 2 Corinthians 8:7--15
Sermon Title: How To Be A Truly Excellent Church
Sermon Angle: Different churches pride themselves on various things. Some take pride in their beautiful building; others point to their excellent choir or their gifted pastor. Some boast of their largess or the breadth of their programs. Paul urges the Corinthian church to be excellent in generosity, in giving (v. 7). Here are some indications of a church that is excellent in giving.
Outline:
1. It gives freely, not as a command (v. 8).
2. It focuses on the self--giving love of Jesus (v. 9).
3. It has follow--through (vv. 10--11).
4. It is eager to help (v. 12).
Sermon Title: Guidelines For Giving
Sermon Angle: Not long ago, I talked with a friend from another state who constantly has problems but won't commit himself to being part of a Christian community. When I questioned him on this issue, he said, "I already told you why I don't go to church. They are always talking about money." What an excuse! It's true that churches shouldn't be talking about money but they had better talk about giving because the Bible never tires of the subject. Our faith is founded on the self--giving love of God in Christ (v. 9). So let's talk about New Testament guidelines for giving. Many church leaders cite the tithe as one such guideline. I don't agree because the tithe is an Old Testament standard, based on legalism. Go ahead and tithe but not out of any sense of obligation. In the New Testament giving is always a free response to God's grace. Here are some guidelines from our text.
Outline:
1. Let love motivate your giving.
2. Let Jesus be the inspiration for your giving (v. 9).
3. Give eagerly (v. 12).
4. Give in accordance with your means (v. 12).
__________
The relationship that Paul commended to the Corinthians might be called Christian symbiosis. Symbiosis can be defined as two creatures living together for a prolonged period of time in a relationship that may or may not be beneficial to both parties. Parasitism is a relationship where one creature lives off its host. The relationship is beneficial to the guest but destructive to the host. Tapeworms are an example of such a relationship. Commensalism is a relationship where one party in the relationship benefits but the other is unaffected. Certain ocean--dwelling fish attach to larger fish or sharks and hitch a free ride, as they gather the dinner scraps left by the host. Mutualism is a third form of symbiosis, which benefits both parties. Lichens are an apt example of mutualism. Lichens are a flowerless plant consisting of the cohabitation between algae and fungus. Algae provides the food, while the fungus stores the water. Lichens are found in many harsh and barren environments, clinging to rock, trees and other objects, but neither could exist without the other.
The kind of symbiosis which Paul commends to the Corinthians is of this last type, mutualism. Rich and poor churches need one another. The rich churches can provide needed resources, funds and training, while the poor churches can give back spiritual depth, an example of simplicity in living, and a chorus of praise and thanks to God. The aim of Christian symbiosis is not that one party be burdened and the other be relieved of responsibility but the free flow of mutuality.
Gospel: Mark 5:21--43
Sermon Title: No Hiding From Jesus
Sermon Angle: The woman with the hemorrhages approached Jesus in the midst of the crowd from the rear. She wanted something from Jesus (healing) but she didn't want Jesus himself (v. 27). She thought, if only I touch Jesus, I will be healed. Her plan was to sneak in, get what she wanted, and then get out of there. But Jesus was aware that someone had touched him in a special way (many people were pressing against him) and demanded that this person identify him or herself. We cannot steal Jesus' power and run. To receive Jesus' help and healing, we must also seek the Lord himself.
Outline:
1. The woman wanted to receive Jesus' help anonymously (v. 27).
2. Jesus demanded the person to identify herself (v. 30).
3. She came forward, confessing what she had done (v. 33).
4. Jesus announced that her faith made her well.
5. When we come out of hiding and approach Jesus face to face, we are made whole.
Sermon Title: Consumer Religion
Sermon Angle: We mustn't be too hard on the woman with the hemorrhages but her approach typifies an approach to religion which is popular in our day. We might dub it consumer religion. People seek to obtain a certain good or effect without a commitment to Christ or to his Church. In addition to healing, they may seek knowledge on coping with life, entertainment, programs for their children and much more. These things are all right but become pure consumerism if they are not wedded with commitment to follow Christ as Lord.
Sermon Title: An Unstoppable Faith
Sermon Angle: In this Gospel we see three examples of an unstoppable faith. First there is Jairus. He pushes his way to Jesus in the midst of a large throng, falls to his knees, and implores Jesus repeatedly to heal his little daughter who is near death. On the way to Jairus' house Jesus comes in contact with the woman who had the hemorrhages. This woman had seen all the doctors, tried all the cures, becoming destitute in the process. Yet she would not give up the quest for a cure. She heard about Jesus and believed that he could cure her. She found her way to Jesus even though he was being mobbed. The third person with an unstoppable faith was Jesus. He believed that he could indeed cure these sick ones. Even after it was reported that Jairus' daughter was dead, he never hesitated to believe that the Father would give him the strength to revive her. He counselled the girl's father "Do not fear, only believe" (v. 36). When he told the mourners that she was only sleeping, not dead, they laughed at him, but he persisted in belief (v. 40).
Outline:
Introduction: Three people demonstrated the power of an unstoppable faith.
1. Jairus continued to believe that Jesus could heal his daughter.
2. The woman with hemorrhages had faith Jesus could heal her.
3. Jesus believed he had the power to do all this and would not accept defeat.
4. God wants to give you an unstoppable faith through the power of his Spirit.
