Proper 11
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Series IV
Through Nathan, Yahweh refuses David's intention of building a
temple and informs David that his son will build it. Scholars
consider this chapter the most controversial in 2 Samuel. It is a
temple necessary for religion. This pericope deals with the first
half of the chapter. The situation is this: The ark of the
covenant is now in Jerusalem but housed in only a tent
(tabernacle) made of curtains. David, having conquered his
enemies, has peace and begins to consider internal affairs. He
tells the prophet Nathan of his plans, and Nathan approves.
However, Yahweh does not and sends Nathan back to David to tell
him he is not to build a temple, for his son (seed) will do it
and assures David that even without a temple his blessing would
continue to be on him and his progeny.
Lesson 2: Ephesians 2:11-22 (C, E)
The heart of Ephesians is in this passage. In vv. 13-18 we
learn of the peace Christ gained between Jew and Gentile. Verses
19-22 spell out the consequences of that peace. In the person of
Christ and his cross, Jew and Gentile are made one. Christ died
for us both, and they are one in Christ by faith. Thus, they have
a oneness in Christ, oneness with God and with each other.
Christ's death has removed the hostility and cancelled the law
which separated Jew from Gentile. The two are now one in the
church. The practical result is that Gentiles are no longer
aliens, but members of God's family.
Gospel: Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 (C)
The disciples return from their preaching journey and are
exhausted. People with needs throng around them so that they do
not get any rest. Jesus takes them in a boat to a secluded spot
that they may rest and be apart from the crowd. But the people
will not let them alone. When the boat comes to shore, the people
are waiting for them. Seeing the crowd, Jesus expresses
compassion for them because they are sheep without a shepherd.
Before Jesus gives them physical bread, he gives them spiritual
food by teaching them.
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 89:20-37 -- "My faithfulness and steadfast love shall be
with him." (v. 24)
Psalm 23 (L); Psalm 22:22-30 (E)
Prayer Of The Day
"Pour out upon us, O God, the spirit to think and do what is
right, that we, who cannot even exist without you, may have
strength to live according to your will."
Hymn Of The Day
"O God Of Light, Your Word, A Lamp Unfailing"
211
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS
Gospel: Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 (C)
1. Apostles (v. 30). This is the only time Mark refers to the
12 as "apostles." It is an appropriate name, for they had just
returned from a preaching-healing mission. An apostle is one who
is sent forth by Christ. Each Christian is called and sent to
witness and serve in the Master's name. In this sense all true
Christians are apostles.
2. Lonely (vv. 31, 32). Returning from their mission, the
disciples were tired, weary and exhausted. Jesus realized they
needed to get away from the crowds who would not give them time
even to eat. He led them to a lonely place as an escape from the
people and work. They needed rest and refreshment. This indicates
that Jesus realized that we are human and need relaxation and
rest. Even though the work is of extreme importance and people
urgently need help, the workers need time off.
3. Compassion (vs. 34). Seeing the multitude might have
angered Jesus. He was taking the disciples apart for a retreat so
sorely needed. He could have become impatient and told the people
to scram. His reaction reveals his heart -- compassion. He felt
sorry for them because they were in desperate need. He has the
heart of God, the God of love. Because of his compassion, Jesus
cares about people.
4. Sheep (v. 34). Jesus looked at people as sheep -- they
throng together, they run for food, they are easily led and
misled. Because of these characteristics, they need a shepherd.
Without a shepherd, the people wander, get hurt and lost. They
also need a good shepherd. In Lesson 1 Jeremiah tells of the
tragedy of Israel's having bad shepherds who caused the people to
go into captivity. Jesus describes himself as the good shepherd
who cares for and dies for his sheep.
Lesson 1: 2 Samuel 7:1-14a (C)
1. With you (vv. 3, 9). Is God with us at all times? Jesus
said, "Lo, I am with you always ..." But, Yahweh was not with
David in his plans to build a temple for the ark. Nathan, the
prophet, said he was, but even a prophet can be wrong! Yahweh
contradicted Nathan's approval and told Nathan to relay to David
that he was not to build a temple. God obviously does not approve
all our plans even if they are constructive and praiseworthy, as
was David's idea to build a temple. On the other hand, Yahweh is
with David and us when we conform to his will.
2. Dwell (vv. 2, 5). To dwell in a place is to live there.
According to David, the place ought to befit the person who
dwells there. A person is known by the house in which he lives.
For the great and holy Yahweh to live in a tent was, for David, a
demeaning thing. God deserved better than that; he always
deserves the best. So, David wants to build a permanent,
magnificent temple for his God. The fallacy of this position is
that God cannot be contained in one building no matter how large
or beautiful. Nor can he be limited to one place. Though we refer
to a church as God's house, God does not live there, but rather
comes there to meet with his people.
3. Tell (v. 5). How does God speak to a person? In David's
case, Yahweh did not speak directly to him. Rather, Yahweh spoke
to David through Nathan the prophet. The prophet is one who
speaks in behalf of Yahweh. To this day it is true. If one claims
to have heard a direct voice of God, we have our doubts. Today
God speaks to us through his Word recorded in the scriptures. In
whatever way the Word is communicated, God is speaking to us.
Lesson 2: Ephesians 2:11-22 (C, E)
1. Hostility (vv. 14, 16). Humanity is in a state of
hostility. This means hatred, opposition, strife and warfare. The
hostility exists among people (Jew and Gentile) and between God
and humanity. They are out to get each other. In modern times the
hostility is evident between classes, races and nations. We live
in a seething global cauldron of hatred.
2. Peace (v. 14). Peace is the conquest of hostility. It is
the work of Christ and a gift of God. Peace is a by-product of a
new relationship and condition existing between people
212
and between persons and God. By the cross, Jesus destroys the
hostility, eradicates the law and opens up a new relationship.
Out of this love relationship comes harmony.
3. New (v. 15). Paul used the Greek word, Kairos, rather than
Neos for "new." It indicates a quality, not time. Out of the two
(Jew and Gentile) Christ creates a new person who is in Christ.
Each person has a new relationship with God. This is reflected in
the harmony of human relations.
4. Grows (v. 21). Because of the cross, believers are new
people gathered in the household of God, the church. Individual
Christians are held together by Christ just as a cornerstone
holds together a building. But the building is not finished. It
grows into a holy temple of God. The church is not a dead
building but a living, dynamic force that keeps growing not only
in size but in truth and grace.
PREACHING POSSIBILITIES
Gospel: Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 (C)
1. What is your hideaway? 6:31
Need: Even Jesus realized the need to get away from people and
work to rest and recuperate for later service. Modern life is
often lived under high tension and intense stress. There are the
rush of work and a hectic schedule of activities. Everyone needs
a hideaway, a place to escape periodically.
Outline: Jesus prescribes a retreat for you.
a. Solitariness -- "Come away by ourselves."
b. Seclusion -- "Lonely place."
c. Siesta -- "Rest a while."
2. You can be an apostle! 6:30
Need: We think of the first Christians as apostles, men sent
to preach by Christ. In this text Mark makes the only mention of
the disciples as apostles. Jesus had sent them two by two on a
preaching-healing mission and now they return to report to him.
Others besides the disciples were considered apostles, such as
Paul. Every true Christian is an apostle even though the term is
restricted to a small number of super-Christians because a
Christian is sent by Christ to witness and serve in his name.
Outline: You can be an apostle.
a. You are sent by Christ.
b. You can witness to God's love in Christ.
c. You can serve others in Christ's name.
3. Shepherdless sheep. 6:33-34
Need: People are like sheep who blindly follow the first
leader who comes long. Sheep without a shepherd are unable to
govern themselves nor to reach a destination. People have not
changed. They run after fads, fashions and trends. They can be
easily aroused by rabble-rousers. They are subject to scares.
Jesus saw the people of his day as shepherdless sheep, and he
felt sorry for them.
Outline: Jesus feels sorry for people today because --
a. They run after any leader -- v. 33 ("ran there on foot").
b. They gather in crowds -- v. 34 ("a great throng").
c. They are leaderless -- v. 34 ("sheep without a
shepherd").
Lesson 1: 2 Samuel 7:1-14a (C)
1. Dialogue with deity. 2 Samuel 7
Need: Chapter 7 consists of David's dialogue with deity. One
half of the chapter is assigned to today and the other half comes
next Sunday. This sermon can be one of a two-part series. The
first half of the dialogue is God's speaking to David through
Nathan. The next half deals with David's speaking to God through
prayer. With this in mind, today we deal
213
with the need for our people to learn to hear God speak to them
as he did to David. Most people do not imagine God speaking to
them, for if they did, they would be scared out of their wits.
They may think that, if God does not speak, he speaks in terms of
visions, ouija boards or palm readers.
Outline: How God speaks through his Word. 7:4-5
a. The Word through reading the Bible.
b. The Word through teaching the Bible.
c. The Word through prophets (preachers) proclaiming the
Bible.
2. Is a church the house of God? 7:4-10
Need: Frequently a church building is referred to as the house
of God. This infers that God dwells there. This was David's view.
He wanted to build a house for God to replace the tent where the
ark of the covenant rested. Though it was a good intention and a
worthy project, God did not allow David to build it. Yahweh puts
forth an argument against it. The church is the place for meeting
with God for worship, education and service, but God does not,
cannot, limit himself to a building. Not even the universe can
contain him.
Outline: Apart from a church building, God --
a. Moves with his people wherever they go -- v. 7.
b. Is with each person away from a church -- v. 9.
c. Blesses his people with peace and victory -- v. 10.
Lesson 2: Ephesians 2:11-22 (C, E)
1. A new humanity. 2:13-22
Need: When the world became totally corrupt, God started out
with a new people. It happened at the time of the flood with
Noah, with Abraham and with Moses. God's final effort was in
Jesus whose death and resurrection created a new humanity. He
took the old and made a new person. The world again is in need of
being renewed because it has become godless and corrupt. In what
sense is the Christian a new person and the church a new people?
Outline: What is new about Christ's new humanity?
a. We are one with God -- vv. 16-18.
b. We are one with all humanity -- vv. 14-16.
c. We are one in the church -- vv. 19-22.
2. Divine distance. 2:13, 17, 19
Need: In this sermon we are to deal with the closeness of our
relationship to God through Christ. How far or how near are we?
Twice in this pericope Paul refers to people being far away from
God before they become Christians and near when they accept
Christ. It is the need of every Christian to draw nearer to God
by deeper faith in Christ. We can see the difference "before
Christ" and "after Christ," between outsiders and insiders.
Outline: Measure the divine distance --
a. How far off are you? -- vv. 13, 17, 19
1. Strangers -- v. 19.
2. Sojourners -- v. 19.
b. How near to God are you? -- vv. 13, 17, 19
1. Citizens -- v. 19.
2. Family -- v. 19.
214
temple and informs David that his son will build it. Scholars
consider this chapter the most controversial in 2 Samuel. It is a
temple necessary for religion. This pericope deals with the first
half of the chapter. The situation is this: The ark of the
covenant is now in Jerusalem but housed in only a tent
(tabernacle) made of curtains. David, having conquered his
enemies, has peace and begins to consider internal affairs. He
tells the prophet Nathan of his plans, and Nathan approves.
However, Yahweh does not and sends Nathan back to David to tell
him he is not to build a temple, for his son (seed) will do it
and assures David that even without a temple his blessing would
continue to be on him and his progeny.
Lesson 2: Ephesians 2:11-22 (C, E)
The heart of Ephesians is in this passage. In vv. 13-18 we
learn of the peace Christ gained between Jew and Gentile. Verses
19-22 spell out the consequences of that peace. In the person of
Christ and his cross, Jew and Gentile are made one. Christ died
for us both, and they are one in Christ by faith. Thus, they have
a oneness in Christ, oneness with God and with each other.
Christ's death has removed the hostility and cancelled the law
which separated Jew from Gentile. The two are now one in the
church. The practical result is that Gentiles are no longer
aliens, but members of God's family.
Gospel: Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 (C)
The disciples return from their preaching journey and are
exhausted. People with needs throng around them so that they do
not get any rest. Jesus takes them in a boat to a secluded spot
that they may rest and be apart from the crowd. But the people
will not let them alone. When the boat comes to shore, the people
are waiting for them. Seeing the crowd, Jesus expresses
compassion for them because they are sheep without a shepherd.
Before Jesus gives them physical bread, he gives them spiritual
food by teaching them.
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 89:20-37 -- "My faithfulness and steadfast love shall be
with him." (v. 24)
Psalm 23 (L); Psalm 22:22-30 (E)
Prayer Of The Day
"Pour out upon us, O God, the spirit to think and do what is
right, that we, who cannot even exist without you, may have
strength to live according to your will."
Hymn Of The Day
"O God Of Light, Your Word, A Lamp Unfailing"
211
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS
Gospel: Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 (C)
1. Apostles (v. 30). This is the only time Mark refers to the
12 as "apostles." It is an appropriate name, for they had just
returned from a preaching-healing mission. An apostle is one who
is sent forth by Christ. Each Christian is called and sent to
witness and serve in the Master's name. In this sense all true
Christians are apostles.
2. Lonely (vv. 31, 32). Returning from their mission, the
disciples were tired, weary and exhausted. Jesus realized they
needed to get away from the crowds who would not give them time
even to eat. He led them to a lonely place as an escape from the
people and work. They needed rest and refreshment. This indicates
that Jesus realized that we are human and need relaxation and
rest. Even though the work is of extreme importance and people
urgently need help, the workers need time off.
3. Compassion (vs. 34). Seeing the multitude might have
angered Jesus. He was taking the disciples apart for a retreat so
sorely needed. He could have become impatient and told the people
to scram. His reaction reveals his heart -- compassion. He felt
sorry for them because they were in desperate need. He has the
heart of God, the God of love. Because of his compassion, Jesus
cares about people.
4. Sheep (v. 34). Jesus looked at people as sheep -- they
throng together, they run for food, they are easily led and
misled. Because of these characteristics, they need a shepherd.
Without a shepherd, the people wander, get hurt and lost. They
also need a good shepherd. In Lesson 1 Jeremiah tells of the
tragedy of Israel's having bad shepherds who caused the people to
go into captivity. Jesus describes himself as the good shepherd
who cares for and dies for his sheep.
Lesson 1: 2 Samuel 7:1-14a (C)
1. With you (vv. 3, 9). Is God with us at all times? Jesus
said, "Lo, I am with you always ..." But, Yahweh was not with
David in his plans to build a temple for the ark. Nathan, the
prophet, said he was, but even a prophet can be wrong! Yahweh
contradicted Nathan's approval and told Nathan to relay to David
that he was not to build a temple. God obviously does not approve
all our plans even if they are constructive and praiseworthy, as
was David's idea to build a temple. On the other hand, Yahweh is
with David and us when we conform to his will.
2. Dwell (vv. 2, 5). To dwell in a place is to live there.
According to David, the place ought to befit the person who
dwells there. A person is known by the house in which he lives.
For the great and holy Yahweh to live in a tent was, for David, a
demeaning thing. God deserved better than that; he always
deserves the best. So, David wants to build a permanent,
magnificent temple for his God. The fallacy of this position is
that God cannot be contained in one building no matter how large
or beautiful. Nor can he be limited to one place. Though we refer
to a church as God's house, God does not live there, but rather
comes there to meet with his people.
3. Tell (v. 5). How does God speak to a person? In David's
case, Yahweh did not speak directly to him. Rather, Yahweh spoke
to David through Nathan the prophet. The prophet is one who
speaks in behalf of Yahweh. To this day it is true. If one claims
to have heard a direct voice of God, we have our doubts. Today
God speaks to us through his Word recorded in the scriptures. In
whatever way the Word is communicated, God is speaking to us.
Lesson 2: Ephesians 2:11-22 (C, E)
1. Hostility (vv. 14, 16). Humanity is in a state of
hostility. This means hatred, opposition, strife and warfare. The
hostility exists among people (Jew and Gentile) and between God
and humanity. They are out to get each other. In modern times the
hostility is evident between classes, races and nations. We live
in a seething global cauldron of hatred.
2. Peace (v. 14). Peace is the conquest of hostility. It is
the work of Christ and a gift of God. Peace is a by-product of a
new relationship and condition existing between people
212
and between persons and God. By the cross, Jesus destroys the
hostility, eradicates the law and opens up a new relationship.
Out of this love relationship comes harmony.
3. New (v. 15). Paul used the Greek word, Kairos, rather than
Neos for "new." It indicates a quality, not time. Out of the two
(Jew and Gentile) Christ creates a new person who is in Christ.
Each person has a new relationship with God. This is reflected in
the harmony of human relations.
4. Grows (v. 21). Because of the cross, believers are new
people gathered in the household of God, the church. Individual
Christians are held together by Christ just as a cornerstone
holds together a building. But the building is not finished. It
grows into a holy temple of God. The church is not a dead
building but a living, dynamic force that keeps growing not only
in size but in truth and grace.
PREACHING POSSIBILITIES
Gospel: Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 (C)
1. What is your hideaway? 6:31
Need: Even Jesus realized the need to get away from people and
work to rest and recuperate for later service. Modern life is
often lived under high tension and intense stress. There are the
rush of work and a hectic schedule of activities. Everyone needs
a hideaway, a place to escape periodically.
Outline: Jesus prescribes a retreat for you.
a. Solitariness -- "Come away by ourselves."
b. Seclusion -- "Lonely place."
c. Siesta -- "Rest a while."
2. You can be an apostle! 6:30
Need: We think of the first Christians as apostles, men sent
to preach by Christ. In this text Mark makes the only mention of
the disciples as apostles. Jesus had sent them two by two on a
preaching-healing mission and now they return to report to him.
Others besides the disciples were considered apostles, such as
Paul. Every true Christian is an apostle even though the term is
restricted to a small number of super-Christians because a
Christian is sent by Christ to witness and serve in his name.
Outline: You can be an apostle.
a. You are sent by Christ.
b. You can witness to God's love in Christ.
c. You can serve others in Christ's name.
3. Shepherdless sheep. 6:33-34
Need: People are like sheep who blindly follow the first
leader who comes long. Sheep without a shepherd are unable to
govern themselves nor to reach a destination. People have not
changed. They run after fads, fashions and trends. They can be
easily aroused by rabble-rousers. They are subject to scares.
Jesus saw the people of his day as shepherdless sheep, and he
felt sorry for them.
Outline: Jesus feels sorry for people today because --
a. They run after any leader -- v. 33 ("ran there on foot").
b. They gather in crowds -- v. 34 ("a great throng").
c. They are leaderless -- v. 34 ("sheep without a
shepherd").
Lesson 1: 2 Samuel 7:1-14a (C)
1. Dialogue with deity. 2 Samuel 7
Need: Chapter 7 consists of David's dialogue with deity. One
half of the chapter is assigned to today and the other half comes
next Sunday. This sermon can be one of a two-part series. The
first half of the dialogue is God's speaking to David through
Nathan. The next half deals with David's speaking to God through
prayer. With this in mind, today we deal
213
with the need for our people to learn to hear God speak to them
as he did to David. Most people do not imagine God speaking to
them, for if they did, they would be scared out of their wits.
They may think that, if God does not speak, he speaks in terms of
visions, ouija boards or palm readers.
Outline: How God speaks through his Word. 7:4-5
a. The Word through reading the Bible.
b. The Word through teaching the Bible.
c. The Word through prophets (preachers) proclaiming the
Bible.
2. Is a church the house of God? 7:4-10
Need: Frequently a church building is referred to as the house
of God. This infers that God dwells there. This was David's view.
He wanted to build a house for God to replace the tent where the
ark of the covenant rested. Though it was a good intention and a
worthy project, God did not allow David to build it. Yahweh puts
forth an argument against it. The church is the place for meeting
with God for worship, education and service, but God does not,
cannot, limit himself to a building. Not even the universe can
contain him.
Outline: Apart from a church building, God --
a. Moves with his people wherever they go -- v. 7.
b. Is with each person away from a church -- v. 9.
c. Blesses his people with peace and victory -- v. 10.
Lesson 2: Ephesians 2:11-22 (C, E)
1. A new humanity. 2:13-22
Need: When the world became totally corrupt, God started out
with a new people. It happened at the time of the flood with
Noah, with Abraham and with Moses. God's final effort was in
Jesus whose death and resurrection created a new humanity. He
took the old and made a new person. The world again is in need of
being renewed because it has become godless and corrupt. In what
sense is the Christian a new person and the church a new people?
Outline: What is new about Christ's new humanity?
a. We are one with God -- vv. 16-18.
b. We are one with all humanity -- vv. 14-16.
c. We are one in the church -- vv. 19-22.
2. Divine distance. 2:13, 17, 19
Need: In this sermon we are to deal with the closeness of our
relationship to God through Christ. How far or how near are we?
Twice in this pericope Paul refers to people being far away from
God before they become Christians and near when they accept
Christ. It is the need of every Christian to draw nearer to God
by deeper faith in Christ. We can see the difference "before
Christ" and "after Christ," between outsiders and insiders.
Outline: Measure the divine distance --
a. How far off are you? -- vv. 13, 17, 19
1. Strangers -- v. 19.
2. Sojourners -- v. 19.
b. How near to God are you? -- vv. 13, 17, 19
1. Citizens -- v. 19.
2. Family -- v. 19.
214
