Proper 25, Pentecost 23, Ordinary Time 30
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Series VII, Cycle B
Seasonal Theme
The Pentecost Season is one of Christian growth and learning about the way of discipleship.
Theme For The Day
Jesus as our high priest and/or Jesus and our compassion for those less fortunate than we are.
Old Testament Lesson
Job 42:1-6, 10-17
Job Repents And Is Content
This is the second reply to God by Job. The first (40:3-5) he admitted he was finite and God does display many wonders of nature. In this reply, he now confesses his pride and God's sovereignty. Verse 42:2a emphasizes Job's foolishness in questioning God's ability. In verses 4-5, Job admits he cannot answer God's questions of him in 38:4, 34-41. However, the dialogue has deepened his idea of God. So his awe was deepened and his arguing was intensified. Now that he has gained insight (v. 5) into God's character and ways, he confesses and repents. Finally Job was ready to trust the Sovereign even though he could not understand. The dust and ashes in verse 6 are a way of showing self-deprecation. See Genesis 18:27.
New Testament Lesson
Hebrews 7:23-28
Jesus The Priest, Continued
The writer continues to illustrate that Jesus is the best High Priest, superior to the old Levitical priesthood. In verse 22, just before this reading, he claims Jesus is a "... guarantee of a better covenant." The old covenant between the nation and God is explained in Exodus 24:1-8. It was based on keeping the law. Jesus guarantees a new and much better covenant. It is a new kind of relationship between people and God. This one is based on love and in the sacrifice Jesus made.
William Barclay tells us about the word for guarantee. The Greek is egguos. It meant one who promised on behalf of someone else the loan, bill, bail would be paid. Jesus, in our lesson today, is presented as the one who guarantees the love of God. Wow, wonderful theology that begs to be proclaimed from our pulpits today!
In the passage for today, the writer also claims Jesus' priesthood is forever. Other priesthoods are ended by death. The Greek word is aparabatos. It is something which is permanent or non-transferable to anyone else. So Jesus has the power to enable us access to God ... and it is not for a while, but forever (v. 28). Jesus forever serves as on earth he gave his life for us and in heaven he remains to plead our case before God.
The Gospel
Mark 10:46-52
The Healing Of Bartimaeus
Bartimaeus means, in Aramaic, "the son of Timaeus." Luke doesn't tell the man's name and Matthew tells it as two blind men. Here, Mark introduces Jesus as "Son of David." This emphasizes the Messiah as coming out of the lineage of David. Paul affirms this in Romans 1:3. This is a confusing claim we might as well not dwell on here. The final verse may be the climax of the story: he "followed him on the way" (v. 52b). This implies discipleship, but we never hear of him again. In presenting this story we must be sure to tell our people that Jesus was on the way to the cross now. He was heading for the Passover in Jerusalem about fifteen miles away.
Preaching Possibilities
If we dealt with Job last week, then we can move on to the wonderful theology of Hebrews or to the beautiful story of healing in Mark. I probably would have each stand alone, although one could stress the compassion and love of the perfect priest, Jesus, in Hebrews as illustrated in the way he treated this blind beggar in Mark.
Please permit me to present two alternative outlines of preaching moves for this set of readings.
Alternative #1: Possible Outline Of Sermon Moves
Title: Jesus as our high Priest
A. Introduction: Tell how the writer of Hebrews was writing to teach the Jews about who Jesus was and what he had done for them and continues to do for them. A good comparison for them was to point to their high priest and say that Jesus was far, far greater that this! This is a different kind of Priest (see v. 26).
B. Sermon moves:
1. His priesthood is permanent, not dependent on humans coming and going.
2. This priest is our guarantee of a better covenant (v. 22). Now explain the old and new covenants.
3. His sacrifice on the cross for our sins was forever. It need not be done again.
4. Jesus continues to serve us by making intercessions for us in heaven. We have an advocate.
Between each of the above moves, have someone else offer a prayer thanking God for this kind of a priest. Or sing a hymn that is illustrative of the emphasis just made. Or tell a story that illustrates the truth.
C. Now frame your sermon by giving your main points in reverse order.
Alternative #21: Possible Outline Of Sermon Moves
A. Begin with a description of the life of a beggar in Jesus' day. Tell how the crowds would be there lining the streets, watching the pilgrims on their way to Passover in the Holy City Jerusalem. Unlike the Levite in Jesus' parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus did not pass him by on the other side. I'll bet the disciples would have preferred that!
B. Now move to what this story teaches us:
1. It demonstrates how we are to treat those in our day who are challenged by some handicap. They are special in God's sight.
2. Tell how Jesus was on his way to the cross and still took time to have compassion. We must be careful lest we think we are too busy to help someone else.
3. There is a precious love of the unlovely here by Jesus that makes it a powerful moment on that Jericho road.
4. Bartimaeus' persistence paid off. He did not give up. Thus he won the prize of sight.
5. His healing was deeply appreciated -- so much so that the scripture says he followed Jesus on the way (v. 52).
6. Discipleship is like this. It begins with our need, continues with gratitude, and is completed with unswerving loyalty.
There is even more to consider in this healing miracle:
7. Think what it meant to Timaeus that Jesus had compassion on his blind beggar son. We often forget the suffering of the caregiver like Timaeus.
8. Timaeus and his son must have often asked, "Why me, Lord?" just as Job did. Will the same answer suffice for both?
C. Frame your sermon by guessing what Bartimaeus did after he got his sight -- traveled with Jesus to Bethany for the raising of Lazarus? Went with him into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday? Watched the crucifixion? Joined the disciples in the upper room after Easter?
And what have we done in response to our Savior's compassion?
Prayer For The Day
Help us to be persistent in our praying to you, O God, and come to us and heal in our time of need. We pray today you would bless those who struggle with sight, and those who care for them, with patience and strength. And might we follow you on the way just as Bartimaeus did. In Jesus, the Christ's, name. Amen.
Possible Metaphors And Stories
Home Depot's Behr paint now comes with a lifetime guarantee. They claim, "When you're done painting, you are done painting." What are the lifetime guarantees for baptized Christians? Never being alone, belonging to a world-wide family that will not desert us, eternal life, inner peace, and a wonderful joy.
One of my Burmese students in Hong Kong told how an older Buddhist man in their tribe had glaucoma and needed eye surgery. All the Christians contributed all the money they had and took him to Rangoon. The surgery was successful. He asked to be baptized and now is one of their best evangelists. "Rice Christian," you say? I'm not so sure.
A child named Amy was asked in Sunday school what she was doing. She replied she was "drawing a picture of God." Her teacher told her she couldn't do that; no one knew what God looked like. She replied: "They will when I get done." Perhaps the way we live out our discipleship helps paint a picture of God for those who see us.
The radio and television ads in Des Moines for Reichardt's clothing store have owner Bill say: "No sale is ever final here. We'll see you are completely satisfied here. I will see to it myself, because I'm here -- I'm Bill Reichardt and I own the store." In the incarnation the creator of all promises us that our lives are secure. God never throws us out or away. The owner of the store is here with us and we have God's promise.
____________
1. For a dialogue sermon by this author on this miracle, see The Miracles Of Jesus And Their Flip Side, CSS Publishing Company, 2000, p. 65.
The Pentecost Season is one of Christian growth and learning about the way of discipleship.
Theme For The Day
Jesus as our high priest and/or Jesus and our compassion for those less fortunate than we are.
Old Testament Lesson
Job 42:1-6, 10-17
Job Repents And Is Content
This is the second reply to God by Job. The first (40:3-5) he admitted he was finite and God does display many wonders of nature. In this reply, he now confesses his pride and God's sovereignty. Verse 42:2a emphasizes Job's foolishness in questioning God's ability. In verses 4-5, Job admits he cannot answer God's questions of him in 38:4, 34-41. However, the dialogue has deepened his idea of God. So his awe was deepened and his arguing was intensified. Now that he has gained insight (v. 5) into God's character and ways, he confesses and repents. Finally Job was ready to trust the Sovereign even though he could not understand. The dust and ashes in verse 6 are a way of showing self-deprecation. See Genesis 18:27.
New Testament Lesson
Hebrews 7:23-28
Jesus The Priest, Continued
The writer continues to illustrate that Jesus is the best High Priest, superior to the old Levitical priesthood. In verse 22, just before this reading, he claims Jesus is a "... guarantee of a better covenant." The old covenant between the nation and God is explained in Exodus 24:1-8. It was based on keeping the law. Jesus guarantees a new and much better covenant. It is a new kind of relationship between people and God. This one is based on love and in the sacrifice Jesus made.
William Barclay tells us about the word for guarantee. The Greek is egguos. It meant one who promised on behalf of someone else the loan, bill, bail would be paid. Jesus, in our lesson today, is presented as the one who guarantees the love of God. Wow, wonderful theology that begs to be proclaimed from our pulpits today!
In the passage for today, the writer also claims Jesus' priesthood is forever. Other priesthoods are ended by death. The Greek word is aparabatos. It is something which is permanent or non-transferable to anyone else. So Jesus has the power to enable us access to God ... and it is not for a while, but forever (v. 28). Jesus forever serves as on earth he gave his life for us and in heaven he remains to plead our case before God.
The Gospel
Mark 10:46-52
The Healing Of Bartimaeus
Bartimaeus means, in Aramaic, "the son of Timaeus." Luke doesn't tell the man's name and Matthew tells it as two blind men. Here, Mark introduces Jesus as "Son of David." This emphasizes the Messiah as coming out of the lineage of David. Paul affirms this in Romans 1:3. This is a confusing claim we might as well not dwell on here. The final verse may be the climax of the story: he "followed him on the way" (v. 52b). This implies discipleship, but we never hear of him again. In presenting this story we must be sure to tell our people that Jesus was on the way to the cross now. He was heading for the Passover in Jerusalem about fifteen miles away.
Preaching Possibilities
If we dealt with Job last week, then we can move on to the wonderful theology of Hebrews or to the beautiful story of healing in Mark. I probably would have each stand alone, although one could stress the compassion and love of the perfect priest, Jesus, in Hebrews as illustrated in the way he treated this blind beggar in Mark.
Please permit me to present two alternative outlines of preaching moves for this set of readings.
Alternative #1: Possible Outline Of Sermon Moves
Title: Jesus as our high Priest
A. Introduction: Tell how the writer of Hebrews was writing to teach the Jews about who Jesus was and what he had done for them and continues to do for them. A good comparison for them was to point to their high priest and say that Jesus was far, far greater that this! This is a different kind of Priest (see v. 26).
B. Sermon moves:
1. His priesthood is permanent, not dependent on humans coming and going.
2. This priest is our guarantee of a better covenant (v. 22). Now explain the old and new covenants.
3. His sacrifice on the cross for our sins was forever. It need not be done again.
4. Jesus continues to serve us by making intercessions for us in heaven. We have an advocate.
Between each of the above moves, have someone else offer a prayer thanking God for this kind of a priest. Or sing a hymn that is illustrative of the emphasis just made. Or tell a story that illustrates the truth.
C. Now frame your sermon by giving your main points in reverse order.
Alternative #21: Possible Outline Of Sermon Moves
A. Begin with a description of the life of a beggar in Jesus' day. Tell how the crowds would be there lining the streets, watching the pilgrims on their way to Passover in the Holy City Jerusalem. Unlike the Levite in Jesus' parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus did not pass him by on the other side. I'll bet the disciples would have preferred that!
B. Now move to what this story teaches us:
1. It demonstrates how we are to treat those in our day who are challenged by some handicap. They are special in God's sight.
2. Tell how Jesus was on his way to the cross and still took time to have compassion. We must be careful lest we think we are too busy to help someone else.
3. There is a precious love of the unlovely here by Jesus that makes it a powerful moment on that Jericho road.
4. Bartimaeus' persistence paid off. He did not give up. Thus he won the prize of sight.
5. His healing was deeply appreciated -- so much so that the scripture says he followed Jesus on the way (v. 52).
6. Discipleship is like this. It begins with our need, continues with gratitude, and is completed with unswerving loyalty.
There is even more to consider in this healing miracle:
7. Think what it meant to Timaeus that Jesus had compassion on his blind beggar son. We often forget the suffering of the caregiver like Timaeus.
8. Timaeus and his son must have often asked, "Why me, Lord?" just as Job did. Will the same answer suffice for both?
C. Frame your sermon by guessing what Bartimaeus did after he got his sight -- traveled with Jesus to Bethany for the raising of Lazarus? Went with him into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday? Watched the crucifixion? Joined the disciples in the upper room after Easter?
And what have we done in response to our Savior's compassion?
Prayer For The Day
Help us to be persistent in our praying to you, O God, and come to us and heal in our time of need. We pray today you would bless those who struggle with sight, and those who care for them, with patience and strength. And might we follow you on the way just as Bartimaeus did. In Jesus, the Christ's, name. Amen.
Possible Metaphors And Stories
Home Depot's Behr paint now comes with a lifetime guarantee. They claim, "When you're done painting, you are done painting." What are the lifetime guarantees for baptized Christians? Never being alone, belonging to a world-wide family that will not desert us, eternal life, inner peace, and a wonderful joy.
One of my Burmese students in Hong Kong told how an older Buddhist man in their tribe had glaucoma and needed eye surgery. All the Christians contributed all the money they had and took him to Rangoon. The surgery was successful. He asked to be baptized and now is one of their best evangelists. "Rice Christian," you say? I'm not so sure.
A child named Amy was asked in Sunday school what she was doing. She replied she was "drawing a picture of God." Her teacher told her she couldn't do that; no one knew what God looked like. She replied: "They will when I get done." Perhaps the way we live out our discipleship helps paint a picture of God for those who see us.
The radio and television ads in Des Moines for Reichardt's clothing store have owner Bill say: "No sale is ever final here. We'll see you are completely satisfied here. I will see to it myself, because I'm here -- I'm Bill Reichardt and I own the store." In the incarnation the creator of all promises us that our lives are secure. God never throws us out or away. The owner of the store is here with us and we have God's promise.
____________
1. For a dialogue sermon by this author on this miracle, see The Miracles Of Jesus And Their Flip Side, CSS Publishing Company, 2000, p. 65.
