Proper 28
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook - SERIES C
The Lessons
Malachi 4:1-6 (C)
Malachi 4:1-2a (L)
For the wicked the coming Day of the Lord will be doom but for the righteous there will be healing and joy.
The writer of Malachi is unknown. The name means "my messenger." Scholars believe he wrote in the latter part of the fifth century, the post-exilic period. Malachi contains the only reference in the Old Testament to the forerunner of the Day of the Lord, Elijah. In verses 1-3, we are told that the coming Day of the Lord will solve all of Israel's moral and religious problems. On that day the wicked like stubble will be burned up, but the godly will experience the sun of righteousness which will bring healing and joy. Verses 4-6 constitute an appendix added by a later author. In the appendix Israel is to remember the law of Moses, for Malachi was considered the last prophet to remind Israel of the keeping of the Law, and Elijah is to announce the coming of the Day of the Lord. The last chapter of Malachi and of the Old Testament gives the doom in terms of darkness of judgment and the hope of healing and joy for the righteous. The final word of the chapter as well as of the Old Testament is "curse." It opens the way to the New Testament with the word of grace.
Malachi 3:19-20
Judgment is the Day of the Lord. When the Lord ends human history, fire will burn. To those who have been faithless, it will be a comsuming fire, destroying them. To those who have been faithful, it will be a healing warmth from a friendly sun.
2 Thessalonians 3:6-13
Paul commands those waiting for the Parousia not to be idle but to work. This Lesson deals with a specific problem in the church of Paul's day. In the congregation were people called gnostics who believed that Jesus had returned and they were now in heaven. So they no longer needed to work but to enjoy life. Others expected Jesus to return in a few days. They quit work because they had to prepare for his coming and they had enough resources to provide for themselves until he came. To counteract this, Paul commanded the idle to go back to work and to follow his example. He worked so that the church would not have to support him and his ministry.
Luke 21:5-19
Jesus describes the end and urges endurance in suffering. Today's gospel lesson is Luke's version of Mark's little apocalypse. Jesus describes the end. For one thing false prophets will claim that the Parousia is at hand. The church in Luke's day no longer expected an imminent return. Before Jesus returns, there will be international conflicts, but the faithful are not to fear for the end is not yet. Moreover, they will be persecuted. Again, they are not to fear when brought before the courts, for they will be given what to say in their defense. In this persecution they will endure because they will take the way of the cross.
Prayer of the Day
"Lord God, so rule and govern our hearts and minds by your Holy Spirit that, always keeping in mind the end of all things and the day of judgment, we may be stirred up to holiness of life here and may live with you forever in the world to come."
Hymn of the Day
"Fight the Good Fight with all your Might"
Theological Reflections
Gospel:
Luke 21:5-19
1. When (v. 7). When Jesus tells of the coming destruction of the temple, he was asked, "when" will this be? The destruction of the temple symbolized the end of the world. Since this time, there have been those in each century asking the same question, "when." Jesus did not answer, because, as he said elsewhere, he did not know when the end would come. But he warned against false prophets or churches that claimed they were the messiah and knew the exact date of the Parousia.
2. Terrified (v. 9). Jesus says that we are not to be terrified when wars, earthquakes, famines, and pestilences come. This is quite a request he makes of us, for who can keep from being terrified at the total and universal destruction now in the hands of the nations? In 1983 a TV movie, The Day After, gave a preview of a nuclear attack on Kansas City. The holocaust was a terrifying prospect of what may come. Why not be terrified? Because Jesus said these are only the prelude or birthpains of the final event.
3. Endurance (v. 19). Terrible things are associated with the end of the world and Christ's return. Persecution of Christ's people is among the events of the end. Can we endure the wars, famine, destruction, and suffering which are coming? If we endure these things, we will save our lives from destruction. To endure is to take the way of the cross as Jesus did. After the cross comes resurrection, new life, and victory.
Lesson 1: Malachi 4:1-6
1. Burn (v. 1). Malachi and 2 Peter agree that the earth will be destroyed by fire. We can understand this when we hear or read about an atomic explosion with a fire brighter than the sun. Malachi sees the end of the world, the Day of the Lord, as the time when the wicked like stubble will be burned up. The day is to be like an oven. It reminds us of the Nazi ovens in which many Jews were cremated.
2. Sun (v. 2). The Day of the Lord is not all gloom and doom. For the godly, it is going to be a day of sunshine. The sun will rise and bring healing and joy. If Malachi had known Jesus, he would have written "Son" instead of "sun." When the Son returns, the faithful will shout for joy and healing for all will be experienced.
3. Curse (v. 6). The last word of Malachi and the Old Testament is "curse." What a way to end a book and a testament! Would it not have been better to end with a benediction or a promise of blessing? Maybe a word of hope would have been better. The word, "curse," does, however, help us to see the incompleteness of the Old Testament. It indicates the need of a messiah to take away the curse of sin and death. The last verse of the New Testament says, "The grace of the Lord Jesus ..."
Lesson 2: 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13
1. Command (vv. 6, 10, 12). Paul comes right out with it without mincing words. He commands his idle people to go to work. What do you think of this approach in human relations? Can a pastor say this today? People resent being ordered around to do this or that. The contemporary life-style of leadership is for the pastor to be only an enabler. The people are to decide what they are to do. The pastor is there to help them reach their goals. Even if to command was an acceptable approach in Paul's day, what right did he have to command? His authority to command was given to him by Christ.
2. Eat (v. 10). He who does not work is not to eat. This has been applied to the poor and social welfare. Paul used this principle for those who quit their jobs because they expected the Parousia tomorrow. It applied to Christians and not to society in general. If people are unemployed or unemployable for no fault of their own, are we to let them starve? Is that a Christian position? Paul would not agree with this. If work is available, Paul is saying we ought to work and provide for our needs. In our day, however, there are people who would rather live on public welfare than work. In this case, we can hear Paul say: no work, no eat!
3. Example (v. 9). A leader should never ask followers to do what the leader will not do. Paul was an ideal leader. What he asked of others, he himself did. Boldly he says that they should imitate his example. When it comes to work, he earned his own living to avoid being a burden to the church. His people are asked to do the same. A pastor is an example for the congregation. The minister should be able to say, "Follow my example. Imitate me."
Theme For The Day: The End of The World
Gospel - Signs of the end
Lesson 1 - Destruction of the wicked, salvation for the godly
Lesson 2 - Work until the end comes
Today we deal with the end of the world. In the Gospel Jesus tells us what will happen penultimately. Judgment is pronounced in Lesson I : the wicked will be burned up but the righteous will be saved. Until the end comes, Paul teaches that we are not to be idle but to work and provide for our needs.
Preaching Possibilities
Three Lessons
What to Do with This Wicked World
Need: Today's world is in a terrible mess. Each generation seems to think that conditions are so bad that the Day of The Lord is nigh. What is the answer? Can the world be saved from destruction? Is the answer in an international army, or in strengthening the dollar abroad, or in raising the economic level of the Third World, or in the conquest of illiteracy? The Lessons for this Sunday have other options to propose.
Outline: What can be done about the world?
a. Burn - L 1 . God's fire both destroys and restores.
b. Earn - L 2. Work while waiting for the end.
c. Warn - G. An opportunity to witness to the world.
Gospel:
Luke 21:5-19
1. Doing Your Best when Things are at Their Worst
Need: We are living in the worst times. Perhaps every generation says this. But, has there been a generation with so much destructive power: nuclear weapons, germ warfare, guided missiles, instant communications, supersonic travel? Are we not on the edge of a worldwide nuclear holocaust with the power to over-kill many times over? What can Christians do about it? We could hide, flee (but where?), or commit suicide. In this passage Jesus calls upon us to do our best under the worst circumstances.
Outline: The worst calls for our best:
a. Witness for Christ - v. 13
b. Feel secure in God's protection - v. 18
c. Endure until the end - v. 19
2. The Rubble of Life. 21:5-6
Need: Life can be rubble - "not one stone upon another." After World War II German cities were rubble following Allied bombing. Following an earthquake, tornado, or hurricane, there is wholesale rubble. It results from terrific physical force. The temple in Jerusalem was left rubble in AD 70 when the Romans finished with it. That which is excellent and glorious can be smashed, broken into pieces, a worthless mass of destruction. Rubble does not only apply to buildings, cities, or civilizations but applies to individual lives - family breakdowns, a terminal illness, shattered hopes, loss of job, disappointment in love, and shattered dreams.
Outline: Facts about the rubble of life
a. The certainty of its existence - v. 6. It has happened in the past; it can happen now.
b. The cause of the rubble - rejection of Christ. Destruction follows disobedience to the laws of God.
3. Is This the End? 21:7-12
Need: When the people asked this question, Jesus dodged it. At another time he said that only God the Father knew the time of the Parousia. But, he told of the conditions that would exist just before the end. Conditions today would suggest that the end is near. If we are convinced the end is near, we will watch and be prepared for Christ's second coming and the accompanying judgment.
Outline: Is this the end?
a. Leaders who mislead the people - v. 8
b. Natural and governmental disasters - vv. 9-11
c. Christians are persecuted - vv. 12-19
Lesson 1: Malachi 4:1-6
1. The Fire Next! 4:1-2a
Need: Even Christians are scared of the end of the world. It means destruction, judgment, and chaos. We would rather not think about it. It is like anticipating one's death. This is only one side of the Day of the Lord. The Lord comes to judge and destroy the wicked. The other side is bright and hopeful. The Lord's coming is a blessing for the godly. They experience the joy of God's approval and receive healing (salvation). This sermon then has a message for the sinner and saint: a warning to the sinner and good news for the saint.
Outline: The fire of God is next
a. The fire of destruction - v. 1
b. The fire of restoration - v. 2
2. Rise and Shine! 4:2a
Need: Think of the end of the world in terms of the rising sun. It means a new day and a new era. The sun of God brings light and healing. When you are not feeling well, doesn't lying in the warm sun make you feel better? The sun for us is the Son of God. When he rises in our lives, we can shine with gladness and hope. When he comes at the end of time, it is the beginning of an eternity of life and love. The end of the world is not to be feared nor dreaded but to be greeted, "Come, Lord Jesus!"
Outline: The sun of righteousness
a. Rises on the just who fear God - v. 2a
b. Heals the hurts of people - v. 2a
Lesson 1: Malachi 3:19-20
The Fire Next Time
Need: We tend to take talk of God's wrath lightly. A previous generation may have been overly worried about a wrathful God. There is truth in both worry and complacency, since God treats those who are in the human family according to their treatment of him and his promises.
1. It will be fearful if we fail to fear the Lord.
a. God does not hold off forever with consuming anger.
b. His coming will be unwelcome if we have not welcomed him in life.
2. It will be welcome if we know and love him.
a. Fire can bring healing and warmth.
b. God comes to his faithful as one who brings both love and joy.
Lesson 2: 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13
1. If You Had One Year to Live. 3:10-13
Need: Jesus may return within a year. That means one year to live on earth! Or, put it this way:
you have a terminal disease which will kill you within a year. What would you do with the time until the end? In Paul's day, the Christians were convinced that Jesus would return shortly. They gave up their jobs and were idly standing by as they waited for his coming day after day. In 1977 a group convinced of Jesus' immediate return quit their jobs, sold their property, took their children out of school, and lived in a commune. What would you do? Consider the options.
Outline: If you had one year to live
a. You could pity yourself and your lot.
b. You could live it up - "Eat, drink, and be merry."
c. You could go to work - vv. 10-13
2. Between the Times. 3:6-13
Need: We are living between the time of Jesus' ascension and his return. How long that time will be nobody but God knows. While we are waiting for the end of this era, Paul commands that Christians shall go to work. When Luther was asked what he would do if he knew the end would come tomorrow, he said that he would plant a tree today.
Outline: What to do between the times.
a. Work to eat - v. 10
b. Work to set an example v. 9
c. Work to do good - v. 13
Pentecost 27
(Lutheran Only)
Isaiah 52:1-6
Israel is to awaken, for Yahweh is present to deliver her from captivity.
1 Corinthians 15:54-58
Thanks be to God for the victory over death through Christ.
Luke 19:11-27
The parable of the pounds.
Theme For The Day: Living Between The Times
Gospel
- Being resourceful until the King comes.
Lesson 1 - Living in assurance that the end is near.
Lesson 2 - Working for God while waiting for Christ's return.
The pericopes and propers remind us that we are living between the times, the time of the Ascension and the Parousia. In the Gospel Jesus tells a parable to correct the immediate expectation of the Kingdom's coming and teaches us to be resourceful until he comes. The Jews are in Babylonian captivity and in Lesson 1 God assures them that their period of waiting for deliverance is at an end. For Paul, when Christ comes again, the living and the dead will be changed and a new era without death will begin. Until this occurs, Christians are to be busy doing God's work.
Preaching Possibilities
Three Lessons
In the Meantime, Live!
Need: We are living between the times, the time of Jesus' ascension and his return which means the end of the world and judgment for all. Will the end be tomorrow or 2,000 years from now? The early Christians thought it would be tomorrow, but it is now two thousand years and the end is not here. If the Parousia is tomorrow, we would make immediate rather than long-range plans. Jesus teaches that his return may not be tomorrow or the next day. How are we to live in the meantime? On the other hand, if there is no end, our lives would correspond to that fact. The truth is that Christ will return and we need to learn what to do until he comes.
Outline: In the meantime, live.
a. In the meantime, hope - L 1
b. In the meantime, work - L 2
c. In the meantime, invest - G
Gospel:
Luke 19:11-27
1. Making the Most of Your Life
Need: Almost everyone wants to make the most of his/her life. Most agree that it is terrible to waste a life. When Christ comes, we want him to see that we are doing the best with what he gave us. If we die before he returns, we want to show him that we did with our lives what we could. Are we making the most of our lives? If not, what can we learn from the text that would enable us to maximize our resources?
Outline: How to make the most out of your life:
a. Consider yourself a trustee - v. 13. What we are and have is given to us. God trusts us with his "money." What we have is not for us to do as we please. As a trusted trustee, we are accountable to God (v. 15).
b. Invest what you have - vv. 16-19. Each person is given something; all ten received a pound. Life is to be invested, to be productive. Lose your life to gain it.
c. Accept additional responsibility - vv. 17-19. Whoever is faithful in making the most of his "one pound" is rewarded with increased responsibility. A Christian's reward for good work is more work!
2. When Conservatism is a Curse. 19:20-26
Need: In recent years we have become conservative in politics, religion, and elsewhere. As in all things, there is danger in going to an extreme. It is possible to be ultra, ultra conservative to the point that it ceases to be a blessing. In this parable we have the tragic case of an extreme conservative who refused to take a risk, who held on to what he had, and who was scared of failure. In the end, he lost what he feared he would lose.
Outline: Consider the curse of ultra-conservatism.
a. Fear
1. Afraid of losing what he had - v. 20
2. Afraid of his master's judgment - v. 21
b. Loss of his gift - v. 26
3. You Can't Win Them All! 19:12, 14, 27
Need: Not even Christ could win the allegiance of all people. Though it is God's will that every one come to him for eternal life, not all accept his love. This was demonstrated when Jesus was on earth. He was rejected by people you might expect to accept him - religious people: scribes, Pharisees, Sadducees. In this parable, we see Jesus as the King who waits to rule but some oppose his reign. What happens to the opposition?
Outline: In this parable
a. Consider the opposition to Christ
1. Hate him - v. 14
2. Oppose his reign - v. 14
b. See the consequences of rejection - v. 27
Lesson 1: Isaiah 52:1-6
1. Awake, Awake!
Need: The Israelites were slaves of Babylon for fifty years. By this time they must have accepted their lot and resigned themselves to their fate. They were content with their condition. But God is not! After all, they are his people and his honor is at stake. He wants his people to be free. In this passage God comes to the captives and awakens them. In our times, we, too, may have fallen asleep in our miserable situation - captives to sin, to the secular culture, and to the wicked ways of the world. This is no way for God's people to live. God wants to awaken the church to a new life of freedom.
Outline: Awake!
a. To your present condition of captivity - v. 2
b. To your future possibility - v. 1
c. To your God's power to free - v. 6
2. God is ready!
Need: When God called, Isaiah replied, "Here am I." When man calls out of despair, God says, "Here am I." (v. 6) People often ask, "Where is God when we need him?" The Israelites are in bondage in Babylon and they need God's deliverance. God comes to his people and assures them he is there to do a mighty act once again to free them from their enemy. God loves his people and desires to free them. His honor and integrity are at stake, because his people are captives. What kind of a God is one who allows his people to be slaves of a godless nation? This sermon is needed by people today who are in difficult or hopeless situations. Because of God's promise of deliverance, they can have hope.
Outline: God is here
a. To know your predicament - v. 5: "My people are taken away."
b. To vindicate his name - v. 5: "My name is despised."
c. To release you - v. 6 "My people shall know my name."
Lesson 2: 1 Corinthians 15:54-58
1. All You Need to Know about Death
Need: Death is a popular subject today. Over one thousand courses on death and dying are offered in our schools. Numerous books on the subject have been written. Death is a mystery. Is there anything beyond death? How can one die with dignity? Shall one be allowed to die? Since everyone will die, it is a subject of interest to all. In this text, Paul tells us all we need to know about death.
Outline: What we learn about death
a. The condition of death - v. 54. Death is of two kinds: physical and spiritual. The former must happen because it is natural. The latter need not happen. For believers in Christ, the physical becomes spiritual, the mortal becomes immortal.
b. The cause of death - v. 56. Spiritual death is caused bysin which separates from God. Since God is life, to be separated from him is death. Sin is the result of disobedience to God's law.
c. The conquest of death - v. 57. Death had been conquered by Christ's death and resurrection. Physical death cannot separate us from God. Union with God through Christ means eternal life.
2. Life before Death. 15:58
Need: Paul brings to a close his famous chapter on the resurrection and the hope of eternal life for believers based on the resurrection. Now we know of death's defeat and the coming of Christ to unite all believers in himself for eternity. Now we are either waiting for physical death or for the Parousia. What do we do while waiting? What are the practical implications for life today in the light of Christ's conquest of death? In this text Paul tells us about life before death comes.
Outline: The kind of life before death comes
a. A persistent life - "Be steadfast."
b. A secure life - "immoveable"
c. A busy life - "abounding in the work"
d. A satisfying life - "your labor is not in vain."
CHRIST THE KING
(Last Sunday after Pentecost - Proper 29 - Ordinary Time 34)
The Lessons
2 Samuel 5:1-5 (C)
2 Samuel 5:1-3 (RC)
David is crowned king of Israel at Hebron at age thirty.
Among the Hebrews David was always regarded as the ideal king. The promised Messiah was to be a son of David and be a king like David. In the Old Testament the king was an expression of Yahweh's kingship. Christians see David as a type of Christ the King. Like David Jesus was our "bone and flesh" through the Incarnation. Like David as a military leader and conqueror, Jesus had the power over sin, sickness, and death so that he was always the victor. Like David Jesus was a triumphant king. Among the Jews the king was considered a shepherd to lead and protect his sheep. Jesus called himself the Good Shepherd. In this pericope the elders of Israel came to David and crowned him king when he was thirty years old, and his kingship lasted forty years.
Jeremiah 23:2-6 (L)
The promise of a Davidic king who will save the people.
Colossians 1:11-20
We belong to the kingdom of Christ who, as the image of God, is pre-eminent in all things. In this pericope we have one of the great christological passages of the New Testament similar to Philippians 2:6-11 and John 1:1-14. It is so compact with truth and covers so much of the significance of Christ that one is easily persuaded that only an inspired writer could have composed it. The first part (vv. 11-14) deals with baptism as the transfer from the power of darkness (sin) to the kingdom of Christ and forgiveness. The second part (vv. 15-17) tells us of Christ as king of creation: through him and for him all things were created and he holds the universe together. The third part (vv. 18-20) deals with Christ as redeemer: incarnation ("fulness of God" was in him), atonement ("blood of the cross"), resurrection ("first-born from the dead") and his kingdom on earth ("He is the head of the body, the church"). It all adds up that Jesus is "the image of the invisible God" and in everything "pre-eminent."
John 12:9-19
The people of Jerusalem welcome Jesus as the king of Israel. This pericope contains John's account of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem which until recently the church observed on Palm Sunday. Since Vatican 2 and the new lectionary the Sunday of the Passion has replaced Palm Sunday, or at least put it in a subordinate position. The reason for this is that, because of the lack of daily Holy Week services and the poor attendance when the services are held, except on Maundy Thursday, the people did not hear the Passion Story. Christ the King is a more appropriate time for the celebration of the kingship of Jesus and the Palm Sunday event. The year ends in a blaze of glory: hosannas sung, trumpets blaring, and crowds forming to hail Jesus as king of kings. Today's gospel tells us of the welcome Jesus' friends gave him as they met him at the gates of the city. They cut down palm branches and sang praises to him as Messiah and King. He illustrated his understanding of kingship by riding an ass, the fulfillment of Zechariah's prophecy. Everybody seemed to be happy and celebrating except the Pharisees who bitterly complained, "Look, the world has gone after him."
Luke 23:35-43 (L, RC)
The king of the Jews is crucified.
Prayer of the Day
"Almighty and everlasting God, whose will it is to restore all things to your beloved Son, whom you anointed priest forever and king of all creation: Grant that all the people of the earth, now divided by the power of sin, may be united under the glorious and gentle rule of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ."
Hymn of the Day
"O Jesus, King most Wonderful!"
Theme of the Day: Christ the King and His Kingdom
Gospel - Jesus is welcomed by the people as their king.
Lesson 1 - Jesus is the son of King David.
Lesson 2 - Christ is king of creation and redemption.
The church year comes to a close on this Christ the King Sunday. It is a festival, a high day, of the church. Because it is a festival, the green of Pentecost changes to white, the color of joy, peace, and celebration. The year does not dribble to a weak end but it closes in a blaze of glory, not with a whimper but with a shout of "Hosanna." The trumpets are blowing; the choirs are singing, "Hallelujah." The three lessons deal with kingship. The prayer acknowledges Christ as king of all creation and asks that we may be one under his rule. The hymn continues with the theme, "O Jesus, King most Wonderful."
Theological Reflections
Gospel: John 12:9-19
1. Went out (v. 13). The crowd on Palm Sunday went out to meet Jesus as he was about to enter the city. They were curious to see the man who raised Lazarus, a man who was dead for four days. His fame as a teacher and healer had spread and the crowd came to welcome him to the city. It was a time of festivity with palms, garments, and singing. Would that every city and heart today would welcome Jesus so joyously!
2. Hosanna (v. 13). As Jesus came into Jerusalem riding on an ass, the people shouted, "Hosanna." It meant "Save now." This was the cry of the people. It was what they thought was their deepest need. They wanted to be saved right now from foreign domination. They saw Jesus as their potential king. This alerted the political and religious leaders to the danger that Jesus might be the cause of a rebellion or a riot. Jesus' coming to Jerusalem and being hailed as a king by the populace was a threat to the establishment.
3. Understand (v. 16). John repeats that the Disciples did not understand the events of Palm Sunday. Only later did the significance of Jesus' triumphal entry get into their thick skulls. Throughout Jesus' ministry the Disciples did not understand the meaning of Jesus' coming to Jerusalem and the events that took place there. If they did not understand, how could the people understand? Yes, he was a king but not the kind of king they wanted. Yes, he came to save now but not save them from the Romans but from Satan. It is our experience, too. At the time we do not understand the meaning of great events. Only years later do we see the significance and implications.
Lesson 1: 2 Samuel 5:1-5
1. Flesh (v. 1). The leading citizens of Israel come to David to ask him to be their king. One reason for their wanting David was that he was one of them - "we are your bone and flesh." It was the oneness that Adam saw in Eve - "bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh." David was not a foreigner imposed from without. He was one of the boys, a fellow Israelite. In this David was a type of Jesus, for he was born of woman, the Word became flesh. Jesus was fully, truly human - one of us, fit to be our king.
2. Shepherd (v. 2). The elders told David that he was not only the people's choice but Yahweh's choice, for the Lord told David years before that he should be the "shepherd" of Israel. To be shepherd defines the nature of a ruler as God wants him to be. A king can be a ruthless tyrant like a Nero or a beast like Hitler or Idi Amin. God wanted David to be a shepherd to his people for they were, as Jesus said, sheep without a shepherd. A good shepherd knows, loves, guides, and even dies for his sheep. Jesus called himself the "Good Shepherd."
3. Covenant (v. 3). When David consented to their request to be king, the elders and David made a "covenant." This is an agreement between the two parties. Each has an obligation to the other. The king has a responsibility to rule with justice and the people have an obligation to respect and obey the laws of the king. This is a formula for a blessed nation. Government is a two-way street: the officials are servants of the people and the people owe the government support and obedience. But note that the covenant was made "before the Lord." In other words, there were three parties to the covenant. It was a way of saying, "This nation under God."
Lesson 2: Colossians 1:11-20
1. Transferred (v. 13). Christians are "transferred" from the dominion of darkness to the kingdom of Christ. In other words, we never escape being ruled. We are serving the rulership of Satan with darkness and ultimate doom or we are under the kingship of Christ in his kingdom. But, we do not make the transfer. Only by the grace of God we are transferred by Christ. He came and sought the lost under the dominion of darkness, rescued us, and now we live with him in the kingdom of light. When did this take place? It was at the time of baptism. Then we died to self and sin and became new creatures in Christ.
2. Image (v. 15). Jesus is the "image" of the invisible God. This does not mean Jesus is only a reflection of God, but God himself. Later Paul explains, "In him all the fulness of God was pleased to dwell." Jesus is more than divine: he is deity. In Jesus we see God. Jesus himself said, "The Father and I are one." If he is truly God, then we need to listen to him.
3. Together (v. 17). Not only was the whole creation made through and for Jesus, but he sustains creation. What keeps the world from falling apart or the stars from crashing into each other? Who keeps us from falling apart in terms of nervous breakdowns? Who or what keeps us from "burn-out"? The one and only Jesus is the king of creation that holds us together. He is the hub of our lives and all creation. It is the same with the church. Jesus holds the churches together in unity and the members with all their differences are made one body by a common faith and loyalty to him.
Preaching Possibilities
Three Lessons
2 Samuel 5:1-5; Colossians 1:11-20; John 12:9-19
No Other King Like Him!
Need: To be king of kings, Jesus would have to be different from all other kings. He is a king like the world never had and never will have. In these three lessons we see the nature of Christ the King. An explanation of Christ as king should lead the congregation to have no other king of their lives.
Outline: No other king like this king -
a. A human king son of David the king - Lesson 1
b. A divine king - "the image of the invisible God" - Lesson 2
c. A. messianic king - "Hosanna" - Gospel
Gospel:
John 12:9-19
1. The King of Your Life. 12:13
Need: Who is really the king of your life? The earliest confession of Christians was, "Jesus Christ is Lord." To be lord is to be king. With our lips we may say Jesus is the king of our lives, but in actuality, is he? To be king he must always come first. If he is king, he is the most important person in our lives. As king he guides and directs our every activity. In this sermon we want to give people several possibilities in having Jesus as king.
Outline: What you may say about Christ the king
a. The king am I - "I am the king of my life."
b. The king and I - The king and I work together.
c. The king not I - Christ is totally king and I am his servant.
2. To What Extent is Jesus King of Your Life? 12:13
Need: Jesus may be king of our lives up to a point. Think of your life as a pie with a certain number of slices. Is the total pie of your life under the lordship of Christ or only one or two areas? Look at it in terms of a home. Is Jesus lord in every room or do we confine Jesus to the den or living room but not in the bedroom or kitchen? The Christian life is one of growth where we open a new area of our lives to Christ's kingship.
Outline: Is Christ the king of every area of your life?
a. Is he king in the area of race?
b. Is he king in the area of finances?
c. Is he king in the area of sex?
d. Is he king in the area of self?
3. A Sour Note in the Hallelujah Chorus. 12:19
Need: When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the people spontaneously began to sing praises and cut down palm branches. It was like Handel's "Hallelujah Chorus": "King of kings and Lord of lords." Everybody seemed to be caught up on the celebration. But not everybody. Our text tells us the Pharisees were not with the crowd. As cynics and critics they stood aside and said among themselves, "You see that you can do nothing; look, the world has gone after him." They constituted a sour note in the Hallelujah Chorus. In this great celebration of Christ the King today, are we singing a sour note?
Outline: What the sour notes are -
a. Pride - we want the glory.
b. Jealousy - we hate to see others popular and successful.
c. Hatred - we hate people who get ahead of us.
Gospel:
Luke 23:35-43
1. Jesus, Lord at Thy Death
Need: Jesus is dying on the cross and yet we celebrate the festival of Christ the King. How so? Execution as a criminal is usually considered a time of disgrace and defeat. Critics at the cross acknowledge this by saying, "He saved others, let him save himself ... If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself." In a few weeks at Christmas we will be singing a line of "Silent Night" which says, "Jesus, Lord at thy birth." Can we today sing, "Jesus, Lord at thy death?"
Outline: How Jesus was Lord at his death.
a. He was lord over his enemies by not responding to their insults - vv. 35-37
b. He was lord in his power to save a sinner - vv. 39-43
2. The King On The Cross. 23:35-43
Need: Jesus was a king on the cross. His enemies did not realize the truth of their mockery. "If you are King of the Jews ..." The political authorities also did not realize what they wrote, "This is the king of the Jews." On Palm Sunday the faithful sang praises to their king - "Behold, your king is coming to you." In this Gospel we see various reactions to this king. Where do you stand?
Outline: Are you one of these?
a. People - watch, just spectators - v. 35
b. Rulers - scoffers, cynics - v. 35
c. Soldiers - mock and ridicule - v. 36
d. Sinner - prayer, penitence, petition - vv. 39-43
3. Going Christian All the Way. 23:38 "This is the King of the Jews."
Need: Pilate wrote the superscription, "This is the King of the Jews." He must have meant it, for he would not change it when Jesus' enemies demanded it to be otherwise. Yet, for Pilate Jesus was not his king. Is Jesus king for others but not for us? Is Jesus only our Savior and not Lord (king)? To what extent is Jesus king of the lives of our members? This sermon is needed to convince Christians to allow Christ to have total lordship over their lives.
Outline: Is Christ sovereign over your entire life?
a. King in the area of race?
b. King in the area of finances?
c. King in the area of sex?
d. King in the area of self?
Lesson 1: 2 Samuel 5:1-5
1. The Person You Want for President. 5:1-3
Need: Every four years the people of America must decide by their votes who they want as their President or king. After the death of King Saul, the Israelites needed a successor. The leading citizens of Israel came to David because he was the kind of king they wanted. What they wanted of David we can find in Jesus, for David was a type of king to be fulfilled by Jesus. This sermon will be helpful not only for presidential elections but whenever governmental officials are to be elected.
Outline: The person qualified to be president -
a. One who is one of us - knows and understands us - v. 1 (Incarnation)
b. One who is a capable leader to conquer our enemies - v. 2a (Lord)
c. One who is approved of God to be a shepherd to the people - v. 2b (Good Shepherd)
2. The Making of a Great King. 5:1-3
Need: There are kings and again there are kings. Some are benevolent rulers and others are Satanic. They can be beasts, tyrants, and dictators. They can rule with or without justice, with or without concern for the people. It is not hard to name some of them in history: Nero, Stalin, Hitler, Idi Amin, et al. On the other hand, kings can be so good that the word "great" is attached to their names: Alexander the Great or Peter the Great, etc. What makes a great leader like a Washington, Jefferson, or Lincoln?
Outline: What makes a great leader of a nation -
a. He is the people's choice - v. 1
b. He is God's choice - v. 2
c. He and people enter a covenant with God - v. 3
Lesson 1: Jeremiah 23:2-6
A Dream Come True. 23:5-6
Need: Jeremiah sees his nation falling apart and going into captivity because the rulers ("shepherds") misled the people. He sees the solution in a new Davidic king who will rectify the situation and re-unite the people. This is the pattern for our century - poor national leadership to the detriment of the people. Think of the holocaust caused by Hitler, Mussolini and Tojo. In America respect and credibility have been lost, for presidents, vice-presidents, governors, and congressmen have been accused of bribery, perjury, and sexual abuses. Jeremiah has a dream of a future king who would save the nation by the quality of his reign. That dream came true in Jesus.
Outline: In Jesus the dream came true.
a. Jesus, a king of Davidic ancestry - v. 5
b. Jesus, a king of righteousness - v. 5
c. Jesus, a king of wisdom - v. 5
d. Jesus, a king who saves - v. 6
Lesson 2: Colossians 1:11-20
1. A Cosmic King. 1:13-20
Need: This pericope gives us the scope of Christ's kingdom. It is much needed because we think usually of Jesus as king of the Jews only, or of Christians only, or of the individual's heart. Paul raises our sights and we see Jesus as king of the universe. Look at your king; can you imagine the honor and privilege of being a servant of a king of such great dimensions? If Jesus is king of the cosmos, then he is not confined to one nation, race, or church. He rules the world, and all the nations, and all the planets.
Outline: Consider the dimensions of your king's reign.
a. Creator of the universe - v. 16
b. Eternal king - v. 17
c. Head of the church - v. 18
d. Reconciler and redeemer of the whole world - vv. 14, 20
2. Facts about the Kingdom. 1:13-20
Need: Because we live in a democracy, we know little about a kingdom. Yet we Christians keep talking about God's Kingdom and daily we pray, "Thy Kingdom come." Do we know what we mean when we use the word, "kingdom"? In our text we have the facts about the Kingdom. Having the facts, we can understand what it is, why it is important, and why we pray for it to come to us.
Outline: Here are the facts about the Kingdom -
a. The King is God - vv. 15, 19
b. The baptized are in the Kingdom - v. 13
c. The church is the Kingdom on earth - v. 18
d. Peace through reconciliation prevails in the kingdom - v. 20
Malachi 4:1-6 (C)
Malachi 4:1-2a (L)
For the wicked the coming Day of the Lord will be doom but for the righteous there will be healing and joy.
The writer of Malachi is unknown. The name means "my messenger." Scholars believe he wrote in the latter part of the fifth century, the post-exilic period. Malachi contains the only reference in the Old Testament to the forerunner of the Day of the Lord, Elijah. In verses 1-3, we are told that the coming Day of the Lord will solve all of Israel's moral and religious problems. On that day the wicked like stubble will be burned up, but the godly will experience the sun of righteousness which will bring healing and joy. Verses 4-6 constitute an appendix added by a later author. In the appendix Israel is to remember the law of Moses, for Malachi was considered the last prophet to remind Israel of the keeping of the Law, and Elijah is to announce the coming of the Day of the Lord. The last chapter of Malachi and of the Old Testament gives the doom in terms of darkness of judgment and the hope of healing and joy for the righteous. The final word of the chapter as well as of the Old Testament is "curse." It opens the way to the New Testament with the word of grace.
Malachi 3:19-20
Judgment is the Day of the Lord. When the Lord ends human history, fire will burn. To those who have been faithless, it will be a comsuming fire, destroying them. To those who have been faithful, it will be a healing warmth from a friendly sun.
2 Thessalonians 3:6-13
Paul commands those waiting for the Parousia not to be idle but to work. This Lesson deals with a specific problem in the church of Paul's day. In the congregation were people called gnostics who believed that Jesus had returned and they were now in heaven. So they no longer needed to work but to enjoy life. Others expected Jesus to return in a few days. They quit work because they had to prepare for his coming and they had enough resources to provide for themselves until he came. To counteract this, Paul commanded the idle to go back to work and to follow his example. He worked so that the church would not have to support him and his ministry.
Luke 21:5-19
Jesus describes the end and urges endurance in suffering. Today's gospel lesson is Luke's version of Mark's little apocalypse. Jesus describes the end. For one thing false prophets will claim that the Parousia is at hand. The church in Luke's day no longer expected an imminent return. Before Jesus returns, there will be international conflicts, but the faithful are not to fear for the end is not yet. Moreover, they will be persecuted. Again, they are not to fear when brought before the courts, for they will be given what to say in their defense. In this persecution they will endure because they will take the way of the cross.
Prayer of the Day
"Lord God, so rule and govern our hearts and minds by your Holy Spirit that, always keeping in mind the end of all things and the day of judgment, we may be stirred up to holiness of life here and may live with you forever in the world to come."
Hymn of the Day
"Fight the Good Fight with all your Might"
Theological Reflections
Gospel:
Luke 21:5-19
1. When (v. 7). When Jesus tells of the coming destruction of the temple, he was asked, "when" will this be? The destruction of the temple symbolized the end of the world. Since this time, there have been those in each century asking the same question, "when." Jesus did not answer, because, as he said elsewhere, he did not know when the end would come. But he warned against false prophets or churches that claimed they were the messiah and knew the exact date of the Parousia.
2. Terrified (v. 9). Jesus says that we are not to be terrified when wars, earthquakes, famines, and pestilences come. This is quite a request he makes of us, for who can keep from being terrified at the total and universal destruction now in the hands of the nations? In 1983 a TV movie, The Day After, gave a preview of a nuclear attack on Kansas City. The holocaust was a terrifying prospect of what may come. Why not be terrified? Because Jesus said these are only the prelude or birthpains of the final event.
3. Endurance (v. 19). Terrible things are associated with the end of the world and Christ's return. Persecution of Christ's people is among the events of the end. Can we endure the wars, famine, destruction, and suffering which are coming? If we endure these things, we will save our lives from destruction. To endure is to take the way of the cross as Jesus did. After the cross comes resurrection, new life, and victory.
Lesson 1: Malachi 4:1-6
1. Burn (v. 1). Malachi and 2 Peter agree that the earth will be destroyed by fire. We can understand this when we hear or read about an atomic explosion with a fire brighter than the sun. Malachi sees the end of the world, the Day of the Lord, as the time when the wicked like stubble will be burned up. The day is to be like an oven. It reminds us of the Nazi ovens in which many Jews were cremated.
2. Sun (v. 2). The Day of the Lord is not all gloom and doom. For the godly, it is going to be a day of sunshine. The sun will rise and bring healing and joy. If Malachi had known Jesus, he would have written "Son" instead of "sun." When the Son returns, the faithful will shout for joy and healing for all will be experienced.
3. Curse (v. 6). The last word of Malachi and the Old Testament is "curse." What a way to end a book and a testament! Would it not have been better to end with a benediction or a promise of blessing? Maybe a word of hope would have been better. The word, "curse," does, however, help us to see the incompleteness of the Old Testament. It indicates the need of a messiah to take away the curse of sin and death. The last verse of the New Testament says, "The grace of the Lord Jesus ..."
Lesson 2: 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13
1. Command (vv. 6, 10, 12). Paul comes right out with it without mincing words. He commands his idle people to go to work. What do you think of this approach in human relations? Can a pastor say this today? People resent being ordered around to do this or that. The contemporary life-style of leadership is for the pastor to be only an enabler. The people are to decide what they are to do. The pastor is there to help them reach their goals. Even if to command was an acceptable approach in Paul's day, what right did he have to command? His authority to command was given to him by Christ.
2. Eat (v. 10). He who does not work is not to eat. This has been applied to the poor and social welfare. Paul used this principle for those who quit their jobs because they expected the Parousia tomorrow. It applied to Christians and not to society in general. If people are unemployed or unemployable for no fault of their own, are we to let them starve? Is that a Christian position? Paul would not agree with this. If work is available, Paul is saying we ought to work and provide for our needs. In our day, however, there are people who would rather live on public welfare than work. In this case, we can hear Paul say: no work, no eat!
3. Example (v. 9). A leader should never ask followers to do what the leader will not do. Paul was an ideal leader. What he asked of others, he himself did. Boldly he says that they should imitate his example. When it comes to work, he earned his own living to avoid being a burden to the church. His people are asked to do the same. A pastor is an example for the congregation. The minister should be able to say, "Follow my example. Imitate me."
Theme For The Day: The End of The World
Gospel - Signs of the end
Lesson 1 - Destruction of the wicked, salvation for the godly
Lesson 2 - Work until the end comes
Today we deal with the end of the world. In the Gospel Jesus tells us what will happen penultimately. Judgment is pronounced in Lesson I : the wicked will be burned up but the righteous will be saved. Until the end comes, Paul teaches that we are not to be idle but to work and provide for our needs.
Preaching Possibilities
Three Lessons
What to Do with This Wicked World
Need: Today's world is in a terrible mess. Each generation seems to think that conditions are so bad that the Day of The Lord is nigh. What is the answer? Can the world be saved from destruction? Is the answer in an international army, or in strengthening the dollar abroad, or in raising the economic level of the Third World, or in the conquest of illiteracy? The Lessons for this Sunday have other options to propose.
Outline: What can be done about the world?
a. Burn - L 1 . God's fire both destroys and restores.
b. Earn - L 2. Work while waiting for the end.
c. Warn - G. An opportunity to witness to the world.
Gospel:
Luke 21:5-19
1. Doing Your Best when Things are at Their Worst
Need: We are living in the worst times. Perhaps every generation says this. But, has there been a generation with so much destructive power: nuclear weapons, germ warfare, guided missiles, instant communications, supersonic travel? Are we not on the edge of a worldwide nuclear holocaust with the power to over-kill many times over? What can Christians do about it? We could hide, flee (but where?), or commit suicide. In this passage Jesus calls upon us to do our best under the worst circumstances.
Outline: The worst calls for our best:
a. Witness for Christ - v. 13
b. Feel secure in God's protection - v. 18
c. Endure until the end - v. 19
2. The Rubble of Life. 21:5-6
Need: Life can be rubble - "not one stone upon another." After World War II German cities were rubble following Allied bombing. Following an earthquake, tornado, or hurricane, there is wholesale rubble. It results from terrific physical force. The temple in Jerusalem was left rubble in AD 70 when the Romans finished with it. That which is excellent and glorious can be smashed, broken into pieces, a worthless mass of destruction. Rubble does not only apply to buildings, cities, or civilizations but applies to individual lives - family breakdowns, a terminal illness, shattered hopes, loss of job, disappointment in love, and shattered dreams.
Outline: Facts about the rubble of life
a. The certainty of its existence - v. 6. It has happened in the past; it can happen now.
b. The cause of the rubble - rejection of Christ. Destruction follows disobedience to the laws of God.
3. Is This the End? 21:7-12
Need: When the people asked this question, Jesus dodged it. At another time he said that only God the Father knew the time of the Parousia. But, he told of the conditions that would exist just before the end. Conditions today would suggest that the end is near. If we are convinced the end is near, we will watch and be prepared for Christ's second coming and the accompanying judgment.
Outline: Is this the end?
a. Leaders who mislead the people - v. 8
b. Natural and governmental disasters - vv. 9-11
c. Christians are persecuted - vv. 12-19
Lesson 1: Malachi 4:1-6
1. The Fire Next! 4:1-2a
Need: Even Christians are scared of the end of the world. It means destruction, judgment, and chaos. We would rather not think about it. It is like anticipating one's death. This is only one side of the Day of the Lord. The Lord comes to judge and destroy the wicked. The other side is bright and hopeful. The Lord's coming is a blessing for the godly. They experience the joy of God's approval and receive healing (salvation). This sermon then has a message for the sinner and saint: a warning to the sinner and good news for the saint.
Outline: The fire of God is next
a. The fire of destruction - v. 1
b. The fire of restoration - v. 2
2. Rise and Shine! 4:2a
Need: Think of the end of the world in terms of the rising sun. It means a new day and a new era. The sun of God brings light and healing. When you are not feeling well, doesn't lying in the warm sun make you feel better? The sun for us is the Son of God. When he rises in our lives, we can shine with gladness and hope. When he comes at the end of time, it is the beginning of an eternity of life and love. The end of the world is not to be feared nor dreaded but to be greeted, "Come, Lord Jesus!"
Outline: The sun of righteousness
a. Rises on the just who fear God - v. 2a
b. Heals the hurts of people - v. 2a
Lesson 1: Malachi 3:19-20
The Fire Next Time
Need: We tend to take talk of God's wrath lightly. A previous generation may have been overly worried about a wrathful God. There is truth in both worry and complacency, since God treats those who are in the human family according to their treatment of him and his promises.
1. It will be fearful if we fail to fear the Lord.
a. God does not hold off forever with consuming anger.
b. His coming will be unwelcome if we have not welcomed him in life.
2. It will be welcome if we know and love him.
a. Fire can bring healing and warmth.
b. God comes to his faithful as one who brings both love and joy.
Lesson 2: 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13
1. If You Had One Year to Live. 3:10-13
Need: Jesus may return within a year. That means one year to live on earth! Or, put it this way:
you have a terminal disease which will kill you within a year. What would you do with the time until the end? In Paul's day, the Christians were convinced that Jesus would return shortly. They gave up their jobs and were idly standing by as they waited for his coming day after day. In 1977 a group convinced of Jesus' immediate return quit their jobs, sold their property, took their children out of school, and lived in a commune. What would you do? Consider the options.
Outline: If you had one year to live
a. You could pity yourself and your lot.
b. You could live it up - "Eat, drink, and be merry."
c. You could go to work - vv. 10-13
2. Between the Times. 3:6-13
Need: We are living between the time of Jesus' ascension and his return. How long that time will be nobody but God knows. While we are waiting for the end of this era, Paul commands that Christians shall go to work. When Luther was asked what he would do if he knew the end would come tomorrow, he said that he would plant a tree today.
Outline: What to do between the times.
a. Work to eat - v. 10
b. Work to set an example v. 9
c. Work to do good - v. 13
Pentecost 27
(Lutheran Only)
Isaiah 52:1-6
Israel is to awaken, for Yahweh is present to deliver her from captivity.
1 Corinthians 15:54-58
Thanks be to God for the victory over death through Christ.
Luke 19:11-27
The parable of the pounds.
Theme For The Day: Living Between The Times
Gospel
- Being resourceful until the King comes.
Lesson 1 - Living in assurance that the end is near.
Lesson 2 - Working for God while waiting for Christ's return.
The pericopes and propers remind us that we are living between the times, the time of the Ascension and the Parousia. In the Gospel Jesus tells a parable to correct the immediate expectation of the Kingdom's coming and teaches us to be resourceful until he comes. The Jews are in Babylonian captivity and in Lesson 1 God assures them that their period of waiting for deliverance is at an end. For Paul, when Christ comes again, the living and the dead will be changed and a new era without death will begin. Until this occurs, Christians are to be busy doing God's work.
Preaching Possibilities
Three Lessons
In the Meantime, Live!
Need: We are living between the times, the time of Jesus' ascension and his return which means the end of the world and judgment for all. Will the end be tomorrow or 2,000 years from now? The early Christians thought it would be tomorrow, but it is now two thousand years and the end is not here. If the Parousia is tomorrow, we would make immediate rather than long-range plans. Jesus teaches that his return may not be tomorrow or the next day. How are we to live in the meantime? On the other hand, if there is no end, our lives would correspond to that fact. The truth is that Christ will return and we need to learn what to do until he comes.
Outline: In the meantime, live.
a. In the meantime, hope - L 1
b. In the meantime, work - L 2
c. In the meantime, invest - G
Gospel:
Luke 19:11-27
1. Making the Most of Your Life
Need: Almost everyone wants to make the most of his/her life. Most agree that it is terrible to waste a life. When Christ comes, we want him to see that we are doing the best with what he gave us. If we die before he returns, we want to show him that we did with our lives what we could. Are we making the most of our lives? If not, what can we learn from the text that would enable us to maximize our resources?
Outline: How to make the most out of your life:
a. Consider yourself a trustee - v. 13. What we are and have is given to us. God trusts us with his "money." What we have is not for us to do as we please. As a trusted trustee, we are accountable to God (v. 15).
b. Invest what you have - vv. 16-19. Each person is given something; all ten received a pound. Life is to be invested, to be productive. Lose your life to gain it.
c. Accept additional responsibility - vv. 17-19. Whoever is faithful in making the most of his "one pound" is rewarded with increased responsibility. A Christian's reward for good work is more work!
2. When Conservatism is a Curse. 19:20-26
Need: In recent years we have become conservative in politics, religion, and elsewhere. As in all things, there is danger in going to an extreme. It is possible to be ultra, ultra conservative to the point that it ceases to be a blessing. In this parable we have the tragic case of an extreme conservative who refused to take a risk, who held on to what he had, and who was scared of failure. In the end, he lost what he feared he would lose.
Outline: Consider the curse of ultra-conservatism.
a. Fear
1. Afraid of losing what he had - v. 20
2. Afraid of his master's judgment - v. 21
b. Loss of his gift - v. 26
3. You Can't Win Them All! 19:12, 14, 27
Need: Not even Christ could win the allegiance of all people. Though it is God's will that every one come to him for eternal life, not all accept his love. This was demonstrated when Jesus was on earth. He was rejected by people you might expect to accept him - religious people: scribes, Pharisees, Sadducees. In this parable, we see Jesus as the King who waits to rule but some oppose his reign. What happens to the opposition?
Outline: In this parable
a. Consider the opposition to Christ
1. Hate him - v. 14
2. Oppose his reign - v. 14
b. See the consequences of rejection - v. 27
Lesson 1: Isaiah 52:1-6
1. Awake, Awake!
Need: The Israelites were slaves of Babylon for fifty years. By this time they must have accepted their lot and resigned themselves to their fate. They were content with their condition. But God is not! After all, they are his people and his honor is at stake. He wants his people to be free. In this passage God comes to the captives and awakens them. In our times, we, too, may have fallen asleep in our miserable situation - captives to sin, to the secular culture, and to the wicked ways of the world. This is no way for God's people to live. God wants to awaken the church to a new life of freedom.
Outline: Awake!
a. To your present condition of captivity - v. 2
b. To your future possibility - v. 1
c. To your God's power to free - v. 6
2. God is ready!
Need: When God called, Isaiah replied, "Here am I." When man calls out of despair, God says, "Here am I." (v. 6) People often ask, "Where is God when we need him?" The Israelites are in bondage in Babylon and they need God's deliverance. God comes to his people and assures them he is there to do a mighty act once again to free them from their enemy. God loves his people and desires to free them. His honor and integrity are at stake, because his people are captives. What kind of a God is one who allows his people to be slaves of a godless nation? This sermon is needed by people today who are in difficult or hopeless situations. Because of God's promise of deliverance, they can have hope.
Outline: God is here
a. To know your predicament - v. 5: "My people are taken away."
b. To vindicate his name - v. 5: "My name is despised."
c. To release you - v. 6 "My people shall know my name."
Lesson 2: 1 Corinthians 15:54-58
1. All You Need to Know about Death
Need: Death is a popular subject today. Over one thousand courses on death and dying are offered in our schools. Numerous books on the subject have been written. Death is a mystery. Is there anything beyond death? How can one die with dignity? Shall one be allowed to die? Since everyone will die, it is a subject of interest to all. In this text, Paul tells us all we need to know about death.
Outline: What we learn about death
a. The condition of death - v. 54. Death is of two kinds: physical and spiritual. The former must happen because it is natural. The latter need not happen. For believers in Christ, the physical becomes spiritual, the mortal becomes immortal.
b. The cause of death - v. 56. Spiritual death is caused bysin which separates from God. Since God is life, to be separated from him is death. Sin is the result of disobedience to God's law.
c. The conquest of death - v. 57. Death had been conquered by Christ's death and resurrection. Physical death cannot separate us from God. Union with God through Christ means eternal life.
2. Life before Death. 15:58
Need: Paul brings to a close his famous chapter on the resurrection and the hope of eternal life for believers based on the resurrection. Now we know of death's defeat and the coming of Christ to unite all believers in himself for eternity. Now we are either waiting for physical death or for the Parousia. What do we do while waiting? What are the practical implications for life today in the light of Christ's conquest of death? In this text Paul tells us about life before death comes.
Outline: The kind of life before death comes
a. A persistent life - "Be steadfast."
b. A secure life - "immoveable"
c. A busy life - "abounding in the work"
d. A satisfying life - "your labor is not in vain."
CHRIST THE KING
(Last Sunday after Pentecost - Proper 29 - Ordinary Time 34)
The Lessons
2 Samuel 5:1-5 (C)
2 Samuel 5:1-3 (RC)
David is crowned king of Israel at Hebron at age thirty.
Among the Hebrews David was always regarded as the ideal king. The promised Messiah was to be a son of David and be a king like David. In the Old Testament the king was an expression of Yahweh's kingship. Christians see David as a type of Christ the King. Like David Jesus was our "bone and flesh" through the Incarnation. Like David as a military leader and conqueror, Jesus had the power over sin, sickness, and death so that he was always the victor. Like David Jesus was a triumphant king. Among the Jews the king was considered a shepherd to lead and protect his sheep. Jesus called himself the Good Shepherd. In this pericope the elders of Israel came to David and crowned him king when he was thirty years old, and his kingship lasted forty years.
Jeremiah 23:2-6 (L)
The promise of a Davidic king who will save the people.
Colossians 1:11-20
We belong to the kingdom of Christ who, as the image of God, is pre-eminent in all things. In this pericope we have one of the great christological passages of the New Testament similar to Philippians 2:6-11 and John 1:1-14. It is so compact with truth and covers so much of the significance of Christ that one is easily persuaded that only an inspired writer could have composed it. The first part (vv. 11-14) deals with baptism as the transfer from the power of darkness (sin) to the kingdom of Christ and forgiveness. The second part (vv. 15-17) tells us of Christ as king of creation: through him and for him all things were created and he holds the universe together. The third part (vv. 18-20) deals with Christ as redeemer: incarnation ("fulness of God" was in him), atonement ("blood of the cross"), resurrection ("first-born from the dead") and his kingdom on earth ("He is the head of the body, the church"). It all adds up that Jesus is "the image of the invisible God" and in everything "pre-eminent."
John 12:9-19
The people of Jerusalem welcome Jesus as the king of Israel. This pericope contains John's account of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem which until recently the church observed on Palm Sunday. Since Vatican 2 and the new lectionary the Sunday of the Passion has replaced Palm Sunday, or at least put it in a subordinate position. The reason for this is that, because of the lack of daily Holy Week services and the poor attendance when the services are held, except on Maundy Thursday, the people did not hear the Passion Story. Christ the King is a more appropriate time for the celebration of the kingship of Jesus and the Palm Sunday event. The year ends in a blaze of glory: hosannas sung, trumpets blaring, and crowds forming to hail Jesus as king of kings. Today's gospel tells us of the welcome Jesus' friends gave him as they met him at the gates of the city. They cut down palm branches and sang praises to him as Messiah and King. He illustrated his understanding of kingship by riding an ass, the fulfillment of Zechariah's prophecy. Everybody seemed to be happy and celebrating except the Pharisees who bitterly complained, "Look, the world has gone after him."
Luke 23:35-43 (L, RC)
The king of the Jews is crucified.
Prayer of the Day
"Almighty and everlasting God, whose will it is to restore all things to your beloved Son, whom you anointed priest forever and king of all creation: Grant that all the people of the earth, now divided by the power of sin, may be united under the glorious and gentle rule of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ."
Hymn of the Day
"O Jesus, King most Wonderful!"
Theme of the Day: Christ the King and His Kingdom
Gospel - Jesus is welcomed by the people as their king.
Lesson 1 - Jesus is the son of King David.
Lesson 2 - Christ is king of creation and redemption.
The church year comes to a close on this Christ the King Sunday. It is a festival, a high day, of the church. Because it is a festival, the green of Pentecost changes to white, the color of joy, peace, and celebration. The year does not dribble to a weak end but it closes in a blaze of glory, not with a whimper but with a shout of "Hosanna." The trumpets are blowing; the choirs are singing, "Hallelujah." The three lessons deal with kingship. The prayer acknowledges Christ as king of all creation and asks that we may be one under his rule. The hymn continues with the theme, "O Jesus, King most Wonderful."
Theological Reflections
Gospel: John 12:9-19
1. Went out (v. 13). The crowd on Palm Sunday went out to meet Jesus as he was about to enter the city. They were curious to see the man who raised Lazarus, a man who was dead for four days. His fame as a teacher and healer had spread and the crowd came to welcome him to the city. It was a time of festivity with palms, garments, and singing. Would that every city and heart today would welcome Jesus so joyously!
2. Hosanna (v. 13). As Jesus came into Jerusalem riding on an ass, the people shouted, "Hosanna." It meant "Save now." This was the cry of the people. It was what they thought was their deepest need. They wanted to be saved right now from foreign domination. They saw Jesus as their potential king. This alerted the political and religious leaders to the danger that Jesus might be the cause of a rebellion or a riot. Jesus' coming to Jerusalem and being hailed as a king by the populace was a threat to the establishment.
3. Understand (v. 16). John repeats that the Disciples did not understand the events of Palm Sunday. Only later did the significance of Jesus' triumphal entry get into their thick skulls. Throughout Jesus' ministry the Disciples did not understand the meaning of Jesus' coming to Jerusalem and the events that took place there. If they did not understand, how could the people understand? Yes, he was a king but not the kind of king they wanted. Yes, he came to save now but not save them from the Romans but from Satan. It is our experience, too. At the time we do not understand the meaning of great events. Only years later do we see the significance and implications.
Lesson 1: 2 Samuel 5:1-5
1. Flesh (v. 1). The leading citizens of Israel come to David to ask him to be their king. One reason for their wanting David was that he was one of them - "we are your bone and flesh." It was the oneness that Adam saw in Eve - "bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh." David was not a foreigner imposed from without. He was one of the boys, a fellow Israelite. In this David was a type of Jesus, for he was born of woman, the Word became flesh. Jesus was fully, truly human - one of us, fit to be our king.
2. Shepherd (v. 2). The elders told David that he was not only the people's choice but Yahweh's choice, for the Lord told David years before that he should be the "shepherd" of Israel. To be shepherd defines the nature of a ruler as God wants him to be. A king can be a ruthless tyrant like a Nero or a beast like Hitler or Idi Amin. God wanted David to be a shepherd to his people for they were, as Jesus said, sheep without a shepherd. A good shepherd knows, loves, guides, and even dies for his sheep. Jesus called himself the "Good Shepherd."
3. Covenant (v. 3). When David consented to their request to be king, the elders and David made a "covenant." This is an agreement between the two parties. Each has an obligation to the other. The king has a responsibility to rule with justice and the people have an obligation to respect and obey the laws of the king. This is a formula for a blessed nation. Government is a two-way street: the officials are servants of the people and the people owe the government support and obedience. But note that the covenant was made "before the Lord." In other words, there were three parties to the covenant. It was a way of saying, "This nation under God."
Lesson 2: Colossians 1:11-20
1. Transferred (v. 13). Christians are "transferred" from the dominion of darkness to the kingdom of Christ. In other words, we never escape being ruled. We are serving the rulership of Satan with darkness and ultimate doom or we are under the kingship of Christ in his kingdom. But, we do not make the transfer. Only by the grace of God we are transferred by Christ. He came and sought the lost under the dominion of darkness, rescued us, and now we live with him in the kingdom of light. When did this take place? It was at the time of baptism. Then we died to self and sin and became new creatures in Christ.
2. Image (v. 15). Jesus is the "image" of the invisible God. This does not mean Jesus is only a reflection of God, but God himself. Later Paul explains, "In him all the fulness of God was pleased to dwell." Jesus is more than divine: he is deity. In Jesus we see God. Jesus himself said, "The Father and I are one." If he is truly God, then we need to listen to him.
3. Together (v. 17). Not only was the whole creation made through and for Jesus, but he sustains creation. What keeps the world from falling apart or the stars from crashing into each other? Who keeps us from falling apart in terms of nervous breakdowns? Who or what keeps us from "burn-out"? The one and only Jesus is the king of creation that holds us together. He is the hub of our lives and all creation. It is the same with the church. Jesus holds the churches together in unity and the members with all their differences are made one body by a common faith and loyalty to him.
Preaching Possibilities
Three Lessons
2 Samuel 5:1-5; Colossians 1:11-20; John 12:9-19
No Other King Like Him!
Need: To be king of kings, Jesus would have to be different from all other kings. He is a king like the world never had and never will have. In these three lessons we see the nature of Christ the King. An explanation of Christ as king should lead the congregation to have no other king of their lives.
Outline: No other king like this king -
a. A human king son of David the king - Lesson 1
b. A divine king - "the image of the invisible God" - Lesson 2
c. A. messianic king - "Hosanna" - Gospel
Gospel:
John 12:9-19
1. The King of Your Life. 12:13
Need: Who is really the king of your life? The earliest confession of Christians was, "Jesus Christ is Lord." To be lord is to be king. With our lips we may say Jesus is the king of our lives, but in actuality, is he? To be king he must always come first. If he is king, he is the most important person in our lives. As king he guides and directs our every activity. In this sermon we want to give people several possibilities in having Jesus as king.
Outline: What you may say about Christ the king
a. The king am I - "I am the king of my life."
b. The king and I - The king and I work together.
c. The king not I - Christ is totally king and I am his servant.
2. To What Extent is Jesus King of Your Life? 12:13
Need: Jesus may be king of our lives up to a point. Think of your life as a pie with a certain number of slices. Is the total pie of your life under the lordship of Christ or only one or two areas? Look at it in terms of a home. Is Jesus lord in every room or do we confine Jesus to the den or living room but not in the bedroom or kitchen? The Christian life is one of growth where we open a new area of our lives to Christ's kingship.
Outline: Is Christ the king of every area of your life?
a. Is he king in the area of race?
b. Is he king in the area of finances?
c. Is he king in the area of sex?
d. Is he king in the area of self?
3. A Sour Note in the Hallelujah Chorus. 12:19
Need: When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the people spontaneously began to sing praises and cut down palm branches. It was like Handel's "Hallelujah Chorus": "King of kings and Lord of lords." Everybody seemed to be caught up on the celebration. But not everybody. Our text tells us the Pharisees were not with the crowd. As cynics and critics they stood aside and said among themselves, "You see that you can do nothing; look, the world has gone after him." They constituted a sour note in the Hallelujah Chorus. In this great celebration of Christ the King today, are we singing a sour note?
Outline: What the sour notes are -
a. Pride - we want the glory.
b. Jealousy - we hate to see others popular and successful.
c. Hatred - we hate people who get ahead of us.
Gospel:
Luke 23:35-43
1. Jesus, Lord at Thy Death
Need: Jesus is dying on the cross and yet we celebrate the festival of Christ the King. How so? Execution as a criminal is usually considered a time of disgrace and defeat. Critics at the cross acknowledge this by saying, "He saved others, let him save himself ... If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself." In a few weeks at Christmas we will be singing a line of "Silent Night" which says, "Jesus, Lord at thy birth." Can we today sing, "Jesus, Lord at thy death?"
Outline: How Jesus was Lord at his death.
a. He was lord over his enemies by not responding to their insults - vv. 35-37
b. He was lord in his power to save a sinner - vv. 39-43
2. The King On The Cross. 23:35-43
Need: Jesus was a king on the cross. His enemies did not realize the truth of their mockery. "If you are King of the Jews ..." The political authorities also did not realize what they wrote, "This is the king of the Jews." On Palm Sunday the faithful sang praises to their king - "Behold, your king is coming to you." In this Gospel we see various reactions to this king. Where do you stand?
Outline: Are you one of these?
a. People - watch, just spectators - v. 35
b. Rulers - scoffers, cynics - v. 35
c. Soldiers - mock and ridicule - v. 36
d. Sinner - prayer, penitence, petition - vv. 39-43
3. Going Christian All the Way. 23:38 "This is the King of the Jews."
Need: Pilate wrote the superscription, "This is the King of the Jews." He must have meant it, for he would not change it when Jesus' enemies demanded it to be otherwise. Yet, for Pilate Jesus was not his king. Is Jesus king for others but not for us? Is Jesus only our Savior and not Lord (king)? To what extent is Jesus king of the lives of our members? This sermon is needed to convince Christians to allow Christ to have total lordship over their lives.
Outline: Is Christ sovereign over your entire life?
a. King in the area of race?
b. King in the area of finances?
c. King in the area of sex?
d. King in the area of self?
Lesson 1: 2 Samuel 5:1-5
1. The Person You Want for President. 5:1-3
Need: Every four years the people of America must decide by their votes who they want as their President or king. After the death of King Saul, the Israelites needed a successor. The leading citizens of Israel came to David because he was the kind of king they wanted. What they wanted of David we can find in Jesus, for David was a type of king to be fulfilled by Jesus. This sermon will be helpful not only for presidential elections but whenever governmental officials are to be elected.
Outline: The person qualified to be president -
a. One who is one of us - knows and understands us - v. 1 (Incarnation)
b. One who is a capable leader to conquer our enemies - v. 2a (Lord)
c. One who is approved of God to be a shepherd to the people - v. 2b (Good Shepherd)
2. The Making of a Great King. 5:1-3
Need: There are kings and again there are kings. Some are benevolent rulers and others are Satanic. They can be beasts, tyrants, and dictators. They can rule with or without justice, with or without concern for the people. It is not hard to name some of them in history: Nero, Stalin, Hitler, Idi Amin, et al. On the other hand, kings can be so good that the word "great" is attached to their names: Alexander the Great or Peter the Great, etc. What makes a great leader like a Washington, Jefferson, or Lincoln?
Outline: What makes a great leader of a nation -
a. He is the people's choice - v. 1
b. He is God's choice - v. 2
c. He and people enter a covenant with God - v. 3
Lesson 1: Jeremiah 23:2-6
A Dream Come True. 23:5-6
Need: Jeremiah sees his nation falling apart and going into captivity because the rulers ("shepherds") misled the people. He sees the solution in a new Davidic king who will rectify the situation and re-unite the people. This is the pattern for our century - poor national leadership to the detriment of the people. Think of the holocaust caused by Hitler, Mussolini and Tojo. In America respect and credibility have been lost, for presidents, vice-presidents, governors, and congressmen have been accused of bribery, perjury, and sexual abuses. Jeremiah has a dream of a future king who would save the nation by the quality of his reign. That dream came true in Jesus.
Outline: In Jesus the dream came true.
a. Jesus, a king of Davidic ancestry - v. 5
b. Jesus, a king of righteousness - v. 5
c. Jesus, a king of wisdom - v. 5
d. Jesus, a king who saves - v. 6
Lesson 2: Colossians 1:11-20
1. A Cosmic King. 1:13-20
Need: This pericope gives us the scope of Christ's kingdom. It is much needed because we think usually of Jesus as king of the Jews only, or of Christians only, or of the individual's heart. Paul raises our sights and we see Jesus as king of the universe. Look at your king; can you imagine the honor and privilege of being a servant of a king of such great dimensions? If Jesus is king of the cosmos, then he is not confined to one nation, race, or church. He rules the world, and all the nations, and all the planets.
Outline: Consider the dimensions of your king's reign.
a. Creator of the universe - v. 16
b. Eternal king - v. 17
c. Head of the church - v. 18
d. Reconciler and redeemer of the whole world - vv. 14, 20
2. Facts about the Kingdom. 1:13-20
Need: Because we live in a democracy, we know little about a kingdom. Yet we Christians keep talking about God's Kingdom and daily we pray, "Thy Kingdom come." Do we know what we mean when we use the word, "kingdom"? In our text we have the facts about the Kingdom. Having the facts, we can understand what it is, why it is important, and why we pray for it to come to us.
Outline: Here are the facts about the Kingdom -
a. The King is God - vv. 15, 19
b. The baptized are in the Kingdom - v. 13
c. The church is the Kingdom on earth - v. 18
d. Peace through reconciliation prevails in the kingdom - v. 20
