Proper 6
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Cycle A, THIRD EDITION
THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: Genesis 18:1--15 (C)
In their old age Abraham and Sarah are promised a son. Abraham and Sarah were childless. Yet Yahweh promised Abraham he would have progeny as numerous as the stars. Unexpectedly three men (angels?) came to Abraham's tent and were fed and refreshed generously. Before they went on their way, Sarah was promised a child by the next year.
Lesson 1: Exodus 19:2--6 (RC); Exodus 19:2--8a (E)
On Sinai God tells Moses that if the people will keep the covenant, they shall be his people.
Lesson 2: Romans 5:1--8 (C); Romans 5:6--11 (RC, E)
God's love is seen in Christ's dying for sinners. It is not likely that anyone would die for a good person. How much less would one die for a bad person? This is exactly what Jesus did - he died for us while we were yet sinners. He did not wait until we became good to die for us. There were no preconditions to be met. As a result of his atoning death, we are justified and in the coming judgment we will escape the wrath of God. If we are now reconciled by his death, we will move to be saved by his life. For what God has done for us in Christ, we rejoice in him
Gospel: Matthew 9:35-10:8 (9--23) (C); Matthew 9:36-10:8 (RC); Matthew 9:35-10:8 (E)
Jesus calls twelve disciples and sends them out to preach and heal. After teaching, preaching, and healing in various villages and cities, Jesus is impressed by the condition of the people - harassed, helpless, and lost. Their condition moves him to have compassion on them. To meet the need, he appoints the twelve and sends them only to the Jews to preach and heal. As they received the gospel free of charge, they are to give the gospel free of charge.
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 116:1--2, 12--19 (C) - "I love the Lord" (v. 1).
Psalm 100:2--3, 5 (RC); Psalm 100 (E) - "We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture" (v. 3c).
Prayer Of The Day
"God, our maker and redeemer, you have made us a new company of priests to bear witness to the gospel. Enable us to be faithful to our calling to make known your promises to all the world."
Hymn Of The Day
"Spread, Oh, Spread Almighty Word"
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS
Gospel: Matthew 9:35-10:8 (9--23) (C); Matthew 9:36-10:8 (RC); Matthew 9:35-10:8 (E)
1. Total person. Jesus' ministry was a total ministry to the total person. It consisted of teaching, preaching, and healing: a ministry to the mind through teaching, to the heart (soul) through preaching, and to the body through healing. Since we are an inseparable unit of body, mind, and spirit, the church's ministry today needs to include this threefold ministry.
2. Sorry for the crowd. Jesus felt sorry for the crowds he saw. The crowds are described as "ha--rassed," "helpless," and "lost." They are without a leader and are at the mercy of forces beyond their control. The crowds are victims of social, economic, and political forces. What could the crowd of six million Jews do in the time of the Nazis? What can people do when unemployment soars, when inflation gets out of hand, and the nations are involved in terrorist activities?
3. Jesus made a mistake? Jesus chose twelve men to carry on his mission. These men were to be the directors of the Christian movement after the ascension. They had to be handpicked men, carefully screened and chosen. Judas Iscariot is identified as the one "who betrayed him." Did Jesus make a mistake in calling Judas an apostle? Did Judas change character after he was chosen? Must there be a rotten apple in every barrel? It is comforting to a pastor to know even Jesus did not have the unanimous support of his Board.
4. Lost Christians? Can we be lost children of God? The Israelites, as members of God's people in covenant, are called "the lost sheep of Israel." These people were circumcised into the Abrahamaic covenant and were chosen by God. They were "saved" by the covenant. Yet, Jesus refers to them as "lost." The disciples were instructed to limit their preaching to the Jews. Why convert "foreigners" when the harvest is plentiful at home? Would Jesus say the same about today's church? Does the church consist of lost Christians? Evangelism needs to begin at home. The converted need converting.
Lesson 1: Genesis 18:1--15 (C)
1. Three men (v. 2). Is this an Old Testament incarnation? Three men came to Abraham's tent and at once he treated them royally. They must have been God's ambassadors, because they promised Sarah a miracle child in her old age. In verse 13, "The Lord asked Abraham." Which of the three was the Lord? Does this point to the truth that God can come to us in people and speak through them?
2. Serve (v. 3). Abraham explained to the male visitors why he was so friendly and hospitable. In fact, he served them a feast. He explained, "I am here to serve you." It reflects the sterling character of Abraham. In our day, service is no longer the goal; today it depends upon payment. Abraham reminds us of a greater One who said, "The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve."
3. Laugh (vv. 12--15). When Sarah overheard one of the men say she would be a mother, she laughed to herself. Why shouldn't she? At age ninety what woman can conceive a child? But, the serious part was that she laughed at God's power to do the impossible.
Lesson 1: Exodus 19:2--6 (RC); Exodus 19:2--8a (E)
1. Grace in the Old Testament. Popularly, the Old Testament is allied with the law. Behind the law is a prior condition of grace. God takes the initiative in entering a relationship with people. He calls to Moses. He "brought you to myself" (v. 4). It is not our going to God nor seeking God, but God's reaching out, calling, seeking, and finding us in the hope of our return to God as his people.
2. Whose we are. We do not know who we are until we know whose we are. If we belong to God, we understand who we are - children, sons, and servants of God. How did we become God's possession? We are his, first, by creation - "all the earth is mine," and we are a part of the earth. Second, we are his by redemption - "You have seen what I did to the Egyptians ... and brought you to myself" (v. 4).
Lesson 2: Romans 5:1--8 (C); Romans 5:6--11 (RC, E)
1. Amazing Grace. The love of God is seen in Jesus' dying for sinners - worthless, evil, polluted people who are forever bent on doing evil. What did God see in a fallen man that he would give his Son to save a people like that? It is not human to do it; we would hardly die for a glorious man, let alone a wicked one. "While we were yet sinners" - a glorious phrase that proves God's grace reaches out to humanity. This is grace, agape love.
2. Twice saved. Paul seems to be saying that we are saved twice: once by Jesus' death and once by his life. By his death, we are reconciled to God. Is this not enough? Though reconciled while on earth, the final judgment is coming. Because of the resurrection, Jesus will be at the judgment as our Advocate and Mediator. Because he lives, we will be saved from the wrath of God.
PREACHING POSSIBILITIES
Gospel: Matthew 9:35-10:8
1. Ministry And the Ministry. 9:35-10:7
Need: Members of the congregation need to realize that they are ministers of the gospel, apostles who are sent forth, and disciples of Christ. It is a cop--out when members look to the clergy alone as ministers. There is a difference between ministry and the ministry, but basically all Christians are called and sent out to minister in the name of Christ.
Outline: Consider your ministry.
a. The need for your ministry - vv. 35--38.
1. The helpless crowd - v. 36.
2. The urgency of the need - v. 36.
b. The ministers - vv. 1--4.
c. The ministered - vv. 5--7.
2. Come And Go. 10:1--7
Need: To be a true Christian is to come and go. If Christianity is all "come," it becomes other--worldly, irrelevant, and an end in itself. Religion then turns to religiosity and worship becomes ritualism. If Christianity is all "go," it becomes "do--goodism," a social action program that will eventually run out of steam. Christianity can be a curse if it is all "go," because we are urged to witness and serve without proper motivation and resources. The "come and go" must ever be kept in proper balance. The church must both gather and scatter.
Outline: A true Christian is one who -
a. Comes to Christ - vv. 1--4.
1. Called - v. 1.
2. Authorized - v. 1.
b. Goes for Christ - vv. 5--7.
1. Where to go - vv. 5--6.
2. What to do - v. 7.
3. Can Christians Be Lost? 10:5--7
Need: Is it possible for those in God's family to be really lost, just as lost as those outside the church? Is it not the case of considering a Christian a saved person? A "lost Christian" is a contradiction in terms. Can it be that there are lost children of God? Is the church a mission field? In this passage Jesus restricts the ministry of the disciples to Israel - a covenanted people of God. He refers to God's people as "lost sheep." John the Baptist called upon the Israelites to be baptized as though they were Gentiles in need of conversion. In the parable, the father calls his prodigal son "lost." The lostness in the church may be the cause of the church's weakness, apathy, and ineffectiveness. In this text Jesus may be saying to us that we had better evangelize the church before we attempt to convert the world.
Outline: Are you a lost Christian?
a. What is the condition of your faith?
b. How is your relationship with Christ?
c. Have you gone from lip--service to life--service?
Lesson 1: Genesis 18:1--15 (C)
In this pericope there are at least several preaching themes:
1. Service - "I am here to serve you" (v. 3). The professions traditionally were considered service opportunities. Politicians were supposed to be public servants. In our day, we seldom think of service as the reason for working. The motto of a king years ago was, Ich Dien, "I serve." Jesus considered himself a servant and Paul described himself as a slave. Abraham offered hospitality as an expression of service.
2. A Limitless God - "Is there anything too hard for the Lord?" (v. 14). Sometimes we limit the power of God. When ninety--year--old Sarah heard she was to be a mother for the first time, she laughed in derision. But, to God it was no laughing matter. Her laughter expressed her doubt. Today people laugh at the idea that God can make a saint out of a sinner, can cause a drug addict or alcoholic to straighten up. Some doubt that faith in God can save a marriage. Think of the greatest impossibility and then know that God is greater than that.
3. Grace - "Sarah will have a son" (v. 14). At their age Sarah and Abraham did not expect a child. Abraham was not hospitable to get a favor from the uninvited guests. There was no plea for God to give a son. Wholly unexpectedly the Lord promised a son. It was a matter of pure grace - God's love for deprived people. Grace comes in the form of a promise, and every divine promise is fulfilled.
Lesson 1: Exodus 19:2--6 (RC); Exodus 19:2--8a (E)
1. Whose Are You? 19:4--5
Need: We are living at a time when many are concerned about self--understanding, self--identity, and self--acceptance. Often it is self--directed and self--centered. A human being cannot truly and fully know who he is until he knows whose he is. He is known in relationship to his source and ownership. A Christian knows who he is because he knows to whom he belongs. This relationships results in self--knowledge, self--realization, and self--fulfillment. The Christian says, "I am thine, O Lord."
Outline: We belong to God because -
a. God created us - "for all the earth is mine." Humankind is a part, the crown of creation.
b. God redeemed us - v. 4. Redeemed from slavery in Egypt; redeemed from sin by Christ.
2. God Of Grace. 19:2--6a
Need: Is there grace in the Old Testament? The popular opinion is that the Old Testament is a book of Law and that we need the New Testament for grace. The truth is God has always been a God of grace and the whole Bible witnesses to this truth. The Law is always secondary, for it is an implication of grace.
Outline: Here we see grace in action.
a. God calls us to be his people - vv. 3, 6.
b. God saves us from slavery - v. 4.
c. God commands us to obey - v. 5.
Lesson 2: Romans 5:6--11 (RC, E)
1. It Had To Be Love! 5:6--11
Need: This is an amazing passage that discloses the heart of God. It is the culmination of God's activity on behalf of the world. In the gospel Jesus calls us to share the gospel with the lost. Now God discloses his heart of love in sacrificing his Son for the sinful world that the wicked might be reconciled to him. This passage is revolutionary in its teaching. Humanity has ever sought the favor of God, feeling that if people would shape up, God would accept them. Here, God in Christ suffers and sacrifices while humankind is in a state of rebellion.
Outline: It had to be love -
a. Because of who we are - "While we were yet sinners" - v. 8.
b. Because of what he accomplished - "justified," "reconciled," "saved" - vv. 9--10.
2. Would Anyone Die For You? 5:6--8
Need: Would any human love you enough to die for you? With deep feeling a wife once said to her husband, "If need be, I would die for you." It was a most moving experience for him. If you never had a person say that to you and mean it, at least you know that Christ died for you. In that case we must ask whether we are worth being died for?
Outline: We sincerely ask -
a. For whom would you die? - v. 7.
1. Do you love enough to die?
2. Is the person worth dying for?
b. Are you worth dying for? - v. 8.
1. Jesus died for the unworthy.
2. Jesus considered you worth his cross.
Lesson 1: Genesis 18:1--15 (C)
In their old age Abraham and Sarah are promised a son. Abraham and Sarah were childless. Yet Yahweh promised Abraham he would have progeny as numerous as the stars. Unexpectedly three men (angels?) came to Abraham's tent and were fed and refreshed generously. Before they went on their way, Sarah was promised a child by the next year.
Lesson 1: Exodus 19:2--6 (RC); Exodus 19:2--8a (E)
On Sinai God tells Moses that if the people will keep the covenant, they shall be his people.
Lesson 2: Romans 5:1--8 (C); Romans 5:6--11 (RC, E)
God's love is seen in Christ's dying for sinners. It is not likely that anyone would die for a good person. How much less would one die for a bad person? This is exactly what Jesus did - he died for us while we were yet sinners. He did not wait until we became good to die for us. There were no preconditions to be met. As a result of his atoning death, we are justified and in the coming judgment we will escape the wrath of God. If we are now reconciled by his death, we will move to be saved by his life. For what God has done for us in Christ, we rejoice in him
Gospel: Matthew 9:35-10:8 (9--23) (C); Matthew 9:36-10:8 (RC); Matthew 9:35-10:8 (E)
Jesus calls twelve disciples and sends them out to preach and heal. After teaching, preaching, and healing in various villages and cities, Jesus is impressed by the condition of the people - harassed, helpless, and lost. Their condition moves him to have compassion on them. To meet the need, he appoints the twelve and sends them only to the Jews to preach and heal. As they received the gospel free of charge, they are to give the gospel free of charge.
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 116:1--2, 12--19 (C) - "I love the Lord" (v. 1).
Psalm 100:2--3, 5 (RC); Psalm 100 (E) - "We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture" (v. 3c).
Prayer Of The Day
"God, our maker and redeemer, you have made us a new company of priests to bear witness to the gospel. Enable us to be faithful to our calling to make known your promises to all the world."
Hymn Of The Day
"Spread, Oh, Spread Almighty Word"
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS
Gospel: Matthew 9:35-10:8 (9--23) (C); Matthew 9:36-10:8 (RC); Matthew 9:35-10:8 (E)
1. Total person. Jesus' ministry was a total ministry to the total person. It consisted of teaching, preaching, and healing: a ministry to the mind through teaching, to the heart (soul) through preaching, and to the body through healing. Since we are an inseparable unit of body, mind, and spirit, the church's ministry today needs to include this threefold ministry.
2. Sorry for the crowd. Jesus felt sorry for the crowds he saw. The crowds are described as "ha--rassed," "helpless," and "lost." They are without a leader and are at the mercy of forces beyond their control. The crowds are victims of social, economic, and political forces. What could the crowd of six million Jews do in the time of the Nazis? What can people do when unemployment soars, when inflation gets out of hand, and the nations are involved in terrorist activities?
3. Jesus made a mistake? Jesus chose twelve men to carry on his mission. These men were to be the directors of the Christian movement after the ascension. They had to be handpicked men, carefully screened and chosen. Judas Iscariot is identified as the one "who betrayed him." Did Jesus make a mistake in calling Judas an apostle? Did Judas change character after he was chosen? Must there be a rotten apple in every barrel? It is comforting to a pastor to know even Jesus did not have the unanimous support of his Board.
4. Lost Christians? Can we be lost children of God? The Israelites, as members of God's people in covenant, are called "the lost sheep of Israel." These people were circumcised into the Abrahamaic covenant and were chosen by God. They were "saved" by the covenant. Yet, Jesus refers to them as "lost." The disciples were instructed to limit their preaching to the Jews. Why convert "foreigners" when the harvest is plentiful at home? Would Jesus say the same about today's church? Does the church consist of lost Christians? Evangelism needs to begin at home. The converted need converting.
Lesson 1: Genesis 18:1--15 (C)
1. Three men (v. 2). Is this an Old Testament incarnation? Three men came to Abraham's tent and at once he treated them royally. They must have been God's ambassadors, because they promised Sarah a miracle child in her old age. In verse 13, "The Lord asked Abraham." Which of the three was the Lord? Does this point to the truth that God can come to us in people and speak through them?
2. Serve (v. 3). Abraham explained to the male visitors why he was so friendly and hospitable. In fact, he served them a feast. He explained, "I am here to serve you." It reflects the sterling character of Abraham. In our day, service is no longer the goal; today it depends upon payment. Abraham reminds us of a greater One who said, "The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve."
3. Laugh (vv. 12--15). When Sarah overheard one of the men say she would be a mother, she laughed to herself. Why shouldn't she? At age ninety what woman can conceive a child? But, the serious part was that she laughed at God's power to do the impossible.
Lesson 1: Exodus 19:2--6 (RC); Exodus 19:2--8a (E)
1. Grace in the Old Testament. Popularly, the Old Testament is allied with the law. Behind the law is a prior condition of grace. God takes the initiative in entering a relationship with people. He calls to Moses. He "brought you to myself" (v. 4). It is not our going to God nor seeking God, but God's reaching out, calling, seeking, and finding us in the hope of our return to God as his people.
2. Whose we are. We do not know who we are until we know whose we are. If we belong to God, we understand who we are - children, sons, and servants of God. How did we become God's possession? We are his, first, by creation - "all the earth is mine," and we are a part of the earth. Second, we are his by redemption - "You have seen what I did to the Egyptians ... and brought you to myself" (v. 4).
Lesson 2: Romans 5:1--8 (C); Romans 5:6--11 (RC, E)
1. Amazing Grace. The love of God is seen in Jesus' dying for sinners - worthless, evil, polluted people who are forever bent on doing evil. What did God see in a fallen man that he would give his Son to save a people like that? It is not human to do it; we would hardly die for a glorious man, let alone a wicked one. "While we were yet sinners" - a glorious phrase that proves God's grace reaches out to humanity. This is grace, agape love.
2. Twice saved. Paul seems to be saying that we are saved twice: once by Jesus' death and once by his life. By his death, we are reconciled to God. Is this not enough? Though reconciled while on earth, the final judgment is coming. Because of the resurrection, Jesus will be at the judgment as our Advocate and Mediator. Because he lives, we will be saved from the wrath of God.
PREACHING POSSIBILITIES
Gospel: Matthew 9:35-10:8
1. Ministry And the Ministry. 9:35-10:7
Need: Members of the congregation need to realize that they are ministers of the gospel, apostles who are sent forth, and disciples of Christ. It is a cop--out when members look to the clergy alone as ministers. There is a difference between ministry and the ministry, but basically all Christians are called and sent out to minister in the name of Christ.
Outline: Consider your ministry.
a. The need for your ministry - vv. 35--38.
1. The helpless crowd - v. 36.
2. The urgency of the need - v. 36.
b. The ministers - vv. 1--4.
c. The ministered - vv. 5--7.
2. Come And Go. 10:1--7
Need: To be a true Christian is to come and go. If Christianity is all "come," it becomes other--worldly, irrelevant, and an end in itself. Religion then turns to religiosity and worship becomes ritualism. If Christianity is all "go," it becomes "do--goodism," a social action program that will eventually run out of steam. Christianity can be a curse if it is all "go," because we are urged to witness and serve without proper motivation and resources. The "come and go" must ever be kept in proper balance. The church must both gather and scatter.
Outline: A true Christian is one who -
a. Comes to Christ - vv. 1--4.
1. Called - v. 1.
2. Authorized - v. 1.
b. Goes for Christ - vv. 5--7.
1. Where to go - vv. 5--6.
2. What to do - v. 7.
3. Can Christians Be Lost? 10:5--7
Need: Is it possible for those in God's family to be really lost, just as lost as those outside the church? Is it not the case of considering a Christian a saved person? A "lost Christian" is a contradiction in terms. Can it be that there are lost children of God? Is the church a mission field? In this passage Jesus restricts the ministry of the disciples to Israel - a covenanted people of God. He refers to God's people as "lost sheep." John the Baptist called upon the Israelites to be baptized as though they were Gentiles in need of conversion. In the parable, the father calls his prodigal son "lost." The lostness in the church may be the cause of the church's weakness, apathy, and ineffectiveness. In this text Jesus may be saying to us that we had better evangelize the church before we attempt to convert the world.
Outline: Are you a lost Christian?
a. What is the condition of your faith?
b. How is your relationship with Christ?
c. Have you gone from lip--service to life--service?
Lesson 1: Genesis 18:1--15 (C)
In this pericope there are at least several preaching themes:
1. Service - "I am here to serve you" (v. 3). The professions traditionally were considered service opportunities. Politicians were supposed to be public servants. In our day, we seldom think of service as the reason for working. The motto of a king years ago was, Ich Dien, "I serve." Jesus considered himself a servant and Paul described himself as a slave. Abraham offered hospitality as an expression of service.
2. A Limitless God - "Is there anything too hard for the Lord?" (v. 14). Sometimes we limit the power of God. When ninety--year--old Sarah heard she was to be a mother for the first time, she laughed in derision. But, to God it was no laughing matter. Her laughter expressed her doubt. Today people laugh at the idea that God can make a saint out of a sinner, can cause a drug addict or alcoholic to straighten up. Some doubt that faith in God can save a marriage. Think of the greatest impossibility and then know that God is greater than that.
3. Grace - "Sarah will have a son" (v. 14). At their age Sarah and Abraham did not expect a child. Abraham was not hospitable to get a favor from the uninvited guests. There was no plea for God to give a son. Wholly unexpectedly the Lord promised a son. It was a matter of pure grace - God's love for deprived people. Grace comes in the form of a promise, and every divine promise is fulfilled.
Lesson 1: Exodus 19:2--6 (RC); Exodus 19:2--8a (E)
1. Whose Are You? 19:4--5
Need: We are living at a time when many are concerned about self--understanding, self--identity, and self--acceptance. Often it is self--directed and self--centered. A human being cannot truly and fully know who he is until he knows whose he is. He is known in relationship to his source and ownership. A Christian knows who he is because he knows to whom he belongs. This relationships results in self--knowledge, self--realization, and self--fulfillment. The Christian says, "I am thine, O Lord."
Outline: We belong to God because -
a. God created us - "for all the earth is mine." Humankind is a part, the crown of creation.
b. God redeemed us - v. 4. Redeemed from slavery in Egypt; redeemed from sin by Christ.
2. God Of Grace. 19:2--6a
Need: Is there grace in the Old Testament? The popular opinion is that the Old Testament is a book of Law and that we need the New Testament for grace. The truth is God has always been a God of grace and the whole Bible witnesses to this truth. The Law is always secondary, for it is an implication of grace.
Outline: Here we see grace in action.
a. God calls us to be his people - vv. 3, 6.
b. God saves us from slavery - v. 4.
c. God commands us to obey - v. 5.
Lesson 2: Romans 5:6--11 (RC, E)
1. It Had To Be Love! 5:6--11
Need: This is an amazing passage that discloses the heart of God. It is the culmination of God's activity on behalf of the world. In the gospel Jesus calls us to share the gospel with the lost. Now God discloses his heart of love in sacrificing his Son for the sinful world that the wicked might be reconciled to him. This passage is revolutionary in its teaching. Humanity has ever sought the favor of God, feeling that if people would shape up, God would accept them. Here, God in Christ suffers and sacrifices while humankind is in a state of rebellion.
Outline: It had to be love -
a. Because of who we are - "While we were yet sinners" - v. 8.
b. Because of what he accomplished - "justified," "reconciled," "saved" - vv. 9--10.
2. Would Anyone Die For You? 5:6--8
Need: Would any human love you enough to die for you? With deep feeling a wife once said to her husband, "If need be, I would die for you." It was a most moving experience for him. If you never had a person say that to you and mean it, at least you know that Christ died for you. In that case we must ask whether we are worth being died for?
Outline: We sincerely ask -
a. For whom would you die? - v. 7.
1. Do you love enough to die?
2. Is the person worth dying for?
b. Are you worth dying for? - v. 8.
1. Jesus died for the unworthy.
2. Jesus considered you worth his cross.
