Proper 9, Pentecost 7, Ordinary Time 14
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Series VII, Cycle A
Object:
Seasonal Theme
The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
Theme For The Day
The Christ comes to lighten our burdens and give us much needed rest.
Old Testament Lesson
Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67
Rebekah And Isaac Are Married
A steward is sent back home to seek a bride for Isaac. His father, Abraham, is near death. The steward decided he would stand by a well and ask a woman for a drink, and if she gave it to him and also offered to water his camels that would be God's sign it was the right bride for Isaac! Notice in verse 58 it seems Rebekah had a choice if she wanted to go with him.
Meanwhile Isaac had moved and was no longer at Beersheba but in the Negev, so he saw the caravan returning. Some scholars believe Abraham had died by now and it was his father's death Rebekah helped Isaac overcome. Before his death Abraham showed he still believed in God's promise to him to be the father of the nations and he also believed God would guide the steward in the selection of his daughter-in-law who would be instrumental in the promise being kept.
New Testament Lesson
Romans 7:15-25a
The Inner Conflict
Paul bares his soul and confesses that there was a big difference between the way he ought to live and the way he does live. He knew better but still did the wrong. The Jewish thought which rabbis taught called "evil inclination" helped him understand it. That's the way it is to be human. As Luther put it, we are both sinner and saint at the same time. Flesh here means our basic (and base) human nature. We now have examples of this idea of flesh in the Dead Sea Scrolls. Paul felt our base desires and instincts were the way sin got into our lives.
This passage tells us: just being determined to live a certain way doesn't mean we can be that way. Sheer will won't be enough. Unless we have the Holy Spirit's help, we are doomed to fail in our resolution. Human wisdom won't do it by itself either. To know what is right does not guarantee we will do right. We can be moral and know what is right; yet unless we have divine help we probably won't do it. Figuring out what is wrong may not change our behavior. Paul knew what was wrong but was unable to fix it. Jesus, Paul claims, can solve the problem as well as figure out what is the problem. I have always suspected Paul struggled with guilt about his sexual desires as described in this passage. His view of biological urges and sin and guilt might be all mixed together here.
The Gospel
Matthew 11:16-19, 25-36
Lightening The Burden
Verses 16-19 are a sad commentary on how we children behave when we want to be contrary. Jesus says we humans are often like children who can't be satisfied when offering them games to play. They neither like to play wedding celebrations nor funeral grieving. John the Baptist was a solemn aesthetic in his life style and outside society, but they criticized him for it. Jesus, on the other hand, came to them sharing in their celebrations and eating with sinners, yet they found fault with him, calling him a glutton and a drunkard.
If folks want to find fault and not hear the truth, they will find a reason and many faults for not listening. Jesus then says (v. 19b) that the ultimate vindication will be in the final outcome. John was criticized for his severe style but he moved and changed people. They criticized Jesus for mixing with ordinary people but in him they were finding new life.
The whole passage says to me that we ought to "lighten up a little" and stop finding fault, but celebrate the results (vv. 25-30). We must use caution in interpreting this passage. It is not anti-intellectual, it is anti-intellectual pride. It's not intelligence, it is pride in our cleverness. It is not so much stupidity which welcomes us into the kingdom, but is humility.
We now come to verse 27 which is one of the greatest claims Jesus ever made; it stands as the center of our Christian faith. Jesus says only he can help people know God. So it is in Jesus Christ alone we can see what God is like. Jesus can give that information to those who are humble and trustful enough to receive it.
Verses 28-30 are an invitation to discipleship. Jesus is inviting those who are tired of seeking God and finding the lifestyle of being good impossible -- and so driven to despair. This search for God can be accomplished by paying attention to Jesus, because in him we see what God is like. These words are for all of us who would make religion too demanding and which heaps on more guilt and worry over perfection. The word for "easy" in describing the yoke in verse 30 is actually well-fitting. As a carpenter, he knew the importance of the yoke fitting correctly so it was comfortable. So here is discipleship pictured not as a burden but as a joy. Can't you see the sign over the carpenter's shop in Nazareth: "Get your well-fitting yokes here."
Preaching Possibilities
A. I suppose one could re-tell the Rebekah story and draw some conclusions about spouse selection and God's divine purposes being carried out in who we marry. But I'm not sure that's in this Old Testament reading for today. We might even talk of her offering to do the extra mile and water the camels which is the kind of attitude that makes a marriage work. That might, however, give the impression that it's the woman who ought have this submissive attitude and I reject that.
B. So let's consider Paul's writing again and the possibility of a teaching sermon on solid doctrine. We all can identify the thoughts in verses 15-20 where Paul confesses his sin which he cannot manage to control on his own. This is a good day to talk about sin -- that condition which alienates us from God. Some sermon moves could be:
1. Sin causes us to do what we do not want to do (v. 15).
2. Sin is not remedied by knowing the Law (v. 16).
3. Just wanting to be better won't solve the problem (v. 19).
4. Only Christ can rescue us from our own human nature (vv. 24 and 25).
These words are of rich content and possibility in preparing to preach on this text: sin, flesh, evil, rescue, Jesus as Lord.
Perhaps a couple of items from my homiletical journal on sin will be helpful:
1. Told by Gerhard Forde: A Baptist told a Lutheran, "The trouble with Lutherans is they never get any better." The Lutheran replied, "We are just honest enough to admit it." So it is with our theology which describes us as we really are: sinners and saints.
2. Rodney Dangerfield does his comedy monologue by interspersing the profound comment: "It ain't easy being me." It's true because we do not get better and better; we remain very imperfect. It's not easy living our lives and with other sinners also.
3. On top of Tau Fong Shan mountain in the New Territories of Hong Kong there is located what used to be called "The Christian Mission to the Buddhist Monks." Its logo is a lotus blossom which is often seen around the base of the cross. The lotus roots are in the slime of mud on the bottom of the pond. The roots then rise through the water to bloom beautiful flowers on the surface of the pond. So our baptismal waters help us rise above the slime of sin to bloom in our redeemed lives.
Possible Outline Of Sermon Moves
Here is an opportunity to present the gospel which does not put down the person or heap on guilt, but presents help for those of us whose lives are implicated and wearisome. Let's do it the old fashioned and time-tested way!
1. Title: "Help for lightening the load"
2. Text: Matthew 11:28-30
3. Theme: In accepting Christ and serving as his disciple we can find our desired rest and help for our burdens.
4. Introduction: Because we remain sinners and imperfect, and must live with others like us, life is not easy. We struggle, we worry, we make mistakes, we hurt others, and so on. Saint Paul struggled too -- use Romans 7:18-19. Now turn to the Rodney Dangerfield illustration (#2, p. 154).
5. Then make three points:
a. Christians are not relieved of their burdens. Instead of the absence of trouble, we have the presence of God (Matthew 11:28).
In the movie Back to the Future a young man goes back in time thirty years and sees his parents growing up. It becomes obvious that to know the future or the present does not enrich it. God has created us in time not to know the future so life now is more vital, interesting, and full of surprises.
b. Rest for our souls may be achieved in learning about Christ (Matthew 11:29).
During a four-hour ordination service in the Batak Church in Medan, Sumatra, I saw the assistant to the Bishop, who had been working to pull it all together, go and squat on his haunches behind the altar to rest. There he was, in long black preaching gown with white tabs, squatted on the floor, resting like men do in their villages of origin back in the bush. Rest at God's altar. Perhaps we ought to preach more about the holy rest God gives at the table of the Lord. It's an important part of the gospel: a deeper shalom, a divine pause for rest.
c. Being a Christian promises to lighten the load, not add more to your burden (Matthew 11:30).
On an Ozark flight from Des Moines to Saint Louis in March, the plane had to be de-iced before we could take off. They sprayed alcohol on the plane from a highlift to knock off the snow and ice and lighten the plane for takeoff and for better maneuverability. We have those things we need to remove from our lives which keep us from taking off and flying high as we are created to do.
6. Summary: Now restate the above three points in reverse order and end the sermon by reading again the text. You might even want to finish with this poem.
When dangers gather round, Oh, keep me calm and fearless;
Help me to bear the cross when life seems dark and cheerless;
Help me as you have taught, to love both great and small,
And, by your Spirit's might, to live at peace with all.
-- Johann Heermann (tr. Catherine Winkworth)
An old Gospel hymn might be used: "His Yoke Is Easy" by R.E. Hudson.
Prayer Of The Day
We pray for your help today, O God, that we might resist the sin within us and help rescue those in sin around us. Receive our sincere thanksgiving to you for helping to bear our burdens and ask for your counsel in helping others bear theirs. In the name of Jesus, the Christ. Amen.
Possible Stories
(See above Possible Outline Of Sermon Moves)
The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
Theme For The Day
The Christ comes to lighten our burdens and give us much needed rest.
Old Testament Lesson
Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67
Rebekah And Isaac Are Married
A steward is sent back home to seek a bride for Isaac. His father, Abraham, is near death. The steward decided he would stand by a well and ask a woman for a drink, and if she gave it to him and also offered to water his camels that would be God's sign it was the right bride for Isaac! Notice in verse 58 it seems Rebekah had a choice if she wanted to go with him.
Meanwhile Isaac had moved and was no longer at Beersheba but in the Negev, so he saw the caravan returning. Some scholars believe Abraham had died by now and it was his father's death Rebekah helped Isaac overcome. Before his death Abraham showed he still believed in God's promise to him to be the father of the nations and he also believed God would guide the steward in the selection of his daughter-in-law who would be instrumental in the promise being kept.
New Testament Lesson
Romans 7:15-25a
The Inner Conflict
Paul bares his soul and confesses that there was a big difference between the way he ought to live and the way he does live. He knew better but still did the wrong. The Jewish thought which rabbis taught called "evil inclination" helped him understand it. That's the way it is to be human. As Luther put it, we are both sinner and saint at the same time. Flesh here means our basic (and base) human nature. We now have examples of this idea of flesh in the Dead Sea Scrolls. Paul felt our base desires and instincts were the way sin got into our lives.
This passage tells us: just being determined to live a certain way doesn't mean we can be that way. Sheer will won't be enough. Unless we have the Holy Spirit's help, we are doomed to fail in our resolution. Human wisdom won't do it by itself either. To know what is right does not guarantee we will do right. We can be moral and know what is right; yet unless we have divine help we probably won't do it. Figuring out what is wrong may not change our behavior. Paul knew what was wrong but was unable to fix it. Jesus, Paul claims, can solve the problem as well as figure out what is the problem. I have always suspected Paul struggled with guilt about his sexual desires as described in this passage. His view of biological urges and sin and guilt might be all mixed together here.
The Gospel
Matthew 11:16-19, 25-36
Lightening The Burden
Verses 16-19 are a sad commentary on how we children behave when we want to be contrary. Jesus says we humans are often like children who can't be satisfied when offering them games to play. They neither like to play wedding celebrations nor funeral grieving. John the Baptist was a solemn aesthetic in his life style and outside society, but they criticized him for it. Jesus, on the other hand, came to them sharing in their celebrations and eating with sinners, yet they found fault with him, calling him a glutton and a drunkard.
If folks want to find fault and not hear the truth, they will find a reason and many faults for not listening. Jesus then says (v. 19b) that the ultimate vindication will be in the final outcome. John was criticized for his severe style but he moved and changed people. They criticized Jesus for mixing with ordinary people but in him they were finding new life.
The whole passage says to me that we ought to "lighten up a little" and stop finding fault, but celebrate the results (vv. 25-30). We must use caution in interpreting this passage. It is not anti-intellectual, it is anti-intellectual pride. It's not intelligence, it is pride in our cleverness. It is not so much stupidity which welcomes us into the kingdom, but is humility.
We now come to verse 27 which is one of the greatest claims Jesus ever made; it stands as the center of our Christian faith. Jesus says only he can help people know God. So it is in Jesus Christ alone we can see what God is like. Jesus can give that information to those who are humble and trustful enough to receive it.
Verses 28-30 are an invitation to discipleship. Jesus is inviting those who are tired of seeking God and finding the lifestyle of being good impossible -- and so driven to despair. This search for God can be accomplished by paying attention to Jesus, because in him we see what God is like. These words are for all of us who would make religion too demanding and which heaps on more guilt and worry over perfection. The word for "easy" in describing the yoke in verse 30 is actually well-fitting. As a carpenter, he knew the importance of the yoke fitting correctly so it was comfortable. So here is discipleship pictured not as a burden but as a joy. Can't you see the sign over the carpenter's shop in Nazareth: "Get your well-fitting yokes here."
Preaching Possibilities
A. I suppose one could re-tell the Rebekah story and draw some conclusions about spouse selection and God's divine purposes being carried out in who we marry. But I'm not sure that's in this Old Testament reading for today. We might even talk of her offering to do the extra mile and water the camels which is the kind of attitude that makes a marriage work. That might, however, give the impression that it's the woman who ought have this submissive attitude and I reject that.
B. So let's consider Paul's writing again and the possibility of a teaching sermon on solid doctrine. We all can identify the thoughts in verses 15-20 where Paul confesses his sin which he cannot manage to control on his own. This is a good day to talk about sin -- that condition which alienates us from God. Some sermon moves could be:
1. Sin causes us to do what we do not want to do (v. 15).
2. Sin is not remedied by knowing the Law (v. 16).
3. Just wanting to be better won't solve the problem (v. 19).
4. Only Christ can rescue us from our own human nature (vv. 24 and 25).
These words are of rich content and possibility in preparing to preach on this text: sin, flesh, evil, rescue, Jesus as Lord.
Perhaps a couple of items from my homiletical journal on sin will be helpful:
1. Told by Gerhard Forde: A Baptist told a Lutheran, "The trouble with Lutherans is they never get any better." The Lutheran replied, "We are just honest enough to admit it." So it is with our theology which describes us as we really are: sinners and saints.
2. Rodney Dangerfield does his comedy monologue by interspersing the profound comment: "It ain't easy being me." It's true because we do not get better and better; we remain very imperfect. It's not easy living our lives and with other sinners also.
3. On top of Tau Fong Shan mountain in the New Territories of Hong Kong there is located what used to be called "The Christian Mission to the Buddhist Monks." Its logo is a lotus blossom which is often seen around the base of the cross. The lotus roots are in the slime of mud on the bottom of the pond. The roots then rise through the water to bloom beautiful flowers on the surface of the pond. So our baptismal waters help us rise above the slime of sin to bloom in our redeemed lives.
Possible Outline Of Sermon Moves
Here is an opportunity to present the gospel which does not put down the person or heap on guilt, but presents help for those of us whose lives are implicated and wearisome. Let's do it the old fashioned and time-tested way!
1. Title: "Help for lightening the load"
2. Text: Matthew 11:28-30
3. Theme: In accepting Christ and serving as his disciple we can find our desired rest and help for our burdens.
4. Introduction: Because we remain sinners and imperfect, and must live with others like us, life is not easy. We struggle, we worry, we make mistakes, we hurt others, and so on. Saint Paul struggled too -- use Romans 7:18-19. Now turn to the Rodney Dangerfield illustration (#2, p. 154).
5. Then make three points:
a. Christians are not relieved of their burdens. Instead of the absence of trouble, we have the presence of God (Matthew 11:28).
In the movie Back to the Future a young man goes back in time thirty years and sees his parents growing up. It becomes obvious that to know the future or the present does not enrich it. God has created us in time not to know the future so life now is more vital, interesting, and full of surprises.
b. Rest for our souls may be achieved in learning about Christ (Matthew 11:29).
During a four-hour ordination service in the Batak Church in Medan, Sumatra, I saw the assistant to the Bishop, who had been working to pull it all together, go and squat on his haunches behind the altar to rest. There he was, in long black preaching gown with white tabs, squatted on the floor, resting like men do in their villages of origin back in the bush. Rest at God's altar. Perhaps we ought to preach more about the holy rest God gives at the table of the Lord. It's an important part of the gospel: a deeper shalom, a divine pause for rest.
c. Being a Christian promises to lighten the load, not add more to your burden (Matthew 11:30).
On an Ozark flight from Des Moines to Saint Louis in March, the plane had to be de-iced before we could take off. They sprayed alcohol on the plane from a highlift to knock off the snow and ice and lighten the plane for takeoff and for better maneuverability. We have those things we need to remove from our lives which keep us from taking off and flying high as we are created to do.
6. Summary: Now restate the above three points in reverse order and end the sermon by reading again the text. You might even want to finish with this poem.
When dangers gather round, Oh, keep me calm and fearless;
Help me to bear the cross when life seems dark and cheerless;
Help me as you have taught, to love both great and small,
And, by your Spirit's might, to live at peace with all.
-- Johann Heermann (tr. Catherine Winkworth)
An old Gospel hymn might be used: "His Yoke Is Easy" by R.E. Hudson.
Prayer Of The Day
We pray for your help today, O God, that we might resist the sin within us and help rescue those in sin around us. Receive our sincere thanksgiving to you for helping to bear our burdens and ask for your counsel in helping others bear theirs. In the name of Jesus, the Christ. Amen.
Possible Stories
(See above Possible Outline Of Sermon Moves)
