Sunday Of The Passion
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Series VI, Cycle A
COMMENTARY ON PASSION/PALM SUNDAY
Recent revision of the lectionary recommends that the two Sundays, Passion and Palm, formerly celebrated one following the other, be celebrated together. Those congregations observing a more formal liturgical fashion may wish to read the Palm Sunday passages from the rear of the sanctuary at the very beginning of the service. Thereafter a procession may be held. Some congregations find this an ideal Sunday for such special occasions as confirmation or reception of new members. Care in planning can avoid a too long service, inasmuch as there is much to cover if the Passion of Jesus and the entry into Jerusalem are to be featured.
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: Isaiah 50:4-9a (C); Isaiah 50:4-7 (RC); Isaiah 45:21-25 (E)
Third Isaiah has obviously suffered severe mistreatment because of his prophecy. However, he is filled with the strength and courage needed for his continuing mission by "the Lord who helps me." This is one of five Servant Songs in Isaiah.
Lesson 1: Isaiah 52:13--53:12 (E)
Israel as a united people will live out in history the mission later assigned by God to Jesus as an individual. "A man of sorrows acquainted with grief," they were informed by Isaiah that there would be suffering, a fact which he did not seem to question, but ultimately they will be empowered by the Lord to accomplish their mission.
Lesson 2: Philippians 2:5-11 (C, E); Philippians 2:6-11 (RC)
This may be Paul's most insightful and beautiful statement of all. Jesus was identical with God, divine in the fullest sense. But realizing that it would be impossible to approach people like you and me in that form, he "emptied himself, taking the form of a slave." In this way, we are unthreatened as God approaches us in such a humble form. Here is an answer for those of us who have struggled with the question as to whether Jesus was really divine (so suffering was easy for him), or human (suffering was real, but how can he save us?). So, approaching us with a love we do not deserve, leaving us completely free to decide for ourselves how to respond, we discover the nature of divine love. And at that discovery, we agree that "every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth."
Gospel: Matthew 26:14--27:66 (C, RC); Matthew (26:36-75) 27:1-54 (55-66) (E)
In preaching, it will be well to focus on key moments in the saga of the Passion of Jesus. One pastor said he wondered if perhaps he should devote an entire year to this section of Matthew. However, since one Sunday is allotted, we must look for the central themes. My intent is to focus on those which seem to me to summarize as much as is possible with brevity the main points to think about.
Gospel: Matthew 26:35
"Peter said to Him, 'Even though I must die with you, I will not deny you.' And so said all the disciples." How easily we embrace the demands of the Christian faith when they are easy. My professor of church music used to paraphrase a popular song this way: "Onward Christian soldiers, marching as to war. With the cross of Jesus vaguely held before." He was, of course, referring to what Bonhoeffer called "cheap grace." Peter was a basically good man. So were the other disciples. But they fell asleep when Jesus asked them to remain awake with him, and we all know what happened with Peter. Today it's easy for most of us to be good Christians most of the time. It mainly means showing up at church, making a pledge, and perhaps including some kind of personal worship in our lives. When temptations arise in business, though, or when expected to laugh at a joke that makes fun of a minority person at the country club, or when a small lie offers escape from responsibility, what then?
Gospel: Matthew 26:38-39
"Then he said to them,'I am deeply grieved, even to death' ... and going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed, 'My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not what I want but what you want.'Ê" Sometimes, looking back across the years, we fail to understand the degree of suffering which Jesus voluntarily endured. What incredible anxiety he must have known, facing the crucifixion and death. This point must be made to a congregation, along with the theme we find often, as Peter put the matter, "Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in his steps" (1 Peter 2:21).
Gospel: Matthew 26:53-54
"Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the scriptures be fulfilled, which say it must happen in this way?" Here we find Jesus affirming that he is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. I leave to the preacher who might use this text to decide about the twelve legions of angels. Perhaps a bit of hyperbole to emphasize the point. Or, for all we know, a literal threat. Either way, Jesus resisted any temptation to do what I think I would have done: make life miserable for the rascals.
Gospel: Matthew 26:63-64
"Then the high priest said to him, 'I put you under oath before the living God, tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.' Jesus said to him, 'You have said so.' " Jesus made no claims for himself at this time. Perhaps he assumed no one would believe him anyway. Scholars seem divided on the question of Jesus' "Messianic Consciousness," but the relevant point for us is that Jesus respects our freedom. We can respond to him -- to God -- without coercion. If a person is not ready, if this is not the time, God will wait.
Gospel: Matthew 26:75
"Then Peter remembered what Jesus had said: 'Before the cock crows, you will deny me three times.' And he went out and wept bitterly." Are there any of us who have lived to see the painful, tempting side of life who cannot understand Peter's grief? Have we not all turned away, all fallen short again and again? Yet Jesus understood. For all his grievous failure, Peter was destined to be Jesus' very good friend. So, even in our despair, we have hope.
Gospel: Matthew 27:19
"While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him, 'Have nothing to do with that innocent man, for today I have suffered a great deal because of a dream about him.' " Deep down, Pilate probably considered Jesus innocent. At least, the crime with which he was charged probably seemed insignificant to Pilate. But he had political considerations. His role was to keep order in the province and any displeasure on the part of the ruling Jewish leaders could lead to big trouble for Pilate back in Rome. So, he did what was expedient for him. We can understand this. We have many opportunities to compromise our Christian faith rather than deal with complications in life. Our churches are filled with people, basically good people, who simply don't remain faithful to their espoused convictions when competing in the marketplace.
Gospel: Matthew 27:31
"After mocking him, they stripped him of the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him." And so, since none would step forth on his behalf, since even his dearest friends remained silent, since Pilate lacked the courage of his private beliefs, since Jesus was unwilling to speak in his own behalf, the suffering of his anxiety and his rejection were now to be compounded by one of mankind's most beastly tortures.
SERMON SUGGESTIONS
The preacher will surely use the Gospel of Matthew for this Sunday's sermon. The summary of his Passion is now complete.
1. Jesus chose to suffer because of his love for us. He knew there was no other way, that any escape from his accepted fate would undo what he was doing. And so he accepted his pain.
2. Jesus' most trusted friends deserted him in his trial. He faced it alone, yet never showing bitterness, never condemning them. We are inclined to do the same, to be like those friends. Our betrayals are not performed before the cross, but in the everyday world in which we live.
3. Jesus would forgive. Liturgically, we are not yet before the cross. But all of us know the next part of the story by heart. What more gallant gift than this, to be forgiven for our betrayal, yet to be received as though we had been faithful? One cannot adequately preach the suffering of Jesus without showing its redemptive power.
ADDITIONAL ILLUSTRATIONS
"(One day) God said, 'I'm tired of kings!'
But that was a long time ago,
And man kept saying 'No!
I like their looks in robes and rings.'
So he crowned a few more,
And the kings as before
Kept fighting and spoiling things.
But at last Man said, 'I'm tired of kings!
Sons of the robber chiefs of yore.
They make me pay for their lust and their war,
I am the puppet; they pull the strings!
The blood of my heart is the wine they drink,
I shall govern myself for awhile, I think,
And see what that brings.'
Then God (who had made the first remark)
Smiled in the dark."
-- Henry Van Dyke
____________
My wife, who teaches fourth grade, brought this story home the other day: A little boy was starting first grade. Still thinking of kindergarten, he went to the teacher after an hour and said, "I'm ready for my milk." The teacher explained that in the first grade they don't serve milk. The little fellow sat down, but in a few minutes he was back. "Teacher," he said, "when is recess?" The teacher explained that they didn't do morning recess in the first grade. The disappointed little fellow again sat down. However, at noon, he got up and put his coat on and the teacher asked him where he was going. He explained that it was noon and he was going home. "No," said the teacher. "In the first grade we stay until three o'clock." The little boy stared at her for a minute, and finally he said: "Who the heck signed me up for this anyway?" (That's how I sometimes feel about life.)
____________
Word has come that a new computer has been built, just one step beyond the best known to date. Inasmuch as it now possessed all the knowledge we can need (I heard just today that a computer chip the size of the head of a pin contains as much knowledge as was contained in all the libraries of the world fifty years ago), it was decided by a group of professionals of all disciplines to pose to the computer the most fundamental question they could compose. It was finally agreed that the computer would be asked this question: "Is there a God?" Without hesitation, the computer replied: "Yes! There is a God. Now."
____________
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 31:9-16 (C) -- The psalmist is ill; his strength is wasting away.
Psalm 22:1-21 (E) -- Souls not yet alive shall praise him.
Prayer Of The Day
God of mercy, God of power, suffering besets many of us. Some are ill. Some are deeply troubled by problems not of their own making. And some are suffering now because of their willingness to follow Jesus. We pray for healing if it be thy will. We pray for insight and understanding of what we are to do. And we pray for courage to stand firm in the face of trouble. Amen.
Recent revision of the lectionary recommends that the two Sundays, Passion and Palm, formerly celebrated one following the other, be celebrated together. Those congregations observing a more formal liturgical fashion may wish to read the Palm Sunday passages from the rear of the sanctuary at the very beginning of the service. Thereafter a procession may be held. Some congregations find this an ideal Sunday for such special occasions as confirmation or reception of new members. Care in planning can avoid a too long service, inasmuch as there is much to cover if the Passion of Jesus and the entry into Jerusalem are to be featured.
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: Isaiah 50:4-9a (C); Isaiah 50:4-7 (RC); Isaiah 45:21-25 (E)
Third Isaiah has obviously suffered severe mistreatment because of his prophecy. However, he is filled with the strength and courage needed for his continuing mission by "the Lord who helps me." This is one of five Servant Songs in Isaiah.
Lesson 1: Isaiah 52:13--53:12 (E)
Israel as a united people will live out in history the mission later assigned by God to Jesus as an individual. "A man of sorrows acquainted with grief," they were informed by Isaiah that there would be suffering, a fact which he did not seem to question, but ultimately they will be empowered by the Lord to accomplish their mission.
Lesson 2: Philippians 2:5-11 (C, E); Philippians 2:6-11 (RC)
This may be Paul's most insightful and beautiful statement of all. Jesus was identical with God, divine in the fullest sense. But realizing that it would be impossible to approach people like you and me in that form, he "emptied himself, taking the form of a slave." In this way, we are unthreatened as God approaches us in such a humble form. Here is an answer for those of us who have struggled with the question as to whether Jesus was really divine (so suffering was easy for him), or human (suffering was real, but how can he save us?). So, approaching us with a love we do not deserve, leaving us completely free to decide for ourselves how to respond, we discover the nature of divine love. And at that discovery, we agree that "every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth."
Gospel: Matthew 26:14--27:66 (C, RC); Matthew (26:36-75) 27:1-54 (55-66) (E)
In preaching, it will be well to focus on key moments in the saga of the Passion of Jesus. One pastor said he wondered if perhaps he should devote an entire year to this section of Matthew. However, since one Sunday is allotted, we must look for the central themes. My intent is to focus on those which seem to me to summarize as much as is possible with brevity the main points to think about.
Gospel: Matthew 26:35
"Peter said to Him, 'Even though I must die with you, I will not deny you.' And so said all the disciples." How easily we embrace the demands of the Christian faith when they are easy. My professor of church music used to paraphrase a popular song this way: "Onward Christian soldiers, marching as to war. With the cross of Jesus vaguely held before." He was, of course, referring to what Bonhoeffer called "cheap grace." Peter was a basically good man. So were the other disciples. But they fell asleep when Jesus asked them to remain awake with him, and we all know what happened with Peter. Today it's easy for most of us to be good Christians most of the time. It mainly means showing up at church, making a pledge, and perhaps including some kind of personal worship in our lives. When temptations arise in business, though, or when expected to laugh at a joke that makes fun of a minority person at the country club, or when a small lie offers escape from responsibility, what then?
Gospel: Matthew 26:38-39
"Then he said to them,'I am deeply grieved, even to death' ... and going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed, 'My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not what I want but what you want.'Ê" Sometimes, looking back across the years, we fail to understand the degree of suffering which Jesus voluntarily endured. What incredible anxiety he must have known, facing the crucifixion and death. This point must be made to a congregation, along with the theme we find often, as Peter put the matter, "Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in his steps" (1 Peter 2:21).
Gospel: Matthew 26:53-54
"Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the scriptures be fulfilled, which say it must happen in this way?" Here we find Jesus affirming that he is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. I leave to the preacher who might use this text to decide about the twelve legions of angels. Perhaps a bit of hyperbole to emphasize the point. Or, for all we know, a literal threat. Either way, Jesus resisted any temptation to do what I think I would have done: make life miserable for the rascals.
Gospel: Matthew 26:63-64
"Then the high priest said to him, 'I put you under oath before the living God, tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.' Jesus said to him, 'You have said so.' " Jesus made no claims for himself at this time. Perhaps he assumed no one would believe him anyway. Scholars seem divided on the question of Jesus' "Messianic Consciousness," but the relevant point for us is that Jesus respects our freedom. We can respond to him -- to God -- without coercion. If a person is not ready, if this is not the time, God will wait.
Gospel: Matthew 26:75
"Then Peter remembered what Jesus had said: 'Before the cock crows, you will deny me three times.' And he went out and wept bitterly." Are there any of us who have lived to see the painful, tempting side of life who cannot understand Peter's grief? Have we not all turned away, all fallen short again and again? Yet Jesus understood. For all his grievous failure, Peter was destined to be Jesus' very good friend. So, even in our despair, we have hope.
Gospel: Matthew 27:19
"While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him, 'Have nothing to do with that innocent man, for today I have suffered a great deal because of a dream about him.' " Deep down, Pilate probably considered Jesus innocent. At least, the crime with which he was charged probably seemed insignificant to Pilate. But he had political considerations. His role was to keep order in the province and any displeasure on the part of the ruling Jewish leaders could lead to big trouble for Pilate back in Rome. So, he did what was expedient for him. We can understand this. We have many opportunities to compromise our Christian faith rather than deal with complications in life. Our churches are filled with people, basically good people, who simply don't remain faithful to their espoused convictions when competing in the marketplace.
Gospel: Matthew 27:31
"After mocking him, they stripped him of the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him." And so, since none would step forth on his behalf, since even his dearest friends remained silent, since Pilate lacked the courage of his private beliefs, since Jesus was unwilling to speak in his own behalf, the suffering of his anxiety and his rejection were now to be compounded by one of mankind's most beastly tortures.
SERMON SUGGESTIONS
The preacher will surely use the Gospel of Matthew for this Sunday's sermon. The summary of his Passion is now complete.
1. Jesus chose to suffer because of his love for us. He knew there was no other way, that any escape from his accepted fate would undo what he was doing. And so he accepted his pain.
2. Jesus' most trusted friends deserted him in his trial. He faced it alone, yet never showing bitterness, never condemning them. We are inclined to do the same, to be like those friends. Our betrayals are not performed before the cross, but in the everyday world in which we live.
3. Jesus would forgive. Liturgically, we are not yet before the cross. But all of us know the next part of the story by heart. What more gallant gift than this, to be forgiven for our betrayal, yet to be received as though we had been faithful? One cannot adequately preach the suffering of Jesus without showing its redemptive power.
ADDITIONAL ILLUSTRATIONS
"(One day) God said, 'I'm tired of kings!'
But that was a long time ago,
And man kept saying 'No!
I like their looks in robes and rings.'
So he crowned a few more,
And the kings as before
Kept fighting and spoiling things.
But at last Man said, 'I'm tired of kings!
Sons of the robber chiefs of yore.
They make me pay for their lust and their war,
I am the puppet; they pull the strings!
The blood of my heart is the wine they drink,
I shall govern myself for awhile, I think,
And see what that brings.'
Then God (who had made the first remark)
Smiled in the dark."
-- Henry Van Dyke
____________
My wife, who teaches fourth grade, brought this story home the other day: A little boy was starting first grade. Still thinking of kindergarten, he went to the teacher after an hour and said, "I'm ready for my milk." The teacher explained that in the first grade they don't serve milk. The little fellow sat down, but in a few minutes he was back. "Teacher," he said, "when is recess?" The teacher explained that they didn't do morning recess in the first grade. The disappointed little fellow again sat down. However, at noon, he got up and put his coat on and the teacher asked him where he was going. He explained that it was noon and he was going home. "No," said the teacher. "In the first grade we stay until three o'clock." The little boy stared at her for a minute, and finally he said: "Who the heck signed me up for this anyway?" (That's how I sometimes feel about life.)
____________
Word has come that a new computer has been built, just one step beyond the best known to date. Inasmuch as it now possessed all the knowledge we can need (I heard just today that a computer chip the size of the head of a pin contains as much knowledge as was contained in all the libraries of the world fifty years ago), it was decided by a group of professionals of all disciplines to pose to the computer the most fundamental question they could compose. It was finally agreed that the computer would be asked this question: "Is there a God?" Without hesitation, the computer replied: "Yes! There is a God. Now."
____________
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 31:9-16 (C) -- The psalmist is ill; his strength is wasting away.
Psalm 22:1-21 (E) -- Souls not yet alive shall praise him.
Prayer Of The Day
God of mercy, God of power, suffering besets many of us. Some are ill. Some are deeply troubled by problems not of their own making. And some are suffering now because of their willingness to follow Jesus. We pray for healing if it be thy will. We pray for insight and understanding of what we are to do. And we pray for courage to stand firm in the face of trouble. Amen.
