Sunday Of The Passion (Palm Sunday)
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Series VI, Cycle C
Object:
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: Isaiah 50:4-9a (C); Isaiah 50:4-7 (RC)
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 45:21-25 (E)
Monotheism. "There is no other god besides me." Furthermore, the promise is made that "all the ends of the earth" shall be saved. There we have the essence of Old Testament faith: One God only, wishing to save all humanity. Monotheism and universalism.
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: Luke 22:14--23:56 or Luke 23:1-49 (C); Luke 22:14--23:56 (RC); Luke (22:39-71) 23:1-49 (50-56) (E)
"I am among you as one who serves." That brief verse epitomizes this section. Jesus begins by what we think of as the instituting of the Lord's Supper. There are, of course, many preaching possibilities in this lengthy passage. Jesus is quoted as referring to himself as "The Son of Man," an interesting and somewhat controversial reference. Also, the request by his friends that he designate one or another as the most important of the group. How many meetings have we attended at which we intuited that such an agenda was in several minds?
Peter's overconfident assertion that he would be willing to be imprisoned and to die with Jesus is a strong preaching possibility. How easily we profess our faith and our faithfulness when nothing's at stake. We could also puzzle over Jesus' suggestion that they arm themselves. And perhaps one of the most powerful scenes in the entire Bible is that in verses 22:41-44 in which Jesus wrestles with his own fears as he sees the end approach. "Not my will, however, but your will be done." That's a strong preaching idea. Then there's Judas' betrayal, and that curious event, reported only by Luke, in which one of the apostles cut off the ear of a soldier which Jesus promptly replaced by what is depicted here as a miracle.
There is, of course, Peter's denial in the courtyard. And there's the questioning of Jesus as to whether he is the Messiah, no doubt a tongue in cheek question designed to trap Jesus into incriminating himself. There's Jesus before Pilate, then before Herod, then the sentencing. And finally, the crucifixion, then the burial.
Obviously, there's no way to lay hold upon all of this, much less preach a sermon embracing it. One could devote an entire year to preaching only on the themes in this recommended passage. But you and I have to select one, otherwise we'll be guilty of that freshman mistake of trying to say too much in one sermon. My choice, after reflecting on the total theme, is that first mentioned passage: "I am among you as one who serves."
SERMON SUGGESTIONS
Title: "Jesus Man And Savior"
Text: Philippians 2:5-11, Luke 22:27
Theme: Most surely, we will select the New Testament for this Sunday, and I have to think that at least for me, the idea expressed in Paul's famous explanation that Jesus emptied himself, together with Jesus' own humble assertion that he is among us as one who serves combine to reveal to us the incredible nature of a God who -- having created the universe, who has all power over life and death -- prostrates himself for the likes of you and me. Unbelievable. Most of the other themes discussed present themselves elsewhere as well. My choice is to preach on the meekness of Jesus who possessed all power. He voluntarily chose to "empty himself," so that he could identify with us as individuals.
1. Jesus voluntarily gave up his "divinity." In Hebrews we read: "Therefore he had to be made like his brethren in every respect so that he might be a merciful high priest ..." (Hebrews 2:17). Peter wrote: "... Christ also suffered for you, leaving an example that you should follow ..." (1 Peter 2:21). Or there's Mark's report: "He fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him." Luke adds to this account: "And being in an agony, he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down upon the ground" (Luke 22:44). There you have it: Made like you and me in every way, suffering, tempted, afraid. Human, yes. Divine? Well, I'm not, so for the time being, I have to believe he wasn't either.
2. Jesus retained the love of God. Of course a man, however devoted and courageous and faith-filled, while a splendid role model, could never save us now. So how was Jesus a savior? For two reasons. One, the motives which led him to do as he did were more than human -- they were divine. God was present in Jesus in a unique way. Not as power but as love. The second indication of divinity, is the fact that Jesus returned after the crucifixion, restored, now, to his full divinity, able to wield divine power and thus to save.
3. So Jesus can be both a role model -- the Jesus of his humanity, and a savior, the Jesus of divine love and the resurrection. But more about that at Easter.
ADDITIONAL ILLUSTRATIONS
In his book Holy Sweat, Tim Hansel told of a man giving a talk to a church group. He began by stating that he wanted to say three things. First, there are two billion people starving in the world. Everyone yawned. They'd heard this many times. Second (at this point people perked up -- at least this would be short), is that most of you people don't give a damn. As everyone stared in sudden shock, he concluded: "Third, you were more shocked that I used the word 'damn' than that I said two billion people are starving."
____________
On the coast of Scotland there's a lighthouse known as "Old William's Light." Many years ago, in the era of sailing ships, an old man, William, maintained that light. He only came to town twice a week: Wednesdays to buy supplies, and Sundays to go to church. But one week the old man didn't arrive as usual. Some townspeople went to the lighthouse to see what had happened. They found old William at the top of the tower with a broken leg. He died the next day. They learned from him that he had fallen on some rocks below and broken his leg. But as night drew near, he painfully dragged himself up the steep stairs and lighted the light. Because he believed this job was his calling, he believed that light must be lit.
A few days later, a well-dressed man approached the two leaders and said he would like to build a monument to old William. He explained that he had been on a sailing ship the night William had fallen, and the ship's captain had told the passengers to be ready to swim for it, as the darkness was closing in, a storm was blowing, and he could no longer see the rocks. But just then, the light had been lighted. Now that he knew William's story, he said, "For the first time I know what it means to say that someone died that I might live."
-- Told by Gerald Kennedy
____________
"The stars came out; the earth's nocturnal voices rose from the soil; I felt the sweetness of the night gradually penetrating me, wrapping itself cunningly around me. Suddenly, there was a falling star in the sky. 'Did you see that, Brother Leo?' Francis called to me, pointing upwards. 'A tear just rolled down God's cheek ... is man then not the only one who weeps? Dost thou weep also, Lord? Dost thou suffer, Father, just as I do?' "
-- Nikos Kazantzakis
____________
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 31:9-16 -- "In Thee, O Lord, do I seek refuge."
Prayer Of The Day
Oh dear Savior, we are sometimes so small and frail, and you are mighty and filled with power. But we see beyond your power. We see your tender love. Surround us with that, we pray, as sometimes darkness surrounds us and we lose our way. Thank you. In Christ's name we pray. Amen.
Lesson 1: Isaiah 50:4-9a (C); Isaiah 50:4-7 (RC)
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 45:21-25 (E)
Monotheism. "There is no other god besides me." Furthermore, the promise is made that "all the ends of the earth" shall be saved. There we have the essence of Old Testament faith: One God only, wishing to save all humanity. Monotheism and universalism.
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: Luke 22:14--23:56 or Luke 23:1-49 (C); Luke 22:14--23:56 (RC); Luke (22:39-71) 23:1-49 (50-56) (E)
"I am among you as one who serves." That brief verse epitomizes this section. Jesus begins by what we think of as the instituting of the Lord's Supper. There are, of course, many preaching possibilities in this lengthy passage. Jesus is quoted as referring to himself as "The Son of Man," an interesting and somewhat controversial reference. Also, the request by his friends that he designate one or another as the most important of the group. How many meetings have we attended at which we intuited that such an agenda was in several minds?
Peter's overconfident assertion that he would be willing to be imprisoned and to die with Jesus is a strong preaching possibility. How easily we profess our faith and our faithfulness when nothing's at stake. We could also puzzle over Jesus' suggestion that they arm themselves. And perhaps one of the most powerful scenes in the entire Bible is that in verses 22:41-44 in which Jesus wrestles with his own fears as he sees the end approach. "Not my will, however, but your will be done." That's a strong preaching idea. Then there's Judas' betrayal, and that curious event, reported only by Luke, in which one of the apostles cut off the ear of a soldier which Jesus promptly replaced by what is depicted here as a miracle.
There is, of course, Peter's denial in the courtyard. And there's the questioning of Jesus as to whether he is the Messiah, no doubt a tongue in cheek question designed to trap Jesus into incriminating himself. There's Jesus before Pilate, then before Herod, then the sentencing. And finally, the crucifixion, then the burial.
Obviously, there's no way to lay hold upon all of this, much less preach a sermon embracing it. One could devote an entire year to preaching only on the themes in this recommended passage. But you and I have to select one, otherwise we'll be guilty of that freshman mistake of trying to say too much in one sermon. My choice, after reflecting on the total theme, is that first mentioned passage: "I am among you as one who serves."
SERMON SUGGESTIONS
Title: "Jesus Man And Savior"
Text: Philippians 2:5-11, Luke 22:27
Theme: Most surely, we will select the New Testament for this Sunday, and I have to think that at least for me, the idea expressed in Paul's famous explanation that Jesus emptied himself, together with Jesus' own humble assertion that he is among us as one who serves combine to reveal to us the incredible nature of a God who -- having created the universe, who has all power over life and death -- prostrates himself for the likes of you and me. Unbelievable. Most of the other themes discussed present themselves elsewhere as well. My choice is to preach on the meekness of Jesus who possessed all power. He voluntarily chose to "empty himself," so that he could identify with us as individuals.
1. Jesus voluntarily gave up his "divinity." In Hebrews we read: "Therefore he had to be made like his brethren in every respect so that he might be a merciful high priest ..." (Hebrews 2:17). Peter wrote: "... Christ also suffered for you, leaving an example that you should follow ..." (1 Peter 2:21). Or there's Mark's report: "He fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him." Luke adds to this account: "And being in an agony, he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down upon the ground" (Luke 22:44). There you have it: Made like you and me in every way, suffering, tempted, afraid. Human, yes. Divine? Well, I'm not, so for the time being, I have to believe he wasn't either.
2. Jesus retained the love of God. Of course a man, however devoted and courageous and faith-filled, while a splendid role model, could never save us now. So how was Jesus a savior? For two reasons. One, the motives which led him to do as he did were more than human -- they were divine. God was present in Jesus in a unique way. Not as power but as love. The second indication of divinity, is the fact that Jesus returned after the crucifixion, restored, now, to his full divinity, able to wield divine power and thus to save.
3. So Jesus can be both a role model -- the Jesus of his humanity, and a savior, the Jesus of divine love and the resurrection. But more about that at Easter.
ADDITIONAL ILLUSTRATIONS
In his book Holy Sweat, Tim Hansel told of a man giving a talk to a church group. He began by stating that he wanted to say three things. First, there are two billion people starving in the world. Everyone yawned. They'd heard this many times. Second (at this point people perked up -- at least this would be short), is that most of you people don't give a damn. As everyone stared in sudden shock, he concluded: "Third, you were more shocked that I used the word 'damn' than that I said two billion people are starving."
____________
On the coast of Scotland there's a lighthouse known as "Old William's Light." Many years ago, in the era of sailing ships, an old man, William, maintained that light. He only came to town twice a week: Wednesdays to buy supplies, and Sundays to go to church. But one week the old man didn't arrive as usual. Some townspeople went to the lighthouse to see what had happened. They found old William at the top of the tower with a broken leg. He died the next day. They learned from him that he had fallen on some rocks below and broken his leg. But as night drew near, he painfully dragged himself up the steep stairs and lighted the light. Because he believed this job was his calling, he believed that light must be lit.
A few days later, a well-dressed man approached the two leaders and said he would like to build a monument to old William. He explained that he had been on a sailing ship the night William had fallen, and the ship's captain had told the passengers to be ready to swim for it, as the darkness was closing in, a storm was blowing, and he could no longer see the rocks. But just then, the light had been lighted. Now that he knew William's story, he said, "For the first time I know what it means to say that someone died that I might live."
-- Told by Gerald Kennedy
____________
"The stars came out; the earth's nocturnal voices rose from the soil; I felt the sweetness of the night gradually penetrating me, wrapping itself cunningly around me. Suddenly, there was a falling star in the sky. 'Did you see that, Brother Leo?' Francis called to me, pointing upwards. 'A tear just rolled down God's cheek ... is man then not the only one who weeps? Dost thou weep also, Lord? Dost thou suffer, Father, just as I do?' "
-- Nikos Kazantzakis
____________
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 31:9-16 -- "In Thee, O Lord, do I seek refuge."
Prayer Of The Day
Oh dear Savior, we are sometimes so small and frail, and you are mighty and filled with power. But we see beyond your power. We see your tender love. Surround us with that, we pray, as sometimes darkness surrounds us and we lose our way. Thank you. In Christ's name we pray. Amen.
