Third Sunday In Advent
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Series VI, Cycle A
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: Isaiah 35:1-10 (C, E); Isaiah 35:1-6, 10 (RC)
What a remarkably joyous poem we have here. In one sense, of course, its lyrical promise did not happen. This chapter is generally considered to date long after the original Isaiah and therefore applies to a later time in Jewish history. Still, the happy peace predicted here has not, as yet, come to Zion. I write shortly after seven little Israeli girls were murdered by a Jordanian gunman. The tragic strife which continues to bedevil the people of the Middle East is heartbreaking.
But what glorious optimism on the part of a poet-writer who understood far better than we can the likelihood of the people having "everlasting joy upon their heads." This was faith at its most exalted. Elie Weisel told of an old Jew walking beside a little boy as they approached a gas furnace in one of the camps of the holocaust. They both knew they had only moments to live. The old man paused as they drew near to the "showers," put his hand on the little fellow's shoulder, and pointed toward the sky. Then they walked together toward the fulfillment of this promise.
Day by day, of course, we must live in and deal with the world of reality. But here, surely anticipating the promises of the Christ, this man held forth the promise God has given us. If not now, some time. These are days when the preacher must display the highest optimism inherent in the promises of Jesus Christ. Probably not here, upon this earth. But that old Jewish gentleman understood. It will happen. The day of Jesus' birth draws near. This is, of course, a word for everyone. But especially it brings hope to those of age and saddened heart. As one old Presbyterian song from the prairies sang:
A brighter faith and hope impart,
And let me now my savior see;
Oh! soothe and cheer my saddened heart,
And bid my spirit rest in thee.
Lesson 2: James 5:7-10 (C, RC, E)
James, along with many biblical writers, believed there was a strong possibility that Jesus would return in earthly form, soon they hoped. However, James was warning that it might not be soon. Actually, he seems to have wanted to believe in the immediacy of the return, but yet to have suspected it could be a long time. He urged patience on the part of the people, patience such as a farmer must have in waiting for the rain to nurture fresh plantings.
While there's a certain historical interest in learning of these expectations, the passage of more than 1,900 years makes it seem likely that this appearance by Jesus will probably be other than physical. In fact, it's useless to debate that point. Unless and until that were to happen, it is a matter of faith and how one interprets the Bible. James, however, assumed that history had a clear direction, a purpose one day to be fulfilled. Whether that fulfillment is to be earthly as James and others supposed, or spiritual as most Christians assume today, the expectation does reflect the Christian belief in a culmination of history. The purpose of that history, now hidden from us, then will be made clear.
Gospel: Matthew 11:2-11 (C, RC, E)
What a sudden and unexpected twist Jesus gave these words at the end. We know, of course, that John would be executed before he could know that Jesus was the Messiah. Jesus, answering John's disciples' request for confirmation, chose not to make any direct claims for himself. Instead, he pointed out the many healings which had taken place as a result of his ministry. Then to his own audience, he took an almost scolding approach, making it clear to them that John was the real thing, a prophet who had willingly embraced the hard life which almost always went with that designation. As we read, we expect Jesus to commend John as a role model, perhaps to suggest that we might all do well to emulate John, even though it was not likely many could measure up. What a surprise when instead, Jesus reemphasizes his admiration for John, then startles us by stating that even the least person in the kingdom of God is greater than John.
There's the sermon. What did Jesus mean by "the kingdom of heaven"? What did Jesus mean by "least"? What did Jesus mean by "greater than he"?
SERMON SUGGESTIONS
Title: "Tomorrow Is A Lovely Day"
Text: Isaiah 35:10b
Theme: Many, perhaps most, of the people in our congregations are excitedly getting ready for Christmas, with all its celebratory activities. But there are also many heavy hearts out there. Some have lost dear ones this past year. Some have been divorced or have discovered their marriages are in serious trouble. Teenagers struggle with self-esteem problems and relational problems with parents. There are men and women whose jobs are boring or unfulfilling and they're afraid for the future. Elderly people must accept the fact that their time is almost up. It goes on; every pastor knows the litany of human suffering. Advent should not go by without a reassuring word being spoken to these people. "They shall obtain joy," said Isaiah. "Sorrow and sighing shall flee away."
Oh, it's true that Isaiah was referring to his own people of many centuries past. But the word is equally true today, more so, given the fact of Jesus' arrival. We have to do a bit of theological sleight of hand in Advent, because the season celebrates the anticipation of Jesus' birth, while we all know it happened long ago. The day would come when Saint Paul would assure us that "nothing can separate us from the love of God," and Jesus would assure us: "Ask, and it will be given you."
Sermon outline:
1. Is God active in our lives, day by day?
2. Is prayer necessary in this process?
3. If God is active, why is there suffering?
4. Is Jesus necessary to God's activity?
Title: "God Always Asks The Proof Of Pain"
Text: James 5:10
Theme: James was urging patience during a period of trial in the lives of most Christians. In assuring his readers that Jesus was coming, he presumed a physical return but also wanted fellow Christians to know that their suffering would not be in vain. He used the example of the prophets as role models for those early people of the faith. Examples of men and women who endured suffering in good spirit were probably few in numbers.
The Bible never comes to terms with the "why" of suffering, only with the fact of it. We're all left with the necessity of working out our own theology of suffering. Woody Allen suggested that "God is good. He's just an underachiever." The main character in Archibald MacLeish's play J.B. (from which the sermon title used here is taken) said, "If God is God he is not good, if God is good he is not God...." Even Archie Bunker had a go at it when arguing with his son-in-law Meathead, who argued, "If there's a God, why is there so much suffering in the world?" Archie said, "I'll tell you why ... Edith, if there's a God, why is there so much suffering in the world?" There is only awkward silence, so Archie yells, "Edith, will you get in here? I'm having to defend God all by myself."
Paul gives us a bit of understanding he writes: "What we suffer at this present time cannot be compared at all with the glory that is going to be revealed to us" (Romans 8:18). He also says, "Suffering produces endurance and endurance produces character" (Romans 5:3-5). Peter also offered a bit of comfort with this assurance: "If you endure suffering even when you have done right, God will bless you for it" (1 Peter 2:20). Jesus himself, although never explaining his views about suffering, warns that if anyone is coming after him, that person must expect to carry a cross, which is, of course, the promise of self-imposed suffering.
It is the preacher's role to speak to this, but neither with false assurances on the one hand, nor with pessimism on the other. What we do know is this:
1. Suffering is the source of character. I myself have had a number of unpleasant experiences which, at the time, I prayed to be able to avoid. Yet I must acknowledge that I realize in retrospect it was those times when I grew toward maturity.
2. Prayer enables us to triumph over suffering. What this eventually means is that suffering ultimately causes us to develop a close relationship with God.
3. Suffering does end. "This too shall pass," wrote a Psalmist. That was part of James' point: if we are patient, the benefits will eventually be realized.
Title: "True Greatness"
Text: Matthew 11:2-11
Theme: How strange it would appear to someone outside the Christian faith to be told that the very least of us are viewed as greater than one of Christian history's most heroic figures. John the Baptist had the fortitude to live a hard life as an example, then finally to give up his life rather than back down from his beliefs. How can we view ourselves in this way?
1. What did Jesus mean by "the least"? I think we can turn to the beatitudes for help here. "Blessed are the meek," said Jesus. It's interesting to note that the Greek word for "meek" was used to describe tigers which had been captured and tamed for use in circuses and fairs. A friend of mine pointed out that "meek" is a tamed tiger word, not a pussycat word. It refers to someone who, though having strength and courage, uses those qualities for the benefit of others, not selfishly.
2. What did Jesus mean by "The kingdom of heaven"? Trained preachers are aware, of course, that any easy answer to this is not possible. Sometimes Jesus seemed to refer to it as an inward condition, available to each one of us separately. Sometimes he seemed to refer to an existence beyond this world. Still other times he seemed to refer to a state of being superimposed on this world. What we can say here is that there is a community of those who accept Christ as our Lord, who recognize in him the means to an intimate relationship with God. We can say that those who are true members of this community accept the calling to serve others, to live the life of love among the people around us. Those who do this are, at one and the same time, the least of all, yet the greatest of all.
3. What did Jesus mean by "greater than he"? Jesus probably wasn't disparaging John, nor was he actually making comparisons of you or me with that great man. This was a hyperbole, a way of saying that true greatness is ultimately measured by what we give to the world. Jesus was encouraging his listeners to be aware of hurting, needful people, and to understand that part of our mission in life is to address their needs as well as our own.
ADDITIONAL ILLUSTRATIONS
A friend, pastor of one of our city's largest churches, told me of the time he awoke to see his thirteen-year-old son preparing to deliver his Sunday morning paper route. It was a bitterly cold winter day with high winds and deep snow. It was also Sunday, and it would soon be time to arise and put the final touches on his sermon. But my friend said he just couldn't let that little boy face that awful morning alone. So he put on an old pair of galoshes, borrowed a pair of ear muffs, and the two of them set out together. It was a difficult way to begin Sunday morning, but he said he was amused as he walked up the path to one house where an early rising parishioner of his church opened the door with a coffee cup in hand, then stared unbelievingly as the man who was scheduled to deliver the holy word in her church two hours later appeared delivering her morning paper.
I thought: does God love us as much as that dad loved his son? Of course. And the boy was required to carry his share of the work, but Dad made sure it wasn't more than his son could handle. So with God.
____________
Several years ago, I sent my daughter off to Indiana University. Her mother had recently passed away, and the separation was difficult for both of us. I told her that she was now "going out into the world." Her mother and I had taught her good values; now I trusted her to live by them. I told her I would always be available if she needed me, but from now on she would be making her own decisions about her life. Every parent will understand my sadness in seeing her go. Although we visited each other often, she proved to be very independent. Then one day, in her junior year, she called to say she had a problem and needed my help. Despite my anxiety (looking back, it was a minor problem, easily handled), I was happy she had called. I wanted to be part of her life, but I knew I had to respect her freedom. I couldn't intrude until invited. I have since thought that here is one answer to the question "why pray?" God wants to be involved in my life, wants to share it with me. But he won't intrude until I ask. That's why I pray.
____________
In 1994, young Ryan Jarvis was playing basketball in his high school gym when another boy hit him in the eye with an elbow, severing the boy's optic nerve and blinding him in one eye. This was, of course, a family tragedy. The boy's life would be permanently affected and his desire to play basketball definitely curtailed. His dad, Ed Jarvis, had to decide what to do. He could sue the high school. He could sue the family of the boy who had injured his son. John Hood, president of the John Locke Foundation in Raleigh, North Carolina, writing in Heritage Foundations' magazine, observed that Ed Jarvis could also have gone on talk shows or raised money for kids suffering similar injuries. More than 40,000 serious eye injuries resulted from sporting accidents in 1995.
Ed Jarvis did none of the above. Instead, he invented a face shield to be used by young people playing contact sports. The shield invented by Jarvis, a former food distribution executive, is now the face guard of choice in the National Football League. Tragedies lead some people to feel sorry for themselves. But suffering can also produce character, as it did in the cases of Ryan and Ed Jarvis.
____________
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 145:7-10 (C) -- A soloist in worship rises to ascending levels of praise and awestruck adoration as he declares God's marvelous nature, his grand and noble deeds, and his availability to those who love him. The Psalmist urges that all shall bless his holy name.
Psalm 146 (E) -- The Psalmist, declaring his profound faith in God, implies a disillusionment from his own life, a betrayal by someone of high rank. He declares that men are not to be trusted but God is. He calls upon all people to worship and adore God. The people, moved by his plea, respond: "Hallelujah."
Prayer Of The Day
Eternal God, open our minds, we pray, to the leading of thy Spirit. Help us to withdraw our attention for a time from the pressing problems we face. Help us to trust you for those matters and to be ready in the deepest part of our beings for the arrival of our Lord Christ. Amen.
Lesson 1: Isaiah 35:1-10 (C, E); Isaiah 35:1-6, 10 (RC)
What a remarkably joyous poem we have here. In one sense, of course, its lyrical promise did not happen. This chapter is generally considered to date long after the original Isaiah and therefore applies to a later time in Jewish history. Still, the happy peace predicted here has not, as yet, come to Zion. I write shortly after seven little Israeli girls were murdered by a Jordanian gunman. The tragic strife which continues to bedevil the people of the Middle East is heartbreaking.
But what glorious optimism on the part of a poet-writer who understood far better than we can the likelihood of the people having "everlasting joy upon their heads." This was faith at its most exalted. Elie Weisel told of an old Jew walking beside a little boy as they approached a gas furnace in one of the camps of the holocaust. They both knew they had only moments to live. The old man paused as they drew near to the "showers," put his hand on the little fellow's shoulder, and pointed toward the sky. Then they walked together toward the fulfillment of this promise.
Day by day, of course, we must live in and deal with the world of reality. But here, surely anticipating the promises of the Christ, this man held forth the promise God has given us. If not now, some time. These are days when the preacher must display the highest optimism inherent in the promises of Jesus Christ. Probably not here, upon this earth. But that old Jewish gentleman understood. It will happen. The day of Jesus' birth draws near. This is, of course, a word for everyone. But especially it brings hope to those of age and saddened heart. As one old Presbyterian song from the prairies sang:
A brighter faith and hope impart,
And let me now my savior see;
Oh! soothe and cheer my saddened heart,
And bid my spirit rest in thee.
Lesson 2: James 5:7-10 (C, RC, E)
James, along with many biblical writers, believed there was a strong possibility that Jesus would return in earthly form, soon they hoped. However, James was warning that it might not be soon. Actually, he seems to have wanted to believe in the immediacy of the return, but yet to have suspected it could be a long time. He urged patience on the part of the people, patience such as a farmer must have in waiting for the rain to nurture fresh plantings.
While there's a certain historical interest in learning of these expectations, the passage of more than 1,900 years makes it seem likely that this appearance by Jesus will probably be other than physical. In fact, it's useless to debate that point. Unless and until that were to happen, it is a matter of faith and how one interprets the Bible. James, however, assumed that history had a clear direction, a purpose one day to be fulfilled. Whether that fulfillment is to be earthly as James and others supposed, or spiritual as most Christians assume today, the expectation does reflect the Christian belief in a culmination of history. The purpose of that history, now hidden from us, then will be made clear.
Gospel: Matthew 11:2-11 (C, RC, E)
What a sudden and unexpected twist Jesus gave these words at the end. We know, of course, that John would be executed before he could know that Jesus was the Messiah. Jesus, answering John's disciples' request for confirmation, chose not to make any direct claims for himself. Instead, he pointed out the many healings which had taken place as a result of his ministry. Then to his own audience, he took an almost scolding approach, making it clear to them that John was the real thing, a prophet who had willingly embraced the hard life which almost always went with that designation. As we read, we expect Jesus to commend John as a role model, perhaps to suggest that we might all do well to emulate John, even though it was not likely many could measure up. What a surprise when instead, Jesus reemphasizes his admiration for John, then startles us by stating that even the least person in the kingdom of God is greater than John.
There's the sermon. What did Jesus mean by "the kingdom of heaven"? What did Jesus mean by "least"? What did Jesus mean by "greater than he"?
SERMON SUGGESTIONS
Title: "Tomorrow Is A Lovely Day"
Text: Isaiah 35:10b
Theme: Many, perhaps most, of the people in our congregations are excitedly getting ready for Christmas, with all its celebratory activities. But there are also many heavy hearts out there. Some have lost dear ones this past year. Some have been divorced or have discovered their marriages are in serious trouble. Teenagers struggle with self-esteem problems and relational problems with parents. There are men and women whose jobs are boring or unfulfilling and they're afraid for the future. Elderly people must accept the fact that their time is almost up. It goes on; every pastor knows the litany of human suffering. Advent should not go by without a reassuring word being spoken to these people. "They shall obtain joy," said Isaiah. "Sorrow and sighing shall flee away."
Oh, it's true that Isaiah was referring to his own people of many centuries past. But the word is equally true today, more so, given the fact of Jesus' arrival. We have to do a bit of theological sleight of hand in Advent, because the season celebrates the anticipation of Jesus' birth, while we all know it happened long ago. The day would come when Saint Paul would assure us that "nothing can separate us from the love of God," and Jesus would assure us: "Ask, and it will be given you."
Sermon outline:
1. Is God active in our lives, day by day?
2. Is prayer necessary in this process?
3. If God is active, why is there suffering?
4. Is Jesus necessary to God's activity?
Title: "God Always Asks The Proof Of Pain"
Text: James 5:10
Theme: James was urging patience during a period of trial in the lives of most Christians. In assuring his readers that Jesus was coming, he presumed a physical return but also wanted fellow Christians to know that their suffering would not be in vain. He used the example of the prophets as role models for those early people of the faith. Examples of men and women who endured suffering in good spirit were probably few in numbers.
The Bible never comes to terms with the "why" of suffering, only with the fact of it. We're all left with the necessity of working out our own theology of suffering. Woody Allen suggested that "God is good. He's just an underachiever." The main character in Archibald MacLeish's play J.B. (from which the sermon title used here is taken) said, "If God is God he is not good, if God is good he is not God...." Even Archie Bunker had a go at it when arguing with his son-in-law Meathead, who argued, "If there's a God, why is there so much suffering in the world?" Archie said, "I'll tell you why ... Edith, if there's a God, why is there so much suffering in the world?" There is only awkward silence, so Archie yells, "Edith, will you get in here? I'm having to defend God all by myself."
Paul gives us a bit of understanding he writes: "What we suffer at this present time cannot be compared at all with the glory that is going to be revealed to us" (Romans 8:18). He also says, "Suffering produces endurance and endurance produces character" (Romans 5:3-5). Peter also offered a bit of comfort with this assurance: "If you endure suffering even when you have done right, God will bless you for it" (1 Peter 2:20). Jesus himself, although never explaining his views about suffering, warns that if anyone is coming after him, that person must expect to carry a cross, which is, of course, the promise of self-imposed suffering.
It is the preacher's role to speak to this, but neither with false assurances on the one hand, nor with pessimism on the other. What we do know is this:
1. Suffering is the source of character. I myself have had a number of unpleasant experiences which, at the time, I prayed to be able to avoid. Yet I must acknowledge that I realize in retrospect it was those times when I grew toward maturity.
2. Prayer enables us to triumph over suffering. What this eventually means is that suffering ultimately causes us to develop a close relationship with God.
3. Suffering does end. "This too shall pass," wrote a Psalmist. That was part of James' point: if we are patient, the benefits will eventually be realized.
Title: "True Greatness"
Text: Matthew 11:2-11
Theme: How strange it would appear to someone outside the Christian faith to be told that the very least of us are viewed as greater than one of Christian history's most heroic figures. John the Baptist had the fortitude to live a hard life as an example, then finally to give up his life rather than back down from his beliefs. How can we view ourselves in this way?
1. What did Jesus mean by "the least"? I think we can turn to the beatitudes for help here. "Blessed are the meek," said Jesus. It's interesting to note that the Greek word for "meek" was used to describe tigers which had been captured and tamed for use in circuses and fairs. A friend of mine pointed out that "meek" is a tamed tiger word, not a pussycat word. It refers to someone who, though having strength and courage, uses those qualities for the benefit of others, not selfishly.
2. What did Jesus mean by "The kingdom of heaven"? Trained preachers are aware, of course, that any easy answer to this is not possible. Sometimes Jesus seemed to refer to it as an inward condition, available to each one of us separately. Sometimes he seemed to refer to an existence beyond this world. Still other times he seemed to refer to a state of being superimposed on this world. What we can say here is that there is a community of those who accept Christ as our Lord, who recognize in him the means to an intimate relationship with God. We can say that those who are true members of this community accept the calling to serve others, to live the life of love among the people around us. Those who do this are, at one and the same time, the least of all, yet the greatest of all.
3. What did Jesus mean by "greater than he"? Jesus probably wasn't disparaging John, nor was he actually making comparisons of you or me with that great man. This was a hyperbole, a way of saying that true greatness is ultimately measured by what we give to the world. Jesus was encouraging his listeners to be aware of hurting, needful people, and to understand that part of our mission in life is to address their needs as well as our own.
ADDITIONAL ILLUSTRATIONS
A friend, pastor of one of our city's largest churches, told me of the time he awoke to see his thirteen-year-old son preparing to deliver his Sunday morning paper route. It was a bitterly cold winter day with high winds and deep snow. It was also Sunday, and it would soon be time to arise and put the final touches on his sermon. But my friend said he just couldn't let that little boy face that awful morning alone. So he put on an old pair of galoshes, borrowed a pair of ear muffs, and the two of them set out together. It was a difficult way to begin Sunday morning, but he said he was amused as he walked up the path to one house where an early rising parishioner of his church opened the door with a coffee cup in hand, then stared unbelievingly as the man who was scheduled to deliver the holy word in her church two hours later appeared delivering her morning paper.
I thought: does God love us as much as that dad loved his son? Of course. And the boy was required to carry his share of the work, but Dad made sure it wasn't more than his son could handle. So with God.
____________
Several years ago, I sent my daughter off to Indiana University. Her mother had recently passed away, and the separation was difficult for both of us. I told her that she was now "going out into the world." Her mother and I had taught her good values; now I trusted her to live by them. I told her I would always be available if she needed me, but from now on she would be making her own decisions about her life. Every parent will understand my sadness in seeing her go. Although we visited each other often, she proved to be very independent. Then one day, in her junior year, she called to say she had a problem and needed my help. Despite my anxiety (looking back, it was a minor problem, easily handled), I was happy she had called. I wanted to be part of her life, but I knew I had to respect her freedom. I couldn't intrude until invited. I have since thought that here is one answer to the question "why pray?" God wants to be involved in my life, wants to share it with me. But he won't intrude until I ask. That's why I pray.
____________
In 1994, young Ryan Jarvis was playing basketball in his high school gym when another boy hit him in the eye with an elbow, severing the boy's optic nerve and blinding him in one eye. This was, of course, a family tragedy. The boy's life would be permanently affected and his desire to play basketball definitely curtailed. His dad, Ed Jarvis, had to decide what to do. He could sue the high school. He could sue the family of the boy who had injured his son. John Hood, president of the John Locke Foundation in Raleigh, North Carolina, writing in Heritage Foundations' magazine, observed that Ed Jarvis could also have gone on talk shows or raised money for kids suffering similar injuries. More than 40,000 serious eye injuries resulted from sporting accidents in 1995.
Ed Jarvis did none of the above. Instead, he invented a face shield to be used by young people playing contact sports. The shield invented by Jarvis, a former food distribution executive, is now the face guard of choice in the National Football League. Tragedies lead some people to feel sorry for themselves. But suffering can also produce character, as it did in the cases of Ryan and Ed Jarvis.
____________
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 145:7-10 (C) -- A soloist in worship rises to ascending levels of praise and awestruck adoration as he declares God's marvelous nature, his grand and noble deeds, and his availability to those who love him. The Psalmist urges that all shall bless his holy name.
Psalm 146 (E) -- The Psalmist, declaring his profound faith in God, implies a disillusionment from his own life, a betrayal by someone of high rank. He declares that men are not to be trusted but God is. He calls upon all people to worship and adore God. The people, moved by his plea, respond: "Hallelujah."
Prayer Of The Day
Eternal God, open our minds, we pray, to the leading of thy Spirit. Help us to withdraw our attention for a time from the pressing problems we face. Help us to trust you for those matters and to be ready in the deepest part of our beings for the arrival of our Lord Christ. Amen.
