Third Sunday After The Epiphany
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Series VI, Cycle A
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: Isaiah 9:1-4 (C); Isaiah 8:23--9:3 (RC)
Isaiah obviously had the soul of a poet. "Light" symbolized salvation, "darkness" the lostness of those who had no sense of God's presence. Those days were past now for the people beyond the Jordan. God was revealed now. His light thenceforth would shine upon them: salvation was at hand. That word, spoken by an ancient man to a long ago land, no less addresses itself to us. Each of us has at some time walked in darkness. The light is available, though, and at any time we too can walk in the light. Through Christ, salvation is at hand.
Lesson 1: Amos 3:1-8 (E)
Because they had been chosen by God for a special calling, because they walked with God in special intimacy, God will judge them more harshly than all the rest. And, believed Amos, their wrongdoing will be punished. This is a bit of Old Testament thinking which the New Testament left behind. About the only sermonic value I can find here is an opportunity to dispute the idea that bad things happen to people because they have done something wrong. Or, perhaps bad things do happen to people who do wrong, but it's because the world is arranged that way, not because God singles this or that person or nation out for special punishment.
Lesson 2: 1 Corinthians 1:10-18 (C); 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 17 (RC); 1 Corinthians 1:10-17 (E)
Sound familiar to some of you? I immediately think of a church whose former pastor moved to a nearby church. Dissension soon arose in the man's former church as those who had advocated his leaving were firmly supporting a new pastor, who was having difficulty with those who had grieved over the loss of the other man. And a few, I fear, stood apart, some quite appropriately, but one or two self-righteously reminding everyone that they are there, after all, to worship Christ, not one pastor or another. Garden variety church problem.
Paul showed a bit of common humanity too when he wasn't able to remember just whom he had baptized. I sympathize wholeheartedly, since quite recently a mother introduced me to her grown daughter and asked me, "Didn't you baptize Julia?" I couldn't remember.
In sum, Paul urged the people of the church in Corinth to draw together, to dispense with their dissension, and to try to serve the Christ who taught the way of love.
Gospel: Matthew 4:12-23 (C, RC, E)
Jesus had relocated from Nazareth in order that John the Baptist be correct in his prophecies based on the ninth chapter of Isaiah. Thus began Jesus' ministry. Shortly after, while preaching his call to repentance, he met some men whom his instincts told him were the right ones to share his ministry. First there were the brothers Simon, Peter, and Andrew, fishing in the sea of Galilee. Then he encountered two more fishermen, James and John, who were mending their nets. He called them all with the same promise: "I will make you fishers of men." They followed Jesus. So began the formation of that splendid group of ordinary men who would be Jesus' friends and would serve as encouragement to the rest of us who, like them, have a lot of trouble understanding what is expected of us and make many mistakes in the process.
SERMON SUGGESTIONS
Title: "The Light Of Your Life"
Text: Isaiah 9:1-4
Theme: The preacher must, of course, translate the poetry of such a passage as this into concrete ideas which the busy listener can quickly comprehend. Studies have shown that the moment a speaker uses an unfamiliar word, the listener tends to drop away for at least enough time to puzzle over the meaning of the word. If there was ever a time when "purple passages" worked, that time is not now. Clarity is essential. "Light" and "darkness," strong symbols to the thoughtful reader, must have a concrete counterpart in the world of preaching. Many a preacher, loved perhaps for a fine personality, fails to attract listeners because of a lack of this single characteristic: clarity.
What has Isaiah said? There are people who are discouraged right now. Their lives are in turmoil. Perhaps it's an unsatisfying job. Maybe it's an unhappy marriage, or relational problems with one's children. It could be an addiction, or those old rascals guilt and anxiety. Maybe someone is listening who lacks a sense of direction in his or her life, or who grieves for a loved one gone. What word can a preacher speak that could make a difference?
Prayer can change the situation. Not at once, probably. But praying can work a slow (usually) but sure turning in a new direction. A good example is Paul's experience, as related in Acts 16:6f. Paul twice tried to head east and twice he was thwarted. The brevity of Bible stories leaves so much out, but I'm guessing that Paul was thoroughly frustrated and discouraged. The Bible says a vision came to him while sleeping. He was no doubt terribly restless, couldn't fully sleep. Maybe it was a dream. Anyway, we can assume he was praying for guidance and he received it. He was sent to Macedonia, his third choice. As a result, Christianity is a religion of the western world. I could say I'm a Christian today because Paul was twice thwarted in his efforts. That's how God works. Sometimes God uses our disappointments and failures because he has something grander in mind. It's by turning these problems over to him that new light shines in one's darkness.
Title: "The Church Is For Christians"
Text: 1 Corinthians 1:10-18
Theme: This text could be helpful for any pastor whose congregation is currently divided. It may, as suggested, be about a leadership change. It could be a building program, or a fund-raising project, or a change in programming designed to appeal to younger people. Maybe it's something about the youth program, or a controversial stand by the preacher.
We are, after all, human. No pastor can expect unanimous agreement in matters which are controversial, or about major changes in church policy. And, since this is America, everyone has a right to hold and express opinions. A sensitive leader doesn't use spiritual blackmail to shut off legitimate debate and disagreement. Leading a church would be easy if these things never happened. The sermon is not a place to take sides in such a way as to attempt to squelch some vocal minority. It is, though, a time to go over again the teachings of the New Testament about disagreement in the church. Even the most loving, genuinely dedicated pastor must understand that sometimes there will be those who leave the church because of such disagreements. If everything has been done to heal the hurt, and if the pastor and leadership involved have done all they can, then perhaps it's best if those who cannot agree with the church's decision go elsewhere.
1. We are to listen to each other. Sometimes misinformation is the culprit. Sometimes there are hidden agendas, perhaps an unsettled disagreement out of the past. If any of such causes are at hand, they should be dealt with in love.
2. It's healthy to look within, to see our own biases. At least one man who opposed Habitat For Humanity in his church prayed about his attitude and finally recognized some childhood jealousies which were affecting his thinking. He was honest enough to admit this and change his position. It is good to ask people with strong feelings to pray about an issue. Everyone should examine his or her motives.
3. The majority usually rules. However, everyone directly involved must have an opportunity to be heard and respected. Jesus taught the way of love, and the pastor can point out that love doesn't always get its way, but it's always the right thing to do. Ultimately, we must understand two things: each must stand for what he or she believes, and some will not get their way. The church must move on, and since Jesus taught the way of forgiveness, a mutual process of forgiveness can heal most hurts.
Title: "The Great Adventure"
Text: Matthew 4:12-23
Theme: This is another instance in which we could wish for more details. Granted, Jesus was a profoundly impressive man. Still, it's hard to believe these hardworking men would just walk away from their responsibilities so easily. Poor old Zebedee, watching his two children leave, just like that? One has to think there were earlier encounters, long conversations in which Jesus shared his sense of mission, in which he has painted a picture of a grand adventure, excitement of the sort red-blooded young people respond to. Surely, these two sets of brothers have had their own long conversations about the pros and cons of such a decision. Responsible people do that and, though these fellows didn't always appear too bright, they were certainly decent, responsible people.
Clearly, Jesus felt the need to have friends about him as he traveled. This may have revealed a bit of gregariousness in his personality. It also means that Jesus needed people to help spread the word, his reference to Isaiah's promise that those who lived in darkness will henceforth be able to walk in the light. The means by which this is to come about is through repentance, a subject we have already discussed at some length.
1. We are called to accompany Jesus. This need not be impulsive, depending on our needs and our personalities. As I suspect Peter and his friends did, we are to absorb the faith into our own lives. But eventually, we are called to make the decision to follow him.
2. First and foremost, this requires that we ourselves live out the faith, and that must begin with repentance -- with a reorganization of our own lives, a new direction. It must include a commitment to a particular way of life, fidelity to a special set of values.
3. The life of a follower of Jesus may turn out to be rather exciting and, at times, fun. People who conceive Jesus as a sober-sides have missed something. My guess is that many a good-hearted laugh was heard around the campfire or, on occasion, the dinner table when Jesus was present. We pastors know that when a group of ministers get together, we will soon hear all the latest jokes.
4. We are, in this call, responsible to reveal the light (the new life) that comes from God. Witnessing. How we do that will vary with personality and opportunity. But our lives are to be such that people who discover that we are Christians will not be disappointed in what they see.
ADDITIONAL ILLUSTRATIONS
Max Lucado in When God Whispers Your Name includes a chapter titled "Why Jesus Went To Parties." In it he observes: "Where did we get the notion that a good Christian is a solemn Christian?" (Explaining why Jesus went to the wedding at Cana): "Fun. Jesus went to the wedding because he liked the people, he liked the food, and, heaven forbid, he may have even wanted to swirl the bride around the dance floor a time or two. (After all, he's planning a big wedding himself. Maybe he wanted the practice?)
"So, forgive me, Deacon Drydust and Sister Somberheart. I'm sorry to rain on your dirge, but Jesus was a likable fellow. And his disciples should be the same ... I am simply crusading for the freedom to enjoy a good joke, enliven a dull party, and appreciate a fun evening."
____________
Shakespeare wrote, "Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow creeps in this petty pace from day to day, to the last syllable of recorded time; and all our yesterdays have lighted fools the way to dusty death." What a depressing view of life that would be, yet that's how many people live. Boredom. Tyrannized by bitter memories. Dreading the arrival of another day. Maybe it's a divorce, or a failure, or an injury. Whatever weighs heavily upon us, Jesus bids us throw it off, follow him. He promised joy, a joy that will be fulfilled in all who follow him.
____________
There's a silly story about a man walking through an airport. He's carrying two heavy suitcases. Wearily, he sets them down and looks at his watch. It's a wonderful watch, filled with dials and levers. Another man walks by and sees the watch, asks where it came from. The man explained that he'd had it made. It's also a telephone, a computer, a thermometer. Not only that, it tells where you are in any city you visit. So, the other man asks to buy the watch. "It's not for sale," the owner said. But the other fellow persevered, and finally said, "I'll give you $2,000 for that watch." The man considered this, and finally said, "Okay, you can have it." The pleased purchaser paid the money, put the watch on his wrist, and started to leave. "Wait," said the former owner, pointing to his two heavy suitcases. "Don't you want the batteries?"
That's how many people live. They carry unnecessary baggage in the form of bitter memories, grudges, disappointments never accepted. Jesus shows us how to set those things down.
____________
A well-known therapist/author told of receiving a call from a middle-aged man asking him to counsel his daughter. The man said he would pay the therapist's charges when the counseling was completed. Accordingly, the girl came for several sessions. The counseling was successful and she began to be a happy person. However, though the bill was duly sent to the father, it wasn't paid as agreed. After a couple months, the therapist said his secretary asked if she should turn the bill over to a collection agency. "No," he said, "I'll call the man." But as he thought about it, he decided his anger was not worth the money. He called the man and told him not to worry, the bill was forgiven. He said when he hung up the phone he had a wonderful feeling of moral cleanliness. His anger was gone. He had done what he believed to be right and that was freeing. (Actually, he said the check came two days later. But that was incidental.) Christians sometimes do things like that.
_____________
I think one of the great heroes of the New Testament was a fellow named Ananias. Remember him? His brief story is in the ninth chapter of the book of Acts. Paul, still known as Saul, having sworn a vow of murder against the Christians, had then encountered Christ in a conversion experience. Saul had then gone to a home on Straight Street to recover and sort things out. Then God called this man Ananias to go pay Saul a visit. But Ananias knew all about Saul. Can't you imagine what he was feeling? Go pay a visit to a man famous for dragging Christians off to jail? I don't think so. That's what I would have said. What kind of dream was that, anyway? I probably just ate too much last night. Maybe it was the pickles.
I picture Ananias standing across from the house where Saul was staying. What in the world am I doing here? he must have thought. This is not how I had planned my day. But Ananias went, and thereby he played a part in the conversion of Saul and ultimately in the spread of the Christian faith. Sometimes Christians are called to do things like that. If it's God's will, it probably will work out.
____________
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 27:1, 4-9 (C) --ÊBeholding God's beauty in the morning.
Psalm 139:1-17 (C)
Prayer Of The Day
Thank you, God, for the rich blessings which have come our way -- for love, for integrity, for joy, and most of all, for the gift of answered prayer. Amen.
Lesson 1: Isaiah 9:1-4 (C); Isaiah 8:23--9:3 (RC)
Isaiah obviously had the soul of a poet. "Light" symbolized salvation, "darkness" the lostness of those who had no sense of God's presence. Those days were past now for the people beyond the Jordan. God was revealed now. His light thenceforth would shine upon them: salvation was at hand. That word, spoken by an ancient man to a long ago land, no less addresses itself to us. Each of us has at some time walked in darkness. The light is available, though, and at any time we too can walk in the light. Through Christ, salvation is at hand.
Lesson 1: Amos 3:1-8 (E)
Because they had been chosen by God for a special calling, because they walked with God in special intimacy, God will judge them more harshly than all the rest. And, believed Amos, their wrongdoing will be punished. This is a bit of Old Testament thinking which the New Testament left behind. About the only sermonic value I can find here is an opportunity to dispute the idea that bad things happen to people because they have done something wrong. Or, perhaps bad things do happen to people who do wrong, but it's because the world is arranged that way, not because God singles this or that person or nation out for special punishment.
Lesson 2: 1 Corinthians 1:10-18 (C); 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 17 (RC); 1 Corinthians 1:10-17 (E)
Sound familiar to some of you? I immediately think of a church whose former pastor moved to a nearby church. Dissension soon arose in the man's former church as those who had advocated his leaving were firmly supporting a new pastor, who was having difficulty with those who had grieved over the loss of the other man. And a few, I fear, stood apart, some quite appropriately, but one or two self-righteously reminding everyone that they are there, after all, to worship Christ, not one pastor or another. Garden variety church problem.
Paul showed a bit of common humanity too when he wasn't able to remember just whom he had baptized. I sympathize wholeheartedly, since quite recently a mother introduced me to her grown daughter and asked me, "Didn't you baptize Julia?" I couldn't remember.
In sum, Paul urged the people of the church in Corinth to draw together, to dispense with their dissension, and to try to serve the Christ who taught the way of love.
Gospel: Matthew 4:12-23 (C, RC, E)
Jesus had relocated from Nazareth in order that John the Baptist be correct in his prophecies based on the ninth chapter of Isaiah. Thus began Jesus' ministry. Shortly after, while preaching his call to repentance, he met some men whom his instincts told him were the right ones to share his ministry. First there were the brothers Simon, Peter, and Andrew, fishing in the sea of Galilee. Then he encountered two more fishermen, James and John, who were mending their nets. He called them all with the same promise: "I will make you fishers of men." They followed Jesus. So began the formation of that splendid group of ordinary men who would be Jesus' friends and would serve as encouragement to the rest of us who, like them, have a lot of trouble understanding what is expected of us and make many mistakes in the process.
SERMON SUGGESTIONS
Title: "The Light Of Your Life"
Text: Isaiah 9:1-4
Theme: The preacher must, of course, translate the poetry of such a passage as this into concrete ideas which the busy listener can quickly comprehend. Studies have shown that the moment a speaker uses an unfamiliar word, the listener tends to drop away for at least enough time to puzzle over the meaning of the word. If there was ever a time when "purple passages" worked, that time is not now. Clarity is essential. "Light" and "darkness," strong symbols to the thoughtful reader, must have a concrete counterpart in the world of preaching. Many a preacher, loved perhaps for a fine personality, fails to attract listeners because of a lack of this single characteristic: clarity.
What has Isaiah said? There are people who are discouraged right now. Their lives are in turmoil. Perhaps it's an unsatisfying job. Maybe it's an unhappy marriage, or relational problems with one's children. It could be an addiction, or those old rascals guilt and anxiety. Maybe someone is listening who lacks a sense of direction in his or her life, or who grieves for a loved one gone. What word can a preacher speak that could make a difference?
Prayer can change the situation. Not at once, probably. But praying can work a slow (usually) but sure turning in a new direction. A good example is Paul's experience, as related in Acts 16:6f. Paul twice tried to head east and twice he was thwarted. The brevity of Bible stories leaves so much out, but I'm guessing that Paul was thoroughly frustrated and discouraged. The Bible says a vision came to him while sleeping. He was no doubt terribly restless, couldn't fully sleep. Maybe it was a dream. Anyway, we can assume he was praying for guidance and he received it. He was sent to Macedonia, his third choice. As a result, Christianity is a religion of the western world. I could say I'm a Christian today because Paul was twice thwarted in his efforts. That's how God works. Sometimes God uses our disappointments and failures because he has something grander in mind. It's by turning these problems over to him that new light shines in one's darkness.
Title: "The Church Is For Christians"
Text: 1 Corinthians 1:10-18
Theme: This text could be helpful for any pastor whose congregation is currently divided. It may, as suggested, be about a leadership change. It could be a building program, or a fund-raising project, or a change in programming designed to appeal to younger people. Maybe it's something about the youth program, or a controversial stand by the preacher.
We are, after all, human. No pastor can expect unanimous agreement in matters which are controversial, or about major changes in church policy. And, since this is America, everyone has a right to hold and express opinions. A sensitive leader doesn't use spiritual blackmail to shut off legitimate debate and disagreement. Leading a church would be easy if these things never happened. The sermon is not a place to take sides in such a way as to attempt to squelch some vocal minority. It is, though, a time to go over again the teachings of the New Testament about disagreement in the church. Even the most loving, genuinely dedicated pastor must understand that sometimes there will be those who leave the church because of such disagreements. If everything has been done to heal the hurt, and if the pastor and leadership involved have done all they can, then perhaps it's best if those who cannot agree with the church's decision go elsewhere.
1. We are to listen to each other. Sometimes misinformation is the culprit. Sometimes there are hidden agendas, perhaps an unsettled disagreement out of the past. If any of such causes are at hand, they should be dealt with in love.
2. It's healthy to look within, to see our own biases. At least one man who opposed Habitat For Humanity in his church prayed about his attitude and finally recognized some childhood jealousies which were affecting his thinking. He was honest enough to admit this and change his position. It is good to ask people with strong feelings to pray about an issue. Everyone should examine his or her motives.
3. The majority usually rules. However, everyone directly involved must have an opportunity to be heard and respected. Jesus taught the way of love, and the pastor can point out that love doesn't always get its way, but it's always the right thing to do. Ultimately, we must understand two things: each must stand for what he or she believes, and some will not get their way. The church must move on, and since Jesus taught the way of forgiveness, a mutual process of forgiveness can heal most hurts.
Title: "The Great Adventure"
Text: Matthew 4:12-23
Theme: This is another instance in which we could wish for more details. Granted, Jesus was a profoundly impressive man. Still, it's hard to believe these hardworking men would just walk away from their responsibilities so easily. Poor old Zebedee, watching his two children leave, just like that? One has to think there were earlier encounters, long conversations in which Jesus shared his sense of mission, in which he has painted a picture of a grand adventure, excitement of the sort red-blooded young people respond to. Surely, these two sets of brothers have had their own long conversations about the pros and cons of such a decision. Responsible people do that and, though these fellows didn't always appear too bright, they were certainly decent, responsible people.
Clearly, Jesus felt the need to have friends about him as he traveled. This may have revealed a bit of gregariousness in his personality. It also means that Jesus needed people to help spread the word, his reference to Isaiah's promise that those who lived in darkness will henceforth be able to walk in the light. The means by which this is to come about is through repentance, a subject we have already discussed at some length.
1. We are called to accompany Jesus. This need not be impulsive, depending on our needs and our personalities. As I suspect Peter and his friends did, we are to absorb the faith into our own lives. But eventually, we are called to make the decision to follow him.
2. First and foremost, this requires that we ourselves live out the faith, and that must begin with repentance -- with a reorganization of our own lives, a new direction. It must include a commitment to a particular way of life, fidelity to a special set of values.
3. The life of a follower of Jesus may turn out to be rather exciting and, at times, fun. People who conceive Jesus as a sober-sides have missed something. My guess is that many a good-hearted laugh was heard around the campfire or, on occasion, the dinner table when Jesus was present. We pastors know that when a group of ministers get together, we will soon hear all the latest jokes.
4. We are, in this call, responsible to reveal the light (the new life) that comes from God. Witnessing. How we do that will vary with personality and opportunity. But our lives are to be such that people who discover that we are Christians will not be disappointed in what they see.
ADDITIONAL ILLUSTRATIONS
Max Lucado in When God Whispers Your Name includes a chapter titled "Why Jesus Went To Parties." In it he observes: "Where did we get the notion that a good Christian is a solemn Christian?" (Explaining why Jesus went to the wedding at Cana): "Fun. Jesus went to the wedding because he liked the people, he liked the food, and, heaven forbid, he may have even wanted to swirl the bride around the dance floor a time or two. (After all, he's planning a big wedding himself. Maybe he wanted the practice?)
"So, forgive me, Deacon Drydust and Sister Somberheart. I'm sorry to rain on your dirge, but Jesus was a likable fellow. And his disciples should be the same ... I am simply crusading for the freedom to enjoy a good joke, enliven a dull party, and appreciate a fun evening."
____________
Shakespeare wrote, "Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow creeps in this petty pace from day to day, to the last syllable of recorded time; and all our yesterdays have lighted fools the way to dusty death." What a depressing view of life that would be, yet that's how many people live. Boredom. Tyrannized by bitter memories. Dreading the arrival of another day. Maybe it's a divorce, or a failure, or an injury. Whatever weighs heavily upon us, Jesus bids us throw it off, follow him. He promised joy, a joy that will be fulfilled in all who follow him.
____________
There's a silly story about a man walking through an airport. He's carrying two heavy suitcases. Wearily, he sets them down and looks at his watch. It's a wonderful watch, filled with dials and levers. Another man walks by and sees the watch, asks where it came from. The man explained that he'd had it made. It's also a telephone, a computer, a thermometer. Not only that, it tells where you are in any city you visit. So, the other man asks to buy the watch. "It's not for sale," the owner said. But the other fellow persevered, and finally said, "I'll give you $2,000 for that watch." The man considered this, and finally said, "Okay, you can have it." The pleased purchaser paid the money, put the watch on his wrist, and started to leave. "Wait," said the former owner, pointing to his two heavy suitcases. "Don't you want the batteries?"
That's how many people live. They carry unnecessary baggage in the form of bitter memories, grudges, disappointments never accepted. Jesus shows us how to set those things down.
____________
A well-known therapist/author told of receiving a call from a middle-aged man asking him to counsel his daughter. The man said he would pay the therapist's charges when the counseling was completed. Accordingly, the girl came for several sessions. The counseling was successful and she began to be a happy person. However, though the bill was duly sent to the father, it wasn't paid as agreed. After a couple months, the therapist said his secretary asked if she should turn the bill over to a collection agency. "No," he said, "I'll call the man." But as he thought about it, he decided his anger was not worth the money. He called the man and told him not to worry, the bill was forgiven. He said when he hung up the phone he had a wonderful feeling of moral cleanliness. His anger was gone. He had done what he believed to be right and that was freeing. (Actually, he said the check came two days later. But that was incidental.) Christians sometimes do things like that.
_____________
I think one of the great heroes of the New Testament was a fellow named Ananias. Remember him? His brief story is in the ninth chapter of the book of Acts. Paul, still known as Saul, having sworn a vow of murder against the Christians, had then encountered Christ in a conversion experience. Saul had then gone to a home on Straight Street to recover and sort things out. Then God called this man Ananias to go pay Saul a visit. But Ananias knew all about Saul. Can't you imagine what he was feeling? Go pay a visit to a man famous for dragging Christians off to jail? I don't think so. That's what I would have said. What kind of dream was that, anyway? I probably just ate too much last night. Maybe it was the pickles.
I picture Ananias standing across from the house where Saul was staying. What in the world am I doing here? he must have thought. This is not how I had planned my day. But Ananias went, and thereby he played a part in the conversion of Saul and ultimately in the spread of the Christian faith. Sometimes Christians are called to do things like that. If it's God's will, it probably will work out.
____________
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 27:1, 4-9 (C) --ÊBeholding God's beauty in the morning.
Psalm 139:1-17 (C)
Prayer Of The Day
Thank you, God, for the rich blessings which have come our way -- for love, for integrity, for joy, and most of all, for the gift of answered prayer. Amen.
