Have Courage and Be Kind

This message was first delivered at Court Street United Methodist Church in Lynchburg, Virginia on August 23, 2019. It is based on the lectionary texts of Luke 13:10-17.

Have Courage and Be Kind
Luke 13:10-17 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

Now he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath. And just then there appeared a woman with a spirit that had crippled her for eighteen years. She was bent over and was quite unable to stand up straight. When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said, “Woman, you are set free from your ailment.” When he laid his hands on her, immediately she stood up straight and began praising God. But the leader of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had cured on the sabbath, kept saying to the crowd, “There are six days on which work ought to be done; come on those days and be cured, and not on the sabbath day.” But the Lord answered him and said, “You hypocrites! Does not each of you on the sabbath untie his ox or his donkey from the manger, and lead it away to give it water? And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham whom Satan bound for eighteen long years, be set free from this bondage on the sabbath day?” When he said this, all his opponents were put to shame; and the entire crowd was rejoicing at all the wonderful things that he was doing.

That is quite the scene isn't it? Really no way to start this message with a funny story – because Jesus cuts right to the point, I've got to start there myself. Because he isn't just talking to one guy – he's addressing an attitude that we need to be cautious of ourselves. That's the attitude of being God's enforcers. Which clearly is out of our lane. How many times does the Bible have to tell humanity that judgment isn't our job for us to get it?

We need to be like the crowd of followers that were rejoicing at all the wonderful things that Jesus was doing – not judging the WAY he was doing it. Because the leader of the synagogue wasn't offended that Jesus healed the woman – he wanted to point out that what Jesus did was illegal. He wanted to point out that Jesus was a rule breaker. That he was a rabble rouser. A trouble maker. Hmmm...think somebody is feeling threatened by the new concept of people having a direct relationship to God?

Jesus is here to bring a new way of connecting to the creator and the guys in charge of the current system are not happy. Their existence relied upon the old way of reconciliation through acts of burnt sacrifice and offerings to the temple – there was a whole economic system of selling the animals for sacrifice...these were prestigious and very political positions. And now this “Messiah” is telling the people that God loves them? The establishment is already starting to unravel. And we know what happens soon – they whip up a frenzy against Jesus only days after the crowd cheered at his arrival.

Jesus knew exactly what the synagogue leader was getting at. In verse 14 Luke characterizes the leader as “indignant” or “angry” - the Common English Bible translation says the leader was “incensed that Jesus had healed on the Sabbath.” And the guy loudly protests to the crowd about it. “There are six days during which work is permitted. Come and be healed on those days, not on the Sabbath day.” Whoa. Who is he mad at? He's mad at Jesus but yelling at the people! He's ticked at the crowd for following!

Now we are getting to one of the real issues with the leadership of that time. They are going crazy with worry because this Jesus-guy's teachings are creating a tremendous buzz with huge groups and he isn't telling people about staying in line with The Law. He's telling people that God loves them and that the meek will inherit the earth and stuff.

And this isn't the first time Jesus has been healing on the Sabbath. In Luke 4 he cast a demon out of a man in the synagogue at Capernaum. In Luke 6 he heals a man with a withered hand right after he's been called out for picking grain and eating it on the sabbath. Great crowds are following Jesus and he is healing and teaching.

And the leadership of the day is furious – they are already talking about “what to do to Jesus.” Think about how they felt when Jesus started talking like this: Luke 6:21-23 gives hope to the ones on the bottom - Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven; for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets.

These are words of comfort to the people who are poor, hungry, weeping, hated, excluded...hope for blessings to come!

But to Jesus' enemies – this is salt in a wound. Who is he to promise the kingdom of God to them? And then verses 24-26 leaves no room for doubt about what Jesus sees in THEIR future: But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. Woe to you who are full now, for you will be hungry. Woe to you who are laughing now, for you will mourn and weep. Woe to you when all speak well of you, for that is what their ancestors did to the false prophets. Jesus pulls no punches – if you've made it to the top by stepping on those you believe are beneath you – look out.

In today's Gospel lesson we heard Jesus express that doing the right thing is never at a wrong time. Do justice and mercy always. This woman did not need to wait for the right time to be healed – healing was at hand and couldn't be held back. Jesus isn't patient when he is challenged about it. He points out their hypocrisy – they aren't applying the rules evenly!

The commandment that is at the core of the objection is “remember the sabbath and keep it holy.” It is a direction to set aside the day for honoring God, resting from the usual routine, to worship. A day set apart.

When I was growing up – I loved reading the Little House on the Prairie books. Also watched the TV show, but it wasn't quite the same. In several of the books there were stories of quiet (and sort of boring) Sundays with Laura and her sisters not allowed to run and play like on other days. Instead there would be quiet reading and sewing. No cards, no laundry...sigh.

But the one thing that young Laura Ingalls and I noticed was that Pa still had to feed the horses or ox. Ma didn't do a lot of cooking on Sundays but they still had food. Life still had to go on. Animals still need care – and so did humans. That wasn't really considered “work” - in Pa and Ma Ingalls' opinion, anyway.

Jesus points out the exact same thing to the leader of the synagogue - You hypocrites! Does not each of you on the sabbath untie his ox or his donkey from the manger, and lead it away to give it water? And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham whom Satan bound for eighteen long years, be set free from this bondage on the sabbath day?

He needs them to define their terms better – if taking care of your ox or donkey isn't work...then surely you can't consider what I just did to be work! All I did was call her over, speak a few words, lay my hands on her. Didn't even break a sweat. So if you are going to call an act of healing mercy work – then you've got a fight on your hands. Because this isn't work...this is just a part of who I am. And you're not going to stop me.

Okay – I added that part. But I think it is implied. Jesus keeps on running up against the rich and powerful and he doesn't back down. He tells them to get their house in order – to readjust their priorities...and they don't seem to be getting on board with this concept of caring for the least and unloved.

How about us? I know I've always aligned myself more with the poor and hungry in the beatitudes – but I need to check myself on the attitude part lest I get too cocky on the inheriting the kingdom thing.

Am I aligned fully with the heart of God? Do I look for the best in people? Do I see the shape of God in the guy who should learn how to drive or the lady who just threw that can in the river? Am I willing to reach out to the least and the lost? Or just when there isn't any real risk to me? And how about this whole idea of loving my enemies??

A favorite author once paraphrased Jesus' words in Luke 6:32 – if you love those who love you...big whooo. The NRSV states is more formally, If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. But I like Father Greg's better – if you love those who love you...big whooo. We've got to face the bigger picture – what we've been called to be in the world. We're supposed to let the love of God flow through us onto everyone we encounter.

Let me share the whole love message from Luke 6:27-36 from Eugene Peterson's The Message: To you who are ready for the truth, I say this: Love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer for that person. If someone slaps you in the face, stand there and take it. If someone grabs your shirt, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it.

If someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously.

Here is a simple rule of thumb for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you; then grab the initiative and do it for them! If you only love the lovable, do you expect a pat on the back? Run-of-the-mill sinners do that. If you only help those who help you, do you expect a medal? Garden- variety sinners do that. If you only give for what you hope to get out of it, do you think that’s charity? The stingiest of pawnbrokers does that.

I tell you, love your enemies. Help and give without expecting a return. You’ll never—I promise—regret it. Live out this God-created identity the way our Father lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when we’re at our worst. Our Father is kind; you be kind.

I like the way Peterson's paraphrase cuts right to the heart of the matter. Jesus is giving us the step-by-step instructions on what to do. When people say “I just don't know what the Lord wants me to do...” - well maybe they should look at some of these verses to help them decide. Help and give without expecting a return. Love the way the Father loves. Be kind.

One of my favorite movies in recent years was the 2015 version of Cinderella with Cate Blanchett as the evil stepmother and Helena Bonham Carter as the super strange fairy godmother. But one of the recurring lines was what Cinderella's mother told her before she died: Have courage and be kind. That's pretty wonderful advice. It not only got the fictional Cinderella through years of neglect and abuse – it can get us through the storms of life. Because what more can we do than to have courage – trusting in our anchor to hold fast until the storm is past...and to be kind.

Jesus even gave us what NOT to do – literally right after he told us what TO do (love your enemies...if you've forgotten) then he told us what NOT to do – Luke 6:37 tells us Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. A couple verses later he tells us why Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit? The number one reason to not judge is that we are NOT good at it! How should I be able to tell you what is on God's mind? Am I God? (clearly, that answer is no) We are so often so sure that we know the “truth” - the right way is obviously the way that I'm headed, right? Maybe...maybe not...

A few years ago, 1996, when the Olympic Games were held in Atlanta, GA – an American police officer named Richard Jewell became known in connection with the Centennial Olympic Park bombing. Discovering a backpack filled with three pipe bombs on the park grounds, Jewell alerted police and helped to evacuate the area before the bomb exploded, saving many people from injury or death. Initially hailed by the media as a hero, Jewell was later considered a suspect. Despite never being charged, he underwent a "trial by media" with great toll on his personal and professional life. Eventually he was completely exonerated and Eric Robert Rudolph was later found to have been the bomber. In 2006 (after ten years!?), Governor Sonny Perdue publicly thanked Jewell on behalf of the state of Georgia for saving the lives of those at the Olympics.

We are human. We are quick to judge. We often discover that our initial judgment is completely wrong. We see the surface appearance of a person or a situation. We think we have all of the facts. Or at least enough of the facts.

The second (and probably more important) reason not to judge is that it isn't our job. Luke 6:40 and 41: A disciple is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully qualified will be like the teacher. Why do you see the speck in your neighbor’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye?

Jesus is telling us to stay in our lane – we are just the blind leading the blind much of the time. We need to check the log in our own eye and not spend all our time pointing out dust in other eyes.

The leader of the synagogue in today's Gospel lesson was part of an establishment that was really sure they knew what God wanted. And that was for people to stay in line and …. wait, that is really what THEY wanted.

Perhaps they had lost touch with what God wanted (or maybe they didn't think about that). So Jesus reminded them what is really important – and it isn't about what day of the week healing takes place. It's the healing.

Jesus just saw a woman who was hurting. She had been crippled by some condition – for EIGHTEEN years she could not straighten up. That is a very long period of time. From birth to graduation from high school. In 18 years from now I'll be old enough to retire. That feels like a very long time. As you are reading it in your Bible or hearing me read it – it is just a number. But think back to what was going on in your life 18 years ago. This country had not yet experienced the tragedy of 9/11. Does 18 years have more meaning now? Now imagine being unable to straighten your body that long.

Jesus said that enough was enough – this daughter of Abraham did not need to wait for one more day to be healed. It was about her feeling the powerful love of God coursing through her body and that spirit that was keeping her bent released and she praised God. And the people joined in.

We have a choice. Do we join in with the grumblers or the rejoicers? Are we called to be conduits of God's love or what?

And we do that by having compassion. And it isn't always easy – because we don't have the expansive heart that God has. But we are encouraged to at least try! Jesus could heal conditions with the touch of his hand – we work to heal conditions of brokenness in the world around us. Fractured relationships, people on difficult paths, souls tortured by all kinds of abuse – physical, emotional...we are called to reach out to those who are imprisoned, orphaned, lost and lonely. The ones who consider themselves “other.”

Sometimes it is enough to simply acknowledge how wide the gulf is that we all hope to bridge. To love those who are outside of our circles – to embrace the stranger. To reach out to the neighbor. To say a prayer for an unknown person when you hear a siren. To step in when you see someone struggling. To say, I care.

We seek to be in the world who God is. With a compassion that can stand in awe at what the poor have to carry, without standing in judgment of how they carry it. We do it with God's help.

Jesus helps set our priorities straight. The healing is more important than the when or how. The priority is to seek out those who are suffering and bring them release. And if that rubs some people the wrong way – then you are in pretty good company.

Let's all be troublemakers like Jesus. To seek justice and do mercy.

In the words of John Wesley - Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.

Amen. 

Finding and Adoring

This message was first delivered at Cove United Methodist Church in Coleman Falls, Virginia on January 6, 2019. It is based on the lectionary texts of Matthew 2:1-12.

Matthew 2:1-12 (NRSV)

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: “And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.”

Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.” When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

As I was reading and studying the story of the wise men this week I discovered an interesting perspective on the subject by Father Jim Haney of Lubbock, Texas. We've probably all heard this joke or seen it in an email: Do you know what would have happened if it had been Three Wise Women instead of Three Wise Men?

1. They would have asked for directions.

2. They would have arrived on time.

3. They would have helped deliver the baby.

4. They would have cleaned the stable.

5. They would have made a casserole.

6. They would have brought practical gifts.

It's cute and makes us laugh. But Father Jim went on to debunk the statements. And helped me have a deeper understanding of who the Wisemen are and why they were in Bethlehem. I'll share a few of his thoughts with you. #1- They would have asked for directions. This one is actually a myth anyway. The people on the TV show Mythbusters tested this one, and found not only did the same numbers of their male and female test subjects ask for directions, the men did it 20% sooner. So men not asking for directions is nothing but an urban legend, except for my Dad and brother.

But the very first thing they do is ask for directions. It's right there at the beginning of our Gospel reading, “In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, 'Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews?”

There has been a tremendous amount of research on who these Wisemen were and what the star might have been. The intelligent people who have done that research conclude that the Wisemen or Magoi in Greek, were Zoroastrian astrologers, probably from Persia, modern day Iran. As to the star, since stars and planets placement and movements in the sky follow established patterns...it is possible (even easy for people who study astrophysics) for us to know what the heavens looked like at the time of Jesus' birth. Astronomer Michael Molnar points out that "in the east" is a literal translation of the Greek phrase that was a technical term used in Greek mathematical astrology 2,000 years ago. It described, very specifically, a planet that would rise above the eastern horizon just before the Sun would appear. Then, just moments after the planet rises, it disappears in the bright glare of the Sun in the morning sky. Except for a brief moment, no one can see this "star in the east."

We need a little bit of astronomy background here. In a human lifetime, virtually all the stars remain fixed in their places; the stars rise and set every night, but they do not move relative to each other. The stars in the Big Dipper appear year after year always in the same place. But the planets, the Sun, and the Moon wander through the fixed stars; in fact, the word planet comes from the Greek word for wandering star. It's interesting that around the time of Jesus' birth there were times during an 8 month period that Jupiter and Saturn converged in the constellation Pisces, with Mars also involved at times.

To us that means some planets happened to line up in a certain part of the western sky. To ancient astrologers, that arrangement of planets and stars could be interpreted as a sign that a new king was born in the region of Roman Palestine. Our modern day astronomer Molnar believes that the wise men were, in fact, very wise and mathematically-adept astrologers. They knew about the Old Testament prophecy that a new king would be born of the family of David. Most likely, they had been watching the heavens for years, waiting for alignments that would foretell the birth of this king. When they identified a powerful set of astrological portents, they decided the time was right to set out to find the prophesied leader. In Jesus' time, the only king in that region happened to be Herod the Great in Jerusalem. So it was perfectly natural for Iranian Magi to show up in Herod's palace asking for directions to where the new baby was. Then even Herod asks for directions from his priest and scribes, who find the answer in the Prophet Micah: The Messiah is to be born in Bethlehem. So they did ask for directions.

The joke goes on to say that the wise women would have arrived on time. I'm not sure that men arrive late and women on time, but that's another question. The larger question here is, what time were the Wisemen supposed to arrive? It's a long trip when you walk from Iran to Israel. And it's long even if you're riding on a camel. It would have taken a while. In fact, in verse 7 Herod asks the Wisemen when they first saw the star. And they tell him. And Herod later gives his soldiers orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem, 2 years old and under. Sounds like quite a bit of time has passed. Even if the Magi left at the instant of Jesus' birth, even if they hopped on the camels that moment, it would have taken months to travel. So they probably arrived as quickly as they could. That means then next part of the joke is a moot point: 3. They would have helped deliver the baby. Unless the Wisemen had a jet fueled and standing by, there's no way they could have arrived in time to help deliver the baby. And I'm not sure I'd want several Persian Astrologers in the birth room anyway, thank you very much.

Wise women versus Wise men part 4: They would have cleaned the stable. Actually, Matthew never mentions a stable. For that matter Luke doesn't mention a stable either. Luke says Jesus was put in the feed trough, but there's no mention of a stable. It could have been a manger, a feed trough in a freestanding stable like we picture it. Could have been in a cave stable. Could actually have been in the downstairs room of a house where animals were often kept. And it could be in an open courtyard. And we also need to remember, Luke is telling us about the events the night Jesus was born.

In Matthew's version, he uses the word "house" in verse 11. If there had been months or even more than a year's delay between Jesus' birth and the coming of the Magi, there'd be no reason for Mary and Joseph to stay in the temporary emergency shelter they had the night Jesus was born. I know there was no room in the inn that night, but even Magi on jet propelled camels would not have arrived with the shepherds. It's easier for our nativity scenes to have everybody there at once. It just isn't at all accurate.

On Thursday night I helped my sisters Denise and Susan as they began the work of taking down Christmas decorations at Centenary. One of our members who downsized this year donated a lovely but large nativity scene that has been on our altar table since the beginning of Advent. Nobody knows where the packing materials are...so we decided to rearrange the figures so it could remain there for today's Epiphany service. There was hearty debate on who would still be hanging around when the wise men arrived. But nobody wanted to eliminate a figure so today's creche has shepherds skulking around outside the circle of wise men who have moved up closer to the baby Jesus. Susan wanted to find a toddler Jesus and send the shepherds back to work!

We are challenged by the collision of scripture and carols throughout the Christmas season. Even in our hymns today we have angels, shepherds, sages, saints and hunters crowding into the scene with the newborn having to deal with all that chaos. But when we look to scripture, we find that these are several different encounters between the newly arrived Messiah, humankind and heavenly beings. The angels proclaiming, the shepherds – common working people arriving to see the miracle they heard about from the angel chorus. And then the sages...magi...not kings, but not common men...they come to see the fulfillment of prophecy long awaited and watched for. They didn't bump into the shepherds, not matter what the carols indicate. This was finding after seeking. House makes sense. So no stable for Wisemen to clean.

Both wise men and wise women are off the hook for that one.

The next part...#5...that they would have made a casserole? Look, with no refrigeration, a casserole being carried by camel back for well over 1,000 miles would probably be pretty ripe. If they had brought a casserole, I sure wouldn't want to eat it. And I'm game for eating a LOT of weird stuff. Now if they wanted to arrive and cook some Persian cuisine, I'd eat it. Not sure that Jesus is ready for curry and couscous...but I think that is a kid I'd like to spend time with!

Then the charming concept that the three wise women would have brought practical gifts. I saw the cutest video on YouTube of youth and children acting out the Christmas Story when they asked the kids what gifts the “kings” should bring. Stuffed animals, a pair of Jordans and a ham were the three choices they made. The youth leaders suggested formula, Pampers and a crib. But the wise men in scripture picked differently...the famous gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Or as many children might hear it, gold, FRANKENSTEIN, and myrrh. What kind of Christmas gifts are those? We know what gold is. What exactly are frankincense and myrrh? And why were these the gifts that were chosen?

Frankincense is a kind of natural incense made from the dried sap of certain middleeastern trees. It's a rare and expensive substance. For those who study the characteristics and uses of essential oils it is considered to be grounding, calming and relaxing. Ancient Egyptians used the resin for everything from perfumes to salves for the skin.

Myrrh is a gummy tree sap from a different kind of middle-eastern tree. It has medicinal properties and was also used for embalming. Because of its versatility and effectiveness, it has been valued across many cultures for thousands of years. It has been used for everything from medicine to religious ceremonies. It is also rare and expensive.

And gold...well, we know what gold is.

So the Wisemen were definitely not bringing practical gifts. Mary and Joseph were not wealthy. We would probably describe them as blue-collar, lower-middle class folks. They could have probably used something more practical, even a gift card to Wal-Mart. Why would the Magi bring these gifts? Well, it just so happens that gold, frankincense, and myrrh were gifts fit for a king. They were often given to earthly kings. This WAS the “normal” gift for a new king. It just seems strange to us through our modern day lens.

Many years ago I was invited to a cousin's wedding. It was a Native American ceremony that was incredibly moving. The symbolic gestures and references were interesting, but I didn't understand all the parts of the ceremony. But I had done a little research when deciding on a gift for the new couple – and found that a traditional gift was a blanket. Which makes little sense to those of us who can go to Target and get a perfectly useful blanket for our homes for very little money and almost no effort. But think to when that tradition began – a blanket meant hours of work and care.

So, we have to look at the traditions of the day when these “unpractical” gifts were presented by the wise men. These were gifts worthy of a king!

What's more, they were also widely offered in worship. Gifts fit for a god.

And then we look at the manner in which they were presented. Were they given out of obligation with a stingy heart? I don't think so. Matthew says in verse 11 the Magi bowed down and prostrated themselves in a posture of worship before Jesus. Did they think they were worshiping a human king or a divine king? Who knows. But these Iranian astrologers traveled well over 1,000 miles to come and worship him. King Herod and his religious advisors did not travel the 6 miles between Jerusalem and Bethlehem. God's own chosen people did not recognize or worship the new born king. But these strange foreign pagan Wisemen did. And they devoted an enormous amount of time and left some pretty pricey gifts behind. I'm not sure the three wise women could have actually done any better...despite the joke.

Which leaves the big question: How wise are we? What will we give in the way of time each week to worship Jesus? And will we give any of our talents and/or treasure to his work? Over 1,000 miles by camel is a big commitment to go to worship. How committed are we? It's a good question to ponder. Do we come in adoration bringing our best? As we celebrate the new year, it is a good time to examine our lives. Many people are crowding into gyms with new resolution to get their bodies in shape. Some will take time to examine their budgets and get their financial houses in shape.

As we enter the new year, how will you worship, how will you serve your Lord? As the bumper sticker says, "WISE men and wise women seek him still." Do we have that kind of wisdom? Can we show that kind of commitment? After all, God has given us the greatest gift of all. It is for us to respond with thanksgiving and worship.

Come, all ye faithful. Joyful! Triumphant! Come to Bethlehem and behold! He was born the king of angels but still has tenderness and love for each and every one of us. Come and adore. Let that adoration shine out of every pore of our being.

We don't often sing verse 5 of Come All Ye Faithful...hear the poetic question and reflect on the answer of the refrain.

Child, for us sinners

poor and in the manger,

we would embrace thee

with love and awe.

Who would not love thee, loving us so dearly?

Come let us adore him, Oh come let us adore him.

Come. Let us adore him.

Christ the Lord.

Amen.

Searching

This message was first delivered at Cove United Methodist Church in Coleman Falls, Virginia on December 30, 2018. It is based on the lectionary texts of Luke 2:41-52 and Colossians 3:12-17.  

Luke 2:41-52 Common English Bible (CEB)

Each year his parents went to Jerusalem for the Passover Festival. When he was 12 years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to their custom. After the festival was over, they were returning home, but the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents didn’t know it. Supposing that he was among their band of travelers, they journeyed on for a full day while looking for him among their family and friends. When they didn’t find Jesus, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him. After three days they found him in the temple. He was sitting among the teachers, listening to them and putting questions to them. Everyone who heard him was amazed by his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were shocked.

His mother said, “Child, why have you treated us like this? Listen! Your father and I have been worried. We’ve been looking for you!”

Jesus replied, “Why were you looking for me? Didn’t you know that it was necessary for me to be in my Father’s house?” But they didn’t understand what he said to them.

Jesus went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. His mother cherished every word in her heart. Jesus matured in wisdom and years, and in favor with God and with people.

I have to admit, I found it a bit jarring when I began looking at the lectionary scriptures for this Sunday. So soon after Christmas, we are already leaping years ahead in the life of Jesus! I wanted to say “no, let's stay in Christmas for just a little longer! Let's sing some more carols and enjoy the baby. Is it already time to take down the lights and the tree?” Well, don't worry – my tree won't come down for at least another week. After all, it took about 10 days before I even got the lights on it! It seemed like the gospel lesson today was already screeching toward Easter with this Passover trip to Jerusalem. And I was just getting comfortable in front of the chestnuts roasting on that open fire. But with the new year upon us – this message of searching and seeking is actually the logical next step after welcoming the Messiah.

Scripture doesn't tell us very much about the life of Jesus between the time of his birth and the start of his public ministry. there are very few stories about the young Jesus in the Bible at all. In the three years cycle of the lectionary they are all read in worship on the First Sunday after Christmas. One year we read the story of Mary and Joseph’s presentation of their son at the Temple and the unusual responses from Simeon and Anna. The next year we read about the holy family fleeing to Egypt to escape genocide. And in the current year we read about Jesus’ decision to stay behind for a few days in Jerusalem to get to know his God a little better.

In my study I came across an interesting question that I had never pondered before: When did Jesus begin to realize that he was set apart and chosen by God to be the Messiah? Whoa...I had never considered that before. I had always assumed that Jesus always knew that he was divine – but then how could he be truly human? I'm sure that scholars could argue this much more adeptly and we could get a dozen opinions from only ten wise men...but I thought it an interesting question of Jesus' self-awareness. I know that when I was twelve years old, I didn't know much about myself and didn't even consider my place in the larger world. I was pretty much focused on starting Junior High and not flunking science. I'm not sure that I really starting asking myself who I was and how I fit into the world until I was twice that age.

The question reminded me of one of my favorite book series, Harry Potter. In the first book we meet Harry who is just living his life...and not a very happy life...when he turns eleven and things change very suddenly! A great big man breaks down a door and tells him that he is a wizard – understandably, it takes Harry a little while to adjust to the idea.

Did Jesus experience something like that in his life? Well, probably not a half-giant breaking down a door...but some increasing awareness that he is different... Did he always know that he was meant to do something important...someone who would change the world? Or did he grow into that knowledge? When? Was it when his mother became pregnant by the Holy Spirit? Was it when his parents presented him at the Temple?

Was it when Simeon and Anna recognized God’s very Spirit in him? Was it when he lingered behind in Jerusalem to ask questions for three days after his visit to the holy city for Passover at the age of twelve? What it when he was baptized and the heavens opened up and a dove descended and alighted on him and the voice of God was heard declaring, “this is my son, the beloved, with whom I am well pleased?” Was it when he opened his public ministry by declaring “’The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.’ And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him”.

Whenever and however it happened for Jesus, it must have in some ways been like it is for all of us. It must have been a gradual realization over time, brought about by a combination of gentle nudges, enlightening conversations, and radical reactions to the world we all inhabit and the role our divine creator God plays in it all. But in other ways, it must have been completely different. After all, none of us is the Messiah, the son of the living God, the one whom we call Christ.

But we are all seeking to know things. At our core, there are questions that we seek answers to. Who are we? Are we the person we are meant to be? What is our purpose? Will our lives make a difference? Why are we here?

Our gospel lesson today describes two searches – Mary and Joseph as they search for their lost child, Jesus. Sermons4Kids often provides me with material when I do the children's time at Centenary and today's lesson had this story for the kids: Has this ever happened to you? You are shopping when an announcement comes over the store's loudspeaker, "May I have your attention please? We are looking for a six-year-old child who is lost. His name is John and he is wearing blue jeans and a red shirt. If you find John, please bring him to the customer service center." How did this child become lost? Perhaps he just wandered off to look at the toys and his parents left him behind. Maybe the child's mother and father each thought he was with the other parent and went on about their shopping. You can imagine how concerned the parents were when they realized that the child was missing. How about John? How do you think he felt? If he was having a good time playing in the toy department, he probably never even knew that he was lost! Have you ever been lost? How did you feel? Were you afraid, or were you confident that your parents would find you and everything would be alright?

It's a sweet story that doesn't end with anyone kidnapped and nobody called child protective services. But it made me remember a time a few years back when several Centenary families were camping up at Jellystone near Natural Bridge. The great thing about camping with cartoon bears is that the kids can pretty much roam from pools to lake to campsites to the river without a whole lot of supervision. I was sitting near the lake when one of the moms came up asking if I'd seen her son Cooper. I hadn't but joined her in looking.

As the minutes passed the panic started to rise in my heart. We became more frantic in the search. It was one of the worst 30 minutes of my life and it wasn't even my kid. He was found but not before his mom grew another hundred gray hairs. I can't even imagine how Mary and Joseph felt when they discovered Jesus wasn't with the group.

At first, his parents did not miss Jesus. They assumed he was traveling with some of their friends. When evening came and Jesus still didn't show up, they became worried. They looked among their friends and relatives but Jesus was no where to be found. So they started retracing their steps. They returned to Jerusalem to search for him there. They searched for three days before they finally found him. And he didn't understand why they were so upset.

He was right where he was supposed to be...didn't they realize that? Why were you worried? No need to search, I'm right where I'm meant to be. And they didn't understand. Which, from a parent's point of view, makes sense. From the parent point of view the place he was meant to be was with them and the group on the trip back to Nazareth. He was not meant to wander off and worry them and cause them three days of heartache and concern. But from the divine point of view...Jesus has the right answer. He WAS right where he needed to be, because he was searching for answers. He was asking questions. He was seeking to know and understand his heavenly father, the one who had sent him on this mission. A mission he may have only begun to understand and embrace.

The second search in our gospel lesson today is Jesus' search for answers; he is developing into adulthood, and—above all— discovering his mission as Son of God. I know this presents serious questions for some people regarding Jesus’ nature as both human and divine. For some, the question is, “Didn’t he understand his own divinity?” For others, the question is, “If he understands his divinity, how authentic was his experience as a human being?” For me it came down to this question, if Jesus always knew he was divine, then how could he have truly had an authentic human experience? And to that question I have had at least a dozen answers in less than a week. The searching for me, continues. And isn't that actually a valuable part of faith building?

A friend of mine who is agnostic has spent many hours – often long into the night - asking me why I believe in God. From time to time he exasperatedly says something like “if there was really a God, why wouldn't he just reveal himself, like write it up in the sky so that there wouldn't be any question?”

He genuinely wants to throttle me when I say “then there would be no need for faith.” I love Gary, but he just doesn't get it. God wants us to choose to believe. The searching is part of the exercise. It is a part of the growth experience. God didn't want us to just pop out into the universe and grovel at his feet – he could have made beings like that...but then where would be the joy in that? He created all these unique and vibrant and intelligent and interesting beings and wants to have an individual and unique and vibrant relationship with each one. By choice. Something that we grow into.

Even when we do get a glimpse of Jesus as a young man, Luke doesn’t go into much detail. He simply says that Jesus was “increasing in wisdom and in years, and in divine and human favor”.

But isn’t that precisely the where journey of Jesus departs radically from ours? All human beings increase in wisdom and in years (if you are lucky, many years), but not all of us increase in divine and human favor. We have the ability – but do we have the will? Are we people that reflect the God that we say that we worship? The God that Psalm 148 we read earlier is talking about? The Lord whose name alone is exalted; whose glory is above earth and heaven. He who has raised up a horn for his people? When God looks upon our heart, is it aligned with his will? His desire to shower love upon all his creation – not just the ones whom we deem worthy? If it is...then you are living a life in divine favor. And probably in human favor – but if you had to pick...which one would you choose? If I had to offend all of my friends and family and coworkers in order to do what was just and right in the eyes of God...would I have the courage to do what I needed to do? Will I stand up to injustice even if it would cost me human favor? With God's help, I will strive to be sure that answer is yes.

Not one of us has increased in divine favor in the way that Jesus did. Jesus increased in divine favor so much that when his disciples tried to describe what it was like being with him, the only words that would suffice were to say that being with Jesus was so holy and so profound that for them it was the same as being in the presence of God! They could not differentiate, and so they began to use divine language to speak of their teacher, their rabbi, the one they called their messiah and Lord.

Certainly, Jesus must have known himself to be fully human; but did he know he was fully divine? Some passages of Scripture suggest he had an awareness of his own divinity. Could this be the reason that he wanted to stay behind and linger in the Temple for a while? Was it because it felt more like home to him than the home he shared with his earthly parents?

We know from the scripture that Jesus wasn't just a casual observer in this encounter in the temple. He was listening to the teachers but he was also asking questions. Though under the law, attendance at the feasts in Jerusalem was obligatory for boys from the age of thirteen, a birthday that was a milestone in the life of a Jewish boy, when they became a Son of the Commandment or Bar Mitzvah; in practice, this legal age was pushed forward by one or two years so that Jesus, after he had passed his twelfth year, came up to Jerusalem for the Passover with his family.

Jesus’ first view of the Temple must have filled him with a great sense of the purpose he had been developing during the quiet years in Nazareth. Attendance at the Temple was obligatory only for the first two days of Passover, after which many of the pilgrims would have returned home again. This is when Jesus stays behind – to continue his spiritual journey.

And that's all we really can know. Luke doesn’t give us any insight into the reasons behind Jesus’ choice. We don’t know how he felt about his understanding of his call. We do know that after this he does return with his family to Nazareth and then we begin to encounter the adult Jesus as he begins his ministry. What he felt and experienced during the intervening years are not recorded in scripture. But we know that when his ministry began, he was ready.

How about us? Where are we in our searching for God? In our development of this relationship? Are we where we want to be? Are we where we need to be? We know the mission – we've got the directions, now we need to continue on this journey of divine and human favor.

Which brings me to my final thought...Father Greg Boyle in his book Tattoos on the Heart addressed this particular concept in a way that I found incredibly comforting and true to my understanding of the heart of God. He suggests that instead of growing in favor with God...since God's love is boundless and unconditional...how could it “grow”? Instead he says that it is us who discovers our favor with God... Rather than growing in favor – we actually realize that we are favorable. Did Jesus become increasingly favorable to God, or did he just discover, over time, that he was wholly favorable?

Have we misplaced Jesus? Gotten so busy in our lives that we look around and discover that we need to find him? Then we should do what Mary and Joseph did...then we will discover him...at his Father's business.

And he is ready for us to join him in this world changing work. Seeing all that we encounter through the eyes of God so that we can share the good news … that Jesus Christ was born and fulfilled his mission of bringing a new connection between creation and Creator. That God so loved the world. That he gave his only son, to walk among us...to experience humanity...to die for our sins and create a new covenant.

Colossians 3:12-17 gives us our instruction: “Therefore, as God’s choice, holy and loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Be tolerant with each other and, if someone has a complaint against anyone, forgive each other. As the Lord forgave you, so also forgive each other. And over all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. The peace of Christ must control your hearts—a peace into which you were called in one body. And be thankful people. The word of Christ must live in you richly. Teach and warn each other with all wisdom by singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing to God with gratitude in your hearts. Whatever you do, whether in speech or action, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus and give thanks to God the Father through him.” Amen