Epiphany 3C and 4C - Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10; Psalm 19; 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a; Luke 4:14-30

We ministers in training put a lot of thought into what a good sermon is.  At John Wesley College, every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday morning we traipsed up the big hill that led to the college chapel and listened to one another preach.

After the sermon there was a meeting - an official one - in which feed back, and constructive criticism would be offered on the quality of the sermon and the overall conduct of the service.

At these meetings people were polite, constructive, always helpful.

You got to find out what people really thought of your sermon during breakfast - or in hushed whispers passed around the classroom.

But as far as I know - no one was ever taken to the edge of a cliff to be thrown off.  Although I am sure that the suggestion was made once or twice.

*  *  *

If you asked around the room this morning - what people thought a good sermon was you would get as many responses as there are people in the room…

Those who count the money after the service might say:  A good sermon reaches down, near to peoples hearts, and into their pockets.

Some people might say:  A good sermon makes me feel really bad about all the things I do and makes me want to repent!  Ready to go on sinning next week.

Some say:  A good sermon makes me feel all mushy inside - loved by God, a sermon that warms the heart!

Some want to come away with a quote and a memory verse.  Some want an application of some sort - practical advice…

Some would prefer it to be really short.

*  *  *

My discipline tells me that I should look to Jesus - and try to imitate Jesus in the content of my preaching…

*  *  *

In Luke 4 we read about Jesus - teaching in the synagogue at Nazareth (His home town).  News about him had at spread, specifically about his teaching - and according to vs 15 he “was praised by everyone.”  They obviously liked what he had to say.

So I bet there was a crowd there that morning to hear him preach in his hometown.

Jesus read from scripture and he began to teach: Things went well - Verse 22 “They were all well impressed with him and marvelled at the eloquent words that he spoke...”

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But let me cut to the audience’s response at the end of the sermon (Verse 29):  “They rose up, dragged Jesus out of the town, and took him to the top of the hill on which their town was built. They meant to throw him over the cliff…”

*  *  *

What on earth did Jesus have to say that angered people so much that it demanded a quick and brutal death - on the Sabbath nogal!

If the definition of a good sermon is to preach as Jesus would preach… I’m not sure I want to preach a sermon that has you chasing me up Paarl Rock / The Franschhoek mountains to throw me down and see if I bounce!

*  *  *

What did Jesus say?

*  *  *

He starts with a quote from the scroll of the prophet Isaiah:

    “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has chosen me to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives
and recovery of sight to the blind;
to set free the oppressed
and announce that the time has come
when the Lord will save his people.”

In verse 20 the writer says that having read the scripture, Jesus sat down.  This means that he began to teach (in the Jewish synagogue the rabbi or teacher did not stand and preach - as we do here, but he would sit.)

He said that the scripture they read - had come true that day.

A positive message - a message of encouragement to them - a message that said the Messiah was here to rescue Israel - they were “well impressed” (22).  Hopeful, encouraged - I bet.

*  *  *

We’re the same as them - aren’t we?  Easily impressed by flattery, good news - the gospel that we want to hear!  We love to hear a sermon that is full of encouragement…

We will lap up the words of television preachers who tell us how rich we will get, how God will bless us!  How God loves us! …and how God detests - those other people - the sinners - (out there).

We become like the Pharisee in Luke 18:  “I thank you, God, that I am not greedy, dishonest, or an adulterer, like everybody else…”

*  *  *

But then Jesus begins to tell them the difficult news… the gospel they don’t want to hear.

First, he warns them - “prophets are never welcomed in their home town.” 

One of our Old Testament lecturers reminded us at college:  “A Good prophet: comforts the afflicted - and afflicts the comfortable.”

You see, a Biblical prophet challenges the status quo, addresses the wrongs in society and points out ways to make things better.

Sometimes a good prophet upsets those to whom he or she speaks - Many people criticised the prophets of our church who stood up against apartheid… people didn’t want to hear the message of judgement - the challenge of reconciliation.

Their response - was anger.

*  *  *

Jesus points out to his hearers that God’s boundaries are much wider than the ones that they have set.

He reminds them of two important stories, occasions when God’s love has broken out - God’s love has extended to those whom they deemed unworthy.

*  *  *

Remember Elijah?!

There was a time in Israel when there was no rain for three and a half years - people were starving - famine throughout the land…

Elijah was sent - by God, Yahweh - out of the country, to a widow (a woman - not a man) living outside of the country - outside of the religion!

And God provided for her.  Not the starving at home - whom we consider righteous.

*  *  *

Remember Elisha?!

The next great hero of the faith.

Many people were suffering from leprosy in Israel, but only Namaan the Syrian (a foreigner - who you might say blasphemed the Israelite religion) was the only person healed.

*  *  *

The people were angry because Jesus pointed out that God’s love extends outside the boundaries that we set for it. 

*  *  *

When the people heard this difficult message - this message that tells them that God cares for foreigners, people who are considered impure / sinful… “they were filled with anger.” 

Anger which led to violence.

*  *  *

Jesus preached the gospel that people didn’t want to hear.

A message from God that said you are not my only children - I have more, and they are a part of my plan of salvation.

Those people whom you consider unworthy, whom you treat badly, whom you judge - they are also my children.

*  *  *

As I reflect on this scene from the gospel I ask some questions:  What does it tell me about God?  What does it tell me about people? And what does it tell me about the relationship between God and people?

*  *  *

I learn that God’s love is able to stretch beyond the boundaries which I sometimes set for it.  God loves people whom I sometimes think are unlovable.

I learn that people are more stubborn about God’s love than God is - not only do we consider other people to be unlovable, but we often refuse to believe that God could love us.  We sometimes get angry when someone suggests that God’s love reaches out - even to the people whom we count as sinners.  Strange that this message of love could be a gospel we don’t want to hear.  Maybe it’s the implication - if God loves these people, then I also have to.

I learn, about the relationship between God and people, that God calls us - and goes with us - into the lives of those people whom we find difficult to love, and enables us to live out the call to love; in practical ways (even when that love hurts us).

*  *  *

Jesus’ sermon was a good sermon - because he ruffled a few feathers, he challenged people’s perceptions about who God loves.  

It was a brilliant sermon - because it was underlined by action…  His sermon sets the tone for his ministry, Luke specifically reflects Jesus interaction with the most rejected people in society - the outcasts and people living on the edge; the Pharisees comment in Lk 14:2 “This man welcomes outcasts and even eats with them!”

*  *  *

Friends, we need to stop trying to decide whom God does and does not like.  Rather we need to follow the example of Jesus and reach out to everyone in love, no matter what we think of them.

Then I believe,
We will begin to see the Kingdom of God in this place.

Epiphany 2 C - Water is sufficient, wine is extravagant

 

One of the things I enjoy at parties, and when I meet people for the first time is not letting them know that I am a minister. 

When they don’t know what I do for a living they are somehow - more at ease.  I only tell people what I do for a living if they actually ask…

And it’s amazing to see the reactions I get… they hide their cigarettes, put their drinks away - they stop swearing and they apologise before telling any dirty jokes.

*  *  *

Most often, when I tell people I’m a minister, they don’t actually believe me - but they play along anyways.

*  *  *

In the reading from the gospel of John we read about Jesus’ first miracle… the miracle at Cana - the miracle of turning water - into wine - at a party.

*  *  *

Not a very Methodist miracle if you ask me. 

First - Jesus made wine - and we Methodists are quite strict about our policy on liquor.

Secondly - Making wine was not actually necessary - the miracle was a bit extravagant don’t you think?  Why make wine when water is sufficient to quench a person’s thirst? 

We Methodists have a bit of a reputation for being tight with our money.  Our discipline teaches us to shy away from extravagance, to live simply, to count our shekels carefully.  Not to go overboard, as Jesus seems to have done.

*  *  *

The gospel writer, John, writes about Jesus in order to tell people what God is like. 

He writes in 1:1 “the Word was God”, in 1:14 he carries on “The Word became a human being, and full of grace and truth, lived among us.”

What John is saying is that this person in the story is in fact God.  The Word was God, The Word lived among us.

John gives us the simplest answer to the most difficult question:  “What is God like?” The simple answer is “God is like Jesus.”

If you want to know about God - then look to Jesus.

If you wonder how God would respond to something - then ask - “How would Jesus respond to this?”

*  *  *

As we read this story, as we see what Jesus does, we need to ask - what does this miracle of turning water into wine tell us about the God we serve?

*  *  *

On a plain and simple level it tells us that God is extravagant.  That’s a no-brainer - we knew that already.

Living around here you don’t have to look to far to be reminded that we serve an extravagant God… huge mountains, streams, colours, beautiful scenery;  All of it - a bit unnecessary - a bit extravagant.  Created we believe, by a God with an eye for details.

Its plain and evident in creation - a part of every facet of our existence:  Why do peaches taste so good?  Why are grapes so juicy and sweet? 

If God wanted it that way things could have tasted really bland - we’d have to eat anyways in order to live.

The God we serve, is extravagant - more generous than he needs to be.

Why bring out the choice wine - when the guests have clearly have had enough - and are satisfied with the cheap stuff that comes in boxes?

If Jesus’ action is a reflection of God’s action, then God is extravagant.

*  *  *

As we take a closer look at the story we learn that God is a caring sort of God.

Jesus responds to his mother’s request - he does what she asks him to do even though the time is not right.  Jesus says; “my time has not yet come.”

Jesus’ act saves the hosts of the party from severe embarrassment:  It would have been a sign of complete disrespect to one’s guests to run out of wine at a wedding banquet, a mark of shame that would stay with the host for a long time after the party had ended… but its not really a matter of life and death.

Jesus is willing to perform this miracle, simply to prevent the hosts from committing a terrible social faux pas, and offending all of their guests.

This little miracle doesn’t save the world - it simply protects some people’s dignity.

A little bit unnecessary, but I think we’re learning that the God we serve is an extravagant and compassionate God.

*  *  *

But what about the symbolism of the act?

Why six stone water jars?

What about Jesus words: “My time has not yet come.”

What is John trying to say to us in these details of the story?

*  *  *

The water jars were specifically set aside for ritual bathing - an important part of Jewish religion at the time.  They used stone jars because they were considered less likely to become ritually unclean / or impure - than those made of other substances.

These stone jars were used for only one thing… ritual cleansing.  To use them for any other purpose would render them unfit for ritual cleansing for some time to follow.

Jesus pays little attention to the strict rules of ritual purity… he takes the water jars (reserved for religious purposes) and uses them to help people have more fun.

He takes something that is set aside - that is used for serious purposes - and uses it to bring life and joy!

*  *  *

Immediately after performing this miracle John has Jesus go to the temple, he drives out the money changers and those who were selling animals for sacrifice…

Jesus challenges the way we practice our religion - forcing us to ask, does it give us life?  Does it give others life?

*  *  *

What about Jesus words, “My time has not yet come?”

Jesus knows that this miracle will mark the beginning of his ministry. 

The gospel writer, John uses the Greek word for hour to speak about periods of time, or something that will happen at an appointed, appropriate time… 

This word refers to a future hope:

In John 4, when Jesus speaks to the Samaritan woman at the well, using the same word he says - “the time is coming and is already here, when by the power of God’s Spirit people will worship the Father as he really is, offering him the true worship that he wants.” - John 4:23 (GNB)

In his encounter with the Samaritan woman Jesus speaks of a future hope - a time - when people will realise what God is like, and will respond appropriately in their worship of him.

This word refers to the hour of Jesus’ glorification…  The climax of John’s gospel - the crucifixion and more importantly - the resurrection of Jesus. 

This moment - according to John’s gospel - cements the identity of Jesus Christ as the Son of God - God in the flesh.  According to John - its God’s amen to the lesson of Jesus’ life.

*  *  *

The miracle at Cana sets the tone for Jesus life and ministry.  One of taking our lifeless, sometimes life sapping religion; and turning it into something that gives life.

It reminds us of God’s extravagant grace - how much more does God want to do for each of us, and each of those around us - if Jesus will turn water into wine just to save the host from embarrassment at a wedding banquet.

*  *  *

The story reminds us that Jesus is as much there when we’re having fun as he is when we are struggling.  A reminder for us to enjoy ourselves - in moderation of course - because God enjoys us when we enjoy ourselves.

Perhaps it’s a call to worship God when we eat a peach, or enjoy some of the other simple blessings in life; Just as much as we call to God in difficult times.

*  *  *

The reading from the letter to the Corinthians gives an extensive list of gifts which the Spirit gives to the church, gifts of life giving abundance - among them - faith, miracles, gifts of healing….  Perhaps we should begin to consider how - using the abundance of gifts which God gives us we might be inspired to live life giving lives - as we imitate Jesus who gave wine, when water would have been sufficient.

 

Baptism of Jesus - Year C

Isaiah 43:1-7
Psalm 29
Acts 8:14-17
Luke 3:15-17, 21-22

I am not the kind of person you should ask to fix things - or untie knots in a piece of string.  I think my favourite tool is a monkey wrench, ‘cos it’s the heaviest and seems to wield the most influence.  With it you can whack things into place - and undo nuts bolts and pipes that were never meant to be undone.

My technique for addressing a knot in a piece of string / wire / wool or fishing line follows a similar principle.  It starts out cool, collected and well reasoned; and ends up with me pulling two ends only to make the knot tighter - and completely impenetrable!

My favourite tool for knot untying is a pair of scissors or a knife…

*  *  *

The problem with my technique is the problem doesn’t get fixed - it just gets more and more broken, more and more messed up.

Me trying to fix plumbing is me trying to make the plumber more money.

Me trying to un-knot a piece of string or fishing line is an indicator that it is time to buy more string or fishing line.

My impatience, my search for a quick solution - always ends in disaster…

*  *  *

In Jesus time there were people who looked for a quick solution.  Not one that they would bring about by themselves - but they hoped that God would bring it about…

A quick washing of the world - a baptism of fire - Destruction of the wicked; blessing of the “good”.

The way John the Baptist speaks of Jesus: “His winnowing fork is in his hand… to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”.

Sounds a bit like the baptism of fire that some were hoping for.

*  *  *

A violent and quick intervention from God that would restore things to the way that people thought they should be.

*  *  *

As I read John’s words - words of an Old Testament, fire and brimstone preacher!! - I can’t help but feel a little bit confused…

The Jesus we meet is not very fire and brimstone at all. 

He welcomes sinners - eats with them - talks with them - no fire; simply the words of grace: “your sins are forgiven.”  Not the kind of anger and destruction people sometimes longed for. 

He meets with the broken - and brings them healing.

He does turn the tables in the temple… but it seems his anger is about structures in the temple that limit people’s access to God.

*  *  *

I think John the Baptist was quite surprised at Jesus way:  No winnowing fork, no fiery baptism - no body count?!  No operation “Shock and Awe.”

In fact in Luke chapter 7:20 Luke writes that messengers were sent from John to ask: “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?”

Luke records Jesus response:  “The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.  Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me.”

Jesus way is the way of construction - and not destruction.

*  *  *

His way is different to my way - I use a hammer or a monkey wrench and try to force things to be fixed.

But Jesus uses gentleness and patience.

I want people to “shape up” or “ship out.”  But Jesus is endlessly patient - hearing their pain, understanding their difficulty - and offering a solution…

The encouragement for each of us here is this:  Jesus does not come to us with fire and brimstone - but with a hand stretched out in love -

The example which Jesus sets - in opposition to what we might expect - is the example of accepting, outreaching love.  A lesson for us to stop being judgemental - to learn to be more accepting and loving.

As I read the gospels I find many examples of Jesus accepting the unrighteous, but rejecting the self righteous.  Rather than the other way round - which is often the order of the day.

*  *  *

The Spirit which descends on Jesus - in the form of a dove - comes with an announcement from heaven: “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”

*  *  *

This event reminds us that Jesus really is the Son of God:

In Israelite culture a child was considered to be - not just a chip off the old block, but a direct replica of its parents. 

The author of Hebrews describes Jesus as “the reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s very being.”  (1:3)

This means that if we want to know what God is like - If we want to know the character of God - the way God responds to us and those around us, we must look at Jesus, and when we do - we’ll get a pretty good idea of what God is like.

*  *  *

We don’t just ask ourselves, “What would Jesus do?” as the old bracelets reminded us.  But we ask how would Jesus respond - to each of us, to those people we meet in the street or at work, to our very own family and children.  How would Jesus respond? 

And that response is the response of love that builds up.  And the example for us to follow is the example of Jesus - unconditional, patient, love.

*  *  *

The reading from Acts illustrates how Jesus message of grace and love reached out beyond the boundaries of Judaea - to the Samaritans. 

Peter and John are sent to the Samaritans to pray for them so that they too may receive the spirit.

The same Spirit that descended on Jesus when he was baptised is given to these foreigners - who previously were considered enemies; unrighteous; unclean - probably counted among those who some thought should be destroyed by fire.

The Spirit is given to them - that bears witness (In the words of Paul) that we are children of God.  Even those of us whom we might consider to be rejected by God.

*  *  *

We read of John’s proclamation about Jesus - and we see how Jesus fulfils his expectations in a different way.  Jesus works in a way that builds up - not a way that burns up.

We read about the voice from heaven that said this is my son in whom I am well pleased.  Because of that we get a good idea of what God is like:  God is like Jesus.

We read in Acts about how the Samaritans receive the Spirit and are adopted as children of God - just as each of us are.

*  *  *

If we go into the world with that knowledge that we serve a God who builds up more than he destroys; and we find ways to build up rather than destroy. 

That we serve a God who loves each of us (even the people we don’t like) as his own children - and we find ways to love people (even those whom we don’t like) - as God’s own children.

If we allow the Spirit to remind us that we are also God’s children - and give us the power to do the loving and the building up that we are called to do.

Then we will begin to see the Kingdom of God in this place.