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March 2, 2014–Mountaintop Sacrifice

Contributed by Jen Krausz, Bethlehem, PA

 

Warm-up Question

Have you ever given something you really wanted to someone else? If so, how did that feel, or what happened? If not, how hard do you think it would be to give your most prized possession to someone else?

Mountaintop Sacrifice

shutterstock_115079431editWhen Lanny Barnes, 31, got sick with a bad cold on the weekend of the Olympic trials for the U.S. biathlon team in Italy, she couldn’t compete in all the selection races and didn’t qualify to make the Olympic team. Her sister, Tracy Barnes, did qualify to make the team. What happened next was a rare act of selflessness and love.

Tracy Barnes decided to give up her spot on the Olympic team to her sister, Lanny.

The twins had trained together, competed together and against each other, and both had dreams of being 2014 Olympic athletes, as they had both done in 2006, and Lanny had done again in 2010. Because of their ages, this Olympics is likely their last chance to compete.

Why did Tracy decide to give up her spot? She felt Lanny deserved the position more. “She had a stellar year,” she said of sister. “She just had a bit of bad luck getting sick. I would have loved the opportunity to represent my country but it meant more to me to give Lanny that chance. I think she’ll do great things.”

Lanny was reluctant to accept her sister’s sacrifice, but finally gave in to Tracy’s insistent wishes. “It shows if you care enough about someone, you’re willing to sacrifice everything,” Lanny said. “This is her dream, what she’s been talking about her entire life. It shows true Olympic spirit.”

Lanny is using her sister’s selfless action to motivate her even further. “It inspires me to push that much more, not only just for my country but for her as well.”

 Discussion Questions

  • Olympic athletes train for many years and dedicate the majority of their lives to their sport. Knowing this, do you think you would be able to give up your last chance to make the Olympics to someone else? Why or why not?
  • How would you feel if someone gave up their dream so that you could have yours? Would it be difficult to accept such a sacrifice?
  • How do you think it feels to win a medal in the Olympics? How long would you want to honor or remember such an accomplishment?
  • What excites or interests you most about the Olympics?

 

Scripture Texts (NRSV) for Sunday, March 2,2014

(Text links are to Oremus Bible Browser. Oremus Bible Browser is not affiliated with or supported by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. You can find the calendar of readings for Year C at Lectionary Readings.)

For lectionary humor and insight, check the weekly comic Agnus Day.

 Exodus 24:12-18

2 Peter 1:16-21

Matthew 17:1-9

 

Gospel Reflection

This text is referred to as The Transfiguration because of how Jesus’ appearance was changed, or transfigured. It was almost like the apostles who were with him got to see a bit of his heavenly glory. Obviously, the apostles were extremely impressed by this experience. It was an exhilarating, mountaintop moment. It may even be the event from which the term “mountaintop experience” originated. To see Jesus with Moses and Elijah, two giants of their history as Israelites, was deeply meaningful, something they never wanted to forget.

The apostles with Jesus want to build a shrine or a monument to him. As we often are tempted to do, they wanted to bask in the moment, to stay right there and celebrate this wonderful spiritual high. No doubt they felt special to be among only a few chosen to see this glorious event.

But as God often does, he interrupts their plans. He thunderously tells them where their focus should be: on following his son, Jesus. How terrifying that must have been for the apostles! So much so that Jesus has to console them when it’s all over. Then, instead of building a monument, they are cautioned to “tell no one.” They probably felt humbled and reminded of their humanity by the stern order of first God, and then Jesus.

I’m convinced that God never gives us a mountaintop experience just for its own sake. No, these experiences are always meant to move us to action, to inspire us to grow in our faith and share that faith with others. Following Jesus is never about staying in one place and honoring him. Rather, it’s about being his hands and feet to the needy people of the world and offering good news about forgiveness of sins that comes through him alone.

Discussion Questions

 

  • What experiences have you had that you would like to hold on to or remember?
  • What is your most intense experience of God’s presence in your life, up to this point? How did you respond to it at the time?
  • How have positive faith experiences inspired you to be Jesus’ hands and feet?
  • How can you tell your story and inspire others to follow Jesus?

Activity Suggestions

Take a few minutes to write out the story of your most intense experience of God. With your leader’s help, compile the stories and make a booklet of experiences. Share the booklet with others in your church and maybe even with visitors or new members.

Closing Prayer

Dear Lord, thank you for revealing yourself to us in so many ways in our lives. Help us to use these experiences to follow you more closely as we have opportunities in our lives. May all the glory and honor be yours, Amen.

February 23, 2014–Above and Beyond

Contributed by Sylvia Alloway, Granada Hills, CA

 

Warm-up Question

We are often told, “Do your best and you’ll succeed.” Is this true? Why or why not? What other rewards are there for great effort besides winning and approval?

Above and Beyond

persevere-editAs any Olympic competitor knows, falling is terrible and falling just short of the goal is worse yet. Russian skier Anton Gafarov knows this all too well. As he entered the home stretch during the sprint portion of the cross-country skiing event, he fell on a treacherous turn. Determined to finish, Gafarov got up and continued, but his left ski was broken. The harder he tried the more damaged it became, until it shredded completely. He was about to finish the race on one ski, when Canadian ski coach Justin Wadsworth rushed to his side and quickly replaced the broken ski with one of his team’s own.

“It is just the essence of the Olympic Games, the Olympic spirit,” said Sochi 2014 spokeswoman Alexandra Kosterina.  International Olympic Committee spokesman Mark Adams was equally enthusiastic “It is entirely to be applauded… one of the [reasons] why we all love the Olympics.”

Gafarov himself, disgruntled at losing the race, didn’t sound as impressed as others. A Russian sports website quotes his reaction.  “I just had one aim — to get to the end. Some foreigner then gave me skis from a different firm.”

It’s true that Gafarov came in last – but he finished upright on skis, not limping hopelessly across the finish line.

 

Discussion Questions

  • What does it really mean to do your best?
  • When do you strive most to do your best? When least?
  • Why do you think Justin Wadsworth helped a member of an opposing team?
  • What do you think is meant by “Olympic spirit”?

Scripture Texts (NRSV) for Sunday, February 23, 2014 (Seventh Sunday after Epiphany)

 Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18

1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23

Matthew 5:38-48

(Text links are to Oremus Bible Browser. Oremus Bible Browser is not affiliated with or supported by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. You can find the calendar of readings for Year C at Lectionary Readings.)

For lectionary humor and insight, check the weekly comic Agnus Day.

 

Gospel Reflection

“Do I have to?” How many times have you said this to a parent or teacher? There are times when just about everyone wants to get away with doing the least they can. So what does Jesus have to say about his? Never mind others, you need some “me time”? Don’t bother with people you don’t like?

It’s the world that talks like that. But Jesus disagrees. Our behavior should make us stand out from the world.

The Jews to whom Jesus was preaching hated Rome. Roman law said that if a soldier asked a civilian to carry his gear, the man had to do it – for one mile. He was not compelled to go any farther. Jesus says to go two miles voluntarily with that hated Roman.

If you are insulted*, Jesus says let the person insult you again. Lend to those who can’t pay back. Love (that is, behave in a loving manner to) your enemies.

This sounded just as outrageous to Jesus’ audience as it does to us. But is it any stranger than telling an Olympic hopeful she must practice eight hours a day? Keep pushing her body until every muscle aches and then push some more? And all this to win a few minutes of glory?

Spiritual training requires that same dedication. We must show the world our heavenly Father by behaving as He behaves. Our spiritual muscles must be trained through use, just as our physical muscles are. But Jesus who has made us children of God for eternity will not make us train alone. He has been through it all before us and will support us when we fall on the way to the finish line. Through his strength and by his grace we will reach not earthly gold, but eternal glory.

 

*To slap a person with the back of the hand (“on the right cheek”) was meant to insult, not primarily to cause pain.

Discussion Questions

  •  Look at the phrases in this passage that have become common sayings: “an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth,” “go the extra mile,” “love your enemy.” What do people mean when they use those phrases? Why do you think they have become well known?
  • What goals in life are you striving for? What are you doing to attain those goals?
  • Do you have spiritual goals? What are they? How can you attain them?
  • We all become weary in our Christian lives sometimes. What can we do about it? How can we help each other?

Activity Suggestions

  • Ask the class for specific examples from their own experience that would require a person to obey Jesus’ words in the passage, specifically behaving in a loving manner toward people we don’t like.
  • Look again at the passage. What spiritual goals does it mention (see especially verses 45 and 48)? List the goals. Discuss what we need to ask God for as we work to attain them. Write the goals and needs for prayer on chart paper or a poster and display it in the classroom.

Closing Prayer

Blessed Savior, you ask much of us who would rather take the easy way out. But you have not left us alone. You have given us your Word, your presence and each other to bring us joy, strength and encouragement. We thank you, dear Lord, for helping us to show the world who your are and we pray for your power to act in love throughout the week, in Jesus’ holy name, Amen

February 16, 2014–Above and Beyond

Contributed by Erik Ulstead, West Des Moines, IA

 

Warm-up Question

Would you rather do the bare minimum or overachieve?  Why?

Above and Beyond

New York City is poised to be the latest community to enact a law that requires businesses with at least fifteen employees to offer paid sick days.  Some business owners are wary of the new requirements.  They fear this law will be hard on medium-sized businesses that are already struggling.  “Not only will I have to pay the worker who stayed home sick,” said one businessman, “but I also have to pay another worker to cover the shift.”

shutterstock_94428592editMayor Bill de Blasio supports the new law and wants to go even further.  He promises to “continue fighting until all families have this fundamental right.”  De Blasio believes there are already many small businesses that are offering paid sick leave to their employees.  “No one should be forced to lose a day’s pay, or even a week’s pay, simply because illness strikes. And by this time next year, 300,000 additional New Yorkers will be protected by that law. We won’t wait,” he said.

In the past few years San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington D.C. have established similar laws.  San Francisco’s law, which requires all employers to offer at least five paid sick days per year, was enacted in 2007.  According to a 2011 study done by the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, six out of seven San Francisco employers said their profitability didn’t suffer as a result.  Mayor de Blasio has watched these communities closely and feels strongly that paid sick leave laws are good for everyone.  Andrew Rigie, executive director of the New York City Hospitality Alliance, agrees.  “Most employers want to offer their staff paid sick leave – it’s good for morale.”  New York’s paid sick leave law is set to take effect in April.

 

Discussion Questions

  • What’s the sickest you’ve been?  Did you miss school or work because of your illness?
  • Why do you think the New York City mayor is so vocal in his support of the paid sick leave law?
  • How do you feel about a law requiring business owners to pay employees when they miss work due to illness?
  • What do you think about the companies who are offering paid sick leave even though they aren’t required to do so?

Scripture Texts (NRSV) for Sunday, February 16, 2014 (Sixth Sunday after Epiphany)

Deuteronomy 30:15-20

1 Corinthians 3:1-9

Matthew 5:21-37

(Text links are to Oremus Bible Browser. Oremus Bible Browser is not affiliated with or supported by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. You can find the calendar of readings for Year C at Lectionary Readings.)

For lectionary humor and insight, check the weekly comic Agnus Day.

 

Gospel Reflection

The verses from Matthew are part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount.  He has moved quickly from the Beatitudes and talking about salt and light into some pretty controversial stuff – anger, adultery, divorce, and oaths.  At first glance, Jesus appears to be taking a rigid, legalistic approach to these topics.  Statements like “if you say, ‘You Fool’, you will be liable to the hell of fire,” and, “if your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away,” are startling, if not entirely preposterous.

In those days, God’s people had become devout adherents to the letter of many of the laws of Moses.  However, they were neglecting the spirit of these laws.  For them it was about showing others how righteous they were, even though they were neglecting to look with loving-kindness on those in need.  More specifically, Jesus is adamant that men start treating women better.  In this sermon he has harsh words for men who look with lust upon a woman, assault women, or  divorce a woman for no good reason.

This section of Matthew has been debated for centuries.  What is Jesus saying about the nature of sin?  Does he really want people to cut off their hands?  Should someone really be thrown into prison for calling someone a ‘fool’?  Is it okay for a divorced person to get remarried?  These are good things to discuss and explore with your group.

Ultimately, it’s important to remember that the Sermon on the Mount is about the command to care for the lost, last, and least in society.  Jesus calls us to be mindful of how we treat others.  Our actions matter to God because God’s people matter to God.

Discussion Questions

  • What’s the most startling thing you heard Jesus say in the gospel reading?
  • Who are some of the people in your community who are among the last, least, and lost?
  • How is God calling you to go above-and-beyond the letter of the law to show kindness to others?

Activity Suggestions

We’re on the heels of Valentine’s Day, a time when we are reminded to love others.  This activity is a call for Christians to emphasize love every day of the year, not just on February 14.  Consider making a “Wall of Love” in your meeting space.  Draw a large heart on a poster board or mural paper.  Decorate it as you see fit.  Use sticky notes to write ideas of how people can go out of their way to love others.  Post the sticky notes onto the Wall of Love.  Ask everyone to come up with at least three ideas.  Be sure to talk about ways to put these ideas into action in the week ahead.

Closing Prayer

God of love – you call us to be passionate about caring for those in need.  Help us look past the easy answers and be with us as we do the difficult work of justice and peace.  For the sake of Jesus, your Son. Amen.

February 9, 2014–Called to be Flavorful

Contributed by Steve Alloway, Granada Hills, CA

Warm-up Question

Do you cook, bake, or otherwise make food for yourself or others? What are some things you can do to make an ordinary lunch more interesting?

Called to be Flavorful

shutterstock_103507949editIn Spain, tapas are a variety of appetizers and snacks, originally designed to be eaten with wine. But as the new exhibition, “Tapas: Spanish Design for Food” demonstrates, they’ve become much more than that over the years. The exhibition, held at the former home of the Spanish Ambassador in Washington D.C., highlights the art and creativity of food in a variety of different ways.

“Spain loves to play with its food, not just to eat,” says Juli Capella, the curator of the exhibition. “Because we were a poor country… people celebrate the food as a special party.”

“Tapas: Spanish Design for Food” features not just food, but also place settings, and a variety of culinary gadgets. There’s a coffee spoon, which has a pen on the other end of it, to sign your check. There’s an “Oxymoron Maker,” which can bake a brioche filled with ice cream without melting the ice cream. There are even tongue-in-cheek exhibits on the future of food, including food branded with logos to serve as edible advertisements.

“The creativity of the chef is not just in the food, but in the experience,” says Capella. “Tapas: Spanish Design for Food” seeks to give visitors that creative experience.

Discussion Questions

  • Would the “Tapas” exhibition be something you’d be interested in seeing? What would you most like to see/experience there?
  • Would you eat food that had been branded with advertisements? Why or why not?
  • How do you think Spain’s history of being a poor country impacts its view of food as a party? How do you think their view towards food affects the rest of their lives?

Scripture Texts (NRSV) for Sunday,  February 9, 2014 (Fifth Sunday after Epiphany)

Isaiah 58:1-9a [9b-12]

1 Corinthians 2:1-12 [13-16]

Matthew 5:13-20

(Text links are to Oremus Bible Browser. Oremus Bible Browser is not affiliated with or supported by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. You can find the calendar of readings for Year C at Lectionary Readings.) For lectionary humor and insight, check the weekly comic Agnus Day.

Gospel Reflection

“You are the salt of the Earth.” The expression “salt of the Earth” has come to mean a really good person: helpful, loyal. But what did Jesus mean when he said it?  In ancient times, long before the days of refrigeration, salt was used to preserve food. Adding a little salt to meat would keep it from going bad. So, are we supposed to keep the Earth from spoiling? In a way.

Verses 18-20 talk about the importance of God’s law. Not a single stroke of a pen nor even the dot over an i in the law can be ignored. The holiest, most righteous people of the day were the scribes and the Pharisees; Jesus says that we need to be even more righteous than they to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.  Who can meet such a high standard; how can anyone enter the Kingdom of Heaven? Through Christ’s salvation. Christ is the perfect fulfillment of the law. We strive to live as faithfully as we can, but finally we are utterly dependent upon God’s mercy revealed in Christ’s  death and resurrection.

There’s more in this passage than just a call to be serious about keeping the law. Jesus says God wants us to be bold and distinctive in witnessing to what we have experienced in Christ. In this world, we’re surrounded by sin and evil.  Our job is to be salt, to share the gospel with the world. If we don’t do that we are hiding the light which a dark world needs, we become salt without power to preserve from decay.

Salt has another purpose: it gives things flavor. It makes them more enjoyable, better tasting. Without Christ’s salvation, the world is often sad, lonely, and bitter. The joy of salvation takes that bland world and adds flavor to it. It makes life happy, exciting, and worth living. By spreading God’s Word, we help to make life delicious.

Discussion Questions

  • What would your life be like without Christ in it? In what ways does God’s salvation make your day-to-day life more flavorful?
  • What are some ways you can add flavor to another’s life this week?
  • Sometimes hiding your light under a bushel is easier than letting it shine. Have there been times when you’ve had the opportunity to share God’s Word, but were afraid to?
  • How does it affect us if we lose our saltiness, or hide our light under a bushel? How does it affect those around us?

Activity Suggestion

Sing “This Little Light of Mine.” Look for songs, either sacred or secular, about salt. What messages do those songs convey? Write your own song about our role as “salt of the Earth” and what that entails.

Closing Prayer

Dear Lord, be with us in the coming week.  Let your Word and your love shine in our lives. Let us spread that Word to those around us, like a light shining in the darkness. Make us salt that helps preserve your creation and adds flavor to an otherwise bland world. Make us bold in showing your light to the world and distinctive in our witness. In all that we do, may we be beacons of your salvation. Through your Son, Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.