Faith Lens

Scott Mims–Virginia Beach, VA

Warm-up Question

On a scale from 1 to 10 – with 1 being totally pessimistic and 10 being totally optimistic – how do you see the world today?
Using the same scale, how do you view the possibilities for your future?
Do you think that our present vision of reality – how we “see” things today – impacts the future we will experience? Why or why not?

Vision for the Future

On Friday, January 20, Donald Trump was officially sworn in as the 45^th President of the United States. In his inaugural address, President Trump laid out an assessment of our nation’s current situation, as well as a vision of the challenges that his administration will overcome as part of a “great national effort to rebuild our country and to restore its promise for all of our people.” With stirring images that evoke solidarity, unity of purpose, and a focus on America first, President Trump presented, in broad, bold strokes, a plan to “make America great again.”

Naturally, reactions to the President’s speech have been mixed. His words have met with great approval among many Americans. They have found this address “revolutionary,” “memorable,” and “inspiring.”[1] Others have characterized the speech as “dark and defiant,” both in terms of the current picture it paints of our nation, and the path that it lays before us.[2] We will all have to wait and see how President Trump’s vision for America actually unfolds in the coming years, but, for the moment, his first address to the nation as President has provided much for people to think about and discuss.

A full transcript of President Trump’s speech can be found online:

http://www.cnn.com/2017/01/20/politics/trump-inaugural-address/

Discussion Questions

Did you watch the inauguration or a replay of the President’s speech? If so, what do you think about his address? How do you feel about the vision it presents?(Note: if your group is particularly divided in opinion, of if there are strong feelings present, practice the discipline of listening to one another in love by giving each person an opportunity to simply share their feelings or opinions without rebuttal, debate, or any need to convince others.)
Using a piece of paper, a dry erase board, or some way of making a list, record your group’s answers to the following two questions:
1. When you think about your community, our nation, and the world today, what is the “darkness” that you see? That is, what are some of the issues, situations, or problems that make you most worried, fearful or anxious about the future?
2. What “light” is there for you? What makes you hopeful, encouraged, or inspired?

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 B at Lectionary Readings

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

Gospel Reflection

This week’s gospel lesson is from a collection of Jesus’ teaching that we call The Sermon on the Mount. Though the crowds are listening in on this “sermon”, Jesus’ is speaking primarily to his disciples. And so, his teachings today are especially for all who would seek to follow him.

Salt and Light

“You are the salt of the earth….” Jesus often took ordinary things and turned them into lessons that explained deeper realities, and that is exactly what he is doing in verses 13-16. To begin with, salt was a very precious commodity in the Ancient world. It was used to preserve food as well as to season it. There is a distinctive “flavor” that Jesus’ followers are to bring to the world as we seek to impact things for good. Even so, salt back then often wasn’t pure. It could lose its saltiness, leaving behind the impurities in the form of a useless white residue. In a similar fashion, those who claim to follow Jesus, but whose lives are not characterized by service, care for others, self-discipline and mutual love, are like this “non-salt” – empty of any real flavor.

“You are the light of the world….” Like salt, even a little light in a darkened room can make a big difference. It lights up the way, exposes the shadows for what they really are; it brings direction, help, clarity, comfort. According to the Prophet Isaiah, part of Israel’s calling from God was to be a “light to the nations.” (Isa. 42:6; 49:6) They were to be light-bearers to shine God’s light and love into all of the dark corners of the world. Like a lamp giving light to all in the house, their lives were not just to show evil up for what it really is, but to allow people to find their way out by coming to know God. In the same way, our good works are not to be hidden. We, too, are called by God in baptism to be light-bearers as we reflect the light of Christ into our world. As we say when we hand a candle to those who have just been baptized, we are to let the light within us shine, that people may see our good works and give God praise and glory.

Another point to make about these verses is that the “you” in them is plural, not singular. Or, as we would say where I grew up, “All y’all are the salt of the earth….” The point being that it is the community of Jesus’ followers as whole that is being challenged to live as salt and light together. We cannot accomplish these things all on our own, we need one another and a community of faith.

And finally, being salt and light is based on who we already are in Christ. Jesus says, “You are salt…you are light,” not that doing certain things will make us salt and light. As Lutherans, we understand that it is God’s love and grace in our lives that saves us and makes us God’s own. Our good works, our living out our “saltiness” and sharing the light of Christ with the world, come as our response to what God, in Christ, has first done for us.

The Law and the Prophets

There has been much scholarly debate over the second part of our gospel lesson, and what exactly it means for Jesus to fulfill the law and the prophets. That is, what does it mean that the whole story of Israel – all of the commands and promises of the scriptures – are to come true in him? Is it Jesus’ own personal keeping of Torah? Is it, as Matthew often points out, the fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus’ life? Is it Jesus’ own authority, and his teaching as expressed in the love-commandment (22:40) from which the other commandments take their meaning? Is it all of these and more? Many possibilities are discussed.

Yet, whatever Jesus’ fulfillment of the law and prophets ultimately means, it is clear that he does not throw out the Hebrew Scriptures – what we call our Old Testament. Even though Jesus does reinterpret key passages at later points in Matthew’s gospel, the law and the prophets are still important for followers of Jesus.

It is also clear, from the final verse of this passage, that the sort of righteousness – that is, right behavior and actions – that Jesus is looking for is the righteousness which comes from hearts and minds that are guided by his teachings and example. In short, we are to “practice what we preach.” This will become even more apparent as we continue through the Sermon on the Mount over the next several Sundays.

Discussion Questions

What do you think it means to be the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the world?” Can you think of specific attitudes, actions, values or beliefs that go along with being salt and light?
What are some of your favorite verses from the Bible? How do you experience God speaking to you through these scriptures?
How might you be “light” to one another? What are some ways you can support one another in your daily walk of faith?
Revisit your list of “darkness” and “light” from the current events discussion. How might you bring the light of Christ into some of the areas of darkness you have listed? Can you choose an issue or two and brainstorm some individual or group actions that you could possibly take? Don’t underestimate the power of small acts. Remember, it only takes a little salt to season a dish; it only takes one candle to pierce the darkness.
Vision is a powerful thing. The pictures we hold in our minds have great impact, not only on how things turn out, but on who we are. Talk together about Jesus’ vision for his followers – his vision for the church. As we approach the 500^th Anniversary of the Reformation, where do you think we need to be re-formed today? What might that mean for you personally?

Activity Suggestions

How could you be “salt” together in your own community? Are there needs or issues that you could address in even small ways? How might your group serve together?

For a more active take on the above question, split into groups of 3-4 participants. Give each group a large, blank sheet of paper some markers. Have them draw a picture of a “salty Christian,” depicting / labeling specific attitudes, actions, or values. For instance, they might draw a “heart of faith,” “hands for serving,” etc.

For further ideas on being “salt” and “light” in regards to some of the larger issues faced by our nation and world, check out the article “Advocacy as witness: A voice for common good” in the October 2016 edition of Living Lutheran.

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, you name us your own and call us to reflect your love into the world. Help us to do so. Give us eyes to see the many opportunities for sharing and experiencing grace that you give to us day by day. Give us feet to walk in your way, and catch us when we stumble. And give us hands to reach out in love and action that we may bring your light to dark places. This we pray in your holy name. Amen

David Dodson, Fort Walton Beach, FL

Warm-up Question

If you could have a conversation with anyone you wanted, living or dead, who would it be with?

Take the Stage

On January 8^th, the 2017 Golden Globes aired across the nation. It was a night of awards for films and television of all sorts. In any other year, the big headline after the awards ceremony would have likely been about the biggest winners. After all, this year saw the film “La La Land” earn a record-breaking seven Golden Globes. This year, though, that was overshadowed by one speech given by 67-year-old actress Meryl Streep.

Streep took the stage after winning the prestigious Cecil B. DeMille Award, an honorary Golden Globe awarded only once each year to the entertainer who made the most “outstanding contributions to the world of entertainment”. It was an honor for Streep, who joined the ranks of such film giants as Judy Garland, Sidney Poiter, and Walt Disney.

As she took the stage, though, Streep surprised the crowd by her speech. It wasn’t about her film experience or her cinematic triumph. Instead, Streep made a speech about culture, diversity, and rhetoric. Though she didn’t mention him by name, this speech was seen by most to be a criticism of President-Elect Donald Trump (specifically of his comments about a disabled reporter while Mr. Trump was campaigning).

Reactions to Streep’s speech ranged from admiration to anger. One Twitter user commented, “Thank you Meryl Streep. Bravery, poise, eloquence, and speaking for many rather than just for herself, and for what is right.” However, others were angry at how Streep chose to spend her time on the stage. Kellyanne Conway, Mr. Trump’s campaign manager, said she was “concerned that somebody with a platform like Meryl Streep’s is inciting people’s worst instincts.”

Regardless of our feelings about Mrs. Streep’s speech, the reality is simple enough: When given a chance to speak at the podium of a broadly-televised and popular event, she chose to speak about an issue that she saw as gravely important.

Discussion Questions

If you had the attention of your entire school for two minutes, what would you talk about? What about if you had the attention of the whole nation?
One of the phrases Mrs. Streep stated was “Disrespect invites disrespect”. What does this statement mean – and is it correct?

Fourth Sunday after Epiphany

Micah 6:1-8

1 Corinthians 1:18-31

Matthew 5:1-12

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

Gospel Reflection

The Beatitudes form the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew’s Gospel. Matthew 5 begins by saying that, “When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them…” The context of this Sermon is quite important. Jesus has just begun his ministry and has called the first apostles. The Sermon on the Mount represents, as far as we know, his first major address to a huge crowd of people. There will certainly be more, but it all starts here!

In Jesus’ first address to his first huge crowd, it’s reasonable to assume that he’d start with something incredibly important to his mission and ministry. After all, wouldn’t he have wanted to make the most of this chance to communicate to the masses?

It’s really important, then, to note that Jesus’ very first words in this pivotal Sermon target those who are traditionally marginalized or considered weak. The first three Beatitudes target those who are shown in a state of weakness, turning their very weakness into power. The next four promise the fulfillment of those who seek virtue and goodness. Finally, the last two promise the fullness of God’s kingdom to those who encounter trials because of their devotion to God.

As Lutherans, we encounter another beautiful truth in these words. Luther taught that God’s Word is more than just information. God’s Word is actual creative power. In the beginning, God said, “Let there be…” and there was. God’s Word doesn’t just describe reality – it creates reality.

So when Jesus climbs a mountain, turns, and addresses the people, he’s doing something profound. In the opening to his profoundly important Sermon on the Mount, Jesus speaks and changes the world. Jesus speaks the creative power of God’s Word, creating a world in which traditional authority cannot stand against the power of humble, the meek, the persecuted, and the oppressed. Jesus issue the words that change our world. Amen!

Discussion Questions

What examples do you know from history or your own life of humble or peaceful figures effecting great change?
Do we generally value peacefulness, meekness, purity, and persecution?

Activity Suggestions

There are many images of Moses on Mount Sinai holding the tablets of the Ten Commandments (it turns out the Bible is big on stories of revelation happening on mountaintops). Create a parallel of this image by make a poster, depicting the Beatitudes as a series of numbered revelations, similar to the Ten Commandments. After all, like the Ten Commandments, the Beatitudes teach us how to live and what to value!

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, your Word shapes our world, lifting up the oppressed, comforting the afflicted, and challenging the comfortable. Show us how to mirror your love to the world. Help us to value those virtues your Son taught on the mountaintop. Be with us and teach us to find strength in weakness. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Bob Chell, Sioux Falls, SD

Warm-up Question

Who were you hoping would be inaugurated President this week? What did he or she say or do that led you to believe they could be a force for justice and good in our country and the world?

Hope for Healing

The big news story this week is, of course, the inauguration of a new president of the United States. The day is greeted with rejoicing by many and despair by others. A constant theme throughout the election and run up to the transition of power has been the division of the country along racial, economic, and cultural lines. There is little agreement on why we are divided, who is to blame, but everyone expresses the need for “healing” after a brutal election. Everyone professes a desire for reconciliation, but it is not at all clear how that can happen.

Discussion Questions

If you are discussing this in a group, have each person make the best case possible for a candidate, they did NOT support.
How involved were you in the presidential campaign? What got you involved or what would have a candidate had to do or say for you to become involved?
Who do you admire as a leader? Why?

Third Sunday After Epiphany

Isaiah 9:1-4

1 Corinthians 1:10-18

Matthew 4:12-23

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

Gospel Reflection

I want to tell you some true stories which I made up.

First, let me explain. I want you to know I made them up because I am always honored when people trust me as their pastor with pain and problems and decisions about intimate and significant parts of their lives. I don’t violate that trust by using those stories as sermon illustrations.

Even so, I think you will sense the truth these stories point to. Anne’s counselor told her it wasn’t her fault yet the guilt remained. “I shouldn’t have gone back to his dorm with him,” she said. “At first acted like he was fooling around, and when I realized he wasn’t he scared me. I thought I could calm him down, I should’ve screamed, I don’t know… I was… Anyway, afterwards he told me if I said anything he would just deny it and no one would believe me anyway, and it’s true. It’s my fault, I shouldn’t have gone home with him.”

The counselor listened patiently, knowing that victims of assault often blame themselves for things they have no control over. Anne was haunted by guilt and shame, and over & over the same words came back, “… my own fault… I should have… I don’t know why…I just wish…”

++++++++++++++

“It’s my Grandpa Stan.” Stan the man, everybody calls him that. He’s a great guy. He knows everybody in town Always a smile—everybody in the coffee crowd at the cafe seemed to perk up when Grandpa showed up. That was before Grandma Betsy’s death. …49 years. They were so excited about their 50th anniversary. The whole family was going to be there, even Uncle Jim from Japan.

Why did she have to die? Why couldn’t there be a few more years, good years, happy years, healthy years? Oh, Grandpa still smiles but it’s not the same. That’s what everybody says. “He’s just not the same,” they say, “…since Betsy’s death.”

++++++++++++++

“ …Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people.” Every disease, every sickness, all those things which incapacitate, hold down, immobilize. and oppress. What does it look like, what does it feel like to be sick? It looks like guilt, it feels like anger, it sounds like loneliness. It feels the same in our lives—young or old. The list is infinite: death. fear, hurt doubt, shame, depression, illness, addiction, obsession. Choose one or a handful.

Those are the words but our pain is sharply felt in specific instances unplanned pregnancies, alcohol abuse, cancer, no relationships, broken relationships, family violence, no job, no money and more. ...and Jesus came to heal. Why then, do we know our pain so much better than we know Jesus healing? Where is my help, where is my healing? Our lesson is primarily about the calling of the disciples, yet, our pain gets in the way of following. the pain of our history the pain of our present, the pain we fear awaits us.

Unlike the presidential candidates who promise to take away our pain and suffering, Jesus invites us deeper into the darkness. “You will find your life by losing it,” he once told his followers.

Some among us know the miracle of healing, of joy restored, a relationship rekindled, a healing of heart or mind or body. If God has healed your heart, cherish it, treasure it. You know in a special way the power of God’s love.

Yet, all of us know of times, and places and pains in our lives which God has not touched. Those places where the pain is so fresh, so unrelenting, so immediate that we can only sit and stare and hurt. It is hard to reconcile our pain with God’s promises.

I can’t tell you when God’s care will break through your pain. I can’t tell you if God’s care will break through your pain. I can tell you about Peter and Andrew, James and John. Did Simon Peter understand that responding to Jesus that day would lead to his own crucifixion? Or that Andrew would share the same fate. That James, one of the first to follow, would also be the first of the 12 to be executed for his faith. Or John, Surely John couldn’t imagine that following Jesus would mean living homeless, in exile, on the island of Patmos.

You are reading this because you have heard Jesus invitation to follow. We want the following and the healing to come together. We follow. God heals. Instead, God has chosen to do it differently. God heals first. Then we follow. The blind beggar, the woman who had bled for 12 years, the man who could not walk by the side of the pool, the woman who slept around. The Bible is full of people who healed by Jesus, turned to follow his promises.

Healing wasn’t the end for them but the beginning of their faith journey. It probably wasn’t easy for them either. The blind man with no job skills, The woman ill for 12 years who no one remembered when she returned home, the woman who slept around whose reputation no one would forget the reformed tax collector no one would trust.

Healing is not the end of our pain, instead the pain is the beginning of our healing. We don’t choose the shape of our healing. We don’t choose the when or the where or the how. Not all our prayers are answered when we would like. Not all our prayers are answered as clearly as we would like. Some say faith changes things, usually, that thing is us.

We know that. We know now that the time we were most unhappy is the time when we began determining who we were and what we were about. The time we were certain we had messed our life up beyond recovery as the time we began to get our life under control. The fight with our best friend that ended up deepening our friendship. The problem is that growth often feels like dying. We know that, too.

Jesus looks for each of us, calls to the lost and lonely part of each of us, the part of us which is restless and unsettled. Follow me, he says. Our lives are stories of faith continually unfolding stories of those whom God loves, whom God feeds, whom God searches out if need be, whom God heals. In your sharpest pain and in your greatest joy, you are in God s care.

Discussion Questions

How do politicians’ solutions to our problems differ from Jesus’ solutions?
Why does God allow suffering?
Can you recall a time of deep pain which was also a time of personal or spiritual growth?

Activity Suggestions

Do something to encourage someone you know is having a tough time.
Ask an elder in you congregation or family how God helped them through a tough time.
Make a list of three things which will give meaning and purpose to your life. Talk about what you are doing now that reflects these values.

Closing Prayer

God, we don’t understand why innocent people suffer. We want to trust in you but it’s hard when our lives are spinning out of control. Give us patience and give us

Jesus, compassionate Savior, send your Holy Spirit upon us to open our eyes and hearts to you and your love and grace. May we see God the creator through you and serve you with joy. By your power let us be lights to the nations inviting all we meet to come and see you and there to find acceptance, forgiveness and hope. We ask this in your most holy name. Amen.

Dennis Sepper, Burnsville, MN

Warm-up Question

Who do you see when you look at Jesus? What words or titles do you use to describe Jesus?

Come and See…an Extremist?

April 16, 1963—Today is the Commemoration day of Martin Luther King, Jr on the Lutheran calendar (for the entire calendar see pages 15-17 in the Evangelical Lutheran Worship hymnal). Tomorrow is a national holiday and our country pauses to remember the life, work and words of Dr. King who fought against race segregation and for civil rights and the dignity of African Americans and all people. Dr. King won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1994.

However, in 1963 Martin Luther King was arrested in Birmingham, Alabama for leading a non-violent protest against the direct order of city officials. While in jail, King learned that many people, including pastors, had labeled him an “extremist” for defying the authority of government representatives. In response to that label, on April 16, 1963, King wrote a letter to those pastors and the quote below (edited a bit for space) became famous. Dr. King wrote:

But though I was initially disappointed at being categorized as an extremist, as I continued to think about the matter I gradually gained a measure of satisfaction from the label. Was not Jesus an extremist for love: “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.” Was not Amos an extremist for justice: “Let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like am ever-flowing stream.” Was not Paul an extremist for the Christian gospel: “I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.” Was not Martin Luther an extremist: “Here I stand; I cannot do otherwise, so help me God.” So the question is not whether we will be extremists, but what kind of extremists we will be. Will we be extremists for hate or for love? Will we be extremists for the preservation of injustice or for the extension of justice?

Labels and titles matter. They reveal what others see in us and how we see ourselves in the world. They also reveal what we see in others. There are a number of labels and titles for Jesus in today’s Scripture readings.

Discussion Questions

Do you agree with Martin Luther King, Jr. that Jesus, Amos, Paul and Martin Luther were extremists? Why or why not?
What are some of the labels or titles you have? Are you happy about them or not? Why?

Second Sunday after Epiphany

Isaiah 49:1-7

1 Corinthians 1:1-9

John 1:29-42

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

Gospel Reflection

Last week we entered the season of the church year when our Gospel scriptures reveal more and more about who Jesus is and what Jesus’ mission and ministry will be going forward. Today John the Baptist and Andrew share who they see Jesus to be, revealing more about Jesus’ identity. John tells his followers and us that Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away to sin of the world and that Jesus is the Son of God. Andrew’s encounter with Jesus and with his brother Simon reveals that Jesus is a rabbi (teacher) and then the confession that Jesus is the Messiah.

John and Andrew arrive at these titles as they come into a relationship with Jesus. John sees Jesus walking toward him and recognizes Jesus to be the one revealed to him by God. Andrew is willing to follow Jesus and moves from calling him a teacher to realizing he is God’s Messiah. Andrew invites his brother Simon to come and see Jesus and in Simon’s encounter with Jesus Simon’s name is changed to Peter (the rock).

It is the willingness to “come and see” Jesus, to follow Jesus and discover, by the Holy Spirit, who Jesus is and what Jesus is about in the world that assists us in saying who Jesus is and what titles we give Jesus. Earlier in his Gospel the evangelist John writes “No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known” (John 1:18). Then later in John’s Gospel Jesus says to the disciple Phillip, “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14:9). To “see” Jesus in the Gospels and in the other books of the New Testament is to see God, to see God’s character and characteristics.

However our mission doesn’t end there for we are to be like Andrew, willing to invite others to come and see this Jesus, to invite them to come and follow Jesus. This mission isn’t a burden but a joyful, exciting opportunity. Like Andrew we can’t wait to share the fact that we see Jesus the Messiah, the Savior, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

Martin Luther King, Jr. saw Jesus as a prophet of justice and a loving, non-violent reflection of God. King shared that vision with others and invited them to come and see Jesus and the power of his servanthood to all humanity. How Martin Luther King saw Jesus was reflected in his life and we remember him for the example he gives to us of God working through us for justice and racial equality along with compassionate service to others.

So get ready for the weeks ahead where Jesus will be revealed in the gospel texts. Be willing to come and see as the story of Jesus unfolds and be ready to be inspired to invite others to come and see Jesus.

Discussion Questions

Put yourself among the crowd on the banks of the river Jordan with John the Baptist. What do you think the people made of John’s declaration that Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world and is the very Son of God? Did they accept his testimony or do you think they had to see Jesus with their own eyes to believe what John was saying? Why or why not?
Think about who invited you to come and see Jesus. Was it your parents? A friend? Your Pastor? How did they put out that invitation? What happened when you heard the call to come and see?
In the warm up question we asked you to think about your titles for Jesus. How have those titles guided your life and your service to others?

Activity Suggestions

Invite some people with titles (official titles or unofficial ones given them) and have them share how they came to have those titles and how those titles shaped how they see themselves. Take time to prepare some questions and interview your guests. (Author’s note: my thanks to the Augsburg Fortress resource Sundays and Seasons for suggesting this type of activity.)

Closing Prayer

Brian Hiortdahl, Overland Park, KS

Warm-up Question

Whom do you trust?

Real or Fake

The news is in the news. The president-elect has been critical of some established media, while the current president has been critical of so-called “fake news,” a phenomenon that has received a lot of recent attention, including this article (which may or may not be real):

A recent article in the Los Angeles Times suggests that fake news is not new. Andrew Tucher, a historian and journalism professor at Columbia University, notes that “Newspapers were very political in the early years of the republic,” Tucher said. “There was no understanding and no expectation that news should be impartial. News was the thing that expressed opinion.”

In our own day the problems seems to be that people have a hard time distinguishing fake news, partly because we are more likely to believe a lie if reinforces what we already believe. “If a lie is telling you something you want to hear, you’re more likely to think it is true,”says Sharon Kaye, philosophy professor at John Carroll University.

Discussion Questions

How do you determine what news sources are reliable? What are your criteria for believing a story, or for sniffing out something made up?
Is this the same or different with people who are speaking to you?
What makes someone trustworthy?

Baptism of Our Lord

Isaiah 42:1-9

Acts 10:34-43

Matthew 3:13-17

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

Gospel Reflection

Matthew wants his readers to know that Jesus is the real deal. Jewish history is full of what might be called “fake Messiahs,” and many in Matthew’s time (and since) would list Jesus in that category, because he did not match expectations. Like a determined lawyer, Matthew is intent on proving that Jesus really is the Messiah, frequently citing the Jewish Scriptures (our Old Testament) to build his case.

One major piece of Matthew’s presentation is establishing Jesus’ authority as a rabbi, or teacher (and also fulfiller) of God’s law. What makes a rabbi credible? In his book Velvet Elvis: Repainting the Christian Faith, Rob Bell explains:

Different rabbis had different sets of rules, which were really different lists of what they forbade and what they permitted. A rabbi’s sets of rules and lists, which was really what that rabbi’s interpretation of how to live the Torah, was called that rabbi’s yoke….

Most rabbis taught the yoke of a well respected rabbi who had come before them….

Every once in a while, a rabbi would come along who was teaching a new yoke, a new way of interpreting the Torah. This was rare and extraordinary.

Imagine: A rabbi was claiming that he had a new way to understand the Scriptures that was closer to what God intended than the way of the rabbis who had come before him. A new take on the Scriptures.

The questions would immediately be raised: “How do we know this is truth? How do we know this rabbi isn’t crazy? One of the protections for the rabbi in this case was that two other rabbis with authority would lay hands on the rabbi and essentially validate him. They would be saying, “We believe this rabbi has authority to make new interpretations.” That’s why Jesus’ baptism was so important. John the Baptist was a powerful teacher and prophet who was saying publicly that he wasn’t worthy to carry Jesus’ sandals.

“And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.’” A second voice affirmed Jesus’ unique calling. The voice of God. Amazing. A Jewish audience reading Matthew’s account of Jesus’ baptism would pick up right away on Jesus’ getting the affirmation of two powerful voices.

If God says you’re legit, then you’re legit. Jesus is the real deal. The good news is not fake news. God doesn’t say it because it’s true; it’s true because God says it.

This is also the good news of our own baptisms, where God affirms what some pastor who can’t carry Jesus’ sandals either has said: that we also are God’s beloved children, connected to Jesus and given the same Spirit. It must be true and trustworthy. We are loved, because God says so.

Discussion Questions

Why is it hard for some people to accept that Jesus is the Messiah?
Who vouches for you? Have you ever vouched for someone else?
What authority and responsibility does your baptism give you?

Activity Suggestions

Write a letter to your godparents.
As a group, create a fake news story. Go around the circle, with each person adding one new sentence to the last. Edit and refine. Is your story believable? Why or why not? Was the process fun? In what ways can you see this possibility being abused?
As a group, gather around a baptismal font or a bowl of water. Dip in your fingers and mark one another’s forehead with the sign of the cross. Speak a blessing: “This is God’s son/daughter, the beloved, with whom God is well pleased!”

Closing Prayer

Voice of heaven, speak your love into our lives. Teach us to trust you. Help us to discern true from fake, in ourselves and in others. Renew us in the covenant and calling of baptism, that we may please and serve you in all we do, in the name of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

February 5, 2017–Vision for the Future

January 29, 2017–Take the Stage

January 22, 2017–Hope for Healing

January 15, 2017–Come and See…an Extremist?

January 8, 2016–Real or Fake