Prepare

In Jesus’ day, the Jewish people lived under Roman rule. Even though Jews were allowed to worship Jehovah, the true God, life under an occupying empire often brought tension and resentment. Some Jews worked for the Roman administration, collecting taxes or overseeing trade. These tax collectors, often seen as collaborators who took more than what was due, were widely disliked and regarded by many as sinners or outsiders within their own community.

At the other end of the spectrum were the Pharisees – Jewish leaders who devoted themselves on obeying not only the ten commandments, but also many ceremonial and purity laws that shaped daily life and worship. Over time, they developed detailed traditions intending to help ordinary people live out the Law in everyday circumstances. Some Pharisees came to be seen, or even saw themselves, as models of religious devotion and moral discipline. Yet in the eyes of many, their strict observance could sometimes appear as pride or self-righteousness, especially toward those who didn’t share their way of life or who worked for Rome.

By contrast, Jesus was popular among ordinary citizens – the workers (remember, Jesus was a carpenter), the poor, the handicapped, and, yes, even the tax collectors. This raised questions and tension with some of the religious leaders of his day, including the Pharisees. Yet, the more Jesus taught, the more people listened to and followed him – but not everyone.

The parable, a brief story that teaches a lesson, is meant to show the listeners the proper way to approach God in prayer and worship: humbly, sincerely, acknowledging our sinfulness and weakness before the all-powerful Creator, and certain that God is listening. In response, we are grateful that God forgives and answers us.

Opening Exercise

Think about someone who is always bragging about themselves: their possessions, their intelligence, their accomplishments, and so on. What is your inner reaction when you hear a person talk this way? If you wanted to encourage that person toward more humility, what would you say or do?

Text Read Aloud

Luke 18:9-14

Approaching God – Who Is Worthy?

The theme of today’s Gospel lesson, humility, is not a popular subject. Admitting that no matter how popular we are, how many talents we have, how much praise we think we deserve, God is not impressed. The Almighty Creator does not need us. We deserve nothing from God. And yet, God loves us. Jesus taught that we are completely dependent on God’s love for salvation, forgiveness of sin, and eternal life – and all this God freely gives.

But some of God’s followers in Jesus’ day struggled to understand that message. Many believed that being part of God’s chosen people automatically made them favored above others. Some took pride in their ancestry and faithfulness, assuming their obedience set them apart from “sinners” like Gentiles or even less observant Jews. Among these were Pharisees, devout leaders and teachers who sincerely sought to honor God through careful obedience to the Law. However, at times they mistook outward righteousness for the humility God truly desires.

So, Jesus taught this lesson for all his followers. One of Jesus’ most effective ways of teaching his followers was to tell them a parable: a brief story that uses an everyday situation to illustrate an important principle. The story is simple, but the meaning is profound.

Everyone in Jesus’ audience knew who the Pharisees were. They occupied the top rung of the social and religious ladder among the Jews. Some probably envied the power, knowledge, and wealth these leaders possessed. But Jesus knew the truth. Many Pharisees believed their position and influence were signs of Jehovah’s blessing, rewards for their careful obedience to the Law. It was easy for some to take pride in that devotion, assuming their faithfulness made them more deserving of God’s favor than others. Yet, in the parable Jesus reveals a different reality than what some believed. It is the humble person, the one who acknowledges humans are sinful and undeserving, whom God forgives. And yet, in bountiful love, God not only forgives our sins, but also grants us talents and abilities to use for God’s glory and the well-being of all. These are gifts, not wages.

So, Jesus told the story. We do not know how the Pharisees reacted. In similar situations some religious leaders reacted with frustration or anger to Jesus’ message—especially when it challenged their authority or understanding of God’s law. In time, that same resistance and fear among those in power would lead to Jesus’ death and to opposition against his followers. But the truth of the parable still applies – our attitude as we approach God in worship and prayer should be one of humility, recognizing God’s greatness, and gratitude that God loves us enough to accept our worship, forgive our sins, and answer our prayers.

Reflection Questions

• Who is Jesus talking to in this passage?
• What is the lesson of the parable Jesus told?
• What do you think Jesus means when he says “all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted?”
• In today’s world do most people show humility in their lives? Why or why not?

Closing Activity

• Divide students into pairs.
• Ask each pair to quietly decide on one accomplishment they’re proud of: something like winning a game, finishing a hard project, or performing in a concert. (They don’t need to tell the leader what it is.)
• Explain: “When someone compliments us, we can respond in different ways. Some responses put the focus on us, and others show gratitude and humility.”
• Read aloud a few compliments or let pairs make up their own that fit their accomplishment.
  • Example compliment: “Wow, that last-minute home run you hit was amazing!”
• Have one person respond in a boastful way and the other in a humble/grateful way.
• Debrief afterward:
  • Which response felt better to give or hear?

Closing Prayer

Lord, we thank you for your love for us and your willingness to listen to us when we approach you in humility. We know that all we have comes from you. Help us to use our gifts in modesty and submission to you, for others, not only ourselves, and in this way bring hope into a world that needs it. In the name of Jesus our Lord, amen.

Bio

Sylvia Alloway has worked as a stage actress, a teacher, a writer, and a wife and mother. As soon as she turns in the lesson, she will switch to writing the annual Christmas play for her theater group.

Contributed by Erik Ulstead, West Des Moines, IA

Warm-up Question

What’s the most heroic thing you’ve seen someone do?

Daring Danger

Firefighters are often called into dangerous circumstances.  Typically, they are asked to rescue people from burning buildings and fiery explosions.  Earlier this month, local firefighters in Kokomo, Indiana found themselves trying to extract a dog from a partially frozen creek.

Like most dogs, Chancellor (or Chance, for short) loved to chase squirrels.  “He’ll chase anything with fur or feathers, but he always comes back,” remarked owner Jimmy Prestler.  Chance pursued the squirrel to a nearby park and onto a patch of ice.  “I’m guessing the squirrel made it across the creek, but the dog didn’t,” said Dave King, battalion chief with the fire department.  A person driving through the park saw the dog fall through the ice and stopped to help, but he was unable to save Chance and called the fire department.

Firefighter Derek Pounds was given the chilly task of rescuing Chance.  After a few minutes Pounds was able to slide across the creek pull the dog out of the water, with the aid of a cold-water rescue suit and an ice sled.  Chance was shaking violently and had icicles frozen to his face.  Pounds wrapped him in a blanket to warm and dry the dog.  King said the dog likely would have died if he’d been in the creek much longer.  “It’s lucky someone saw what happened and called,” he said. “Had he not seen him, the dog would have frozen to death.”

Prestler expressed gratitude to everyone involved in the rescue.  “I think I would have to get therapy if he didn’t survive,” Prestler said.  “Whenever I come home, it’s like seeing my brother after five years.  Chance just goes nuts every time.  They not only saved his life, they saved mine, too.”

Discussion Questions

• When have you seen public servants (firefighters, police officers, road construction workers, etc.) in action?
• What do you think about the owner’s comments about his dog?
• Have you ever been asked to help someone in need? How did you respond?

Scripture Texts (NRSV) for Sunday, February 24, 2013 (Second Sunday of Lent)

Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18

Philippians 3:17-4:1

Luke 13:31-35

(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

There’s a lot going on in these few verses in Luke 13.  Jesus had just wrapped up a teaching and healing spree in various communities outside of Jerusalem.  With each stop along the way, the crowds grew larger.  Everyone wanted to see this Jesus they had heard so much about.  However, not everyone was a fan of Jesus.

Herod, the ruler of that region, recently beheaded John the Baptist, Jesus’ friend and mentor.  Many Pharisees (the nice ones, not the mean ones) were concerned that Herod would come after Jesus next.  They told Jesus to leave Jerusalem and go into hiding.  However, Jesus was defiant, insisting that the work of casting out demons and performing cures was too important for him to hide.

He also pauses for a moment to express his dismay for the whole city of Jerusalem.  Jesus is sad for the way Jerusalem has treated the people God has sent there as prophets and ministers.  Furthermore, he knows that he will suffer a similar fate when he returns (for what we now know as Palm Sunday).

We learn a lot about Jesus in this passage.  First, it’s clear that Jesus is one who protects and heals people who are sick or broken.  Second, we see that Jesus is committed to complete the tasks to which he was called.  Finally, we discover that, regardless of their past, Jesus still has concern for the well-being of the entire community.  Through all of this, Jesus reveals that God has a heart for particular places and times.  God cares about your town…your school…your family…your church.  Like a mother hen covering her chicks, or a firefighter rescuing a dog,  Jesus seeks to protect us – and calls us to shelter others in need.

Discussion Questions

• Why do you think the Pharisees are warning Jesus about Herod’s plot?
• Did Jesus make the right choice to stay in Jerusalem?
• Who are some people God is calling you to protect and care for this week?

Activity Suggestions

• Grab some craft sticks and glue.  Attempt to build a building that can’t be knocked over by someone blowing on it.  Talk about how different structures are used to protect people from bad weather or evil people.
• Contact a local animal shelter.  Offer to bring your group to learn about the work they do.  Consider volunteering some time to care for animals or do repairs around their facility.

Closing Prayer

God, we thank you for sending your Son to care for us.  May we provide comfort, hope, and peace to the people we encounter this week.  In Jesus name, amen.

Contributed by Stephanie Opsal,  West Des Moines, IA

Warm-up Question

What do you think it would be like to be a celebrity?

A Perfect Life?

Britney Spears is one of many booming pop stars who started high but experienced troubles later on.  Her fame began when she was a blonde, teenage pop singer, reaching the top of the U. S.  pop music charts by age 17.  Her music played a key role in reviving the “teen pop” icon in the late 1990s.  She has sold over 85 million albums.

Yet her shining appearance is not evidence of a perfect life.  She has lived through two divorces, little privacy, mental breakdowns, rehabilitation centers, and losing custody of her kids.  A recent article describes how she shaved her head in a public salon for attention or due to emotional disturbance.

A song I remember from her second major album, Oops!.. I Did It Again, featured a song called “Lucky”.  The lyrics of the song describe the struggles of life for all people, even a stylish Hollywood star named Lucky:

“And they say..
She’s so lucky, she’s a star.
But she cry cry cries in her lonely heart, thinking
If there’s nothing missing in my life
Then why do these tears come at night?”

By the look of it, Lucky has everything, but something is still missing in her life.  Even the most famous people experience everyday struggles like you and me, and sometimes immensely greater problems as well.  Many embarrassing details of Britney’s personal life are open to the public, but no other celebrity’s life is perfect either, even if you can’t always see behind the dazzling star image.

Discussion Questions

• Who’s your favorite celebrity?  Why?
• Did you ever want to be famous?  Why?  Do you think that life would be easy?  Describe the perks and drawbacks you think would be associated with a celebrity’s life.
• If you had the choice right now to be a famous person or an everyday person, which life would you choose?

Scripture Texts (NRSV) for Sunday, June 13, 2010, (Third Sunday of Pentecost)

2 Samuel 11:26-12:10, 13-15

Galatians 2:15-21

Luke 7:36-8:3

(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

Simon the Pharisee, whom Jesus visits in this week’s gospel reading, is a very law-abiding, righteous man who thinks highly of himself.  He feels very dignified before his guest, Jesus.  In contrast, the woman labeled “a sinner” kneels behind Jesus her Lord and weeps.  She gives him all that she can offer, pouring out costly perfume onto his feet and humbling herself completely.  What causes the difference in the responses of the Pharisee and the woman to Jesus?

The woman recognizes the reality of her sins and her true need for forgiveness.  She yearns for the grace and peace that only Jesus can offer.  The Pharisee, on the other hand, thinks he is following the Law perfectly and, thus, has no need for any forgiveness, let alone from this man Jesus who associates with sinners. 

So Jesus tells Simon a parable about two debtors, one owing 50 denarii and another owing 500 denarii.  Which one, Jesus asks Simon, will be more grateful when the creditor forgives both debts?  Simon gives what seems to be the obvious answer, “the one with the larger debt.”  But Simon’s great problem is that he is blind to his debt; he is not grateful because he does not think he owes anything.  He takes God’s forgiveness for granted.  He does not see that his pride is as serious a sin as anything this weeping woman has done.

Both Simon and the woman are in need of God’s forgiveness. The difference is that she knows her need and receives Jesus’ forgiveness, while the Pharisee, in his arrogant blindness, treats Jesus discourteously (he does not kiss him, wash his feet, or anoint his head with oil).  Simon receives little because he asks for little—and therefore shows little love in return.  The woman, acknowledging her need, receives the forgiveness she longs for. 

Jesus shows us that we are all in need of God’s forgiveness.  The Law helps us realize how much we sin, even when we’re being “good” like the Pharisee; it calls us to admit our need for grace.  Without Jesus’ perfect death for all sin and His resurrection from the dead, we would die forever. 

Sometimes we take this amazing gift for granted.  Because we hear about Jesus all the time, we incorrectly think that we would be “good enough” to make it into heaven on our own.  Like the Pharisee, we may look down on others who seem to be spectacularly sinful people.  In actuality, everyone is a sinner.  Britney Spears, a thief, your family members, a pastor, the president, you, and I are all sinners.  Our good actions are not enough to counteract our sinful mistakes in life.  In Britney Spears’ song, Lucky’s success doesn’t fulfill her; she is missing Jesus and His forgiveness in her life.  Like this humble woman, let us rejoice every day and give thanks to Jesus with all that we are.  Jesus forgives our every mistake.  By His sacrifice, he reunites us with a loving God.  What an awesome gift!

Discussion Questions

• Why do you think forgiveness and love go together?
• Try to see yourself from the perspective of both the Pharisee and the woman.  Describe a situation where you thought your actions were fine only to discover you had been blind to a failing.  Describe another time when you admitted your sin to God and accepted His forgiveness.
• Do you agree with the message of Jesus’ parable?  Does one forgiven a greater debt always feel greater gratitude?
• Consider the ideas of “law” and “grace”.  Which one is harder for you to accept?  Some persons struggle more with noticing and admitting their  sin, thinking they have no need of forgiveness because, compared to many, they are pretty good.  Others are so burdened by guilt that they can not really accept forgiveness offered by God’s grace.   Where is your greatest challenge?

Activity Suggestions

• Write a song or poem about something you learned from today’s gospel reading.  It can be directly about the story or more about a moral lesson, like the song “Lucky”.  If you want, your group could work together and perform the song.  If you prefer, you can draw a picture highlighting an aspect of the story.
• At the end of our gospel reading in the first three verses of Luke chapter 8, some forgiven sinners accompany Jesus and His disciples as they go out to share the good news of Jesus’ forgiveness.  Tell at least one person this week why Jesus’ forgiveness is important to your life.

Closing Prayer

Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we praise you for your gift of forgiveness.  Help us to more deeply understand and appreciate this eternal gift you gave to all your people.  We thank you for the example of this weeping woman; may we give our lives to you as well.  We pray for all who struggle but place their hope in something less than you, O God.  Help them to see their sin and their need for the grace given through the saving sacrifice of Jesus Christ our Lord, in whose name we pray.   Amen.