Proper 16
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Series VII Cycle C
Seasonal Theme
Jesus' acts of compassion and teaching ministry.
Theme For The Day
The practice of mercy over rules and regulations; compassion for people over organization.
Old Testament Lesson
Jeremiah 1:4-10
The Call
In the beginning of this book we have the call of God to Jeremiah to be a prophet. He feels from the very beginning God wants him to be a prophet. He is young (probably fourteen or fifteen), but is certain he can do it because of the help from God he will receive. Yahweh has put the powerful words in this tough and determined young man.
What Jeremiah speaks is what happens! If it is doom on the nations -- that's what happens. If it is peace, peace will follow. He will be able to be the prophet to the nation right there in Jerusalem. And his words will affect the fate of many nearby and far off.
New Testament Lesson
Hebrews 12:18-29
A New Relationship With God
This reading is a contrast between the law giving on Mount Sinai and the new covenant of which Jesus is the mediator. See Deuteronomy 4:11 and 19:12-13. In the Sinai law giving, we read of the inapproachability of God -- they met death if they dared try. There is also the sheer majesty and the real terror of God. But to the Christian there is a new covenant, and we see the contrast beginning with verse 22 in a new relationship with God. In this new covenant we can expect the new Jerusalem and a new creation. Our lives are re-created and made new. And there are angels and a joyful assembly.
There is also God's elected people. Two words are used here, the word for the firstborn who receives the inheritance and registry among the loyal citizens of the kingdom. Then the writer assures us that it was Jesus who made this new relationship possible. Verse 24 contrasts the blood of Jesus and the blood of Abel (Genesis 4:10). Abel's blood called for vengeance, where Jesus' blood opened the way to reconciliation.
Verses 25-29 are not easy. Moses gave us the oracles but Jesus' words were God's voice. The Old Testament and covenant were not the full revelation. That came in the New Testament (covenant). When the day comes when the earth will end, everything will be shaken except our relationship with God, which cannot be shaken. We can remain true to God, and our relationship with God will remain solid. But to be untrue runs the high risk of fire and destruction.
The Gospel
Luke 13:10-17
Healing On The Wrong Day
The Jews should have been thrilled Jesus healed one of their own people. Instead, they are critical of his doing it on the sabbath. You would expect great celebrations, for the woman had been bent over and suffered eighteen years! Of all days, the sabbath ought be a day of healing and compassion. Besides, Jesus pointed out that those critical of him break the no work law when they water their donkey on the sabbath. This is the last time we read of Jesus being in a synagogue. Perhaps he gave up on the religious and after this went in the streets and on the hillsides. The president of the synagogue represents many in our day who love systems and rules and constitutions more than people. In discipleship the person always comes before the rules. Much of the trouble in churches comes from arguing over legalistic details of procedures. We must always love God and people more than systems.
Heal the woman, Jesus; she has suffered long enough. Then amend the rules to accommodate this act of compassion!
Preaching Possibilities
A. The Old Testament Jeremiah account of the call will stand alone and provide an opportunity to deal with the subject of "call" for your hearers. Notice Jeremiah was young, he was a layperson, and he had a specific ministry to carry out because of God's call on his life. In other words, there was a commission along with the call. He was to be global and bold in carrying out that commission.
B. The New Testament Reading contrasting the old and the new covenants will connect with the Gospel story of healing and the controversy it brought in church! The old covenant based on law rebelled against healing on the sabbath. The new covenant put compassion above rules of the law. The connection is there but it is not as obvious or strong as I would like.
C. I'll go with the healing miracle in the Gospel.
Possible Outline Of Sermon Moves
For a treatment of this miracle, see "Mercy On The Wrong Day" in my book, The Miracles Of Jesus And Their Flip Side (CSS Publishing Company, 2000).
For our outline today, let's use Eugene Lowry's "sequence of a sermon" from his book The Homiletical Plot.
1. Oops! It should have been a grand day in the synagogue when all the faithful gathered for worship. Instead, everyone was upset, ashamed, and bewildered. Read the miracle account here: Luke 13:10-17.
2. Ugh! So in a place of praise of God and love for each other, they were hurling accusations and insults because there were some who put rules and ceremony above compassion and mercy. Tell how easy it is to become a slave of religious rubrics and laws failing to have compassion.
3. Aha! But Jesus demonstrated a different way. He put people and their needs first before the religious rules and constitutions. Contrast the president's mode of behavior with that of Jesus the Christ.
4. Whee! The good news is that God loves us and is willing to free us from the religious rules and demands which can oppress us and keep us from loving others. Especially this is true of those who are not lovable or will never appreciate our mercy.
5. Yeah! If we will put people first and their needs for love and compassion, it will change the soul and personality of our congregation. And it will give us unexpected joy in a different practice of our faith and ministry in daily life.
6. Tell a story here of compassion from Possible Metaphors And Stories below.
Prayer For The Day
Help us to be people of compassion, O God, and show us the way in our congregation and our worship gatherings to show mercy above the constrictions of liturgy and rubrics. Remove legalism and desire for power to control, so we can be tenderhearted, loving people, together and individually. Straighten our backs, too, when they become all bent out of shape with infractions of the strict rules. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Possible Metaphors And Stories
It was at the Special Olympics in Hong Kong and reported in the South China Morning Post where I read it. Eleven of the physically-challenged lined up for the 100-meter dash. The gun went off to start the race. Almost immediately one fell down and skinned his knee. The others stopped running and went back offering to kiss the knee and make it better while helping him to his feet. Then, hand in hand, they all walked the rest of the way and across the finish line together. The crowd in the stands stood and applauded for a good five minutes. The judge pronounced all eleven first place winners. The crowd roared its approval again. Compassion, how sweet it is.
East Indians have a word Bade Dilwala. Bade means huge, dil means heart and wala means a person. So this phrase means one with a huge, loving heart. A good description of how we ought to be as disciples of Jesus.
A bumper sticker at Mercy Hospital said, "Take me to Mercy." In the Christ, God's mercy has come to us!
Rolly Martinson tells the story of a boy who would not stop clicking his heels each time he stood up in church. His father finally pushed him down with his hand on his head. The boy said, "You may have shoved me to where I'm sitting down on the outside; but I am still standing up on the inside." Perhaps how the outside looks doesn't tell what the inside image is.
Jesus' acts of compassion and teaching ministry.
Theme For The Day
The practice of mercy over rules and regulations; compassion for people over organization.
Old Testament Lesson
Jeremiah 1:4-10
The Call
In the beginning of this book we have the call of God to Jeremiah to be a prophet. He feels from the very beginning God wants him to be a prophet. He is young (probably fourteen or fifteen), but is certain he can do it because of the help from God he will receive. Yahweh has put the powerful words in this tough and determined young man.
What Jeremiah speaks is what happens! If it is doom on the nations -- that's what happens. If it is peace, peace will follow. He will be able to be the prophet to the nation right there in Jerusalem. And his words will affect the fate of many nearby and far off.
New Testament Lesson
Hebrews 12:18-29
A New Relationship With God
This reading is a contrast between the law giving on Mount Sinai and the new covenant of which Jesus is the mediator. See Deuteronomy 4:11 and 19:12-13. In the Sinai law giving, we read of the inapproachability of God -- they met death if they dared try. There is also the sheer majesty and the real terror of God. But to the Christian there is a new covenant, and we see the contrast beginning with verse 22 in a new relationship with God. In this new covenant we can expect the new Jerusalem and a new creation. Our lives are re-created and made new. And there are angels and a joyful assembly.
There is also God's elected people. Two words are used here, the word for the firstborn who receives the inheritance and registry among the loyal citizens of the kingdom. Then the writer assures us that it was Jesus who made this new relationship possible. Verse 24 contrasts the blood of Jesus and the blood of Abel (Genesis 4:10). Abel's blood called for vengeance, where Jesus' blood opened the way to reconciliation.
Verses 25-29 are not easy. Moses gave us the oracles but Jesus' words were God's voice. The Old Testament and covenant were not the full revelation. That came in the New Testament (covenant). When the day comes when the earth will end, everything will be shaken except our relationship with God, which cannot be shaken. We can remain true to God, and our relationship with God will remain solid. But to be untrue runs the high risk of fire and destruction.
The Gospel
Luke 13:10-17
Healing On The Wrong Day
The Jews should have been thrilled Jesus healed one of their own people. Instead, they are critical of his doing it on the sabbath. You would expect great celebrations, for the woman had been bent over and suffered eighteen years! Of all days, the sabbath ought be a day of healing and compassion. Besides, Jesus pointed out that those critical of him break the no work law when they water their donkey on the sabbath. This is the last time we read of Jesus being in a synagogue. Perhaps he gave up on the religious and after this went in the streets and on the hillsides. The president of the synagogue represents many in our day who love systems and rules and constitutions more than people. In discipleship the person always comes before the rules. Much of the trouble in churches comes from arguing over legalistic details of procedures. We must always love God and people more than systems.
Heal the woman, Jesus; she has suffered long enough. Then amend the rules to accommodate this act of compassion!
Preaching Possibilities
A. The Old Testament Jeremiah account of the call will stand alone and provide an opportunity to deal with the subject of "call" for your hearers. Notice Jeremiah was young, he was a layperson, and he had a specific ministry to carry out because of God's call on his life. In other words, there was a commission along with the call. He was to be global and bold in carrying out that commission.
B. The New Testament Reading contrasting the old and the new covenants will connect with the Gospel story of healing and the controversy it brought in church! The old covenant based on law rebelled against healing on the sabbath. The new covenant put compassion above rules of the law. The connection is there but it is not as obvious or strong as I would like.
C. I'll go with the healing miracle in the Gospel.
Possible Outline Of Sermon Moves
For a treatment of this miracle, see "Mercy On The Wrong Day" in my book, The Miracles Of Jesus And Their Flip Side (CSS Publishing Company, 2000).
For our outline today, let's use Eugene Lowry's "sequence of a sermon" from his book The Homiletical Plot.
1. Oops! It should have been a grand day in the synagogue when all the faithful gathered for worship. Instead, everyone was upset, ashamed, and bewildered. Read the miracle account here: Luke 13:10-17.
2. Ugh! So in a place of praise of God and love for each other, they were hurling accusations and insults because there were some who put rules and ceremony above compassion and mercy. Tell how easy it is to become a slave of religious rubrics and laws failing to have compassion.
3. Aha! But Jesus demonstrated a different way. He put people and their needs first before the religious rules and constitutions. Contrast the president's mode of behavior with that of Jesus the Christ.
4. Whee! The good news is that God loves us and is willing to free us from the religious rules and demands which can oppress us and keep us from loving others. Especially this is true of those who are not lovable or will never appreciate our mercy.
5. Yeah! If we will put people first and their needs for love and compassion, it will change the soul and personality of our congregation. And it will give us unexpected joy in a different practice of our faith and ministry in daily life.
6. Tell a story here of compassion from Possible Metaphors And Stories below.
Prayer For The Day
Help us to be people of compassion, O God, and show us the way in our congregation and our worship gatherings to show mercy above the constrictions of liturgy and rubrics. Remove legalism and desire for power to control, so we can be tenderhearted, loving people, together and individually. Straighten our backs, too, when they become all bent out of shape with infractions of the strict rules. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Possible Metaphors And Stories
It was at the Special Olympics in Hong Kong and reported in the South China Morning Post where I read it. Eleven of the physically-challenged lined up for the 100-meter dash. The gun went off to start the race. Almost immediately one fell down and skinned his knee. The others stopped running and went back offering to kiss the knee and make it better while helping him to his feet. Then, hand in hand, they all walked the rest of the way and across the finish line together. The crowd in the stands stood and applauded for a good five minutes. The judge pronounced all eleven first place winners. The crowd roared its approval again. Compassion, how sweet it is.
East Indians have a word Bade Dilwala. Bade means huge, dil means heart and wala means a person. So this phrase means one with a huge, loving heart. A good description of how we ought to be as disciples of Jesus.
A bumper sticker at Mercy Hospital said, "Take me to Mercy." In the Christ, God's mercy has come to us!
Rolly Martinson tells the story of a boy who would not stop clicking his heels each time he stood up in church. His father finally pushed him down with his hand on his head. The boy said, "You may have shoved me to where I'm sitting down on the outside; but I am still standing up on the inside." Perhaps how the outside looks doesn't tell what the inside image is.
