On the Way to Jerusalem

The Loving Father: Sharing in God’s Grace

4^th  Sunday in Lent  +   March 14, 2010

 

Scripture

 

Now all the tax-collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. ²And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, “This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.”  3 So he told them this parable:  “There was a man who had two sons. ¹²The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me.’ So he divided his property between them. ¹³A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and travelled to a distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute living. ¹⁴When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that country, and he began to be in need. ¹⁵So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs. ¹⁶He would gladly have filled himself with^* the pods that the pigs were eating; and no one gave him anything. ¹⁷But when he came to himself he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! ¹⁸I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; ¹⁹I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands.’  ²⁰So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. ²¹Then the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’^{* 22}But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly, bring out a robe—the best one—and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. ²³And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; ²⁴for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!’ And they began to celebrate.  25 “Now his elder son was in the field; and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. ²⁶He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on. ²⁷He replied, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has got him back safe and sound.’ ²⁸Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him. ²⁹But he answered his father, ‘Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command; yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends. ³⁰But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him!’ ³¹Then the father^* said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. ³²But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.’ ”

  --- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32

 

The text of this passage is taken from The New Revised Standard Version of the Bible © 1989 by The National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and used by permission.

 

Commentary

 

In chapter 15 Jesus tells three parables in response to the Pharisees’ criticism that he welcomes sinners and eats with them. From the Pharisees’ perspective, associating with these people violates the Law, but welcoming sinners forms the heart of Jesus’ ministry.

 

In this parable, the younger son asks for his share of the property. Normally the division of the property would take place only after his father’s death. To ask for the inheritance ahead of time was considered highly inappropriate and disrespectful, but the father divides his property and gives the son his inheritance. The son abandons his responsibilities to the family, goes off to a foreign country and squanders the proceeds in irresponsible ways. This series of shameful acts reaches its climax when the son, desperate because he is without money, takes a job feeding pigs, which were considered an abomination according to Jewish law.

 

As he is sitting in the pig pen so hungry that he wishes to eat even the pigs’ food, the younger son “comes to himself.” He realizes that he has made a terrible mistake. He will return to his home and his father. He will acknowledge that he has sinned and he is no longer worthy to be considered a son. He prepares a speech to explain all of this to his father, and he begins his journey home.

 

The father is overjoyed at the return of the son, who was lost and as much as dead. As soon as he sees the son, the father runs out to welcome him and greets him with open arms. This attitude by the father is unexpected for two reasons. A father would have most likely disowned a son who had behaved in such a disrespectful way. Running around in this manner would also have been considered inappropriate and undignified for a family patriarch. Yet, even before the son finishes his speech of humble apology, the father has already begun to arrange for the celebration.

 

The older son, who has faithfully worked beside his father at home, resents the special treatment that his father shows at the younger son’s return. As the older son complains about being overlooked and taken for granted, he shows his own lack of respect for his father and places himself in danger of becoming just as lost as his brother has been. He is enraged at his father’s extravagant generosity to the returning “lost” one and refuses to join the celebration. The father again breaks social norms by leaving his guests to go out and reassure his older son and persuade him to join the celebration.

 

This parable presents a vivid picture of what God’s love is like and of what Jesus took as the model for his ministry of welcome to the outcast and sinners. God’s generosity extends to all, both faithful followers of the Law like the Pharisees and those who find themselves on the margins of society. When repentance results in new life, this calls for celebration, and everyone is invited to the party.

 

 

 

For Reflection

1. How does this parable answer the Pharisees’ objection in verse 2?

 

2. What do you learn from this passage about sin, repentance, and God’s love?

 

3. Which role in the story do you fit into most naturally?

 

4. What do you suppose happens next? How will the younger brother behave? Do the two brothers reconcile?

 

5. How can we participate in the celebration of God’s love in a way that includes everyone, both those who have returned from being lost and those who have been there all along?

 

Prayer

 

Give us the courage, O God, to hear your word and to read our living into it.  Give us the gift of openness that, like Jesus, we may welcome all in your love. Amen.

A Call for Repentance: The Gift of Another Chance

3^rd Sunday in Lent  +   March 7, 2010

 

Scripture

At that very time there were some present who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. ²He asked them, “Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all other Galileans? ³No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as they did. ⁴Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam fell on them—do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others living in Jerusalem? ⁵No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish just as they did.” 6 Then he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and found none. ⁷So he said to the gardener, ‘See here! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and still I find none. Cut it down! Why should it be wasting the soil?’ ⁸He replied, ‘Sir, let it alone for one more year, until I dig round it and put manure on it. ⁹If it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.’ ”  

    --- Luke 13:1-9

 

The text of this passage is taken from The New Revised Standard Version of the Bible © 1989 by The National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and used by permission.

 

Commentary

Some people tell Jesus about a terrible event in which Pilate had his soldiers slaughter a group of Galilean pilgrims as they were worshiping  and offering sacrifices, and the blood of the Galileans mingled with that of their sacrifices. This particular incident is not known from other sources, although historians do mention a number of Pilate’s confrontations with Jews that sometimes led to bloodshed. Jesus asks whether they think these Galileans died because they were more sinful than all other Galileans. There was a commonly held belief that sin resulted in suffering and disaster, so if they died, they must have been sinners. Jesus dismisses this idea, but then adds that all who do not repent will likewise die.

Then Jesus mentions the eighteen people in Jerusalem who died when the tower of Siloam fell on them, another event not known from ancient sources. The Pool of Siloam was located not far from the Temple near the city wall, and apparently a tower in the wall had collapsed. Again Jesus asks if they think these eighteen were greater sinners than everyone else living in Jerusalem. His answer again is no, but all who do not repent will likewise die.

Death by political violence, by accident, or by natural disaster does not occur because God has chosen to punish particular people for their sins, says Jesus. At the same time, life is filled with dangers, and death may happen at any moment, suddenly and unexpectedly. The coming judgment may occur just as suddenly. Therefore, the need for repentance is urgent.

Jesus continues the theme of the coming judgment in the parable of the unfruitful fig tree. The image of unfruitful trees occurs in the Old Testament (Micah 7:1 and Isaiah 5:1-7), and Jesus adds a new element in the actions of the gardener. The fig tree has been growing for three years and has produced no fruit. Three years should have been enough time for fruit to develop, so the tree’s owner instructs the gardener to cut it down. It appears that the tree will never be productive, so the logical thing is to remove it so it does not take up valuable soil that could be used for a fruitful tree. The gardener intercedes and asks for one more year to cultivate and fertilize it.

There is still time for the possibility of fruitfulness, but time is short. God is the judge of human behavior, yet God also offers the opportunity for repentance. God will mercifully allow one last chance for people to repent and return to the Lord. There is a limit to God’s patience, however, and God’s judgment is coming soon.

 

For Reflection

1. What does the word “repent” mean? When Jesus says it is necessary to repent, what is he asking you to do?

2. What does this passage say to you about making judgment on others?

3. What kind of “fruit” has been your harvest during the last year?

4. What part of your life has been unproductive and may need time and attention?

5. What “fertilizer” do you need to produce a better harvest? How will you find and receive this “fertilizer”?

 

Prayer

Give us the courage, O God, to hear your word and to read our living into it.  Give us the strength to recognize our need to return to you and fertilize our lives that we may bear a fruitful harvest. Amen.

Fox and Hen: Danger and Protection on the Way

2^nd  Sunday in Lent  +   February 28, 2010

 

Scripture

31 At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, “Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.’”³²He said to them, “Go and tell that fox for me,^* ‘Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. ³³Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed away from Jerusalem’. ³⁴Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! ³⁵See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when^* you say, ‘Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.’ ”

---Luke 13:31-35

The text of this passage is taken from The New Revised Standard Version of the Bible © 1989 by The National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and used by permission.

 

Commentary

In this passage we find two components: a warning (31-33) and a lament (34-35). Together they convey a sense of impending danger and crisis, as Jesus speaks about his work and his destiny in Jerusalem.

The warning comes from some Pharisees, who warn Jesus that Herod is looking to kill him. Herod has already shown his willingness to get rid of those who speak against him in the case of John the Baptist, so the threat is very real. Jesus, however, takes a tone that shows no fear of Herod. In fact, he refers to Herod as “that fox,” an image that would be understood as an insult that suggests Herod is sly, cunning and destructive. Jesus’ message to Herod is that he must and will continue his work of healing for two days and complete it on the third day. He must continue on his way to Jerusalem, because he is following God’s purposes. Jerusalem, in the province of Judea, is beyond Herod’s jurisdiction as ruler of Galilee. Jesus travels from Galilee to Jerusalem as part of God’s plan, and Herod has no power to interfere with his journey toward the fate God has determined for him.

Jesus addresses his death when he says it is impossible for a prophet to be killed outside Jerusalem. Biblical texts do not show a pattern of prophets suffering death in Jerusalem, but this idea appears in Jewish tradition. Jesus identifies himself with the prophets and says he must continue his healing work and his journey until he reaches Jerusalem.

Jesus’ lament over Jerusalem begins in verse 34. He says Jerusalem does not welcome prophets, but rather kills them. This is less a statement of judgment and more a call to repentance. In the metaphor of the mother hen protecting her chicks under her wings Jesus communicates God’s intention to protect Jerusalem through him. This nurturing aspect of God has become visible and tangible in the person of Jesus, yet Jerusalem has not responded to the invitations to gather under God’s wings. The fox threatens and Jerusalem is in danger until it will accept the mother hen’s love that will save them from disaster.

For Reflection

1. What does Jesus’ response to the Pharisees’ warning reveal about his intentions?

2. What are some situations today in which a “fox” threatens the wellbeing of others?

3. What are some situations along your journey when a “fox” has threatened your own wellbeing? How did you respond?

4. When has God invited you to gather under God’s wings, and how have you responded?

5. What do you learn about God’s love from this passage?

 

 

Prayer

Give us the courage, O God, to hear your word and to read our living into it.  Give us the wisdom to recognize the fox that threatens us and to welcome the invitation to gather under your wings. Amen.

Challenging Temptations: The Journey Begins

1^st  Sunday in Lent  +   February 21, 2010

 

Scripture

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, ²where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over, he was famished. ³The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a loaf of bread.” ⁴Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone.’ ”  

5 Then the devil^* led him up and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. ⁶And the devil^* said to him, “To you I will give their glory and all this authority; for it has been given over to me, and I give it to anyone I please. ⁷If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.” ⁸Jesus answered him, “It is written, ’Worship the Lord your God,  and serve only him.’ ”  

9 Then the devil^* took him to Jerusalem, and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, ¹⁰for it is written, ’He will command his angels concerning you, to protect you’, ¹¹and ’On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.’ ” ¹²Jesus answered him, “It is said, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ” ¹³When the devil had finished every test, he departed from him until an opportune time.

    --- Luke 4:1-13

The text of this passage is taken from The New Revised Standard Version of the Bible © 1989 by The National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and used by permission.

 

 

 

Commentary

When Jesus is baptized in the Jordan River, the Holy Spirit descends upon him like a dove and a heavenly voice announces that he is God’s Son. Immediately after this, the Spirit leads Jesus into the wilderness, where he remains for 40 days.  Full of the Holy Spirit, Jesus is faced with the question of what it means to be God’s Son and how he will carry out that role.

Jesus would have been familiar with the various expectations about the Messiah. Some believed the Messiah would be a political figure, much like a Davidic king, who would overthrow the Roman occupation and reestablish the kingdom of Israel. Others expected a priestly Messiah who would focus on the religious and worship life of the Temple. These political and religious roles form the essence of two of the temptations that the devil presents to Jesus.

The first temptation is personal. Jesus is famished after not eating anything for 40 days, and the devil invites him to turn a stone into bread. The second temptation is political: the devil invites Jesus to worship him in exchange for all the kingdoms of the world. The third temptation is religious: the devil quotes from the Psalms to remind Jesus that God’s angels are supposed to protect him. Therefore Jesus can safely throw himself from the pinnacle of the Temple.

Jesus’ response is simply to reject each temptation by quoting scripture. He does not engage in discussion or argument with the devil. Arguing with temptation could allow the temptation to become too attractive to resist. Jesus will not use his power for his own benefit, nor will he flaunt his power by miraculous acts.  He will carry out his role through faithfulness to God, and he will not put God to the test.

The temptations invite Jesus to do things that appear to be attractive, pleasant, and even make sense. They are an indication of his strength rather than his weakness, because all of them are within his power to do. Jesus knows, however, that on the way to Jerusalem his power is to be expressed not through miraculous acts, but through humility and service.

For Reflection

1. How is Jesus’ time in the wilderness connected to his baptism?

2. How does this passage help you understand who Jesus is?

3. What do you remember or what have you been told about your baptism? How are you living into the promises made at your baptism?

4. Jesus relied on scripture in his response to temptation. What role does scripture play in your life?

5. What can you learn from Jesus about how to deal with temptations? How will you apply what you have learned to the temptations in your life?

 

Prayer

 

Give us the courage, O God, to hear your word and to read our living into it.  Give us the faith to rely on you as we face the temptations on our journey. Amen.

Introduction

 

This year's Lenten Bible Study has been prepared by and will be moderated by the Rev. Dr. Valerie (Dr. Val) Fargo, of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. who is now serving at Trinity Bay City and teaching Holy Scripture in the Coppage-Gordon School for Ministry.

 

On the Way to Jerusalem: A Lenten Journey, invites an exploration of the Christian life through reflection on the appointed Gospel readings for the Sundays in Lent in the Revised Common Lectionary.

 

Materials are suitable for individual, small group, and congregational study and are available for download at www.eastmich.org.  For those interested in expanding their study beyond the local-level, an on-line, interactive conversation about the readings is available here. 

 

This weblog or “blog” discussion is an additional, but not required, resource for individuals, small groups, and congregations throughout the diocese (and beyond!) to connect with one another in a common bible study.    Add your thoughts, ask questions and respectfully challenge the theological insights shared by others.  New postings of study and reflection material will made at least one week prior to the appointed Sunday Gospel reading.

 

On the Way to Jerusalem invites us to spend an intentional time with Jesus and to deepen our faith as we walk with him on his journey to Jerusalem.

 

I look forward to our journey together --- The Reverend Dr. Valerie Fargo, Trinity Bay City

The Walk

Those of us who walk along this road

do so reluctantly.

Lent is not our favorite time of year.

We’d rather be more active –

planning and scurrying around.

All this is too contemplative to suit us.

Besides we don’t know what to do

with piousness and prayer.

Perhaps we’re afraid to have time to think,

for thoughts come unbidden.

Perhaps we’re afraid to face our future

knowing our past.

Give us the courage, O God,

to hear your word

and to read our living into it.

Give us the trust to know we’re forgiven,

and give us the faith

to take up our lives and walk.

(From Kneeling in Jerusalem. (c)1992 Ann Barr Weems. Used by permission of Westminster John Knox Press.)

Readings for the Week of:

1^st  Sunday in Lent  +   February 21, 2010

Luke 4:1-13

Focus: Challenging Temptations: The Journey Begins

2^nd  Sunday in Lent  +   February 28, 2010

Luke 13:31-35

Focus: Fox and Hen: Danger and Protection on the Way

3^rd  Sunday in Lent  +   March 7, 2010

Luke 13:1-9

Focus: A Call for Repentance: The Gift of Another Chance

4^th  Sunday in Lent  +   March 14, 2010

Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32

Focus: The Loving Father: Sharing in God’s Grace

5^th  Sunday in Lent  +   March 21, 2010

John 12:1-8

Focus: The Fragrance of Devotion: Living the Way of Discipleship

Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday  +   March 28, 2010

Luke  23:1-56

Focus: “Father, forgive them”: Journey’s End