July 6th | PENTECOST EIGHT

July 3, 2008 | PENTECOST 8

Judges 6:36-40 Psalm 136:1-4, 23-26 (1)
Ephesians 4:11-16 | John 14:1-7

============================================================


EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

July 6, 2008 (Lectionary 14)

Complementary Series:

Zechariah 9:9-12
Psalm 145:8-14 (8)
Romans 7:15-25a
Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30

Semicontinuous Series:

Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67
Psalm 45:10-17 (7) or Song of Solomon 2:8-13 (10)
Romans 7:15-25a
Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30



1a. CONTEXT - Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30

The LBW lectionary (Pentecost XI) treated verses 25-30 as the full pericope. In the newer ELW lectionary, however, verses 16-19 round out this text in a way both undergirds and introduces the longer section. The naïve ignorance of the children playing in the marketplace is obviously a clear analog for the fickle treatment received by the Son of Man. Thus is the “messianic secret” of Jesus both reinforced and challenged here. Matthew 11:25-30 is also parallel to Luke 10:21-22, although they are
found in somewhat different contexts. In Luke the pericope immediately
follows the return of the seventy from their apostolic mission. In Matthew the question to Jesus from John in prison (11:3) precedes the pericope. Actually, the general context of both is quite similar. Although the setting in Luke suggests viewing this passage as a thanksgiving for the successful mission, the Lucan context also includes woes and threats of judgment (10:13-15) parallel to Matthew (11:20-24). Also, the complete
context of Matthew includes the commissioning of the twelve (10:5-42), much of which is parallel to the commissioning ofthe seventy in Luke (10:1-20). In Matthew, the

specific context is a general upbraiding of the Galilean people for their weak response to the words and deeds of Jesus, for their lack of repentance, and for their shallow or even non-existent discipleship. The "condemned" are then contrasted with the "accepted."

The best known verses of this pericope, vv. 28-30, are unique to
Matthew's gospel. Apparently, as commentators concur, Mt. 11:25-27 and
its Lucan parallel come from the common source (Q) which both
evangelists share. Is Mt. 11:28-30 also from Q or from an independent
source? Although a few have suggested that Luke dropped vv. 28-30, Hans
Dieter Betz, in his survey of this issue, persuasively argues that these
verses are independent from Q. He does not agree with D.F. Strauss and E.
Norden that the entire pericope, 11:25-30, may derive from Wisdom
literature, such as Sirach 51 [Sirach 51 being divided into three parts
(1-12, 13-22, and 23-30) corresponding to the three divisions of the
Matthew pericope (25-26, 27, 28-30) ]. (cf. also M.J. Suggs, WISDOM,
CHRISTOLOGY AND LAW IN MATTHEW'S GOSPEL, pp. 99-108). Betz notes the
apparent independence of vv. 28-30, since they are almost parallel to
logion 90 in the Gospel of Thomas (Betz, p. 19), which is not associated
with Mt. 11:25-27. That this pericope has some association with Wisdom
literature, even Gnostic literature, does not necessitate that it is derivative,
dependent upon other sources and then ascribed to Jesus (cf.
Dunn, James D.G., pp. 199-200).


1b. TEXT: Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30

ESV:

16 “But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their playmates,

17 “‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’

18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’

19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds.” [1]


25 At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children;

26 yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. [2]

27 All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.

28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”


[1] 11:19 Some manuscripts children (compare Luke 7:35)

[2] 11:26 Or for so it pleased you well

( FROM: http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/ )


GREEK:

16τινι δε ομοιωσω την γενεαν ταυτην; ομοια εστιν παιδιοις καθημενοις εν ταις αγοραις α προσφωνουντα τοις ετεροις
17λεγουσιν, ηυλησαμεν υμιν και ουκ ωρχησασθε: εθρηνησαμεν και ουκ εκοψασθε.
18ηλθεν γαρ ιωαννης μητε εσθιων μητε πινων, και λεγουσιν, δαιμονιον εχει:
19ηλθεν ο υιος του ανθρωπου εσθιων και πινων, και λεγουσιν, ιδου ανθρωπος φαγος και οινοποτης, τελωνων φιλος και αμαρτωλων. και εδικαιωθη η σοφια απο των εργων αυτης.


25 εν εκεινω τω καιρω αποκριθεις ο ιησους ειπεν, εξομολογουμαι σοι, πατερ, κυριε του ουρανου και της γης, οτι εκρυψας ταυτα απο σοφων και συνετων και απεκαλυψας αυτα νηπιοις: 26 ναι, ο πατηρ, οτι ουτως ευδοκια εγενετο εμπροσθεν σου.
27 παντα μοι παρεδοθη υπο του πατρος μου, και ουδεις επιγινωσκει τον υιον ει μη ο πατηρ, ουδε τον πατερα τις επιγινωσκει ει μη ο υιος και ω εαν βουληται ο υιος αποκαλυψαι.
28 δευτε προς με παντες οι κοπιωντες και πεφορτισμενοι, καγω αναπαυσω υμας.
29 αρατε τον ζυγον μου εφ υμας και μαθετε απ εμου, οτι πραυς ειμι και ταπεινος τη καρδια, και ευρησετε αναπαυσιν ταις ψυχαις υμων:
30 ο γαρ ζυγος μου χρηστος και το φορτιον μου ελαφρον εστιν.

Novum Testamentum Graece, Nestle-Aland 26th edition
© 1979, Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, Stuttgart;

The Greek New Testament, 3rd edition
© 1975, United Bible Societies, London



2. ANALYSIS: Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30


Matthew 11:25 - (en ekeino to kairo) - ("At that time") is a connecting
phrase (Kingsbury, p. 6), a "literary seam" (McKenzie, JBC 43:2), which is
chronologically unspecific, but which relates the subsequent verses to the
preceding section (Carson, EBC, p. 274). (exomologoumai soi, pater....) - ("I
thank thee, Father, Lord of heaven and earth. . .") - Jeremias includes vv.
25-27 among the prayers of Jesus (Jeremias, p. 45ff.). It may have
originated with the language of berakah, a blessing or praising of God. The
verb (exomologoumai) basically means "to acknowledge." When used in
reference to sins, the verb then means "to confess," but when used in
reference to God, the meaning becomes "to praise" or "to give thanks." This
verse and its parallel in Luke are the only verses in the New Testament
where this verb is used with the meaning of giving thanks or praise.
Contrast this with 37 instances of the verb eucharisteo.

hoti ekrypsas tauta.... - Are the sophoi ("wise") and synetoi
("understanding" or "intelligent") specifically selected out and rejected by
God? Does Jesus refer specifically to the scribes and Pharisees? Is
education a hindrance to faith? Does Jesus say that God purposely hides
tauta ("these things" - i.e., the gospel of salvation) from the wise, while
mysteriously revealing them to the nepioi ("babes")? Or, are there certain
qualities attendant to the "wise" and to "babes" which allow one group to
see and understand the gospel while the other remains blind? Comparing
these words ofJesus with other biblical passages with a similar theme
(cf. Jer. 8:8-9; 9:23-24; Is. 29:14: ICor. 1:18-31; 2:6-8), it appears that the
wise and understanding are the "know-it-alls," the self-sufficient, who
perceive no need for God's grace; whereas, the babes are dependent and
acknowledge their need for God. Gerhard Kittel (TDNT, v. 4, p. 921)
associates the nepioi with the ptochoi, praies, astheneis, mikroi, paidia,
douloi, diakonoi, tapeinoi - (poor, meek, weak, little ones, children,
slaves, servants, humble). These people Kittel says, "whom the world does
not notice - children, the lowly, the disciples and the masses - bear
witness to Jesus. They acknowledge Him to the praise and glory of God
(Phil. 2:11). Flesh and blood did not reveal this to them, any more than to
Peter (Mt. 16:17), but God himself. To them is given understanding of the
mysteria (Mt. 13:11), tes basileias ton ouranon." (ibid.) "Because God so
wills it, because it corresponds to the nature of revelation, Jesus has not
garbed Himself in power, wealth, and wisdom. He is poor, mean and lowly,
and He comes to those who are themselves nepioi." (ibid.) Perhaps
intelligence does not preclude understanding that life is a gift, a
revelation, God's apocalypse for now.









3. STRATEGY: Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30


A preliminary decision is choosing which part of the text to focus
upon for preaching. Matthew 11:25-26 deal with the issue of
self-sufficient wisdom versus the dependent innocence of babes,
sophistication versus simplicity (cf. Mt. 21:16; Ps. 8:2). But lest we make
of this a "head-trip," let us remember that Matthew (Jesus, as well?) is
associating "babes" with those "who labor and are heavy laden." Albert
Barnes hears these words addressed to "the poor, the ignorant, and the
obscure; the teachable, the simple, the humble" (NOTES ON THE NEW
TESTAMENT, p. 123). Let's keep our thinking within the "theology of the
cross." Jesus prays to God, not for the impressively successful, not for
those wise in the ways of the world, who know how to "turn a buck" and
make someone else's loss their gain; but he prays for cross-carriers, for
those yoked with burdens, beaten by belligerent and bellicose brigadiers.
This is not self-congratulation time because we are God's beloved "babes."
It is appropriate that humble people of the Nicaraguan village called
Papaturro hear these words applying especially to them in their time and
place (Cardenal, pp. 9-16).

Another issue, which ties the first part with the second (vs.
27), is the issue of revelation. Is Jesus suggesting that the wisdom of
Jewish law and learning may be a hindrance, a stumbling-block, to
receiving God's revelation? Can our attachment to the ways of religion
darken and obscure the clear light of Christ, prohibiting us from perceiving
God's epiphany? Receiving God's revelation involves us in revolution,
repentance and transformation. Contemplate what happened to Peter after
Mt. 16:16-17.

The mystery of revelation directs us to the "revealed-One." We
move from the theme of revelation to relationship. Vs. 27 is spoken of as
"a synoptic thunderbolt from the Johannine sky" (Fuller, p. 222; cf. also
McKenzie, JBC 43:77). Unlike Jeremias (THE PRAYERS OF JESUS, p. 50),
who says that huios and pater are to be understood generically, I side with
those who hear Jesus speaking specifically of his own unique relationship
as Son of the Heavenly Father. So, certainly we are "wise" to confer with
John 1:18; 3:35; 5:19-27; 13:3; 17:1-5, but we need not conclude that St.
John has an "exclusive," a copyright or patent, on Father-Son language and
the vested authority of the Son. This theology is evident elsewhere (cf. Mt.
28:28-29; 1 Cor. 15:27), and has its roots in the Father-Son language of
the Old Testament, used analogously as a metaphor of God's relationship
with the children of Abraham (cf. Ps. 2:7; Hosea 11:1ff). But the
authoritative Sonship claim of Jesus goes beyond analogy and metaphor.
Jesus is THE Babe and THE revelation, contradicting the pious Jewish
claim that all revelation of God is in the Torah.

This may be an occasion to preach "relational" theology. God's
revelation is not merely factual, but personal (Carson, EBC, v. 8, p. 277).
Knowledge of the Father and Son, the knowledge of faith, is fundamentally
relational. The truth of the Christian faith is not more fact, but is
TROTH--God's promised fidelity proved true in Jesus. God's relationship
with us poor babes is proved true in his Son. In response we are true to
this divine relationship.
The third part, the invitation to the weary, vv. 28-30, is
particularly tempting for preaching. Beware of focusing exclusively on
v.28, lest the vessel (cf. Betz, p. 10) remain empty of meaning or the
content with which we fill it is unrelated to the context of Christ and
text. Even a fine sermon, such as "The Shadow And The Promise" by George
Hunsinger (SOJOURNERS, Oct. 1978, pp. 25-26), suffers this problem.
Beware of narrowly-focused, doctrinal spectacles, such as those worn by
Samuel Bacchiocchi, a Seventh-Day Adventist, who argues that the "rest"
referred to by Jesus is the messianic sabbath, a symbol of the messianic
age. Yet, his comments can help to expand the meaning of the text, rather
than restrict the meaning as he does. Beware of making the words overly
pious and sweetly religious, so that they become a passive, "comfortable
word" as in Cranmer's 1549 Prayer Book, or an invitation to sacramental
devotion as used by Zwingli in the communion context (Stanton,
EXPOSITORY TIMES). Yes, this is an invitation by the Savior to the Savior;
and yes, they are gentle words of assurance, but they are also paradoxical
words, speaking of the costly nature of discipleship. The yoke is easy, but
it is a yoke. The burden is light, but it is a burden.

Some of us naturally picture the Thorvaldsen statue of Jesus which
stands in the altar are of Our Lady's (vor Frue Kirke) in Copenhagen, the
very one which inspired Soren Kierkegaard with the inscribed words,
"Kommer til meg." (cf. S.K., TRAINING IN CHRISTIANITY). In concord with S.
Kierkegaard and in line with Lutheran theology, let us underscore the
paradoxical nature of this invitation. The Invitation is also an Imperative,
and it is filled with Ironic contrast. The irony is part of the relationship,
for this IS a relationship to which we are invited. The yoke is made for
two. You and I become yoke-fellows with Christ. This is "for better for
worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to
cherish, till death parts us." Except death won't part us from Christ.

The yoke of Christ is more than the yoke of the law (cf. Acts 15:10;
Mt. 12:1-14; 23:4). This is not a contrast between the Yoke of the Torah
(Law) and the Yoke of the Gospel (Grace), anymore than it is a contrast
between legalism and antinomianism, or harshness vs. humaneness.

Jesus did not come to abolish the law and the prophets (Mt. 5:17-48; Jer.
31:33; Ez. 36:26; 1 Jn. 5:3-4); neither does he come to crush us with a yoke
of slavery (Is. 42:2-4; 53:2-5; Mt. 8:17). Jesus bears the burden--the
burden of the law, of sin and guilt, of poverty, hunger, oppression and
injustice. Jesus joins the meek and humble, the gentle and lowly of heart.
"What he enjoins, he gives (de Dietrich, p. 73). Jesus carries the yoke,
"fellowed" with us in our yoke-bearing called discipleship. There is an
"upside-downness" to this yoke-bearing, to the discipline of the disciples'
way.

Allegiance to the reign of God is neither libertinism nor slavery,
but true liberation. To take Jesus' yoke is to accept his Lordship over my
life and follow his Way (cf. Jer. 6:16). This is the Way that begins at
baptism, for all of us "babes," no matter what our age. Thus, the Early
Church used Mt. 11:28-30 in its catechesis as preparation for the
Sacrament of Holy Baptism (Field, p. 33f), sometimes in association with
Isaiah 55: 1ff. And those early Christians understood that taking the yoke
of Jesus means learning Jesus' way of life. This is the Way of salt and
light (Mt. 5:13-16), and by this Way are all yoked-people blessed (Mt.
5:1-12). Our yoke is the stole of servanthood, given us in the ordination of
our baptism, by the Suffering Servant himself.














4. REFERENCES: Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30



BACCHIOCCHI, SAMUELE. "Mt. 11:28-30 --Jesus' Rest and the Sabbath",
ANDREWS UNIVERSITY SEMINARY STUDIES, Autumn '84, v. 22,
No. 3, pp. 289-316.



Barnes, Albert. NOTES ON THE NEW TESTAMENT: MATTHEW AND MARK,
ed. Robert Frew. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 1966.



Betz, Hans Dieter. "The Logion of the Easy Yoke and of Rest," JOURNAL OF
BIBLICAL LITERATURE, v. 86, March 1967, pp. 10-24.



Cardenal, Ernesto. THE GOSPEL IN SOLENTINAME, vol. 2. Maryknoll, NY:
Orbis Books, 1978.



Carson, D.A. EXPOSITOR'S BIBLE COMMENTARY, MATTHEW, vol. 8. Grand
Rapids: Zondervan, 1984.



De Dietrich, Suzanne. LAYMAN'S BIBLE COMMENTARY, vol. 16. Richmond,
VA: John Knox Press, 1961.



Dunn, James D.G. CHRISTOLOGY IN THE MAKING. Philadelphia: Westminster
Press, 1980.



Field, Anne, O. S. B. FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT. Ann Arbor, MI: Servant
Books, 1978.



Fuller, Reginald. PREACHING THE NEW LECTIONARY: THE WORD OF GOD FOR
THE CHURCH TODAY. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 1971-74.




Jeremias, Joachim, THE PRAYERS OF JESUS. Philadelphia: Fortress, 1978.



Kierkegaard, Soren. TRAINING IN CHRISTIANITY. Princeton, NJ: Princeton

University Press, 1967.



Kingsbury, Jack Dean. PROCLAMATION COMMENTARIES: THE NEW

TESTAMENT WITNESSES FOR PREACHING - MATTHEW, ed.

Gerhard Krodel. Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1977.



Kittel, Gerhard. THEOLOGICAL DICTIONARY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT, vol. 4,

ed. Geoffrey W. Bromiley. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1967.



McKenzie, J.L. "The Gospel According to Saint Matthew," THE JEROME

BIBLICAL COMMENTARY, ch. 43, ed. R.E. Brown, J.A. Fitzmeyer

and R.O. Murphy. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall, 1968.



Stanton, Graham N. "Salvation Proclaimed," EXPOSITORY TIMES, vol. 94,

Oct. '82, pp. 3-8.



Suggs, Jack M. WISDOM, CHRISTOLOGY, AND LAW IN MATTHEW'S GOSPEL.

Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1970.



5. WORSHIP SUGGESTIONS: Pentecost 8


I think of the SBH hymn #508, MAKE ME A CAPTIVE, LORD, AND THEN
I SHALL BE FREE, but WIDE OPEN ARE YOUR HANDS (LBW 489), also to the
Leominster tune, would suit well. You might consider planning in advance
and having the congregation learn FORTH IN THY NAME, O LORD, I GO (LBW
505) and/or PRAISE GOD. PRAISE HIM (LBW 529) if they haven't already.




Other possibilities to consider are:




AT THE NAME OF JESUS (LBW 179,HB 435)

COME TO CALVARY'S HOLY MOUNTAIN (LBW 301)

I LAY MY SINS ON JESUS (LBW 305)

LORD JESUS, THINK ON ME (LBW 309, HB 641)

JESUS, THE VERY THOUGHT OF YOU (LBW 316, HB 642)

HOW SWEET THE NAME OF JESUS SOUNDS (LBW 345,HB 644)

O CHRIST, THE HEALER, WE HAVE COME (LBW 360)

THE CHURCH'S ONE FOUNDATION (LBW 369,HB 525)

DAY BY DAY (HB 654)

O GOD OF MERCY, GOD OF LIGHT (LBW 425)

WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS (LBW 439)

THE LORD'S MY SHEPHERD (LBW 451)

"COME, FOLLOW ME," THE SAVIOR SPAKE (LBW 455)

JESUS, PRICELESS TREASURE (LBW 457 or 458)

I HEARD THE VOICE OF JESUS SAY (LBW 497)

COME, MY WAY, MY TRUTH, MY LIFE (LBW 513)

JESUS SHALL REIGN (LBW 530)

JOYFUL, JOYFUL WE ADORE THEE (LBW 551)





For Communion:



O LIVING BREAD FROM HEAVEN (LBW 197)

LORD JESUS CHRIST, YOU HAVE PREPARED (LBW 208)

COME, RISEN LORD (LBW 209)

COME, LET US EAT (LBW 214)

IN THE QUIET CONSECRATION (LBW 223)



For Baptism:

THIS IS THE SPIRIT'S ENTRY NOW (LBW 195)



Exegete: Glenn C. Petersen is Pastor of Central Lutheran Church in Anchorage Alaska

< http://www.centluth.org/ >





6. SEASIDE READING….The Olympics are Coming!



Whether or not you indulge yourself in the old custom of going to the beach ( or Lake Wobegon ) for the summer, you may enjoy taking some time out to read David Halberstam's remarkable 1985 book on rowing, THE AMATEURS (NY: Morrow). This "Story of Four Young Men and Their Quest for an Olympic Gold Medal" tells how four zealous rowers pursued their goal of rowing in the Olympics. It is a kind of parable of discipleship in that it presents in exquisite detail the almost fanatical commitment and rigorous sacrificial training experience by the four rowers as they move stroke by stroke to the book's inevitably decisive moment of truth. Rowing is a punishing, private world and yet one sees in this book on the "martyrdom"
of rowers why the early Christian martyrs were known as "athletos."




















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Lexegete ™ © 2008

Tischrede Software

Dartmouth, Massachusetts

www.Yourobdtsvt.blogspot.com







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July 3, 2008 | PENTECOST 8

July 3, 2008 | PENTECOST 8

Judges 6:36-40 Psalm 136:1-4, 23-26 (1)
Ephesians 4:11-16 | John 14:1-7

EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

July 6, 2008 (Lectionary 14)

Complementary Series:

Zechariah 9:9-12
Psalm 145:8-14 (8)
Romans 7:15-25a
Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30

Semicontinuous Series:

Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67
Psalm 45:10-17 (7) or Song of Solomon 2:8-13 (10)
Romans 7:15-25a
Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30



1a. CONTEXT - Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30

The LBW lectionary (Pentecost XI) treated verses 25-30 as the full pericope. In the newer ELW lectionary, however, verses 16-19 round out this text in a way both undergirds and introduces the longer section. The naïve ignorance of the children playing in the marketplace is obviously a clear analog for the fickle treatment received by the Son of Man. Thus is the “messianic secret” of Jesus both reinforced and challenged here. Matthew 11:25-30 is also parallel to Luke 10:21-22, although they are
found in somewhat different contexts. In Luke the pericope immediately
follows the return of the seventy from their apostolic mission. In Matthew the question to Jesus from John in prison (11:3) precedes the pericope. Actually, the general context of both is quite similar. Although the setting in Luke suggests viewing this passage as a thanksgiving for the successful mission, the Lucan context also includes woes and threats of judgment (10:13-15) parallel to Matthew (11:20-24). Also, the complete
context of Matthew includes the commissioning of the twelve (10:5-42), much of which is parallel to the commissioning ofthe seventy in Luke (10:1-20). In Matthew, the

specific context is a general upbraiding of the Galilean people for their weak response to the words and deeds of Jesus, for their lack of repentance, and for their shallow or even non-existent discipleship. The "condemned" are then contrasted with the "accepted."

The best known verses of this pericope, vv. 28-30, are unique to
Matthew's gospel. Apparently, as commentators concur, Mt. 11:25-27 and
its Lucan parallel come from the common source (Q) which both
evangelists share. Is Mt. 11:28-30 also from Q or from an independent
source? Although a few have suggested that Luke dropped vv. 28-30, Hans
Dieter Betz, in his survey of this issue, persuasively argues that these
verses are independent from Q. He does not agree with D.F. Strauss and E.
Norden that the entire pericope, 11:25-30, may derive from Wisdom
literature, such as Sirach 51 [Sirach 51 being divided into three parts
(1-12, 13-22, and 23-30) corresponding to the three divisions of the
Matthew pericope (25-26, 27, 28-30) ]. (cf. also M.J. Suggs, WISDOM,
CHRISTOLOGY AND LAW IN MATTHEW'S GOSPEL, pp. 99-108). Betz notes the
apparent independence of vv. 28-30, since they are almost parallel to
logion 90 in the Gospel of Thomas (Betz, p. 19), which is not associated
with Mt. 11:25-27. That this pericope has some association with Wisdom
literature, even Gnostic literature, does not necessitate that it is derivative,
dependent upon other sources and then ascribed to Jesus (cf.
Dunn, James D.G., pp. 199-200).


1b. TEXT: Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30

ESV:

16 “But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their playmates,

17 “‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’

18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’

19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds.” [1]


25 At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children;

26 yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. [2]

27 All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.

28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”


[1] 11:19 Some manuscripts children (compare Luke 7:35)

[2] 11:26 Or for so it pleased you well

( FROM: http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/ )


GREEK:

16τινι δε ομοιωσω την γενεαν ταυτην; ομοια εστιν παιδιοις καθημενοις εν ταις αγοραις α προσφωνουντα τοις ετεροις
17λεγουσιν, ηυλησαμεν υμιν και ουκ ωρχησασθε: εθρηνησαμεν και ουκ εκοψασθε.
18ηλθεν γαρ ιωαννης μητε εσθιων μητε πινων, και λεγουσιν, δαιμονιον εχει:
19ηλθεν ο υιος του ανθρωπου εσθιων και πινων, και λεγουσιν, ιδου ανθρωπος φαγος και οινοποτης, τελωνων φιλος και αμαρτωλων. και εδικαιωθη η σοφια απο των εργων αυτης.


25 εν εκεινω τω καιρω αποκριθεις ο ιησους ειπεν, εξομολογουμαι σοι, πατερ, κυριε του ουρανου και της γης, οτι εκρυψας ταυτα απο σοφων και συνετων και απεκαλυψας αυτα νηπιοις: 26 ναι, ο πατηρ, οτι ουτως ευδοκια εγενετο εμπροσθεν σου.
27 παντα μοι παρεδοθη υπο του πατρος μου, και ουδεις επιγινωσκει τον υιον ει μη ο πατηρ, ουδε τον πατερα τις επιγινωσκει ει μη ο υιος και ω εαν βουληται ο υιος αποκαλυψαι.
28 δευτε προς με παντες οι κοπιωντες και πεφορτισμενοι, καγω αναπαυσω υμας.
29 αρατε τον ζυγον μου εφ υμας και μαθετε απ εμου, οτι πραυς ειμι και ταπεινος τη καρδια, και ευρησετε αναπαυσιν ταις ψυχαις υμων:
30 ο γαρ ζυγος μου χρηστος και το φορτιον μου ελαφρον εστιν.

Novum Testamentum Graece, Nestle-Aland 26th edition
© 1979, Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, Stuttgart;

The Greek New Testament, 3rd edition
© 1975, United Bible Societies, London



2. ANALYSIS: Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30


Matthew 11:25 - (en ekeino to kairo) - ("At that time") is a connecting
phrase (Kingsbury, p. 6), a "literary seam" (McKenzie, JBC 43:2), which is
chronologically unspecific, but which relates the subsequent verses to the
preceding section (Carson, EBC, p. 274). (exomologoumai soi, pater....) - ("I
thank thee, Father, Lord of heaven and earth. . .") - Jeremias includes vv.
25-27 among the prayers of Jesus (Jeremias, p. 45ff.). It may have
originated with the language of berakah, a blessing or praising of God. The
verb (exomologoumai) basically means "to acknowledge." When used in
reference to sins, the verb then means "to confess," but when used in
reference to God, the meaning becomes "to praise" or "to give thanks." This
verse and its parallel in Luke are the only verses in the New Testament
where this verb is used with the meaning of giving thanks or praise.
Contrast this with 37 instances of the verb eucharisteo.

hoti ekrypsas tauta.... - Are the sophoi ("wise") and synetoi
("understanding" or "intelligent") specifically selected out and rejected by
God? Does Jesus refer specifically to the scribes and Pharisees? Is
education a hindrance to faith? Does Jesus say that God purposely hides
tauta ("these things" - i.e., the gospel of salvation) from the wise, while
mysteriously revealing them to the nepioi ("babes")? Or, are there certain
qualities attendant to the "wise" and to "babes" which allow one group to
see and understand the gospel while the other remains blind? Comparing
these words ofJesus with other biblical passages with a similar theme
(cf. Jer. 8:8-9; 9:23-24; Is. 29:14: ICor. 1:18-31; 2:6-8), it appears that the
wise and understanding are the "know-it-alls," the self-sufficient, who
perceive no need for God's grace; whereas, the babes are dependent and
acknowledge their need for God. Gerhard Kittel (TDNT, v. 4, p. 921)
associates the nepioi with the ptochoi, praies, astheneis, mikroi, paidia,
douloi, diakonoi, tapeinoi - (poor, meek, weak, little ones, children,
slaves, servants, humble). These people Kittel says, "whom the world does
not notice - children, the lowly, the disciples and the masses - bear
witness to Jesus. They acknowledge Him to the praise and glory of God
(Phil. 2:11). Flesh and blood did not reveal this to them, any more than to
Peter (Mt. 16:17), but God himself. To them is given understanding of the
mysteria (Mt. 13:11), tes basileias ton ouranon." (ibid.) "Because God so
wills it, because it corresponds to the nature of revelation, Jesus has not
garbed Himself in power, wealth, and wisdom. He is poor, mean and lowly,
and He comes to those who are themselves nepioi." (ibid.) Perhaps
intelligence does not preclude understanding that life is a gift, a
revelation, God's apocalypse for now.









3. STRATEGY: Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30


A preliminary decision is choosing which part of the text to focus
upon for preaching. Matthew 11:25-26 deal with the issue of
self-sufficient wisdom versus the dependent innocence of babes,
sophistication versus simplicity (cf. Mt. 21:16; Ps. 8:2). But lest we make
of this a "head-trip," let us remember that Matthew (Jesus, as well?) is
associating "babes" with those "who labor and are heavy laden." Albert
Barnes hears these words addressed to "the poor, the ignorant, and the
obscure; the teachable, the simple, the humble" (NOTES ON THE NEW
TESTAMENT, p. 123). Let's keep our thinking within the "theology of the
cross." Jesus prays to God, not for the impressively successful, not for
those wise in the ways of the world, who know how to "turn a buck" and
make someone else's loss their gain; but he prays for cross-carriers, for
those yoked with burdens, beaten by belligerent and bellicose brigadiers.
This is not self-congratulation time because we are God's beloved "babes."
It is appropriate that humble people of the Nicaraguan village called
Papaturro hear these words applying especially to them in their time and
place (Cardenal, pp. 9-16).

Another issue, which ties the first part with the second (vs.
27), is the issue of revelation. Is Jesus suggesting that the wisdom of
Jewish law and learning may be a hindrance, a stumbling-block, to
receiving God's revelation? Can our attachment to the ways of religion
darken and obscure the clear light of Christ, prohibiting us from perceiving
God's epiphany? Receiving God's revelation involves us in revolution,
repentance and transformation. Contemplate what happened to Peter after
Mt. 16:16-17.

The mystery of revelation directs us to the "revealed-One." We
move from the theme of revelation to relationship. Vs. 27 is spoken of as
"a synoptic thunderbolt from the Johannine sky" (Fuller, p. 222; cf. also
McKenzie, JBC 43:77). Unlike Jeremias (THE PRAYERS OF JESUS, p. 50),
who says that huios and pater are to be understood generically, I side with
those who hear Jesus speaking specifically of his own unique relationship
as Son of the Heavenly Father. So, certainly we are "wise" to confer with
John 1:18; 3:35; 5:19-27; 13:3; 17:1-5, but we need not conclude that St.
John has an "exclusive," a copyright or patent, on Father-Son language and
the vested authority of the Son. This theology is evident elsewhere (cf. Mt.
28:28-29; 1 Cor. 15:27), and has its roots in the Father-Son language of
the Old Testament, used analogously as a metaphor of God's relationship
with the children of Abraham (cf. Ps. 2:7; Hosea 11:1ff). But the
authoritative Sonship claim of Jesus goes beyond analogy and metaphor.
Jesus is THE Babe and THE revelation, contradicting the pious Jewish
claim that all revelation of God is in the Torah.

This may be an occasion to preach "relational" theology. God's
revelation is not merely factual, but personal (Carson, EBC, v. 8, p. 277).
Knowledge of the Father and Son, the knowledge of faith, is fundamentally
relational. The truth of the Christian faith is not more fact, but is
TROTH--God's promised fidelity proved true in Jesus. God's relationship
with us poor babes is proved true in his Son. In response we are true to
this divine relationship.
The third part, the invitation to the weary, vv. 28-30, is
particularly tempting for preaching. Beware of focusing exclusively on
v.28, lest the vessel (cf. Betz, p. 10) remain empty of meaning or the
content with which we fill it is unrelated to the context of Christ and
text. Even a fine sermon, such as "The Shadow And The Promise" by George
Hunsinger (SOJOURNERS, Oct. 1978, pp. 25-26), suffers this problem.
Beware of narrowly-focused, doctrinal spectacles, such as those worn by
Samuel Bacchiocchi, a Seventh-Day Adventist, who argues that the "rest"
referred to by Jesus is the messianic sabbath, a symbol of the messianic
age. Yet, his comments can help to expand the meaning of the text, rather
than restrict the meaning as he does. Beware of making the words overly
pious and sweetly religious, so that they become a passive, "comfortable
word" as in Cranmer's 1549 Prayer Book, or an invitation to sacramental
devotion as used by Zwingli in the communion context (Stanton,
EXPOSITORY TIMES). Yes, this is an invitation by the Savior to the Savior;
and yes, they are gentle words of assurance, but they are also paradoxical
words, speaking of the costly nature of discipleship. The yoke is easy, but
it is a yoke. The burden is light, but it is a burden.

Some of us naturally picture the Thorvaldsen statue of Jesus which
stands in the altar are of Our Lady's (vor Frue Kirke) in Copenhagen, the
very one which inspired Soren Kierkegaard with the inscribed words,
"Kommer til meg." (cf. S.K., TRAINING IN CHRISTIANITY). In concord with S.
Kierkegaard and in line with Lutheran theology, let us underscore the
paradoxical nature of this invitation. The Invitation is also an Imperative,
and it is filled with Ironic contrast. The irony is part of the relationship,
for this IS a relationship to which we are invited. The yoke is made for
two. You and I become yoke-fellows with Christ. This is "for better for
worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to
cherish, till death parts us." Except death won't part us from Christ.

The yoke of Christ is more than the yoke of the law (cf. Acts 15:10;
Mt. 12:1-14; 23:4). This is not a contrast between the Yoke of the Torah
(Law) and the Yoke of the Gospel (Grace), anymore than it is a contrast
between legalism and antinomianism, or harshness vs. humaneness.

Jesus did not come to abolish the law and the prophets (Mt. 5:17-48; Jer.
31:33; Ez. 36:26; 1 Jn. 5:3-4); neither does he come to crush us with a yoke
of slavery (Is. 42:2-4; 53:2-5; Mt. 8:17). Jesus bears the burden--the
burden of the law, of sin and guilt, of poverty, hunger, oppression and
injustice. Jesus joins the meek and humble, the gentle and lowly of heart.
"What he enjoins, he gives (de Dietrich, p. 73). Jesus carries the yoke,
"fellowed" with us in our yoke-bearing called discipleship. There is an
"upside-downness" to this yoke-bearing, to the discipline of the disciples'
way.

Allegiance to the reign of God is neither libertinism nor slavery,
but true liberation. To take Jesus' yoke is to accept his Lordship over my
life and follow his Way (cf. Jer. 6:16). This is the Way that begins at
baptism, for all of us "babes," no matter what our age. Thus, the Early
Church used Mt. 11:28-30 in its catechesis as preparation for the
Sacrament of Holy Baptism (Field, p. 33f), sometimes in association with
Isaiah 55: 1ff. And those early Christians understood that taking the yoke
of Jesus means learning Jesus' way of life. This is the Way of salt and
light (Mt. 5:13-16), and by this Way are all yoked-people blessed (Mt.
5:1-12). Our yoke is the stole of servanthood, given us in the ordination of
our baptism, by the Suffering Servant himself.














4. REFERENCES: Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30



BACCHIOCCHI, SAMUELE. "Mt. 11:28-30 --Jesus' Rest and the Sabbath",
ANDREWS UNIVERSITY SEMINARY STUDIES, Autumn '84, v. 22,
No. 3, pp. 289-316.



Barnes, Albert. NOTES ON THE NEW TESTAMENT: MATTHEW AND MARK,
ed. Robert Frew. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 1966.



Betz, Hans Dieter. "The Logion of the Easy Yoke and of Rest," JOURNAL OF
BIBLICAL LITERATURE, v. 86, March 1967, pp. 10-24.



Cardenal, Ernesto. THE GOSPEL IN SOLENTINAME, vol. 2. Maryknoll, NY:
Orbis Books, 1978.



Carson, D.A. EXPOSITOR'S BIBLE COMMENTARY, MATTHEW, vol. 8. Grand
Rapids: Zondervan, 1984.



De Dietrich, Suzanne. LAYMAN'S BIBLE COMMENTARY, vol. 16. Richmond,
VA: John Knox Press, 1961.



Dunn, James D.G. CHRISTOLOGY IN THE MAKING. Philadelphia: Westminster
Press, 1980.



Field, Anne, O. S. B. FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT. Ann Arbor, MI: Servant
Books, 1978.



Fuller, Reginald. PREACHING THE NEW LECTIONARY: THE WORD OF GOD FOR
THE CHURCH TODAY. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 1971-74.




Jeremias, Joachim, THE PRAYERS OF JESUS. Philadelphia: Fortress, 1978.



Kierkegaard, Soren. TRAINING IN CHRISTIANITY. Princeton, NJ: Princeton

University Press, 1967.



Kingsbury, Jack Dean. PROCLAMATION COMMENTARIES: THE NEW

TESTAMENT WITNESSES FOR PREACHING - MATTHEW, ed.

Gerhard Krodel. Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1977.



Kittel, Gerhard. THEOLOGICAL DICTIONARY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT, vol. 4,

ed. Geoffrey W. Bromiley. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1967.



McKenzie, J.L. "The Gospel According to Saint Matthew," THE JEROME

BIBLICAL COMMENTARY, ch. 43, ed. R.E. Brown, J.A. Fitzmeyer

and R.O. Murphy. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall, 1968.



Stanton, Graham N. "Salvation Proclaimed," EXPOSITORY TIMES, vol. 94,

Oct. '82, pp. 3-8.



Suggs, Jack M. WISDOM, CHRISTOLOGY, AND LAW IN MATTHEW'S GOSPEL.

Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1970.



5. WORSHIP SUGGESTIONS: Pentecost 8


I think of the SBH hymn #508, MAKE ME A CAPTIVE, LORD, AND THEN
I SHALL BE FREE, but WIDE OPEN ARE YOUR HANDS (LBW 489), also to the
Leominster tune, would suit well. You might consider planning in advance
and having the congregation learn FORTH IN THY NAME, O LORD, I GO (LBW
505) and/or PRAISE GOD. PRAISE HIM (LBW 529) if they haven't already.




Other possibilities to consider are:




AT THE NAME OF JESUS (LBW 179,HB 435)

COME TO CALVARY'S HOLY MOUNTAIN (LBW 301)

I LAY MY SINS ON JESUS (LBW 305)

LORD JESUS, THINK ON ME (LBW 309, HB 641)

JESUS, THE VERY THOUGHT OF YOU (LBW 316, HB 642)

HOW SWEET THE NAME OF JESUS SOUNDS (LBW 345,HB 644)

O CHRIST, THE HEALER, WE HAVE COME (LBW 360)

THE CHURCH'S ONE FOUNDATION (LBW 369,HB 525)

DAY BY DAY (HB 654)

O GOD OF MERCY, GOD OF LIGHT (LBW 425)

WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS (LBW 439)

THE LORD'S MY SHEPHERD (LBW 451)

"COME, FOLLOW ME," THE SAVIOR SPAKE (LBW 455)

JESUS, PRICELESS TREASURE (LBW 457 or 458)

I HEARD THE VOICE OF JESUS SAY (LBW 497)

COME, MY WAY, MY TRUTH, MY LIFE (LBW 513)

JESUS SHALL REIGN (LBW 530)

JOYFUL, JOYFUL WE ADORE THEE (LBW 551)





For Communion:



O LIVING BREAD FROM HEAVEN (LBW 197)

LORD JESUS CHRIST, YOU HAVE PREPARED (LBW 208)

COME, RISEN LORD (LBW 209)

COME, LET US EAT (LBW 214)

IN THE QUIET CONSECRATION (LBW 223)



For Baptism:

THIS IS THE SPIRIT'S ENTRY NOW (LBW 195)



Exegete: Glenn C. Petersen is Pastor of Central Lutheran Church in Anchorage Alaska < http://www.centluth.org/ >





6. SEASIDE READING….The Olympics are Coming!



Whether or not you indulge yourself in the old custom of going to the beach ( or Lake Wobegon ) for the summer, you may enjoy taking some time out to read David Halberstam's remarkable 1985 book on rowing, THE AMATEURS (NY: Morrow). This "Story of Four Young Men and Their Quest for an Olympic Gold Medal" tells how four zealous rowers pursued their goal of rowing in the Olympics. It is a kind of parable of discipleship in that it presents in exquisite detail the almost fanatical commitment and rigorous sacrificial training experience by the four rowers as they move stroke by stroke to the book's inevitably decisive moment of truth. Rowing is a punishing, private world and yet one sees in this book on the "martyrdom"
of rowers why the early Christian martyrs were known as "athletos."




















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Lexegete ™ © 2008

Tischrede Software

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www.Yourobdtsvt.blogspot.com







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Lexegete June 29, 2008

Lexegete TM | Year A | Matthew
________________________________

SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
June 29, 2008 (Lectionary 13)


Complementary Series

Jeremiah 28:5-9
Psalm 89:1-4, 15-18 (1)
Romans 6:12-23
13. Matthew 10:40-42

Semicontinuous Series

Genesis 22:1-14
Psalm 13 (5)
Romans 6:12-23
Matthew 10:40-42

1a. CONTEXT: Matthew 10:(34-39) 40-42

Today's text forms the conclusion of the second discourse in
Matthew, the commissioning of the disciples. Following last week's
Gospel, it begins with the strife to be expected by the followers of Jesus,
and concludes with the benefits to be expected by those who treat him and
his followers well. It is interesting to note that while Mark and Luke
report on the return of the followers after the sending out, Matthew
ignores it. This is probably not because Matthew thought the journey
unimportant or unsuccessful, but rather because the historical journey of
the twelve was not as important to Matthew as the implied commission to
all Christians.

The verses that make up this passage have some parallels in Luke
and some echoes in Mark and John. Matthew's editing ofthe various sayings
is unique. The notion that family strife (10:34-37, and Lk 12:51-53, and
Lk 14:26) was a sign of the end times was traditional (Micah 7:6). Jesus
modified the tradition by stating that the Messiah himself would cause the
family strife, rather than having the Messiah be the one to end the strife.
Family ties were extremely important, but Jesus represented something
even more important. In Matthew's day, people, both Jewish and Gentile,
were experienceing family rifts because of Jesus. (Beare, THE GOSPEL
ACCORDING TO MATTHEW, p. 249).

Matthew 10:38 and 39 have parallels in all the Gospels. The notion
that following Jesus entailed suffering and sacrifice was held commonly.
That Matthew chose to put the sayings about the cross-bearing and
following, and life-losing and gaining, between predictions of family
strife and directions about receiving followers of Jesus is interesting
here. The passage ends with directions about hospitality towards
Christians. Again, its was traditional to give an emissary the same
hospitality that one would give to the one the emissary represented.


1b. TEXT: Matthew 10:40-42

(ESV)

40 “Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me.
41 The one who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet's reward, and the one who receives a righteous person because he is a righteous person will receive a righteous person's reward.
42 And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.”

GREEK:
40ο δεχομενος υμας εμε δεχεται, και ο εμε δεχομενος δεχεται τον αποστειλαντα με.

41ο δεχομενος προφητην εις ονομα προφητου μισθον προφητου λημψεται, και ο δεχομενος δικαιον εις ονομα δικαιου μισθον δικαιου λημψεται.

42και ος αν ποτιση ενα των μικρων τουτων ποτηριον ψυχρου μονον εις ονομα μαθητου, αμην λεγω υμιν, ου μη απολεση τον μισθον αυτου.

Novum Testamentum Graece, Nestle-Aland 26th edition © 1979, Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, Stuttgart;
The Greek New Testament, 3rd edition © 1975, United Bible Societies, London.


2. ANALYSIS: Matthew 10:34-42


Matthew 10:34 - " I have not come to bring peace(eirenen) , but a sword(
machairan)." - While some may expect the coming of the Messiah to end
strife, Jesus engenders it, particularly among families. Luke 12:51 uses
"division" instead of "sword." Albright and Mann (ANCHOR BIBLE, p. 129)
focusing on Jesus' response to the expectations put upon him, translate
Matthew, "I have come neither to impose peace, nor yet to make war."


10:37 - "He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me."

- The "hate" in Luke 14:26 is less strong in Greek than in English. (Beare,

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW, p. 250). Matthew's emphasis is on
loyalty to Jesus; Luke's is more on the cost of the loyalty. "worthy of me,"
(mou aksios) used three times in 10:37-38 is typical of Matthew. Note
that Luke uses "be my disciple."


10:38 - "and he who does not take his cross and follow me.." - Some form
of this saying exists in all 3 synoptics. Note that here and in the parallel
form (LK 14:27) the negative is used. Mt. 16:24, Mk 8:34, and Lk 9:23 are
positive forms. This is Matthew's first use of the cross and is significant
because of it. (Fenton, SAINT MATTHEW, p. 165) Although it is possible
that Jesus' disciples had to face the thought of their own crucifixion
within Jesus' lifetime (Albright and Mann, p. 132), it is clear that Matthew
is again speaking to his own community here.

10:39 - "He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for my
sake will find it." - This saying, too, has multiple parallels: Lk 17:33 (the
closest), Mt. 16:25, Mk 8:35, Lk 9:24, and Jn 12:25. In Greek, the find
life/lose life dichotomy does not imply "live or die," though Matthew's
placement of it right after the cross-bearing section tempts one. "Lose" (
apoluo) here has the sense of "let go" or "be liberated," which does not
necessarily imply literal death. "Psyche" here is another difficult word.
Although the RSV translates it "life," soul or self is probably better. Note
that Luke 17:33 omits "for my sake."



10:41 - "He who receives a prophet because he is a prophet shall receive a
prophet's reward..." - This verse has no parallels and is cause for
confusion. Albright and Mann suggest tht both "Prophet" and "Righteous
one" refer to Jesus himself (p. 133), although most commentators assume
that they refer to classes of early Christians. "eis onoma" means literally,
"in the name of." The reward of the one who receives the prophet or
righteous one will be the same as that one's. There's a commutative
principle at work here.




10:42 - "these little ones" (ton mikron) is a phrase Matthew often uses of
the disciples.





3. STRATEGY: Matthew 10:34-42


Today's text concludes Matthew's commission of the disciples,
without indicating that they ever did what they were asked. (Contrast
Mark 6:12 and Luke 9:6.) And so, without casting aspersions on the
disciples, the preacher could focus the sermon on "The Unfinished
Commission," or "The Unfinished Agenda." Myths and fairy tales often tell
of a group of people with an expectation that can only be filled by the right
person--he must slay the dragon; she must answer the riddle. Jewish
society expected a Messiah. Jesus came as the fulfillment of that
society's expectation (whether they knew it or not) and turned the tables.
In fulfilling the expectation that the society has for him, he has set up an
expectation in turn for the society itself to fulfill. Matthew, Mark and
Luke all have Jesus stating his expectations to the disciples. But in
leaving the commissioning open-ended, Matthew also invites his readers to
include themselves in the expectation.

So how do we respond to the unfinished commission? How
literally do we take it? How much do we tailor it to suit our needs and
wishes? If we look to this passage to give us guidance on our commission,
we learn, first, that following Christ can call into question the things we
hold most dear, namely our family relationships. Material things are not
even mentioned here--it is assumed we are beyond these. But family
harmony is not only God-given, it is God-mandated. However, our
commission takes precedence over our obligations to maintain even as
religiously defensible a thing as family peace. Should your church happen
to schedule a baptism this Sunday, it is interesting to note that Luke's
parallel passage is preceded with a violent baptismal reference. "I have a
baptism to be baptized with; and how I am constrained until it is
accomplished!" (Lk 12:50) Baptism is too often perceived as a living
Hallmark card. To remind the congregation that baptism is more than just
a photo opportunity/family gathering is in keeping with the passage.

We also learn that the unfinished commission turns our lives
and expectations upside down. William Blake's poem, "Eternity," reflects
the sense of losing and gaining being switched:



"He who binds to himself a joy
Does the winged life destroy.
But he who kisses the joy as it flies
Lives in eternity's sunrise."

Holding on and letting go are reversed in this paradox. The suffering that we all experience is not an end in itself. It is part of a process. The point is not simply to lug a cross around; it is to take up one's cross AND to follow.

Finally, we learn that there will be solidarity in this process, that
by joining the unfinished commission we join others. Verses 40-42 tell of
a solidarity among Christians, a connection that is the body of Christ. The
passage which began so violently, with the bursting in of the sword, ends
ever so gently, with a cup of water for the "little ones." If sentimentality
about family is smashed earlier, we learn here that the commission is not
loveless or heartless. Loyalty is redefined; love is reaffirmed.



4. REFERENCES

Albright, W.F., and Mann, C.S. THE ANCHOR BIBLE: MATTHEW. Garden City:
New York: Doubleday & Co., 1971.


Beare, F.W. THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW. New York: Harper & Row, 1981.



Blake, William. "Eternity," in THE POETRY AND PROSE OF WILLIAM BLAKE, edited
by David Erdman. Garden City, New York: Doubleday & Co., 1970.


Fenton, J.C. SAINT MATTHEW. Middlesex, England: Penguin, 1963.


5. WORSHIP SUGGESTIONS



O GOD OF EARTH AND ALTAR (LBW 428) would make an appropriate
first hymn, opening the service with a statement of some of the ills in the
world. WHERE RESTLESS CROWDS ARE THRONGING (LBW 430) has the same
theme, with the refrain, "You, O Christ, are there." A sermon hymn might
well emphasize the solidarity of believers engaged in the commission,
such as BLEST BE THE TIE THAT BINDS (LBW 370). I BIND UNTO MYSELF
TODAY (LBW 188, although the Episcopal version is vastly better, being
complete, cf. ELW 450) would also be a fine choice, emphasizing the connection
between baptism and the commitment to the commission. Other baptismal
hymns might also be appropriate. THROUGH THE NIGHT OF DOUBT AND
SORROW (LBW 355, ELW 327) would end the service appropriately on the theme of
pilgrimage. THE CHURCH'S ONE FOUNDATION (LBW 369, ELW 654) would also go well at the end.

If the unfinished commission is the theme of the day, one might well incorporate it into the intercessory prayers and passing of the peace. This might also be an appropriate time for baptism or the affirmation of baptism in the incorporation of new members. We are all engaged in the unfinished commission. We have joined in media res. To witness others joining in media res today emphasizes the nature of the common pilgrimage.

Exegete: Rev. Jessica Crist
Bishop, Montana Synod / ELCA

http://www.montanasynod.org/leaders.html






or Peter and Paul, Apostles may be observed:

Lexegete ™ | Year A | Matthew

PETER AND PAUL, APOSTLES - LINKS

June 29, 2008
Acts 12:1-11
Psalm 87:1-3, 5-7 (3)
2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18
John 21:15-19

Note: The Peter & Paul pericope is noted by Luther in his essay
“On the War Against the Turk,” (1529, trans. Jacobs) in the new boxed set of Luther’s Selected Writings, found here:

http://books.google.com/books?id=cHvf_xp6V8IC&pg=PA20&lpg=PA20&dq=Luther+on++John+21:15-19&source=web&ots=4jbwkNqNRz&sig=7mUlaU5D4GOraZrZQwKew1xksLQ&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=5&ct=result#PPP1,M1

[ For more on Luther and Muslims, see “Luther on the Turks and Islam” by Gregory J. Miller in T. Wengert, ed., in HARVESTING LUTHER’S REFLECTIONS on THEOLOGY, ETHICS, AND THE CHURCH (Eerdmans, 2003.) ]

Regarding Acts 12:1-11, see Paul F. Stuehrnberg, “The Study of Acts Before the Reformation...,” (Novum Testamentum, 1987, v. 3, BRILL and also his study writings on the “God-fearers” in Luther’s translation of Acts (Sixteenth Century Journal 1989, v. 20 n. 3: 4-7-415.

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has excellent notes on the Timothy text at: http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/bible/2timothy/2timothy4.htm

An apt hymn for Peter & Paul would be “There is a Balm in Gilead” (ELW 614).



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