Lent 3C
476: March 20, 2022
1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Diann Bailey
316: March 24, 2019
Isaiah 55:1-9, Nelson Pierce
Psalm 63:1-8, Richard Bruxvoort Colligan (Psalmimmersion.com, @pomopsalmist, Patreon)
156: February 28, 2016
Musician: Heatherlyn, “You Gotta Move…” from her album Storydwelling (heatherlynmusic.com, @heatherlynmusic)
Psalm 63:1-8, Richard Bruxvoort Colligan (Psalmimmersion.com, @pomopsalmist, Patreon)
Luke 13:1-9
Initial Thoughts
Check out A Sanctified Art’s excellent movie artwork on this passage
Repent or perish!! Seems a little harsh
Seems very “John the Baptist-y”
Bible Study
Context
Slaughter of the Galileans
not mentioned outside the Gospel of Luke
Presumably refers to Galileans who were killed by Pilate while offering sacrifices at the Temple
Doubly egregious in that is happened in the temple while they were offering sacrifices (reminiscent of the murder of Oscar Romero while celebrating Mass.
Also plays on the prejudices of the Jerusalem jews against Galilean Jews.
Jesus is asked to comment on the political issues of the moment- the slaughter of the Galileans, but instead of railing against the oppressive injustice of Pilate- he instead turns the focus back on the crowd- demanding repentance from them. True change begins with us.
Jesus evens the playing field and silences the justifications of tragedy - were the Galilean Jews who were killed by Pilate/Rome worse sinners than the Jerusalem Jews who were killed in a natural disaster?
Sin and suffering
God does not enact external punishment on “sinners”
Immediate rejection that the Galileans were killed because they were sinners or that this tragedy was God’s punishment
God’s wrath seems much more tied to our choice to change our hearts and minds to accept and share God’s grace than external factors
Awful things happen, but it is worse to deny or reject God’s love and grace
Fred Craddock, “they come to Jesus and want to know if violence and suffering are random or according to divine law. Jesus rejects such attempts at calculation, not only because they are futile but also because they deflect attention from the primary issue: the obligation of every person to live in penitence and trust before God, and that penitent trust is not to be linked to life’s sorrows or life’s joys. Life in the kingdom is not an elevated game of gaining favors and avoiding losses.” Interpretation:Luke.
Repent?
Terrible translation of metanoia which means a change of Mind, a change in the trend and action of the whole inner nature, intellectual, affectional and moral.
The Greek does not contain any sense of regret or moralistic implication but rather a complete and total change of heart, gut, soul and mind
Common English Bible is a much better translation
About being transformed - not about feeling guilty
Kenneth Bailey brings up the implication of telling an oppressed people to repent- similar to Matthew 1:20-21, “their primary problem is their sin--the Roman occupation is an important concern, but it is secondary” Bailey, Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes, p.50
“As he was thinking about this, an angel from the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, don't be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because the child she carries was conceived by the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you will call him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."
Barren Fig Tree
Direct connection to the previous conversation - if it were just a matter of sin, then we all deserve to be cut down, but by the grace of God, we have the opportunity to bear good fruit.
Allegory - God as the landowner, Christ as the Gardener and we are the fig tree
Classical theology as summed up in Romans 3:23 “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”
We have all failed to bear the fruit expected of us and, therefore, are deserving to be cut down
Christ intercedes on our behalf (like the Gardener) and does everything in his power to help us bear good fruit (care, till, fertilize, etc)
“The manure around our roots is the very blood of the one who pleads for our justification before God, the one through whom we may offer up the fruits of the kingdom to our Creator.” Daniel Deffenbaugh - Feasting on the Word – Year C, Volume 2: Lent through Eastertide.
Still gives us a set time to bear fruit - change our hearts and minds - or face imminent wrath
How to handle this in a more progressive sense? There is something to this even if you are not a sacrificial atonement theologian (i.e. Christ died for our sins)
Affirm that God’s grace is a gift which is not earned
God’s grace can only be fully accepted when we change our hearts and lives toward God and neighbor
Eternal life is living in full relationship with God, self and neighbor
Christ shows us how to live in that fullness of life
By following Christ’s way we have a chance and a choice to accept God and other centeredness and life or self-centeredness and death
The “wrath” of God is as much one of our own choosing as it is God’s
This parable is often misused- misinterpreted to support the prosperity Gospel: look how the fig tree is blessed with special care and fertilizer - that must be because the tree is special, faithful, and fruitful.
This interpretation is attractive for those of us who “like to think that we have comfortable houses, when so many are homeless, or a substantial income, when so many are poor, or all kinds of food to eat, when so many are ill, because we have somehow been particularly faithful.” Gonzalez, Luke, p. 172
That is NOT what Jesus is saying in this parable, but instead the opposite. The tree is given blessing and special attention because it failed to be faithful, it failed to bear good fruit. “Could it be that our apparent advantages and privileges are also a warning about impending doom lest we bear fruit?” Gonzalez, Luke, p. 173
Thoughts and Questions
Many, though not all, tragedies are caused by human sin, although not necessarily (or arguably, not usually) the sins of the victim. Human sin leads to the killing of innocents, to natural disasters caused by climate change, to inequitable distribution of resources leading to unsafe school, and residential structures. If we simply explain tragedy away as a result of the victim’s sin, then none of the larger sins (which we may be complicit in) can be addressed.
In other words - if we unfaithfully dismiss the murders of George Floyd (“he used counterfeit money”) or Eric Gardner (“he was illegally selling loose cigarettes”), then we ignore the real causes of these tragedies (white supremacy, police brutality without accountability, and systemic racism) which too many of us in our words and actions or silence and inaction perpetuate.
Are you and your church honest about the radical transformation required by the Gospel?
Are we honest about the complete “change of mind, trend and action of our inner whole” in order to follow Christ or do we make the Gospel palatable and relatable in order to get more members?
UMC - “The mission of the Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”
Jesus is more concerned about being honest regarding the demands of a faithful life- are we willing to be that honest?
Jesus is asked to comment on the political issues of the moment- the slaughter of the Galileans, but instead of railing against the oppressive injustice of Pilate- he instead turns the focus back on the crowd- demanding repentance from them. True change begins with us.
1 Corinthians 10:1-13
Initial Thoughts
Tricky exegesis that Paul is doing here.
What do you do when Scripture writers treat Scripture in ways we shouldn’t?
(We’re looking at you too, Matthew and the “young woman.”)
Do we presume to read the text better than Paul?
Eternal Christ - wish we could ask Richard Rohr about this concept as it applies here.
Bible Study
Literary context
Part of a larger explanation to the Corinthian Church about eating foods that have been sacrificed. This issue clearly was a point of contention within the church.
Paul’s argument is a subtle one, declaring that people shouldn’t eat of the idol food not because of the food per say, or as a guard against actual idolatry, but as way to protect those vulnerable to back sliding.
He offers two examples. The first is himself. He doesn’t eat, even though he knows he can, because it is the right thing to do among new Christians.
The second is the Israelites. They grumbled and sinned and God didn’t allow them into the Promised Land.
This argument includes the paraphrase (1 Cor. 9:20-21) “To the Jews I am a Jew, to the Gentiles, I am a Gentile.”
The Corinthians must avoid this so that they may make it to the Kingdom.
This is a precursor to 10:14 “So then, my dear friends, run away from the worship of false gods!” and 10:23 “Everything is permitted, but everything isn’t beneficial.”
Comparing Corinthians to Israelites in Wilderness
Parallel experiences of the Israelites in the wilderness and the early church. Like any good preacher, he is connecting the experience of the people to the story of Scripture.
“In 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 Paul includes a rather bizarre retelling of Israel’s exodus to illustrate for the Corinthians their own precarious position as a church living in a wilderness time -- a limbo of sorts between their newfound freedom in Christ and the waited fruition of God’s kingdom.
“In this period of waiting, Paul urges the floundering church to learn from the mistakes of their “ancestors” and to be faithful to the jealous God of Israel.” (Carla Works, Working Preacher)
“Throughout this passage, Paul describes the inherited tradition -- the story of Exodus and Israel’s wandering in the wilderness -- as examples of what not to do (1 Corinthians 10:6-7, 9, 10). Paul appeals to the Jewish ancestors’ experience as his pedagogical strategy (Exodus 13:21-22; 14:22). He rehearses past failures to instruct the Corinthians on what errors to avoid. The Corinthians should not repeat the blunders of the past.” (Shively Smith, Working Preacher)
Adam Hamilton’s Half Truths has a chapter called “God won’t give you more than you can handle.”
Important to keep the word “tempted” and not “tested” as some try to do.
This is not about bad things happening to people to test their faith.
The context makes this more clear, but still this phrase persists.
Corinth was a port city with many pagan influences.
There were many temples, many of them connected to sex, drunkenness, and excesses
“Most of the newly minted Christians Paul was addressing had been pagans until the church was founded. They were trying to leave behind the idol worship and the temple prostitutes that were part of religious life… They were trying to follow Jesus, but some of them were going back to their former ways, and Paul was trying to help them.” (p. 82-83).
Paul was connecting their story to the Israelites story.
See, they were tempted too. When they fell into temptation things didn’t go so well.
This passage is a warning and a word of encouragement because following Jesus should affect your life.
There are temptations that are damaging to a person, and following Christ should help
Thoughts and Questions
Mainline Christians don’t like to talk about sin and temptation. When it comes to sin, we are often “live and let live,” or “don’t ask, don’t tell.” But we must tell the truth about how sin can be damaging to people. How do we walk the line between moralistic legalism and grace-filled encouragement? Sin hurts people. To pretend it doesn’t is to be dishonest. Sexual sin is real. We may not define it in the same way that our conservative evangelicals may define it, but if we pretend it doesn’t exist than the only group that is defining sexual sin is them.
Application from the Africa Study Bible “Those who suggest that Africa has become the center of Christianity probable look at the number of new churches that have been planted and the number of people who attend our church services. However, the growth of the church in Africa cannot be measured by the number of people [alone]... All the Israelites saw the powerful miracles of God as they travelled through the wilderness. But God was not please with all the Israelites, and they were scattered… Think of those who started on the Christian journey with you. How many are still serving God? Be sure to stand strong in times of God’s blessings. Also stand strong in your Christian faith and conduct in times of suffering and need. Real believers show their faith when water dries up, when meat is no more, when manna become tasteless, when the enemy is threatening, and when God seems so far away. You may experience moments like these bt stand firm. He is ‘faithful and will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand.’” (p. 1673)
Remember the question we asked of the Gospel: Are you and your church honest about the radical transformation required by the Gospel?
Are we honest about the complete “change of mind, trend and action of our inner whole” in order to follow Christ or do we make the Gospel palatable and relatable in order to get more members?
Isaiah 55:1-9
Initial Thoughts
“Anyone who is thirsty, come drink; the word accomplishes God’s purpose.” - Commentary line from the Narrative Lectionary
Bible Study
Literary Context
End of Deutero Isaiah, which began with ch 40. (argued), although some (Joseph Blenkinsopp and others) argue that this is not the end of deutero Isiah, but rather is the beginning of third Isaiah (the remainder of the book)
Ch 40 starts with Comfort, a road being made through the Wilderness, a reflection on the withering nature of loyalty, but a promise that “God’s word will exist forever.”
Of particular import if you include v. 10-13, which includes affirmation that God’s word will not return to me empty, and that it will provide bread, and plants, and flowers.
Ch 55 begins with the invitation to come and drink and eat. In a way, this chapter is the completion of the road through the Wilderness. .
Two main themes are the Banquet, with its invitation being open to all; and Repentance, which is God’s ultimate will for all.
v. 1-5 Invitation to all to come to God’s Banquet
Metaphorical focus proclaiming “God’s beneficence to His [sic] people will be unstinting and freely given with no price exacted for it.” Robert Alter, The Hebrew Bible, vol. 2, p.806
In other words- God’s gifts and grace are non transactional - this is not a quid pro quo God, but a God who gives freely and openly
“To the hearer on the edge of exile and in the midst of real displacement from the land which God promised, what is promised here is outrageous. The economy of the promise here reiterated is built not upon the scarcity of exile but upon God’s abundance.” (Samuel Giere, Working Preacher)
Only requirement: Thirst and Hunger
Chastises those who spend money on things that are not necessities.
Extravagances are mocked, but Listening to God is what matters.
Covenant with David is still strong, but now it is extended to the community - not just the monarchy and the elite.
“A Nation you don’t know.”
God is opening up the covenant to include others.
God is using nations and leaders (Cyrus) that no one expected
God is doing a new thing in new ways - And people may reject that.
v. 6-9 Call for all to seek the Lord
Seek the Lord - while he can still be found
“You may have imagined God was distant, hiding His [sic] face from you, but He [sic] is there close by, if only you seek Him [sic].” Alter, p.807
Invitation to all, but limited in time. God is patient, but decision to seek must be made.
Mercy offered to those who return to the Lord
”My plans aren’t your plans,”
Human plans are often for vengeance and retribution.
Humans are transactional - quid pro quo, but this isn’t how God will work, grace and love are given freely
Only repentance and pardon can open up relationship with God. Anything that we plan to take us to God will fall short.
v. 10-13 - the promise of blessing
Just as rain and snow are given to bring life, growth, and wholeness, so too will God’s word bring life, growth and wholeness to the earth
God’s word will make you prosper - perhaps whether you want it to or not
All of creation will rejoice with Israel whose judgment (the exile) has come to an end. When you repent/turn back to God, the response - not only of God, but all creation - is joy!
Thoughts and Questions
Invitation to the Great Banquet is open to all. The only requirement is hunger and thirst. Reminiscent of the beatitudes - “Blessed are the hungry and thirsty.” God’s Banquet is open to “the people” and to “nations you do not know.” A radical new understanding of God’s people. Coming at the end of exile, the road through the wilderness has come to this place, where all are welcome and the loyalty for David is extended to all.
God wills forgiveness and peace. Human plans get in the way of that all the time, but God’s plan is for forgiveness. While humans like to scheme vengeance and punishment, God’s plan is not like that. This is not the trite “It must be a part of God’s plan” in reference to suffering. God’s plan is not for suffering, and we just have to sit back and figure it out someday. God’s will is peace, but sometimes human plans get in the way.
Thanks to our Psalms correspondent, Richard Bruxvoort Colligan (psalmimmersion.com,@pomopsalmist). Thank you to Scott Fletcher for our voice bumpers, Dick Dale and the Del Tones for our Theme music (“Misirlou”), Nicolai Heidlas (“Sunday Morning”,"Real Ride"and“Summertime”) and Bryan Odeen for our closing music.