9/27/20

Sermon Notes:

The sermon this Sunday will be based on Matthew 21:23-32. In this passage we see the tension building between Jesus and the chief priests and elders of the synagogue.

They seem to be really upset with the “good news” Jesus is bringing. In their questions they try to depict him as a fraud or even a heretic.

These leaders get a bad reputation with good reason, but it is still important to be discerning when we consider them.

For this newsletter, I would like to share with you something I think is really important about how the New Testament addresses “chief priests and elders” in this case, and “the Jewish people” or “the house of Israel” in other places.

If we do not carefully consider the time and place of the Holy Word, we may end up falling into antisemitism or supersessionism.

The books that make up the New Testament were internal documents, or family stories. The early Christians were Jewish. Jesus was Jewish. When the writers of the books of the New Testament wrote, they were writing to themselves about themselves. 

My mother had many sayings about our various family lines that are something like what the New Testament writers do. She might say “well, the Myers men communicate by joking,” or “the McCarley women have a temperamental streak,” or “you would not want an Irwin in charge of what’s to eat.” 

Thinking of these family sayings helps me remember that when I read about the tension between Jesus and the chief priests and elders, I am reading about Jesus being at odds with his own people.  And now, thanks be to God, we have been adopted, grafted onto that vine. We too are “his own people.” We are blessed to apply Jesus’ teachings and wisdoms to ourselves and our own lives when we are in positions that resonate with the actions and attitudes of those in the stories and parables, even those of the chief priests and elders.

I am grateful to discern the Word of God with you all every week. It is a joy and an honor.

Peace of Christ to you, and see you Sunday!

Jane