Matthew 5:5       

This Sunday, March 30th the Fourth Sunday in Lent, I will preach from a single verse: Matthew 5:5. This verse is found in the part of Matthew’s Gospel known as The Sermon on the Mount. And it is, more specifically, part of The Beatitudes. Matthew 5:1-12 comprises The Beatitudes, a name taken from the first word in verses 3-11 in Latin. In English, the word is “Blessed”.

Matthew 5:5 says, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” See if you can find any commentary in your Bible or online that expands on the word “meek”. Does it mean something like a trembling church mouse, or something else?

We find the same Greek word translated as “meek” in Matthew 5:5 also in Matthew 11:29, where Jesus is describing himself. The Greek word “praus” is sometimes translated as “gentle” in Matthew 11:29. Does your Bible have “gentle” or “meek” there?

What do you suppose Jesus means when he says that the meek “will inherit the earth”?

Isaiah 51:1-3

This week, our Lenten series responding to the current crises enacted by the Trump administration will focus on hope for those who hunger for a better day. The Scripture reading is Isaiah 51:1-3.

In Isaiah 51:1-2, “you that pursue righteousness” are encouraged to identify as children of Abraham and Sarah. Have you ever thought of yourself as such?

Isaiah promises that “the wilderness” will become “like Eden”, and “the desert like the garden of the Lord”. How might these images, carrying God’s promise of salvation, serve as a focus of meditation to live through these days?

Psalm 10

This Sunday, we will hear Psalm 10 being read and preached. My experience is that various Psalms become very “alive” when one’s life circumstances are expressed through them.

How does this Psalm respond to your feelings in regard to current American politics, culture, and religious life?

“The wicked” are prominently referenced in this Psalm. What are their main characteristics in this Psalm? With whom are they contrasted?

What does this Psalm seem to say about God’s will and God’s power?

Psalm. 91:1-2, 9-16 / Luke 4:1-13

Rather amazingly (at least to me), when I was out walking on Sunday, and feeling the Holy Spirit press upon me, the Scripture I knew I must preach from on the First Sunday in Lent is Luke 4:1-13. Then, to my surprise, I found that very passage not only to be the lectionary Gospel for the First Sunday in Lent, but the one I had chosen several months ago, when I was outlining my sermons!

Luke 4:1-13 is the story of Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness. As you read, note how this time of testing was really a time for Jesus to discover just how powerful this Holy Spirit, whom he received in baptism, really is.

What, precisely, are the three temptations? How do you see the devil trying to turn Jesus away from God?

If you were to rephrase these three temptations for today, how would you describe them?

Psalm. 99 / Luke 9:28-36

This coming Sunday is Transfiguration Sunday, a day marking the mountaintop experience of Peter, James, and John, when Jesus was changed in appearance before them, and God proclaimed love of Jesus as God’s Son. It might be said that the three men ascended the mountain with Jesus of Nazareth, then descended with Jesus the Christ. The reading is Luke 9:28-36.

It will help to understand the setting if you begin reading at Luke 9:18.

As you read Luke 9:28-36, pay close attention to the disciples’ reaction to their experience. How would you describe their physical, emotional, and spiritual response?

God says to the three, regarding Jesus, “listen to him” (Luke 9:35). What might it mean to you to regard these as God’s words to you?

What do you believe about the divinity of Jesus, and his role as Messiah?

Psalm 34:1-8 / Romans 5:1-15

This Sunday we read Romans 5:1-5. It is an inspiring and well-known passage in the Bible.

First, clarify its progression in your mind: suffering > endurance > character > hope.

Second, identify, with God’s guidance, where you experience suffering, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. Now read Romans 5:1-2 and prayerfully ask God to bless you with peace, hope, and a measure of God’s glory.

Hebrews 1, 8-10

Psalm. 16

Again this week I am drawing on The Psalter (The Book of Psalms) for my sermon — Psalm 16. This psalm is categorized as “a psalm of trust”. It describes the life of those who trust God, and who do not follow any kind of false god or idol.

The Psalms are meant to be prayed more than analyzed. Pray this psalm this week. Go slowly. Read a verse, or even a half-verse (e.g. 1a) and take time to hold it as a prayer to God.

Meditate on these images: “The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places” (v. 6), and, “…in your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (v. 11b).

Psalm. 121

This week the sermon is based on Psalm 121. I think of this Psalm as the, “Help! What do I do now?” Psalm.

We need to be careful about what this Psalm does, and does not, promise about God’s care for us. Take a moment to list precisely what God provides us. Is God’s provision material, spiritual, or of some other kind?

How might this Psalm comfort you if you are ill or injured? Sad or depressed? Facing financial or educational or community troubles?

What does the Psalm say we have to do to get God’s help?

Psalm. 80:1-7 / Luke. 1:39-45

Luke 3:7-18

Malachi 3:1-4 / Luke. 3:1-6

We go from near the end of Luke (21:25-36) on First Advent to near the beginning (Luke 3:1-6) on Second Advent.

Why does Luke spend 1/3 of this passage talking about dates and who was in charge of religion and politics in Jesus’ day? Read Luke 3:1-2.

We will focus on Luke 3: 3 and 6. Why do we have to hear about repentance, forgiveness, and salvation, when Christmas is coming (Hint: it will make for a Merry Christmas, indeed).

Psalms. 132:1-12 / John. 18:33-37

As we begin a new Christian year and the Season of Advent, our reading comes from Luke 21:25-36.

 It may surprise you that, as we prepare for Christmas, the celebration of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, our Gospel reading comes from a time toward the end of Jesus’ life and ministry. The reason for this is that, just as they awaited the birth and coming of a Messiah two-thousand years ago, we await the return of the Messiah, Jesus, at the end of history. So, a people waiting and preparing is always a theme of Advent.

 In Luke 21:25-27 there are references to the prophesies of Isaiah, Joel, Zephaniah, and Daniel. If you have a Bible with footnotes, look up the specific verses from these four prophets and read them. What images do they use? What is the mood of what they say? How do you find yourself responding to them?

 In recent years, some Christians have predicted the end of the world, and even purchased advertising and billboard space to name a specific day. None of these predictions has come to pass. What do you think of that? What do you suppose motivated these people? When you read Luke 21:29-33, which also has to do with the end of the world, how do you respond to it?

 Luke 21:34-36 is a call to be watchful, expectant, and focused. To the degree that you do these things, what effect do they have on your daily life? Are you hopeful? Fearful? Ready to rent space on a billboard? Jesus names “dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life” as impediments to our readiness. How might you be distracting yourself instead of believing that Christ will return to bring creation to perfect alignment with the love of God?

Psalms. 132:1-12 / Luke 21:25-36

As we begin a new Christian year and the Season of Advent, our reading comes from Luke 21:25-36.

It may surprise you that, as we prepare for Christmas, the celebration of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, our Gospel reading comes from a time toward the end of Jesus’ life and ministry. The reason for this is that, just as they awaited the birth and coming of a Messiah two-thousand years ago, we await the return of the Messiah, Jesus, at the end of history. So, a people waiting and preparing is always a theme of Advent.

In Luke 21:25-27 there are references to the prophesies of Isaiah, Joel, Zephaniah, and Daniel. If you have a Bible with footnotes, look up the specific verses from these four prophets and read them. What images do they use? What is the mood of what they say? How do you find yourself responding to them?

In recent years, some Christians have predicted the end of the world, and even purchased advertising and billboard space to name a specific day. None of these predictions has come to pass. What do you think of that? What do you suppose motivated these people? When you read Luke 21:29-33, which also has to do with the end of the world, how do you respond to it?

Luke 21:34-36 is a call to be watchful, expectant, and focused. To the degree that you do these things, what effect do they have on your daily life? Are you hopeful? Fearful? Ready to rent space on a billboard? Jesus names “dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life”  as impediments to our readiness. How might you be distracting yourself instead of believing that Christ will return to bring creation to perfect alignment with the love of God?

John 14:23-27

This Sunday’s sermon will be based on John 14:23-27. The scene is the Last Supper. John 14-17 is called The Farewell Discourse. It is Jesus’ last, long talk with his friends before his arrest. I have always found it powerfully consoling.

I invite you to read prayerfully this week. Jesus said, “Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them” (John 14:23). Sit quietly for awhile with the image of the Creator and the Son, the Father and Jesus, dwelling in your body, mind, and spirit.

Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid” (John 14:27). Sit quietly for awhile and let his peace answer your troubles and fears.

Psalm 46

This Sunday’s sermon will be based on John 14:23-27. The scene is the Last Supper. John 14-17 is called The Farewell Discourse. It is Jesus’ last, long talk with his friends before his arrest. I have always found it powerfully consoling.

I invite you to read prayerfully this week. Jesus said, “Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them” (John 14:23). Sit quietly for awhile with the image of the Creator and the Son, the Father and Jesus, dwelling in your body, mind, and spirit.

Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid” (John 14:27). Sit quietly for awhile and let his peace answer your troubles and fears.

Psalm 121

For the coming two Sundays I will be preaching from The Book of Psalms — Psalm 121 on October 27th, and Psalm 46 on November 4th. My decision to preach from these two Psalms is based on my sense as a pastor that we all need reassurance and hope right now.

I do not really have much to say by way of interpretation here. Nor do I have a bunch of questions for you. Instead, I would encourage you simply to read these Psalms, to pray them, to hold them close, and to be held by them.

James 5:1-20

We complete our series of sermons from The Letter of James with a reading from James 5.

In James 5:1-6 does James condemn wealth itself? In not, what does he condemn?

In James 5:7-11, does James describe Pie in the Sky hope for another life, or hope as a practice to be employed for the here and now? And, if it is for the here and now, what is its focus and result?

In James 5:13-20 we find a summary of the main themes of the letter — turning to God in prayer, receiving God’s wisdom from such prayer, and caring for the community through acts of service guided by that wisdom. Step back from these verses and envision a congregation guided by them. What would our relationships look like? Is it a community worth praying for? Pray for it!

Psalms 103:15-16 / James 4:1-17

This week’s reading, James 4, is pretty heavy. Like any good teacher or coach, James can be a taskmaster! And in James 4 we see him leveling with the worship community about the need to get their hearts right before God and with each other.

Do you agree with James that conflicts have their source in the way “You want something and do not have it” and “covet something and cannot obtain it” (James 4:2)?

What do you think James means when he writes, “Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God” (James 4:4)?

James gets philosophical in James 4:13-17. What do you think about his proposed shift in thinking, from, “I will,” to, “If the Lord wills it”?

James 3:1-18

In James 3:1-18, we continue to see God’s wisdom, generously given to those who ask for it, undergirding James’ message.

Why does James say (James 3:1) that teachers will be judged “with greater strictness”?

Who have been your teachers in matters of Christian faith? Among them, what are the characteristics of the best?

James continues to divide works into those that flow from faith and those that do not. How does he do this in James 3:5-12?

Think about those who lead at MBPPC (and do not just think of Pastor Lee). How are they doing at bringing forth the kind of spirit James describes in James 3:13-18?

James 2:18-26

We come to the closing verses of James 2 this Sunday — James 2:18-26.

If you want to earn extra credit, read Romans 1-4, or at least chapter 4, to understand how Paul uses the Abraham story in a way that contrasts with (even seems to contradict) James.

James continues to explore the relationship between faith and works. How would you summarize James 2:18-26 in this regard?

Do you think the words of Jesus in Matthew 15:7-9, quoting Isaiah 29:13, align with James’ perspective?

What do you believe about the relationship between faith and works?

James 2:1-17

For our third reading in The Letter of James, we move on to chapter two: James 2:1-17.

We will see the main themes in James reported, but also added to, as we read along. Note how bias, the relative relationships of rich and poor, and the relationship between faith and works all show up again.

Do you believe James is anti-rich? Why might he make and repeat his distinction between rich and poor as a matter of faith?

I have noted that James is a very “Jewish” letter. Note how the Law of Moses shows up in James 2:8-13. How does he summarize this in James 2:13?

Paul regarded faith in Jesus Christ as the basis of salvation from sin and death, as he brilliantly demonstrated in the Letter to the Romans. Martin Luther called The Letter of James “a gospel of straw” for its seeming contradiction of Paul, and its insistence on works. When you read James 2:17, do you agree with Luther? Do you see a way that James does not differ with Paul in content, but in emphasis?

James 1:17-27

For our second Sunday reading in the Letter of James, we come to James 1:17-27. This happens to be the Revised Common Lectionary reading for September 1st, 2024, so we are sort-of aligned, even though I am preaching from the entire letter between now and October 13th.

 Again, at first blush, it may seem as though James hops from topic to topic — the birth of the church (James 1:17-18), cultivating the art of listening (first to the Gospel) rather than rash speech (James 1:19-21), the necessity of works (but not as the basis of salvation, James 1:22-25), and a summary comment about “worthless” versus “true” religion (James 1:26-27). However, we can tease out the continuity with the main themes of faith (entrusting oneself to God) and wisdom.

 There are a few phrases that echo other Bible passages when we read about God as the gracious giver of Christian life in James 1:17-18. One is “the Father of lights”, and echo of Genesis 1:15-16. Can you find others (hint, the rest echo other New Testament letters)?

 What do you think — does James 1:22-25 require works as at least a partial agent of salvation?

Why do you suppose James is so specific about works that comprise true religion — “…to care for orphans and widows in their distress”?

Psalm. 15 / James 1:1-16

Psalm. 34:15-22 / John 6:56-69

Psalm. 34:9-14 / John 6:51-58

As we continue to read from the Gospel of John through the month of August, we also continue to move through its sixth chapter. We will stay in John 6 all month long. This Sunday, the reading is John 6:35, 41-51.

The reading retains the last verse from last Sunday, verse 35, in which Jesus says, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”

Beginning in verse 41, the arguments begin. It is important, throughout John’s Gospel, to understand that John is referring only to religious authorities when he uses the phrase “the Jews”. He does not mean all Jewish people (Jesus himself was a Jew, as were his first disciples). As you read, then, read the arguments as opposition from those in power, who are threatened by Jesus and his movement.

How do the authorities try to discredit Jesus, thinking they know all about him, in verses 41-42? How does Jesus respond? Who, according to Jesus, gets to know who he truly is, and how do they know?

Reflect on your own faith. Did you “figure Jesus out”? Or is the ground of your faith more mysterious to you than that?

Psalm 78:23-29 / John 6:24-35

This Sunday, and throughout the month of August, the Gospel of John will be the focus of the sermons. This Sunday we will read John 6:24-35. I have always liked John 6, with its focus on bread — literal bread, the bread of heaven, and Jesus as the Bread of Life.

Notice, first, the interplay between literal bread, physical hunger, the bread of heaven, and spiritual hunger. Where is the focus of the people who speak with Jesus? Where is Jesus’ focus? How do we balance our lives in our physical bodies with the life of faith?

Give some serious thought to Jesus’ comment, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent” (John 6:29). What does it mean to “believe in” Jesus? This may seem a simple question; sit with it in prayer.

Psalms 24 / Mark 6:14-29

As you read Mark 6:14-29, consider these very contemporary themes: entitlement, rash promises, power and its misuse, and the way that people who exploit these things stand in opposition to Jesus and his followers. As The Preacher says in Ecclesiastes,

“…there is nothing new under the sun”!

Psalms 123 / Mark 6:1-13