Date: 17 Mar 2002
Time: 16:34:02

Comments

For some years now, I have let this drama speak for itself, following it not with a sermon or homily, but with what, in my denomination, we call the "Litany of Penitence". The only thing which I do differently from that which is printed in the Book of Common Prayer is that I ask the congregation to read in unison the petitions which normally would be read by the cleric, while I read the responses (which would normally come from the congregation). It seems to be rather effective.

Jim


Date: 18 Mar 2002
Time: 05:20:19

Comments

Jim

Which BCP? What page?

Thanks, Eric in KS


Date: 18 Mar 2002
Time: 08:10:26

Comments

Something occurred to me in reading this narrative again for the umpteenth time. In Matthew 27:25, the people, in response to Pilate's declaration of innocence, shout, "Let his blood be on us and on our children." Much has been made of this over the centuries, and it has often been used as an excuse for anti-semitism, giving the Jewish people the corporate title of "Christ-killers." (Still is in some places...) While I doubt that any contributors here would be proponents of such theology, it's still "in there," and the common misinterpretation is still in people's minds, unfortunately. Here's the insight that I had today: Just as Jesus, the Son of the Father, is crucified in place of Barabbas (meaning "son of the father), and his death brings freedom to the criminal/sinner, so the words of the crowd speak not of their condemnation but, ultimately, their salvation. Although their cries do not intend to proclaim salvation, like so much else in the Gospel, they are ironic. So, when they say, "Let his blood be on us and our children," the image of being "washed in the blood of the Lamb" from Revelation comes to mind. Surely, this was not on Matthew's mind, since Revelation was still far from being written. Even so, being very well steeped in his own Jewish tradition, he would have been very familiar with the sprinkling of blood by Moses on the people in the ceremony sealing the covenant (Ex. 24:1-11). The blood on "them and their children" there was not necessarily for condemnation but for participation in the covenant. (Granted the shedding of blood reflected a sense of "let this happen to me if I am not faitfhul.) What I'm driving at here is the notion that Matthew, even though there were plenty of controversies going on right then between the two groups we now call "Jews" and "Christians," was not expressing simple condemnation of the Jews. While there may have been that element, perhaps Matthew is making a theological statement: WE are Barabbas, freed and saved from death by the Son of God; WE are "the people," who participate in the new covenant instituted in the blood of Christ (cf. Mt. 26:27-28.) I admit this is a stretch, and I am no scripture scholar, but it seems possible. Don't know if it fits into a sermon/homily, and I'm not even sure I'm going to try to use it this weekend. I was just excited to share my insight and am wondering what others think. Sorry for going on and on...this is the way my homilies are, too, which is why I will probably not include this in this week's!

Metz


Date: 18 Mar 2002
Time: 18:06:44

Comments

Metz

What a marvelous epiphany! It truly was insightful. Thank you for that. As the perrenial three-point guy that I am, I'm looking at seeing ourselves in three roles here based on what you've said. We are Barabbas, we are the people, we are... whom? Still need to get that one but you have done me an immense service. Thank you. And God bless.

JG in WI


Date: 18 Mar 2002
Time: 20:35:19

Comments

LOL I am not always a three point sermon person...but I an kicking around something God gave me... Addressing three Questions. What would you give me to betray Jesus? Why Can't I do what Jesus Ask? and Would I deny you,Lord? and Close with the Barrabus thought.... Jesus took his place on the cross Illustration Barrabus as us---He took MY place---He took pur place! Ladypreacher in Ohio


Date: 18 Mar 2002
Time: 21:02:58

Comments

"We are Barabbas, we are the people, we are... whom?"

Some suggestions:

We are:

Judas - betraying him because he hasn't lived up to our expectations and we think we can do better

Peter - denying him out of fear for our own safety

Pilate - trying to understand what we are doing, trying not to do it but at the same time afraid not to do it....

The High Priest - protecting our turf

The Magdalene and the other Mary - weeping to see our Lord crucified

The Centurion - realizing when all is said and done that this is Son of God

Christ - called to give our own lives in the service of and for the benefit of others.

Just a few suggestions.

Blessings, Eric in KS


Date: 19 Mar 2002
Time: 10:39:02

Comments

The very thought of going through the "triumphal" entry through the passion within the designated 60 minutes' worship gives me mental (and emotional) whiplash. And, i must confess, I can't get over my little beef about there being a NEED to lump it all into one day in the first place.

My early thoughts are of a crown and a cross - no matter how many palm branches we spread on his path, the crown he receives is one of thorns.

The anthem the choir will sing (our choir is back up and singing - praise God!!!!) does a decent job of highlighting the contrasts in the day, so I intend to follow the anthem's example.

Early thoughts ...

Sally in GA


Date: 19 Mar 2002
Time: 11:20:49

Comments

Metz I might use this Easter. not sure yet. I might want to use it in the newsletter. Can I put your name to it please? email revncarmicheal@yahoo.com Nancy-Wi


Date: 19 Mar 2002
Time: 12:48:06

Comments

Ladypreacher - Three points isn't for everyone, but as a pastor who was "ordained from the pew," I preach what I used to enjoy hearing. What can I say?

Eric in KS - I think I'm seeking images of us finding salvation. (Barabbas, the people) I can use the centurian as my third, but for some reason, I'd like to see if, in any way, Pilate found salvation here. If we stick to the text alone, do we see anything hopeful in Pilate?

It's hard because we know from history the cruelty of this man. I'd still like to put out a word of some hope for him... but maybe I'm looking for something that just isn't there. Perhaps there's even a message in that. When Jesus confronted Pilate, did Jesus offer him hope... and it just wasn't there?

Metz - I do plan to use this and my fellow Wisconsinite, Nancy-Wi, is right in trying to give you credit. If you wish to send your name to me at The-Graffs@wi.rr.com (or I'll just say "Metz"). Up to you.


Date: 19 Mar 2002
Time: 12:49:53

Comments

Last post to several was from JG in WI... sorry.


Date: 19 Mar 2002
Time: 15:37:13

Comments

Hey, gang!

I've decided not to preach on Palm Sunday -- just have a time of silent meditation after the dramatic, participative reading of the Passion Narrative.

However, I have preached on Palm Sunday several times and the last three years' worth of my sermons are archived on our parish website -- the archive location is

http://www.stfrancis-ks.org/frames/sermframes.html

Have a look and see if you can use anything from those old Palm Sunday sermons.

We're cleaning up the site and redesigning it, so there are some links at the ends of some years' sermons that lead to older versions of the index -- DON'T FOLLOW THEM! Just use your back button.

Blessings, Eric in KS


Date: 19 Mar 2002
Time: 20:43:17

Comments

Hey Metz, Thanks for your detailed insight. I too found powerful use of that line that "his blood be on us and our children" as I wrote in the shorter version of the lesson. His blood on us..is our judgement and our grace.

Also ironically Pilate wants to wash his hands clean, but Jesus' blood is on him as well. It is on us all. I don't often like the blood imagery, yet from the Old Testament blood represents life. "The blood is Life" (Leviticus 17) Which is also theologically true that we are given Life through Jesus's death and resurrection. Through is own blood.

I want to avoid a substitutionary theory of atonement and yet balance it with Jesus's death giving us life....

I think this can be a powerful theological sermon, if it comes together.

rb in canada


Date: 20 Mar 2002
Time: 04:31:24

Comments

JG in WI In his book "Portraits of the Passon" Paul G. Hansen writes, Over in the Swiss Alps there is a peak known as Mt. Pilatus, named after Pontius Pilate, because tradition says he was exiled to Switzerland shortly after the crucifixion of Jesus and died there by his own hand. Apparently his efforts to please everybody finally pleased nobody. And legend has it that when the mists lie low over beautiful Lake Lucerne at the foot of Mt. Pilatus, the ghost of Pilate can still be seen, moaning in the moonlight, endlessly washing his hands." (Pulpit Resource 8:1,p.39) Hope this helps? Harrell in Texas


Date: 20 Mar 2002
Time: 11:27:29

Comments

I am thinking of using the antidrug commercial about drug money funding terrorist activity.

It's at theantidrug.com.

The one that says, I helped murder families in Colombia... It’s just innocent fun I helped kidnap people’s dads.... Hey, just some harmless fun. I helped kids learn how to kill. I helped kill a policeman I was just having fun. I helped a bomber get a fake passport. I helped kill a judge. I helped blow up buildings. My life, my body... it’s not like I was hurting anybody else.

I plan link this with Judas's betrayal of Jesus for the 30 pieces of silver when he didn't realize the implications of his actions until it was too late.

GC in IL


Date: 20 Mar 2002
Time: 12:59:27

Comments

I decided to use only the Palm Sunday and the Passion Gospel readings (Full liturgy for the procession with palms) and I am doing one short sermon between them. It started out as a children's message. What do you think?

Palm/Passion Sunday Message

On Sunday Jesus entered Jerusalem. He road a donkey. The people waved palms. It was like a coronation The people shouted “Hosanna” – which means “save us” And they called him the “Son of David”

Jesus was entering Jerusalem like a king going to be anointed It was political. It was religious. And it made the religious leaders mad.

Jesus went to the temple. He threw out the moneychangers and the pigeon sellers Jesus was acting with authority It was political It was religious It made the religious leaders even more angry

Jesus was asked the next day by what authority he did These things but he would not answered It was political It was religious It made the religious leaders even angrier

He told parables against the priests and the scribes. He was tested in turn by each religious and political group in Jerusalem until none dared question him further. It made the religious leaders madder yet.

At night he would retreat back to Bethany Then each day he went back to Jerusalem and made them madder.

On Thursday they stayed in Jerusalem with his disciples. They shared a meal. They went to a garden and prayed. Then Jesus was betrayed He was arrested He was tried first by the religious authorities and then by the political ones. Jesus was executed for being the King of the Jews It was political It was religious And his death was for them and for us.

We don't want to hear his story We don't want to be sad or mad or feel bad. But the people who shouted Hosanna And the people who cried crucify him Were both asking for the same thing. They just didn't know it. For one man to die, in order that they might be saved.

And we cry the same thing Hosanna - Lord save us. Amen

mehrke in SD


Date: 20 Mar 2002
Time: 13:05:27

Comments

to:GC in IL Thanks for the ideas I may use it with my Maundy Thursday message


Date: 20 Mar 2002
Time: 13:28:23

Comments

mehrke in SD

I like it. It works.

Michelle


Date: 21 Mar 2002
Time: 06:16:08

Comments

Several notes again -

To rb in Canada - Why avoid a substitutionary theory of atonement? Isn't it Biblical? (1 Peter 3:18) Just a thought.

To Harrell in Texas - 10,000 thanks. I'm using it.

And to mehrke in SD - Excellent message. So much there.

You folks have all been a genuine God-send this week. As a Baptist, I'm doing one adult baptism and a number of child dedications this Sunday.

An adult baptism - I died (Barabbas went to death row) and rose again (Barabbas was set free) to walk in newness of life.

Children dedicated - His blood be upon us and upon our children. As Christ's blood is shed on the parents, so too, let that same cleansing blood be shed on the children.

The rest of us - Do we see ourselves set free as Barabbas, covered by the blood as the people, or are we seeking to forget the Jesus we have met, washing our hands endlessly?

At the beginning of the week, I told you I was a three-pointer. :o)

JG in WI


Date: 21 Mar 2002
Time: 12:54:55

Comments

Me again...Several of you have mentioned doing the Passion as kind of a dramatic reading. A good resource for this is The Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ, prepared and with notes by George R. Szews, published by Liturgy Training Publications (Catholic Archdiocese of Chigago). It's a nicely bound 8 X 11 volume, containing all four versions of the Passion (1970 Catholic lectionary), along with some helpful commentary and music suggestions, and a pronunciation guide (I've been saying "Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani!" wrong all these years! ;)

Too late for this year, but maybe next...I know, you've got all you can handle to be ready for Holy Week THIS year! LTP has a website, where you can get more ordering info. They're a little pricey, but you don't need more than 3 or 4 even if you're dividing the reading among several people.

Pax, Metz


Date: 21 Mar 2002
Time: 12:55:40

Comments

JG Substitutionary theory of atonement is biblical and can be justified. I have moved away from it because of some implications of an angry God needing appeasement; Jesus seen as unintended by God until after the fall; and the resurrection can be overlooked as secondary.

So I'm not against it, just doesn't help me much. Also in Matthew the actual crucifixion doesn't mention blood.

Although I'm still working with the blood being on us as our guilt and our forgiveness.

Rb in Canada


Date: 21 Mar 2002
Time: 13:00:11

Comments

JG in WI,

In response to your question about who is the third "We are...?" after Barabbas and "the people," I'm partial to Eric in KS's mention of Pilate. We try to wash our hands but we are washed in (the blood of) Jesus. I'm a three point guy too, much to the amusement of the parish I serve, and I'm also (as a Roman) not so heavily into substitutionary atonement, but the baptismal imagery of Easter is pretty strong there, isn't it? Pilate washed his hands to be free of Jesus, and we are washed in baptism to be immersed in him. P. sentenced him to death, but we are buried with him in baptism...I'll bet there's some Father of the Church back in the 3rd century who came up with this stuff way ahead of us!! Metz


Date: 21 Mar 2002
Time: 17:19:06

Comments

On a literal note...

You may remember from last week that I expressed a preference for taking the story in a figurative direction. Well this week--even though I'm objecting to the figurative application several of you are making of "his blood be upon us and on our children"-- I would like to make a literal observation regarding that verse.

Albright and Mann's Anchor Bible Commentary (referencing Fitzmeyer before them)point out that there is no way this could be construed to suggest an ongoing guilt and therefore a basis for anti-Semitism. It refers to the present and subsequent generation of inhabitants of Jerusalem. An allusion, no doubt, to the 66 -70 destruction of the city.

pHil


Date: 21 Mar 2002
Time: 17:22:05

Comments

ooops! I meant, "...even though I'm NOT objecting to the figurative direction ...."

Sorry if I confused anybody.

pHil


Date: 22 Mar 2002
Time: 11:46:09

Comments

ladypreach in OH, Thanks for your comments on my Psalm 130 posting last week, I always appreciate feedback. I'm not preaching the passion gospel text this week, but I noticed your posting here, & wanted to respond. I'm preaching the Philippians text Sunday. No, I'm not Ken Ramsey, but I AM a WV UM, so I DO know Ken Ramsey! Are you UM? Did you attend MTSO? Ken in WV


Date: 23 Mar 2002
Time: 08:46:07

Comments

Thanks to all, you will find some of your words and thoughts in this piece. I will tweak it a bit yet. Remember, I am ending with the disciples preparation. Here is the last message before Matt. 26: 14-19 that scripture ends the service with the words "to be continued." Our anthem is "In the Shadow of the palms, sung just before the message."

As the passion story gathers momentum, we will see the growing conviction of Jesus' opponents that his life must be sacrificed for the good of the nation... we also see the growing convictions of the first century Christians that Jesus is indeed the Messiah,,,, and we see Jesus' own growing conviction about his call to walk a path of obedience which would lead to a horrible and untimely death. The death that gave us life. As the passion story unfolds this week, I ask each of you. Who are we in the passion story? Are we truly Barabbas, are we the thief who recognizes Christ or Are we the people the angry crowd when we fail to put Christ before our worldly endeveors? , Maybe, We are: Judas - betraying him because he hasn't lived up to our expectations and we think we can do better Peter - denying him out of fear for our own safety Pilate - trying to understand what we are doing, trying not to do it but at the same time afraid not to do it.... The High Priest - protecting our turf The Magdalene and the other Mary - weeping to see our Lord crucified The Centurion - realizing when all is said and done that this is Son of God Christ - called to give our own lives in the service of and for the benefit of others. In the shadow of the palms the voices are louder now, Dare to come, Dare to find out who you are. Dare to be a radical Christian and worship each week. Dare to accept God’s love into your heart and soul. The voices who spoke in the shadow of the palms, speak today in the shadow of the church today They are like the sirens of the sea, calling and enticing us to lifeless lives, lived without Christ as our leader and emancipator. You hear them, oh yes, we all hear them. We hear them in the voices that say, everything first, me first, and then we fit God in, in our leftover time. We don't want to hear his story We don't want to be sad or mad or feel bad. But the people who shouted Hosanna And the people who cried crucify him were both asking for the same thing. They just didn't know it. For one man to die, in order that they might be saved. Feeling courageous? Then call out “Hosanna” call out “save us” By the Cross, the grace of God did save us, come partake. In the shadow of the palms. Nancy-Wi


Date: 23 Mar 2002
Time: 14:27:11

Comments

The Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday - Year A March 24, 2002

Philippians 2:5-11 Matthew (26:36-75) 27:1-54 (55-66)

I’m not ready for this! All that began over 5 weeks ago has once again deteriorated into chaos and confusion. Schedules filled, projects demanded attention, and sermons had to be written. There were school functions to attend, church programs to teach, and young couples in love wanting to get married (who has time to fall in love). I was going to listen - God was going to speak - this was my time to enter into deeper knowledge and understanding. Oh, to hear God’s reassuring voice. To know that we are adored by God and intentionally part of His plan.

As the drama of Holy Week unfolds - the demands of our lives press in on us like toxic gas. Couldn’t the triumphantly entry have waited just a few more days? By the time we get synchronized, the crowd disbands and palm branches litter the streets. All of Jerusalem is affected by the presence of this Jesus of Nazareth. How could we not be part of the crowd? How could we miss the story? Sacred time begins weather we are ready or not!

Important to understanding the drama is understanding the imagery of blood. Throughout Hebrew scriptures blood symbolizes the continuation of life not death. In Genesis, the blood of Able is spilled by Cain. Yet, it maintains the distinctly human characteristic of voice as it “cries out to God from the ground.” And although Jacob is deceived when his sons return home with a coat dipped in goats blood - Joseph still lives. One of the clearest example we have is that of the first Passover. The presence of blood smeared on the door posts of the Israelites communicated life not death. And in the desert, after receiving the law, Moses sprinkles God’s chosen with the blood from the altar to symbolize their willingness to participate in God’s plan. New life in a new land.

This same imagery of blood is profoundly present in the drama that we participate in this week. Pilate washes his hands of it while the people shout: Let his blood be on us and our children. Where there is no blood there is no chance for life. Blood communicates life and seals a relationship of ownership by God. This is the same theology that is present sacramentally in the communion vessels. A death has already taken place - blood is present - and so we shall live.

Now that we have synchronized our Holy Week journey, please strive to remain together. The streets are narrow and the crowd is sure to grow larger. For the purpose of avoiding chaos and confusion, we will meet at the altar each day. Our intention is not to recall a memory from our distant past but to re-collect within an event that lives today. What spills to the ground from the cross of Christ is not our death but life eternal. And it calls out with a characteristically human voice to all who are adored by God and intentionally part of His plan.

Have a Blessed Holy Week - Lambeth


Date: 23 Mar 2002
Time: 17:08:44

Comments

Ken in WV, I attend Asbury online right now. I am still a candidate in WV UM, (on loan to west ohio right now LOL) This begins a busy week, Maunday Thursday-Sedar Meal, Tenbrae, and Sunrise service... I service Churches in Gallia County, OH Just across river from western District... So I know Tex Frye, Nancy Mays and her Hubby(who is sick with the shingles) Sam Cale 4, Benny Stevens...I am so excited for Chuck Pullins, he preached a revival for MBUMC once, and Helen Bell... Bruce Reed is going to be Army chaplain and Ron McCulloch retiring, he was one of Beckley Districts DS'... I was the youth Director at Bland Street UMC- GOD HAD TO SEND ME TO THE HARDEST CHURCH first HAHA! My pepople are so loving, overwhelms me after that first one. BY the Way, I am nosy, IS Warren Faulknier Moving this year? Have you heard anything?


Date: 23 Mar 2002
Time: 17:08:51

Comments

Ken in WV, I attend Asbury online right now. I am still a candidate in WV UM, (on loan to west ohio right now LOL) This begins a busy week, Maunday Thursday-Sedar Meal, Tenbrae, and Sunrise service... I service Churches in Gallia County, OH Just across river from western District... So I know Tex Frye, Nancy Mays and her Hubby(who is sick with the shingles) Sam Cale 4, Benny Stevens...I am so excited for Chuck Pullins, he preached a revival for MBUMC once, and Helen Bell... Bruce Reed is going to be Army chaplain and Ron McCulloch retiring, he was one of Beckley Districts DS'... I was the youth Director at Bland Street UMC- GOD HAD TO SEND ME TO THE HARDEST CHURCH first HAHA! My pepople are so loving, overwhelms me after that first one. BY the Way, I am nosy, IS Warren Faulknier Moving this year? Have you heard anything?