Easter 2 [Series A] - preached April 27, 2014 at St. Paul Dewberry, Indiana & Resurrection Centerville, Indiana

[Hermann Herzog 1831-1932]

 

Sermon Text:      John 20:19-31

Title:          “Sailing the Sea of Sin.”

I.        Without Christ there is only doubt and death.

II.       With Christ there is faith and life.

BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO HAVE NOT SEEN AND YET BELIEVE IN THE CROSS AND RESURRECTION OF CHRIST FOR THEIR SALVATION.

In the name of the Father and the Son + and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father, and from our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ.  Amen.

The text for the homily for this Second Sunday of Easter, is taken from the Gospel lesson appointed. I would read again a portion of these verses…

On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews,[c] Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”

24 Now Thomas, one of the Twelve, called the Twin,[d] was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.”

26 Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I.

Poor Thomas. Throughout the history of the Church the disciple known at Thomas has been connected to this moment – this place of doubt. So you get the phrase, “doubting Thomas.” Earlier in the text Thomas was out when Jesus first appeared to the disciples, and later when they were telling him what they had seen and heard, Thomas basically said a line from a famous RUSH song – Show me, don’t tell me!

Then our text next tells us that eight days had passed and again the disciples were together and this time Thomas was with them - locked in their room, and Jesus appears to them once again. After greeting them with the peace, Jesus immediately turns to the doubter and shows him and then tells him to believe!

And upon seeing and touching and hearing, Thomas’ answer is one of deep and profound faith. He says to Jesus My Lord and my God!

Thomas – upon seeing Jesus, at being able to put his fingers where the nails were, at being able to place his hand where the spear had pierced our LORD’S side, after all of this Thomas, who said he would not believe – now believes.  And although Jesus is pleased as punch to hear this proclamation of great – you can hear the disappointment in Jesus’ voice when He says to Thomas…

“Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

But let’s give credit where credit is due. Thomas wasn’t always doubting. He had his bright moments too.

Remember back to the time of Lazarus’ death in John chapter 11 – right about two weeks before Jesus is in the upper room. Jesus had heard of the death of His friend and after a couple of days He said to the disciples that they should leave and go to see Lazarus and his family. But the disciples objected to the journey. John writes

Rabbi, the Jews were just now seeking to stone you, and are you going there again?

They knew that Jesus was in danger – that He walked with a big target on His back and they were protective of their LORD. In John chapter 10 just before going to Lazarus, the Jews – after hearing Him preach – sought to stone Him. Judea was a very dangerous place for Jesus to be at this time. 

But after some discussion on Jesus’ part, He tells them that is exactly where He is going to go, to Judea, a place filled with hate and murder for Him. 

And it is in this moment that we hear and we see the devotion, faith, and love that Thomas has for Jesus. But Thomas surprises here doesn’t he? No – he doesn’t try to persuade Jesus not to go. No. Knowing exactly what he is getting into by being associated with Jesus, Thomas speaks up and says to the other disciples…

Let us also go, that we may die with him.

Doesn’t sound like a doubter to me! I’m not sure I would have been brave enough to say that. It doesn’t sound like the other disciples were daring enough to say such a thing. But here we have Thomas willing to die for what and who he believes in.

Who does Thomas sound like? Thomas sounds a bit like us doesn’t he? One minute ready to set the world on fire for Jesus, maybe even ready to die for the faith. The next minute? When something doesn’t go our way, when some tragedy comes into our lives, there we are like Thomas again – only this time doubting. 

Such is the life of Thomas – a believer in Jesus – and such is the life for us believers too. This – unfortunately – is the life we lead as Christians. One day we are praying and going to church and attending Bible study and we are overjoyed in the lives we are leading in Christ – and the next day we find ourselves overcome by the world. We’ve missed church a lot, we haven’t prayed in days or weeks, our Bibles are getting dusty and the joy has fled away. 

One time during the week following Easter I had an email exchange with someone from my church and was ecstatic to hear this person pour out her heart to me and to hear how on fire she was for the LORD. It brought tears to my eyes to hear such devotion for her Savior. When I wrote her back I told her how happy I was for her. At the same time I warned her. I told her to be on the lookout, for it is now that the devil will try and snatch all that is good away from her.

The devil is on the prowl, like a lion as St. Peter says, waiting to pounce on us and devour us. Who are his eyes set upon? Who are his prey? Christians. Us. We are the ones that are on their way to heaven. And this heaven is something he can’t have anymore. And therefore, he hates us like nothing else and is looking for a way to pull us away from our Savior and His salvation.

Take a boat for example. A tiny leak in a boat can be devastating. It can cause the boat to sink and the person in the boat to drown.

This is what the devil is looking for, that tiniest leak in our boat. He is trying to sink us. And he will do any and everything to exploit that leak, to make it grow, to destroy it and all who are inside of it, to sink us in the sea of sin.  That’s what he was doing with Thomas, and that’s what he does to us too.

II.

And you know what?  We have nothing to worry about. Jesus is on our side and He is there to see us through the tough times. He is there to pick us up when we are down. He is there for a shoulder to cry on. He is there, always.

Yes, like Thomas, we will have leaks in our boats of faith. But Jesus is greater than the devil. Jesus gets into our boat and He patches the hole in our boat with the wood of His Cross – sealing it with His love and forgiveness.

And He gives us gifts to help us along the way. He gives us the Bible, His Holy Word. He gives us faithful pastors to teach and preach that Word for better understanding. He gives us Holy Baptism to wash the sin right off of us. He gives us Holy Communion to feed us and nourish and sustain us. All of this He gives us for the forgiveness of all of our sins. These are the great gifts we have been given to help us on our way. 

And you know what else? Now that He’s in our boat, He will do all of the work. You can read your Bible every day. You can go to church every Sunday. You can be baptized and you can go to the LORD’S table, but none of this stuff that you do is good enough to get you in to heaven. Jesus has to do all of that work Himself. And He has done that work on His Cross.  And so Jesus picks up the oars of our lives and He rows us to that heavenly shore. And there standing on that bright white shore of heaven is the Father, waiting to greet us, ready to welcome us home from a life on the sea of sin, a place we will never see again. Amen.

The peace of the LORD – which surpasses all understanding – will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus our Savior. Amen.

 

+ Soli Deo Gloria +

Easter Sunday Evening April 20, 2014 - preached at Resurrection Lutheran Church Centerville, Indiana

Sermon Text:      Luke 24:13-35

Title:          Where is Jesus? Part II

I.        Confusion and misunderstanding rule that first Easter.

II.       Jesus – the fulfillment of Moses and the Prophets – opens the eyes of all to believe.
 

THE MESSIAH IS REVEALED AND FAITHFUL EYES ARE OPENED TO BELIEVE!

 

In the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father, and from our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ.  Amen.

The text for the homily for this Easter Sunday Evening, is taken from the Gospel lesson…

That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles[a] from Jerusalem, 14 and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15 While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. 16 But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17 And he said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad. 18 Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” 19 And he said to them, “What things?” And they said to him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. 21 But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. 22 Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, 23 and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. 24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.” 25 And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.

28 So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther, 29 but they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. 31 And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. 32 They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” 33 And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, 34 saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” 35 Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.

 

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I.

My kids used to watch a PBS show back in the 90s entitled Where in the World is Carmen San Diego? It was a kids’ show regarding geography and finding the mysterious character Carmen San Diego was a bit tricky. Today I think we might have found someone who was as equally elusive and evasive as Ms. San Diego – Jesus! Or so it would seem.

Earlier today I preached a sermon at sunrise and the text was taken from the Gospel according to St. John. In this account of the events of Easter Sunrise we have all kinds of confusion and misunderstanding. Mary Magdalene, Peter and John all are mentioned – and all don’t get it!

Then in the Easter Morning sermon I preached on the Gospel according to St. Matthew where we find the women with mixed emotions as they are filled with joy, and yet there is fear – because they weren’t sure what it meant.

Now I have the privilege of preaching from a third Gospel text today. St. Luke writes of two disciples – one named Cleopas and the other unnamed – who have left Jerusalem, and seemingly all of the emotion and chaos, fear and confusion behind as well, and are headed toward the town of Emmaus.

We find Cleopas and the other disciple walking to Emmaus discussing with great interest the events that had taken place over the past three days concerning their Teacher Jesus. As they are walking and talking Jesus – unrecognized by them – joins them in their journey and asks what is this that they are talking about?

They look at him as if to say, ‘Have you been sleeping under a rock this past week? Why Jesus of Nazareth of course!’ And then they relate to this stranger what it is that happened – and that even this morning some of the women said that they were told by angels that Jesus was alive! And then they conclude with something to the effect that they hadn’t seen Him.

You can almost hear a sad chuckle from these two at the thought of their Teacher – great though He was – coming back to life after three days!

Then Jesus calls them fools for not believing what Moses and the Prophets have said regarding the Christ – the Messiah – and begins to teach them all that the Holy Scriptures say – well – about Himself!

How long does it take to explain Moses and the Prophets regarding the Christ? About seven miles – if you’re Jesus!

The text says ‘interpreted [from the Greek word διερμήνευσεν] ,’ but having studied Greek and Hebrew at the Seminary I like the word ‘translated’ better, and that is an apropos way of saying it, Jesus translated all of the Scriptures concerning Himself. Jesus was not unlike a foreign language teacher trying to not just teach the vocabulary of a language, but every shade and nuance so that one could speak this foreign tongue fluently.

Is it any wonder that GOD calls His people the Children of GOD – yes, even to include you and me?

Don’t we have to have everything spelled out for us? Don’t we have to be cracked over the head with a shovel – or is it two tablets of stone? Don’t we have to be constantly reminded like some mindless teenager, ‘Make sure and fasten your seatbelt, look both ways before backing out of the driveway, come to complete stops, use your turn signal and so on? Because you know if they have an accident and you forgot to remind them that red means stop they will blame you for not reminding them!

A word of caution – before you start dealing out comments regarding the shortcomings of one Cleopas and the other disciple [not even intelligent enough to be named!] – remember there is a ginormous skyscraper, high mirror in front of you. Raise your hand and repeat after me, ‘I am a child of GOD – and I am stupid!’

 

II.

The seven miles were up and it was getting late so Jesus made like He was moving on when the two disciples invited Him to stay and have supper.

Jesus does what the Bread of Life does – He blesses the bread before Him, breaks it and gives it to them and immediately their eyes were opened – and Jesus was gone.

Why did He disappear? Because they believed and once they believed you no longer need to see Jesus. In that instant the confusion and misunderstanding of Who He is and What He is also disappeared.

Does that mean they never had doubts and questions and even confusion again? Of course not. But the core belief was there. It’s not unlike not understanding exactly how the Trinity works or Holy Baptism or Holy Communion. Just because you don’t understand how all that works does not mean that you don’t believe. Of course it doesn’t!

They struggled just like we do – and they saw Jesus die and rise again! We are the ones Jesus will call blessed when He shows Thomas Who He is.

Yes – just like the disciples – we too have to have our eyes pried open to see Jesus. For Cleopas and the other disciple, and Mary Magdalene, and Peter and John, and all of the other disciples there eyes were pried open by seeing Jesus alive again.

Our eyes are pried open by the splashing of some water on our heads, and eating and drinking bread and wine. For these simple things connected to the Word of GOD becoming Living Water and the very Body and Blood of Christ, and they work like crowbars and pry bars, hammer and chisel. They force our eyes open to see the crucified and resurrected Messiah – Christ Jesus Himself.

Jesus breathed the Holy Spirit on the disciples and in the Sacraments and His Word, Christ is breathing new life into us. We have been forgiven by this One foretold by Moses and the Prophets. We now have life and heaven itself!

HE IS RISEN! CHRIST IS RISEN INDEED! HALLELJUAH! Amen.

 

The Peace of the LORD – which surpasses all understanding – will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus the Messiah.  Amen.

 

+ Soli Deo Gloria +

Easter Sunday Morning [Series A] - preached at St. Paul Lutheran Church Dewberry, Indiana 10am

Sermon Text:      Matthew 28:1-10

Title: “HE IS RISEN! CHRIST IS RISEN INDEED! HALLELUJAH!”

I.        There must be a Good Friday…

II.       In order to have an Easter Sunday.

THROUGH GOOD FRIDAY AND EASTER SUNDAY WE SINNERS HAVE WHAT IS MOST PRECIOUS IN ALL THE WORLD, ETERNAL LIFE THROUGH JESUS THE RISEN CHRIST!

In the name of the Father and the Son + and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father, and from our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ.  Amen.

The text for the homily this Sunday, is taken from the Gospel lesson…

Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. 2 And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. 4 And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. 5 But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he[a] lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.” 8 So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”

 

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

 

I.

“It’s always darkest before the dawn.” We’ve all heard this phrase before and understand its meaning to be, “the darkest hour will come before the light shines into our lives.” We’ve all experienced this feeling before I am sure. We could all tell stories of how this or that happened which made the situation seem impossible and then life turned around. Life got better in an instant just as all hope seemed to be lost.

There is a story of a Russian writer who was imprisoned for his Christian religious beliefs.  The story goes like this…

The conditions in the labor camp where the Russian writer was were so intolerable that he eventually began to contemplate suicide. When he realized that his faith in God would not allow it, he began formulating a plan of escape that would cause him to be shot by the prison guards. Without being told about the writer's intentions, a fellow inmate approached him and drew a cross on the ground. Acknowledging that it was a message from God, the writer abandoned his plan of escape and entrusted himself to the Lord. What he didn't know was that people all over the world were praying for his freedom, and just three days later, he was released from prison.

Darkest before the dawn.

We have a similar situation in the Bible. Three days ago we remembered the suffering and agony of our LORD upon His cross for the sins of the world, for the sins of you and me. For the sins against the ten commandments that we commit each and every day. For the sin of putting ourselves first in our lives, above family, above friends, and yes, even above God Himself. This is the reason for the whippings and the beatings and the spitting and the cursing and the laughing on that Friday so long ago. This is the reason for the nails and the crown of thorns. This is the reason for the death of an innocent man. And this Friday of darkness must happen – for a price must be paid in blood for the world and all of its sins, past, present and future. And Jesus is equal to the task. He goes where none other would and none other could. He goes the way of His cross. It is the darkest hour the world has and ever will know.

The truth of the matter is this – there must be a Good Friday.

II.

The disciples hide in a room, afraid to show their faces to this crowd that screamed for the blood of Jesus. They are still feeling the darkness of that Friday on Sunday morning. But what always follows darkness? Light! And the Light of the LORD has overcome the darkness of that Friday.

In our text we find ourselves at the tomb of Jesus and what time is it?  Dawn! The light has finally come!

To these women, disciples of the LORD, they are told the greatest news they could possibly hear on this Sunday morning. They are told by a messenger – an angel of the LORD – that the darkness of Friday has been lifted by none other than God Himself. This Jesus who was crucified – He is not here, He has risen!

They were then showed where Jesus had laid in the tomb and then they were given very special instructions. Matthew writes…

Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.

These women were given the Gospel message to bring to the disciples. They were given the honor and the privilege of being the first ones to tell the Good News of that first Easter. So they ran to tell the disciples and before they had gone very far Jesus appears to them. And with great joy they grasped His feet and began to worship the Son of God who is risen from the dead. You can just imagine their delight. The tears of joy that must have flowed that first Easter morning! And then Jesus tells them to be on their way to His brothers, the disciples to tell them the news.

Here in this moment at the tomb – at dawn – the darkest hour of the world has been dispelled. Sins have been forgiven.

And it is here at the Father’s house – at St’ Paul Lutheran Church – that this forgiveness of sins is being given out. Through the Word being preached, through Holy Baptism, through the very Body and Blood of Jesus we are being given the forgiveness of our sins earned on His Cross some 2000 years ago. 

And the joy? The joy comes from knowing that if Jesus was raised from the dead – we too, who have been baptized into that death – we who have been called brothers just as Jesus called His disciples in our text – we too will walk in newness of life, both now and in eternity.  So share the Good News of Easter morning with those you meet, both believer and unbeliever.

So you see – there must be a Good Friday in order that there can be an Easter Sunday!

HE IS RISEN! CHRIST IS RISEN INDEED! HALLELUJAH! Amen.

The peace of the LORD which – surpasses all understanding - will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, our crucified and risen Savior.  Amen.

 

+Soli Deo Gloria +

Easter Sunday Sunrise April 20, 2014 - preached at St. Paul Lutheran Church Dewberry, Indiana 7am

Sermon Text:      John 20:1-18

Title:          Where is Jesus?!

I.        Where is Jesus?

II.       Right where He said He would be!

JESUS’ DEATH PROVES HE WAS A SINNER –

JESUS’ RESURRECTION PROVES HE IS THE SAVIOR!

In the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father, and from our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ.  Amen.

The text for the homily for this Easter Sunday, is taken from the Gospel lesson…

Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. 2 So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” 3 So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb. 4 Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, 7 and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus' head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself. 8 Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; 9 for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead. 10 Then the disciples went back to their homes.

11 But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb. 12 And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. 13 They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” 14 Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). 17 Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” 18 Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”—and that he had said these things to her.

 

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I.

Where is Jesus?! Where have they taken Him?! Where is He?! These are the panicked shouts of Mary Magdalene as she first approaches the Tomb and sees the stone rolled away. She turns and runs to Peter and the rest of the disciples to tell them the news.

Are you with me so far? Are you sure you’re with me – because I am guessing you’re not. Mary does not approach the open Tomb of Jesus with joy. No, she sees the open Tomb and panics, fear gripping her. Jesus has been stolen away! She then runs not – out of Easter joy and celebration – but out of sheer terror that Jesus’ body has been secreted away by those who hated Him.

Now you’re with me.

Peter and John – upon hearing the news – take off running through the city streets and outside the walls of the city to the garden where the Tomb was located. They too saw the stone rolled away, but John being quicker got there first and looked in to find no Jesus only the cloths. And Peter gets there and enters and finds the same thing. John now enters and sees and believes.

Are you with me still? The disciples run to the Tomb. Why? Out of Easter joy and expectation? No – out of fear just like Mary Magdalene. And even their number – only Peter and John go – hints at their not getting it. Upon getting there both Peter and John go in and find the cloths. And although it says John saw and believed – it isn’t certain just exactly what it was that John believed – since there wasn’t understanding. What is their next move? They go home.

So where is Jesus? Where is the great Teacher?

Mary stands weeping outside the Tomb and Jesus comes to her, but she doesn’t see Him – just a gardener. She even talks with Him and sees not the Christ before her. And in her distress she asks this Gardener where has He taken her LORD.

Does that sound familiar to you? Do you seek Jesus and then refuse to see Him because you are too busy thinking it out in your own way, instead of GOD’S way?

Ever hear of a blessing in disguise? It starts out bad. You are running late for work because you had to turn around and go back to the house to turn off the stove. Then as you set out again you come across a horrific accident that would have been you had you not forgotten that stove?

The disciples and Jesus’ other followers were faithful men and women – but they didn’t get it. They were too caught up in thinking their way instead of GOD’S way – and we are very much like that.

II.

Where is Jesus? Right where He said He would be. Right where He foretold He would be. Right where the Holy Scriptures and Prophets prophesied He would be. Right where He promised He would be – alive and walking around three days AFTER He died!

He calls Mary by name and she sees Jesus! He reveals Himself to the disciples and they see Jesus. He walks with the disciples on their way to Emmaus and they see Jesus. And they all believe.

Jesus will tell Thomas that those who believe without the benefit of seeing Him will be called blessed. That is you and me folks. We are right there in Holy Scripture – you and me – being called blessed!

But we see Jesus too don’t we? We see Him where He has chosen to reveal Himself – in His Word and His Sacraments, Holy Baptism and Holy Communion. Here we see Jesus as assuredly as Thomas and all the rest did that first Easter Sunday.

And now we have the opportunity to share the Good News with the world – that Jesus Christ was crucified and has risen for the sins of the world. What great and wonderful news! CHRIST IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN INDEED! HALLELUJAH!

Jesus’ death proves He was a sinner and His resurrection proves He is the Savior! Amen.

The Peace of the LORD – which surpasses all understanding – will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus the Light of the world.  Amen.

+ Soli Deo Gloria +

Palm Sunday [Series A] - preached April 13, 2014 at St. Paul Dewberry, IN

 

Sermon Text:      Philippians 2:5-11

Title:           WWJD? Not me!

I.        We will have nothing to do with humility – and it means death.

II.       Jesus is humiliated from Manger to Cross – and it means life.

 

THE KING OF KINGS – IN HIS HUMILIATION – SPEAKS NO WORD OF OBJECTION NOR CONTEMPT, BUT SUFFERS UTTER HUMILIATION FOR YOU TO BE EXALTED, EVEN UNTO HEAVEN ITSELF!

 

In the name of the Father, and the Son + and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father, and from our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ.  Amen.

The text for today’s homily is taken from today’s Epistle lesson – Philippians 2:5-11…

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, 8 he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

 

I.

What Would Jesus Do? Remember those bracelets from the 90s? They came in all kinds of different colors and were all the rage. My kids loved them and truthfully so did I. We each had several. I even remember using the concept of the bracelet – which was to be in a tempting situation, look down at the bracelet on your wrist and ask, “What Would Jesus Do?”

Now I won’t stand up here and say what some said of this idea – that it was horrible. Why did they call it horrible? They said it was because it taught people to do things for themselves instead of relying on Christ – that it was a works righteousness attitude, meaning that we save ourselves. Bologna! Besides – aren’t we taught in the 8^th Commandment to put the best construction on EVERYTHING? Or is that only on the things we pick and choose?

I don’t believe that was the idea behind WWJD – and even if it was, we could teach our children “as the head of the household should teach” that Christ has saved us and that we don’t participate in the salvific work of Jesus. No, that’s His and His alone.

Whom ever came up with this idea was trying to help people think things through and keep them from sinning – right? Or as St. Paul said…

Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. [1 Corinthians 11:1]

I cannot think of a better way to be an imitator of Christ then to try and not sin!

So I was ok with WWJD and in fact loved it! I taught my kids what it meant. The idea was a noble one – be an imitator of Christ. But let’s be honest folks – we want nothing to do with being imitators of Christ.

Take today for example – Palm Sunday. Jesus – after three years of wowing the crowds in and around Jerusalem with His teaching style, His healing of the sick, His miracles of feeding large crowds and changing water into wine, His casting out of demons, His calming of the storm, His walking on water, His raising of the dead – and He rides in on a donkey?

If that were you or me we would be calling for the grandest, most outlandishly gilded, souped-up, expensive chariot in all of the Holy Land. We would have sent the disciples to announce our coming – not go after a donkey. Large white Arabian horses would have pulled our Mercedes-like chariot into Jerusalem for the Passover and the shouts of the people would have been lost because of the greater shouts of the disciples touting our name and accomplishments. We would have worn a crown.

And say nothing of what was to come at the end of the week on Thursday and Friday – washing feet, being beaten and finally murdered. From the Manger to the Cross, Jesus’ life was one of obedience.

But then we don’t have to go back to ancient times to discover that we are not very good imitators of Christ. All we have to do is look at our jobs, our homes, our friends, our lives. We are lazy, cheating, mean, name-calling, lying, slanderous, thieving, conniving people – each and every one of us.

No – WWJD is certainly not what I would do – and to be honest I’m not sure I want to be reminded of that fact about myself. Of course that is the argument for not having Jesus on the crosses in our churches. It’s too difficult to look at that bloody Christ. I much more prefer the empty cross; and then we have done it – we have traded in a theology of the Cross for a theology of Glory and it’s not even His glory – but my false glory.

II.

And then there is our beautiful, saving text today – a text filled with WWJD – and then we seem Him do it!

We hear words like nothing, servant, humbled, obedient, death, and cross – words we would outright reject, but our Savior Jesus Christ grasps with both hands and will not let go.

WWJD? He would ride a donkey, He would eat with sinners, He would wash His disciples’ dirty feet, He would allow Himself to be led away in chains. This Son of GOD would allow men to abuse Him with their fists and their words, with their metal and with their mockery.

WWJD? He would be obedient to the Law and to His Father – even unto the point of death. Why?

One simple word – love. Jesus did not endure His Cross for His sake, but for yours. He willing carried our sin from the Jordan to Jerusalem and then to Golgotha. There He pinned our sins to His Cross in His hands and His feet. There He pinned the hope of the world – where He obediently earned our salvation – our forgiveness. With His life ended He gained ours for us. WWJD? Everything.

For what purpose? So that we could one day become His greatest imitator, when we imitate Him, by coming out of our graves on the Last Day – not because of what we had done in this world – but because of what Jesus did. Amen.

 

The peace of the LORD – which surpasses all understanding – will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.  Amen.

 

+ Soli Deo Gloria +

Lent 5 [Series A] - preached April 6, 2014 at St. Paul Dewberry, IN and Resurrection Centerville, IN

Sermon Text:      Romans 8:1-11

Title:           Flesh and Spirit.

I.        As slaves to flesh we cannot please GOD.

II.       As slaves to righteousness we can please GOD.

 

THROUGH CHRIST JESUS’ RIGHTEOUSNESS EARNED THROUGH HIS PERFECT LIFE AND HIS DEATH ON THE CROSS – WE ARE MADE HOLY AND RIGHTEOUS AND PLEASING GOD.

 

In the name of the Father and the Son + and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

 

Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father, and from our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ.  Amen.

 

The sermon text for this Sunday, is taken from the Epistle lesson just read, I would read again these verses…

 

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. 3 For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 6 To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. 7 For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. 8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

 

9 You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. 10 But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.

 

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

 

I.

 

Those who are in the flesh cannot please GOD.

 

Did you hear that? Did you hear what St. Paul just said?  Let me read it once more.

 

Those who are in the flesh cannot please GOD.

 

Well – there it is. The Law in all of its pain and suffering and wretchedness and death.

 

Are you in the flesh? If you are then you cannot please GOD. Don’t get mad at me – I didn’t say it. Well – yes I did. Let me rephrase that – St. Paul said it. Well – no – that’s not exactly right either. Let me try one more time. GOD said it.

 

Need proof? Take stock in your life. Ever put yourself before the LORD? Ever put yourself before your neighbor? Who is your neighbor? Everyone! And just like some survey that you take from the mail or online – if you answered yes to either of these questions you have now moved to the front of the line. Go ahead and have a seat over there by the down escalator – the one marked in big, bold letters – HELL!

 

You might ask when you had done such things.

 

Answer? All the time! Gossiping – check. Saying hateful things – check. Sex before marriage – check. Divorced – check. Not going to church – check. Not respecting your parents – check. Drinking too much, smoking, eating too much, taking things that aren’t yours, lie, cheating – all checks. I know there are a bunch in there that I can claim as mine – and if you're honest with yourself – so can you.

 

Sounds like flesh to me. How about you? Ready to concede? Ready to give up and admit that this awful picture is you? Unfortunately – it doesn’t matter if you are ready or willing or able to admit to these sins. They are yours as assuredly is your name and social security number. GOD cannot be fooled. GOD cannot be tricked. GOD cannot be hidden from. And now St. Paul tells us that He cannot be pleased – not by us.

 

We throw ourselves down in front of the LORD and cry with St. Paul…

 

Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?

 

St. Paul says this back in chapter 7, but we are now in chapter 8 – and it is here that St. Paul begins to answer that question.

 

In Latin there is a very famous saying – one that St. Paul speaks of here.  The phrase is "simul iustus et peccator." You have heard me say this before it means, “simultaneously saint and sinner.” That is what we are here on this earth saint and sinner.  That is what Paul is saying when he says that his mind serves the law of God, but his flesh serves the law of sin. The sinner in the saint is just enough to make us realize that we indeed cannot please GOD.

 

 

II.

And then there is the therefore of our text – that part of our text from chapter 8 that answers the question in chapter 7 – who can save me? Paul says that he knows how to escape this body of death and that is through the life, death and resurrection of this man called Jesus the Christ. Through Jesus we have been set free. We no longer suffer the bondage, the chains, the sting of sin, death and the devil. The Holy Spirit here is working in you and me through the Word and through His mysteries we call the Sacraments – through Baptism and through Holy Communion. Namely the work that goes on here at St. Paul [and Resurrection]Lutheran Church in Dewberry, Indiana. 

 

This Word and these mysteries – these Sacraments are applied to each and every one of you each Sunday. And when one says, “I don’t need to be in church on Sunday,” it is this answer that we give. We tell them that the forgiveness of sins earned by Christ on the cross is at church in the Word rightly preached and the Sacraments rightly administered.  We are battered and dirtied, cut and bleeding, weary and worn out, from the six days spent in the world. We are in need of the first aid of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  We need the ointment of healing that is the forgiveness of sins, and this forgiveness is applied to us through the Holy Spirit’s work in the Word and in Baptism, in His very Body and Blood.

 

How does this happen here each Sunday?  How is it that sins are forgiven?  St. Paul writes…

 

For  God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

 

What is Paul saying?  He is saying that our sinful flesh cannot possibly keep the law, and so God has stepped in and taken care of that gap. He’s saying as sinners it is impossible for us to keep one iota of the law. Even in this smallest part we are forever short of fulfilling that law.

 

But by sending His own Son into the world – into our flesh – Jesus was able to live as one of us – in the flesh and without sin – therefore fulfilling the law perfectly – even the iota! So if the wages of sin is death, then the opposite must be true – the wages of righteousness is life!  So Jesus doesn’t have to die, but die He does – not for Himself – but for you and for me.  This is what causes others to stumble when it comes to Christianity.  How can the death of one man accomplish so much? It is in the fact that He should NOT have died, but went the way of the Cross anyway. The wages of righteousness is life! And so there is life in Christ.  He is raised from the dead.  HE IS LIFE!

 

So how is His righteousness applied to us?  Can you guess? It’s what we’ve been talking about for fifteen minutes or so. Here’s a hint – it’s in that triangle we keep talking about here on Sundays – His Word and the Font and the Altar. Right here in tiny little Dewberry [and mission plant Resurrection] lie the keys to the Kingdom in such simple things as these. The life, death and resurrection of Jesus is generously made a part of us through the hearing of His Word to create in us through the Holy Spirit faith.  It is made a part of us through that Word combined with water in the Sacrament of Holy Baptism to wash away our sins.  It is joined to us in that Word combined with the bread and the wine, the very Body and Blood of Christ – in the Sacrament of the Altar. All done for the forgiveness of our sins.

 

Yes, we are made into saints through these wonderful blessings given us by our heavenly Father. We are still, at the same time, sinners.  We still stray from the path. But thanks be to God that what has been applied to us through Word and Sacraments is greater than our sin, so that we who call Jesus Savior can be forgiven over and over again. This is the miracle we have in the righteousness of Jesus Christ. Praise be His name forever and ever.  Amen.

 

 

The peace of God – which surpasses all understanding – will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.

 

 

+ Soli Deo Gloria +