Sunday, October 21, 2018

Proper 24 Reflection and Study


Pentecost 22 – Proper 24
21 October 2018
Mark 10:23-31
Self reliance might be the American way – but not so with Jesus

A prayer to resist the love of money: "Almighty God, heavenly Father, You have called us to be Your children and heirs of Your gracious promises in Christ Jesus. Grant us Your Holy Spirit that we may forsake all covetous desires and the inordinate love of riches. Deliver us from the pursuit of passing things that we may seek the kingdom of Your Son and trust in His righteousness and so find blessedness and peace; through Jesus Christ, our Lord." Amen

Our Gospel lesson is a continuation of last week. After the rich young man went away sorrowful, Jesus takes the opportunity to educate His disciples in the barrier that great wealth poses to one’s salvation. The temptation is to trust in the riches, rather than the rest. In fact, it is impossible, not only for the wealthy, but for anyone to earn His salvation by any means, even good works. “Who can be saved?” they ask. Who, indeed? No can, if he relies on himself. It is only by God’s grace that anyone can be saved, for all things are possible with God.

Jesus predicts His trial, execution, and resurrection for the third time, while walking boldly to His death. Jesus goes to die the sinners' death, accepting the Law's penalty in our place. Faith looks to Christ crucified and risen and says, "for me!" Luther - "Who is this "me?" It is I, an accursed and damned sinner, who was so beloved by the Son of God that He gave Himself for me." (AE 26:176)

1.       What was Jesus getting at with the Camel?  Recall CS Lewis’ famous line; “All things, (e.g. a camel’s journey through a needle’s eye) are possible, it’s true. But picture how the camel feels, squeezed out. In one long, bloody, thread, from tail to snout.”- From his work ‘Parables’

The camel has to die! The biggest animal passing through the smallest hole. What is Jesus getting at?   

Americans have a chance to gain nearly every material possession they want. So, we often become convinced, at least subconsciously, that we can buy happiness and meaning. This delusion can leave us void of the lasting, deep-down joy that possessions cannot bring. Where is true joy and contentment found?

Given our current cultural context, in which so much of our collectively ingrained assumptions about financial security have been uprooted and have further exposed our runaway consumption, consider the gospel's perspective on discipleship, possessions, and abundance.

2.       What is our perspective on possessions?

3.       What was Jesus getting at with His conversation with His disciples?

4.       What is your reaction to Peter’s statement?  Better yet, what is your reaction to Jesus’ response?

5.       We are now one month away from Thanksgiving. How does today’s lesson shape your plans for this year’s feast?

A prayer for deliverance from the love of money: Almighty God, heavenly Father, You have called us to be Your children and heirs of Your gracious promises in Christ Jesus. Grant us Your Holy Spirit that we may forsake all covetous desires and the inordinate love of riches. Deliver us from the pursuit of passing things that we may seek the kingdom of Your Son and trust in His righteousness and so find blessedness and peace; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord.

A prayer for the proper use of wealth: Almighty God, all that we possess is from Your loving hand. Give us grace that we may honor You with all we own, always remembering the account we must one day give to Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Lutheran Service Book © 2009 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

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