Proper 20 Series B - Mark 9:30-37 reflection

Law/Gospel Theme:  In our reading for today we will that there are many who want to be first. First in line. First to speak. First to be noticed. “Me first!” This is a cry that is heard by anyone who has ever wanted to be noticed.

Some are often short on patience. And can also be a bit competitive. The principles that Jesus taught. Turn our ideas of greatness upside down. Today we will see how dependent we are on God. Who is truly the greatest. When we rely on the Lord. And seek to serve others. Then we will be at our best.

Prayer: Lord Jesus. Forgive us for our battles over greatness. Remind us that You alone are great. For You have served the least among us.

Confession/Absolution:

LORD - we pray to you also for the forgiveness of our sins. Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father.

In Your compassion forgive us our sins. Known and unknown. Things done. And left undone. And so uphold us by Your Spirit.

That we may live and serve you in newness of life. To the honor and glory of Your Name. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Almighty God have mercy on you. Forgive you all your sins.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ. And may He strengthen you in all goodness.

And by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.

Mark 9:30-37

They went on from there and passed through Galilee. And he did not want anyone to know, 31 for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him. And when he is killed, after three days he will rise.” 32 But they did not understand the saying and were afraid to ask him. 33 And they came to Capernaum. And when he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you discussing on the way?” 34 But they kept silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest. 35 And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.”

36 And he took a child and put him in the midst of them, and taking him in his arms, he said to them, 37 “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.”

Hymn: #72 Rock of Ages

What makes some people so awesome? What makes them great? Usually we recognize some people as “heroes” because they have won a lot of awards. Or won many games. Or have done some incredible things in their lives.

They might be top competitors in their category. To get where they are. They worked hard. And practiced a lot.

We celebrate achievements and give these “greats” recognition. Or awards. Or repayment. We honor people who have risen to the top and become the “greatest.”

Once the great baseball player Babe Ruth pointed to the outfield. Telling the crowd where he would hit the ball. Sure enough. It was a homerun. Some have called Babe Ruth the greatest baseball player of all time. And yet. As great as he was. Babe Ruth only hit the ball 30% of the time.

If a student came home with a math test marked 30%, He’d receive an “F” for a grade. And his parents and teachers would be less than pleased!

What do you think it takes to be great as a disciple of Jesus? How can we become the greatest of Christ followers?

This is something that the disciples of Christ were asking. In fact. They were arguing about it in the Gospel passage we are looking at today.

Jesus had been teaching and describing things that would happen to Him. A few of His disciples had been arguing about who was the greatest. They might have been trying to figure out how to identify the “best” among them.

But Jesus turned their conversation upside down. He told them that to be first, they must become last.

What does this mean? Jesus wanted His disciples to be humble. Striving to be “the best” is not always best.

Greatness does not depend on power. Or talent. But on putting others first. We are made to serve one another and help each other.

Jesus also wanted to remind His disciples (and us too) that we depend on Him for all we have.

While He was talking. Jesus took up a small child. Children back then were not seen as very important. And people often did not pay much attention to them. But Jesus told His followers that if they welcomed children. And gave attention to those who did not have as much status and esteem. They would truly be doing His work.

Welcoming others would be like welcoming Jesus Himself.

In a way. We are like this child. Because we depend on God for all we have. We might think of ourselves as “great” sometime. Or try to become that way.

But all that we have. And all of who we are is in Christ. We aren’t great because we can slam dunk a basketball. Or throw a football. Or do other remarkable things.

We are great in God’s eyes when we follow Him and recognize HIS greatness. We can pray for strength. And recognize that it comes from the Lord.

Lord, thank you for your love and care. YOU are truly the greatest. Help us to think less of ourselves. And more of you. Help us to serve one another. As you have loved and served us. [1]

Let us cry out to the Lord with our prayers and petitions on this day.

The Lord has given us the beauty of worship and the gift of fellowship with one another. We thank you Lord, for gathering us this day.

The Lord has given us life in a nation of opportunities and liberty; with public services such as fire and police protection, ambulances, food pantries, schools, libraries, and hospitals. We thank you Lord, for our national life.

The Lord has given us neighbors, friends, families, and coworkers to share the joys and burdens of this life. We thank you Lord, for the privilege of loving others.

The Lord has given us a world full of creatures that crawl, fly, swim, and climb. We enjoy a bounty of flowers and shrubs, grasses and trees, plants and moss, and rocks and hills. We thank you Lord, for your creation.

The Lord has given us one another and we give thanks for God’s grace and mercy as we offer prayers for the sick and suffering.

The Lord has given us a promise that where He goes, He will prepare a place for us.

We thank you Lord for the gift of life and for giving us to one another for safekeeping. Bring us home when it is time. Lord in your grace, hear our prayer.[2]

Words –1,230
Passive Sentences –3.7%
Readability –87%
Reading Level – 3.3

Luther's Seal copyright Ed Riojas, Higher Things

[1] The Least is the Greatest: Children’s Sermon from Mark 9:30-37 - Ministry To Children (ministry-to-children.com)

[2] September-15.2024-10AM-17th-Sunday-after-Pentecost.pdf (stmarksnewcanaan.org)

 

Monday Prior to Proper 20

 

1

Psalm 37:5-7, Antiphon, Psalm 37:4 – Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. 

This psalm is simply titled A Psalm of David. Verse 25 tells us that it is David in his older years, giving wisdom in the pattern of a song. This psalm is roughly acrostic in arrangement, with the lines arranged with Hebrew sentences that begin with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet. In style this is a wisdom psalm, directed not to God but to man, teaching after the manner of the Book of Proverbs.

David instructs us that wisdom triumphs over worry. 

Delight yourself also in the LORD. David advised the man or woman of God to replace worry and envy with a conscious delight in the LORD. This means to cheer one’s heart and mind by considering and by faith receiving the multiple blessings of God.

And He shall give you the desires of your heart. This is a wonderful and even safe promise. The one who truly delights in the LORD will find his heart and desires changed, steadily aligning with God’s own good desires for his life. Thus we see that finding delight in God is a key to a happy, satisfied life. 2

No matter what you are up against, trust in the Lord and He will sustain you. He will prove Himself worthy as you read the rest of the appointed readings for the coming week. 

Collect for Psalm 37: Lord Jesus, you bless the poor with the kingdom of heaven. Teach us to put our trust in the Father and to seek his kingdom rather than to imitate the powerful or envy the rich so may we serve you now and forever. 3

Sources:

1  The Crucifixion, Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

2. https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/psalm-37 

3. Collect for Psalm 37, For All the Saints A Prayer Book For and By the Church Vol. IV © 1996 The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY

Proper 20 Series B study notes

 

Jeremiah 11:18–20 

James 3:13—4:10

Mark 9:30–37

 

Our Father Cares for His Children with the Gospel of His Son

The sinful heart is filled with “bitter jealousy and selfish ambition” (James 3:14), which causes hostility, quarrels and conflicts, even among those who are fellow members of the body of Christ. This should not be so! Rather, God “opposes the proud” with His Law, in order to humble them unto repentance; He “gives grace to the humble,” in order to exalt them by His Gospel of forgiveness (James 4:6–10). This true “wisdom from above” is found in the gentleness, mercy and peace of our Lord, Jesus Christ, who humbled Himself and sacrificed Himself for the salvation of sinners (James 3:17). He was “like a gentle lamb led to the slaughter,” committing Himself to God, His Father, “who judges righteously, who tests the heart and the mind” (Jeremiah 11:19–20). Therefore, “after three days,” His Father exalted Him by raising Him from the dead (Mark 9:31). 

In Holy Baptism, He takes disciples of all ages into His arms like little children. In receiving Him through repentance and faith in His forgiveness of sins, they receive from His Father a share in the glory of His cross and resurrection (Mark 9:36–37). 

Collect for Proper 20 – O God, whose strength is made perfect in weakness, grant us humility and childlike faith that we may please You in both will and deed; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen.

Lord, break our fear of death by reminding us that You have died, never to die again. Today, open our frightened hearts with the resurrection's promise; one day, open our closed eyes with the resurrection's power. 

Lord, forgive us for our battles over greatness. Remind us that You alone are great, for You lave served the least among us. 

Lord, thank you for Your work through the lives of others. Lead me to welcome those miracles and mercies that You show through every one of Your people. 

Jesus shatters our hopes and dreams...

Sunday’s Theme: The Christian and his opposition can be clearly seen in the three main readings for this coming week. In the Old Testament lesson, [Jeremiah 11:18—20] Jeremiah asks vengeance upon his enemies.  In the Epistle, [James 3:13-4:10] Opposition has its source in worldly wisdom. In the Gospel, [Mark 9:30-37] Jesus goes to Jerusalem to face his oppressors. Christians live in a hostile world, for friendship with the world is enmity to God.

Jesus goes to Jerusalem to face his oppressors. Jesus again announces His approaching passion and teaches the disciples the meaning of greatness.  

On His way to Jerusalem, Jesus announces a second time that He is going there to suffer, die, and rise on the third day. To avoid being detained, he travels incognito.

Unlike the first announcement, the disciples do not understand it and are afraid to ask Him the meaning of it. When the group reaches Capernaum, Jesus asked them what they were discussing during the walk. 

They were too embarrassed to answer, for they had discussed who would be Number One in the coming Kingdom.  Jesus taught that the one to be first must be last as a servant. To illustrate He takes a child in His arms, for in that day women and children were considered second-class citizens. Jesus makes the point that the greatest will minister to one like a child in His name, and when He does, He serves both Christ and God.

Jesus Again Foretells Death, and Resurrection Vv. 30-32 - Jesus repeats the prophecy of His Passion and resurrection while the disciples listen in frightened silence. Death is frightening and confusing when we cannot see the promised resurrection. Yet, Jesus bears our fears as well as our sins on the cross in order to deliver us. 

Mark 9:30

They went on from there and passed through Galilee. And he did not want anyone to know,

 κακειθεν εξελθοντες επορευοντο δια της γαλιλαιας και ουκ ηθελεν ινα τις γνοι

 - He did not want will wish desire for any to know where they were - because He was teaching them...

Mark 9:31 

for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him. And when he is killed, after three days he will rise.”

εδιδασκεν γαρ τους μαθητας αυτου και ελεγεν [αυτοις] οτι ο υιος του ανθρωπου παραδιδοται εις χειρας ανθρωπων και αποκτενουσιν αυτον και αποκτανθεις μετα τρεις ημερας αναστησεται

- he was continually teaching His disciples, the whole Gospel/salvation story. He will be betrayed into the hands of men, and after three days He Shall Rise.  

Mark 9:32 

But they did not understand the saying, and were afraid to ask him.

οι δε ηγνοουν το ρημα και εφοβουντο αυτον επερωτησαι

- They were ignorant of what He meant and afraid of the subject matter...afraid even to engages Jesus in the discussion. They shut up about it.

Who Is the Greatest? VV.32-37 Confused by Jesus' prediction of His death, the disciples return to a subject they know well, their own greatness. Jesus shows them that true status is found in serving those whom God values.

When we are tempted to debate who is the greatest, we should instead look to where the Master hangs on the cross. He represents us before the Father in order to redeem us, and He lead us by the cross into a new life.

Mark 9:33 

And they came to Capernaum. And when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you discussing on the way?”

και ηλθον εις καφαρναουμ και εν τη οικια γενομενος επηρωτα αυτους τι εν τη οδω διελογιζεσθε

-  He Asked them "what were you talking about on the road? He brings up the subject.

Mark 9:34 

But they kept silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest.

οι δε εσιωπων προς αλληλους γαρ διελεχθησαν εν τη οδω τις μειζων

- They were silent...they shut up...as they were debating, "whose the greatest?"  A comparative, "who is greater?" 

Mark 9:35 

And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.”

 και καθισας εφωνησεν τους δωδεκα και λεγει αυτοις ει τις θελει πρωτος ειναι εσται παντων εσχατος και παντων διακονος

- sitting down, He called the twelve, if any would be first he must be deacon...sitting prophetic posture for teaching, He calls them to teach.  He became first by serving...he's not here to teach them how to be great...

Mark 9:36 

And he took a child and put him in the midst of them, and taking him in his arms, he said to them,

και λαβων παιδιον εστησεν αυτο εν μεσω αυτων και εναγκαλισαμενος αυτο ειπεν αυτοις

- taking a παιδιον "little one" He embraced Him and said,

Mark 9:37 

“Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.”

ος αν [εν] των τοιουτων παιδιων δεξηται επι τω ονοματι μου εμε δεχεται και ος αν εμε δεχηται ουκ εμε δεχεται αλλα τον αποστειλαντα με

- whoever receives one of these little children in my name and receives them receives me and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.  Great baptism talk. Proof text! 

“Everybody can be great...because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” - Martin Luther King Jr.

-The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

-1881 Westcott-Hort New Testament (WHNU) -by Public Domain

Holy Cross Day (September 14)

 

Numbers 21:4–9
1 Corinthians 1:18–25
John 12:20–33

The Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Sir, we wish to see Jesus! (John 12:21). Then look to His Holy Cross. For just as Moses lifted up the bronze serpent in the wilderness, so Jesus, when He is lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to Himself (v.32). He humbled Himself and became obedient even to the death of the cross to save us (Phil. 2:8). Everyone who is bitten by the ancient serpent’s venom of sin, when he sees Christ shall live (Num. 21:8). The true Holy Cross is lost to history, and we cannot return to Calvary to find our salvation. So Christ brings the New Testament in His Blood to us. We preach Christ crucified...the power of God and the wisdom of God, though foolishness to the unbelieving world (1 Cor. 1:23–24). It pleases God through the folly of the cross we preach to save those who believe (v.21). 

We find the fruit and benefit of this Holy Cross poured out in Holy Baptism, spoken in the preaching of Holy Absolution, and delivered in the Body and Blood given and shed there for us. Thus are we strengthened to take up our crosses, sanctified by His (John 12:25–26).

Luther's Seal copyright Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Lectionary Summary copyright LCMS commission on worship

Saturday prior to Proper 19

 

Isaiah 50:4-10—In spite of suffering, God’s servant is vindicated. 

The Christian faith endures suffering. Isaiah the prophet endured harsh treatment at the hands of his enemies for speaking the truth and being faithful. For this he had to suffer. Yet, as you read these words think of the One whose entire life was that of suffering. Centuries before Christ was even born, Isaiah, by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, was able to predict with great accuracy the events of Christ’s life as they are outlined in the Gospels. Pay particular attention to verses 5-8 and then see their fulfillment in Christ in such places as Luke 9:51; 1 Timothy 3:16, Matthew 27:30 and Romans 8:31-34.

The servant of God is given a tongue of wisdom and truth as one who has been taught. God’s servant does not speak for himself or out of his own experience. He is God’s mouth. The purpose? The word of the Lord in his servant’s mouth is to sustain the weary with a word from God. To sustain the weary indicates that the word is one of love and comfort.

Before a servant of God can speak he must first hear from God. How can he speak f he has nothing to say? How can he have anything to say unless he hears the message from God? The servant listens to God each morning and then has something to say the rest of the day. Today’s God’s spokesperson finds it necessary to spend time each morning in private devotions when God opens his ears to the Word that he has something to proclaim. Without personal devotion, the preacher either speaks his own ideas or he has nothing to say from God. 1   

A Prayer for obedience to God’s Word—O holy and most merciful God, You have taught us the way of Your commandments. We implore You to pour out Your grace into our hearts. Cause it to bear fruit in us that being ever mindful of Your mercies and Your laws, we may always be directed to Your will and daily increase in love toward You and one another. Enable us to resist all evil and to live a godly life. Help us to follow the example of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and to walk in His steps until we shall possess the kingdom that has been prepared for us in heaven; through Jesus Christ, our Lord 2

Sources:

Luther's Seal copyright Ed Riojas, Higher Things

1. Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series B; John Brochoff copyright 1981 CSS Publishing, Lima, OH

2. A Prayer for obedience to God's Word, Lutheran Service Book copyright 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Friday prior to Proper 19

 

Mark 9:14-29—Christian faith is needed when confronted by demon possession. The devil can make life a living hell on earth. With this boy it had been a long painful struggle “from childhood.”  How often had his family heard the indictments? “He’s a challenge. There’s something about him. You know, that boy’s not right!”  

Each of us has struggles and crosses – those areas of our lives where the devil will strike us hard. Even in “secular” language we are comfortable saying, “…these are demons we must battle.”  There are those places in our lives where the devil knows we are weak.  Places, where if we would visit will not be a safe place but a dangerous place for we can sense his attempt to destroy us. Out of a sense of survival we might say, “I won’t go there,” and, if we must, a friend might say, ‘She’s in a bad place.”

With this young man, the devil tried to burn him in the fire and yet another time he almost drowned. These were not merely “battle scares” this young man had accrued. This was an onslaught the devil had leashed upon him. These were not isolated incidents but continued blows this poor man had received.

Do you know your weaknesses? The devil knows them – better than we know them ourselves. Our struggle, says St. Paul, “is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:16) Know your enemy! “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Peter 5:8) Know your enemy well. Better yet, run to the safe arms of the Savior for salvation and life.

For additional reading see Romans 8:35-39

Almighty God, do not cast away Your people who cry to You in their distress and tribulation, but for the glory of Your name be please to help and deliver them; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Luther's Seal copyright Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Prayer from Lutheran Service Book copyright 2006 Concordia Publishing St. Louis

Thursday prior to Proper 19

 

  

James 3:1-12—The Christian faith is expressed in a tamed tongue. Because a teacher has great influence, he will be held more accountable. See Matthew 23:1-33. Since the tongue is so difficult to control, anyone who controls it perfectly gains control of himself in all other areas of life as well. This is a lesson each must bear in mind. Gossip, slander, and malice are all deadly.

According to James, we speak with a fundamental contradiction. With the same mouth, we praise and curse God. With the same tongue, we decry and up-build our neighbor. With the same words, we can help others or crush their hopes. Thus it should be little surprise that we embrace political discourses that use words as cruel, blunt weapons.

Dishonesty has a corrosive effect on both its speaker and hearer. Such words weigh us all down. Unfortunately, partisanship too easily justifies a loose relationship with reality. No one but the most partisan among us imagines that “our” side of the debate is the only one that is honest and the other side always lies. Mendacity is not a partisan attribute. That the other side has lied does not justify the mendacity of those we tend to support.

Accusing the other side of deception furthermore hides a critical insight of James. The destructive power of words is insidious and infective. The more we are inundated with it, the easier it is to slide into the corrosive but easy discourses that sever relationships.

In the end, James suggests that there is never a relationship between humans and God which is not at the very same time manifest and embodied in our relationships with our sisters and brothers. In James, sin, suffering and illness are communal hardships just as much as they are individual ills. Their alleviation is affected through communal liturgies as much as personal confession. None of us — no matter our importance in the world — are independent, unfazed atoms. Instead, we are links in an unbreakable chain.  For James, there is no knowledge of God that does not force an individual to gaze into the eyes of another person and realize her inextricability from the links of Christian community. 

In short, we are always and inevitably bound to our neighbors. 1

A prayer for education—Almighty God, our heavenly Father, since You have committed the care and nurture of children to Your people, gracious enlighten those who teach and those who are committed to their instruction that they may know the truth and trust in You all the days of their lives; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. 2

Sources:

Luther's Seal copyright Ed Riojas, Higher Things

1. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/ja,es31-12-sticks-and-the-power-of-words-

2. Collect for Education, Lutheran Service Book copyright 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis 

9.11 National Day of Remembrance

 

National Day of Remembrance

For some of us the events of 9.11 will be forever etched in our minds. We can remember where we were, what we were doing. The thoughts the emotions we experienced the enormity of it all; as the events of that Tuesday morning in September played out before us on television. 

My children in particular, at the height of innocence saw their world change drastically in just a few short hours.  Lydia specifically was starting confirmation instruction when the twin towers of the World Trade Center were decimated. She would attend a memorial service commemorating the 10th Anniversary within weeks of moving to New York City. Today, students have no recollection of September 11, 2001. They were yet to be born. There is now an entire generation raised in a post-9.11 world.  

How has our society, our culture changed in these past twenty-three years?  Do we become righteously indignant at the abuses of our society? Dr. King dreamed of a day in America where men would be judged not by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. Sadly that day has not yet arrived. We give lip service to the concept that all men are created equal. Why then are the rich seemingly more equal than others?  Why afflict the poor? And reward only the wealthy?

When it comes to a solution we must realize that it depends on more than one person’s efforts or one response to correct the condition. It is not merely a national and a societal problem which needs our attention. It is a spiritual struggle. As such, Paul urges us to pray. That we may have a society where there is peace and righteousness.  

Because Christ our Savior desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth, He urges that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people. Christians should so pray without anger or quarreling. But adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control. For the Lord does not forget the poor of the land. (Amos 8:4) He remembers them according to the foolishness of the cross. And that, my friends, is what causes us to pray.

For a better world we are commanded to pray.  We pray for our secular leaders and for the good of society.  The Apostle Paul teaches: I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 1Timothy 2Vv. 1-2

We pray for all to come to God through Christ. He desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.  For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. 1 Timothy 2Vv.3-4

Today, on this National Day of Remembrance we pause to consider the necessity of prayer. Paul urges us to pray for all people, especially those in high positions; that we may have that kind of world in which the gospel can flourish. Paul urges us to pray with lifted hands; lifted up to the Source of our help. He urges us to pray with open hand; to receive what we ask in faith. Paul encourages us to pray with holy hands; free from hatred and anger instead, filled with forgiveness and love.

As Christians, we act as we are given to do. We pray for our nation, for our society and our culture. We pray for our neighbors and our families. We pray for that peace which only Christ can give. We pray for opportunities to trumpet the Gospel for this is the desire of our Father who wants all to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. If there is to be peace it will come only through the prince of peace Jesus Christ our Savior who gave Himself as a ransom for all. 

That His peace may permeate a world gone mad with violence…let us pray to the Lord.

A Prayer for peace in the world: Heavenly Father, God of all concord, it is Your gracious will that Your children on earth live together in harmony and peace. Defeat the plans of all those who would stir up violence and strife, destroy the weapons of those who delight in war and bloodshed, and, according to Your will, end all conflicts in the world. Teach us to examine our hearts that we may recognize our own inclination toward envy, malice, hatred, and enmity. Help us, by Your Word and Spirit, to search our hearts and to root out the evil that would lead to strife and discord, so that in our lives we may be at peace with all people. Fill us with zeal for the work of Your Church and the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which alone can bring that peace which is beyond all understanding; 

A Prayer for our enemies: Forgive, we implore You, O Lord, our enemies, and so change their hearts that they may walk with us in sincerity and peace; 

A Prayer for good government; Eternal Lord, ruler of all, graciously regard those who have been set in positions of authority among us that, guided by Your Spirit, they may be high in purpose, wise in counsel, firm in good resolution, and unwavering in duty, that under them we may be governed quietly and peaceably

Prayers from Lutheran Service Book copyright 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St, Louis

Tuesday prior to Proper 19

 

Psalm 116:1-9; key verse, verse 9—that I might walk before the Lord in the land of the living. 

PAYING THE VOW OF GRATITUDE

As another one of the Egyptian Hallel Psalms (Psalms 113-118), sung by Jesus with His disciples on the night of His betrayal and arrest (Matthew 26:30 and Mark 14:26), we can say with G. Campbell Morgan: “Whatever the local circumstances which gave rise to this song, it is evident that all its rich meaning was fulfilled, when in the midst of that little company of perplexed souls, the shadows of the One Death already on Him, Jesus sang this song of prophetic triumph over the sharpness of the hour of passion to which He was passing. He has made it over to all His own as their triumph song over death.” 1

Psalms 116 is a prayer of thanksgiving and praise to God for deliverance from death – hence the emphasis on verse 9 as the key verse. It may have been written by a king. Verse 16 is very similar to the writing style of King David; however, they are very close to the events of King Hezekiah who thanked the Lord for sparing his life in Isaiah 38:10-20. 

As a whole, psalm 116 is song of seven stanzas falling into three main divisions:  verses 1-6, verses 7-14, and verses 15-19.

Collect for Psalm 116: God of power and mercy, through the Passion and resurrection of your Son you have freed us from the bonds of death and the anguish of separation from you. Be with us on our pilgrimage and help us offer you a sacrifice of praise, fulfill our vows, and glorify you in the presence of all your people; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 2

Sources:

Luther's Seal, copyright Ed Riojas, Higher Things

1. https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/psalm-116

2. For All the Saints, A Prayer Book For and By the Church, copyright 1995 The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY

Proper 19 Series B James 3:1-12 Reflection

 

Law/Gospel Theme:  In our reading for today we will focus on how our speech can serve dual purposes, to potentially help or harm. We recognize that sometimes we do make mistakes and say things we should not. It’s important to remember at these times that we can use our speech to ask for forgiveness, both from other people and from God. We know that He will always grant grace and give us the strength and wisdom to use our words well. 

Prayer: Lord Jesus, our support and defense in every need. Continue to preserve us in safety, govern us by Your goodness. And bless us with your peace as You live and reign with God the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen 

Hymn:  #73 Savior, Again to Thy Dear Name We Praise 

Confession/Absolution:

LORD - we pray to you also for the forgiveness of our sins. Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father. 

In Your compassion forgive us our sins. Known and unknown. Things done. And left undone. And so uphold us by Your Spirit. 

That we may live and serve you in newness of life. To the honor and glory of Your Name. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Almighty God have mercy on you. Forgive you all your sins. 

Through our Lord Jesus Christ. And may He strengthen you in all goodness. 

And by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.

James 3:1-12

Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. 2 For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. 3 If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. 4 Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. 5 So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things.

How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. 

7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. 10 From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. 11 Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? 12 Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water.

Hymn: #72 Rock of Ages

It is important to use speech wisely. The can be a huge impact that words can have. But sometimes we don’t always stop to think before we speak. Or consider how our words will impact others. The things we say can be a helpful tool or a harmful weapon. Or to put it another way. Do our words hurt God’s ears?  Words do have lasting effects for good or for bad. We want to be encouraged to use our mouths to glorify God and to lift up those around us.

Are there any items in your house growing up that you are not allowed to touch or use? Or, were there certain things your children could not touch?  There are some things that we use  now. But I’m always very careful about how I use them. And how I put them away. 

When I was younger, I wasn’t even allowed to touch these things. 

So here I have a lighter. Now, this is a helpful tool. If I want to light a fire in the fireplace. Or if I have candles to light. Or something. However, if I used it for the wrong purpose. I might start a fire, That could do damage, Or I could burn myself. That’s why it’s never good to have children play with matches or lighters…

How about a very sharp knife? . If I want to cut a watermelon or a loaf of bread or a turkey a knife would be great. On the other hand. If I don’t use this carefully. I could cut myself or someone else. Which might even lead to a hospital visit. 

So you can see through just a few examples that there are a lot of things we have that can be used either as helpful tools or potentially dangerous weapons. 

Did you know that you have something you carry around all the time that works the same way?? There is a part of YOU which can be used to help or to hurt. Do you have any idea what it might be?  

It’s THIS! Your tongue! The Bible talks about how powerful and even dangerous the tongue can be. The book of James says that the tongue is like a fire. And can be full of poison!  Now, you might be wondering how our tongues can have such potential. 

After all, what do we use tongues for besides tasting and eating food? 

Well, our tongues are essential for something else: talking! Speech is a remarkable and unique gift that God gives us. But He wants us to use that gift carefully. The things we say can actually have a huge impact on people.

For instance, when we say things that are not true. Or that are not kind. It can hurt someone’s feelings. There’s a saying “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me”…It’s not entirely true. Words can definitely hurt deeply. 

We can also misuse speech when we speak disrespectfully. Maybe you talk back to an aid or a helper. Or fight with someone. And say something rude on purpose. Some might even use inappropriate language. Or say a bad word that hurts God’s ears. 

We might gossip. And say something about someone else…There are a lot of ways that we might worry. Anger. Or hurt someone with our words.

On the other hand, there are a lot of positive things we can do with our words, as well! Can you think of any? 

We can say things that are kind and encouraging to compliment others. We can use speech to teach people things. We can cheer someone on or support them. And we can use our words to praise and glorify God! 

We worship Him with music. And also through prayer. God always wants us to come to Him in prayer and will always grant us grace when we make mistakes.

It’s important to stop and think before we speak. We need to think about the words we use and consider whether they will be helpful or harmful. 

If we don’t have kind words to use. It might be best to not say anything. Think about the way you want others to speak to you. And address them in the same way. 

Avoid speaking out in anger towards someone.  Sometimes we mess up. We might say something we shouldn’t. And we usually can’t just “take it back”. 

However, we can also use our words to confess. Apologize. And ask for forgiveness. We can do this with people we hurt. And we can do it with God. Who will always forgive us and have mercy on us. 

How wonderful to know that we can ask God for wisdom and guidance as we use our words!

Lord, thank you for your love and care. Thank you Thank you for the gift of speech. Help us to use our words well and wisely.

May we glorify you with our mouths.  And encourage and help others

Luther's Seal  Ed Riojas, copyright Higher Things 

Monday prior to Proper 19

Psalm 31:14-16, Antiphon, Psalm 31:24 – Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord!  The Psalmist’ faith and trust in the Lord is unwavering; His defense against his powerful enemies is his reliance on God’s faithfulness and discerning judgment. Praise advances to the encouragement of the saints.

This coming Sunday’s theme, “The Faith of a Christian,” is seen in all three of our readings. In the Old Testament lesson: [Isaiah 50:4-10] The Christian faith endures suffering. In the Epistle lesson: [James 3:1-2] The Christian faith is expressed in impartial service. In the Gospel lesson: [Mark 9:14-29] Christian faith is needed when confronting demon possession. 

As churches soon begin their program year, starting our adult Bible classes and continuing with  Sunday School classes, the Hymn for the Day expresses the hope and desire that all of God’s children, but especially our youth would remain faithful to Christ. The extent to which faithfulness is expressed can be seen in how well the Christian faith is fed and nourished. Thus, a hunger and thirst for the Means of Grace is paramount.

Collect for Psalm 31: God of kindness and truth, you saved your chosen on, Jesus Christ and you give your martyrs strength. Watch over your people who come to you now and strengthen the hearts of those who hope in you, that they may proclaim your saving acts of kindness in the eternal city; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Sources:
Luther's Seal Ed Riojas copyright Higher Things
Collect for Psalm 31 For All the Saints, A Prayer Book For and By the Church Vol. III copyright 1995 The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau Delhi, NY

Proper 19 Series B study notes

Proper 19 -  Series B

Isaiah 50:4–10
James 3:1–12
Mark 9:14–29

 Christ Jesus Delivers Us from Sin, Death and the Devil

 Those who teach the Word of God “will be judged with greater strictness” (James 3:1) because it is by the Word that saving faith is obtained, whereas false doctrine always threatens to destroy Christian faith and life. The tongue “boasts of great things,” whether for good or evil (James 3:5). In fallen man, “it is a restless evil, full of deadly poison” (James 3:8). But anyone who bridles his tongue with the Word of God, who “does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man” (James 3:2). 

It is Christ who opens His ear to the voice of His Father, so that, with “the tongue of those who are taught,” He is able to sustain the weary “with a word.” (Isaiah 50:4–5). Entrusting Himself to His Father, even to death, He is not put to shame but is vindicated in His resurrection (Isaiah 50:6–9). By His faith and faithfulness, He casts out the “mute and deaf spirit” from us (Mark 9:25). He has compassion on us and helps us, so that we are not destroyed but cleansed from every evil and raised up from death to life (Mark 9:22–27).  

Proper 19

Mark 9:14-29

Jesus the Great Physician

Lord Jesus Christ, our support and defense in every need, continue to preserve Your Church in safety, govern her by Your goodness, and bless her with Your peace;

Lord, thank you for Your compassion, which brings You to our world of pain and dismay. Give us faith to overcome our trials, and help us believe that all things are possible with You. 

Jesus descends from the transfiguration and meets a defiant demon an anxious father, an astonished crowd, and despairing disciples. Despair threatens to overwhelm our faith too but pointing out how we fail to change or improve, suggesting that god neither cares for us nor has power to help. However, Jesus does not linger in the glory of the transfiguration but graciously descends to a world of despair and doubt so that He might deliver us. 

Similar symptoms this time an evil spirit. Now Jesus is back in the region of the Mt. Of Transfiguration. 

Jesus Heals a Boy with an Unclean Spirit

Mark 9:14 

και ελθοντες προς τους μαθητας ειδον οχλον πολυν περι αυτους και γραμματεις συζητουντας προς αυτους

And when they came to the disciples, they saw a great crowd around them, and scribes arguing with them. 

- after they (Peter, James, John coming back from the mountain) saw a crowd around them debating with the disciples. A perspective from the four not just Jesus. The Master is gone so the experts debate with the other disciples.

Mark 9:15 

 και ευθυς πας ο οχλος ιδοντες αυτον εξεθαμβηθησαν και προστρεχοντες ησπαζοντο αυτον

And immediately all the crowd, when they saw him, were greatly amazed and ran up to him and greeted him. 

- The crows were astonished seeing Jesus and ran to Him...why did they marvel? Was it the fact that He Showed up...that He had the answers that word about Him was growing...but here His disciples couldn't do it this time. The crowd will leave the Scribes alone and run to Jesus.

Mark 9:16 

 και επηρωτησεν αυτους τι συζητειτε προς αυτους

And he asked them, “What are you arguing about with them?” 

- What are you arguing about? Who is the "them"? The rebuke will be against the disciples.  This is the Lord's "where are you?" rebuke spoken in the garden to Adam in Genesis 3.

Mark 9:17 

και απεκριθη αυτω εις εκ του οχλου διδασκαλε ηνεγκα τον υιον μου προς σε εχοντα πνευμα αλαλον

And someone from the crowd answered him, “Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a spirit that makes him mute. 

Mark 9:18 

και οπου εαν αυτον καταλαβη ρησσει αυτον και αφριζει και τριζει τους οδοντας και ξηραινεται και ειπα τοις μαθηταις σου ινα αυτο εκβαλωσιν και ουκ ισχυσαν

And whenever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid. So I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they were not able.” 

:17-18 - a deaf spirit...wherever he's thrown down, foams, grinds, becomes rigid...why didn't you cast...but they had not the strength.  I brought my son to You Jesus...through the disciples and they didn't have the power...(a wrong assessment) he came expecting Jesus to be there, or that His power could come through the disciples...yet power comes from weakness, through prayer, fasting, "gnashing of teeth" the condition of those cast into outer darkness. Who has the might? and what does might look like? I looks like death; of a man suffering on a cross...it comes only through prayer...

Mark 9:19 

ο δε αποκριθεις αυτοις λεγει ω γενεα απιστος εως ποτε προς υμας εσομαι εως ποτε ανεξομαι υμων φερετε αυτον προς με

And he answered them, “O faithless generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him to me.” 

Mark 9:20 

και ηνεγκαν αυτον προς αυτον και ιδων αυτον το πνευμα ευθυς συνεσπαραξεν αυτον και πεσων επι της γης εκυλιετο αφριζων

And they brought the boy to him. And when the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. 

Mark 9:21 

και επηρωτησεν τον πατερα αυτου ποσος χρονος εστιν ως τουτο γεγονεν αυτω ο δε ειπεν εκ παιδιοθεν

And Jesus asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood." 

Mark 9:22 

και πολλακις και εις πυρ αυτον εβαλεν και εις υδατα ινα απολεση αυτον αλλ ει τι δυνη βοηθησον ημιν σπλαγχνισθεις εφ ημας

And it has often cast him into fire and into water, to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” 

Mark 9:23 

ο δε ιησους ειπεν αυτω το ει δυνη παντα δυνατα τω πιστευοντι

And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” 

Mark 9:24 

ευθυς κραξας ο πατηρ του παιδιου ελεγεν πιστευω βοηθει μου τη απιστια

Immediately the father of the child cried out[a] and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” 

Mark 9:25 

ιδων δε ο ιησους οτι επισυντρεχει οχλος επετιμησεν τω πνευματι τω ακαθαρτω λεγων αυτω το αλαλον και κωφον πνευμα εγω επιτασσω σοι εξελθε εξ αυτου και μηκετι εισελθης εις αυτον

And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” 

Mark 9:26 

και κραξας και πολλα σπαραξας εξηλθεν και εγενετο ωσει νεκρος ωστε τους πολλους λεγειν οτι απεθανεν

And after crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse, so that most of them said, “He is dead.” 

Mark 9:27 

ο δε ιησους κρατησας της χειρος αυτου ηγειρεν αυτον και ανεστη

But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. 

Mark 9:28 

και εισελθοντος αυτου εις οικον οι μαθηται αυτου κατ ιδιαν επηρωτων αυτον οτι ημεις ουκ ηδυνηθημεν εκβαλειν αυτο

And when he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” 

Mark 9:29 

και ειπεν αυτοις τουτο το γενος εν ουδενι δυναται εξελθειν ει μη εν προσευχη

And he said to them, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer.”[b]

Footnotes:

Mark 9:24 Some manuscripts add with tears

Mark 9:29 Some manuscripts add and fasting

Sources

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

1881 Westcott-Hort New Testament (WHNU) by Public Domain

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Saturday prior to Proper 18

 

1

Psalm 146– Sunday’s hymn of the day, Praise the Almighty (LSB 797), is based on the appointed psalm for this week.  Having seen everything that Christ has done our only response is to return to Him our worship and praise. The psalm is an exhortation to trust in the Lord, Zion’s King. Psalm 146 is the first of five Hallelujah psalms with which the Psalter closes (Psalms 146-150).

1 Praise the Almighty, my soul, adore Him!

Yes, I will laud Him until death;

With songs and anthems I come before Him

As long as He allows me breath.

From Him my life and all things came;

Bless, O my soul, His holy name.

Allelujah, allelujah!

2 Trust not in rulers; they are but mortal;

Earth-born they are and soon decay.

Vain are their counsels at life’s last portal,

When the dark grave engulfs its prey.

Since mortals can no help afford,

Place all your trust in Christ, our Lord.

Allelujah, allelujah!

Collect for Psalm 146: God of glory and power, happy indeed are those who have put their trust in you. Shine the brightness of your light upon us that we may love you always with a pure heart and praise you forever; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Sources:

1. The Crucifixion Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcut copyright © from WELS  used with permission for personal and congregational use

2. Collect for Psalm 146, For All the Saints, A Prayer Book For and By the Church Vol. IV The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, © 1996 Delhi, NY

Friday prior to Proper 18

 

1

Mark 7:31-37—Jesus privately heals a deaf man with a speech defect. 

When Jesus returns from his trip to Tyre, a man with deafness and a speech difficulty is brought to Jesus. The method of healing is touching – Jesus put his finger in the man’s ears and touched his tongue Jesus looked to heaven in prayer for power to heal. He sighed – a sign of compassion or weariness, or both? The miracle was performed privately and he asks for silence about it. But the people were so impressed that they could not remain silent. They gave Jesus an evaluation; “He has done all things well.”

There was a crowd present for the healing. Here was Jesus’ opportunity to get favorable publicity. Yet, he shunned it by taking the man away from the crowd to heal him. Later Jesus demanded that they tell no one of the miracle. Why the secrecy? Jesus did not want people to follow him because of his miraculous power. Although he was concerned about the people’s physical needs, he was more concerned with the spiritual needs. Moreover, Jesus wanted the people to see that he came to suffer and die for the sin of the world, and this could not be revealed at this time. 

They remembered Jesus’ original word in Aramaic, Ephphatha – “Be opened!” In answer to that command, the man’s ears were opened, his tongue was freed. To be opened is to be freed, released, and liberated. We are bound tightly together by sin, Satan and our fears, tensions and anxieties. Christ relaxes us, frees us from fear, and we are opened to health and salvation.  2

The original translation of verse 37 literally reads, “Well! All things He has done!” A standard of excellence has been stamped on everything Jesus has done. He is able to make the deaf hear. This should not surprise us. Everything Jesus is doing is what God had promised to do when He came to redeem His people see Isaiah 35:5-6.

Collect for Proper 18 –O God, from whom all good proceeds, grant to us Your humble servants, Your whole inspiration, that we may set our minds on the things that are right and, by Your merciful guiding, accomplish them; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. 3

Sources:

1.The Crucifixion Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcut copyright © from WELS  used with permission for personal and congregational use

2. Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series B, John Brokhoff, © 1981 CSS Publishing, Lima, OH

3. Collect for Proper 18, Lutheran Service Book, © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis