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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Proper 19 - Series A notes

Proper 19 Series A
 
Genesis 50:15–21
Romans 14:1–12
Matthew 18:21–35

Forgiving as the Lord Forgives Us

In settling His accounts with us, our Lord acts not with anger, but with compassion. He does not imprison us as we deserve, but He forgives all our debts and releases us (Matthew 18:23–27). Therefore, our Lord bids each of us to have “mercy on your fellow servant” and “forgive your brother from your heart.” (Matthew 18:33,35). By the Lord’s forgiveness of our sins, we are free to forgive those who sin against us, because He has been handed over to the jailers in our stead, and He has paid our entire debt with His lifeblood.

Whether we live or die, we “are the Lord’s” (Romans 14:8). Since we all will “stand before the judgment seat of God,” we are not to despise our brother (Romans 14:10), but gladly forgive him. By the grace of God, our brother also “will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand” (Romans 14:4). Though we daily sin against each other, the Lord intends “to bring it about that many people should be kept alive” (Genesis 50:20). Jesus speaks kindly by His Gospel and promises: “I will provide for you and your little ones.” (Genesis 50:21).

O God, our refuge and strength, the author of all godliness, hear the devout prayers of Your Church, especially in times of persecution, and grant that what we ask in faith we may obtain; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Where Is the Cross?

Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt.   

Rev. Dr. Daniel J. Brege    

(Matthew 18:27, NKJ)

Everywhere true forgiveness is found, the cross of Christ is behind it.

Hundreds of times the Old Testament speaks of God forgiving His people.  After God instituted the sacrificial system such forgiveness was uniquely linked to the sin and guilt offerings, and thus the second chapter of Leviticus repeats the refrain …and it shall be forgiven him (vv 20, 26, 31, 35).  Frequently God’s forgiveness is voiced in the Psalms.  In Psalm 32, a foundational liturgical Psalm, the Psalmist cries out, I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” and you forgave the iniquity of my sin (v 5).

In Sunday’s Gospel the King—obviously God—forgives the apparently penitent servant his massive debt.  The debt is so huge that such amounts of money were associated with tributes owed by one nation to another.  The illustration is clear.  God forgives our massive sin-debt.

Why would God forgive the sins of His people in Old Testament times, and why would God speak of His bountiful forgiveness in Sunday’s parable?  Was it because of contrition over sin?  Certainly this was essential, but sorrow over sin is not what makes God forgiving.  Was it because of God’s compassionate mercy?  Certainly this is also an essential part of the movement that climaxes in God’s forgiveness.

If we imagine each sin to be a check mark on a chalkboard, does the combination of our repentance and God’s mercy move Him to pick up the eraser and simply wipe the board clean?  No!  Let’s consider a parallel parable in the present.  Suppose I loaned you $25,000 to buy a new car.  Then suppose both because of your “repentance” over failure to repay me, and because of my mercy I forgave that debt; is that the end of the matter?  Not at all! My willingness to forgive the debt indicates that I will pay it off. In my mercy I will take your debt and pay it.  Such forgiveness ultimately means I pay what you owe.

In an infinitely greater way, God mercifully took the entire sin-debt of humanity, and he paid it off!  This is where the cross of Christ comes in.  God does not forgive us because we are penitent (though this is necessary), nor does God forgive us simply because His is merciful (though He is).  Our merciful God forgives us because in His mercy He sent His Son to pay our sin-debt by dying on the cross.  In both the Old and New Testaments such a payment of sin-debt is spoken of as making atonement.  In the Old Testament it appeared as though the sacrificial creatures created this atonement.  They did not.  These unwilling sacrifices both pictured and conveyed atonement.  What did they picture?  Christ on the cross. Saint John wrote of this atoning payment in his first epistle:  He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world (NIV 2:22).  There you have it.  Christ’s sacrifice paid the sin-debt for the entire world, and this means for all humanity from Adam to the end of time.  This is why at any point in history God can speak of His merciful forgiveness.

Now, as conveyed in Sunday’s parable, God’s forgiveness of us establishes our forgiveness of one another.  If God forgives our billions of dollars-worth of personal debt, how can we presume not to forgive the twenty dollars of debt owed to us!  If Christ paid our entire sin-debt, how can we then even consider not forgiving those who sin against us?  Empowered and motivated by Christ’s atoning sacrifice, we forgive one another. Everywhere true forgiveness is found, the cross of Christ is behind it.

Matthew 18:21–35

The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant

Matthew 18.21
Τότε προσελθὼν αὐτῷ ὁ Πέτρος εἶπεν• Κύριε, ποσάκις ἁμαρτήσει εἰς ἐμὲ ὁ ἀδελφός μου καὶ ἀφήσω αὐτῷ; ἕως ἑπτάκις;
Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?”

Matthew 18.22
λέγει αὐτῷ ὁ Ἰησοῦς• Οὐ λέγω σοι ἕως ἑπτάκις ἀλλὰ ἕως ἑβδομηκοντάκις ἑπτά.
Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.

70 x 7 = 490

490 is the numerical value of the biblical Hebrew word “tamim” which means to “complete,” “perfect,” or “finished.” A person who can’t forgive will always live an imperfect, and incomplete life that’s lacks a true understanding of the “finished” gracious work of the cross. 490 is also the value of the Hebrew phrase “Let your heart be perfect” (1 Kings 8:61). Forgiving helps to make us complete and is key to perfecting our heart.

But there are some even deeper connections. The word nativity and Bethlehem, the city where Messiah was born, both individually add up to 490. This makes perfect sense since Jesus was born so that we might be forgiven. And forgiveness is associated with bread in the Lord’s Prayer, “Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespass as we forgive those who trespass against us” (Matt). We celebrate this forgiveness by partaking of the broken bread of Communion concerning which Jesus said, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19). Just like a person can’t live without their daily bread, an individual can’t survive spiritually and relationally without forgiveness. All of us need to learn to forgive and to be forgiven.

https://www.fusionglobal.org/why-7-times-70/

Matthew 18.23
Διὰ τοῦτο ὡμοιώθη ἡ βασιλεία τῶν οὐρανῶν ἀνθρώπῳ βασιλεῖ ὃς ἠθέλησεν συνᾶραι λόγον μετὰ τῶν δούλων αὐτοῦ•
“Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants.[a]

Matthew 18.24
ἀρξαμένου δὲ αὐτοῦ συναίρειν προσηνέχθη αὐτῷ εἷς ὀφειλέτης μυρίων ταλάντων.
When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents.[b]

Matthew 18.25
 μὴ ἔχοντος δὲ αὐτοῦ ἀποδοῦναι ἐκέλευσεν αὐτὸν ὁ κύριος πραθῆναι καὶ τὴν γυναῖκα καὶ τὰ τέκνα καὶ πάντα ὅσα  ἔχει καὶ ἀποδοθῆναι.
And since he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made.

Matthew 18.26
πεσὼν οὖν ὁ δοῦλος προσεκύνει αὐτῷ λέγων• Μακροθύμησον ἐπ’ἐμοί, καὶ πάντα ἀποδώσω σοι.
So the servant[c] fell on his knees, imploring him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’

Matthew 18.27
σπλαγχνισθεὶς δὲ ὁ κύριος τοῦ δούλου ἐκείνου ἀπέλυσεν αὐτόν, καὶ τὸ δάνειον ἀφῆκεν αὐτῷ.
And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt.

Matthew 18.28
ἐξελθὼν δὲ ὁ δοῦλος ἐκεῖνος εὗρεν ἕνα τῶν συνδούλων αὐτοῦ ὃς ὤφειλεν αὐτῷ ἑκατὸν δηνάρια, καὶ κρατήσας αὐτὸν ἔπνιγεν λέγων• Ἀπόδος εἴ τι ὀφείλεις.
But when that same servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii,[d] and seizing him, he began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay what you owe.’

Matthew 18.29
 πεσὼν οὖν ὁ σύνδουλος αὐτοῦ παρεκάλει αὐτὸν λέγων• Μακροθύμησον ἐπ’ ἐμοί, καὶ ἀποδώσω σοι.
So his fellow servant fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’

Matthew 18.30
ὁ δὲ οὐκ ἤθελεν, ἀλλὰ ἀπελθὼν ἔβαλεν αὐτὸν εἰς φυλακὴν ἕως οὗ ἀποδῷ τὸ ὀφειλόμενον.
He refused and went and put him in prison until he should pay the debt.

Matthew 18.31
ἰδόντες οὖν οἱ σύνδουλοι αὐτοῦ τὰ γενόμενα ἐλυπήθησαν σφόδρα, καὶ ἐλθόντες διεσάφησαν τῷ κυρίῳ ἑαυτῶν πάντα τὰ γενόμενα.
When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their master all that had taken place.

Matthew 18.32
τότε προσκαλεσάμενος αὐτὸν ὁ κύριος αὐτοῦ λέγει αὐτῷ• Δοῦλε πονηρέ, πᾶσαν τὴν ὀφειλὴν ἐκείνην ἀφῆκά σοι, ἐπεὶ παρεκάλεσάς με•
Then his master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me.

Matthew 18.33
οὐκ ἔδει καὶ σὲ ἐλεῆσαι τὸν σύνδουλόν σου, ὡς κἀγὼ σὲ ἠλέησα;
And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’

Matthew 18.34
καὶ ὀργισθεὶς ὁ κύριος αὐτοῦ παρέδωκεν αὐτὸν τοῖς βασανισταῖς ἕως οὗ ἀποδῷ πᾶν τὸ ὀφειλόμενον.
And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers,[e] until he should pay all his debt.

Matthew 18.35
Οὕτως καὶ ὁ πατήρ μου ὁ οὐράνιος ποιήσει ὑμῖν ἐὰν μὴ ἀφῆτε ἕκαστος τῷ ἀδελφῷ αὐτοῦ ἀπὸ τῶν καρδιῶν ὑμῶν.
So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.”

Footnotes:
Matthew 18:23 Or bondservants; also verses 28, 31
Matthew 18:24 A talent was a monetary unit worth about twenty years' wages for a laborer
Matthew 18:26 Or bondservant; also verses 27, 28, 29, 32, 33
Matthew 18:28 A denarius was a day's wage for a laborer
Matthew 18:34 Greek torturers

Sources:
ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

The Greek New Testament: SBL Edition. Copyright © 2010 by Society of Biblical Literature and Logos Bible Software

Time in the Word - Proper 19

Forgiving as the Lord Forgives Us

In settling His accounts with us, our Lord acts not with anger, but with compassion. He does not imprison us as we deserve, but He forgives all our debts and releases us (Matt. 18:23–27). Therefore, our Lord bids each of us to have “mercy on your fellow servant,” and “forgive your brother from your heart” (Matt 18:33, 35). By the Lord’s forgiveness of our sins, we are free to forgive those who sin against us, because He has been handed over to the jailers in our stead, and He has paid our entire debt with His lifeblood. Whether we live or die, we “are the Lord’s” (Rom. 14:8). Since we all will “stand before the judgment seat of God,” we are not to despise our brother (Rom. 14:10), but gladly forgive him. By the grace of God, our brother also “will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand” (Rom. 14:4). Though we daily sin against each other, the Lord intends “to bring it about that many people should be kept alive” (Gen. 50:20). Jesus speaks kindly by His Gospel and promises: “I will provide for you and your little ones” (Gen 50:21).

Time in the Word
11-16 September 2023
Preparation for next week, Proper 19

Monday, 11 September 2023—Psalm 143:1–2; Antiphon, Psalm 143:9—Psalm 143 is the last of the seven penitential psalms. It is, like many of David’s other psalms, a plea to the Lord to rescue him from his enemies. David does not appeal to his own goodness or righteousness, however, but explicitly confesses that no one living is righteous before you. Therefore, he must beg the mercy of the Lord: In your faithfulness answer me, in your righteousness! This is how we, too, must approach the Lord when we ask Him to rescue us from earthly and spiritual enemies—acknowledging, as we do in the catechism, that we daily sin much and surely deserve nothing but punishment, and acknowledging that He delivers  us purely out of fatherly, divine goodness and mercy, without any merit or worthiness in me.

 Prayers for the occasion of the twenty-second anniversary of the terrorist attacks on our country:

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;

 Prayer for the armed forces of our nation: Lord God of hosts, stretch forth Your almighty arm to strengthen and protect those who serve in the armed forces of our country. Support them in times of war, and in times of peace keep them from all evil, giving them courage and loyalty. Grant that in all things they may serve with integrity and with honor; through Jesus Christ, our Lord;

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;

Tuesday, 12 September 2023—Psalm 103:1–12—What a beautiful psalm of comfort! David praises the Lord for all His benefits to us: He forgives all our iniquity, heals all our diseases, redeems our life from the pit, and more. Why? Because the Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

Wednesday, 13 September 2023—Genesis 50:15–21—Joseph’s brothers had done the unthinkable—they had sold him into slavery and told their father that his son was dead, eaten by wild animals. Years later, they were astounded to find out that Joseph was still alive and serving in Pharaoh’s court, as the most powerful man in all of Egypt after Pharaoh. So long as their father was alive, they thought that they were safe from Joseph’s retribution; however, after Jacob’s death, they feared for their lives. Incredibly, Joseph forgave them. He recognized the hand of God at work in his life. Joseph’s forgiveness of his brothers ought to serve as an example to us, particularly when we find it so hard to forgive petty sins of others.

Thursday, 14 September 2023—Romans 14:1–12—Our reading through Paul’s letter to the Romans continues with Paul warning us against judging other Christians—especially those new to the faith or weak in faith. Two extremes must be avoided: measuring and judging others by comparing them to ourselves or our own standards; and failing to use the Word of God to judge.

Paul reminds us that we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. What will be the standard? The same as here on earth: God’s holy Word, as revealed to us in the Bible.

Friday, 15 September 2023—Matthew 18:21–35—When we hear this parable, our first reaction is probably the same as the king’s: indignation and fury against the servant who was unmerciful, especially after he had been forgiven a far greater debt. We must ask ourselves: Are we like the unmerciful servant? God has forgiven all our sins at great cost—the life of His own Son. We ought to examine ourselves: Is there anyone against whom we hold a grudge, refusing to forgive because we have been wronged? If so, we are like the unmerciful servant. Rather, we ought to remember the Lord’s Prayer, where we plead, forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. That is, we beg God’s forgiveness, and then pledge that we too will sincerely forgive and gladly do good to those who sin against us.

Saturday, 16 September 2023—The hymn of the day, I Lay My Sins on Jesus (LSB #606), is a hymn of great comfort, as we sing of our confession of all our sins—laying them on Jesus—and also as we sing of our absolution, our forgiveness—He bears them all and frees us from the accursed load. What a relief our forgiveness in Christ is! What Good News that God forgives us for Jesus’ sake and receives us into His kingdom.

O God, our refuge and strength, the author of all godliness, hear the devout prayers of Your Church, especially in times of persecution, and grant that what we ask in faith we may obtain; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Prayer for deliverance from sin: We implore You, O Lord, in Your kindness to show us Your great mercy that we may be set free from our sins and rescued from the punishments that we rightfully deserve; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns…

Lectionary summary on front page from LCMS Commission on Worship

Woodcut by Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld, © WELS

Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House

Proper 19 Series C

Proper 19 C

(September 11-17)

Ezekiel 34:11–24

1 Timothy 1:(5–11) 12–17

Luke 15:1–10

Jesus Christ Is the Good Shepherd of His Sheep

“The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15). As He had mercy on Paul in order to “display his perfect patience” (1 Timothy 1:16), so also does He seek out His sheep “from all the places where they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness” (Ezekiel 34:12). To deliver His flock, He “will seek the lost … bring back the strayed … bind up the injured, and … strengthen the weak” (Ezekiel 34:16), and “they shall no longer be a prey” (Ezekiel 34:22). He sets over them one great Good Shepherd, the Son of David, who “shall feed them and be their shepherd” (Ezekiel 34:23). For Christ Jesus is the one man who, “having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them” would “leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it” (Luke 15:4). When He finds the lost one and brings it home rejoicing, “the angels of God” and all the company of heaven rejoice with Him, with great joy (Luke 15:7, 10).

The Parable of the Lost Sheep

Rev. Dr. Daniel J Brege

The accusation was leveled against Jesus:  “This man receives sinners and eats with them.” (Luke 15:1). What the Pharisees meant by this accusation was that Jesus was eating with those who were identified as public sinners—e.g. tax collectors and harlots. To eat with someone was to demonstrate fellowship with that person. How could Jesus display eating-fellowship with such public sinners, thus apparently condoning their sin?  Of course—as Scripture explains that all have sinned—every time Jesus eats with people He is eating with sinners.

As one considers the fifteenth chapter of Luke one realizes that an appropriate title for the entire chapter is Repentance.  Thus at the close of His first parable Jesus explains, “Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.”  Similarly in explaining the parable of the lost coin Jesus summarizes:  “Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”  The remainder of the chapter also deals with repentance, as it concludes with the parable of The Prodigal Son.

So when Jesus “ate with sinners” He was not condoning sin, but He who could read the heart was dining with those whom He knew to be penitent sinners.  “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” (Ps. 51:17).

Now Jesus, the sin offering for mankind, has given to His Church the ultimate meal relating to repentance and forgiveness—the Sacrament of the Altar.  Though we correctly magnify the reality that in this meal sinners are eating the very body and blood of Christ given and shed at the cross for the forgiveness of sins, yet the early church—more so than today—magnified the fact that Christ at this Supper was/is also dining with His people.   Jesus had promised not to eat or drink until there would be fulfillment in the kingdom (Luke 22:16-18).  Christ’s death, resurrection and the pouring forth of the Spirit at Pentecost, marked the fulfillment in the kingdom. Now whenever God’s kingdom comes through Holy Communion it is apparent from Jesus’ own words that He is drinking the fruit of the vine and eating the “Passover” with His disciples.  He is both the Supper’s host and its food. 

It may seem strange that while Christians eat and drink of Christ’s body and blood in the Lord’s Supper He is there dining with them.  Such mysteries in Holy Communion parallel the very mysteries of the person and work of Jesus.  Consider that He is both the Priest and the sacrifice, both the Shepherd and the lamb, and both God and man.  In His Blessed Sacrament we miraculously yet truly eat the body and blood of the crucified One, and yet the risen One now dines with His people as surely as He did during those forty days after His resurrection. The Sacrament of the Altar stands as a perpetual reminder of these foundational gospel-mysteries. Truly the Lord Jesus gives to us a sort of double fellowship in the Lord’s Supper.  Penitents fellowship with Him as they eat His body and blood given and shed at the cross, and they fellowship with Him as He yet chooses to “receive sinners and eat with them.”

© 2019 Indiana District - Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod

15.1 

Ἦσαν δὲ αὐτῷ ἐγγίζοντες πάντες οἱ τελῶναι καὶ οἱ ἁμαρτωλοὶ ἀκούειν αὐτοῦ.

Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. 

15.2 

καὶ διεγόγγυζον οἵ τε Φαρισαῖοι καὶ οἱ γραμματεῖς λέγοντες ὅτι Οὗτος ἁμαρτωλοὺς προσδέχεται καὶ συνεσθίει αὐτοῖς.

And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.”

15.3 

 εἶπεν δὲ πρὸς αὐτοὺς τὴν παραβολὴν ταύτην λέγων•

So he told them this parable: 

15.4

Τίς ἄνθρωπος ἐξ ὑμῶν ἔχων ἑκατὸν πρόβατα καὶ ἀπολέσας ἐξ αὐτῶν ἓν οὐ καταλείπει τὰ ἐνενήκοντα ἐννέα ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ καὶ πορεύεται ἐπὶ τὸ ἀπολωλὸς ἕως εὕρῃ αὐτό;

“What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? 

15.5 

καὶ εὑρὼν ἐπιτίθησιν ἐπὶ τοὺς ὤμους αὐτοῦ χαίρων,

And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 

15.6 

 καὶ ἐλθὼν εἰς τὸν οἶκον συγκαλεῖ τοὺς φίλους καὶ τοὺς γείτονας, λέγων αὐτοῖς• Συγχάρητέ μοι ὅτι εὗρον τὸ πρόβατόν μου τὸ ἀπολωλός.

And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ 

15.7 

λέγω ὑμῖν ὅτι οὕτως χαρὰ ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ ἔσται ἐπὶ ἑνὶ ἁμαρτωλῷ μετανοοῦντι ἢ ἐπὶ ἐνενήκοντα ἐννέα δικαίοις οἵτινες οὐ χρείαν ἔχουσιν μετανοίας.

Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.

The Parable of the Lost Coin

15.8 

Ἢ τίς γυνὴ δραχμὰς ἔχουσα δέκα, ἐὰν ἀπολέσῃ δραχμὴν μίαν, οὐχὶ ἅπτει λύχνον καὶ σαροῖ τὴν οἰκίαν καὶ ζητεῖ ἐπιμελῶς ἕως οὗ εὕρῃ;

“Or what woman, having ten silver coins,[a] if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it? 

- Greek ten drachmas; a drachma was a Greek coin approximately equal in value to a Roman denarius, worth about a day's wage for a laborer

15.9 

καὶ εὑροῦσα συγκαλεῖ τὰς φίλας καὶ γείτονας λέγουσα• Συγχάρητέ μοι ὅτι εὗρον τὴν δραχμὴν ἣν ἀπώλεσα.

And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’ 

15.10 

οὕτως, λέγω ὑμῖν, [j]γίνεται χαρὰ ἐνώπιον τῶν ἀγγέλων τοῦ θεοῦ ἐπὶ ἑνὶ ἁμαρτωλῷ μετανοοῦντι.

Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

Footnotes:

ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

The Greek New Testament: SBL Edition. Copyright © 2010 by Society of Biblical Literature and Logos Bible Software

Time in the Word - Proper 19

Forgiveness is the theme running through the lessons for this coming week. God’s attitude toward sinners is shown in Jesus’ association with sinners and in His joy when sinners repent. If God did not forgive sinners would be destroyed by God’s wrath. In the Old Testament lesson the Lord promises to send a true shepherd who will not only tend to them but search them out and rescue them. Of course, our true shepherd is the good shepherd our savior Jesus Christ. God forgives and accepts His own people. In the Epistle Paul tells of the mercy of forgiveness he received by his faith in Christ even though he called himself the chief sinner. The basic factors of forgiveness are found in all our lessons. Forgiveness discloses the nature of God – a God of mercy. On the other hand, forgiveness reveals the nature of humans as sinners standing in need of forgiveness. God’s act is forgiveness. Our part is repentance.

Collect for Proper Nineteen: Lord Jesus, You are the Good Shepherd, without whom noting is secure. Rescue and preserve us that we may not be lost forever but follow You rejoicing in the way that leads to eternal life; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

Collect for Psalm 119: Lord, You are just and Your commandments are eternal. Teach us to love You with all our hearts and to love our neighbor as ourselves, for the sake of Jesus our Lord.

Prayer for likeness to Christ: O God, by the patient suffering of Your only-begotten Son You have beaten down the pride of the old enemy. Now help us, we humbly pray, rightly to treasure in our hearts all that our Lord has of His goodness borne for our sake that following His blessed example we may bear with all patience all that is adverse to us; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Prayer for spiritual renewal: Almighty God, grant that we, who have been redeemed from the old life of sin by our Baptism into the death and resurrection of Your Son, Jesus Christ, may be renewed by Your Holy Spirit to live in righteousness and true holiness; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Monday, 05 September 2022—Psalm 30:2-5; antiphon, Psalm 30:11a, 12b—In the Introit for Sunday, we pray, “You have turned for me my mourning into dancing O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever.” God answers and the psalmist David vows to prolong his praise forever. Dancing and joy replace wailing and sackcloth so that songs of praise not silence may attend the acts of God.

Tuesday, 06 September 2022—Psalm 119:169-176 —In the psalm for the day, David uses the Hebrew letter “Taw” to explain that it is the Lord who will direct and save His people. No one else can defend or save. As Psalm 119 is drawing to a close, prayers for deliverance now become dominant. Drawing the analogy of a shepherd rescuing the flock the Psalmist directs us to repent “I have strayed like a lost sheep Seek your servant, for I have not forgotten Your commands.” (v. 176)

Wednesday, 07 September 2022—Ezekiel 34:11-24— The Lord makes a bold statement. He commits Himself to shepherd the flock. He promises to restore His people as He Himself will bring them out. This is all fulfilled in the person and work of our Savior Jesus as the Lord predicts that His servant David will be prince among them. This prophecy was written well after David had died. Thus a ruler like David and from his line, great David’s greater Son would shepherd the people. This prophecy can only be fulfilled by Jesus Christ. Under His rule and authority there would be one flock and one shepherd who would feed them with the bread from heaven. See John 6:32-40; 10:16 as Jesus fulfilled these words.

Thursday, 08 September 2022—1 Timothy 1:12-17— Paul witnesses to God’s mercy in forgiving him as chief of sinners. Here is a statement that everyone can and should accept. It sums up the whole mission and nature of Christ. We usually avoid general statements because investigation often shows that there are exceptions. Here there are no exceptions. This statement is most certainly true and should be accepted as the truth. 

No one can deny theses three statements; 1. “Christ came into the world” God became human.

2. “Sinners” the truth about every man, woman, boy and girl. 3. “Save” Christ came not to judge, condemn but to reconcile sinners back to God.

Friday, 09 September 2022—Luke 15:1-10— Twice in the Gospel for Sunday tells us of the joy in heaven when a sinner repents. We can see the smile on the Father’s face. The choirs of angels are singing. The archangel’s trumpets are blaring. How much joy is indicated when sinners repent in the average church today? Is there a party spirit of great joy when a person is baptized or confirmed or renews his faith? Evangelism is the happy time of the church because it is an echo of what goes on in heaven. So we ask why God is happen when we repent. God’s will is fulfilled. He desires everyone to return to Him for He loves each person. Repentance means a wayward child has come back. This makes God happy, for His will is done. God’s portion is His people. God is happy for the sinner’s sake. Prior to repentance the sinner was going down the road leading to death. Now he has avoided destruction and is coming to life, love and light. This is God’s desire for every person because He loves each.

Saturday, 10 September 2022— Acts 4:11-12 - Sunday’s Hymn of the Day is My Hope is Built on Nothing Less, (LSB #575). The defense of the faith from the first Century to this 21st Century is the fact that Christ is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. What the prophets of old foretold all find their completion in Jesus Christ. Therefore there is salvation in no one else. Jesus is not one of several options. There is no other name given among men by which we can be saved.

Sources:
Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House
Collect for Pentecost 16 from Lutheran Worship © Concordia Publishing House
The image of Christ the Good Shepherd by Wm Dyce is found here: http://www.biblicalart.com/biblicalsubject.asp?id_biblicalsubject=789&pagenum1

Lift High the Cross copyright © Ed Riojas Higher Things

Proper 19 Series B

Series B
Proper 19
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. 

Jesus has faced similar symptoms. Yet, 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

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.” 

9:17-18 - 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...

:919 

 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.” 

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. 

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. 

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.” 

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.” 

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!” 

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.” 

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.” 

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. 

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?” 

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

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

Time in the Word - Proper 19

Time in the Word

Pentecost 16 – Proper 19

6-11 September, 2021

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 we begin our program year, starting our adult Bible classes and continuing with our 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 Proper 19 –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. 

Monday, 06 September 2021—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.  

Tuesday, 07 September 2021—Psalm 116:1-9; key verse, verse 9—"that I might walk before the Lord in the land of the living." 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.  

Wednesday, 08 September 2021—Isaiah 50:4-10—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.

Thursday, 09 September 2021—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.  

Friday, 10 September 2021—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 do, 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.

Saturday, 11 September 2021—Isaiah 40:11; John 10:11— Sunday’s hymn of the day is Shepherd of Tender Youth (LSB 864).  The only offensive weapon the Christian has is the Word of God. Each generation runs the risk of becoming apostate. How is the faith handed down from generation to generation? It is taught and it is caught. 

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.

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. 

Sources:

Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 and Lutheran Worship © 1980 Concordia Publishing House and from Lutheran Worship © 1980 Concordia Publishing House.

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

Image Te Deum copyright © Ed Rioja Higher Things

Proper 19 Series A

Proper 19 Series A

  

Genesis 50:15–21

Romans 14:1–12

Matthew 18:21–35

Forgiving as the Lord Forgives Us

In settling His accounts with us, our Lord acts not with anger, but with compassion. He does not imprison us as we deserve, but He forgives all our debts and releases us (Matthew 18:23–27). Therefore, our Lord bids each of us to have “mercy on your fellow servant” and “forgive your brother from your heart.” (Matthew 18:33,35). By the Lord’s forgiveness of our sins, we are free to forgive those who sin against us, because He has been handed over to the jailers in our stead, and He has paid our entire debt with His lifeblood. Whether we live or die, we “are the Lord’s” (Romans 14:8). Since we all will “stand before the judgment seat of God,” we are not to despise our brother (Romans 14:10), but gladly forgive him. By the grace of God, our brother also “will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand” (Romans 14:4). Though we daily sin against each other, the Lord intends “to bring it about that many people should be kept alive” (Genesis 50:20). Jesus speaks kindly by His Gospel and promises: “I will provide for you and your little ones.” (Genesis 50:21).

O God, our refuge and strength, the author of all godliness, hear the devout prayers of Your Church, especially in times of persecution, and grant that what we ask in faith we may obtain; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. 

Where Is the Cross?

Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt.

Rev. Dr. Daniel J. Brege       

(Matthew 18:27, NKJ)

Everywhere true forgiveness is found, the cross of Christ is behind it.

Hundreds of times the Old Testament speaks of God forgiving His people.  After God instituted the sacrificial system such forgiveness was uniquely linked to the sin and guilt offerings, and thus the second chapter of Leviticus repeats the refrain …and it shall be forgiven him (vv 20, 26, 31, 35).  Frequently God’s forgiveness is voiced in the Psalms.  In Psalm 32, a foundational liturgical Psalm, the Psalmist cries out, I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” and you forgave the iniquity of my sin (v 5).

In Sunday’s Gospel the King—obviously God—forgives the apparently penitent servant his massive debt.  The debt is so huge that such amounts of money were associated with tributes owed by one nation to another.  The illustration is clear.  God forgives our massive sin-debt.

Why would God forgive the sins of His people in Old Testament times, and why would God speak of His bountiful forgiveness in Sunday’s parable?  Was it because of contrition over sin?  Certainly this was essential, but sorrow over sin is not what makes God forgiving.  Was it because of God’s compassionate mercy?  Certainly this is also an essential part of the movement that climaxes in God’s forgiveness.

If we imagine each sin to be a check mark on a chalkboard, does the combination of our repentance and God’s mercy move Him to pick up the eraser and simply wipe the board clean?  No!  Let’s consider a parallel parable in the present.  Suppose I loaned you $25,000 to buy a new car.  Then suppose both because of your “repentance” over failure to repay me, and because of my mercy I forgave that debt; is that the end of the matter?  Not at all! My willingness to forgive the debt indicates that I will pay it off. In my mercy I will take your debt and pay it.  Such forgiveness ultimately means I pay what you owe.

In an infinitely greater way, God mercifully took the entire sin-debt of humanity, and he paid it off!  This is where the cross of Christ comes in.  God does not forgive us because we are penitent (though this is necessary), nor does God forgive us simply because His is merciful (though He is).  Our merciful God forgives us because in His mercy He sent His Son to pay our sin-debt by dying on the cross.  In both the Old and New Testaments such a payment of sin-debt is spoken of as making atonement.  In the Old Testament it appeared as though the sacrificial creatures created this atonement.  They did not.  These unwilling sacrifices both pictured and conveyed atonement.  What did they picture?  Christ on the cross. Saint John wrote of this atoning payment in his first epistle:  He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world (NIV 2:22).  There you have it.  Christ’s sacrifice paid the sin-debt for the entire world, and this means for all humanity from Adam to the end of time.  This is why at any point in history God can speak of His merciful forgiveness.

Now, as conveyed in Sunday’s parable, God’s forgiveness of us establishes our forgiveness of one another.  If God forgives our billions of dollars-worth of personal debt, how can we presume not to forgive the twenty dollars of debt owed to us!  If Christ paid our entire sin-debt, how can we then even consider not forgiving those who sin against us?  Empowered and motivated by Christ’s atoning sacrifice, we forgive one another. Everywhere true forgiveness is found, the cross of Christ is behind it.

Matthew 18:21–35

The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant

Matthew 18.21 

Τότε προσελθὼν αὐτῷ ὁ Πέτρος εἶπεν• Κύριε, ποσάκις ἁμαρτήσει εἰς ἐμὲ ὁ ἀδελφός μου καὶ ἀφήσω αὐτῷ; ἕως ἑπτάκις;

Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” 

Matthew 18.22 

λέγει αὐτῷ ὁ Ἰησοῦς• Οὐ λέγω σοι ἕως ἑπτάκις ἀλλὰ ἕως ἑβδομηκοντάκις ἑπτά.

Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.

70 x 7 = 490

490 is the numerical value of the biblical Hebrew word “tamim” which means to “complete,” “perfect,” or “finished.” A person who can’t forgive will always live an imperfect, and incomplete life that’s lacks a true understanding of the “finished” gracious work of the cross. 490 is also the value of the Hebrew phrase “Let your heart be perfect” (1 Kings 8:61). Forgiving helps to make us complete and is key to perfecting our heart.

But there are some even deeper connections. The word nativity and Bethlehem, the city where Messiah was born, both individually add up to 490. This makes perfect sense since Jesus was born so that we might be forgiven.

And forgiveness is associated with bread in the Lord’s Prayer, “Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespass as we forgive those who trespass against us” (Matt). We celebrate this forgiveness by partaking of the broken bread of Communion concerning which Jesus said, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19). Just like a person can’t live without their daily bread, an individual can’t survive spiritually and relationally without forgiveness.

All of us need to learn to forgive and to be forgiven.

Source
https://www.fusionglobal.org/why-7-times-70/

Matthew 18.23 

Διὰ τοῦτο ὡμοιώθη ἡ βασιλεία τῶν οὐρανῶν ἀνθρώπῳ βασιλεῖ ὃς ἠθέλησεν συνᾶραι λόγον μετὰ τῶν δούλων αὐτοῦ• 

“Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants.[a] 

Matthew 18.24 

ἀρξαμένου δὲ αὐτοῦ συναίρειν προσηνέχθη αὐτῷ εἷς ὀφειλέτης μυρίων ταλάντων.

When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents.[b] 

Matthew 18.25 

μὴ ἔχοντος δὲ αὐτοῦ ἀποδοῦναι ἐκέλευσεν αὐτὸν ὁ κύριος πραθῆναι καὶ τὴν γυναῖκα καὶ τὰ τέκνα καὶ πάντα ὅσα  ἔχει καὶ ἀποδοθῆναι.

And since he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. 

Matthew 18.26 

πεσὼν οὖν ὁ δοῦλος προσεκύνει αὐτῷ λέγων• Μακροθύμησον ἐπ’ἐμοί, καὶ πάντα ἀποδώσω σοι.

So the servant[c] fell on his knees, imploring him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ 

Matthew 18.27 

σπλαγχνισθεὶς δὲ ὁ κύριος τοῦ δούλου ἐκείνου ἀπέλυσεν αὐτόν, καὶ τὸ δάνειον ἀφῆκεν αὐτῷ.

And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. 

Matthew 18.28 

ἐξελθὼν δὲ ὁ δοῦλος ἐκεῖνος εὗρεν ἕνα τῶν συνδούλων αὐτοῦ ὃς ὤφειλεν αὐτῷ ἑκατὸν δηνάρια, καὶ κρατήσας αὐτὸν ἔπνιγεν λέγων• Ἀπόδος εἴ τι ὀφείλεις.

But when that same servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii,[d] and seizing him, he began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay what you owe.’ 

Matthew 18.29 

πεσὼν οὖν ὁ σύνδουλος αὐτοῦ παρεκάλει αὐτὸν λέγων• Μακροθύμησον ἐπ’ ἐμοί, καὶ ἀποδώσω σοι. 

So his fellow servant fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ 

Matthew 18.30 

ὁ δὲ οὐκ ἤθελεν, ἀλλὰ ἀπελθὼν ἔβαλεν αὐτὸν εἰς φυλακὴν ἕως οὗ ἀποδῷ τὸ ὀφειλόμενον.

He refused and went and put him in prison until he should pay the debt. 

Matthew 18.31 

ἰδόντες οὖν οἱ σύνδουλοι αὐτοῦ τὰ γενόμενα ἐλυπήθησαν σφόδρα, καὶ ἐλθόντες διεσάφησαν τῷ κυρίῳ ἑαυτῶν πάντα τὰ γενόμενα. 

When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their master all that had taken place. 

Matthew 18.32 

τότε προσκαλεσάμενος αὐτὸν ὁ κύριος αὐτοῦ λέγει αὐτῷ• Δοῦλε πονηρέ, πᾶσαν τὴν ὀφειλὴν ἐκείνην ἀφῆκά σοι, ἐπεὶ παρεκάλεσάς με• 

Then his master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. 

Matthew 18.33 

οὐκ ἔδει καὶ σὲ ἐλεῆσαι τὸν σύνδουλόν σου, ὡς κἀγὼ σὲ ἠλέησα; 

And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’ 

Matthew 18.34 

καὶ ὀργισθεὶς ὁ κύριος αὐτοῦ παρέδωκεν αὐτὸν τοῖς βασανισταῖς ἕως οὗ ἀποδῷ πᾶν τὸ ὀφειλόμενον.

And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers,[e] until he should pay all his debt. 

Matthew 18.35 

Οὕτως καὶ ὁ πατήρ μου ὁ οὐράνιος ποιήσει ὑμῖν ἐὰν μὴ ἀφῆτε ἕκαστος τῷ ἀδελφῷ αὐτοῦ ἀπὸ τῶν καρδιῶν ὑμῶν.

So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.”

Footnotes:

Matthew 18:23 Or bondservants; also verses 28, 31

Matthew 18:24 A talent was a monetary unit worth about twenty years' wages for a laborer

Matthew 18:26 Or bondservant; also verses 27, 28, 29, 32, 33

Matthew 18:28 A denarius was a day's wage for a laborer

Matthew 18:34 Greek torturers

Sources:

ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

The Greek New Testament: SBL Edition. Copyright © 2010 by Society of Biblical Literature and Logos Bible Software