Proper 5 - Series A

Proper 5 Series A
05-11 June

11 June 2023

Hosea 5:15-6:6
Psalm 119:65-72 (v.65)
Romans 4:13-25
Matthew 9:9-13

Almighty most merciful God, You sent Your Son Jesus Christ to seek and to save the lost. Graciously open our ears and our hearts to hears His call and follow Him by faith that we might feast with Him forever in His kingdom; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen 

Matthew 9:9-13
Jesus Calls Matthew

9 Καὶ παράγων ὁ Ἰησοῦς ἐκεῖθεν εἶδεν ἄνθρωπον καθήμενον ἐπὶ τὸ τελώνιον, Μαθθαῖον λεγόμενον, καὶ λέγει αὐτῷ• Ἀκολούθει μοι• καὶ ἀναστὰς ἠκολούθησεν αὐτῷ.
As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him.

10 Καὶ ἐγένετο αὐτοῦ ἀνακειμένου ἐν τῇ οἰκίᾳ, καὶ ἰδοὺ πολλοὶ τελῶναι καὶ ἁμαρτωλοὶ ἐλθόντες συνανέκειντο τῷ Ἰησοῦ καὶ τοῖς μαθηταῖς αὐτοῦ.
And as Jesus[a] reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples
a. “He”

11 καὶ ἰδόντες οἱ Φαρισαῖοι ἔλεγον τοῖς μαθηταῖς αὐτοῦ• Διὰ τί μετὰ τῶν τελωνῶν καὶ ἁμαρτωλῶν ἐσθίει ὁ διδάσκαλος ὑμῶν;
And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”

12 ὁ δὲ ἀκούσας εἶπεν• Οὐ χρείαν ἔχουσιν οἱ ἰσχύοντες ἰατροῦ ἀλλὰ οἱ κακῶς ἔχοντες.
But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.

13 πορευθέντες δὲ μάθετε τί ἐστιν• Ἔλεος θέλω καὶ οὐ θυσίαν• οὐ γὰρ ἦλθον καλέσαι δικαίους ἀλλὰ ἁμαρτωλούς.
Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Scripture quotations marked SBLGNT are from the The Greek New Testament: SBL Edition. Copyright © 2010 by Society of Biblical Literature and Logos Bible Software

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

Luther's Seal copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Time in the Word - Proper 5

Time in the Word
Preparation for next week,  Proper 5

June 5-10 2023

The theme that God seeks sinners is found in each of the three lessons for this coming week. In the Gospel Jesus calls a special sinner, a publican named Matthew, and goes out to dinner with sinners and tax collectors, the scum of society in Jesus' day. Hosea in the Old Testament reading calls for us to return to God who desperately seeks us to return. In both these lessons the reason for God’s search for sinners is “I desire mercy and not sacrifice.” The Epistle lesson explains how we can get right with God – through faith in Christ who made us acceptable to God. Next Sunday we deal with the truth that God longs for His people to be one with Him.

Collect for Proper 5 – Almighty and most merciful God, You sent Your Son, Jesus Christ, to seek and to save the lost. Graciously open our ears and our hearts to hear His call and to follow Him by faith that we may feast with Him forever in His kingdom, through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

A Prayer for spiritual renewal – Almighty God, You gave Your only begotten Son to take our nature upon Himself. Grant that we, Your adopted children by grace, may daily be renewed by Your Holy Spirit.

A Prayer for purity– Almighty God unto whom all hearts are open, all desires known, from whom no secrets are hidden, cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of Your Holy Spirit that we may perfectly love You and worthily magnify Your holy name.

For humility -Heavenly Father, You resist the proud and give grace to the humble. Grant us true humility after the likeness of Your only Son that we may never be arrogant and prideful and thus provoke Your wrath but in all lowliness be made partakers of the gifts of Your grace.

Collect for Psalm 50: Heavenly Father, because Jesus your servant became obedient to death, his sacrifice was greater than all the holocausts of old. Accept the sacrifice of praise we offer you through him, and help us show the effects of it in our lives by striving to do your will, until our whole life becomes adoration in the spirit and truth; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 

  

Monday, June 5, 2023 – Psalm 50:7-10 - This is the Psalm portion from which the Introit for next Sunday is taken. The antiphon is taken from verse 1, “The Mighty One, God the Lord, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting.

Tuesday, June 6, 2023 – Hosea 5:15-6:6 – God longs for His people to return to Him. He makes an appeal to return to and know God. Like a parent at the point of despair, twice God asks about his people, “What shall I do with you?” Here is another insight into the kind of God we have. He longs to have his people with him in covenantal love and loyalty.

God has appealed to them through the prophets. He sent judgment to get them to repent. He wants from his people love and a relationship of peace, but they are content to render cheap sacrifices and burnt offerings. Here we find a wooing and pursuing God and a people whose love for God is fickle.

Wednesday, June 7, 2023– Romans 4:13-25 – Humanity is restored to God by faith. The promise to Abraham came by faith and not by the Law. In chapter 3 Paul stated the cardinal doctrine of justification by grace through faith. In chapter 4 he uses Abraham as an example of one who was righteous by faith and not by the law. If we can be righteous by keeping the law, faith is unnecessary. Since it is impossible to perfectly keep the law, - our salvation rests upon grace alone. The expression of grace is God’s promise; and faith believes in, and accepts, the promise. All, Jew and Gentile, with the faith of Abraham are made righteous.

Thursday, June 8, 2023 – Matthew 9:9-13 – Jesus came to call sinners back to God. Jesus calls Matthew, a tax collector, to be a disciple and eat with “sinners.” The calling of a despised outcast, a tax collector by the name of Matthew, provides the setting for Jesus’ response to the Pharisees who criticize him for his fellowship with publicans and sinners. His answer indicates that God wants mercy to be shown rather than the keeping of ceremonial observances. As God’s Son, accordingly he felt his mission was to call sinners to repentance. Jesus did not condemn the morally sick but came to them as a physician to heal them.

Friday, June 9, 2023 – Psalm 119:65-72– This Psalm is suggested for next Sunday. This section from the longest Psalm in Psalter. Using the Hebrew alphabet this section falls under the Hebrew letter “Teth.” The Psalmist encourages the reader to do good as the Lord Himself has been good to him regardless of circumstances.

Be good to me in accordance with Your goodness, even if that means affliction, because Your affliction is good for me; it teaches me knowledge and good judgment from Your law.

Saturday, June 10, 2023 –Psalm 119:10 – This passage is the inspiration for the hymn “Let Me be Thine Forever” {LSB 689} The Psalmist’s devotion is first of all to the God of the law and the promises. They have meaning for him only because they are God’s word of life.

A look ahead at Sunday’s Gospel…

Matthew 9:9-13

‘Jesus- the man for sinners’

Jesus’ association with sinners says something about —

1. Man the sinner — v. 12.

A. The sinner is sick and needs a divine physician to heal him.

B. To save is to heal, to be made whole.

2. Christ the Savior — v. 13.

A. God in Christ shows mercy to sinners.

B. The self-righteous feel no need of Christ because they have no sense of sin.

C. The self-righteous are content with their religious observances and overlook their responsibility to be like Christ — merciful.

Sources:

LUTHERAN SEVICE BOOK LECTIONARY © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO

LECTIONALRY PREACHING WORKBOOK SERIES A © 1980 John Brokhoff CSS Publishing Lima, OH

For All the Saints A Prayer Book for and By the Church Vol. II © 1995 by the American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY

Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts "The Crucifixion" copyright © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use 

Proper 5 Series B

 Proper 5 Series B
Mark 3:20-35
Study notes
Genesis 3:8–15
2 Corinthians 4:13—5:1

Jesus Has Defeated the Devil and Released Us from the Bondage of Sin and Death

The devil deceived us, enticing us to disregard and disobey the Word of God and driving us to hide “from the presence of the Lord God.” But the Lord, in His mercy, promised a Savior, who would set Himself against the devil on our behalf (Genesis 3:8–15). The Son of Man came, the incarnate Son of God, conceived and born of the woman. He “first binds the strong man,” Satan, by atoning for the sins of the world, thereby removing the condemnation of the Law and the fear of death (Mark 3:27). Now He plunders the devil’s house by calling all men to repent.

Though He appears to be “out of his mind” (Mark 3:21), He fulfills the will of God and makes of us His own brothers and sisters. Therefore, “we do not lose heart,” despite the suffering, sin and death that we experience in this fallen world. “He who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus.” By His grace, we are “being renewed day by day.” For the Gospel is daily bringing us into His presence, not for punishment, but for “an eternal weight of glory.” (2 Corinthians 4:14–17).

Rev. Dr. Daniel J Brege

“Truly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the children of man, and whatever blasphemies they utter, but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin.” Mark 3:28-29 

Clearly, as quoted in Mark 3:29, Jesus is singling out the unique attitude one is to have toward the third person of the Holy Trinity, the Holy Spirit: …whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin.  Jesus paid for all sin by His holy precious blood, so how can any sin be unforgiveable?  To answer this question one must discern the unique work of the Holy Spirit, a work not directly ascribed to the Father or the Son. 

That unique work of the Holy Spirit is the miracle of connecting sinful human beings to the salvation earned by the cross and empty tomb of Jesus.  This conversion miracle is described as “being born of the Spirit,” or “believing in Jesus.”  As recorded in John 3, Jesus explains this miracle of being born of the Spirit:  Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit [5,6].  Later in John 3 Jesus explains the results of believing or not believing in Him:  Whoever believes in him [Jesus] is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God [18].  Here we see the horrible consequence of not being connected to Christ’s salvation—of not believing in Jesus. Jesus explained that such an unbeliever is condemned already.  Why does such a person stand condemned?  If someone does not believe in Christ’s salvific work, they remain in their sins; there is no forgiveness: unless you believe that I am he you will die in your sins [Jn 8:24].

In his Small Catechism, Luther described the foundational work of the Holy Spirit this way:  “I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ my Lord or come to Him; but the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel…”  If it is essential for one’s forgiveness and eternal salvation that one believe in Jesus as Lord and Savior, and if we are totally incapable of doing this, then one begins to realize why the sin against the Holy Spirit is unforgiveable.  To blaspheme the Holy Spirit is to reject and profane His person and work.  This can and does happen as one rejects the Gospel by which the Holy Spirit comes to sinful man. When one persistently rejects the Gospel and thus the Spirit’s powerful work of conversion, such a person remains apart from Christ Jesus, and thus apart from His cleansing blood, and thus apart from eternal life.

So how does one know whether he/she has committed this most horrendous sin?  First of all, a person who has committed the unforgiveable sin does not care one way or the other.  If you are concerned about whether you have committed the unforgiveable sin, then you have not committed it. Second, do not rely on your own efforts or zeal in relation to Jesus, but realize the tremendous value of Holy Baptism.  Jesus, as quoted above in John 3, describes this wondrous sacrament as the foundational means by which we are regenerated and thus justified in Christ Jesus.  He describes it as being born of water and the Spirit.   Are you baptized?   Then you have received the gift of the Holy Spirit, you have been born again NOT by any effort you have set forth, but by the Holy Spirit, and whether you “feel” this or not, it is an objective reality.  And unless you have rejected the Gospel given to you in Holy Baptism, you remain a forgiven child of God.  You have not committed the unforgiveable sin.   

Almighty and eternal God, Your Son Jesus triumphed over the prince of demons and freed us from bondage to sin. Help us to stand firm against every assault of Satan and enable us always to do Your will; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

The work of Christ

1. Jesus had triumphed over the Prince of demons

2. In doing so, Jesus has freed us from the bondage of sin.

3. Jesus helps us to stand firm against every assault of Satan.

4.   Jesus enables us always to do the will of the Father.

20 Καὶ ἔρχεται εἰς οἶκον · καὶ συνέρχεται πάλιν ὁ ὄχλος, ὥστε μὴ δύνασθαι αὐτοὺς μηδὲ ἄρτον φαγεῖν.

Then he went home, and the crowd gathered again, so that they could not even eat.

 Jesus  entered a house, because of the crowd they were not even able to eat.

21 καὶ ἀκούσαντες οἱ παρ’ αὐτοῦ ἐξῆλθον κρατῆσαι αὐτόν, ἔλεγον γὰρ ὅτι ἐξέστη.

And when his family heard it, they went out to seize him, for they were saying, “He is out of his mind.”

 After they had heard this his family (or those who were with him) went to seize him, they began to say "he's crazy!" "Standing outside of himself."

Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit

 22 καὶ οἱ γραμματεῖς οἱ ἀπὸ Ἱεροσολύμων καταβάντες ἔλεγον ὅτι Βεελζεβοὺλ ἔχει καὶ ὅτι ἐν τῷ ἄρχοντι τῶν δαιμονίων ἐκβάλλει τὰ δαιμόνια.

And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem were saying, “He is possessed by Beelzebul,” and “by the prince of demons he casts out the demons.

23 καὶ προσκαλεσάμενος αὐτοὺς ἐν παραβολαῖς ἔλεγεν αὐτοῖς · Πῶς δύναται Σατανᾶς Σατανᾶν ἐκβάλλειν;

And he called them to him and said to them in parables, “How can Satan cast out Satan?

24 καὶ ἐὰν βασιλεία ἐφ’ ἑαυτὴν μερισθῇ, οὐ δύναται σταθῆναι ἡ βασιλεία ἐκείνη ·

If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.

Indeed if a kingdom is divided that kingdom cannot stand...Satan is divided against himself...he knows no other way other than destruction and division even destroying himself.

 25 καὶ ἐὰν οἰκία ἐφ’ ἑαυτὴν μερισθῇ, οὐ δυνήσεται ἡ οἰκία ἐκείνη σταθῆναι ⸃·

And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand.

:25-26 the strong man controls the house...another kingdom is breaking in to destroy and plunder.

By death - death is defeated, by a curse the curse is gone.

Satan's only power is to distort God's word.

26 καὶ εἰ ὁ Σατανᾶς ἀνέστη ἐφ’ ἑαυτὸν καὶ ἐμερίσθη, οὐ δύναται στῆναι ἀλλὰ τέλος ἔχει.

And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand, but is coming to an end.

27 ἀλλ’ οὐδεὶς δύναται ⸃ εἰς τὴν οἰκίαν τοῦ ἰσχυροῦ εἰσελθὼν τὰ σκεύη ⸃ αὐτοῦ διαρπάσαι ἐὰν μὴ πρῶτον τὸν ἰσχυρὸν δήσῃ, καὶ τότε τὴν οἰκίαν αὐτοῦ διαρπάσει.

But no one can enter a strong man's house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man. Then indeed he may plunder his house.

28 Ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν ὅτι πάντα ἀφεθήσεται τοῖς υἱοῖς τῶν ἀνθρώπων, τὰ ἁμαρτήματα ⸃ καὶ αἱ βλασφημίαι ὅσα ἐὰν ⸃ βλασφημήσωσιν ·

“Truly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the children of man, and whatever blasphemies they utter,

 All sins and blasphemies and whatever they blaspheme can be forgiven...

29 ὃς δ’ ἂν βλασφημήσῃ εἰς τὸ πνεῦμα τὸ ἅγιον, οὐκ ἔχει ἄφεσιν εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα, ἀλλὰ ἔνοχός ἐστιν αἰωνίου ἁμαρτήματος.

but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin”—

 Whoever blasphemes the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness...is guilty of an eternal sin.

:29-30 equates blasphemy of the Holy Spirit with the unpardonable sin = unyielding refusal to believe the Gospel and a rejection of the Holy Spirit's work to create faith in Jesus.  It is "an eternal sin..." Guilt of this sin brings on into everlasting condemnation and punishment established for Satan and his evil angels. See Matthew 25:41; 1 John 5:16

:22-30 Those who refuse to recognize Jesus as God's Son and acknowledge his work as manifestations of the Holy Spirit remain under the dominion of Satan. BUT Jesus has overcome Satan. Those baptized into Christ have received not only Him but also His promised Holy Spirit.

30 ὅτι ἔλεγον · Πνεῦμα ἀκάθαρτον ἔχει.

for they were saying, “He has an unclean spirit.”

Jesus' Mother and Brothers

31 Καὶ ἔρχονται ⸃ ἡ μήτηρ αὐτοῦ καὶ οἱ ἀδελφοὶ αὐτοῦ ⸃ καὶ ἔξω στήκοντες ἀπέστειλαν πρὸς αὐτὸν καλοῦντες αὐτόν.

And his mother and his brothers came, and standing outside they sent to him and called him.

32 καὶ ἐκάθητο περὶ αὐτὸν ὄχλος, καὶ λέγουσιν ⸃ αὐτῷ · Ἰδοὺ ἡ μήτηρ σου καὶ οἱ ἀδελφοί σου ἔξω ζητοῦσίν σε.

And a crowd was sitting around him, and they said to him, “Your mother and your brothers[a] are outside, seeking you.”

Note: Mark 3:32 Other manuscripts add” and your sisters”

 People who barely know Jesus are seated next to Him, eagerly listening, while His family is outside, trying to get close enough to make Him stop!

:31-35 Earthly relations are crucial, yet one's relationship to God and His family of faith are even more important, since they form an eternal communion.

Loyalty to God takes precedence over loyalty to blood relations. This is still hard to hear today, as the temptation to put relationships with family and friends above God can be overwhelming.  The Lord wants us to have both relationships, and have them as healthy as they can be. He stands first in our lives because he placed Himself last, to humbly bear our sin and make us children of God.

  

33 καὶ ἀποκριθεὶς αὐτοῖς λέγει ⸃· Τίς ἐστιν ἡ μήτηρ μου ἢ οἱ ἀδελφοί μου;

And he answered them, “Who are my mother and my brothers?”

34 καὶ περιβλεψάμενος τοὺς περὶ αὐτὸν κύκλῳ ⸃ καθημένους λέγει · Ἴδε ἡ μήτηρ μου καὶ οἱ ἀδελφοί μου ·

And looking about at those who sat around him, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers!

35 ὃς γὰρ ἂν ποιήσῃ τὸ θέλημα τοῦ θεοῦ, οὗτος ἀδελφός μου καὶ ἀδελφὴ καὶ μήτηρ ἐστίν.

For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother.”

https://sites.google.com/site/briansgreekscripture/pentecost-2---mark-3-20-35

Time in the Word - Proper 5

Time in the Word

31 May -06 June 2021

Preparation for next week, The Time of the Church Year Proper 5

Collect for Proper 5 (June 5-11) – Almighty and eternal God, Your Son Jesus triumphed over the prince of demons and freed us from bondage to sin. Help us to stand firm against every assault of Satan, and enable us always to do Your will; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. 

Prayer for blessing on the Word: Lord Jesus Christ, giver and perfecter of our faith, we thank and praise You for continuing among us the preaching of Your Gospel for our instruction and edification. Send Your blessing upon the Word, which has been spoken to us, and by Your Holy Spirit increase our saving knowledge of You, that day by day we may be strengthened in the divine truth and remain steadfast in Your grace. Give us strength to fight the good fight and by faith to overcome all the temptations of Satan, the flesh, and the world so that we may finally receive the salvation of our souls; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Prayer for those outside the Church: Almighty and everlasting God, You desire not the death of a sinner but that all would repent and live. Hear our prayers for those outside the Church. Take away their iniquity, and turn them from their false gods to You, the living and true God. Gather them into Your holy Church to the glory of Your name; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Prayer for seasonable weather: Lord God, gracious and merciful Father, because You have promised that You will hear us when we bring You our cares, we implore You not to deal with us according to our sins but according to Your mercy. Send seasonable weather so that in due time the earth may yield her increase. Remind us ever to receive with thanks our daily bread, trusting You as our gracious God; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Prayer for the aged: Almighty God and gracious Father, in Your mercy look on those whose increasing years bring them weakness, anxiety, distress, or loneliness. Grant that they may always know care and respect, concern and understanding. Grant them willing hearts to accept help and, as their strength wanes, increase their faith with the constant assurance of Your love through Jesus Christ, their Savior. Amen.

Monday, 31 May 2021—Psalm 8:7-9;Antiphon,Psalm 28:2—The antiphon for Sunday’s Introit is a cry for the Lord’s intervention in our lives. “Hear my cry for mercy as I call to You for help, as I lift up my hands, toward Your Most Holy Place.” The Most Holy Place was the inner sanctuary of the temple, where the ark of the covenant stood. It was God’s throne room on earth. David desired the Lord’s presence. In worship, God comes to us through His Word and in His meal to strengthen, comfort, and support us.   

Tuesday, 1 June 2021—Psalm 130—This psalm is a testimony of trusting in God especially in trying times. The Psalmist begins, “Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord; Lord, hear my voice…” David knew he was a sinner, and yet the Lord hears his cry out of the depths of his predicament. In difficult times we turn to Him who knows our situation and in mercy has redeemed and saved us. This psalm consists of a cry from a person with heaviness of heart, presumably because of sin, who begs God to lift him above himself, his sin, and his troubles. 

Wednesday, 2 June 2021— Genesis 3:8-15— God calls Adam to account for his sin. Here we see the consequences of the fall into sin. When god confronts Adam, he flees and hides because of his fear of God. He realizes He is naked, which is considered an abomination. This results in his sense of shame. When god asks for an explanation of his sin, both Adam and Eve blame others. 

Sin may be forgiven but punishment goes with sin. “the wages of sin is death.” No one escapes the penalty of doing wring. God’s justice demands satisfaction. The Father is satisfied because of the death of His own Son. 

What excuse or what explanation do we have for our disobedience/ Adam sins again by refusing to admit his guilt. He blames Eve. Eve blames the serpent. It is s common expression in our day too, “I have done no wrong.” 

Thursday, 3 June 2021—2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1—Christians have the hope of eternal life with Christ. Paul continues to discuss his ministry. Though he is an earthen vessel, he continues to speak because he believes. He is convinced that the Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead will also raise him and all believers so that they all will stand in the presence of God through His grace. This results in thanksgiving and glory to God. He continues his ministry even though he is wearing out physically. 

But, spiritually he never grows old. And when this physical body comes to an end, God will give him a new, spiritual body. 

Paul can never get away from “grace.” It is God’s forgiving love that forgives sin, cleanses the soul, and justifies the sinner. Thus grace causes us to be thankful and to persist, regardless of adversities.

Friday, 4 June 2021—Mark 3:20-35—The only unforgivable sin is blaspheming against the Holy Spirit. The first and last sections of this reading deal with Jesus’ family. Between the two is Jesus controversy with the scribes who accuse Him of being possessed by and being an instrument of the devil Jesus’ family considers Him crazy and the scribes consider Him “possessed.” After dealing with the scribes, we are taken back to His family which comes for Him. Jesus explains that His family is not one of blood relationship but those who do the will of god. Both family and religious leaders misunderstand Jesus. To accuse Jesus of having an evil spirit is to commit the unpardonable sin. It is a sin of failing to see in Jesus the presence of the Holy Spirit, who gives Him power and authority to case out demons. Those who do God’s will have a spirit akin to His.

The word “never” is a hard word. One who sins against the Holy Spirit can “never” get forgiveness. The sin is to claim that Jesus hs an evil spirit. If He does, then the sinner will never repent and come to Jesus for forgiveness. He/she is sure that he/she has done no wrong. Jesus is the one who is wrong. Because of this delusion, a person can never be forgiven. This person is never forgiven because he/she never comes to Christ to be forgiven. 

Saturday, 5 June 2021— Ephesians 6:10-18 -Sunday’s hymn of the day, Rise! To Arms! With employ you.(LSB 668)Human effort is inadequate. Yet God’s power is invincible. Thus the warning, we do not last out against human opponents as though they were the real enemy. Nor can we assume that the battle can be fought using merely human resources. We battle against dark evil forces. Thus we arm ourselves with the Gospel and it is Christ, our champion who battles for us in the war against temptation, doubt, the devil and our own sinful self. 

Sources:
Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House.
Image Luther's Seal copyright © Ed Rioja Higher Things
Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series B John Brokhoff © 1981 CSS Publishing, Lima, OH

Proper 5 Introit & Introit

Proper 5 Series C

Introit

Turn to me and be gra- | cious to me;*

give your strength to your servant, and save the son of your maid- | servant.

On the day I called, you | answered me;*

my strength of soul | you increased.

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you pre- | serve my life;*

you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand de- | livers me.

The LORD will fulfill his pur- | pose for me;*

your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever. Do not forsake the work | of your hands.

Glory be to the Father and | to the Son*

and to the Holy | Spirit;

as it was in the be- | ginning,*

is now, and will be forever. | Amen.

Turn to me and be gra- | cious to me;*

give your strength to your servant, and save the son of your maid- | servant.

Collect

O Lord, Father of all mercy and God of all comfort, You always go before and follow after us.  Grant that we may rejoice in Your gracious presence and continually be given to all good works; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Proper Preface

It is truly good, right, and salutary that we should at all times and in all places give thanks to You, holy Lord, almighty Father, everlasting God, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who on this day overcame death and the grave and by His glorious resurrection opened to us the way of everlasting life.  Therefore with angels and archangels and with all the company of heaven we laud and magnify Your glorious name, evermore praising You and saying:

Image- Raise of the widow's son by Shnorr von Carolsfeld woodcut - © WELS for personal and congregational use

 

Proper 5

Collect for Proper 5 – O Lord, Father of all mercy and God of all comfort, You always go before and follow after us. Grant that we may rejoice in Your gracious presence and continually be given to all good works; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Our text for today presents for us a challenge.  Back to back, we are faced with two miracles. In two weeks. Almost duplicates.

How do we address miracles today? Are we to expect the same miracle today as we find in our text? If so, why didn’t Christ raise from the dead your son or your daughter or your father or your friend?  When does your miracle happen?

How does our world understand miracles today? Some simply deny the reality of miracles. They see them only as stories to the ancient past. They dismiss them as allegories to spiritual truths. Miracles are simply offensive to the scientific mind.

How should we address the miracles of Christ? They are in fact signs. –Signs of the nature of God. Signs of Jesus as the Son of God. Signs of the power of God. We need not question the validity of the miracles of Jesus. – We simply take them for granted.

Regardless of your opinion concerning the miraculous - of one thing we can be certain – death is the final declaration of defeat. We need to hear the story of Jesus’ raising the widow’s son at Nain to be reminded that life is stronger than death. And it is this life which comes from Christ.

In Jesus Christ we have the power of new life.

The power to comfort – v. 13 “Do not weep”! In our community, many stop, pull over to the side of the road, turn on their hazard lights, as a sign of respect when a funeral procession enters our town. That’s normal behavior.  But not always.

When I lived in the south suburbs of Chicago, way before the invention of the easy pass, many of the members of the parish were buried in a cemetery, which could only be accessed by traveling the toll road. Before the funeral procession began, the funeral director had to count the number of cars in the  motorcade. He would sprint ahead to each toll plaza to pay for the cars, which had joined the procession. Predictably, one, two, sometimes three vehicles would cut in line to avoid the twenty-five cent toll.

Notice! Jesus is so disrespectful of funerals! Jesus doesn’t merely disrupt the procession. He stops the procession altogether!

When the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her. He literally says, “do not go on crying - stop what you are already doing –

Jesus pours out His heart and He acts. This is the deepest, most heartfelt expression of pity and compassion = "bowels of compassion."  Only Jesus can say this. Only Jesus can have this compassion. This will be the first time in his gospel that Luke refers to Jesus as “the Lord” – He is the Lord of life!  And that’s the point. His stomach aches for those He loves.  (Note the negative present imperative) 

You can demonstrate empathy.  In fact, that is our vocation as Christians. The writer to the Hebrews reminds us, Remember those in prison as if you were bound with them, and those who are mistreated as if you were suffering with them.(Hebrews 13:3) There is A time to weep and a time to laugh; A time to mourn and a time to dance.( Ecclesiastes 3:4)  It is only appropriate for you to rejoice with those who rejoice, and to weep with those who weep. (Romans 12:15) 

You can show compassion. You can respond with tears. It’s alright to identify with your neighbor’s loss. It’s called being human.   When you attend a funeral visitation, what do you say? You say, “you have my sympathy!”  Yet, Jesus literally says, "Stop weeping! - do not go on crying - stop what you are already doing – Notice how disrespectful Jesus is at funerals. He is not content to join the procession on the way to the cemetery. He stops the procession.

Two things will always trigger a negative response in Jesus. Unbelief and death. When confronted with unbelief Jesus will respond either in silence or confrontationally. When confronted with death, Jesus always responds emotionally. At the death of Lazarus He doesn’t just weep. He bursts into tears. ἐδάκρυσεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς   Jesus is not accepting of death. He is angry at death. That is what caused Jesus to suffer, and die in your place. He took your  failings, faults and felonies unto Himself. Your death became His death so that His life becomes your life.     

Two groups follow.  One is following Jesus. The other, a corpse. Jesus is the source and the solution to the tragedy of this widow. He alone. As God’s Son. Has the power to heal the predicament of human beings.

Jesus’ action reverses things for all concerned in this sad procession. The widow is to stop weeping. Those carrying the corpse stop walking. The corpse sits up, speaks, and is restored.

Still, we remain and live in an imperfect world, full of sickness, death, and other misfortunes. These two enemies. Unbelief and death. Still surround us. So, what about you? What about your miracle? Which has not yet come?  How do we make sense of it all?  

Jesus, your Savior from eternity, is also the healer of your mortal ills.  You feel your weakness. It is as though the world is often too much. Is death is the final declaration of defeat? We need to hear the story of Jesus’ raising the widow’s son at Nain to be reminded that life is stronger than death. And that this life comes from Christ.

Jesus raises a widow’s son in Nain, in anticipation of your own restoration. Jesus raised the widow’s son. He will raise you. Jesus called Lazarus by name. He has already called you in Baptism. The old song sings, “In the very midst of life snares of death surround us.”

In the midst of life, we are in death. And yet, when surrounded by death, Jesus gives new life. It is His life, which He gives for the life of the world. It is His life, which you are given to share with others. It is His life, which gives you determination daily even though you  presently, look at life as trough a mirror, dimly. But then. In the future. Face to face. (1 Corinthians 13:12)    

Collect for Pentecost 3 - O God, whose never failing providence sets in order all things both in heaven and earth, put away from us, we entreat You, all hurtful things, and give us those things that are profitable for us, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Image Jesus heals the widow's son - Schnorr Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS for personal and congregational use 

Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House 
 

Time in the Word - Proper 5

“God’s Power Of Life Over Death” is the theme for this coming week. In the Old Testament lesson, [1 Kings 17:17-24] the power of life over death is seen in Elijah raising the widow’s son. In the Epistle, [Galatians 1:11-24] the power of life is in Paul’s conversion. In the Gospel [Luke 7:11-17] The power of life is seen in Jesus who raises a widow’s son.

How do some deal with miracles today? Some deny the reality of the miracle as a story or myth of the ancient past. Some allegories and spiritualize the account in an attempt to bring out a helpful message for our day. Some rationalize the miracle to explain away any details that might be inoffensive to scientific minds. We simply allow the miracles to stand as they happen. They are sings for us – signs of the nature of God, of Jesus as the Son of God, of the power of God. Approaching the miracles from this stance, we do not raise a question about the validity of the miracle; we take it for granted. We find the permanent values in the miracle for life today

Monday, 30 May 2016—Psalm 138:3, 7-8- Antiphon Psalm 86:16 -In these words of the psalmist he gives testimony to God’s condescending and faithful love for His own. You are loved by God. You are precious in His sight.

Tuesday, 31 May 2016—Psalm 30— It is suggested that the psalm was written for the dedication of David’s palace. After he had conquered Jerusalem, and made it his capital. (2 Samuel 5:11; 7:2) David apparently had often been near death, but God brought him through. He would sin praise to God forever. The events in 1 Chronicles 21 may possibly provide the background to this psalm. The dark days when life was in danger are now past (Vv. 2-3; 6-10)

Easy times breed self-reliance (Vs.6) But this experience had put life into perspective for David. (Vs.5) this experience showed the psalmist his own helplessness (Vv. 7-10) Now that the danger is behind him, he gladly and openly acknowledges his debt of gratitude to God. (Vv.11-12)

Wednesday, 01 June 2016—1 Kings 17:17-24 – In the Old Testament lesson Elijah restores a child to life. The youth was brought back to life by God through Elijah. He stretched himself on the child three times so that his life force might effect the child. In contrast, Jesus simply touched the casket. There was no great effort, no force but simply a touch for the power to flow. Elijah prayed to God with great intensity for the child’s life to return. Jesus does not pray. As the Son of God, He simply said, “Young man, I say to you, arise!”



Thursday, 02 June 2016—Galatians 1:11-24— In the Epistle lesson Paul’s gospel did not come from man but from revelation. It’s obvious that many lives are in confusion because they sense no purpose or plan for their lives. The claim that God has a separate plan for each life has largely been dropped by many these days. The result is that lives are purposeless and distracted. Paul expresses a conviction that God has a plan for him even before he was born – destined to be a preacher! Can you also say, “This is what God wants me to do with my life?”

Friday, 03 June 2016—Luke 7:11-17— In the Gospel lesson Jesus raises a widow’s son in Nain. We feel out weakness. It is as though the world is often too much. Death is the final declaration of defeat. We need to hear the story of Jesus’ raising the widow’s son at Nain to be reminded that life is stronger than death and that this life comes from Christ. In verse 13 Jesus is called “Lord” – He is the Lord of life.

Saturday, 04 June 2016—Psalm 102:1-2 The Hymn of the Day is “When in the Hour of Deepest Need” (LSB #615). It is a cold hard world. The endlessly reported refrain coming from people is “Nobody cares about me.” Commercial ventures seeking new business capitalize on this fact and advertise, “We care.” Many ask, “Does anybody really care whether I live or die, succeed or fail?” Does Jesus care? He did when He was in Palestine, but does He care about me today? The answer is in the miracle at Nain. The answer is in the raising of the widow’s son. The answer is found in calling Paul to proclaim the gospel Jesus has not changed. He still has compassion for all who are having a bad time. It is important to observe that Jesus did not raise the youth from death to deliver him from his plight. He was raised to comfort his mother.. The answer is expressed in the words of this powerful hymn. Meditate on it and then come to service singing and proclaiming these powerful truths. This is your reality.

Prayers for Proper 5 from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House
Prayer for the Armed Forces and Pentecost 2 from Lutheran Worship © 1980 Concordia Publishing House
Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series C by John Brokhoff © 1979 CSS Publishing Lima OH
Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS for personal and congregational use

Proper 5

Proper 5

Mark 3:20–35

Almighty and eternal God, Your Son Jesus triumphed over the prince of demons and freed us from bondage to sin. Help us to stand firm against every assault of Satan and enable us always to do Your will; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

“Pastor, can God ever forgive my sin?”  “Will God ever forgive my sin?”

Can God forgive you? Will God forgive…you?  What makes this question extra difficult is the presence of an adversary. Satan accuses us of our sin. Past and present. To keep us from believing that God can forgive us. He wants to imprison us in our sin.

Although Satan is strong, Jesus Christ has conquered Satan. He has bound the strong man. Christ’s Victory over Satan Frees You from Sin’s Prison. There are two results of his victory. They open wide the prison gate.

You are free because Christ’s victory over Satan means you are forgiven. 

Jesus was locked in a struggle against the devil. Despite or perhaps because of Jesus’ popularity, His own family thought he was out of his mind.  And when his family heard it, they went out to seize him, for they were saying, “He is out of his mind.”  (V21).

After they had heard this, his family (or those who were with him) went to seize him; they began to say, "He’s crazy!" "Standing outside of himself"

In those days, to be separated from one’s senses was associated with being possessed by a demon, one of Satan’s angels. Jesus’ own family thought he was losing a battle with Satan!

This is quite amazing! People who barely know Jesus are seated next to Him. Eagerly listening. While His family is outside.  Trying to get close enough to make Him stop!

Meanwhile, his enemies claimed he was in league with the devil. ”And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem were saying, “He is possessed by Beelzebul,” and “by the prince of demons he casts out the demons.” (V. 22).

They’d seen Jesus stop Satan by casting out many demons. But they still charge him with serving the devil.  Because they weren’t willing to believe, he was their Savior.

Quite an absurd charge, really.  “And he called them to him and said to them in parables, “How can Satan cast out Satan?  If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand, but is coming to an end. (Vv. 23-26)

But Jesus’ battle with Satan would be decided in a way no one foresaw: bearing all sin on the cross. God condemned Christ for your sin. Jesus suffered eternal judgment for you. When he cried, “It is finished,” your sin was gone.

The resurrection proves Christ took away your sin and set you right with God.  “Jesus…was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.” (Romans 4:25).   

Christ now declares, “God forgives all sin.” Christ’s promise defeats Satan. His victory was not a physical contest of biceps and triceps or a contest of wit. He defeated Satan in His weakness.

The kingdom of God is a ragtag mess - of dirty sinners - who confess by faith - they're beautifully clothed in robes - dyed white - by blood.

Jesus bound Satan by taking your sin away.  Satan can no longer accuse you. But no one can enter a strong man's house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man. Then indeed, he may plunder his house. “Truly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the children of man, and whatever blasphemies they utter. (Vv. 27–28).

Satan’s power has been broken. You are set free from his prison.

You are free because Christ’s victory over Satan means you belong.

If Satan cannot shake your trust in Christ’s forgiveness, he’ll try to make you feel like an outsider. He will say, “You don’t fit with these people. What you did was so much worse. If they knew who you really are, they would march you to the church door and tell you to leave and not come back.”  

We are susceptible to these accusations. It is our nature to compare ourselves with others. We fail to see that in comparing we are trying to justify ourselves Christ silences Satan with this promise: “You belong to my family” And his mother and his brothers came, and standing outside they sent to him and called him. And a crowd was sitting around Him, and they said to him, “Your mother and your brothers’ are outside, seeking you.”  And he answered them, “Who are my mother and my brothers?”

And looking about at those who sat around him, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of God he is my brother and sister and mother.”  (Vv. 31–35).

Jesus looked at those around him and said, “The one who does the will of my Father is my family.” (v.35)

At first, you might feel as if this presents a condition you cannot meet. You know that you don’t do all of God’s will. But God’s will is first that you repent and believe the Gospel. When you believe in the forgiveness of sins, you are doing the will of the Father. When you believe in the forgiveness of sins, you belong to Christ’s family.

So what could you say to someone, whose sin was so dark that that they question God’s ability to forgive? More important, what does Jesus Christ say? He says, “I forgive all sin. Your sin is forgiven.”

You are free. Forgiven.  And you belong. Christ’s victory over Satan had set you free from sin’s prison. Jesus does the same for you and all who seek His favor. In Christ, you are free.

Words –993

Passive Sentences- 8%

Readability –80.3

Reading level –4.7