Saturday 6 February 2016

Bible Notes Lent 2016 Year C by Philip Holmes

Luke

Luke is a Gentile who spent a lot of his life with Paul on his missionary journeys (Colossians 4:14). We can assume that his gospel is written for Gentile readers and that he is probably writing between 70 - 80AD. His gospel is the first of a two-volume work, remembering that he went on to write about the pioneering years of the early church and especially Paul's three adventures to take the message beyond the boundary of Palestine and Israel. Luke is writing another story of the people of God (linking strongly with Old Testament literature) and that this is a continuing story which brings a message of hope. He tells his reader that he has decided to put pen to papyrus, having carefully investigated everything about Jesus, "so that you may know the truth" (Luke 1:4).  Luke is acutely aware of the influence of Rome on life in his world and the way in which the law and authority of Rome shapes everyday life for so many people across the world. Given the emphasis of his writing, it is possible that he was writing to Roman slaves and that he has a particular heart for those who are the least in society - those without status, and even the lost.


Sunday 14 February 2016
First Sunday of Lent
Luke 4: 1 - 13

We live in a world full of temptation. Wherever we look, we are surrounded by advertising designed to get us thinking: "I really need one of those". Even the BBC has stooped to unashamedly running regular adverts for shows that we really have to watch. During the main news, they sometimes step aside from reporting on a news item to tell us: "and you can see more on this item if you watch . . . .".   With such a strong presence in our own experience, it is not difficult to conceive that in the days of Jesus, there also were constant temptations to be navigated in ordinary life. Yet, Luke today focuses on just one particular set of temptations - and with very good reason.

The audacity of the devil! Temptation comes even to the Son of God! But not in public view. Not in the ordinary temptation that all of us experiences countless times every day. Luke is clear - his writing has the feel of an account of battle taking place. What Mark dispatches in just two short sentences (Mark 1:12-13), Luke and Matthew cover in much greater detail (over ten verses). It is a spiritual battle during which Jesus is required to draw on his knowledge of scripture and his confidence in the Father: "The scriptures say . . ." ( verses 4, 8 & 12).  These temptations are both physical and spiritual in nature and they mark the moment in the life of Jesus when he moves on. He shows no sign of contemplating the merit of the suggestion, but relies on a deep-seated confidence within him - he simply knows for sure that such thoughts run counter to God's plan for his life. He chooses what the Father has for him. These verses mark the moment when the Nazarene carpenter has become teacher, the oldest son of the household has become independent, and the mundane gives way to adventure.

Question: Tom Wright reminds us that we must "learn to recognise the voices that whisper attractive lies, to distinguish them from the voice of God, and to use the simple yet direct weapons provided in scripture to rebut the lies with truth". [Luke for Everyone pg44]. In our worship today can we help each life to value a deeper presence of God? Can we cultivate a spiritual discernment in the everyday?


Sunday 21 February 2016
Second Sunday of Lent
Luke 13: 31 - 35

We have seen it and experienced it - the thick black clouds that herald a storm. It is more than a darkening sky, the whole atmosphere is changing, the quality of the light is turning and the normally dry texture of our skin feels clammy. There is no escaping the fact - it is just a matter of time.

So too, Luke is keen to point to the coming storm in the life of Jerusalem. Writing predominantly to a Gentile readership, he explains that many beyond the boundaries of Judaism will "eat in the kingdom of God" (Luke 13: 29). Jesus shows no fear of the fox (a metaphor symbolising Herod) and speaks openly about his forthcoming trial (with clever reference to three days of waiting). If the third day is the triumph of God's work competed in the resurrected Christ, then what of the need for preparation? For now, Jesus is busy with his preparations - he is casting out the demon and healing the sick (Luke 13: 32). But his desire is to gather men and women and cover them with his wing - as a hen cares for her young (Luke 13: 34). The final word of this chapter is a quote from Psalm 118:26 - a chant that is taken up by the crowd on Palm Sunday and signifies the coming of the King to the City of Jerusalem. The Psalmist is pointing to a time when all who are righteous shall enter the gates - and Luke is happy to remind his readers of this as Jesus nears the final chapter of his ministry.

Question: The purpose of Christ - to heal the sick and to cast out the demons. The scheme of man - to punish God's messenger. What "signs of the times" are evident today? 


Sunday 28 February 2016
Third Sunday of Lent
Luke 13: 1 - 9

It is a rare thing these days to hear people speak in parables. We like plain straight talking; or we like logical thinking - logic is good! We like facts and figures, spreadsheets and other evidence. Parables are nowhere to be seen in 21st century living.

Jesus, on the other hand, loves a good parable. Having just told the people some hard news about a massacre in the Temple and of others killed as a building is reduced to rubble, Jesus goes on the tell the parable of the fig tree. It's a very simple story and we don't know just how Jesus found stories like this one to illustrate his teaching. But we do know that in every case there is a deep inner truth contained in the parables of Jesus that helps us to fully appreciate a moral or spiritual lesson. But this is not a fable - it is not about a useless fig tree! This parable is about the owner and his gardener: an owner intent on using his fertile land to get the best yield he can, and a gardener who appreciates that horticulture is not a science, more an art. Maybe the owner is a frustrated Father who has all-but given up on Israel. But Jesus, his gardener, has spent time in the garden and learnt a lot about how transformation happens in people's lives - so he asks for one more year that by then, the people would show the fruit of repentance. Jesus is well-established in his ministry, yet his instinct tells him that he must continue his witness for a third year to achieve God's purpose.

We forget that we who follow Christ Jesus have committed ourselves to change. Our discipleship is so often reduced to the "One last chance" to get things right. So, are there things that we feel fit the category of "Give it one more year" in our own pilgrimage?

Question: Is there a hope for something better, a commitment to work for a better outcome in our work as a church and as individual disciples of Jesus?  Jesus reminds us that judgment is coming, but there is still time to change.


Sunday 6 March 2016
Fourth Sunday of Lent
Luke 15: 1 - 3, 11b - 32

For the most part, brothers know and celebrate the bond that holds them together within the family unit, but there are inevitably moments of tension from time to time. Two brothers ran for party leader a few years ago, David was disappointed whilst Ed took the crown, but held on to it only for a short while. Did David feel that his brother robbed him of a title that was rightfully his? The public were told that all was well - that there was no ill-feeling, yet many found that difficult to believe. A definition of brother recently appeared on social media: "a person who is there when you need him; someone who picks you up when you fall; a person who sticks up for you when no-one else will; a genuine good guy; most importantly, a brother is always a good friend".

Luke records a parable that is unique to his gospel. We often think of it as a story about a headstrong prodigal son, but it is, in fact, a story about two brothers. Both are selfish in their own way, but the younger brings dishonour to the family, and particularly to his father, by taking an inheritance that was not due until his father's death. He wants his independence and also wants to live a dream - one which can only be fulfilled if his pockets are lined with half of his family's estate. The family were left in disgrace. We cannot begin to imagine how the father managed to finance this adventure - but surely this is what he willingly did despite the cost to his reputation.

The older son does not feature much in this parable until things take an unexpected turn. Having squandered a fortune, his younger brother returns and, to the older brother's astonishment, is welcomed with open arms. Now we see his true colours - envy, resentment and bitterness pour forth as he watches his father lavish his love on the one who had betrayed him and caused such pain.

The parable speaks of an abiding truth of the gospel: The Father's love for you is unconditional. And God's love is for both;  for those whose actions have taken them on a reckless downward spiralling path to poverty, hunger and loneliness. But it is also a love that soaks up the inner hurts of the one who stands aside and watches events unfold - whose hatred stirs unhealthy feelings and makes him twisted and envious and full of pain. The Father stands alongside both brothers - but the joy in his heart comes from the witness to repentance.

Question: Who needs to hear the message of God's forgiveness today? Can we help everyone in our congregation to know an assurance that the Father is there for them today - whatever their circumstances?


Sunday 13 March 2016
Fifth Sunday of Lent
John 12: 1 - 8

We love to eat out. It's not that we do it that often, but it is something special to share time and food together. We also love to eat in! Especially when all the family come over and we enjoy food together. It's so relaxed - everyone knows they can chill! The smiles seem to grow as the evening draws on. What a special time together!  Of course, Jewish families all over the world know the power of family time like this. They gather together to eat each week on the eve of the Sabbath. Special food, little touches of ritual and story-telling combined with a rich sense of family.

It was evening in Bethany when they gathered together for a meal. A precious time together, especially since it was literally a few days since Lazarus had been buried and later raised to life by Jesus. There were moments of tenderness - a glance, a smile and a strong common bond of love shared in that household. The food was good - well it would be! Martha was in charge of the kitchen and ensuring that things were special to the taste. But the atmosphere suddenly changed.  It wasn't Mary's fault. She was moved to break out a heady perfume and pour it over the feet of Jesus. No, it was the reprimand on the lips of Judas that changed things. Why open his mouth? Why?

To honour him, a meal was prepared. To honour him, expensive perfume was lovingly spent over his feet. To honour him, the whole house was filled with the heady fragrance that covered every guest. But the heart of Judas was not in tune with everyone else. His heart was full of indignation - his face like thunder. He missed all the clues and stood and spoke alone.

Question: As we gather to worship, maybe we could share some food together? Maybe we could relax, let our guard drop a little, smile at each other and enjoy everyone's company - and especially the presence of Jesus. 

Philip Holmes
District Local Preachers Secretary
Nottingham and Derby District