John
1:10-18
“He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet
the world did not know him.”
Peter Gomes begins his book encouraging folks to read their bibles with
an experience many of us have had. We
find ourselves at a social gathering, and we meet someone for the first
time. Names are quickly exchanged. It is possible that we may not have heard
clearly, but don’t really worry about that too much – it is a first meeting at
a gathering not likely to be repeated.
But then, we find ourselves moving deeper into conversation. Something seems so inviting or comforting
that we begin to open up and move beyond casual comments and into deeper
emotions. We share intimate details and
allow ourselves to be vulnerable.
Enliven as we may be by the conversation, there comes the time for it to
end. Perhaps there is a promise to keep
these matters in one’s thoughts or prayers.
It is at about that time when we realize the one piece of sharing which
was not recorded in our memory – the other person’s name.
How do you back up, now, and admit, “I don’t know your name?”
In his ministry as Chaplain at Harvard, Pastor Gomes observed this
experience in those who were part of his flock.
He heard from those who had had the experience and were now unsure how
to return to those critical first steps.
The members of his congregation began to admit to him that they had a
lot of exposure to Jesus, but were limited in their knowledge of Jesus. Through worship and prayers and time spent
with other Christians they had formed opinions and deepened emotions. But much like the experience of one attending
a social gathering, they weren’t sure they knew that which should have been
learned at the very beginning.
This is what John is writing about when he begins his Gospel - “(The
Word) was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the
world did not know him.”
We live in a very “Christianized” part of the world. How often do we make references to being in
the “Bible Belt”? I have heard it go
even further by saying we are merely part of the bible belt; we are bucket on
that belt. At one point it was further
claimed we were the gleam on the buckle of that belt.
Is this true? Is it very far from
the truth? And yet, in far too many
instances we like those gathered for worship at Harvard Chapel. We can share many things which we have heard
about Jesus, but what is it that we know?
All around us there is talk of Jesus and references to The Good Book. Are we prepared to point out what is actually
in the Bible? Can we debunk half-truths
and misinformation about the teachings of Jesus?
I do not mean to accuse anyone of not knowing. But I will suggest that much of what we know
we didn’t learn from the original sources.
Most of us, likely all of us, began to be taught what Jesus said long
before we ever started reading for ourselves.
Most of us, likely all of us, have other sources of information
regarding what the Bible says.
I do not mean to accuse anyone, but I would like to ask everyone to open
themselves up to learning what it is that you don’t know, and in particular to
hearing what it is that you don’t know that you don’t know. There is a whole lot in that latter category.
We live in a world where folks with vastly differing approaches all
claim that God is “on their side.”
Christians are being told by their pastors and Bishops how they are to integrate
the events of the day and the matters of civic importance. As I stand among you this morning and speak of
what it means to be “Saved,” there is another within less than a mile putting
forth a contrasting notion of who is the elect and who are the damned.
The Word IS in the
world. So are the words of some who
would like to prefer to take that Word hostage and use it for their own
ends. These verses from John 1 are a
challenge to make sure we know the Word; and know it well enough recognize it
and not be deceived when the Word of God is taken captive.
“(The Word) was in the world, and the world came into being through
him; yet the world did not know him.”
I am very serious about this – it is an extremely serious matter. What I am hoping to do is prod or provoke each
to commit to a plan to fill the gaps and overcome your shortcomings. Back up, in your conversations with Jesus,
and make sure you remember the basics.
How well do you know your bible? I
don’t mean to shame you, but it might be a bit of fun to shake our false confidence. Let’s start with something simple. Which of the four gospels have stories about
the birth of Jesus? (Look for
answers.)
Here is another: Which letters of
Paul make mention of Jesus’ birth? (Look
for answers.)
Here is something I discussed with Heddie West, she told me to talk more
about it at her funeral. According to
the book of Revelation, what is end toward which all followers of God
strive? (Look for answers.)
One more - On what day is Jesus arrested? (Hints:
The First Day of Passover ((Synoptics)), or the Day of preparation for
Passover ((John))).
I really don’t want to shame or embarrass anyone. This sermon is attempting to build upon
John’s acknowledgement that while Messiah is the source of all things, the
things which come into being through him do know always recognize that from
which we came. In too many instances, we
are ill prepared to recognize and call out where the Word of God is being hijacked
by the words of a crafty orator.
It is a new year. We have started
a new cycle of readings. While there are
always some readings from the Gospel of John, during the next eleven months we will
primarily be reading from Matthew. Read
Matthew several times in the next couple of weeks. Make a few notes and share what surprised you
or what you realized you didn’t already know.
Those of us who have been in the Church for decades may find it difficult
to admit we weren’t paying attention at the beginning. But we will only learn the name of Jesus by
admitting we weren’t aware at the outset how significant he would become. We began to experience Jesus, moving more
deeply into a relationship with him. Something
seemed so inviting and comforting that we begin to open up and move beyond
casual comments and into deeper emotions.
We share intimate details and allow ourselves to be vulnerable. We have a meaningful relationship; we just
need to get a few more of the specifics under our belt. Under our Bible Belt.
Amen.
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