Matthew 16:21-28
From the perspective of the appointed lessons, last week would have been a better week for a baptism. But I am going to hope and trust that Jim and Rebecca will place this Gospel reading in the context of lots of others. I already know they will. It isn’t Rebecca and Jim who concern me. Honestly, its that person joining us remotely who may only hear one sermon rather than a string of sermons.
The Gospel lesson for today
begins: From that time on, Jesus
began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and undergo great
suffering …. and be killed.
The “time” referred to in these verses are the events of last week’s Gospel lesson. Last week we read of the encounter in which Simon Peter – yes, the very same Simon Peter who figures heavily into today’s encounter – in that previous encounter Simon is able to string together the confession of Jesus as “the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Simon Peter is the one who puts into words who it is that Jesus has become in his life and in the lives of so many others. But then in just a few short verses, by the time we get to this morning’s appointed text, Peter exposes that saying the words does not automatically translate into living out what those words mean.
From that time on, Jesus begins to show his disciples…. He shows them that a “living God” lives in the world which which God has made. And living in the world means being that sharp contrast between what is said with our lips and what those words mean for our lives.
Oh, how I wish that we could baptize little John Isaac and leave out the imagery of baptism as a journey into death – but we cannot. The baptismal waters which flow freely over us are the opportunity to see the hallow nature of every other claim - and to live with the confidence that losing our individual lives in the large frame of Jesus’ life is precisely what it means to have an eternal life.
This has been often misunderstood. There was a time when it was mistaken for martyrdom. Jesus’ words do not mean looking for opportunities or ways to be murdered as a result of the words which pass our lips. It is a misunderstanding that to “lose” our life is to die at the hands of one intent on destroying the Christian faith and family. No, when Jesus speaks of losing our lives, he is speaking of something many times more significant that our death.
I am appreciative of the translator’s efforts in verse 23. As previously acknowledged, my ability to read the original language of the New Testament is limited. But this English translation does a good job. Look at verse 23. When Jesus rebukes Peter he speaks of “setting your mind” on divine things rather than human things. To have our mind “set on Jesus” impacts every moment of every day of every life. It is honestly and openly and continually asking “What Would Jesus Do?”
How we die is a matter of concern and interest. What concerns God is whether we live our lives in such a way as to answer the question of whether we have our minds set on Jesus. And let me say as clearly as I possibly can that to have one’s mind set on Jesus is not a demand or a bother or even a sacrifice. It is an opportunity, it is a gift, it is that peace which passes all understanding.
Surely you have heard the verse of scripture which instructs us to “believe in our hearts and confess with our lips.” Today’s appointed Gospel text reminds us that it is not the formula of that confession which needs scrutiny. What needs examining is the thing we believe in our hearts.
Do we believe that Jesus has blessed one people over all others? Can a heart set on Jesus fail to hear the cries of those who feel ignored and abandoned? Who could read the Jesus story and continue to believe that human life could in any way be placed on some scale where the other bowl holds something as insignificant as someone’s personal property or that individual’s way of life? When does Jesus tell us to believe in our hearts that possessions and wealth are ours and that we have earned it and have every right to keep it? How can anyone possibly know Jesus in their hearts and fail to see the poor and homeless and addicted as anything other than the same individuals for whom Jesus feels the compassion one would have for sheep in need of a shepherd?
I am sorry, John Isaac – and all of the Phillips family – but while we will ask you to say certain words with your lips this morning we do not intend to let you say those words with your lips and then walk out the door as if you are finished. As evidenced by these words of Holy Scripture, many MANY MANNY will speak such words without the correlating conviction. We ought to make such public proclamations – what we say with our lips is important. But rarely do words speak as loudly as how we live our lives.
In closing, I want to double back to what I said earlier. To have one’s mind set on Jesus is not a demand or a bother or even a sacrifice. It is an opportunity, it is a gift, it is that peace which passes all understanding. The Church (and this particular expression of the Church) will never condemn you or belittle you or deny you the Means of Grace – even if your mind remains set on human things. The Church knows you are human, and it is no simple thing to make this shift in our lives. You are welcome here, and you will be loved here, and you are as much a part of this family as anyone. And know – without any doubt – that Jesus loves you, too.
What the Gospel sets before us is the opportunity to have one’s mind set on Jesus. This is not a demand or a bother or even a sacrifice. It is an opportunity, it is a gift, it is that peace which passes all understanding. It is yours.
Receive it - and live it.
Amen
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