On the Road to Emmaus

Sermon text for March 30, 2008:
Luke 24:13-35

It was late in June a few years ago when I sat under a giant eucalyptus tree and pondered my life. I was in the Holy Land in one of the places that tradition says is the Biblical Emmaus, and the group I was with was having a day long spiritual retreat.

In some way I began my spiritual retreat a month earlier when I first arrived in Israel. I had an important agenda for my journey. Spiritually I was running on empty and I felt as if I had nothing left to give in my personal life or in my ministry. I wanted desperately to get in touch with the God who called me to be a husband and father. And with every fiber of my being I needed to rediscover the God who almost compelled me into ministry so many years before. I still believed that God existed, that God loved me, and that God had something for me to do. But on a feeling level, I had no internal confirmation for any of that. My faith existed as a set of intellectual affirmations which usually could be summed up by the statement, “I do too believe!”

So as I sat under the giant eucalyptus tree I pondered the story of Cleopus and his friend and the spiritual journey on which they traveled. They began their journey in the late afternoon on the first Easter. As they walked they talked about the terrible events of the last few days. In some ways when Jesus died they lost everything. He was supposed to be the Messiah. He was supposed to rid the land of the hated Roman oppressors. He was supposed to initiate the Kingdom of God on earth. But he didn’t do any of those things. And for those who loved him, nothing mattered any more. Instead of glorious hope, Jesus brought a childish fantasy. When Jesus died hope died, and nothing would ever be the same again. Nevertheless, the disciples walked boldly into an uncertain future. And their journey may provide a useful paradigm for us – both as a congregation and as individuals. I wonder how many of us feel like we are on a journey to nowhere. How many of us are facing difficult life situations – be it grief, fear, disappointment, or just plain boredom? How many of us long to encounter Jesus as we move along the road of life?

I believe that Luke tells this story to convince us that Jesus does meet us along the way, and that he is able to transform and redeem even the most crucifying circumstances in life. I believe that he tells the story so that believers can find hope even when we think that all hope is lost.

While the disciples were walking to Emmaus Jesus appeared on the road and joined them on their journey. For some reason they did not recognize Jesus. But as he caught up, he asked what they were talking about with so much energy and the disciples shared the tragic details of the last few days. And then something wonderful happened. Jesus began to talk about all of the scriptures that foretold his death. He spoke with authority and conviction, and his teaching put the crucifixion into a context that the disciples could understand. He had a depth of faith that the disciples needed and when they got to Emmaus they prevailed on him to stay with them for the evening.

Jesus accepted their invitation and when they sat down for the evening meal, Jesus took bread and as he had on Passover. He blessed it, and broke it. And suddenly their eyes were opened and they recognized him. It was Jesus who taught them on the road and Jesus who consoled them in their grief. It was Jesus who joined them on one of the most difficult journeys of their lives. After Jesus disappeared the disciples were filled with joy as they ran back to Jerusalem to tell the other disciples that Jesus was alive.

Jesus still meets us along the road of life. When life takes a tragic turn he is there to walk with us. When we are confused and worried he sends the Spirit to counsel and console us. And when we join with others to celebrate the Lord’s Supper he opens our eyes so that we can recognize him.

Of course Jesus doesn’t always work on our time schedule nor does he always send help in the way that we think is best. So I do not have any easy answer, nor do I have a magic formula that always brings the help we think we need. But I do have a couple of thoughts that might put things in a helpful context. First a parable of Jesus teaches that God gives us what we need, instead of what we want. Jesus asks, “What father among you if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent? Or if he asks for an egg will give him a scorpion?” Sometimes we are so sure we know what we need that we may miss the gift that God has already given. If the disciples had not asked Jesus to stay with them in Emmaus, they might never have seen him at all. So we need to be open to God’s answers.

And the second thing is not quite so lofty. I think the key to meeting the hard times in life is simply to keep on moving. Keep on doing what needs to be done and trust that when the time is right we will be strengthened by catching a glimpse of the one who also puts one foot in front of the other, and shares our life’s journey with us.

Copyright © 2008 by Dwight R. Blackstock

Do Not Be Afraid – Christ Is Risen!

Sermon text for Easter Sunday, March 23, 2008:
Acts 10:34-48; Matthew 28:1-10

The Easter hymns are glorious, “Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia!” “Up from the grave he arose with a mighty triumph o’er his foes.” Most of us will be humming these and other Easter hymns for days. If the hymns are glorious, the joy of Easter is unparalleled. Jesus Christ is indeed risen and all of God’s people rejoice.

But the day did not begin in joy. On the first Easter two women, shrouded in grief made their way to Jesus’ tomb. We can guess that they were rehearsing the tragedy and humiliation of his death. When he died, hope died, and the women couldn’t imagine ever being whole again. So they made their way to the tomb to grieve.

What they were doing was risky because the authorities had posted soldiers to guard the tomb against the possibility that someone would steal Jesus’ body and claim he was resurrected. The disciples were in hiding for fear that they might suffer a fate similar to Jesus’. But the women made their way to the tomb, undeterred by personal danger.

The women could never have imagined what was about to happen to them. According to Matthew, as they approached the garden where Jesus lay in a borrowed tomb, the earth began to shake and an angel of God appeared and rolled away the stone that separated the living from the dead. The soldiers who stood guard there were so frightened by what happened that they fainted.

The women were also afraid, but they reacted differently. According to the scriptures, the angel spoke to them saying, “Do not be afraid. I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here but has been raised as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead.’”

The women did as they were told, and ran “with fear and great joy” to tell the disciples that Jesus was alive. And on their way Jesus appeared to them. That is the story. By the power of God, Jesus was resurrected, death was forever defeated, and we say with the Apostle Paul, “Death where is your victory! O Death where is your sting!”

But something more happened that day. It is something that some of us still haven’t figured out. God opened a tomb, and also opened the disciples’ hearts to all people everywhere. Before the resurrection conversion was rare because non-Jews were looked at with contempt. But when God raised Jesus from the dead, something new and unprecedented began to happen. Suddenly a few of the disciples began to believe that the good news could not be contained. It had to be shared with both Jews and non-Jews. And that takes us to the story of Cornelius the Roman Centurion.

Cornelius served in the sea port city of Caesarea, and while living there he became interested in Israel’s God, and he converted to Judaism. He attended worship, gave his tithe, and did his best to be a member of the community. But no matter how hard he tried, his participation was limited by Jewish law. Those who were not born Jews could never be a real part of the community. Cornelius had to stand in the back of the synagogue, and because Jews did not eat with non-Jews, he had had his own space at feasts. Cornelius believed in God, but he was always an outsider.

But one day that changed. God spoke to Cornelius and told him to invite Simon Peter to his house. At the same time God caused Peter to dream the strangest of dreams. And when he awoke he knew he had to share the gospel with a Roman named Cornelius. For Peter the idea was at first terribly offensive. He never associated with those who were unclean. And any Roman oppressor was by definition unclean.

Nevertheless Peter went to Cornelius’ house and shared the good news of the risen Christ. He told all who gathered that Jesus was put to death by “hanging on a tree; but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear to the disciples.” He concludes his sermon by saying that “everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” And Cornelius believed. Suddenly he was no longer on the outside looking in. He received the resurrection story by faith, found forgiveness for his sin, and instantly the Holy Spirit made him part of the household and family of God.

If you sometimes feel like Cornelius, like you can only stand on the sidelines looking in, like you are not really a part of the community, then the Easter story is especially for you. Because of the resurrection, you are part of the family.

In the same way, the resurrection story gives the rest of us new and unprecedented freedom. Because of the resurrection, barriers to fellowship are destroyed. People who are our polar opposites in every other way, find commonality with us in Jesus Christ. That is the plain meaning of the story of Peter and Cornelius. If that sounds like good news then sing the Easter hymns with all your heart. “Jesus Christ is risen today! Alleluia!” “Up from the grave he arose with a mighty triumph o’er his foes.” “Alleluia, alleluia, give thanks to the risen Lord.”

Copyright © 2008 by Dwight R. Blackstock

The Passion of Christ

Sermon for March 16, 2008
Palm Sunday
Scripture Narrative: Matthew 26-27

When Jesus had finished saying all these things, he said to his disciples, "As you know, the Passover is two days away and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified."

Then the chief priests and the elders of the people assembled in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, and they plotted to arrest Jesus in some sly way and kill him. "But not during the Feast," they said, "or there may be a riot among the people."

While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table. When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. "Why this waste?" they asked. "This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor." Aware of this, Jesus said to them, "Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. I tell you the truth, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her."

Then one of the Twelve, the one called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and asked, "What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?" So they counted out for him thirty silver coins. From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over.

On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?" He replied, "Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, 'The Teacher says: My appointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house.' " So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover.

When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve. And while they were eating, he said, "I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me." They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, "Surely not I, Lord?" Jesus replied, "The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born." Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, "Surely not I, Rabbi?" Jesus answered, "Yes, it is you."

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take and eat; this is my body." Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father's kingdom." When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

Then Jesus told them, "This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: " 'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.' But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee." Peter replied, "Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will." "I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times." But Peter declared, "Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you." And all the other disciples said the same.

Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, "Sit here while I go over there and pray." He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me." Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will."

Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. "Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?" he asked Peter. "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak." He went away a second time and prayed, "My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done." When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing. Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour is near, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us go! Here comes my betrayer!"

While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: "The one I kiss is the man; arrest him." Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, "Greetings, Rabbi!" and kissed him. Jesus replied, "Friend, do what you came for."

Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him. With that, one of Jesus' companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. Put your sword back in its place," Jesus said to him, "for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?"

At that time Jesus said to the crowd, "Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I sat in the temple courts teaching, and you did not arrest me. But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled." Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.

Those who had arrested Jesus took him to Caiaphas, the high priest, where the teachers of the law and the elders had assembled. But Peter followed him at a distance, right up to the courtyard of the high priest. He entered and sat down with the guards to see the outcome. The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death. But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward and declared, "This fellow said, 'I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.' "Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, "Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?" But Jesus remained silent.

The high priest said to him, "I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Christ,the Son of God." "Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied. "But I say to all of you: In the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven." Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, "He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?" "He is worthy of death," they answered. Then they spit in his face and struck him with their fists. Others slapped him and said, "Prophesy to us, Christ. Who hit you?"

Now Peter was sitting out in the courtyard, and a servant girl came to him. "You also were with Jesus of Galilee," she said. But he denied it before them all. "I don't know what you're talking about," he said. Then he went out to the gateway, where another girl saw him and said to the people there, "This fellow was with Jesus of Nazareth." He denied it again, with an oath: "I don't know the man!" After a little while, those standing there went up to Peter and said, "Surely you are one of them, for your accent gives you away." Then he began to call down curses on himself and he swore to them, "I don't know the man!" Immediately a rooster crowed. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: "Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times." And he went outside and wept bitterly.

Early in the morning, all the chief priests and the elders of the people came to the decision to put Jesus to death. They bound him, led him away and handed him over to Pilate, the governor. When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty silver coins to the chief priests and the elders. "I have sinned," he said, "for I have betrayed innocent blood." "What is that to us?" they replied. "That's your responsibility." So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.

The chief priests picked up the coins and said, "It is against the law to put this into the treasury, since it is blood money." So they decided to use the money to buy the potter's field as a burial place for foreigners. That is why it has been called the Field of Blood to this day. Then what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled: "They took the thirty silver coins, the price set on him by the people of Israel, and they used them to buy the potter's field, as the Lord commanded me."

Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, "Are you the king of the Jews?" "Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied. When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer. Then Pilate asked him, "Don't you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?" But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge -— to the great amazement of the governor.

Now it was the governor's custom at the Feast to release a prisoner chosen by the crowd. At that time they had a notorious prisoner, called Barabbas. So when the crowd had gathered, Pilate asked them, "Which one do you want me to release to you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?" For he knew it was out of envy that they had handed Jesus over to him. While Pilate was sitting on the judge's seat, his wife sent him this message: "Don't have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him." But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed.

"Which of the two do you want me to release to you?" asked the governor.
"Barabbas," they answered.
"What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called Christ?" Pilate asked.
They all answered, "Crucify him!"
"Why? What crime has he committed?" asked Pilate.
But they shouted all the louder, "Crucify him!"

When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. "I am innocent of this man's blood," he said. "It is your responsibility!" All the people answered, "Let his blood be on us and on our children!" Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.

Then the governor's soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company of soldiers around him. They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand and knelt in front of him and mocked him. "Hail, king of the Jews!" they said. They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again. After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him.

As they were going out, they met a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross. They came to a place called Golgotha (which means The Place of the Skull). There they offered Jesus wine to drink, mixed with gall; but after tasting it, he refused to drink it. When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots. And sitting down, they kept watch over him there. Above his head they placed the written charge against him: THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS. Two robbers were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left.

Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, "You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!" In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him. "He saved others," they said, "but he can't save himself! He's the King of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, 'I am the Son of God.' " In the same way the robbers who were crucified with him also heaped insults on him.

From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land. About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi,lama sabachthani?" -— which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"When some of those standing there heard this, they said, "He's calling Elijah."

Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it to Jesus to drink. The rest said, "Now leave him alone. Let's see if Elijah comes to save him."

And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.

At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus' resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people. When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, "Surely he was the Son of God!" Many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for his needs. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's sons.

As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus. Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus' body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb.

Lazarus Lives Again

Sermon text for March 9, 2008:
John 11:1-44

“If you want to see the Kingdom of God,” Jesus told Dr. Nicodemus, “you must be born again.”

Lazarus is dead. His sisters, Mary and Martha, are distraught. Mary, Martha and Lazarus are good friends of Jesus. Some say that they were disciples. They live in Bethany which is a short walk to Jerusalem. Jesus and the disciples often stayed with Lazarus and the sisters when they journeyed to Jerusalem. But now Lazarus is dead and his body is in a tomb and a heavy stone door separates him from the living.

Earlier, Lazarus was stricken with a serious illness and his worried sisters searched for Jesus believing that he would heal him. When they found him they said, “He whom you love is ill.” Jesus has the power to make their brother well, but he must hurry. “His illness is not unto death,” Jesus told them. “It is for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified by means of it.”

The memory of those words must have been small comfort to the sisters when Lazarus died. “His illness is not unto death,” Jesus said. But Lazarus died. “It is for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified by means of it.” But Lazarus died and his sisters can’t believe it. Why didn’t Jesus hurry? Why did Jesus mislead them? God might be glorified, but Lazarus is dead and Mary and Martha are filled with grief and fear.

We know how Mary and Martha felt. Each of our stories is different, but we hold this in common: death has intruded upon each of our lives. I am reminded of a faithful Christian woman I know. She is an elder in the church, and a long time mission worker. A few years ago her beloved husband was diagnosed with terminal cancer and she could not accept the doctor’s prognosis. She prayed fervently for her husband’s life. She reminded God that her husband was a good man, always ready to help someone in need. Certainly it could not be God’s will for him to die.

She was convinced that God was healing her husband. She believed he was being healed even when it was obvious to everyone else that he was wasting away. She became obsessed with her need for him to live. She seldom slept and ate only sparingly. She told everyone who would listen, “I know God is healing my husband.” And then one day he died.

Her whole world collapsed. She felt betrayed and wondered if God really loved her. If God did not love her, then her whole life was a lie. And soon she descended into a dark hole of depression.

“If you want to see the Kingdom of God,” Jesus said to Nicodemus, “you must be born again.”

When Martha heard that Jesus was coming she went to meet him. “Lord if you had been here,” she said, “my brother would not have died. Even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.” Martha is desperate. She needs Jesus to set her world right again. “I know that whatever you ask … God will give you.” At first it appears that Martha is asking Jesus to make Lazarus live again. But I don’t think that’s it. I think that she wants Jesus to help her live again. She wants new life beyond her grief and fear. Listen to how this conversation develops.

Jesus said, “Your brother will rise again.” And Martha answers, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” Martha has faith in a general resurrection that all believers will experience on the “last day,” but doesn’t seem able to consider the possibility that Jesus will resurrect Lazarus.

“I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day Jesus.”

“Martha, I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me though he die, yet shall he live.” Martha seems to be mulling over what Jesus said, when he asks, “Do you believe this Martha?” She answers, ‘Yes Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, he who is coming into the world.” She does not say, “I know you can make Lazarus live again.”

Martha left Jesus to tell Mary that he is near. Mary who is overcome with emotion runs to Jesus and falls at his feet weeping, “Lord,” she said, “if you had been here my brother would not have died.”

Jesus is deeply troubled by Mary’s tears. She and Martha are good friends and worthy disciples who are close to seeing the Kingdom of God. They sense that Jesus has power over the forces of death and evil. But they don’t yet trust that in “life as well as in death” believers belong to God, and in either condition we are safe.

They need yet one more lesson. Jesus goes to the tomb of Lazarus. Mary and Martha are there as were their friends and neighbors, and they are overcome with the power of death. Only Jesus knows that even in the tomb Lazarus was safe. But Jesus also mourns. He mourns for the sorrow that Lazarus’ death brought to people he loves.

At the tomb Jesus is in total control and he orders the mourners to remove the stone from the grave. Martha protests that Lazarus has been dead for four days and there will be a terrible smell. But Jesus is sure of what needs to be done. Jesus says to Mary and Martha, “Did I not tell you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?”

He offers a prayer for the benefit of the mourners. They need to know that God sent Jesus into the world armed with all of God’s power. At the end of the prayer he commands Lazarus to come out of the tomb. And the Bible tells us that Lazarus lived.

Most people believe that this story is about a dead man who is brought back to life. I think it is about two women who come to deeper faith in stages. Finally, by the end of the story, they have themselves been reborn and can see the kingdom of God.

You may wonder about the woman whose husband died. It took a long time for her to work through her grief and her crisis of faith. But gradually, she also was able to see that “in life and in death we belong to God,” and she became convinced that in life and in death both she and her husband are safe in God’s love.

Jesus said, “If you want to see the Kingdom of God, you must be born again.”

Copyright © 2008 by Dwight R. Blackstock

Let the Blind Receive Their Sight

Sermon text for March 2, 2008:
John 9:1-41

“If you want to see the Kingdom of God” Jesus said to Dr. Nicodemus, “you must be born again”.

The blind beggar in Jerusalem couldn’t see anything, his whole world was darkness. It wasn’t just that his eyes were sightless, his soul was filled with darkness that comes with constant oppression. Everyday when he begged for alms, he heard people talking about him. “This is the man who was born blind. His parents must have been terrible sinners.” Or, “I wonder what this man did so that he was born blind? His sin must have been very grave indeed.”

Even the religious authorities joined in speculation about whose sin had caused his blindness. They believed that grave sin was attached to him, so he was excluded from participating in the community of faith. People with physical disabilities were believed to be worse sinners than the able bodied, and because of their sin they were outcasts. The man in the gospel lesson’s whole life was darkness, there was little chance he would ever see anything let alone the Kingdom of God.

Jesus saw the blind man as he and his disciples were walking near the Temple. Like the others, the disciples speculated about the man’s sin. “Rabbi, who sinned? This man or his parents, so that he was born blind?” The disciples had no idea that their question demonstrated their own lack of vision. In their own way, they, too, were blind.

“If you want to see the Kingdom of God” Jesus said to Dr. Nicodemus, “you must be born again.”

The blind man didn’t know it, but he was about to be born again. His whole being was about to be bathed with light. Jesus knelt down, spit on the ground, made mud and anointed the man’s eyes. “Go and wash in the pool of Siloam,” he said. And the man did as he was told. As the water washed away the mud, light entered the blind man’s eyes for the first time in his life.

But his healing was not complete. Like the rest of us, his new birth would be a process. He could see with his eyes, but his soul was still locked in darkness.
The man’s friends and neighbors were confused. Some of them could not believe that the man who stood before them was the same beggar whom they had seen begging everyday. “How did this happen?” they asked him. And the man told them what Jesus did. “Where is he?”, they wanted to know. But he could only answer, “I do not know”.

The excited neighbors took the man to see the Pharisees. But rather than praising God for this miraculous healing, the Pharisees were concerned because the healing took place on the Sabbath. They insisted that the man tell and then retell the story of his healing. And when he was finished they wanted to know, “What do you say about this man who healed you?” And the man answered, “He is a prophet.”

This is the first indication of spiritual healing. When first questioned about Jesus he said simply, “I do not know.” But now under pressure he realizes, “He is a prophet.” It is not complete information, but the man is beginning to see with his heart as well as his eyes. The man who healed him is holy.

The Pharisees want him to denounce Jesus. They insist “this man is a sinner.” And with each protestation, their hearts move one more step into blindness. Their minds are closed to the possibility of God doing a new thing. Meanwhile the former blind man discovers new insights, as God continues to re-create him. He challenged the Pharisees saying, “If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.” And with that, the enraged authorities excommunicated him. Just when he became eligible to participate fully in community life, he gets excommunicated.

When Jesus heard about the blind man’s excommunication he found him and asked, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” The man answered, “Who is he, sir, that I may believe?” Jesus said, “You have seen him. It is I who is speaking with you.” And the man answered, “I believe.” At this moment, new life and light is bursting forth in the man born into darkness. Now he sees with his eyes and with his heart. “I believe,” he said. And in that moment, the Kingdom of God was at hand.

New birth comes to us in many different ways. Sometimes Jesus helps us come to grips with the difficult parts of our own life, as he did with the Samaritan woman. Sometimes he offers physical healings which have the double purpose of restoring the person to the community.

The religious leaders were so mired in their traditions that they were not able to see what new things God was doing in Christ Jesus. So while the blind man was being born again, they began to shrivel into irrelevancy.

As we move through this Lenten Season, let us ponder how our own attitudes and beliefs, may keep us from seeing and participating in the work of God. Let us ponder those parts of ourselves that are shriveled and crying out for redemption. And let us trust that Jesus is still in the business of redemption so that like the man born blind, we will one day see the Kingdom of Heaven.

Copyright © 2008 by Dwight R. Blackstock