Sermon for Oct. 2 nd, 2011 Barbara Marshall Proper 22 Isaiah 5/:1-7 Psalm 80:7-14 Philippians 3:4b-14 Matthew 21:33-46 Just imagine what it was like to sit and listen to Jesus tell stories-prophetic stories about himself and about us. These stories are often referred to as parables which are often described as earthly stories with heavenly meaning. When speaking in parables, Jesus takes things common to everyday life and transforms them into a moral or spiritual lesson. His words help create a picture in the mind of his listeners. Sometimes, the parables are more difficult to understand than others. Jesus wasn t looking for disinterested individuals making a spectacle of following him. He wanted those who follow him to really want the truth. If upon hearing a parable without understanding, the individual may not pursue an answer. But if someone wants to understand Jesus teachings, then he or she will put forth the effort to ask, just as Jesus disciples did. With the help of our Church School children and staff, we will attempt to have a better understanding of today s parable. The parable found in Matthew is known as The Parable of the Wicked Tenants. This is the second parable in a series of three, all speaking out against the irresponsible religious establishment. Like the parable of the two sons and the wedding banquet, today s parable of the wicked tenants teaches the sinfulness of the dishonest leadership and the impending judgment of God against them. Jesus stops to teach on his way to the cross. He predicts his death and crucifixion at the hands of fellow humans. (The children will be called up to assist in a symbolism matching activity. This will be somewhat ad lib including directions. Words, phrases, etc will be written out on sheets of paper. This will be the participatory part of the sermon which will include all who are present.)
Landowner----------------God the Father---creator of the vineyard Grapes---------------------produce------represent good works and pays the rent Landowner s son---------jesus---------whom the leaders want to kill Vineyard-------------------Israel---------planted by God Tenants(farmers)----------leaders-------refuse to honor God with appropriate actions Slaves-----------------------prophets-----whom the leaders reject On one level this parable is all about greed. On another it is about the generosity of the master. On another it s all about the fruit. (Draw from the kids as well as adults the following points directed toward the leaders in this parable.) What does fruit have to do with this parable? (provides necessities) Who are the greedy? (Tenants) Do they understand Jesus as God s agent and son?(no) How do they feel about Jesus presentation of them as greedy, murderous thieves? (angry) Do they repent?(no) What were they plotting against Jesus?(to kill him) What caused them to hold back for now? (Fear of public opinion. They thought also that Jesus was a prophet. How was the master generous? (God s promise takes root in the vineyard and its produce. The vineyard would also be shared with the Gentiles. (At this time I will ask Barry to read a contemporary version of the parable. Writer is unknown.) A man planted a vineyard which he did rent To some tenants to care for, then he went When harvest came he sent someone To get some fruit, but they gave none. Another he sent, they beat and mistreated And sent him away, but again he repeated. To send yet another, but they hurt and threw-out
This made the owner quite angry no doubt But wait I ll send my son to collect The son whom I love they ll surely respect But then the Tenants took the son And put him to death thinking they ve won But the owner came and killed those men And gave the vineyard to others again. The farmers treated the vineyard as if their own But then they rejected the chief cornerstone If you re in charge of part of God s churches Don t be like a bird which on a branch perches Thinking that he owns the whole tree And eating its fruit as if it were free For God owns the tree, you only rent. And if you think different, you must repent. Let s see if we can see compare this parable to a story that we are hearing all too often these days on the evening news or reading in the daily newspapers. Foreclosures! (Ask the children if they know anything at all about the topic. Then pass out signs for matching. All are welcome to participate.) Financial Institutions------------------------------Fanny Mae, Freddy Mac, and some banks------------leaders giving excessive loans to customers living beyond their means. Landowners-----------------adult tenants-------------desiring shelter but losing the building they call home Vineyard-----------------property -----------------------provided by God Fruit---------------------- home and possessions--------------------------providing shelter and comfort Courts--------------------legal system------------------being forced to evict people who become homeless while their former home is empty, desolate, and in disrepair.
Creator--------------------God----------------------------everything comes from God (Again draw from the children and adults the some of the following points.) What is the greed in this modern day parable?(power, high standard of living) What is the fruit? (money which buys goods) Who is the master? (God) How can He provide help? (In serving God we will be led to serve others)what are some resources we can refer to for assistance?(avail ourselves to God through reading the Bible, praying, working on our spiritual growth) There may be tough times ahead. We may not suffer like many during the Great Depression, but it is becoming clear that there are many challenges to overcome. And that is why we give thanks that the story is not over. There is time for financial institutions and the US Congress to work on solutions. There is time for the economy to adjust. And there is time for God s word and guidance to be heard anew. I d like to share with you a reading from Max Lucado s book, Grace for the Moment. The title is called Working to Please God. The biblical reference is from Ephesians6:7 Work as if you were serving the Lord, not as if you were serving only men and women. What if everyone worked with God in mind? Suppose no one worked to satisfy self or please the bottom line but everyone worked to please God. Many occupations would instantly cease: drug trafficking, thievery, and prostitution. Certain careers, by their nature, cannot please God. These would cease. Certain behaviors would cease as well. If I m repairing a car for God, I m not going to overcharge his children. If I m painting a wall for God, you think I m going to use paint thinner?
Imagine if everyone worked for the audience of One. Every nurse, thoughtful. Every officer, careful. Every professor, insightful. Every salesperson, delightful. Every teacher, hopeful. Every lawyer, skillful. Impossible? Not entirely. All we need is someone to start a worldwide revolution. Might as well be us. Pause We are the Body of Christ here on earth. We must lift up the lowly, exalt the humble and meek, and fill the hungry with good things. Justice, mercy, and love for all people: that is what God intends. And we can help. When the landowner s son returns, let us not be found working for our own selfish greed, but for the good of all people one step at a time. God has given us a wonderful vineyard that we often take for granted, that we mar and destroy by our ignorance, greed and intolerance. Christ, the Son of the vineyard owner, comes with a new vision for the vineyard we only lease from his Father: a vision of love rather than desire, of peace rather than hostility, of forgiveness rather than vengeance. May we welcome Christ into this vineyard of ours, aware that he calls us to the demanding conversion of the Gospel but determined nonetheless to sow and reap the blessings of God s reign.