Mark 9:30-37
(I will invite the children [it's Rally Day here, so there should be plenty of them in church] to come forward for a message. I will ask them to tell me what they know about Jesus. I expect to hear "learned" things from the older kids, but I hope to draw out the little ones' responses, too. Little ones are often so profound in how they say what grown ups struggle with. I realize I may end up with some pretty off-the-wall comments and ideas. But, I'm willing to give up that control in order that our children might teach us this day.
I'll ask the kids to tell me what they think Jesus wants the grown ups to hear. What would they say if they were the pastor. We could get some very Law-oriented answers, but I suspect we will also hear plenty of grace. Then I'll ask the kids to find a grown up in the congregation [but not their parent] to tell a secret to. The secret I will share only the children will be is "Jesus loves you." I'll ask the kids to find someone to tell the secret, and after the secret is told, the kids will then return to sit with parents. Then I'll take just a couple minutes to wrap up. I intend to share with the congregation most of Howard Chapman's words from note #23 of Sermonshop 2000 09 24.)
Now that the kids are resettling themselves I'll just take a few minutes to sum up. The gospel writer, Mark, tells us about a couple things that happened that important day in and around Capernaum. Jesus tried to teach his disciples important things, about his death and resurrection. But the disciples didn't want to face the possibility that Jesus might actually die. Being grown ups, they were afraid to ask obvious questions. So, they busied themselves with chatter until they arrived at the house where they would stay.
What did they chat about on the way? Ordinary, everyday kinds of things, I'm sure. Among those was maybe a little good-natured joshing about who was the most important among them - who would be first and who should be last. Playground conversation we all remember from our childhood.
And then Jesus did something that surprised them all. Jesus found a child in that house where they were staying and put the child right there, center stage, on display among the grownups. Back then, children were rarely seen and definitely not to be heard. They were the concern of the women of the household and intended to stay out of the way of the important business the men were to transact.
But, once again, Jesus set things topsy turvy by going outside the boundaries of propriety, much like children often do. Jesus "tells it like it is." Pastor Howard Chapman writes about it this way:
"One thought sticking in my mind is the difference between being childish and child-like. The disciples were acting childish [on the road]. Jesus was telling them they must be child-LIKE.
That being said, I think the common picture we've all imagined is that Jesus brought in a beautiful innocent sweet little tyke, who melted the hearts of the disciples.
What if this child was not sweet and cute? What if it was a grubby toddler with a dirty diaper and runny nose? What if was a tough street urchin with an obscene vocabulary, who would steal you blind the minute your back was turned? Many in the church do say that they are willing to welcome "the least of these" but they have standards that the one to be welcomed must measure up to. If the "least of these" smells bad or acts weird or doesn't do things the way we want, we hesitate. But a typical child often smells bad, acts weird, and doesn't do what we want. Jesus said, "Whoever welcomes such a child in my name welcomes me." (1)
I know many adults who fit the description Pastor Chapman asks us to think about. At any time any one of us might fit that description at least in somebody's eyes. Often OUR bad smell, weird acts and unreliability are not readily visible. We try to hide them from the world, from our neighbors and sometimes even from ourselves. Still, although God knows us inside and out, where we hide our stink and where we pretend to be righteous, we are welcomed by our loving God for Jesus' sake.
We are embraced and put on display for others to see. There's a bumper sticker that says, "Christians aren't perfect, we're just forgiven." That's the good news. When we are childish - competing with one another like playground bullies, calling each other names, not speaking to one another, forming cliques and excluding anyone we choose - Christ calls us to be child-LIKE. Like a child, don't be afraid to confess what you'd rather hide. Talk to God about it: blurt it out. Confess it. Get it out in the open, front and center. And, then let God's loving arms wrap you in a forgiving embrace. That bear-hug you've been longing for is ready. It's in your size, whether your confession is big or small. Once you feel those loving arms around you, you will be ready to stand up and let others see who you are - a beloved child of God. Ready for new adventures, knowing you are not alone. Amen
(1) Edited note #23 of Sermonshop 2000 09 24, Ecunet.
Let us pray for the whole people of God in Christ Jesus, for all people according to their needs.
Lord of Hosts, who judges righteously, you know our hearts and our minds. You see who we are inside and who we present ourselves to be to the outside world. Help us to reconcile our inner and outer selves so that the world may see your gracious love through our unselfish actions. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. (Jeremiah 11:18-20)
God, our helper, we give you thanks for your loving kindness. You have protected your people from harm. You encourage us to deal equally with all people. Turn our hearts away from what we fear and make us focus on your love. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. (Psalm 54)
Wise and understanding God, guide all those who seek to know your name. Inspire teachers to show your love to their students. Help us seek the wisdom only you can give. Teach us to share not only our material riches but the good news you have given us in Jesus, your Son. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. (James 3:13 - 4:3, 7-8a)
Welcoming Lord, you know us through and through. When we are healthy and when we are ill. We lift these, your children for your tender care...
Are there others we should include in our prayers?
Let your healing arms embrace all who need your loving touch. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. (Mark 9:30-37)
Into your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy; through your son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
(Comments to Linda at Linda_Kraft@Ecunet.org.
Pictures and formatted info to kkraft@ct2.nai.net.)
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Stafford Springs, CT
Secretary, Slovak Zion Synod, ELCA;
Board Member: ELCA Division for Higher Education and Schools