FIFTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST, 2009, LECT 24 B

NORTH SALEM LUTHERAN, FIRST EVANGELICAL, UPPER SANDUSKY

Isaiah 50:4–9a; Psalm 116:1–9; James 3:1–12; Mark 8:27–38

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and our Savior Jesus Christ, Amen. 

On the way, Jesus asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?  In other words:  What’s the Word on the Street about me? 

One of the questions that Pastor Andrea would often ask at LIFE Board meetings had to do with rumors.  She would ask those gathered if there were any questions being asked, any rumors being passed, or any out-right pieces of misinformation being told that we needed to address.   Almost always there was something to share. 

Sometimes they were rather humorous.  Other times the rumors we had heard were down right dangerous to the future of LIFE.  The purpose of this practice was not to mock those who were passing around false information, but  to ask ourselves, how do we respond to this?  Most often it was clear that no matter how well we thought we were communicating our news, it wasn’t well enough.   Communication always seemed to be the key to preventing rumors from spreading.  How do we make sure that people know the truth? 

So, Jesus asked his disciples what they had heard about him.  Who do people say that I am?  No doubt Jesus had a pretty clear idea what was being said about him.  Still, it was a good way to introduce this whole matter of his identity.  By now people had seen Jesus heal the sick, raise the dead, cast out demons, and teach about the kingdom of God.  Still, it was clear, people really didn’t know who Jesus was.  They were always looking backwards at past actions, and apparently not expecting God to act in new ways.  They were looking for the familiar, for someone like John the Baptist or the prophets. 

Then Jesus asked, the real question, “But who do you say that I am? 

Once upon a time I served on the Ohio Tri-Synodical Candidacy Committee.  A rather mouth-filling title, but it simply means that all three Evangelical Lutheran Church in America synods in Ohio had formed one committee to examine candidates from Ohio congregations who are being considered for the rostered ministries.  In other words, anyone who wants to become a pastor, an Associate in Ministry, a Diaconal Minister or Deaconess in the ELCA is examined by this committee. 

It can be a rather daunting and somewhat lengthy process. This committee looks not only at one’s spiritual and academic readiness, but also at one’s psychological well-being.  At least three different times in one’s candidacy process, a person will need to sit down with a panel of committee members for an interview.  We try to make it a safe place to be, but sometimes hard questions have to be asked. 

One of the most deceivingly simple questions is one that we almost always asked,  “For you, who is Jesus?” 

I say deceivingly simple because the candidates always thought that it was a trick question.  They were sure that we were looking for some deep theological observation, and so, after turning a lighter shade of pale, these folks would launch into a description of Jesus which would make their Systematic Theology professors proud.  It made us proud, too.  But it wasn’t what we were looking for.

Instead, we really wanted to know if they believed that Jesus is their savior.  Did they see Him as the Messiah?  As their Messiah?  Or was Jesus just another religious icon?  So we asked, “For you, who is Jesus?” 

I think this moment on the road to the villages of Caesarea Philippi was the first ever Candidacy Committee interview.  Who do you say that I am?

The pressure is on.  Not only do these disciples need to impress their rabbi with their answer, they need to come up with an answer to the question which has been puzzling them for 8 chapters now.  Who is this man who casts out demons?  Who is this man who can walk on water?  Who is this person who has power unlike anyone we have known?  Who is Jesus? 

The question is given to all of them, but, of course, Peter answers.  “You are the Messiah.”  (You can just see the other disciples rolling their eyes -- “teacher’s pet!”)  I think that his answer had to have been divinely inspired.  Up to this point, only the demons and pagans seemed to know Jesus’ identity.  Only pagans had knelt before Him.   As for the crowds, they were greatly impressed with his miracles, but there didn’t seem to be any awareness that Jesus is God. 

Even now, with Peter having declared that Jesus is the Messiah, it is clear that they are not sure what that means.  Remember, Messiah simply means, “Anointed One.”  For Peter and the disciples they may have assumed that he was like past “Anointed Ones” and that he would lead them into battle, or behave as any of their former kings, all people who had been anointed by a particular priest or prophet of the time. 

Jesus makes it clear who he is, and what will happen to him.  This is the first time that he speaks this openly on the matter, and what he has to say is down right mind boggling.  We can appreciate Peter’s rebuke.  What Messiah in his right mind would plan to suffer, be rejected, killed and rise again?  This was not part of any of their experience.  Who would plan such a future? 

Of course we know how this plays out -- Peter’s rebuke is met by one from Jesus.  One which makes it clear that God’s ways are not necessarily our ways.  Jesus goes on to tell not just his disciples but the crowd  that has gathered what it will mean to follow Him.  It really does remind me of some of those Candidacy Committee interviews. 

The rest of the gospel according to Mark, the rest of Christian History may come down to how one answers this question, “Who do you say Jesus is?”  If we declare that Jesus is just a nice teacher, someone who did good things for those around him, we really need to go back to catechism! 

For me, I have to begin at the Cross.  When I want to answer the question, “Who is Jesus for me,” I need to look at the cross and confess that Jesus is the One who gave His life not just for me, but for the whole world.  Jesus is the Savior of the world, my savior, my greatest delight.  Jesus didn’t die so I could have an easy life, but so that I, along with all believers, could be freed from the burden of sin, and be at one with God. 

There is a song which has a line, “Jesus, Lover of my Soul.”  I like that.  I like the intimacy which that phrase presents -- a promise that Jesus knows me better than I know myself.  And yet, Jesus has made it clear that knowing Him is not just about my relationship with Him, but also about my relationship with all of those he claims as family  I cannot claim to love Jesus, and not love the rest of His family. 

Last weekend I read a news article that stated only 2% of people in mainline, Protestant denominations invite others to come to worship with them.  Only 2%!  Another report I read announced that in the non-denominational, mega churches, nearly 90% invite others to worship.  90%!  In good Lutheran fashion, I asked, “What does that mean?”  Why don’t we invite our friends to worship?  I’ve come to the conclusion that part of the answer lies in how we answer the question, “Who is Jesus?”  That’s not the whole picture, I’m sure, but I suspect it has a lot to do with it.

So, imagine Jesus standing right here, in the flesh, and asking you, right now, “Who do you say that I am?” 

How would you answer that question?  And then, how would you tell someone else about Jesus?  The Lutheran Laity movement, Via De Cristo,  has a saying, “Make a friend, be a friend, Bring a friend to Christ.”  You don’t have to have attended one of their weekend events to practice that.  But it sure helps a lot if you can answer the question, “Who is Jesus?” 

The good news for us is that because of the death and resurrection of Jesus, we know who Jesus is.  He is the Messiah, the Son of God, the Crucified One, the Savior of the World.  We can answer that question.  Indeed, we get to answer that question!  It becomes our privilege and joy to share that good news with others.  We get to tell others about Jesus.  We get to invite others to come to Christ, to God.  I believe that Jesus is counting on us to share that good news with others, telling them about this Messiah, this one who died for them, and inviting them to worship and to other church-related events. 

Make a Friend, Be a Friend, Bring a friend to Christ -- tell the good news of who Jesus is.

Finally, a personal word.  This is my final time to be with you as worship leader.  It has been my delight to serve with you as your pastor.  I will truly miss you.  I will continue to pay for you, and I hope that you will keep me in your prayers as well.

God loves you, and so do I.  Amen. 
 

Prayers of Intercession  First Evangelical

Lord of creation, with confidence in your abiding care, we are bold to pray for the world, the church, and all in need.

A brief silence.

Gracious God, we pray For the whole church, that she continue to walk in your presence, holding high the cross, transforming lives by serving all in need. Hear us, O God.  Your mercy is great.

Gracious God, we pray For a renewed awareness of the value you placed on creation in the beginning, that we may recover that holy goodness, and practice good stewardship of land, earth, and ocean.  Grant that our Wyandot County Fair will be a place for celebrating your creation.  Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Gracious God, we pray For every land shattered by warfare, famine, injustice, and political oppression, that you raise up leaders who seek peace above personal gain and exercise authority in love. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Gracious God, we pray For all who need compassion, that our ministry can provide decent shelter, fulfilling work, nutritious food, suitable medicine, and hope for all children and blessings for their parents.  We pray especially for Char, Lorraine, Pr. Bob, Pete, Deb, Lonnie, Don, Charlotte, Karen, Doris, Betty, Tracy, Kayleena, Earl, Merle, Bob, Denny, and Dick.   Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Gracious God, we pray For our congregation, that our service in your name transform neighborhoods and touch those who live around us. Bless especially the new ministry, Tuesdays with LIFE. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Gracious God, we give  thanksgiving for church leaders whose faithful lives offer us a vision of service.  Bless the lives of Karen Gillen, Fred Gillen and Miriam Wood as we celebrate their birthdays, and the marriages of Jon & Eleanor Zimmerman, Fran & Jim Armstrong, Loren & Lois Dillon, and Dick & Cuba Louise Gibson.  Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Lord of creation, into your hands we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy, through Jesus Christ, our Savior.

Amen.