6 Epiphany Sermon Notes

The Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany – February 11, 2007

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” – Jeremiah 17: 7-8

“Happy are they who have not walked in the counsel of the wicked, nor lingered in the way of sinners, nor sat in the seats of the scornful! Their delight is in the law of the LORD, and they meditate on his law day and night. They are like trees planted by streams of water, bearing fruit in due season, with leaves that do not wither; everything they do shall prosper.” – Psalm 1:1-3

Luke 6:17-26 [verses in brackets]

• Parallel/Similar text: Mt 5:3-12

Leading up to Luke’s so-called “Sermon on the Plain”, we find Jesus healing a man with a withered hand and establishing himself as the Lord of the Sabbath in verses 1-11. This infuriates the Pharisees and Teachers of the Law; so they begin looking for a way to accuse Jesus.

In the shadow of this threat, Jesus goes up to a mountainside to pray. Jesus prays all night. In Luke’s account, this is Jesus’ longest episode of prayer since the wilderness prayers. Clearly, it indicates Jesus’ concern for the next phase of his ministry. In the morning, after Jesus prayed all night, he chose 12 men from among the more numerous disciples, to be the apostles whom he will train to carry out the Gospel, once the Jewish leadership successfully bring their accusations to their ultimate conclusion.

• Apostle = one who is sent out, a messenger

[17] Since Jesus had previously called the disciples up to where he had been praying, it seems natural that Jesus coming “down with them” immediately followed the selection of the 12. Therefore, Jesus immediately begins the instruction for the 12 and the wider band of disciples, while the curious crowd gathers around, as well.

• Luke’s “Sermon on the Plain” as it has been called, may be the same sermon as that described in Matthew’s Gospel. Or, it may be a separate teaching event where Jesus used similar themes. Certainly, from verses 12 & 17, it is quite plausible that Jesus and the disciples only descended part way down the mountainside to a level spot along the side. Luke’s account of the “Sermon on the Mount/Plain” leaves out those issues that are uniquely Jewish, which Matthew emphasizes.
  

[18, 19] Jesus is so full of the power of the Holy Spirit that people are coming up and simply touching him in order to be healed of illness and relieved of demons.

• This may explain why Jesus found it useful to teach from inside Peter’s boat in chapter 5.

[20] While there are many more people than just Jesus’ disciples, Jesus directs the message specifically to his disciples.

• Verses 20-26 reveal parallel blessings and woes: poor & rich, hungry & full, weep & laugh, exclusion & renown, with joy as the centerpiece.

• “Woe” is an expression of compassion and regret. As if to say, “What a shame.”

[20, 24] The poor are contrasted against the rich. This is not a socio-economic commentary. It is a contrast between dependence on God and self-reliance. The wealthier we are, the more likely we are to feel comfortable with the status quo. We are less likely to cry out to God when it seems as though we can obtain everything that we desire through our own means. The poor are those who recognize their need for God: their blessing IS the kingdom of God – now. The need for God, is filled by God with His presence, now.

[21, 25] The hungry are contrasted against the full. Similar to above [20, 24].

• “He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.” – Luke 1:52-53 (The Magnificat, BCP 119)

[21, 25] Those who weep are contrasted against those who laugh. Weeping here, as in several OT instances, is associated with repentance, while laughing is associated with the scornful (mockers). Those who weep in response to their sin, will laugh with joy when they receive grace.

[22, 26] Those who are hated (as witnesses for Jesus) are contrasted against those who are well spoken of (hypocrites). The contrast is between the here & now and eternal life. Those who stand up for truth now – no matter the cost – will be remembered by Christ. They will not be “sent away empty”. Those who find honor now, in disregard for the truth, have received their empty reward already.

[23] “Rejoice in that day.” The blessed ones are those like the tree Jeremiah describes: it is firmly rooted beside living water. The blessed rejoice because they trust in the Lord rather than in wealth, self-reliance, pride or false honor.

• Compare: John 4:10-14, (Jesus gives living water welling up to eternal life) and John 15:1-5, (Jesus is the True Vine – abide in him).

How does a tree become firmly rooted? [See Jeremiah 17] It sends out its roots toward the water. And it does not fear the heat and drought because it is deeply rooted.

How de we become firmly rooted? [See Psalm 1] We stay away from the counsel of the wicked. Note the progression: “walked”, “lingered” and “sat”. Walking leads to lingering, lingering leads to sitting, sitting leads to becoming the wicked. [Ref. George Kovoor]

Rather, the Blessed Ones (the righteous) delight in the Word of the Lord – the righteous meditate on His Law regularly.

What is the evidence of our rootedness? Bearing fruit! Our Purpose is to bear fruit in due season: Winter (Rest), Spring (Planting), Summer (Growth/Heat/Stress), Fall (Harvest/Fruitfulness).

Do not fear! God intends us to experience all four seasons!

• What season are you in now?

O God, the strength of all who put their trust in you: Mercifully accept our prayers; and because in our weakness we can do nothing good without you, give us the help of your grace, that in keeping your commandments we may please you both in will and deed; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.