Lectionary for Pentecost 14
The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. 1 Timothy 1:15
Collect. Gracious Father, by whose mercy we are redeemed and made worthy: grant us ever to remember that our righteousness consists not in ourselves but in the merits of your Son Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Reading. 1 Timothy 1:12-17. Today we often hear that love is God’s nature; “Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love.” 1 John 4:8. Whilst that is undoubtably true we are almost at the end of the New Testament before that definitive statement appears. In today’s passage it is a different aspect of God’s nature that is highlighted. Through these verses, it is God’s mercy that Paul is celebrating. It is because of God’s mercy that Paul is declared to be a forgiven sinner. Paul is so overwhelmed by this thought that he ends the section with a glorious doxology to praise God. Paul describes himself as the worst kind of sinner because he took great pride in his heritage and the keeping of the law in order to make himself righteous enough to approach God. (c/f Philippians 3:2ff) He had scoffed at the teachings of Jesus and hunted down and murdered God’s people before coming to faith in Christ. This is Paul’s great turning point, when, realising what a great salvation Jesus is offering he stopped trusting in himself and started trusting in the saving work of Jesus Christ. Paul recognises that he and indeed all of humanity receive God’s mercy through the self-giving of Jesus. Paul recognises that Jesus came to save sinners and further more he is reminding Timothy and his readers that every sinner is able to receive forgiveness through him.
Recognising the mercy of God also recognises that all have fallen short and therefore as Paul says no one has any reason to boast, (1 Corinth 1:29) As we accept God’s mercy we also accept that we are indeed sinners and as that failure becomes personal so too forgiveness becomes personal. The good news of Jesus it that change is always possible. In Jesus Christ it is never what I was that is of consequence but it is what I have become through the grace of God and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Through the mercy of God we are completely forgiven and so reap the benefits of all that Jesus through the cross has achieved. When that truth dawns on our lives, we like Paul respond by Giving God true thanks and praise. To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honour and glory forever and ever. Amen. 1 Timothy 1:17.
Prayer. Holy Lord, as we pray, by your mercy draw near to us as we bow before you, and grant us such confidence in your presence, that our whole life may be open to you and we may know that all is forgiven and we are made whole. Let our minds take us from ourselves and may we fix our hope on you alone. As we are renewed day by day so inspire us to tell out how your renewing love has touched and changed our lives. Arouse in us such confidence in your forgiveness that we might turn from thoughts and attitudes that hold us in bondage and find that freedom that is Christ’s gift for you. Let us renew our pledge towards you Lord God, that all we are and all we do might be subject to your will and purpose and for your honour and glory. Amen.
Reading. Luke 15:1-10. Luke continues his theme of repentance and in this chapter brings us material that for the most part is unique to Luke’s Gospel. The religious leaders have two complaints, namely that Jesus welcomed and eats with sinners. We need to understand who sinners from Luke’s perspective are; they are not necessarily immoral people in our modern sense. Sinners were people who did not keep the law, it was this that kept them outside the religious community. They were not necessarily poor, tax collectors for example, were often quite wealthy. Tax collectors were not just unpopular because of collecting tax, they broke the law for they charged interest to fellow Jews, and supported the Roman authorities through their activities. Law keeping was how the Pharisees laid claim to their righteousness and so no self respecting Pharisee would entertain eating with a tax collector for eating declared a relationship with them. Jesus’ parable in response to their self righteousness presents an interesting picture, remembering that shepherds like tax collectors at this time, were equally despised as law breakers.
A flock of a hundred sheep would have signalled that the parable was about a wealthy family. Such a family would normally have hired shepherds to attend to the flock. In this parable it is the owner who goes out to look for the lost sheep, and Jesus links the leaders even more closely by adding the phrase, “among you”. In other words it is the leaders in Jesus’ parable who go out to search for the lost sheep and also on finding it carries it home. The picture recounts a kindness that goes beyond simply finding the lost sheep; the sheep is also cared for with joy. Then in a final twist the Pharisees are no longer “shepherds” they have become the sheep that are not lost. The sinners and tax collectors are the ones who on being rescued will bring great joy in heaven!
In Jesus’ second parable the lost coin is described as being of great value. There is a sense of urgency and even anxiety until the coin is recovered, Once it is recovered there is once again great rejoicing. Thus Jesus’ parables emphasise both the lost state of a sinner and at the same time the value of those who are lost. In both parables it is God who wants the lost to return. God is looking to those who are not lost but know him to have a compassion similar to his.
Prayer. Oh Lord we know that Jesus came to seek and save the lost. We thank you for his victory that has prepared a pathway back to you. Help us to be ready to follow were he leads and on the way to invite others to join us on our journey. Grant us the humility to know that it is only through Jesus that we will be found by you. We know this truth only by your grace towards us and so we rejoice and are glad. We lift our hands and hearts to praise your name. Amen
Collect. Father, drover of human souls, you track the lost and round up the strays; give us the courage we need to continue the work that you have begun; in Jesus’ name. Amen
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