Lectionary for Sunday 20
God our Saviour desires everyone to be saved and come to know the truth. For there is one God and one mediator, Jesus Christ. 1 Timothy 2:4-5
Collect. Let us pray (that all races and creeds may find in Christ the fulfilment of their longings): Almighty God, who in the incarnation of your eternal Word revealed the source and perfection of all true religion: grant us so fully to manifest Christ in our lives that people of all races and creeds may be drawn to him who is their whole salvation, our Saviour Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Reading. Genesis 45:1-15. Last week we read of Joseph’s brothers selling him into slavery now in this passage we read of Joseph revealing himself to these same brothers. In this meeting the tables are reversed and Joseph is the one with all the power. Joseph was a key leader in God’s plan to gather for Himself a nation through whom God would bring a blessing to all the peoples of the earth. (Genesis 12:3) In order to prepare Joseph for his great task scripture reminds us that God tested Joseph. He has to endure many trials in order to be prepared for the role he is to perform. (Psalm 105:17-19). Now in the lead up to this final encounter Joseph has also tested his bothers and noticed the changes that have occurred. These last few chapters of the story are emotionally charged as Joseph forces his brothers to confront who they are as a family.
In our reading for today we come to the second time the brothers have met with the high official of Egypt. As before they have come for food for the famine is still ongoing and as such the brothers are completely at the mercy of Joseph. They are deeply concerned that this man seems to know so much about them, including their birth order. It is as Judah pleads for Benjamin and confesses the loss of Joseph; offering himself as slave in Benjamin’s place for the sake of his father that Joseph finally reveals himself to his brothers.
It is hard to imagine the emotions the brothers would have experienced. It is little wonder that they are speechless as they stand before the teenager sold into slavery who has now become such a powerful man.
As Joseph embraces his brothers in welcome he highlights above all things the sovereignty of God. Joseph has become the catalyst through whom God will preserve his people and grow on to become a mighty nation. Though Joseph and his brothers are reconciled the brothers still seem to struggle with the forgiveness they have received. Even after their father Jacob dies they are still concerned that Joseph will reap his revenge and he has to reassure them once again. How hard it is to leave all things in God’s hands! Joseph’s greatest strength was his submission to God in all things. It was because of this that he was able to maintain his integrity through all the trials he had to face.
There are many things to learn from the story of Joseph but perhaps a most important thing is that God is always faithful to us and we can respond by trusting Him in faith. In all of life’s experiences we know, “that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose”. Romans 8:28
Prayer. Almighty God we thank you for your everlasting love and care which surrounds us every day. Grant that we may always remain faithful to you, honouring you in word and deed: living each day as your children. In all things keep us in the faith to which you have called us, trusting in the sacrifice of Jesus our Lord in whose name we call out to you in prayer. Amen
Reading. Matthew 15:[10-20] 21-28. In the previous few verses Jesus has been teaching his disciples about religious purity. (v 10-20), The washing that was under discussion was not so much about hygiene but about being pure enough to stand before God. Immediately after that discussion Matthew remarks that Jesus left that place and went to the district of Tyre and Sidon. In other words he went from the pure people to the Canaanites. The contrast could not have been greater. Jesus has faced persistent opposition among his own people, now we had entered the territory of those who historically from the very beginning had been the Jews enemies. Not only that, the ancient prophets had all spoken against Tyre and Sidon, yet it is here in this region that Jesus and the disciples are confronted by a woman of great faith. Here was a Canaanite woman who by Jewish reckoning would not ever have been “pure”. In Matthew’s description of the exchange we find the menial position of the woman is highlighted as she is addressed as a “dog”! “It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.” The woman recognized Jesus as a powerful man and approaches him by shouting out her request, not for herself but for her daughter. The request comes not only from her need but also her love for her daughter, for whom she will risk any rejection. However her approach upsets the disciples and they wish Jesus to send her away. On being told that he comes only for the “lost sheep of Israel”, she comes and kneels before him, begging for help. Her determination is powerful.
The response from Jesus seems very harsh but it reflects the true situation that both the woman and Jesus faced. Jews held little respect for the Canaanites. However there are a number of Greek words translated into English as “dogs” In this case the word used is one that denotes a puppy or we might say a pet dog. Let’s remember that many people have pet dogs and yes, they are considered part of the family. It is that thought that needs to colour this description from Matthew. Nonetheless Jesus is still refusing to simply grant her request by suggesting she is not worthy. Rather than seeing his response as an insult she sees it as a challenge and an opportunity. A savage street dog would not be fed with the family but a pet dog certainly would be. That was her opportunity. The woman trusted in the power of Jesus to keep on with her request on behalf of her daughter and her request was granted. Here was a remarkable woman who Jesus commends with a accolade that few others receive, “A woman of great faith”!
Matthew’s Gospel shows great respect for the Canaanite woman but over that stands the narrative that no matter who it is and no matter where it is, Jesus has the power and the compassion to help and save.
Prayer. Almighty God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, you are over all things and in you all things have their true existence: We come to you in the name of Jesus our Lord and Saviour. He is our only mediator and it is through him that we humbly bow before you. We are not worthy to ask anything of you, yet in your graciousness you provide all that we need. We thank you that you have surrounded us with a family of those who love you, help each one to remain in your love. Having given thanks for all your gifts we remember before you all those who are suffering for your name’s sake; those who are undergoing hardships because of persecution or from natural disasters. We also pray for those for whom the struggles of this life have torn them away from you and from their trust in you. Give to all of us a refreshing new season of the Spirit that in your presence we may rejoice and be glad, ever honouring and praising you in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Collect. Jesus, servant of the Lord, faced by the faith of an outsider, you cannot refuse the help she needs; save us from restricting our aid to those who are like us; lead us to put our faith into action now and for evermore. Amen.
ericjkirkham.com 