Jesus
did things differently from the way people thought they should be done; the way
the world would have things done. If we
were planning a public relations blast we’d put out slick messages with
appealing graphics. He sent His follower
in poverty, with no supplies, and only a message to proclaim. We want recognition for the things we
do. He urged His disciples to not
celebrate their ministry victories, but to rejoice in their salvation. We want to show ourselves worthy of God’s
love and blessings. He confirmed for the
lawyer that loving God and neighbor are the key to earning eternal life, but
then turned around and told a parable that showed that the lawyer (indeed, none
of us) loves as we should love. We
celebrate action, service, and accomplishment.
Jesus told Martha that Mary had chosen that which was better in sitting
at His feet.
One
of the things that we should draw from these readings is that to properly
understand Jesus, He must be revealed to us.
As Jesus said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth,
that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding
and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your
gracious will. All things have been handed over to me
by my Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the
Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal
him.”
In
Baptism, Bible and Communion, we are brought into contact with God’s Word, and
He reveals His Law and Gospel to us. He
makes Himself known and delivers judgment on our sin in the cross of Christ,
and distributes forgiveness and life through Jesus’ cross to all who would
believe. What is more, these gifts can
only be received by faith, which you don’t have to manufacture, but they too
must be given to you as a gift through God’s Word, even at your Baptism.
Father,
You have hidden things for the eyes of many, but have revealed Your salvation
to me. Help me rejoice in Your
forgiveness and share the good news with other so they too may know and believe
You. Amen.
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