By The Rev. Dr. Paul A. Leggett
Sunday, December 12, 2010 · Third Sunday of Advent
Sermon Series: Are We Prepared? The Old Testament in the Gospel of Mark
Sermon Text: Psalm 118:21-23
Sermon Theme
Jesus tells a parable that draws on two Old Testament passages (Mark 12:1-12). The first reference is to Isaiah 5:1-7 which speaks of a vineyard that God plants but which ends up yielding “wild grapes.” The second is to Psalm 118:21-23 which describes the “chief cornerstone” that has been rejected by the builders. Jesus’ parable of the unjust tenants who finally kill the master’s son so they can steal his inheritance is a prophetic picture of the final rejection of Jesus Christ on the cross. This Advent season focuses on the coming of Jesus into the world. Yet from the very beginning he is rejected, even by “his own.” We have to ask ourselves honestly, how willing are we to receive Jesus into our lives? We too can easily reject him.
Sermon Outline
- Distraction. The Christmas story of Jesus’ birth has been overlaid with myth and legend. We need to note what Scripture actually says. Jesus is born in a house (Matthew. 2:11). Mary and Joseph have been in Bethlehem for some time before Jesus is born. Joseph would hardly have traveled with a wife on the point of giving birth (Luke 2:6). Rather than an inn per se, the reference is probably to the upstairs section of a home. The manger would have been a feeding trough near or on the ground floor of the house which could easily have served as a crib. Yet the gospel story makes clear there was “no place for them” (Luke 2:7). Granted the house may have been full of relatives who had come to Bethlehem to be registered. Still it seems to have been the case that no one was willing to give up their space for the birth of the savior. There may well have been many distractions especially with a number of relatives living together temporarily far from home. We too can be easily distracted by all the many concerns and cares of life (Mark 4:18-19). We are often overwhelmed with all the pressures and responsibilities that we experience (Why are television news shows now starting at 4 am?). As a result we can in effect be saying we have “no place” for Jesus. And the problem with Jesus is he will never accept second place.
- Delight. Another obstacle to receiving Jesus is the simple fact that we have grown accustomed to the pleasures of this life. Once we enter our comfort zone it is hard to leave. Jesus however is never presented as a model of comfort and ease in this life (Matthew 8:20). We can imagine those in the house of Bethlehem having once secured a comfortable room unwilling to give it up (Chico Marx: “I’d give you my seat but I’m sitting here.”). We live in a culture that tells us insistently that we should always be happy and content. We should not deny ourselves anything. There are many things in the world that can delight and even dazzle us (C.S. Lewis’ “Turkish delight”). Yet these things may often be “the desire of the flesh, the desire of the eyes” and “the pride in riches” (I John 2:16). We deceive ourselves if we don’t acknowledge the pleasures in the world around us, even sinful pleasures (Hebrews 11:25). In the face of all the world offers (Matthew 4:8) Jesus presents the model of denying oneself and taking up the cross (Mark 8:34). Yet this is the only sure path to joy (John 15:11).
- Despair. A third and often more troubling rejection of Jesus occurs when people face difficulties and hardships. This may involve the loss of health, relationships, work and even life itself. When we face major challenges and trials there is always the danger of falling into despair. There are many examples of this in Scripture. Moses despairs of the people of Israel (Numbers 11:10-15). Job despairs of his life (Job 3:1-3). David is ready to despair because of his enemies (Psalm 69:17). Jeremiah despairs of his mission (Jeremiah. 20:14-16). The widow of Zarephath despairs over her son (I Kings 18:8-24). Despair is an expression of hopelessness. It represents a loss of faith. To fall into despair is to reject God. It is to reject Jesus Christ whose birth represents light shining in the darkness. Often the person confronted with despair is unable to stand alone. This is a call to God’s people. We need to sustain one another as the Body of Christ. We need to undergird and strengthen the one whose life appears to be falling apart (Galatians 6:2). The promise of the birth of Jesus comes in the darkness of night in the midst of the idolatrous “rulers of this age” (I Corinthians 2:6). It comes to shepherds who are on the lowest rung of the social ladder. Nevertheless it comes in brilliant light and glory. It can be terrifying (Luke 2:9). There is nothing casual about experiencing the coming of Christ into our world and into ourlives. To receive him is to receive the God of hope who fills us with “all joy and peace” (Romans 15:13).
Questions for Us
- What are some ways we can avoid all the distractions of this time of year so that we can focus on the coming of Jesus Christ into our lives?
- Why do we find sin so often to be a “delight to the eyes” (Genesis3:6)?
