Lent 5 C: The Unexpected God
Dear Partner in Preaching,
For many years I have very much enjoyed reading this passage because of it’s vivid imagery and dramatic introduction of the passion story that is about to commence. But I have also struggled to preach it. Not only is there the scene of Mary washing Jesus’ feet with her hair, so reminiscent of the scene of an unnamed woman in Luke 7, but also the undercurrent of suspicion about Judas, the significance of the perfume in relation to burial customs, and Jesus’ widely misinterpreted line about always having the poor with us. Lots to talk about, most of which needs first to be unpacked and explained!
This year, however, what struck me was simply how unexpected most of the actions of this scene were. It was unexpected that someone would use such a costly amount of perfume to clean someone’s feet. It was unexpected (at least to those in attendance) that Jesus would dampen the mood of the feast and gift by talking about his death. And it was unexpected that he would engage in an argument over dinner with one of his disciples.
But what was perhaps most unexpected is that Jesus is anointed by Mary. As Eliseo Pérez-Álvares points out in his commentary on Working Preacher, it is usually men who anoint men. Samuel anointing Saul to be Israel’s first king. Male Popes anointing male emperors throughout western history, and so on. But here, Mary lets down her hair – with all the cultural connotations of that expression – and anoints Jesus.
All of which reminds me that God is often up to unexpected things with, for, and through unexpected people. People expected the messiah to look like King David; what they got instead was a former carpenter and itinerant preacher. The crowds who welcome Jesus a few verses after these expected Jesus to throw out the Romans; instead he is crucified by them. Even his followers expect his crucifixion to be the end of the story; it turns out to be just the beginning.
And of course this isn’t the half of it. Sarah wasn’t expected to have children, let alone found a dynasty. Moses wasn’t expected to lead the Israelites to freedom. Miriam wasn’t expected to be the prophetess of Israel teaching her people to sing of God’s victory over the Egyptians. The ruddy-faced shepherd boy David wasn’t supposed to be king. And on and on and on.
God regularly loves to do the unexpected with, for, and through unexpected people. And the culmination of Lent and celebration of Easter are the highlight of the work and activity of this unexpected God, as death is assumed to have the last word, until Jesus is raised from the dead.
So one thing we might ask this Sunday is what do we expect of God – to come in power, to answer our prayers as we would like, to favor our political candidate or sports team – and are we prepared to be surprised as God again does the unexpected?
Or, even more interesting to me, we might also ask where God might be at work in unexpected ways in our community? Through the half-defunct youth group that everyone worries about but which gave sanctuary and friendship to the down and out kid on the brink of suicide? Through the aging “ladies circle” that worries about their inability to attract a younger generation but which continues to provide quilts to Lutheran World Relief that make such a difference in the lives of people half a world away? Through the church’s decision to rent its space to a local homeless program, a decision they embraced out of economic need but have been surprised and delighted by as they see their space become a place of safety and comfort for folks living on the edge?
Then again, we might ask whom God might work through next. And if you ask that question, then invite your people to look at those sitting near them. For God may be about to use each of them in a surprising way to care for their neighbor, to offer a listening ear, to do their work with faithfulness and courage, to stand up for those who are less fortunate, to resist peer pressure at school and offer an alternative to those watching. Who knows? What we do know is that God is regularly about the business of surprising us with where God shows up, whom God uses, and what God accomplishes.
So perhaps this Sunday, Dear Partner, we might send our people out looking for traces of the predictably unexpected God, the One who shows up where we least expect God to be, and always for good. If you celebrate communion this week, you might remind people that in this meal, also, God shows up in the ordinary and unexpected places of bread and wine to convey forgiveness of sins and renewal of mission. If you don’t celebrate communion (or even if you do), you might use the benediction to bid people open their eyes to the surprising ways God will use them to care for the people and world God loves so much.
And as you prepare to preach, Dear Partner, remember that the God who unexpectedly used Mary to anoint God’s Son is also using you – your faith and hard work and gifts – and through them will also do unexpected and marvelous things. Blessings on your ministry and proclamation this week and always.
Yours in Christ,
David
David, thank you. I was feeling quite stuck and your words have opened up many possibilities.
The thing that is jumping out at me is the way Jesus so clearly and surprisingly breaks down the cruel and artificial barriers that inflict society. We expect barriers, walls, and in some ways almost seem to crave them for the false sense of safety they offer. I feel overwhelmed some days by what seems to be a devolving of human society. We “build walls” out of the morter of fear that inflict so much suffering upon those in the other side. The climate of mistrust being fostered in the public square leaves us wanting isolation over community. But then here comes Jesus, the unexpected incarnate, and the walls can’t stand.
Jesus speaks to women, allows himself to be touched, listens to those who have no voice, heals the sick and broken, loves the children, restores community, dies to concure evil with love. Here, even in his intimate relationships we find him setting aside taboos to allow Mary the dignity of expressing her heart.
The unexpected incarnate, what a great gift to get to bring. Thank you for jarring loose my homiletic imagination.
That’s a brilliant comment, thank you – makes me think along Girardion lines – conflict, rivalry, walls and barriers, it’s all there and I’d never noticed it before. What a great site this is. And Jesus allowing himself to be handled in this way – as you say – I’d never thought of that either. It’s all about grace, isn’t it?
Thanks Kit and as ever, thanks David.
Thanks David – new life into a sometimes hard passage to preach.
Grace and peace to you Brother.
David
David, I am intrigued by your reference to the unexpected. This is a direction I intend to use this week in my sermon but I am curious to the lack of mention of that which is most unexpected; the presence of Lazarus. He was dead and is now alive. He should have been remembered but instead is celebrated and shares a meal with Jesus. Is there anything more unexpected in this passage than the presence of the one whom Jesus raised from the dead? How might that reality help us realize God’s willingness to use all of us in ways we never expected even if we thought we were dead?
David, once again you have seen the unexpected and invite us to look for the unexpected actions of God in our midst. Brilliant!
I was headed in a different direction, focusing on Jesus’ comment to Judas, “Leave her alone,” but your insights have recolored my imagination. Thank you. Very helpful. Much appreciated.
I am always so grateful for your generous encouragement as we struggle to get to the heart of Jesus and his teachings. You are a truly a blessing.