Epiphany 2 A: A Question, Invitation, and Promise
Dear Partner in Preaching,
It all starts with a question and an invitation. Jesus’ ministry and mission in the Gospel of John, that is. And I find that both interesting and instructive.
First the question. Jesus’ first words in John’s Gospel are not a sermon or an exorcism or the proclamation of the coming kingdom, as in other accounts, but rather a question. When disciples of John the Baptist come looking for him, he asks them, “What are you looking for?” The richness of this question in the original Greek bears notice, as the question could also have been translated, “What are you seeking?” or “What do you hope to find?” And we might expand that to “What do you need? What do you long for? What do you most hope for?”
It’s a great question, one we rarely ask or try to answer in church. Which is a shame, because the culture – and particularly the consumer culture – in which we live asks and answers it all the time. Except when the culture asks the question, it’s not really a question, but a set-up to a prefabricated answer. “What do you need?” quickly becomes, “I know what you need – a new pair of running shoes, a more expensive car, whiter teeth, to lose ten pounds,” all of which, we’re told, can be had for a price.
Our folks know better, of course. Deep down we know that true wealth is counting all the blessings we enjoy that money can’t buy. But message after message to the contrary can wear us down and push us to look for substitutes. Which is why it might be great to start off this new year of grace asking this question, what do we really need, long for, hope for, and how might our congregations offer those things. Is it silence in a world of so much noise? Is it relationship in a world increasingly isolated and isolating world? Is it community in an individualistic and often lonely culture? Is it the chance to serve and be connected to others in a world that encourages putting yourself first? Is it hope and courage when headlines inspire fear and despair? Is it Sabbath rest in a 24/7 world where relentless busy-ness has become a badge of honor and is regularly substituted for meaningful activity and necessary rest.
What is it that we most need and how can our congregations provide it? None of our congregations can do everything, of course, but I think it would be really interesting to ask this question and then choose one thing to focus on in the coming year. One deep need to meet, one purpose around which to organize our efforts, one hallmark of our community to lift up that others may see who we are and what we offer and come have that need met.
The disciples reply to Jesus’ question by asking where he is staying. Again, the translation limps a bit, as they are really asking where he is dwelling, abiding, remaining, indwelling. They want to know, that is, where they can come and simply be with him. And that leads to Jesus’ invitation. And before getting to the specifics of that invitation, I think it’s important just to notice that in response to their question, Jesus doesn’t offer an answer but instead issues an invitation. Invitations are inherently relational, and I think that’s instructive, as it reminds me that when folks ask questions, particularly questions about faith, they’re often less interested in a particular answer or information but seek relationship. It also reminds me that we don’t have to have all the answers, but simply be ready to offer an invitation and through that invitation offer ourselves, our commitment to them regardless of where the questions and conversations may lead.
Jesus’ invitation is really quite simple: “come and see.” It’s non-threatening. It’s clear. As we’ve already noted, it’s inherently relational. And it’s something any of us could say. Which invites us to imagine evangelism rather differently. Evangelism doesn’t have to be intrusive or abrasive or unwelcome. Evangelism is offering a simple and relational invitation to other people seeking something more than the culture has to offer: come and see.
I’ve said on a number of occasions that the decline of our church traditions will stop the day a critical mass – and it doesn’t even have to be the majority, just a critical mass! – of our people a) know why they value their participation in church and b) can share that with others. This Sunday might just be the day to ignite this turn, this new reformation, by inviting people to name what they are seeking and longing for, determine to be a congregation that meets those deeper needs, and help people offer a simple, three-word invitation: come and see. The point, in the end, is not to get more people to church or to stop decline, but rather to invite people into the joy and life we have experienced in Christ.
And here’s the thing: It’s not just we who is offering this invitation. It is God in Christ working through us to invite others to abundant life so much richer than anything we can buy. And, just as importantly, it’s God in Christ inviting us to that same life. Even if we struggle to name or understand or articulate our faith. Even when we opt for cheap substitutes we think we can buy or earn rather than receive the gift of faith from God. Even when we struggle to share our faith with others. Even when we wonder if we believe at all. Yet Jesus is still there, still asking what we most deeply need, still inviting us to come and see, and still determined to give us more than we can possibly imagine. Jesus simply will not give up on us. Ever.
Thanks for sharing this question and invitation, Dear Partner. And thanks even more for sharing the promise at the heart of the Gospel that God in Jesus is always both with us and for us and there is nothing anyone can do to change that. It’s an important word to share, and I’m grateful for your partnership. Blessings in your proclamation in this new year of grace.
Yours in Christ,
David
Dear David,
I really do thinnk these reflections of yours have been great! Why not publish them
in book, CD or DVD form? That way we could utilize them for reading por listening as part
of our pericope study. It needs a shot iin the arm arond these parts in the NE Synod.
Shalom, Dave Bühler • Providence College, Rhode Island
Such grace and wisdom in this reflection. Thank you.
Thank you David for your reflections. I so appreciate them in helping me to put my sermon together.
Thanks for getting the brain cells going once again! Ask the question “what are you looking for?” to many in our culture, and the first answer is likely to be “I don’t know, but I know I won’t find it at or in church.” We risk falling prey to marketing schemes when we can’t answer that question ourselves, even when the answer changes over time. Jesus’ answer, “come and see,” is as mysterious as life often can be, but leaves open God’s universe of possible answers. This falls on the day of our annual congregational meeting, and will be a good foundation for looking ahead. We’ll get to “come and see” together!
I like your insight that questions and invitations are the paths most productively taken in sharing the good news. It seems essential that we ask them sincerely and listen well to what persons tell us when we ask them what they are looking for in life. Even the asking of the question may be a gift to them, helping them to pause and reflect rather than just continue living an unreflected life. We should ask the question of ourselves as well.
It doesn’t in any way change the point you’re making, but the first recorded words in the other Gospels, don’t all fit into those categories mentioned in your opening, bar the proclamation of the Kingdom in Mark.
Matthew’s first words of Jesus are in response to John’s hesitancy to baptise Him,
and Luke’s records Jesus’ response to Mary when they find him in the temple (age 12).
John’s Gospel IS unique. He records the instances of epiphany in his own and other people’s lives. He highlights the things Jesus said and did that cause us to grapple with just who He is.
Thank you for what you write week by week. I am neither Lutheran nor American, but I value your input and it so often (as it did today) stirs in me, new and important grappling of my own.
You’re right, of course, Janie. I was thinking of his first public address and so had excluded his words to his mother as a boy, his conversation with John, his exchange with the devil, or his calling of the disciples. But I didn’t make that very clear. Moreover, these words in John are not public address either, so I’m definitely mixing categories. (That’s what happens when you write too fast!) Thanks, again, for catching this, and blessings on your life of faith.
Thank you so much for your message here, David. It is what I needed to hear and I feel that your thoughts, so simple and profound (the best, truest kind of “preaching”) will really connect with my folks. They also happen to fit right in with the Wisconsin UCC’s “SHIFT” initiative in its second year now, which invites congregations to look at ministry less in terms of church membership and numbers, and more in terms of relationships between the church and the community. Just beautiful – thank you again!
Thank you for this and every commentary you post, David. Just want to share the song that came to mind: http://www.u2.com/lyrics/62
One of my favorites! 🙂
Good association! Thanks!
and interesting that tge psalm is 40 which inspired another U2 song!
Thank you! As always your posts bring the Light of God to my spirit and proclamation. I will be sharing your points a) and b) about the church knowing (learning) why they value participation in Church and being comfortable sharing that with others. But I will add a third point, c) be willing to listen to other disciples.
Thank you from a Presbyterian, Jane
Thank you for your post and all your posts. You have such a “down to earth” way of explaining things and that’s what my congregation likes. (welcome back to Minn. excited to have you back) 🙂
This is very similar to a Jesuit understanding of how God works in all life- with God always supporting us by asking what do you seek.
I enjoy your reflections and share them. In this reading two hymns come to mind 1. Art thou weary, art thou languid..’ by Stephen the Babsite 725 – 794 and 2. One who is all unfit to count.’ by Narayan Vaman Tilak. 1862 – 1919. I could not help but think of the Woman at the well who in her evangelism zeal proclaimed, ‘Come, see a man.’