Epiphany 6 C: “With!”
Dear Partner in Preaching,
It’s late in the week and so I will share just a few thoughts on this week’s pericope. Actually, just one: “with.” It may be one of the most important words in this passage and, indeed, the English language (and, for that matter, Greek and all others languages to boot).
Why? Because “with” connects. It joins. It adds. And by connecting, joining, and adding it creates something new. Moreover, it is incredibly relational. “Do you want to go with me?” is one of those invitations, for instance, that few of us forget when a new friend makes it.
And so while I’ve read this passage countless times – noting the differences between Luke’s account of Jesus’ most famous sermon and Matthew’s, paying attention to Luke’s characteristic concern for social equity and favor for those with less – this time what struck me was the very first sentence: “He – Jesus – came down with them and stood on a level place….”
Of course it’s a level place, as opposed to Matthew’s mountain. Jesus is coming to be with them. Not above or, for that matter, below, but with.
There is absolutely no question that Jesus – across the gospels but especially in Luke – demonstrates a profound concern for those who are poor. That comes through clearly in this passage. Nor is it a new concern, as Mary’s song of praise, rebellion, and hope sounds many of the same notes in the very first chapter of Luke’s story. But Jesus, especially in Luke, does not only care for the poor but also, and perhaps more generally, for those who are excluded, for those who have been left behind, for those who have not been treated fairly, for those have been left out. Most expansively, Jesus cares for all those who need him.
That doesn’t diminish his concern for the poor in this passage or elsewhere across the Gospel but underscores Jesus’ commitment to come and seek out those who are lost… in any way we can imagine being lost. Why else include Zacchaeus, or the Centurion (whose servant was ill), or tell parables about rich landowner’s children or persistent widows, or have the centurion at the cross describe Jesus as “innocent”? Jesus wants to be with them and for them and so comes down and out and around in order to meet with them on a level place.
This, I suspect, doesn’t really surprise us when we stop to think about it. A wise friend once said to me that a parent is usually only as happy as his or her least happy child. That has proven true in my own experience countless times and I think the biblical witness suggests this may be true of God as well. So no wonder Jesus comes to be with them. No wonder he lifts up the lowly as worthy of God’s regard and chastises those who ignore them. God comes to be God and Lord and parent to all.
Again, this should not temper, either in our hearing or preaching, Jesus’ absolute commitment to and solidarity with the poor, but it might help us invite those in our congregation – who I suspect are the vast majority – who are not as impoverished as those to whom Jesus is originally speaking (or those who are originally hearing Luke’s Gospel) – to see that Jesus comes to all who are in need. And thereby to admit their need. And thereby to see their connection with others – maybe all others – who are also in need, even if the need is different. We are joined, it turns out, not by our strength or tribe or gifts or predilections or prejudices or fears – this despite the efforts of many to convince us otherwise – but by our need. And, through our need, by God’s favor for us and all who are in need.
“Jesus’ came down with them and stood on a level place….” Of course he did. So that we might, too.
Blessings on your proclamation this week and always, Dear Partner. Your words and your witness matter more than you might imagine.
Yours in Christ,
David
Thanks, David. I thought I knew what I was doing with this text, but the missing piece is the theological geography you’ve ably named here with “with.” Thanks!
I was captured by Jesus looking up or “lifting up his eyes” at his disciples just before he starts teaching. I imagine the scene as Jesus with the poor, with the ones who are hungry, with the ones weeping; the disciples perhaps are a bit up or away from Jesus; and so it seems that Jesus is saying “Pay attention to those who I attend to.”
Thank you for your words David.