Los Gatos United Methodist Church

ENTERING THE STORY

We continue on our journey through Lent as we step inside the story of Jesus’ sacrificial stand for justice. We put ourselves in so that we might take a closer look and let the ancient story open us to deeper conviction for our role as disciples of Jesus.

Enter

Enter the story

Enter the place you belong

Not just looking on

For this is your story

Enter the story

Enter

Come enter the story

Enter the place you belong

Not just looking on

For this is your story

Enter the story

The day after Jesus triumphant and risky entrance into Jerusalem he visits the temple. It is busy, noisy, Passover “tourist season” and what Jesus sees there causes him utter frustration and anger. In many ways, the Temple leaders are just engaging in “business-as-usual, “ but for Jesus far too much was at stake. Couldn’t they see that the moment demanded behavior that was radically new? We face this dilemma even now. With so much uncertainty and struggle in the world, the routine nature of our everyday lives, and even our worship, can seem ludicrous. Taking a moment inside the scene where Jesus is overturning tables in this “house of prayer for all nations” gives us a chance to step back and reflect more deeply. Maybe Jesus’ anger over the injustices of his religious tradition can help us reassess our own actions and make our own corner of the world a more welcoming place for all people.

Enter

Enter the passion

Enter the place we belong

Not just looking on

For this is our passion

Enter the passion

Enter the passion

Enter the place we belong

Not just looking on

For this is our passion

Enter the passion

Enter the story

Enter the passion…

Enter his passion.

John 2:13-21 (NRSV)

13 The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

14 In the temple he found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and the money-changers seated at their tables.

15 Making a whip of cords, he drove all of them out of the temple, both the sheep and the cattle. He also poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables.

16 He told those who were selling the doves, ‘Take these things out of here! Stop making my Father’s house a market-place!’

17 His disciples remembered that it was written, ‘Zeal for your house will consume me.’

18 The Jews then said to him, ‘What sign can you show us for doing this?’

19 Jesus answered them, ‘Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.’

20 The Jews then said, ‘This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and will you raise it up in three days?’

21 But he was speaking of the temple of his body.

Psalm 69:8-16

The disciples are amazed, the scripture says, because they see Jesus’ zeal for the creation of justice in the temple that day. It recalls to their minds the passage from the Psalms, the hymnal of the Temple. The Psalm describes a person being shamed and ostracized for criticizing his community of faith. The disciples fear this will happen to Jesus and possibly to them, as a result of his righteous anger.

8 “I have become a stranger to my own brothers, an immigrant to my mother’s children.

9 Because zeal and passion for your house has consumed me, the insults of those who insult you have fallen on me!

10 I wept while I fasted — even for that I was insulted.

11 When I wore sackcloth, people made fun of me.

12 Those who sit at the city gate muttered things about me; drunkards made up rude songs.

13 But me? My prayer reaches you, Lord, at just the right time. God, in your great and faithful love, answer me with your certain salvation!

14 Save me from the mud! Don’t let me drown! Let me be saved from those who hate me and from these watery depths!

15 Don’t let me be swept away by the floodwaters! Don’t let the abyss swallow me up! Don’t let the pit close its mouth over me!

16 Answer me, Lord, for your faithful love is good! Turn to me in your great compassion.”

Dramatist:

Jesus!

This is what I was afraid of. Tensions have been so high since we got to Jerusalem, and I saw Jesus get wound up in a way I have never seen before in these three years of following him. He is the one who sat with children and sick people and talked with outsiders—so able to stay centered in a peace that, frankly, was beyond my understanding. But now he is so worked up! I’m afraid.

That’s it. I’m afraid in this moment that this is going to lead to trouble. Is this really the way to win over people to his cause? By causing a stir in the Temple? Isn’t it the Romans and the corrupt Jewish leaders they have in their pocket that we should be targeting? But instead he’s yelling at the people who are trying to help these pilgrims follow the laws of the Temple.

And yet, I get it. I’ve been angry too. Not at the people who are trapped in the system, but at the system itself. The way things are. I’m so angry at “the way things are!"

How will anything change? Only when we all look at our part in it. Only when we see how we prop up the system because of our fear—and for those that benefit from it—because of our greed. Only when we search ourselves, and cleanse the temple of our hearts, will we be able to be the change we want to see. So I will stay by his side, no matter where this leads.

Matthew 21:1-11

1 When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples,

2 saying to them, ‘Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me.

3 If anyone says anything to you, just say this, “The Lord needs them.” And he will send them immediately.’

4 This took place to fulfil what had been spoken through the prophet, saying,

5 ‘Tell the daughter of Zion, Look, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’

6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them;

7 they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them.

8 A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.

9 The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!’

10 When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, ‘Who is this?’

11 The crowds were saying, ‘This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.’

Zachariah 9:9-10

Reader: The people who gathered for the Jesus-parade would have been familiar with the Hebrew text from their tradition, Zechariah’s prophecy that included this hopeful image:

9 “Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion. Sing aloud, Daughter Jerusalem. Look, your king will come to you. He is righteous and victorious. He is humble and riding on an ass, on a colt, the offspring of a donkey.

10 He will cut off the chariot from Ephraim and the warhorse from Jerusalem. The bow used in battle will be cut off; he will speak peace to the nations. His rule will stretch from sea to sea, and from the river to the ends of the earth.”

DWELLING IN THE STORY

Dramatist: My cousin dragged me along. I wasn’t really sure what was going on, but he said I wouldn’t want to miss this parade. Yeah, I’ve heard of this Jesus-guy from Galilee. Heard some people talking who had just come to Jerusalem from Capernaum where this rabbi had been teaching. They were talking about people who were coming from all over to wherever he is hanging out just to hear him. Some people try to get up close and personal with him because word on the street is that he healed some people, maybe even brought someone back to life.

All I know is that the stories are obviously spreading, and there’s a turnout today of Roman soldiers to check it out so the authorities must be getting nervous about him. My cousin seems to think this could be “it”—our ticket out of this Roman occupation—and he’s hoping to see a lot of people marching alongside and hopefully there will be a display of power from Jesus that will get the people to rally.

We got here early to get a good spot. Decided not to be down on the road but instead stay up on this roof so we can get a good look. I’m just glad to be up here because if trouble starts, I’m outta here! A little distance is just fine with me. Don’t get me wrong, I think things need to change and a lot of us Jews are tired of paying taxes to Caesar, who controls everything through his local lackey, Pilate.

But I’m afraid. I’m afraid that things will get stirred up and life will get worse, not better. I’m afraid of being here, actually. What if I become known as a protestor, a rebel-rouser? I’ve seen what they do to their political rivals, to those who dare to question their power, their “divine right” over all things, all people, all matters of life and death.

And then I see Jesus coming… But he isn’t galloping in on a horse girded with a sword. He is riding on a donkey!

Matthew 5:38-48 (NRSV)

38 ‘You have heard that it was said, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.”

39 But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also;

40 and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well;

41 and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile.

42 Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.

43 ‘You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.”

44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

45 so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise

on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous.

46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax-collectors do the same?

47 And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?

48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Matthew 5:13-20 (NRSV)

13 ‘You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot.

14 ‘You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden.

15 No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house.

16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

17 ‘Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfil.

18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished.

19 Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven

Matthew 5:1-12 (The Message)

1 When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down

2 and taught his climbing companions. This is what he said:

3 "You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.

4 "You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.

5 "You're blessed when you're content with just who you are - no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought.

6 "You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat.

7 "You're blessed when you care. At the moment of being 'carefull,' you find yourselves cared for.

8 "You're blessed when you get your inside world - your mind and heart - put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.

9 "You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family.

10 "You're blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God's kingdom.

11 "Not only that - count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable.

12 You can be glad when that happens - give a cheer, even! - for though they don't like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.

Matthew 4:12-23 (CEB)

12 Now when Jesus heard that John was arrested, he went to Galilee.

13 He left Nazareth and settled in Capernaum, which lies alongside the sea in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali.

14 This fulfilled what Isaiah the prophet said:

15 Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, alongside the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles,

16 the people who lived in the dark have seen a great light, and a light has come upon those who lived in the region and in shadow of death.

17 From that time Jesus began to announce, “Change your hearts and lives! Here comes the kingdom of heaven!”

18 As Jesus walked alongside the Galilee Sea, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew, throwing fishing nets into the sea, because they were fishermen.

19 “Come, follow me,” he said, “and I’ll show you how to fish for people.”

20 Right away, they left their nets and followed him.

21 Continuing on, he saw another set of brothers, James the son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with Zebedee their father repairing their nets. Jesus called them and

22 immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.

23 Jesus traveled throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues. He announced the good news of the kingdom and healed every disease and sickness among the people.

John 1:29-42

29 The next day he saw Jesus coming towards him and declared, ‘Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!

30 This is he of whom I said, “After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.”

31 I myself did not know him; but I came baptizing with water for this reason, that he might be revealed to Israel.’

32 And John testified, ‘I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him.

33 I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, “He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.”

34 And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God.’

35 The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples,

36 and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, ‘Look, here is the Lamb of God!’

37 The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus.

38 When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, ‘What are you looking for?’ They said to him, ‘Rabbi’ (which translated means Teacher), ‘where are you staying?’

39 He said to them, ‘Come and see.’ They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon.

40 One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother.

41 He first found his brother Simon and said to him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (which is translated Anointed).

42 He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, ‘You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas’ (which is translated Peter).

Isaiah 42:1-9 (NRSV)

1 Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations.

2 He will not cry or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street;

3 a bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice.

4 He will not grow faint or be crushed until he has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands wait for his teaching.

5 Thus says God, the Lord, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and what comes from it, who gives breath to the people upon it and spirit to those who walk in it:

6 I am the Lord, I have called you in righteousness, I have taken you by the hand and kept you; I have given you as a covenant to the people, a light to the nations,

7 to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness.

8 I am the Lord, that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to idols.

9 See, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare; before they spring forth, I tell you of them.

Los Gatos United Methodist Church

John 1:14 (from The Message, adapted)

The Word was first,

the Word present to God,

God present to the Word.

The Word was God, in readiness for God from day one.

Everything was created through him;

nothing—not one thing!—

came into being without him.

[light all the Advent candles and the Christ Candle]

What came into existence was Life,

and the Life was Light to live by.

The Life-Light blazed out of the darkness;

the darkness couldn’t put it out.

There once was a man, his name John, sent by God to point out the way to the Life-Light. He came to

show everyone where to look, who to believe in. John was not himself the Light; he was there to show the

way to the Light.

The Life-Light was the real thing:

Every person entering Life

he brings into Light.

He was in the world,

the world was there through him,

and yet the world didn’t even notice.

He came to his own people,

but they didn’t want him.

But whoever did want him, who believed he was who he claimed

and would do what he said,

He made to be their true selves,

their child-of-God selves.

These are the God-begotten ones…

The Word became flesh and blood,

and moved into the neighborhood.

We saw the glory with our own eyes,

the one-of-a-kind glory, like Parents, like Child,

Generous inside and out, true from start to finish.