Jeremiah 23:1-6

This is another example of text that is used as if it is prophecy. Jeremiah is speaking to the horrible leaders Judah has experienced recently, but then saying things will get better. God is always renewing. In this case it will be a 'branch" from David. When we get into the new lectionary year, we'll see that it was claimed Jesus was descended from David.

But that's too literal for me to even address. What about the prediction of "justice and righteousness"? When did that come true? What leader fit that bill? Constantine? Theodosious? Charlemagne? Henry VIII? George Bush?

Colossians 1:11-20

This is a heavy piece of Christology. It is one of the most clear statements of the Jesus that has been handed down through history. Jesus was there in the beginning, he is the head of the church, God reconciled himself through Jesus. Any one of these could be expanded upon into a full sermon or Bible study class. That is, if you think these are worth exploring. For me, that exploration can only take place within the narrow confines of theology. These claims can only be referenced to other Bible passages or to the thoughts of Church fathers who knew nothing of archaeology and were prone to misinterpreting the Greek. It's not what this sermon helper is for.

Luke 23:33-43

So we come to the end. In this version of Jesus on the cross, he is quite calm, and he is in tune with God, and he is concerned with the well being of his followers. In this account, only one of the criminals mocks him. He doesn't cry out about being forsaken, instead he commends his spirit (verse 44).

If you are interested in textual criticism and comparing the gospel accounts, there are many good sources. Bart Ehrman is one of my favorites. I'm more interested in trying to determine what the message is in each account. Mark was telling his readers that Jesus was gone, the future is uncertain and it was up to them to continue the work. Luke has been agreeing with the themes of the work being up to the people and that they will need to carry on without their leader at some point. Mark came first, and other readers (or listeners) at the time would have been familiar with it.

Luke had to be consistent to some degree, while interjecting his own, new ideas. And when I say "Mark" and "Luke" I'm really referring to larger communities that produced these writers. Luke gives us Paradise. He is giving us something to look forward to. To get there, he says we need to know that you get what you deserve and that Jesus was perfect and possibly that if you acknowledge that then you will get there. Not much to go on. I had one pastor ask our adult Bible class how you get to heaven. No one had the answer, and it turned out that was the answer. The Bible doesn't give you clear instructions on that.