The time-bending love of the resurrection
Proper 27C | Luke 20:27-38
At first glance, this is a simple question about marriage and eternity. But that assessment would overlook the fact that we shouldn’t trust the people asking the question.
Two Sundays ago we were in chapter 18 of Luke, where Jesus was sharing parables about the Unjust Judge and the Pharisee and the Tax Collector. In both, we encountered questions of faith and persistence. These parables reflected the nature of God and our own willingness to engage with each other. And the next part of the story introduces the rich young ruler, who comes to Jesus, having done all the right things, kept all the commandments, served in every capacity — was a truly exemplary man. A living saint. And he wanted to be sure of his place in God’s eternity, the Dream for creation. And Jesus says the one thing he lacks: is lack. Give it all up and follow the Way of Love. The man runs away crying.
We didn’t get that story. But even if we had, we still jumped forward two chapters this morning from the middle of Luke 18 to the middle of Luke 20. And what we missed was the conclusion of the journey to Jerusalem, the triumphal entry we celebrate on Palm Sunday, his driving the money-changers out of the Temple, and the first teachings on the third day there. We have been plopped in the middle of a public inquisition of Jesus by people intending to trap him in blasphemy so they can have him executed. . . Keep Reading
For a limited time, you may find the audio here.
