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In touch

Up-to-the-minute jumping-off points for sermons, linking the reading to the latest news and global issues

Odious comparisons

In life and death, we stand before God alone—not behind others (Luke 18:9-14).

Context

  • Some views on toxic Christianity.

 

Ideas for sermons or interactive talks

  • In Luke 18:9-14, Jesus knew what sort of group he was addressing. ‘He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt.’ These were individuals who were self-righteous; those who liked to ‘showcase’ their holiness and sanctity. The English word ‘sanctimonious’ aptly describes them. Theirs is a behaviour which suggests that, not just their religious lives, but their ideas and opinions, are superior to those of all others. Sadly, the American political scene is littered with such personalities from the so-called ‘evangelicals’. But this attitude is not exclusive to the USA. Only note how often the Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church has sanctioned Putin’s war against Ukraine.
  • Nowhere does Jesus speak about ‘group sanctity’. One indelible mark that Jesus left on the spirituality of Judaism is the intense personal inwardness of his teachings. Each person has a direct, personal relationship with ‘God the Father.’ Non-arguments such as, ‘I might be bad – but she’s worse’ don’t cut it with Jesus. In the well-known parable of the Great Judgement in Matthew 25, each person must account for his or her words and actions – mainly actions.
  • My wife and I lived in North Carolina for a while, where we ran a B&B. When our eldest son came with his wife and one of our granddaughters, our granddaughter spent much of her time following the activities of her mates in England. ‘Oh, they’re going to the rec today! And I’ll miss it!’ and so forth. Whereas we were ‘just going’ to the sandy Carolina beaches with bath-warm water, to the mountains and to water parks. Finally, our son said ‘Enough! There’s not one of your mates who wouldn’t trade places with you right now.’ Social media make it difficult for young and old alike to ‘be here now’. As many a spiritual master has said: all we have is the here and now.

 

Questions for discussion

  • When and where does our religious belief enable un-Christ-like behaviours in us? What can we do about it? What spiritual practices might we try?
  • Social media platforms can put us immediately in touch with friends and family – but this is not always a positive thing. How often do you compare your situation negatively with others?
  • Although it is not always a conscious decision, how often have you made yourself feel better by mentally or vocally putting someone else down? Is there not at least a little of the Pharisee in all of us?
  • In Iran women are being beaten to death/murdered by male ‘morality’ police for letting their hair be seen – however minutely. Is this an inclusive ‘morality’ or simply an imposition on women’s right to be as they were created? Is it really God’s will or men’s? And what of the Pharisee’s self-righteousness?

Revd Dr Jack Lawson is a freelance writer and author of five novels, Doing Time, No Good Deed, Criminal Justice, The Woods and Dirty Business. Follow the links for more information, or visit his blog.

 

Check-in

Connecting faith with everyday, real-life issues for young people

Over 2000 years ago, Jesus warned us about how we interact with others and to understand the worth of all people. Why is it then that throughout history we constantly hear of discrimination, segregation, isolation of many groups of God's people?

We are coming to the end of Black History Month where many of us have learnt more about and celebrated black heritage, traditions and celebrities. But let us not forget how the history of Black and indeed all minority groups have been treated throughout history and indeed, in many cases, still are.

How do you think Jesus would react to Black History Month? How do you think he would react to the cruelty which often surrounds Black history?

This week's passage does have a focus on welcoming tax collectors and those who are classed as 'sinners'. But the clear message is about being welcoming to all. We are all made in God's image; we are all called by name; we are all loved equally by God.

Let us not put Black history or the ‘Black lives matter’ movement into a box that comes out once a year. Let us celebrate and love all people, all of the time. Why not spend some time in prayer this week imagining a perfect world where all people stand up and listen to Jesus' words. How awesome would that be! ‘For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.’

Natasia Bullock is Company director of Christian theatre company The B Tales

 

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