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

Good laws for somebody?

Jesus’ inaugural public speech in Nazareth (Luke 4:14-21) stands in contrast to that of the incoming USA president.

 

Context

Ideas for sermons or interactive talks

Oh dear! I really wish there was a less obvious topic to write about this week, but in a week when our Bible passages encourage us to think about honouring the law of Moses and sharing Jesus’ good news, there is an elephant in the room which has stars and stripes tattooed all over it. All four of our given texts are full of such potential as examples of good governance and leadership:

  • In Nehemiah 8:1-3,5-6,8-10 Ezra makes sure that the Law of Moses is presented to the broadest possible audience and in the most accessible space possible (even the ritually defiled can gather here in the square before the Water Gate, outside the Temple area). This is an act of remembering the Law, surrounded by respect and worship, celebration and sharing. Whilst they celebrate the Law that is returned to its central position in their society, they must ensure that no-one misses out. The traditions of the new moon festival state that they must also provide for both the foreigners and the poor (Deuteronomy 14:29; 26:12-13).
  • In Psalm 19 we are told that God’s Law is good and to be celebrated. This is a celebration of God’s creation, the ushering in of a ‘golden age’. This would be a brilliant psalm to read at an inauguration ceremony, if it didn’t stick in your throat.
  • In 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, a passage so often used as an ideal model for balance and mutual support within our churches, we find words that could have been written to advise someone who is also in the process of forming a new government administration. As the supporting biblical notes elsewhere in Roots this week state, things which might have previously divided people – racial or ethnic identity, gender, ability, status – should no longer do so in this new age. God’s Spirit brings a respect and mutuality between all peoples.
  • And then, in Luke 4:14-21, here is Jesus reading from the scroll of Isaiah (Isaiah 61:1-2; 58:6), his short inaugural speech in his home town and so often labelled as his Nazareth Manifesto. Whether you read this powerful statement of intent as literal or metaphor – aimed at reaching out to those who are poor, held captive, blind or oppressed – this week here are words enough to make one weep!

In the light of all the themes highlighted in this week’s bible passages we have also heard President Trump’s ‘golden age’ manifesto, which seems to speak out against: caring for the environment; gender diversity (did anyone else find it ironic to see Donald dancing to the song ‘YMCA’?); working with or alongside other nations; the previous administration’s overspending, whilst announcing planned trips to the moon! And that’s before you even get onto revoking legal decisions about the 6 January 2021 Capitol riots and the various cases working their way through the the law courts about senior members of his new government.

In this season of Epiphany we remember the journey of the wise magi from the east to the west, to Bethlehem. Epiphany is a season which celebrates inclusivity – from east to west, north to south and everywhere in between. Jesus’ opening statement in Luke 4:18-19 and his call for liberation for all people reminds us of the message of inclusivity, which will later be backed up by his teachings about God’s love as his ministry and mission grow throughout the gospel. With one eye on the past (Isaiah) Jesus sets out his stall for God’s future hopes for his people. Jesus might have upset the applecart of his day, especially in Nazareth, but sadly some of the fruits of his manifesto would seem to be the very ones thrown down and trampled on the floor of the Capitol building on Monday. How do we feel called to share Jesus' message with all those who will be struggling or hurt after this past week? 

Questions for discussion

  • Looking back over manifesto-like statements made on the world political stage this past week, in the light of the gospel passage from Luke 4:14-21, which statements make you wince and why?

  • What stories of good news or liberation have you come across this week which make you want to proclaim that God is good?

Tim Lowe is a minister of the United Reformed Church, serving in the Leeds URC Partnership, and celebrates diversity and inclusivity within our churches.

 

Check-in

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

A list of promises

You’d need to have spent the week hiding under a rock to avoid bumping into news connected to Donald J Trump:

All in all, it’s been a week flooded with Trump.

But perhaps what is most striking about all of the noise around the presidency is the list of things Trump is going to do - all outlined in the executive orders he signed in front of thousands of his supporters in a massive sports stadium. His promise list if you like. With his sharpie signature scrawled onto documents in leather folders, Trump made some big changes for different people in the US. He immediately cancelled different programmes run by the previous president and promised some fairly serious action for people trying to get into America or those who don’t have the right paperwork. The orders also pushed back on climate change, people’s rights and even the World Health Organisation.

I guess whatever you think about all of this, Trump’s list at the start of his time in power is a very different list of promises to the one Jesus made as he started his ministry powered by the Holy Spirit. In fact, there couldn’t be much more of a contrast. The list in John 4:18-19 highlights good news for those at the margins – for the poor, the oppressed and those who have suffered through no fault of their own. The list draws on the ancient words of Isaiah and sets out a programme that will impact people who need to be drawn into society, are seen as having value and need to be cared for - not ejected or pushed away.

Two different lists of promises that impact people in very different ways.

 

Questions for discussion

  • What does Jesus’ list mean to you?
  • How can you be part of the plans Jesus has for society?

 

Activity

Encourage the young people to think about the way their faith impacts on how they think about other people. Invite them to write their own list of the practical things they could do to draw the marginalised in, show people they have value and care for others.

Fiona Dorman is a freelance leadership consultant and mediator.

 

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