Gospel: Luke 14:25-33
Context. We continue Jesus’ long
journey to Jerusalem (9:51-19:48; Wks 13-31), and the section of it which is an
extended response to the question “who will be saved?” (13:10-17:10; Wks 21-27). He is concerned to form community and set boundaries,
but in a completely topsy-turvy way that will confound any sense of privilege
(think of Mary’s Song: the mighty will topple from their thrones). Throughout, the door of discipleship remains
open, even to the Pharisees. We haven’t
skipped much since our reading last week: one parable about inviting all to the
feast.
Interpretation. Note how many people are
following Jesus: they’re attracted by the idea of a feast open to all. Jesus now clarifies what exactly is involved
in following him. The parallel in
Matthew says “love me more” rather than “hate.”
“Love / hate” talk about action rather than emotion; we’re asked to act
for God and kingdom, not giving preference to kin. Following Jesus requires giving one’s whole
life, not just walking with him for a brief while. The call of God relativizes everything else
that might make a claim on us: possessions and even familial ties can keep us
from the feast.
2nd
Reading: Phlm 9-10, 12-17
[As Phlm
is a one chapter book, I combine context and interpretation]
Philemon
was a Christian that Paul had converted who sponsored a house church (ie.
Christians in his town met in his house for worship). So, he was rich and serious about his faith. This letter is sent not just to Philemon, but
to his whole house church. One of his
slaves, Onesimus, had ran away and had someone come to where Paul was
imprisoned where Paul converted him (“became his father”). Paul wanted to keep him for himself, for the
work of evangelization, but recognized Philemon’s right and sent him back. However, Philemon should receive him as more
than a slave. Scholars disagree about
whether Paul is calling for Philemon to emancipate him. Philemon will have him forever as a brother in
the Lord, for this relationship (unlike slave-master) survive death thanks to
Christ. This is the more powerful
relationship. It is for Philemon to
choose his identity: Master or Child of God?
Questions
1.
What identities do we possess other than Child
of God? How do these help us live the
Christian life? How might they form a
distraction or obstacle?
2.
What can you do to reinforce your identity as a
Child of God? To help you see others as
Brothers and Sisters in Christ?
3.
How might the world be different if Christians
looked at each other in this way? How
else do we often look at each other?
4.
Applying all this: imagine you were in Philemon’s
church. How would you encourage him to
respond? What reaction might you get?
4. Onesimus' name means "useful." Who do we regard positively, but as merely useful, and not fully as a brother or sister in Christ?
I
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