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Inviting Reflection on the Stories of Jesus

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You are here: Home / Sermons and Homilies / Friend of Sinners

Friend of Sinners

March 6, 2016 By Mark Beresford

A Homily for the Fourth Sunday of Lent (Rose Sunday)

March 6, 2016

(Luke 15:11-32)

Jesus’ willingness to befriend people on the margins of both society and religion never went unnoticed: the friend of ‘sinners’.

Many, however, who live to represent God do not behave this way. Holiness has an unnecessary habit of emphasising only apartness and difference. It can be used to highlight the gap – and this not only between God and people. It is also separates people and people.

And such theology is all too easily lived out. So much so that Jesus’ practice of eating with ‘tax-collectors’ and ‘sinners’ (15:1) caused the religious some anxiety: How can Jesus represent God and associate with ‘them’?

Our reading is the third of three stories Jesus told in answer to all this ‘grumbling’ (15:1). They are wonderfully down to earth: a shepherd searching for his sheep; a woman sweeping her home after a coin; and the one we have just heard, a father waiting for his son’s return.

And what this collection points to is anything but ordinary. Each of these stories offers a glimpse of heaven in party mode.

By the time we get to the beginning of Jesus’ third story there is no getting away from this interpretation. At the end of the first and second parables we have had a direct comparison between rejoicing finders and that of heaven itself. And all this over ‘one sinner who repents’.

God is an open and joyful finder of lost people. By the beginning of our passage this  ‘lost-found-party’ mantra is set.

In this third telling, however, we find some unexpected changes.

This son is not just lost – he has positively abandoned his father and family. He insulted and wasted their life’s work. In asking for his inheritance he is wishing his father’s life away.

And then he is not just found. When it all goes wrong he finds himself walking home with a rehearsed speech and a broken ego. He knows that even his offer of self-imposed slavery is unreasonable. Much to his surprise he is met with a running father, roast beef, a robe, and a ring: lost-found-party.

According to this established rhythm it all should end here. But the rhythm is broken: lost, found, party, party-pooper.

You see, not all are in the mood to celebrate. The older brother hears of the feast but sees only a goat not given and the betrayal of the one who chose not to stay. For him this party amounts to little more than additional waste.

And so Jesus’ story ends with a conversation between father and angry son. It is outside and amounts to an unanswered plea for a lived out grace.

It is an appropriate silence. The Pharisees and Scribes must see themselves in this angry, young, graceless, man.

Yet even now the extravagant love of heaven is requesting their participation.

Jesus wants God’s reckless love to be lived out with the same – if not more – zeal than they have applied to their holiness theology. If our holy God can bridge this gap, surely it is not so much to ask of those who follow.

After all, participation in the party of heaven would seem the most appropriate of all possible responses to the grace of God.

Amen.

Filed Under: Sermons and Homilies

Barefoot Follower: Inviting Reflection on the Stories of Jesus

The 'Barefoot Follower' site is a collection of passion-filled reflections, sermons, and reviews centred around the teachings of Jesus. Join me as we consider what these ancient, long-treasured documents might tell us about God and ourselves. For more information on the concept, purpose, and aspiration of the site please visit the Introduction page.

Comments

  1. Reverend Graham Opperman says

    March 9, 2016 at 4:04 am

    Dear Mark, I have taken the liberty of using your beautifully worded reflection on John 12. 1 – 8 unaltered, in our Church Notice Sheet for this coming Passion Sunday. I use a reflection on the Gospel passage every Sunday, encouraging our folk to take the word home and reflect on the message. God continue to bless you as you serve Him so meaningfully.

    Blessings

    Graham Opperman (Reverend)
    Usk Ministry Area in South Wales, United Kingdom.

    • Mark Beresford says

      March 9, 2016 at 8:59 am

      Dear Graham,

      I am thrilled to hear that you are finding opportunity to share this reflection. Thank you for both reading and for letting me know how you are using it.

      May God richly bless your ministry.

      Peace,

      Mark.

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