Opening Prayer:
Creator of all, we thank you for the opportunity to gather in study. Open our minds and hearts. By the power of the Holy Spirit, unite us in faith, hope, and love. Help us to be faithful to the gospel and to walk humbly with you. Grant us your peace as we grow in wisdom and understanding. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Luke 18:9-14 Are our eyes open to see the way that God so often reverses our expectations?
Last week, Luke presented Jesus telling a parable about a judge and a widow. Now Jesus tells a parable to “some” who take a legalistic approach to Judaism: “they were righteous”, pious. Pharisees kept the Law scrupulously – both written and aural, so they must be acceptable to God! (The unwritten law formed a protective shell round Mosaic law, reducing the chances of ever erring to the point of transgressing the real law.) Like the Pharisee in the story, they were fastidious in their observation of ritual practices: they fasted on Mondays and Thursdays, and tithed (v. 12): they were seen to be religious. But their pride in keeping the Law led them into self-righteousness (“trusted in themselves”, v. 9), self-importance, and arrogance (“regarded others with contempt”).
On the other hand, tax collectors were despised for collaborating with the Roman occupiers. At this point, Jesus’ hearers would be cheering for the Pharisee, especially since most were followers of the Pharisaic party. The tax collector admits he is a sinner (v. 13), repents (“beating his breast”) and seeks God’s mercy. In v. 14, Jesus explains the example story: the tax collector goes home “justified”, accepted by God, acquitted in God’s court of justice, for he has recognized his need for God’s mercy – but not the Pharisee. In the kingdom, roles will be reversed: God receives those who turn to him and implore his mercy; he rejects those who parade their supposed virtues. We should receive the Kingdom as a child does (v. 17)
2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 Do they reflect the way in which you’d want to finish your Christian journey: as a victor in life’s struggles?
In the conclusion of the letter, the author depicts Paul as seeing his death as imminent. He says that his coming martyrdom is a “libation”, literally an offering poured around the base of the altar as an offering for sin; Paul’s death will pay homage to God and will contribute to the saving of others. Like a prize boxer and a runner, he has completed the event, i.e. his ministry; he has preserved and guarded “the faith” (v. 7) handed down to him. Jews wore crowns or wreaths in joy and honor; in Greece, winners of athletic meets wore them. Paul will receive his – as will other Christians – when Christ comes again (“his appearing”, v. 8). As Jesus was deserted as death approached, so is Paul almost alone: “only Luke is with me” (v. 11). At his first trial or hearing (“defense”, v. 16), “all deserted” him – all but Christ, who helped him proclaim the good news to all, both present and beyond. Then Paul was rescued “from the lion’s mouth” (v. 17), from violent death. Christ will rescue him from the devil’s onslaughts (but likely not from physical death). After final personal messages (vv. 19-21), the author prays that Christ may be with Timothy; may God’s “grace” (v. 22), his freely-given gift of love, be with the members of Timothy’s community.