Proper 18 / Pentecost 13 / Ordinary Time 23, Cycle A

THEME OF THE DAY
God keeps us together. The texts for this Sunday are about how in all God does he aims to keep us in communion with each other and with him (Justification by Grace, Sanctification, Church).

Psalm 149
This is a hymn to accompany a festival dance. It directs that the Lord is to be praised [tehillah] in a new song in the assembly (v. 1). It also directs Israel to be glad in its maker and the children of Zion [the oldest and highest part of Jerusalem, a term poetically used to connote the whole city] to rejoice in their king (v. 2). We are to praise his name with dancing (v. 3). Yahweh is said to take pleasure in his people, ordaining the humble/afflicted [anav] with victory [yeshua, literally safety or salvation] (v. 4). The faithful are exhorted to exult in glory and sing for joy on couches (perhaps a ritual action that was part of the festival) (v. 5). High praises of God should be in their throats with swords in hand to execute vengeance on the nations, bringing their kings and nobles, executing them on the judgment decreed (vv. 6-9a). The dance that accompanied the music and lyrics may have been war-like in character. All this is said to be glory for the faithful. Yahweh is to be praised (v. 9b).

Application: A sermon on this text will link with its original theme of celebrating how God takes those in need with their afflictions and who know their needs and brings them to safety (Justification by Grace and Atonement). But insofar as the celebration is communal and dancing which is tied to the Psalm is communal, God’s salvation that is celebrated is communal, for God is said to take pleasure in his people (Social Ethics, and if read prophetically, this could refer to the Church).

OR

Psalm 119:33-40
The Psalm is acrostic, with each stanza of eight lines beginning with the same Hebrew letter. The 22 stanzas use all the letters of the alphabet in turn (accounting for the significant length of the hymn). Almost every line contains the word “law” or a synonym. These verses are part of a meditation on the law, specifically a prayer to understand the law.

The psalmist pleads to be taught the way of Yahweh’s Law [torah] and pledges to observe it to the end (vv. 33-34). Petitions are offered to be led in the path of the commandments/statutes [mitzvah], for in them is delight [chaphets] (vv. 35-36). They give life (v. 37). We need to remind ourselves here that references to the law in the Hebraic faith of the Old Testament should be construed in terms of the Hebraic concept of torah, which is not intended as a judgmental, condemnatory decree, but regards the law as instruction or a guide for life (Leo Trepp, Judaism: Development and Life, p. 2).

Pleas are made that Yahweh’s promise [dabar, literally word] for these who fear him [in the sense of devotion] be confirmed (v. 38). His ordinances are said to be good [tob], and pleas are offered to turn away disgrace. The psalmist notes a longing for the law, so that in God’s righteousness [tsedaqah] he would receive life (vv. 39-40). We note again that in the Hebrew Bible righteousness does not connote judgmentalism on God’s part but is about right relationship or deliverance [Psalm 71:2] (Gerhard Von Rad, Old Testament Theology, Vol. 1, pp. 371ff). This is made clear in this song as the psalmist claims that God’s righteousness gives life (v. 40), a theme most reminiscent of Romans 3:21-25.

Application: Although the devotion of the psalmist to the law could be taken as an occasion to point out how a life lived under the law leads to despair (Sin), a sermon more in line with the original intention of the Psalm will talk about how good life is when we are guided by God, in right relationship with him, but that he is the one who delivers us into this right relationship (Justification by Grace and Sanctification).

Exodus 12:1-14
This book is so named for the Greek term referring to the liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. Its Hebrew name (meaning “These are the names”) refers to the first words of the text’s prologue. Like Genesis, the book is a compilation of three distinct oral traditions. This lesson is the version of the Passover from the Priestly oral tradition (the P strand of the Pentateuch, probably composed in the sixth century BC). It follows the account of the final plague the Lord worked against Pharaoh, which does not succeed in liberating the people (chapter 11).

The month of Nissan (March-April) is designated the beginning of the year (v. 2). On the tenth of the month, each family is to take a lamb or share a lamb with its closest neighbor and divide the lamb (vv. 3-4). The lamb is to be one year old and without blemish [tamim] (v. 5). Instructions are given to put the blood [dam] of the lamb on the doorposts and the lintel [mashqoph, or upper doorpost] of the houses of the people (these were the holy places of a house). The lamb is to be eaten the night it is killed, and instructions are given on how it is to be prepared and what is to be eaten (vv. 7-9). The lamb is to be entirely consumed, except for the remains to be burned the next morning (v. 10).

Instructions are given on the attire one is to have when eating the lamb, which should be consumed hurriedly (v. 11). The hurry with which to eat the meal is in commemoration of Israel’s hasty exodus. Passover is explained, how Yahweh would strike down the firstborn of all living things in Egypt, but the blood on the doorposts would be a sign for him to pass over [abar] the house so the plague would not destroy them. The gods of Egypt will also be judged (vv. 12-14). Henceforth the day is to be one of remembrance/memorial [zikkaron], a celebration of perpetual observance (v. 14).

Application: This lesson is a story of freedom, how God set the people of Israel free and so sets us free today (Justification by Grace and Social Ethics). It is crucial to note that the people as a whole, the community, are saved, not just individuals (an opportunity to highlight the importance of the Church). Or the Passover event might be interpreted Christologically, that as the lamb’s blood sets the people free, so Christ’s blood makes our exodus possible (Atonement).

OR

Ezekiel 33:7-11
The Complementary First Lesson appears in a book attributed to a sixth century BC prophet from a priestly family whose ministry was to his fellow exiles during the Babylonian Captivity. Some oracles pre-date the fall of Jerusalem. This lesson is part of a series of Oracles of Restoration. The verses pertain to God’s charge to the prophet regarding his responsibility. First Ezekiel is reminded that he is a sentinel [tsaphah, literally watchman] for Israel, that whenever he hears a word [dabar, can also mean thing] from the Lord he is to give Israel warning (v. 7). Not to proclaim God’s judgment of death on the people entails that they will die in their sin and their blood [dam] will be required at Ezekiel’s hand (v. 8). But if warned and they do not turn [shub] from their ways, they will die (v. 9). Thus he is to condemn them for their sins but assure the people that God has no pleasure in the death of the wicked and wants the wicked to turn from their ways and live [chayah] (vv. 10-11).

Application: Several options for preaching emerge from this text. The call to turn back from sin is an opportunity to develop the theme of repentance, made possible by the God of love who has no pleasure in the death of the wicked. A focus on prophecy, its character as a critic of society, properly emerges from this text and from this point a sermon condemning problematic local or national social trends might be developed. This theme of condemning sin might be related to the theme of the Power of the Keys which emerges in the Gospel Lesson.

Romans 13:8-14
Paul begins to terminate his letter of introduction to the Roman church with a discussion of love fulfilling the law and the imminence of Christ’s second coming. The apostle first urges the Romans to owe nothing to anyone except for love [agapao] to one another, for whoever loves fulfills the law [nomos] (v. 8). The commandments, it is said, are fulfilled by love (vv. 9-10). Now is the time to awake, for salvation [soteria, also meaning safety] is near [egguteron], Paul proclaims (vv. 11-12a). The faithful are urged to lay aside works of darkness, putting on the armor of light [phos], living honorably and not in sin (vv. 12b-13). He urges the faithful to put on [enduo, literally "clothe"] Christ, making no provisions for the flesh (v. 14). Clearly Paul here indicates belief that the Esachaton (or Christ’s second coming) is near at hand.

Application: This text also opens the way for a number of possible sermons. Concern about nurturing community through love is an option in line with the Theme of the Day (Church and Sanctification). But this is only possible when we are clothed in Christ (Justification by Grace construed as being united with Christ, as per Galatians 2:19-20). Other themes (which might be linked to those just noted) include Realized Eschatology (the urgency of acting because Christ’s coming into our lives is on the immediate horizon) or condemning sin (that the Law of God is not fulfilled unless we practice selfless love).

Matthew 18:15-20
We continue to consider the most Jewish-oriented of all the gospels, addressing an original audience that was probably Jewish Christians no longer in full communion with Judaism (see 24:20). This is an account of Jesus’ discussion of discipline among followers. Except for verse 15 the account is unique to Matthew. This is not surprising, for of the gospel writers Matthew alone concerns himself with matters of the church and how Christians are to live together.

The lesson begins with Jesus claiming that if another member of the church sins against a believer the aggrieved is to go and point out the fault to the offender in solitude. If this succeeds, this one has been regained (v. 15). If there is no reconciliation, then one or two other Christians should accompany the one offended in order that there be confirmation of what transpires by witnesses (v. 16; cf. Deuteronomy 19:15). If this fails, the church [ekklesia] should be told, and if the offender still refuses to listen he or she is to be treated as a non-member (a Gentile or tax collector) (v. 17). Jesus awards the Power of Keys to all the disciples (whatever they bind or loose is bound or loosed in heaven) (v. 18; cf. 16:19). If two agree on earth about anything requested, Jesus promises it will be done by the Father in heaven (v. 19). Where two or three are gathered in Christ’s name he agrees to be present to them (v. 20). This point suggests the vicarious presence of the risen Christ (28:20).

Application: The most obvious sermon emerging from this text is to proclaim forgiveness, how Christ has granted us the Power of the Keys, and the virtues of his mode of discipline — the virtues of private confrontation with those in the wrong before public reprimand (Sanctification). The fact that when we are in communion with each other Christ is present provides an excellent occasion to reflect on the church. And the promise of Christ’s presence among us is also a comforting word to proclaim.

THEME OF THE DAY
Remembering what’s happened to us: The remedy for our stony hearts. The texts have us looking to the past for hope and confidence in facing the present. God overcomes our harshness toward each other with love (Justification by Grace and Sanctification).

Psalm 114
This is a hymn praising God’s great work in creating Israel. It is one of the Egyptian Hallel (“praise”) Psalms, perhaps sung during the slaughtering of the Passover lambs. The events of the Exodus are recalled. Judah is said to be God’s sanctuary [qodesh, literally separation] and Israel his dominion [memshalah] (vv. 1-2). Remarkable natural phenomena accompanying Israel’s crossing of the Red Sea are described in the present tense in the last two verses; the moving of the mountains and the seas are construed as contemporary, as verse 8 also seems to imply (vv. 3-6; cf. Exodus 14). The physical world is summoned to praise God (vv. 7-8; cf. turning the rock into water recalls Exodus 17:6; Numbers 20:11).

Application: The Psalm provides a fine opportunity to celebrate what God has done in setting Israel (and us) free (Justification by Grace). Even the created order gives us occasion for this sort of praise (Creation, Providence, Sanctification, as a life of praise). The themes of God ruling over the faithful or separating them [qodesh] are helpful insights for describing how God rules in the lives of the faithful and so overcomes our sin and sloth (Sanctification).

OR

Psalm 103:(1-7) 8-13
A Psalm of praise and thanksgiving for recovery from sickness attributed to David. We are reminded again that psalms attributed to David are not likely written by the king. In fact, many scholars have concluded that references to David in the psalms may have been a way of using him to represent the inner life of all his subjects and so of all the faithful (Brevard Childs, Introduction to the Old Testament as Scripture, p. 521). In that sense this song is about trust in God in the face of hard times that all the faithful experience.

The Psalm begins with a call to bless the Lord and his holy name. Nor should we forget his benefits in forgiving sin, healing disease, redeeming life from the pit, crowning us with steadfast love, and satisfying us with good for life, redeeming [gaal] us from the pit/ruin (vv. 1-5a). The comment about the soul [nephesh] is merely a reference that the life force or breath of the psalmist praises God. Youth [Neuroth] is then said to be renewed (v. 5b). Yahweh is proclaimed as working vindication and justice [mishpat, literally "judgment"] for all who are oppressed [ashuqim] (v. 6). He has made known his ways to Moses and to the people of Israel (v. 7). The Lord, it is sung, is merciful [chesed] and gracious [channun], slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love (v. 8). His forgiving compassion next receives further elaboration (vv. 9-10). His loving kindness [chesed, also translated "mercy"] is said to be greater than the highest mountain (vv. 11-12). He is like a father [ab] showing love/pity [racham] for those who fear/reverence [yare] him (v. 13).

Application: We are provided with opportunities to proclaim how we can trust God to deliver in tough times. This is an opportunity to proclaim a loving God even in the Old Testament (Justification by Grace and Providence). The editor of the Psalms wants us to recognize that as this happened to David, so in remembering it we can count on it ourselves. As our Father, God can change us to revere him. Reference to God vindicating and bringing about fair judgments for the oppressed opens the way to sermons on justice and Social Ethics.

Exodus 14:19-31
Again we read from the book of liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. The book is a compilation of three distinct oral traditions. This lesson is the story of the crossing of the Red Sea. It seems likely to be the work of the ninth/tenth-century BC oral tradition called J for its use of the name Jahweh/Yahweh when speaking of God.

The account begins with an angel [malak] of Yahweh who was going before the Israelites and the pillar of cloud [anan] moving from the front to going behind them (v. 19). Both seem to represent the presence of God, perhaps indicative of the fusing of two different oral traditions here. This cloud divided the army of Israel from the Egyptians, lighting up the night (v. 20). Moses is reported to have stretched his hand over the sea; Yahweh drives these back by a strong wind dividing the waters, and the Israelites cross the sea on the dry ground (vv. 21-23).

It is next reported that at morning watch Yahweh in the pillar of fire [esh] and cloud panicked the Egyptian army and clogged [literally "removed"] their chariot wheels. Confessing Yahweh’s support of the Israelites, they sought to flee (vv. 24-25). Moses is then commanded by Yahweh to stretch out his hand over the sea so that the water will flood over the Egyptians. Moses complies and this transpires, covering the Egyptian army so not one remains (vv. 26-28). By contrast, the Israelites walked on dry ground through the sea (v. 29). The editor of the text notes that this is how the Lord saved [yasha, gave safety to] Israel from the Egyptians, and Israel saw the dead Egyptians as well as the great work done by him against them. The people then believed in Yahweh and in his servant Moses (vv. 30-31).

Application: We are provided with an opportunity to marvel at the deliverance of Israel and reflect on trials of life we experience, how like the Israelites we panic and doubt. Analysis of the modern forms of doubt and bondage might be explored (Sin and Justification by Grace). The depiction of salvation as “safety” entails that God’s saving work has implications for justice (Social Ethics) and that living faithfully gives safety (Sanctification). The images of God appearing as fire or a great cloud are a testimony to the awesomeness of God’s presence and how that presence remedies our doubts (Sanctification). Finally, an appreciation of how God used ordinary natural phenomena like strong winds to work his will and protect the faithful (Providence) can both provide us with a way of understanding this miracle in an intellectually palatable way as well as help us understand how to this day God is miraculously active in apparently natural ways.

OR

Genesis 50:15-21
The Complementary Version of the First Lesson returns us to the Bible’s book of Origins, also a compilation of the same three distinct oral traditions as contributed to Exodus. This lesson is the story of the final reconciliation of Joseph and his brothers, an account usually credited to the eighth century BC source E (so named for calling God “Elohim”). The story begins with the realization of Joseph’s brothers that their father Israel was dead and their concern that Joseph might still bear a grudge for the wrong they had done to him (v. 15). Thus they approach Joseph, indicating that their father had begged him to forgive [nasa] their crime. Joseph wept when told this (vv. 16-17). The brothers also weep, proclaiming that they were Joseph’s slaves (v. 18). Joseph assures them not to fear, for he is not Elohim (v. 19). Though the brothers had intended to harm him, God intended it for good [tob] in order to preserve numerous people (v. 20). In this way Joseph reassures the brothers (v. 21).

Application: At least two options are made available by this text. This is a story of how forgiveness works, how only God may judge and not us (Justification). This is also an occasion for focusing on God’s paradoxical providential ways, how he takes evil and makes good out of it.

Romans 14:1-12
Paul continues to conclude his letter of introduction to the largely Jewish Roman church with a discussion of how love respects the scruples of all. He was addressing the issue of tensions in the early church between Jewish Christians who scrupulously maintained Jewish dietary restrictions and those who understood themselves to be free from these restrictions in Christ. (He addressed similar matters in 1 Corinthians 8, 10.) First he urges the Romans to welcome all who are weak in faith but not for the purpose of quarreling (v. 1). He notes that some believe in eating anything while others (whom he says are weak) eat only vegetables (v. 2). Those who do not feel bound by such dietary regulations must not despise those who abstain and those who abstain, should not pass judgment [krino] on those who eat, for God has welcomed/received [proslamsano] them to himself (v. 3).

The apostle then challenges the right of Romans to pass judgment on servants of another, for all stand or fall before their own lord. Then will each be upheld, for the Lord is able to make them stand (vv. 4, 10). Next Paul notes a debate on whether or not to observe the Sabbath. Those who do so seek to honor the Lord. And likewise those who eat do so in honor of the Lord (vv. 5-6). We do not live to ourselves and we do not die to ourselves, he adds. If we live [zao] we live to the Lord, and if we die we die to the Lord (vv. 7-8). Christ died and lived again so that he might be Lord of the dead and the living (v. 9). Paul then quotes Isaiah 45:23 and its reference to how every knee should bow to the Lord and every tongue confess [exomologeo] to God (v. 11). Each of us will be accountable [logon dosi] to God (v. 12).

Application: Several homiletical possibilities emerge from this text. This is certainly an opportunity to proclaim our freedom from the law and works as a way to salvation (Justification by Grace), basing this on the remembrance of similar dynamics in the early church. This is only possible because God makes us stand, does the work in giving us freedom, and changes our way of living. And precisely because of this freedom from the law we are set free from judging others (Sanctification). Another possibility is to focus Paul’s comment that we do not live and die to ourselves. Because all the faithful belong to Christ’s Body, death does not separate us from each other (Church and Eschatology).

Matthew 18:21-35
We have previously noted that this gospel is an anonymous work based on oral traditions about Jesus (though traditionally attributed to Matthew, one of Jesus’ disciples [9:9]). It may well have been written in the last third of the first century in Antioch, for its Bishop Ignatius seems to quote it as early as 110 AD. That it is written in Greek seems to rule out the disciple as its author. This lesson reports Jesus’ teaching of forgiveness. Except for verses 21-22 (with a parallel in Luke 17:4) the account is unique to this gospel, perhaps because it concerns itself with relations in the church and an ecclesiological preoccupation is unique to the gospel.

The account begins with Peter asking Jesus how many times he should forgive [aphiemi] a member of the church [adelphos, a brother] sinning against him, if seven times is sufficient (v. 21). Jesus responds that 77 times is necessary (v. 22). The number seven in Hebraic culture refers to completeness, so Jesus is teaching that a fullness of forgiveness is not enough. He compares the kingdom of heaven to a king wishing to settle accounts with his slaves. One owed him 10,000 talents (a talent being fifteen years worth of wages for a laborer). Since the slave could not pay, the lord orders him and his family to be sold (vv. 23-25; for the legitimacy of this practice in an ancient Jewish context, see Leviticus 25:39; 2 Kings 4:1). The slave begs for patience in the repayment, and out of pity [splagnistheism, or compassion] the lord releases him and forgives the debt (vv. 26-27). The same slave comes upon one of his fellow slaves who owes him 1,000 denarii (worth one day’s wages) and demands payment (v. 28). The slave begs for patience but the released slave refuses, throwing the other in prison (vv. 29-30). Fellow slaves are greatly distressed about this and report it to the lord (v. 31). He summons the slave whose debt he had forgiven, asserting that the slave should have had mercy on his fellow slave as the lord had mercy on that slave (vv. 31-33). The lord then turns over his former debtor to torture until his entire debt to the lord can be paid (the torturing was a means of discovering whether the debtor was concealing any money or other valuables). Jesus claims his Father will do the same to those who fail to forgive their brother or sister (vv. 34-35). This God who lays trials on the faithful seems in line with the Jewish roots of the document (cf. Job 23:10; Psalm 7:9; Jeremiah 9:7; 11:20).

Application: The text affords occasions to proclaim our sin (unwillingness to forgive) and how Jesus and the Holy Spirit have their way with us (forgiving us so we can do nothing other than God’s thing) (Justification by Grace). Another possibility is to proclaim that we cannot but forgive others in view of God’s forgiveness of us (Sanctification).

THEME OF THE DAY
A love that never quits. The theme of the consistency of God’s love is a testimony to Justification by Grace.

Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45
Paired with Psalm 106, this song of praise was composed for use at one of the major festivals and consists of a recital of the basic events that created the nation of Israel. It begins with a hymn-like introduction summoning the congregation to worship with thanks for the wonderful works/deeds [alilah] God has done (vv. 1-6). The story of the Exodus is next recounted (vv. 37-45). It is reported that the people, God’s chosen ones [bachir], were brought out with joy [sason]. They were given the lands of the nations in order that they might keep [natsar] the Lord’s statutes [choq] and observe his laws [torah].

Application: The Psalm affords an opportunity to celebrate the previous week’s theme of what God has done in setting Israel (and us) free (Justification by Grace). There is a reminder that God is consistent in his love for us. We are redeemed for service (Sanctification). Predestination is also implied by the acknowledgement that Israel is chosen.

OR

Psalm 145:1-8
This psalm of David is a hymn epitomizing the character of the God of Israel. We are reminded again that psalms attributed to David are not likely written by the king. In fact, many scholars have concluded that references to David in the psalms may have been a way of using him to represent the inner life of all his subjects and so of all the faithful (Brevard Childs, Introduction to the Old Testament as Scripture, p. 521). In this sense the song is a confession of faith about God that can be owned by all the faithful from generation to generation. Since it is not a lament, this Psalm is also probably not a part of the original collection of psalms of David (140-143) in Book V of the Psalms. This particular Psalm is acrostic, with each second verse beginning with the next successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. It begins with praise [halal] of Yahweh Elohim and a promise to do so (vv. 1-3). His wonderful deeds [maaseh] are extolled. This is to be done from one generation to another (vv. 4-7). The Lord’s graciousness [channun] and mercy [chesed, or loving kindness] receive adulation (v. 8).

Application: Celebrating God’s wonderful deeds of the past in a chain from generation to generation of the faithful is a reminder that God’s love never quits (Justification by Grace).

Exodus 16:2-15
Again we read from the book of liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. It is good to be reminded that the book is a compilation of three distinct oral traditions. The lesson is about the miracle of receiving food in the wilderness. (Also see Numbers 11:1-9.) It is likely that it is the work of the ninth/tenth-century BC oral tradition called J for its use of the name Jahweh/Yahweh when speaking of God. The lesson beings with the congregation (now in the wilderness of sin, probably on the Sinaitic Peninsula [v. 1]) complaining, contending that at least in Egypt there had been food and now they were starving (vv. 2-3). Yahweh tells Moses “he is” [connoting the name Yahweh ("I am Who I am")] and that he will rain [matar] bread on the people and test them to see if they will follow his law on how to gather it (v. 4). On the sixth day when they prepare (set aside) what they bring in, there will be twice as much as they gather other days (v. 5). Moses and Aaron tell the people that Yahweh has heard their complaints (v. 9). Their complaints are not against them but against God. They prophesy that in the morning the people will see the glory of the Lord (which in Priestly oral traditions, which may also have contributed to this account, is associated with light or a pillar of cloud and fire which veils God but was often carried at the head of a marching army) (vv. 6-8; cf. 13:21-22).

Moses instructs Aaron to tell the congregation to draw near [qarab] to Yahweh, as he has heard the complaints (v. 9). The congregation sees the glory of Yahweh in the wilderness (v. 10). Then Yahweh instructs Moses to tell the people that at nightfall they will eat meat in the morning and have their fill. Then they will know that Yahweh is their God (vv. 11-12). In the evening quails covered the camp and in the morning there was dew [tal] around the camp. The dew lifts and there is a fine flaky substance (kephor, a grayish white frozen water, perhaps excrement) on the ground. Moses reports it is bread [lechem] (vv. 13-15). It is identified as manna [man] in verse 31.

Application: The text affords a chance to explore and condemn gluttony (our sinful greed that is never satisfied) and joyfully to proclaim the good news that faith and grace are received as gifts, even in surprising ways that seem at first glance repulsive (like the manna from heaven having origins in excrement and eternal life being given through a death on the Cross).

OR

Jonah 3:10–4:11
This didactive narrative is the product of an author who lived after the end of the late sixth century BC Babylonian exile, combining traditional legends about an obscure Galilean prophet who counseled the eighth century BC King Jeroboam II with a concern to highlight Israel’s universal mission. It is a testimony to the breadth of God’s love. In this lesson at the conclusion of the book we learn of the conversion of the Ninevites and Jonah’s regret about it (3:10ff). Jonah explains to Yahweh his displeasure, noting that this is why he had originally fled from this mission. He cites the description of God revealed to Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 34:6-7), which entails God to be gracious [channun] and merciful [rachum], a bit too abundant in grace (4:1-2). He asks the Lord to take his life (4:3). Yahweh challenges this (4:4).

Jonah leaves the city of Nineveh and sits under a booth to get shade (4:5). It seems that Yahweh Elohim appoints a bush [qiqayon] to provide shade. But the next day he appointed a worm to attack the bust (4:6-7). God then has the wind [ruach] beat on Jonah, so he is faint. And he wants to die (4:8). Elohim asks him why he would be angry about a bush. If he is concerned about a bush for which he did not labor and did not grow, God asks if it does not make sense that he would be concerned about Nineveh, where there are more than 120,000 who do not know their right hand from their left, and that this love even extends to animals.

Application: Several options emerge from this text. It is an opportunity to consider prejudice and racism (Sin) but along with the awareness that God does not give up on us and that prejudice cannot prevail for God loves all (Justification by Grace). This is also a lesson that testifies to God’s great love, for human beings and creatures, and so the ecological agenda might also be considered (Creation and Providence).

Philippians 1:21-30
The lesson is part of a letter written by Paul while a prisoner to Christians in a province of Macedonia (present-day Greece). There is some debate about whether the epistle in its present form might be a combination of three separate letters (as early theologian Polycarp [Philippians, 2.3] spoke of Paul’s letters to this church). Its immediate occasion was to thank the Philippians for their gifts, by way of the return of Epaphroditus to Philippi (2:25-30) who had brought these gifts to Paul. His main purpose is to urge persistence in faith in face of opposition. This lesson is part of Paul’s description of his present circumstances along with an exhortation and comfort for the Philippians. It is also a kind of last will and testament by Paul, offering the church a witness on living faithfully even when he is no longer present.

The apostle begins by claiming that for him living is Christ and dying [apothnesko] is gain [kerdos] (v. 21). In essence, his life is not his own. If he is to live in the flesh [sarx] that means fruitful labor, and so he does not know which he prefers (v. 22). Hard-pressed between the two he concludes that his desire is to die to be with Christ, but to remain in the flesh may be more necessary for the faithful (vv. 23-24). (The appeal to necessity here might reflect the presuppositions of Stoic philosophy.) Paul then claims that he will remain and continue with the faithful, sharing abundantly in their boasting in Christ Jesus when he sees them again (vv. 25-26). He exhorts readers to live their lives in a manner worthy [axios] of the gospel of Christ, so that whether he visits them again or not he may come to know that they are standing firm [steko] in one spirit [pneuma], striving side-by-side with one mind and in no way intimidated by opponents (vv. 27-28a). For opponents of faith this is evidence of the faithful’s salvation [soteria], and it is God’s doing (v. 28b). Paul claims that God has graciously granted the Philippians the privilege of believing in Christ but also of suffering for him since all have the same struggle [agona] (vv. 29-30). This last point may refer to the struggles of the athlete.

Application: The lesson is a celebration about how despite our continuous sinning God never abandons us and provides grace despite our faithlessness (Sin and Justification by Grace). Other options pertain to sermons on the Christian life and involving struggle making death sometimes look like a better prospect than life yet with the knowledge that our lives are not our own, and Christ keeps us faithful in unity (Sanctification and Church).

Matthew 20:1-16
We read again from the most Jewish-oriented of the gospels, an anonymous work based on oral traditions about Jesus (though traditionally attributed to Matthew, one of Jesus’ disciples [9:9]). We consider this week Jesus’ parable of the laborers in the vineyard. Except for verse 16, the parable is unique to Matthew.

The account begins with Jesus claiming that the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early to hire laborers [ergates] (v. 1). Those hired in this way in the Roman empire of the first century were usually poor. He agrees with laborers for the usual daily wage [a denarius], and they go to work (v. 2). Then he goes out at 9:00 and seeing others idle puts them to work, claiming he will pay them what is right. They agree and go to work (vv. 3-4). The same thing transpires at noon, 3:00, and 5:00 (vv. 5-7).

At evening the landowner tells the manager to summon all the laborers and to pay them beginning with the last (v. 8). Payment at the end of the day was mandated for Hebrews (Leviticus 19:13). Those hired at 5:00 received the usual daily wage (v. 9). When the first hired come, they expect to receive more. So when they receive just the usual daily wage they grumble, pointing out the apparent unfairness since they had borne the heat of the day (vv. 10-12). The landowner replies that he did nothing wrong since they had agreed to the usual daily wage (v. 13). He claims that he is allowed to do what he chooses with what belongs to him, asking if the first-hired workers are envious of his generosity (vv. 14-15). The last [eschatos] will be first [protos] and the first will be last (v. 16).

Application: The text is about the paradoxical character of God’s love that grace violates the reason and the law (Justification by Grace), for nothing we do is worthy of merit (Sin). Likewise the least likely people (the poor and latecomers to faith) may be the very people God is counting on to advance his kingdom, for God never gives up on anyone (Providence and Justification by Grace).

THEME OF THE DAY
God takes charge of things. As the texts testify to the fact that nothing gets in the way of God’s aims we explore the doctrine of Sin and Justification by Grace.

Psalm 78:1-4
This is a Maskil of Asaph, that is, an artful song that is the work of a professional Levitical musician or his tradition (see 2 Chronicles 29:30). This set of Psalms was composed for use at major festivals. The poet addresses the congregation in the style of Wisdom writers. The Psalm as a whole recounts the story of God’s care of Israel. It begins with a reference to dark/hidden sayings [chidah, or riddles, in the sense of the riddle of how Israel could rebel against God; cf. Proverbs 1:6] from the ancestors. The reference to a parable connotes a didactic poem (vv. 1-3). These sayings regarding the glorious deeds of Yahweh and his might [ezuz] are not to be hidden (v. 4).

Application: The Psalm affords occasion to proclaim how God is in charge of the faithful despite the riddle of our sin. His might overcomes our rebelliousness (Justification by Grace).

OR

Psalm 25:1-9
This is a lament prayer for deliverance from personal enemies. It is traditionally attributed to David. We need again to be reminded that psalms attributed to David are not likely written by the king. In fact, many scholars have concluded that references to David in the psalms may have been a way of using him to represent the inner life of all his subjects and so of all the faithful (Brevard Childs, Introduction to the Old Testament as Scripture, p. 521). In that sense this song is about the expectation that all the faithful encounter trials and cry for deliverance.

The Psalm is acrostic. Every successive verse begins with another letter of the Hebrew alphabet. It begins with a cry for help that the psalmist not be put to shame [bosh] (vv. 1-3). It includes a confession of sin and prayer for forgiveness by Yahweh whose love [racham, compassion] and mercy [chesed] are extolled (vv. 6-7). The affirmation of Justification by Grace includes a concern with the practice of the religious life (Sanctification). It seems that the forgiven sinner is led by God. He is said to guide and make the meek/humble [anav] to what is right (vv. 4-5, 8-9).

Application: The text opens the way for sermons that explore what our real enemies in life are (Sin) with the good news that deliverance by a loving God is a sure thing (Justification by Grace). This is an opportunity to preach on the Christian life as something that follows from forgiveness, as we become humble in our awareness of sin.

Exodus 17:1-7
We have previously noted that like all of the first five books of the Old Testament, Exodus is the product of several distinct literary strands, all originating between the tenth and sixth centuries BC. The book is so named for the Greek term referring to the liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. Its Hebrew name (meaning “These are the names”) refers to the first words of the text’s Prologue. In this lesson we consider the story of water in the wilderness (which has a parallel version in Numbers 20:2-13), perhaps in the wilderness of Paran, which is just northeast of the wilderness of Sin. Sin was probably fifty miles west of Mount Sinai in modern-day Saudi Arabia. The lesson is again likely the work of the ninth/tenth-century BC oral tradition called J for its use of the name Jahweh/Yahweh when speaking of God.

Continuing to travel by stages (making various stops in the Exodus) (v. 1), camped in the wilderness the people had no water and quarreled with Moses to receive it (v. 2). They wonder why he had brought them out of Egypt to such suffering (v. 3). Moses is reported to have accused the people of testing [the Hebrew word nasah is more properly translated try, implying a court hearing for] the Lord (v. 2). He pleads with Yahweh, asking what he is to do with the people (v. 4). (They had complained earlier about the need for water and been delivered with both water and bread from heaven [15f:22ff].) The Lord replies that he is to take leaders with him along with the staff with which Moses had stuck the Nile (v. 5; 7:20). Unlike in the version in Numbers, this earlier literary strand tells the story without a reference to a shrine from which to seek divine counsel. The Lord promises to be standing in front of Moses on the rock at Horeb and commands Moses to strike the rock so the people would receive the drink (v. 6). Water lies below the limestone surface in the region of Sinai. The place was called Massah and Meribah (meaning “test” and “find fault” in Hebraic; see the preceding paragraph for more on the location of these wilderness areas), because the Israelites quarreled and tested the Lord (v. 7).

Application: The text makes clear that all things are in God’s hands (Providence and Creation) in the midst of our unfaithfulness (Sin). We are totally dependent on God, for God provides the good things of the earth even to those who deny him (Justification by Grace).

OR

Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32
The Complementary First Lesson appears in a book attributed to a sixth century BC prophet from a priestly family whose ministry was to his fellow exiles during the Babylonian captivity. Some oracles predate the fall of Jerusalem. This text, likely the words of the historical prophet, is a discourse on individual responsibility. The word of Yahweh comes to the prophet asking why he uses the proverb concerning Israel that the parents have eaten sour grapes and the children’s teeth are set on edge (vv. 1-2; cf. Jeremiah 31:27-30). It should no more be used, he directs. Only the person who sins dies (vv. 3-4). After illustrating this principle in detail (vv. 5-24), Yahweh responds to charges that his way is not fair. In fact, it is the ways of Israel that are not fair (vv. 25, 29). When the righteous [tsaddiq] turn from their righteousness and commit iniquity, they shall die for it (v. 26). And when the wicked turn from wickedness [rishah] to do what is lawful they save their life (vv. 27-28). Yahweh says he will judge [shaphat, connoting a magistrate's judgment] the house of Israel according to their ways [derek]. He calls them to repent and turn from all their transgressions. They are to get themselves a new heart [leb] and a new spirit [ruach] (vv. 29-31). The idea of a new covenant (like Jeremiah 31:34) seems implied. God says he has no pleasure in the death of anyone (v. 32).

Application: The text affords opportunities to remind the flock of individual responsibility and Sanctification. But the behavioral expectations seem related to repentance and in particular to God transforming the faithful, providing them with a new heart and new spirit (Justification by Grace construed as Union with Christ, as per Galatians 2:19-20). Good works follow from this transformation, it seems. We might stress that it is a God of love portrayed here, one who takes no pleasure in the death of anyone.

Philippians 2:1-13
The lesson is part of a letter written by Paul while a prisoner, to Christians in a province of Macedonia (present-day Greece). There is some debate about whether the epistle in its present form might be a combination of three separate letters. Paul is concerned to urge persistence in faith in the face of opposition. This lesson is a reflection and early Christian hymn on humility and the example of Christ.

Reference is first made to the consolation, love, sharing the Spirit, compassion, and sympathy encouraged (made to transpire) by Christ (v. 1). Paul says that this news will make joy complete. He would have the faithful be of the same mind, having love (v. 2). As a result, he urges the faithful to do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit but in humility to regard others as better than themselves (v. 3). It is best, Paul claims, if each look not to his/her own interests but to the interests of others (v. 4). Then he urges the faithful to be of the same mind as Christ (v. 5). He illustrates this point by citing the ancient Christian hymn about Christ, who though in the form [morpse] of God is said not to have regarded it robbery to be equal to God but emptied [ekenose] himself in the form of a slave, born in human likeness, humbled himself, and became obedient to death on a cross (vv. 6-8). The hymn continues: God therefore exalted Christ highly and gave him a name [onoma] above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow and every tongue confess that Christ is Lord (vv. 9-11)! With the hymn ended, Paul would have the faithful work out their own salvation [soteria] in fear and trembling (humbly and with constant dependence on God), just as they always obeyed the apostle in the past (v. 12). He claims it is God who is at work in the faithful, enabling them to work for his good pleasure [eudokias] (v. 13).

Application: Focusing on Jesus’ humble sacrifice reveals our pride and sin. It is not that we work out our own salvation alone, but only when in constant dependence on God (in fear and trembling) does salvation happen (Justification by Grace). Another option might be to preach on Christ’s atonement and sacrifice as the way salvation happens.

Matthew 21:23-32
Again we read from the most Jewish-oriented of the gospels, an anonymous work based on oral traditions about Jesus (though traditionally attributed to Matthew, one of Jesus’ disciples [9:9]). The lesson describes challenges to Jesus’ authority and the parable of the two sons. The parable is unique to Matthew.

The lesson begins with Jesus returning to the temple where the chief priests and elders came to him as he was teaching. They ask by what authority he is proceeding (v. 23), and unlike the Markan version of the text (11:27), Matthew’s Jesus is challenged on his authority to teach in the Jerusalem Temple. (He had never been ordained as a rabbi.) Jesus poses a question for the interrogators first, asking whether John’s baptism was from heaven or of human origin (vv. 24-25a). This creates consternation among those questioning Jesus, for they do not want to concede the heavenly origin of the baptism and yet fear an uprising if they do not (vv. 25b-26). Finally the chief priests and elders claim not to know, and so Jesus refuses to tell them his authority (v. 27).

The parable follows, of one son refusing to work in the vineyard for his father but eventually doing so while the other promises to undertake this task but never does so (vv. 28-30). Jesus asks his followers which of the sons did the father’s bidding, and they answer the first. So Jesus claims that tax collectors and prostitutes (that is, moral and social outcasts) will enter the kingdom of God ahead of Jewish leaders (v. 31). This criticism of establishment Judaism nicely fits with the gospel author’s concern to address an original audience that was probably Jewish Christians no longer in full communion with Judaism (see 24:20). John is said to have come to the Jews in the way of righteousness [hodow dikaiosunes] but was not believed, while the tax collectors and prostitutes believe him. But the Jewish leaders have not changed their minds (v. 32).

Application: This text offers an occasion to point out how, like the dishonest son in the parable, we talk big but often do not walk that walk (Sin). Yet God does not abandon us but gets to us working outside the box (Justification by Grace and God’s providential working through lowly, ordinary means). An alternative might be to note how often the leaders of community, the powerful and even rich have it wrong about God, but that those on the margins (society’s outcasts) are often more likely to be in line with the Lord’s plans (Social Ethics, a preferential option for the poor).

THEME OF THE DAY
The surprising places grace sends us. These texts focus us on how grace (Justification and Providence) moves the faithful away from sin to service (Sanctification) and Social Justice.

Psalm 19
This is a hymn to God as Creator of nature and giver of the law. It has been traditionally attributed to David, though not likely written by the king. As we have previously noted, many scholars have concluded that references to David in the psalms may have been a way of using him to represent the inner life of all his subjects and so of all the faithful (Brevard Childs, Introduction to the Old Testament as Scripture, p. 521). In that sense this song is about the praise the faithful give to the creating God. The sky and succession of days are said to praise God like a choir, and yet they cannot be heard (vv. 1-6). Parallelism (repeating the same point in different words), rather than rhyme, is employed poetically in these verses. The verses that follow may be a later addition, praising the revelation of God’s will in the Mosaic Law [torah] (vv. 7-10). The psalmist prays to avoid sin so he can be innocent [naqah] (vv. 12-13). This leads to the awareness that only with God’s grace can we keep the law. The psalmist concludes with the famous prayer that our words and meditation may be acceptable to Yahweh, our rock and redeemer [gaal] (v. 14).

Application: The text invites reflections on God’s goodness to us in nature (implying a sermon on ecology or the majesty of Creation or Providence) or in making possible that we can do his will (Sanctification).

OR

Psalm 80:7-15
This lesson is a prayer for deliverance. The psalm’s reference to the leader entails that instructions are being given to the director of temple musicians. The meaning of the direction to recite the psalm on Lilies is uncertain, but it may refer to a particular melody. The reference to the psalm as a covenant may also be translated “testimony.” Asaph, to whom the psalm is attributed, seems to have been one of the Jerusalem Temple’s worship leaders appointed by David (1 Chronicles 6:31-32, 39). The tribes mentioned in verse 2 may suggest that the psalm is a product of the Northern Kingdom (Israel).

The lesson begins with a plea for restoration by the God of hosts (v. 7), originally to be shepherd [raah] (v. 1). Israel is said to be a vine once carefully tended by God in Egypt and then sending out its branches (vv. 8-11). This latter point refers to Israel’s settlement in the Holy Land or to the extent of David’s empire. But the psalm continues to lament that now its walls have been broken down and are ravaged, the psalmist proclaims (vv. 12-13). The prayer for deliverance then commences (vv. 14-15).

Application: Sermons on the goodness of God to the faithful are most appropriate (Providence). But the psalm seems more clearly to invite sermons of assurance and deliverance in face of hard times (Sin, Justification by Grace, and Sanctification).

Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20
We have previously noted that like all of the first five books of the Old Testament, Exodus is the product of several distinct literary strands, all originating between the tenth and sixth centuries BC. The book is so named for the Greek term referring to the liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. Its Hebrew name (meaning “These are the names”) refers to the first words of the text’s prologue. In this lesson we read the story of the giving of the Ten Commandments. This is likely the product of a combination of the J strand (the ninth/tenth-century BC oral tradition characterized by its use of the name Jahweh/Yahweh when speaking of God) and the E strand (an eighth-century BC oral tradition characterized by its use of the name Elohim when speaking of God). The editor bringing these oral traditions was then possibly the P strand (so named because it was the work of priests dating from the sixth century BC).

The prologue identifying God and what he has done (v. 2) summarized the previous chapter. In this sense the law and the historical narrative are related. We also find this happening in verse 11b, as the sabbath observance finds justification in the Lord resting from creation on the seventh day. The name Yahweh used in verse 2 may be significant. It means “I am who I am,” but can also be translated “he lets be” (i.e., creates) or “I will be who I will be.” This is a merciful God, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love (34:6-7). Each commandment is explicated (vv. 3, 7-9, 12-17). People witness thunder and lightning, trumpets and a smoking mountain, so all tremble (v. 18). They ask Moses to speak but do not want to hear God, lest they die (v. 19). They are seeking a mediator, so they need not hear God’s Law directly. Moses gives reassurance, claiming that God has only come to test the people and put fear of him in them that they not sin (v. 20).

Application: A number of related sermon directions are opened by the text. It is good to be reminded that the law [torah] for the Jewish faith is not intended as a judgmental, condemnatory decree, but as instruction or guide for life (Leo Trepp, Judaism: Development and Life, p. 2). Thus the commandments could be proclaimed as guides to life. If this approach is employed it is well to direct the congregation to Psalm 19:12-13, which makes clear that the law can only be observed because God (grace) makes it possible. Other alternatives include an analysis of any of the commandments to make clear that we have failed to observe its demands (Sin). If this approach is taken the final word must be the First or Second Lesson’s message of forgiveness (Justification by Grace through Faith). Another possibility is to focus on the contemporary social issue implied by any of the commandments, noting how God wills justice on that theme (Social Ethics), again complemented by the hints of the need for God to bring this about in Psalm 19.

OR

Isaiah 5:1-7
The book is actually the product of two or three distinct literary traditions. The first 39 chapters are the work of the historical prophet who proclaimed a message to Jerusalem and the Southern Kingdom of Judah from 742 BC to 701 BC, a period during which the Northern Kingdom of Israel had been annexed by the Assyrian empire. Chapters 40-66 emerged in the later period immediately before the fall of Babylon (in 539 BC). In view of close stylistic similarities to chapters 40-55, a hypothesized third section (chapters 56-66) may have been written by Second Isaiah (author of the chapters from 40 on) or by one of his disciples. But the last eleven chapters begin at the conclusion of the Babylonian captivity and are likely written after the restoration of the exiled in Judah, expressing some disappointment about what has transpired since the exiles’ return.

This Complementary First Lesson is drawn from the historical prophet’s song of the vineyard, a didactic poem that may have been composed for a celebration of the Festival of Booths (a seven-day festival of harvest held in the fall) during the eighth-century BC king of Judah Jotham’s reign. It begins with the prophet asking to sing a love song for his beloved concerning the vineyard [kerem] he has planted (v. 1). He cleared the land well and expected it to yield grapes, but instead it yielded wild grapes (v. 2). Judah is asked to pass judgment on itself, as Yahweh asks why the vineyard planted has not yielded grapes (vv. 3-4). Yahweh says that he will remove the hedge around the vineyard; it will be devoured and made waste, overgrown with thorns (vv. 5-7). This vineyard is identified as Israel (cf. 27:2-6; Ezekiel 19:10-14), and the people of Judah are the Lord’s pleasant planting [neta]. He expected justice [mishpat, properly translated "judgment"] and righteousness [tsedeq], but instead saw bloodshed and heard cries (v. 7). We must keep in mind that to be righteous in Hebraic thinking is not so much a demand for morality as it is the expectation of being in right relation with God (Gerhard von Rad, Old Testament Theology, Vol. 1, p. 371). And likewise the ancient Hebrew term translated “justice” refers not so much to legal rubrics as to the faithful application of God’s will to daily living or when translated as “judgments” may connote a sense of comfort. There are clear similarities between this version of the First Lesson and the gospel.

Application: References to Israel’s faithlessness and failure to practice justice or offer comfort might be related to the faithlessness of the tenants in the Gospel Lesson, and their failure to practice justice toward the poor might entail a sermon stressing Social Ethics. Focusing on Sin and Justification by Grace is also a valid sermonic use of the text.

Philippians 3:4b-14
The lesson is part of a letter written by Paul while a prisoner to Christians in a province of Macedonia (present-day Greece). There is some debate about whether the epistle in its present form might be a combination of three separate letters (as early theologian Polycarp, Philippians, 2.3, spoke of Paul’s letters to this church). Its immediate occasion was to thank the Philippians for their gifts, by way of the return of Epaphroditus to Philippi (2:25-30) who had brought these gifts to Paul. His main purpose is to urge persistence in faith in face of opposition. This lesson is a warning that righteousness is not by the law and a confession of hope.

Paul first notes that if any Jew has reason to be confident in the things of the flesh it is him — circumcised, a member of the tribe of Benjamin, a Pharisee, righteous under the law, and a persecutor of the church (vv. 4b-6). Certainly Paul was also fluent in Hebrew (Acts 21:40). Whatever gains he had by these standards, they should be regarded as a loss in light of Christ (v. 7). Indeed, everything is loss in light of the surpassing value of knowing Christ. For his sake Paul says he now regards all this as rubbish [skubala] so that he can gain Christ, be found in him, not having a righteousness [dikaiosune] of his own from the law [nomos] but only the righteousness of God that comes through the faith of Christ based on faith [epi ta pistei] (vv. 8-9; Romans 3:20-27). This way of phrasing his point makes clear that Paul understood the righteousness of faith much as the Reformation traditions and Augustine have, not as our own characteristic but as a gift of God properly belonging to him since righteousness is about a proper relationship. Paul proceeds to add that he wants to know Christ, the power of his resurrection, and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in death by attaining resurrection from the dead (vv. 10-11). The apostle adds that he has not obtained this already but is pressing on to make it his own, because Christ has made him his own (v. 12). He also observes that he does not consider yet to have made the life of faith he describes his own, but he presses on for the prize [brabeion] of the heavenly call of God in Christ (v. 14). The prize seems to be to share the glory of God (Romans 5:2).

Application: The text provides an excellent occasion to proclaim that we cannot earn salvation by works but only through the work of Christ (explaining the Pauline concept of Justification by Grace through Faith). Or this point could be made and then the sermon could move on to make clear that faith also leads us to identify with Christ and his sufferings, though not perfectly (Sanctification).

Matthew 21:33-46
We have previously noted that this gospel is an anonymous work based on oral traditions about Jesus (though traditionally attributed to Matthew, one of Jesus’ disciples [9:9]). This book may well have been written in the last third of the first century in Antioch, for its Bishop Ignatius seems to quote it as early as 110 AD. That it is written in Greek seems to rule out the disciple as its author. This lesson is Jesus’ parable in the vineyard, sometimes called the parable of the wicked tenants (which has parallels in the other synoptic gospels [Mark 12:1-12; Luke 20:9-19]). Isaiah 5:1-7 seems to be in the background of this parable.

Jesus first tells of a landowner planting a vineyard putting a fence around it and building a watchtower. He then leased it to tenants (v. 33). When harvest time came the landowner sent slaves to the tenants to collect his produce. The tenants seized his slaves, beating one, killing one, and stoning another (vv. 34-35). Other slaves sent received the same treatment (v. 36). The slaves/servants [doulos] were the lowest social strata in the Roman empire, indentured servants ranking below the tenants. The slaves likely function here in the parable to signify prophets and the tenants the people of Israel. Then the landowner sends his son, feeling he will be respected. But the tenants (presumably representing Jewish leaders) kill him, feeling they can get his inheritance (vv. 37-39).

Jesus then asks the chief priests and Pharisees what will the owner of the vineyard do, and they claim that the tenants will be put to death and the produce given to other tenants (vv. 40-41). He asks if they had ever read scripture. He quotes Psalm 118:22-23, regarding the stone rejected by the builders becoming the cornerstone [kephalen gonias] (v. 42). In a passage unique to Matthew, Jesus adds that the kingdom will be taken away from them and given to people who produce fruits. The Jesus of this book adds that the one who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces (vv.43-44; cf. Isaiah 8:14). The chief priests and Pharisees hearing this are said to have realized that the parables were about them. Thus they wanted to arrest Jesus, but it is reported that they feared the crowds who regarded Jesus as a prophet [prophetes] (vv. 45-46; cf. 21:11).

Application: The text provides opportunities to proclaim the Atonement and so Justification by Grace but also Social Ethics (how the poor often best serve God and how good, decent tenants like us often fail to heed their claims and needs). Another possibility is to stress God’s surprising ways in Christ, how this text is a prophecy of how though rejected, Christ is now the cornerstone of faith.