Aligning with God’s Purposes: 27 September, 2020

Matthew 21:23-32

The gospel text follows the theme of repentance introduced by Ezekiel. Because Jesus enacted a prophetic declaration of judgment against the temple and its leadership (21:12–13), the religious authorities demand that he explain who authorized him to speak and act this way. In this demand, there is also a trap. If Jesus claimed divine authorization for his actions, the religious authorities could accuse him of blasphemy. But if he were acting on his own, they could condemn him of disrespecting the temple and stone him to death. . . .

Jesus then asks the religious authorities to render a verdict on the characters in a parable. The point of the parable seems fairly simple. Obedience is the only real test for faith and relationship with God. The authorities identify the first son in the parable, the one who at first refused to do the father’s command, but then changed his mind, as the one who did the will of his father. Jesus then condemns the authorities for acting like the second son, who gave lip service to his father, but failed to obey. Jesus contrasts their failure with the way in which the tax collectors and prostitutes have lived out the right answer because they heard John the Baptist’s summons and responded with repentance.

This story provides a helpful corrective to the tendency to reduce Christianity to a matter of having the correct doctrine.

Following Jesus is not so much a system of teaching as a way of living embodied in certain practices, such as hospitality, forgiveness, generosity, service, and compassion. –– Aaron J. Couch

Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32

It is important for the preacher to demonstrate that Ezekiel is not providing a program for the exercise of God’s judgment. The key is to observe the intended function of the prophetic announcement. This passage is not an objective discourse on the topic of divine justice, but a personal address, summoning the listener to repent and turn his or her heart toward God. The problem with the proverb is that it permitted the people of Judah to persist in their wickedness and irresponsibility, while also maintaining the illusion of powerlessness and relative innocence. Ezekiel invites the people to see the truth of their conduct and to take responsibility for their lives while also trusting God’s love and God’s justice. –– Aaron J. Couch

Philippians 2:1-13

The beautiful “Christ hymn” celebrates the humiliation and exaltation of Christ. . . [in] three stages: describing Christ’s preexistence with God, his human obedience and humility, and his exaltation to glory. In the context of the letter, though, Paul uses this hymn to address the manner of life to be followed by believers. Paul was concerned with the unity and integrity of life of the congregation in Philippi (2:8, 16, 20), and uses the image of Christ’s humility as an example of the mindset for believers to embrace. –– Aaron J. Couch

Aaron Couch is a co-pastor of First Immanuel Lutheran Church in Portland, Oregon.

Homily Service 41, no. 4 (2008): 37-48