By the Rev. Elisabeth Hartwell
Revised Common Lectionary reflection, Third Sunday in Lent, Year B
March 3, 2024
Key verse: Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” -John 2:19
Dear fellow preachers: In the second chapter of John’s Gospel, Jesus is intent to kick off his ministry with a bang. As the chapter begins, he wows everyone at the wedding in Cana by turning some 150 gallons of water into fine wine. Immediately following this, Jesus strides into the temple in Jerusalem, causing quite a commotion. John’s placement of these two incidents does not seem coincidental, but rather very intentional: Jesus is there to make a splash and turn the status quo on its head.
As Lent continues, urging us to engage in introspection – both individually and as congregations the task for preachers is to determine what we say about the splash Jesus makes and his challenge of the status quo. Jesus causes a huge stir in the temple, but what exactly is he so upset about? If we imagine our churches as the modern-day equivalent of the temple, what in our congregations would Jesus take issue with?
As we explore these questions, here are some possibilities for the direction we might take with our preaching:
–In causing a disruption in the temple, Jesus seems to be resisting the exploitation he sees at work there. The animals necessary for required sacrifices are sold at greatly marked-up prices, while the money-changers make a considerable profit exchanging Roman coins for the coins needed to pay the temple tax. In considering what examples of modern-day exploitation that Jesus might resist, our tendency might be to look only outward to the society in which we live. However, we must also look within. Is there exploitation in our churches with which Jesus would take issue? How do we, even unintentionally, take advantage of others and promote systems of injustice?
— In turning water into wine and then causing an uproar in the temple, Jesus seems to be announcing he has arrived to usher in a new era. As we make our way ever nearer to Jesus’ resurrection on Easter, what is the something new he wishes to do in our lives and in our churches? In the midst of Lent, how specifically are we seeking Jesus’ renewal and new life?
— The religious authorities in the temple clearly allowed the sale of animals and the changing of money, even though it was exploitative and unjust. We might be tempted to point a finger at them, but I wonder if it is also possible to empathize with them. Any pastor who has faced a deficit in the church budget might relate to this. Many of us lead congregations that struggle to make ends meet, and we are often concerned with self-preservation. But how does our need to preserve and maintain our churches interfere with how God is at work in them? Might God be calling us to forms of renewal and change we are afraid to pursue?
My fellow preachers, however we approach our text from John, and whatever direction our sermons take, we should challenge ourselves to speak a prophetic word that will challenge our listeners. After all, through his actions in the temple, Jesus did exactly this – confronting corruption and greed. As we prayerfully compose our sermons, and deliver them with conviction, may we have courage and listen to how Jesus advocates for restoration and change in this present moment.
In Worship
We often hear about giving something up to observe Lent. But what if instead your congregants began a new endeavor that will bring renewal and change to their churches and communities? In our text, we see how Jesus challenges the status quo. How might your congregants step outside their own comfort zones to bring much-needed change? Might they engage in a Bible study focused on one of the prophets who advocated for justice? Or, could they get more involved in a mission effort? Encourage them to become more involved in actives that help others in their churches and communities.
Worship with Youth
Read the story of Jesus in the temple with youth, and explain to them that Jesus acted the way he did because people were being taken advantage of. Invite youth to explore the ways they see other people being mistreated and taken advantage of. They might witness this in their school, their community, or even in their own families. How can they help to change what they see? How can they be a voice for change? Encourage youth to consider the important role they have in advocating for the well-being and welfare of others.
Worship with Children
Talk with children about a time when they felt angry, and explore with them how it made them feel. What was it that caused their anger? How did they show they were angry? Share with them that Jesus got angry in the temple because he saw that some people were being treated unfairly. Explain that sometimes it is okay to feel angry, especially when other people are being hurt. Anger can be used in a positive way, when we use it to help others and to change things that are unfair and wrong.
Previous reflections for Lent 3B:
2021 – The Decalogue: More than shall and shall not
2018 – Foolish
2015 – All-consuming Jesus
2012 – Marketplace or Holy space?
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