Embracing Vulnerability: The True Strength of Jesus
Summary
In today's gathering at Bethel, we explored the profound imagery of Jesus as a mother hen, a symbol of vulnerability and protection, juxtaposed against the figure of Herod, the fox, representing cunning and destructive power. This narrative from the Gospel of Luke challenges us to reconsider our understanding of strength and power, especially in a world that often glorifies might and dominance. Jesus, in his journey towards Jerusalem, faced the temptation to flee from danger, yet he chose to continue his mission of healing and liberation, embodying a divine strength rooted in vulnerability and compassion.
The story invites us to reflect on the choices we make during Lent, a season marked by contrasts and decisions. Are we drawn to the allure of power and control, or do we embrace the path of love and empathy, even when it makes us vulnerable? Jesus' refusal to succumb to the temptations of imperial power, whether from the devil or his friends, underscores the deceptive nature of such power. Instead, he chose to embody a love that is fierce and protective, like a hen gathering her chicks under her wings.
This narrative also serves as a critique of contemporary Christian nationalism, which often distorts the image of Jesus into one of a warrior, aligning with political and imperialistic ideologies. Such a portrayal is a departure from the Jesus who rejected the temptations of empire and chose the path of humility and service. The call is to resist the idolatry of power and to embrace the vulnerability that comes with true discipleship.
As we navigate our own lives, the question remains: Are we willing to be gathered under the wings of a loving and vulnerable God, or do we seek refuge in the false security of worldly power? The choice is ours, and it defines the essence of our faith journey.
Key Takeaways:
- The imagery of Jesus as a mother hen offers a powerful contrast to the figure of Herod, the fox. This narrative challenges us to embrace vulnerability and compassion as true strengths, rather than succumbing to the allure of power and control. [15:54]
- Lent is a season of choices, inviting us to reflect on our own lives and the paths we choose. Are we drawn to the safety of God's sheltering wings, or do we seek the false security of worldly power? [21:32]
- Jesus' rejection of imperial power, whether from the devil or his friends, highlights the deceptive nature of such power. True strength lies in vulnerability and love, not in dominance and control. [24:15]
- Contemporary Christian nationalism often distorts the image of Jesus into one of a warrior, aligning with political ideologies. This is a departure from the Jesus who chose humility and service over empire. [27:23]
- The call to discipleship is a call to embrace vulnerability and to resist the idolatry of power. It is a choice to follow the path of love and empathy, even when it makes us vulnerable. [30:14]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [06:18] - Announcements and Events
- [15:54] - Gospel Reading: Luke 13:31-35
- [18:46] - Jesus' Temptation and Choice
- [21:32] - The Contrast of Herod and Jesus
- [24:15] - The Temptation of Imperial Power
- [27:23] - Critique of Christian Nationalism
- [30:14] - Embracing Vulnerability
- [36:13] - Offering and Dedication Prayer
- [44:15] - Benediction and Closing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Luke 13:31-35: "At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, 'Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.' He said to them, 'Go and tell that fox for me, "Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem." Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, "Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord."'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What imagery does Jesus use to describe his desire to protect Jerusalem, and how does this contrast with Herod's representation? [15:54]
2. How do the Pharisees' actions in this passage reflect their concern for Jesus' safety? [18:46]
3. What does Jesus' response to the Pharisees reveal about his mission and priorities? [18:46]
4. How does Jesus describe the city of Jerusalem in this passage, and what does this reveal about his relationship with the city? [21:32]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What might Jesus' choice to continue his mission despite Herod's threats suggest about the nature of true strength and power? [18:46]
2. How does the imagery of Jesus as a mother hen challenge traditional views of power and protection? [21:32]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that contemporary Christian nationalism distorts the image of Jesus? [27:23]
4. How does the sermon interpret the choice between embracing vulnerability and seeking worldly power in the context of discipleship? [30:14]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced a choice between vulnerability and seeking control. How did you respond, and what might you do differently in light of Jesus' example? [18:46]
2. In what ways can you embrace the path of love and empathy in your daily life, even when it makes you vulnerable? [21:32]
3. How can you resist the allure of power and control in your personal and professional life, choosing instead to embody compassion and humility? [24:15]
4. Consider the ways in which contemporary culture might influence your understanding of Jesus. How can you ensure that your image of Jesus aligns with the one who chose humility and service over empire? [27:23]
5. What practical steps can you take to be gathered under the wings of a loving and vulnerable God, rather than seeking refuge in worldly power? [30:14]
6. Identify a situation in your community where you can act as a source of light and love, reflecting the compassion of Jesus. What specific actions will you take this week? [30:14]
7. How can you support others in your faith community to embrace vulnerability and resist the idolatry of power? [30:14]
Devotional
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Quotes
"At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him get away from here for Herod wants to kill you he said to them go and tell that Fox for me listen I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow and on the third day I finish my work yet today tomorrow and the next day I must be on my way because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem Jerusalem Jerusalem the city that kills prophets and stones those who are sent to it how often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings and you were not willing see your house is left to you and I tell you you will not see me until the time comes when you say blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord may we hear and understand what the scriptures are teaching us today" [00:12:26] (66 seconds)
"So on this second Sunday of Lent our reading hits that fox that's Herod against a hen wanting to protect her chicks several years ago I gave a sermon about the hen and chicks and it seems we're back there again this particular story is a favorite story of gospel feminist scholars it's often preached at ordinations of clergywomen the rendering of Jesus as a mother hen is astounding and it opens our imagination to a lot of tender images that the church has often ignored. Tender. Beautiful word." [00:13:48] (57 seconds)
"Are you going to surrender to the fox, to Herod, the strong man? Or are you willing to be embraced and vulnerable by Jesus, the mother hen? That's it. That's the whole story. Last week, Jesus himself was offered a similar choice. The devil showed him all the kingdoms of earth, promising that he would have all of them in the palm of his hand if he would just worship the devil. And Jesus said, no. No way. It is written, you shall worship God only and serve only God." [00:15:54] (39 seconds)
"Jesus was not willing to give in to a satanic temptation to become some sort of a... ancient world strong man. He was not willing to be a sort of Jewish Caesar in lieu of the Roman one. That wasn't his calling. Jesus embraced humility and humanity and compassion and chose God instead." [00:16:42] (20 seconds)
"To be afraid of Herod was the same as worshipping him. Believing Herod's power to be greater than God's. So no matter what Herod's threats were. No matter how imperial authorities raged against him. He would continue on with God's work until later. When he would eventually face down his accusers in Jerusalem. No matter the threats. Carrying on God's work. Of course we can learn from that." [00:19:51] (33 seconds)
"That's a key part of that sentence. You were not willing to be gathered under my wings. That's the contrast. Between King Herod. Imperial strong man. And Jesus. The prophet who understands himself to be a mother hen to her chicks. Strong man versus mother hen. Violence versus vulnerability. Empire versus empathy. You're not willing to be." [00:20:49] (29 seconds)
"Throughout history, Christians have often traded vulnerability for power. The Crusades was an example of that. They haven't believed in their own lamenting Jesus, preferring instead to opt to establish worldly empires. Right now, a lot of Christians in my own country are not willing to be embraced by a vulnerable God." [00:23:00] (31 seconds)
"Christian nationalism, the religion supporting this dictatorial imperialistic arm, is espoused by those who clearly are not willing to give themselves to a vulnerable profit. And those who think that glorifying this type of violent, intolerant Jesus is the answer. They think that that is standing up for right. It is not." [00:24:30] (34 seconds)
"Jesus explicitly spurned the temptation of imperialism, whether it came from the devil or from his own friends, because at the core, imperialism is a deception. The promise of a politics of strength, superiority, and control that is at odds with humanity itself, because everyone is vulnerable." [00:28:27] (22 seconds)
"In the face of Herod's threats, Jesus chose instead to do brave, courageous, humane, compassionate work to liberate the enslaved and to heal the sick, to be with others instead of withdrawing in fear. He insisted that God's commonwealth is not going to arrive by surrendering to Roman Empire, but would come instead with the wing of a sacred embrace." [00:29:45] (30 seconds)
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