Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Holy Week
Luke 23:8-9 When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had long desired to see him, because he had heard about him, and he was hoping to see some sign done by him. So he questioned him at some length, but he made no answer.
JESUS THE ENTERTAINER?
Herod had long desired to see Jesus. And we know Jesus wants men to seek Him. So why does the Lord refuse to speak a word when he stands before Herod? The reason is not hard to understand. Herod hoped to see Jesus perform a miracle. Herod wanted entertainment -- not instruction in the word, forgiveness, and new life.
Do we sometimes act as though the preaching of the word of Christ is too dull, not entertaining enough? Do we expect the pastor to hold our attention like a TV program or a sporting event?
Herod also had the notion that Jesus might be John the Baptist come back to life. But Jesus was no superstitious delusion. Yet too many today treat him that way. They come to Christmas and Easter to hear a dramatic, if improbable story. Whether they consider the message that Jesus is God made man for our salvation to be true or not, they go on with their lives as though it were a superstitious delusion -- that is, an unlikely story that has little or nothing to do with everyday life.
But enough about others.
This week, above all, asks each of us: "Who is Jesus to you?" And this week's events invite each of us to reply with the hymn writer:
Mark the Sacrifice appointed, See who bears the awful load;
'Tis the WORD, the LORD'S ANOINTED, Son of Man and Son of God.
Here we have a firm foundation; Here the Refuge of the lost;
Christ's the Rock of our salvation, His the Name of which we boast.
Lamb of God, for sinners wounded, Sacrifice to cancel guilt!
None shall ever be confounded Who on Him their hope have built.
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 153:3-4)
