Last Sunday of the Church Year (Series C)
November 20th, 2016
Gospel: Luke 23:27-43
Epistle: Colossians 1:13-20
Lesson: Malachi 3:13-18
Psalm: Psalm 46
CLB Commentary – Rev. Dale Hanson
Old Testament Lesson – Malachi 3:13-18
God addresses the issue that believers often notice and even complain about. He states that their words have been hard against him. They complain that there is no benefit or profit in following his ways and walking on the way of repentance. They even state that it is vain to serve God: that evil people not only prosper but they even test God and get by with whatever they do. The fact is that even though the wicked live outwardly sinful lives they escape judgment.
The Psalmist David and the Prophet Jeremiah wrote about these same concerns: Psalm 10 and 73 and Jeremiah 12:1-2.
While God is not pleased with these hard words from his people and rebukes those scoffers who claim that it is vain to serve God; he also reminds his people that serving him is not in vain and that he will protect them. He reminds them that the distinction between the righteous and the wicked will be clearly evidenced on the Day of Judgment but maybe not always so clear before that. The Psalmist sums it up well: “When I tried to understand all this, it troubled me deeply till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny.” (Psalm 73:16-17)
Epistle Lesson – Colossians 1:13-20
We are reminded how God has delivered and transferred us from the domain of darkness and sin into the kingdom of grace and forgiveness. In Christ we have redemption. By nature we are in bondage, sold into slavery and held captive by Satan. God’s kingdom begins with the forgiveness of sin.
This scriptural passage leads us to center our focus on Jesus Christ and not look anywhere else for our salvation. God is the only one who can overcome evil. These words may well have been an early hymn of the church exalting Christ as both creator and redeemer. In Christ we can see what the invisible God is really like. Jesus is the firstborn, indeed the cause of all creation and redemption. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, making peace by the blood of his cross. The preeminence of Christ is so beautifully expressed by these words. Christ is the Head of the body, indicating the intimate relationship between the Redeemer and the redeemed. Our relationship with Christ is created in Baptism and sustained in the Lord’s Supper. The word and sacraments, God’s chosen means of grace, works faith in those who repent and believe.
Gospel – Luke 23:27-43
As the Pentecost season and the entire Church year comes to an end we are brought back to the cross of Christ and are reminded of those two words from him – “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do” and “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
The Gospel text speaks of the day of Christ’s crucifixion when the crowds were weeping as they followed him to the cross. Jesus told them to weep for themselves rather than him. A time was coming when they would appeal to be killed quickly rather than endure the terrible suffering. If this could happen to him who was innocent how much worse will it be for those who are guilty?
The account then moves on by telling us that Jesus prayed for those who were blind to what they were really doing. He prayed for their forgiveness rather than their judgment; what amazing grace and mercy. Those gathered at the cross mocked and insulted him, including one of the criminals who was crucified along with him. Then the other criminal rebuked him, by saying we have received what our deeds deserve but this man has done nothing wrong and then turned to Jesus and pleaded, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus responded, “Truly, today you will be with me in Paradise.” Again, amazing grace and forgiveness was at work. Jesus was crucified so that he and we might be spared the coming judgment; hear his words of forgiveness and enter into Paradise with him.
These scripture lessons remind us of the coming Day of Judgment and point us to the hope we have in Jesus the Redeemer. Salvation is in Jesus and his death on the cross. Proclaim that again this Sunday and always to your congregation as the good news that it is. Always make the gospel proclamation the main thing you do in your church. Don’t forget what Tim Keller says, “Because the gospel is endlessly rich, it can handle the burden of being the one “main thing” of the church.
Rev. Dale R. Hanson
References: The Lutheran Study Bible, Halley’s Bible Handbook and Timothy Keller’s book, Center Church – Doing Balanced, Gospel-Centered Ministry in Your City