Loving God, we, too, sometimes think that we are owners rather than tenants, and we forget that you are the one in charge.  Renew our faith and trust in you by the power of your Spirit, through Jesus Christ our Saviour.  Amen.

            In many of the parables that Jesus tells, there is some rather unbelievable behavior.  The parable that we heard today is no different.  There are the tenants in the vineyard who are not only greedy, but violent – abusing and even killing the servants who are sent to collect the owner’s share of the harvest.  They act as if the vineyard belongs to them – and fully expect that it will once they have killed the owner’s son.  The owner, however, is just as unbelievable in his behavior, as he sends one servant after another – always alone and unarmed.  In fact, isn’t that the definition of insanity? – doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result?  And so, what exactly is Jesus getting at in this parable?

         A number of clues might lead us to an answer.  Verse 12 says: “When they realized that he had told this parable against them, they wanted to arrest him, but they feared the crowd.  So they left him and went away.”  So, who are “they”?  Who are the people who see themselves in this parable and leave?

         Upon looking at the previous chapter in Mark, we discover that Jesus has been speaking to “the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders” (Mk. 11:27).  At the same time, we can discern that the vineyard was often used as a metaphor for Israel (cf. Is. 5:1-7) – something that the religious leaders would have known.  Meanwhile, Jesus’ mention of how the tenants beat the servants, or insulted them, or even killed them, would have sounded a lot like how many of the prophets were treated.

         And so, for the religious leaders, this parable seems to be directed at them.  Do they act as if they are in charge of Israel rather than God?  Are they threatened by messengers from God and prophets?  Are they hanging on tight with both hands rather than being open to what God might have to say to them?

         Of course, these questions are not just for the religious leaders of Israel.  In fact, we can ask ourselves some very similar questions.  Are we threatened by God’s Word rather than open to receiving it?  Do we act as if we are owners on this earth rather than tenants?  Do we live with an awareness that everything belongs to God? – all that we have; all that we are; the earth and all its creatures; the church and all of its people?  Do we realize that we are strangers and pilgrims on earth rather than permanent owners?  “The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it” (Ps. 24:1).

         It seems particularly necessary right now to pause, take a deep breath, and remind ourselves that we belong to God.  All week I have noticed the level of anxiety rising as circumstances changed from hour to hour.  We don’t like change – as you will be able to tell by comparing this year’s church council with last year’s.  We don’t like change, and yet the entire week has been a whirlwind of cancellations and announcements and instructions on how not to spread germs.

         As a community of faith, it is important to take the time to worship and pray and support one another.  I am particularly aware of those who live alone and who don’t necessarily have a lot of human contact from day to day.  And so, to gather for worship becomes a balancing act. 

         We can make hard and fast rules like “don’t touch anybody”; “don’t get too close to anybody”; don’t touch the offering plates – and some people might prefer those hard and fast rules.  On the other hand, there are probably people here today who could really use a hug, and who really don’t mind if somebody wants to offer one.  In my estimation, they should be able to do so as long as both parties don’t mind and neither one is sick.

         At the same time, I am aware of the people who have compromised immune systems and don’t want to risk catching anything.  And so, respect those who wish to maintain their distance, and stay home if you are sick.  I would hope that this could still be a safe and welcoming place for people to come.

         I would also hope that we can continue to gather at the Lord’s Table.  Those who serve will be using hand sanitizer.  I will be giving the bread without touching people’s hands.  And, for those who are really afraid of infection, it is perfectly acceptable to receive only the bread, or only the wine.  Either way, we receive Jesus, who continues to come to us in love, bringing peace, and healing, and new life.

         Fear and panic solve nothing and do not come from God.  Rather than worrying about getting sick, or what’s going to happen, or a myriad of other concerns, consider looking outward to the needs of others.  If you know people who are alone or who have difficulty getting around, check on them.  There will be people who need help, and if you’re able to offer it, please do.  Above all, pray.  Pray alone and pray with others.  Also, pray for others, whether they are right here or around the world.

         Ultimately, things can go wrong no matter how many precautions you take.  Ultimately, we are not permanent residents on this earth.  However, God has also given us brains to use and the ability to take reasonable steps to protect ourselves and others.  And so, take a deep breath, and remember that all of us belong to God, and this is God’s church, not ours.  “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:7).  Amen.

Lent 3 (NL 2)                                    Mark 12:1-17

March 15, 2020

St. Luke’s Zion Lutheran Church

Pastor Lynne Hutchison

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