Learning Persistent Toughness from Jesus

Devotional Reflection, Wednesday, June 30, 2021

Proper 8, the week of the fifth Sunday after Pentecost

The Rev. David W. Perkins, Th.D.

Key phrase from today’s reading for reflection:

3Then Pilate asked him, ‘Are you the king of the Jews?’ He answered, ‘You say so.’

Daily Office Lectionary readings

AM Psalm 119:145-176; PM Psalm 128, 129, 130

1 Samuel 12:1-6,16-25; Acts 8:14-25; Luke 23:1-12

Morning Prayer, Rite 2, page 75, Book of Common Prayer

Evening Prayer, Rite 2, page 115, Book of Common Prayer

Compline (Night Prayer), Page 127, Book of Common Prayer

Daily Office Gospel, Luke 23:1-12

23:1Then the assembly rose as a body and brought Jesus before Pilate. 2They began to accuse him, saying, ‘We found this man perverting our nation, forbidding us to pay taxes to the emperor, and saying that he himself is the Messiah, a king.’ 3Then Pilate asked him, ‘Are you the king of the Jews?’ He answered, ‘You say so.’ 4Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, ‘I find no basis for an accusation against this man.’ 5But they were insistent and said, ‘He stirs up the people by teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee where he began even to this place.’ 6When Pilate heard this, he asked whether the man was a Galilean. 7And when he learned that he was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him off to Herod, who was himself in Jerusalem at that time. 8When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had been wanting to see him for a long time, because he had heard about him and was hoping to see him perform some sign. 9He questioned him at some length, but Jesus gave him no answer. 10The chief priests and the scribes stood by, vehemently accusing him. 11Even Herod with his soldiers treated him with contempt and mocked him; then he put an elegant robe on him, and sent him back to Pilate. 12That same day Herod and Pilate became friends with each other; before this they had been enemies.

David's Reflections

In today’s Gospel, Jesus' trial shifts to Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea. Though they regarded Jesus as blasphemous, the religious leaders accused Jesus before Pilate of treasonous actions, of fomenting political insurrection against Rome; Pilate would have had no legal concern about the religious issues that lay at the heart of their opposition to Jesus. Also, Pilate had the authority to execute the death penalty.

Pilate found no evidence of treason and sought to evade the issue by shifting Jesus over to Herod Antipas, the Jewish ruler of the territory of Galilee, the region of Jesus' home. Herod, who had beheaded John the Baptist, found Jesus more a curiosity than a threat. After the soldiers further abused Jesus, Antipas sent him back to Pilate, making no charges against him.

The religious leaders charged Jesus before Pilate with claiming to be king of the Jews, a messianic claim that would have political overtones to Pilate. Most messianic claimants had proven to be insurrectionists against Rome. Pilate's question, "Are you the king of the Jews?", got an evasive answer from Jesus, "You say so." It was as if Jesus were saying is this your question or did someone else tell you to ask me this?

For the reader, the dramatic irony is obvious. Jesus certainly is God's Son, the anointed savior, the king whose coming brings the kingdom of God to fulfillment in the world. Yet, he had no aspirations to political kingship, or messianic rebellion, which would have been Pilate's concerns. Palestine was rife with insurgents and assassins, some of whom made messianic claims, but Jesus had no territorial or political ambitions. In him God's promise to liberate us from evil, suffering, and death was coming to fulfillment.

The Gospel narrative presents that dramatic irony of Jesus, the true King of heaven, being judged by earthly monarchs and governors who had no clue about the plot of the drama in which they are players. Only we, the readers, have the clues to that underlying plot and to Jesus' true identity. Jesus' courage and tenacity under such unbearable strain reinforce our faith in him and in that identity.

The Rule of St. Benedict demands three vows of novices, stability, conversion of life, and obedience (see The Rule of St. Benedict, 58.17). That vow of stability involves perseverance, continuing to obey no matter what the cost. Jesus lived out that stability, that perseverance, and shows us how to do so. As we continue doing what is right, living into our calling as Christians, no matter what the cost, the adversity, or the consequences, we point the way for our friends, our families, our fellow believers, and our children. We bear witness to those who have not yet come to faith. And, we take our place with Jesus before Pilate, refusing to be daunted by any threat.

Jesus, whose lot with us was cast,

Who saw it out, from first to last:

Patient and fearless, tender, true,

Carpenter, vagabond, felon, Jew:

Whose humorous eye took in each phase

Of full rich life this world displays,

Yet evermore kept fast in view

The far-off goal it leads us to:

Who, as your hour neared, did not fail--

The world's fate trembling in the scale--

With your half-hearted band to dine,

And chat across the bread and wine:

Then went out firm to face the end,

Alone, without a single friend:

Who felt, as your last words confessed,

Wrung from a proud unflinching breast

By hours of dull ignoble pain,

Your whole life's fight was fought in vain:

Would I could win and keep and feel

That heart of love, that spirit of steel.

(Wilfred Brinton, source unknown)

Collect of the Day, Proper 8, The fifth Sunday after Pentecost

Almighty God, you have built your Church upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone: Grant us so to be joined together in unity of spirit by their teaching, that we may be made a holy temple acceptable to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (BCP, 230)

A Collect for Grace

Lord God, almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought us in safety to this new day: Preserve us with your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP, 100)

For the Diocese

O God, by your grace you have called us in this Diocese to a goodly fellowship of faith. Bless our Bishop, Susan, David, our priest, all other clergy, and all our people. Grant that your Word may be truly preached and truly heard, your Sacraments faithfully administered and faithfully received. By your Spirit, fashion our lives according to the example of your Son, and grant that we may show the power of your love to all among whom we live; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP, 817)

A Prayer for Light

Lighten our darkness, we beseech you, O Lord; and by your great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; for the love of your only Son, Jesus Christ, Amen. (BCP, 111)

A Collect for Mission

Lord Jesus Christ, you stretched out your arms of love on the hard wood of the cross that everyone might come within the reach of your saving embrace: So clothe us in your Spirit that we, reaching forth our hands in love, may bring those who do not know you to the knowledge and love of you; for the honor of your Name. Amen. (BCP, 101)