Seventh Sunday after Pentecost: July 3, 2005.

Zechariah 9:9-12

Psalm 145:8-15

Romans 7:15-25a

Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30

First Reading

The King of Peace comes, riding on a donkey. There is hope for a recovery in Israel, led by a "Son of David." He will bring peace to Israel, to the nations. Zion will see God's salvation, a double restoration! Zechariah spoke in a world dominated by traditional Israelite enemies. It was a time of uncertainty and upheaval. With hope nowhere in sight, Zechariah nevertheless saw the vision of peace.

Paul knows that although the intellect may confess Jesus as Lord and acknowledge God as the Giver of every good gift, the "flesh," what Luther called the "old Adam," desires its own glorification and gratification. Often temptations and our own desires overcome intellect and will (every good intention). We give in to temptation. We break God's commands. We don't do the good we desire. We bring death upon ourselves.

With some people you just can't win. John the Baptist's opponents accused him of being demon-possessed because of his asceticism and ruddy appearance as well as his diet and "hangout." Jesus' opponents accused him of being a glutton and a drunkard because he enjoyed feasting (with the "wrong" kind of people). Jesus invites all to experience the peace (the "rest") that comes from taking his yoke. After all, a yoke was built for two, and, you see, Jesus has fulfilled the law.

Pastoral Reflections

Jesus brings freedom. These lessons are clear on that premise. The Hebrew leaders weren't sure freedom was a good thing; at the very least, too much freedom can destroy a person. Israel looked for a humble, victorious warrior. Would that our modern athletes or generals might display that combination! Jesus fulfilled that prophecy in his day, riding into Jerusalem in peace, as the evangelists tell us in the Passion narrative.

Yet Jesus brought much controversy, even as he does today. In this (for me) new community in southern Oregon, the clergy of the local ministerial association are divided on the question of marriage to the point that a "marriage policy" cannot be formulated. (I doubt whether a "who was Jesus" statement could be formulated, either!)

More to the point, Christians of many persuasions and nuances try to reconcile Jesus, friend of sinners, to Jesus, sinless Son of God. Which Jesus is authentic? Can both portraits really exist in the same person? Does Jesus bring too much freedom? What does Jesus' "easy yoke" mean for us who are called to welcome all to our sanctuaries and the Lord's Table every week? If he welcomes them, who are we to stand in the way? How "easy" is easy? TCG