Dear FPCA family,
Most of our Sundays this Lent have been centered around parables that Jesus told after he had set his face toward Jerusalem, that is after he began his journey toward the city where he would die at the hands of the powerful who feared his words, actions, and promise of transformation. I often think of these parables (and others we didn’t read) as Jesus’ “one last thing” speeches. What do you say to people when you think it’s the last opportunity you will have to share wisdom? In the interpretations we heard this month, we heard Jesus sharing core messages that expand on his own declared mission statement from when he claimed Isaiah’s prophecy for himself, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
This Sunday we will leave the parables behind and turn to Jesus’ last interaction with the crowds before his triumphal entry into Jerusalem. In a move that yet again stuns those who are watching, Jesus insists on dining with a hated tax collector, someone who is seen as an unrighteous traitor to his community. Is this really the kind of person he is going to bless with the Lord’s favor? Has this man earned this blessing by being righteous enough? Does that even matter in a world where God’s mercy is at work? Join us in worship this Sunday as we explore Jesus’ interaction with Zaccheus, from the sycamore tree to the dinner table. Join us as we meet at the Lord’s Table for the celebration of communion together.
Peace,
P.S. An apology and a heads up – I am deeply behind in addressing incoming email. When I’ve had to make choices between answering email and talking to people in person, I have prioritized talking to people in person. Therefore, if you’re waiting for me to respond to an email, it’s possible it’s buried in my inbox. Please don’t hesitate to re-send something that is time sensitive or pick up the phone and give me a call at the church Tuesday-Friday. I’m sorry for the delay in my responses!
