Claimed, gathered and sent

This is the sermon I preached at St. Timothy Lutheran Church on Sunday, 11/24. The text is John 18:33-37 When confronted with a question, Jesus seems incapable of providing a definitive response. Here in today’s gospel, we have three sets of questions and answers. I want you to listen to them and then tell me if Jesus answered Pilate’s questions. First question: “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus responded, “Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?”  Next: “ What have you done?” Jesus answered this one, “My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.” Jesus is a different sort of king. He is the King o f truth, love, mercy and forgiveness. His kingdom is a different kind of kingdom. It is the now, but not yet, kingdom, earthly and spiritual. His kingdom is where he, the king, is. Pilate’s last question in this pas...

Here are some thoughts on this coming Sunday's gospel sent to the people of St. Timothy Lutheran Church .  However, I will not be preaching. For the first time in many years, we'll be home with part of the family for Thanksgiving. Hope yours is a blessed one of wonderful time with family and friends with much to give thanks for. Gospel: John 18:33-37 33 Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?”   34 Jesus answered, “Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?”   35 Pilate replied, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?”   36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.”   37 Pilate asked him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a ...