Sunday, November 20, 2022  

Today’s Scripture Reading
Luke 23:33–43

When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” And they cast lots to divide his clothing. And the people stood by, watching; but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!” The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.” One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, “Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” He replied, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” (NRSV)

Reflection

I realize it is disconcerting to read a passage that is typically reserved for the season of Lent immediately as we are preparing for the season of Advent. By the time you read this devotional, the greens will have been hung on the outside of the church. The sheep will be up and lit in front of our courtyard. Carols will have been sung on the steps for the Michigan Avenue Lighting Parade. And yet, all of the sudden, we are taken not to the manger and the stable but to the foot of the cross. But why?

Today is the day on the liturgical calendar when we observe Reign of Christ Sunday. It is the time during which we are invited to particularly look at the way God has chosen to use God’s power versus the way we often choose to use our power. And for those of us who follow Jesus, we see that difference both in the coming of the baby Jesus as well as in the way God in Jesus decided to completely empty God’s self of power in order to reveal to us the strength of God’s love (William Placher). What are the first words that Jesus utters in Luke’s telling of the crucifixion story? “Father, forgive them.” Forgive them. He does not utter one word about vengeance, judgment, indignation, etc. He prays that those who have strung him up might be forgiven for the myriad of ways they have misused and abused their power to harm.

So yes, it might be disconcerting to read a Lenten text right before Advent. And yet it might even more disconcerting to notice how drastically different Jesus’ response is to his suffering and impending death from what might have been our own.

Prayer

God, transform me today. Fill me with your love. Increase in me your compassion. Give to me a sense of your always abiding presence so that I, too, might work in this world to reveal the strength of your love in the face of so much pain. Amen.

Written by Shannon J. Kershner, Pastor

Reflection and prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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