The Sixth Sunday of Easter, May 5, 2024
The Sixth Sunday of Easter, May 5, 2024
The figures of speech which Jesus used to say things to the disciples and to the crowds were parables. Parables were Jesus’ common form of discourse (cf. Mt. 13:34 & Mk. 4:33 & Lk. 8:10). Sometimes, when Jesus had used a parable as a figure of speech with the crowd, he would explain it to the disciples, see for example Jesus’ explanation of the Parable of the Sower (Mt. 13:18-23). Here in this passage, Jesus announces that the time for figures of speech will come to an end. Jesus will speak plainly about the Father. You can hear the Apostle Paul echo this plain speaking when he writes of “knowing fully even as I am fully known” (1 Cor. 13:12). Both Jesus and Paul—along with the rest of scripture—assure us that clarity, full knowledge, and complete understanding are not possible to us while we are in the flesh, broken by sin, and bound to this world that is passing away. We receive the clarity of the gospel: “Your sins are forgiven for Jesus’ sake.” Much of the rest suffers under our sinners’ speculation and awaits that coming hour when plain speaking is manifest.
Prayers from those who need relief from their idle speculation…
Father in heaven your love is plain and obvious in your Son Jesus Christ, grant that we would enjoy the forgiveness of our sin in his name. For Jesus’ sake. Amen
Father in heaven your love is plain and obvious in your Son Jesus Christ, confront us with our guilt in the killing of the love you sent us in Jesus Christ that we may be repented unto faith. For Jesus’ sake. Amen
Father in heaven your love is plain and obvious in your Son Jesus Christ, hold us in such faith, repent us again and again into it, and keep us continually returning to the promise of our baptism. For Jesus’ sake. Amen
Father in heaven your love is plain and obvious in your Son Jesus Christ. As we live out the promise of our baptism, grant us to see our neighbors with new eyes that we would be useful to them by providing them with daily bread. For Jesus’ sake. Amen
Father in heaven your love is plain and obvious in your Son Jesus Christ. As we provide our neighbors with daily bread, work upon them, Father, that they would be instrumental in providing daily bread to us. For Jesus’ sake. Amen
Father in heaven your love is plain and obvious in your Son Jesus Christ. Grant to the Institute of Lutheran Theology the proclamation of this Son of Yours so that its participants would know of your steadfast love and faithfulness. For Jesus’ sake. Amen
Father in heaven your love is plain and obvious in your Son Jesus Christ. As I await the coming of your Son in glory, keep me patient and useful in these days of my baptism. For Jesus’ sake. Amen