Twenty-third Sunday After Pentecost – November 13, 2022
Twenty-third Sunday After Pentecost – November 13, 2022
Stones… Stones frequently provide illustrations or metaphors for biblical characters. In that ancient culture and location, stones were readily visible and available. Stone was the desired building material for structures intended to last and endure, like the temple observed here (vs. 5). The landscape was mostly barren and stones, both small and large, stood exposed. Here, Jesus speaks of stones which were once organized but, in those days, will be all tumbled about. John the Baptist speaks of God raising up the children of Abraham from stones as he confronts the hard-hearted Pharisees and Sadducees (Mt. 3:9 & LK. 3:8). Jesus uses stones in another context, his entry into Jerusalem. Some of the Pharisees had insisted that he rebuke those shouting his praise, but he answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out” (Lk. 19:40).
Three different uses of “stones” arise from both Jesus and John the Baptist. Let’s take up the triumphal entry first. In the cacophony of the crowd shouting its praises and blessings upon the “one who came in the name of the Lord,” God’s created humanity voices its natural and expected praise of its Lord and creator. Humanity’s voice also speaks for the rest of creation. But, if humanity loses its voice, then even voice-less stones will speak up in praise of their creator.
John the Baptist speaks of God’s ability to raise up the children of Abraham “from these stones.” But the referent to “these stones” is never provided. We are left to wonder whether these are the stones of the river and its banks… whether these are the stones of the temple, palace, and other enduring structures… whether these are the stony hard hearts of those gathered before John.
Jesus speaks of the temple stones, once piled high and glorious, being tumbled about without one left atop another. He speaks, perhaps, of a time when the institution of religion has collapsed. He speaks, perhaps, of a time when all humanity’s great works are thrown down and only one work remains: the work of the Lord.
Table Talk: Discuss the usefulness of “stones” as an illustration and metaphor.
Pray: Heavenly Father, break my stony hard heart so that my works tumble about me, leaving only your work standing. Amen
Luke 21:5-28 (29-36) English Standard Version
And while some were speaking of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, he said, 6 “As for these things that you see, the days will come when there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” 7 And they asked him, “Teacher, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?” 8 And he said, “See that you are not led astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and, ‘The time is at hand!’ Do not go after them. 9 And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified, for these things must first take place, but the end will not be at once.”
10 Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences. And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven. 12 But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name’s sake. 13 This will be your opportunity to bear witness. 14 Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer, 15 for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. 16 You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of you they will put to death. 17 You will be hated by all for my name’s sake. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. 19 By your endurance you will gain your lives.
20 “But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near. 21 Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, and let those who are inside the city depart, and let not those who are out in the country enter it, 22 for these are days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written. 23 Alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! For there will be great distress upon the earth and wrath against this people. 24 They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive among all nations, and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
25 “And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, 26 people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
29 And he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. 30 As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near. 31 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all has taken place. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
34 “But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. 35 For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”