December 11, 2016 is Advent 3A

Lessons-at-a-glance

Dear Leaders,    

Pointing to Outcomes

Our text begins the third of five narratives in Matthew's gospel. We just finished the missionary discourse in chapter 10.

In his  sermon on this gospel text, Martin Luther suggests John the Baptist had no doubt whatsoever that Jesus was the One to come. After all, he heard the voice from heaven at Jesus' baptism saying, "This is my Beloved Son..." (Matthew 3:17). So why did John send his disciples to Jesus to ask? If Matthew recorded the heavenly words at John's baptism of Jesus ("This is my beloved Son..."), why would he then have John wondering at all?

Luther responds that John is doing this for the sake of his disciples, not himself, so that they, who are following him, might now believe in Jesus and follow him instead. "He must increase and I must decrease." (John 3:30)

David Garland (Reading Matthew) suggests that John is like Moses, leading the people to the Promised Land, that he himself will not be able to see. John knows his ministry and his life are coming to an end. He is allowing his disciples to get a taste of Jesus' ministry. John points his disciples away from himself.

Faithful leaders always point beyond themselves. Egotistical leaders point to themselves. They elevate themselves. Egotistical leaders preach sermons that make people say, "Wow, he is great!" Servant leaders preach sermons that make people say "Wow, God is great!" The egotistical leader inspires people to increase the church for their glory. The servant spiritual leader inspires people to increase God's kingdom for God's glory.


Yours in Christ, 

Bishop Michael Rinehart

 
UPCOMING EVENTS

December 12 -13

January 23 - 25

January 28 - 29

February 10 - 11

April 18 - May 4

May 18 - 20

May 26 - June 6

June 19 - 23

June 29 - July 8

October 29 - November 7


GETTING TO KNOW
BISHOP MICHAEL RINEHART

Michael Rinehart is Bishop of the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, a community of over a hundred congregations, campus ministries, retreat centers, and other agencies.

Serving as bishop of this synod since 2007 is an honor, a challenge, and a joy. It has given him the opportunity to work with many gifted pastors and committed people of faith. We are creating communities that make disciples who serve the world in Jesus' name.