Jesus Is King, John 18:28-38a

 

Rev. George Miller

March 27, 2022

John 18:28-38a

 

A common comment a preacher gets is “I don’t want to hear anything political.  Religion should have nothing to do with politics.”

 

21 years ago, I would’ve agreed. 

 

My calling was strictly spiritual.  Faith was about miracles and strength, courage, and total trust in God.

 

Then I slowly started to realize- many miracles would be unnecessary in a world that is just and kind.

 

Strength and courage are often needed when facing obstacles to our health, wealth, and well-being.

 

The Bible is very political- hence books like Kings, and stories like the Exodus.

 

The writers were political.  Prophets addressed issues of unfair rent, unfair wages, mistreatment of immigrants.

 

Jesus, in the very nature of his ministry, was political.  He talked to a despised foreigner at a well, fed the hungry, offered wellness and a way to make a wage to the lame.

 

How much time is our own political climate devoted to health care, poverty, women’s rights?

 

The ministry of Jesus spoke to the time, one in which Rome had invaded Judah and taken over the nation.

 

The ministry of Jesus spoke to the politics of the synagogues.  He offered a connection to God that went against the policies and procedures of the priests and the Temple.

 

The ministry Jesus offered did not involve money changers overcharging fees, or clergy demanding gifts of fatty lambs to dine upon. 

 

If there is any doubt just how spiritual and political Jesus was, just look at today’s reading.

 

Religious leaders take him to the government headquarters.  He’s questioned by the Roman military governor, and in 4 verses, the words

 

King is used 3x

Nation is used 1x

Kingdom is used 3x

World is referred to 3x. 

 

King, Nation, Kingdom, World, are all political terms.  Why does it matter?

 

Because Pilate, a military governor, is asking Jesus if he is the King of the Jews.   Pilate is not asking if Jesus is the spiritual king of the Jews.

 

Imagine if this story took place in Ukraine.  Imagine Pilate is Putin and Jesus is the President of Ukraine.

 

What Pilate is saying is to Jesus is “Are you the one who is going to stir the pot and lead your people into waging a revolt against us, and try to kick Rome out of your country?”

 

That’s how powerful Jesus is.  That’s how strong his presence, his words, his understanding of God and scripture is-

 

that a soldier with a full army at his disposal is afraid that Jesus is going to unleash a war, in which the Romans might lose.

 

Pilate is saying to Jesus “Are you going to stir up trouble and try to usurp the current administration.”

 

Pilate is so worried that Jesus is going to lead the people into a march, a protest, a boycott.

 

And Jesus, unwavering, and with only his words, says “My kingdom is not from this world.  If it was, my followers would’ve been rioting already.”

 

“So,” says Pilate, “Are you a King?”

 

Jesus says, “You say that I am a king, but what I came to speak to is the truth.”

 

“What is truth?,” Pilate asks.

 

Jesus does not answer.  He does not need to.  As we’ve witnessed all along, the Kingdom that Jesus represents is the Kingdom of God.

 

And unlike the Kingdom of Rome, the Kingdom of God is one in which

 

-there is enough for all,

-there is equality of ALL,

 

-there is forgiveness, and

-there is fellowship.

 

Enough, equality, forgiveness, and fellowship- all spiritual and political.

 

Jesus showed us God’s economy, an economy is one in which there is enough for all, God has given us all that we need,

 

so we learn to trust God, share, and use just what we need. 

 

We see God’s economy when water is turned into much abundant and delicious wine. 

 

We see God’s economy in the feeding upon the mountain, in which little is turned into much, no one is turned away, and there is enough to fill 12 more baskets.

 

Equality.  In a culture in which women were less than, and some foreign women were seen as the lowest of the low, Jesus ministers to and evangelizes beside the Woman at the Well. 

 

Mary and Martha go toe to toe with Jesus, moving the Lord Of All to tears. 

 

We see beggars treated as willing workers, blind worthy of getting dirty for, and Jesus saying anyone who comes to him will not be thrown away.

 

Jesus went as far as to take on the role of a servant, washing our feet.

 

In God’s Kingdom, there is forgiveness.

 

When town leaders dare to judge a woman’s morality and what she does with her body,

 

Jesus steps in and stops their persecution, challenging them to throw a stone if they themselves had not made any tragic mistakes.

 

Fellowship.  In a culture that was about who got to walk through the door, sit at the table, and attend the party, he welcomed, ate with, partied with all.

 

The Kingdom of God, as presented by Jesus, is one in which

 

-God has created the world in such a way, giving us enough so that we are-

 

encouraged to give thanks for what we have,  and share our resources.

 

-Men and women, native born and foreigner are welcome, and equals.

 

-Forgiveness of mistakes and sins take place over vicious punishment.

 

-Everyone is welcome to gather without fear, worry, without hierarchy.

 

Can you hear how spiritual and political that is?

 

Can you hear how radical God’s kingdom truly is; how amazing that we get to be citizens of it? 

 

For all of God’s goodness and grace,

let us say “Amen.”

HB 1557 Statement to School Board, March 21, 2022

 

Greetings.  My name is Rev. George Miller.  I have the privilege of serving Emmanuel UCC, and as Board Member At Large for NAACP #5087.

 

For the past few months it’s been an honor to attend these meetings, witnessing the dedicated work you all do for the sake of our children. 

 

Though I am not a parent, I care about our community, both the teachers and our students.

 

I come here today to share two thoughts regarding House Bill 1557.

 

The 1^st is how disappointed I am in our state’s elected leadership.

 

I am disappointed that those in power do not trust or seem to know our teachers.

 

Many of our teachers were raised here, with a deep love for their students, raised with morals and impeccable work ethic.

 

To assume that our teachers come to class with an agenda, or a desire to talk about nothing but orientation or gender identity is an embarrassment.

 

The teachers I know, give of themselves tirelessly, do their best, and deserve to be commended, not condemned.

 

Second, I am concerned about HB 1557.  It seems our elected officials did not think this thoroughly through.

 

Lines 21-22 state that HB 1557 “prohibits classroom discussion about sexual orientation or gender identity.”

 

Lines 97-100 state that instruction of orientation or gender identity may not occur in kindergarten through 3rd.

 

Lines 124-151 states what can happen if a concern arises, which includes bringing an action against the school district to obtain a judgement, and a court may award damages and attorney fees.

 

Here is the issue- those who passed HB 1557 didn’t realize that being heterosexual is an orientation.  Being straight is an orientation.

 

A biological boy saying he’s a boy or a biological girl stating he’s a girl is gender identity. 

 

If we follow the letter of the law, it means that we cannot say “Straight”.  Because if we say “straight” we have discussed orientation.

 

Therefore, our heterosexual teachers can not talk about their husband or wife, or show a photo of them with their spouses.

 

It means that when teaching history we cannot acknowledge spouses because that indicates a person’s orientation.

 

We cannot teach our kids that President Washington was married to Martha- that indicates orientation.

 

This means we can not refer to someone as a boy or girl, or male or female, because that is gender identity.

 

Therefore, in current events, we could not refer to Vice President Harris as the first female VP.

 

If our teachers cannot discuss orientation or gender, every book in the classroom and library will have to be gone through.

 

If there is a reference in any book, to a straight relationship or Jack being a boy and Jill being a girl, it will need to be removed.

 

Does this mean that teachers can no longer be respectfully addressed as “Mr.”, “Miss”, “Mrs.” or “Sir”?  These titles are clearly gender based.

 

HB 1557 is written in such a way that any parent, at any time, can find fault in any discussion of orientation and gender.

 

They can go through the process of parental notification, special magistrate, and disputes that incur cost and fees.

 

My heart grieves for our students; my heart grieves for our teachers who only want to educate, and my heart grieves for you, our school board, who only want what’s best for all.

 

Thank you for your time, your wisdom, and your compassion.

 

Faithfully,  Rev. George Miller

What Did Jesus Say?, John 18:12-27

 

Rev. George Miller

March 20, 2022

John 18:12-27

 

Black History Month is over, but it’s always good to learn more, because Black History is American History.

 

Case in point, Marian Wright Edelman, a crusader for children.  She was a civil rights attorney who started the Children’s Defense Fund.

 

Marian’s parents emphasized service to others, and a strong work ethic. 

 

Her father would say “If you see a need, don’t ask why somebody doesn’t do it.  See what you can do.”   

 

He also said, “if you just follow the need, you will never lack for something to do or a real purpose in life.”

 

Marian’s parents practiced what Dad preached, starting a home for the elderly, which gave Marian more chores to do.  She only got a break when she read, so she read often.

 

Marian’s father died when she was only 14 years old, from a heart attack. 

 

Maybe, Dad should have worked less, read more, and rest from time to time.

 

Last week we focused our worship on the concept of service- Jesus took on the role of a servant, I’m called to serve, all of you have ways in which to serve.

 

Emmanuel UCC is always asking not just for your money, but your talents.  If we’re not careful, we fall into a works righteousness model in which we make people think that the only legitimate form of faith is if you constantly do and do, give and give.

 

Which is not all true.  God almighty rested, Jesus rested, and we have a commandment that says to rest.

 

So after last week’s service-heavy service, it’s good we bring the pendulum to the spiritual, intellectual aspect of faith.

 

After all, we believe in grace, amazing grace.  This means that we aren’t loved by God because of what we do; we do because we know we’re loved by God.

 

In other words, we at Emmanuel are not doing acts of service because we hope to earn God’s favor, we are empowered to do acts of service because we know that we are favored, loved, and cherished by God.

 

So, today’s service is not about what we can do, or being so busy, busy, busy that we stress out and keel over.

 

Today’s worship is simple- it goes back to the Word.  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God.

 

In today’s reading we get to the part in which Jesus is arrested, the powers that be try to humiliate him.

 

The head priest asks Jesus about his teachings.  Jesus doesn’t taking the bait, or show an ounce of apology.

 

Jesus says “I have spoken openly all along; all I’ve said was said in public.  Ask those who’ve heard, they’ll tell you exactly what I have said.”

 

Jesus is such a Boss.  So strong, so sure, so aware of God’s economy, that a police officer strikes his face.

 

Jesus, when facing arrest, death, and public shame, says to the authorities “Ask those who heard what I said.”

 

Note that he does not say “Ask what miracles I did.”  He does not say “Ask about the many tasks I did.”  Nor does he say “Ask about all the folk I fed and healed.” 

 

Jesus says “Ask what I said.”

 

Again, “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

 

Jesus, standing before us says “Ask those I interacted with what I said.”

 

So we shall.

 

To the Samaritan Woman at the Well.  What did Jesus say?

 

First of all, Jesus actually talked to her, a woman, an outcast of outcasts.  When any other religious leaders would have ignored her and kept silent, Jesus talked with her.

 

He didn’t talk down.  He talked with her as a peer, a person, an intelligent individual.  He said that if she asked, she too would be given Living Water.

 

To the man by the pool of Bethzatha, what did Jesus say?  Did he walk by, ignoring him?  Just throw a few coins?  Look upon him to be pitied?

 

When Jesus saw the man, he said “Do you want to be made well?”  When the man tried to make excuses, Jesus said “Stand up, take up your mat and walk.” 

 

When Jesus made it to the other side of the sea, after feeding thousands and facing the storm, what did he say?

 

“Anyone who comes to me I’ll never drive off or discard like trash.”

 

Jesus tells the powers that be to ask what he said.  If the people in power asked Martha and Mary, perhaps Martha would tell them “It wasn’t what he said, but how he listened.”

 

Maybe Mary would answer “It wasn’t what he said with his mouth, but what his tears said as he wept with me.”

 

In today’s reading, the authorities ask Jesus his teachings, and he says “Don’t ask me- ask others what I have said.”

 

Jesus says to the very ones who have made a career of striking, discarding, shaming, kicking folk out, to ask the people what he has said.

 

If the authorities had done so, if they had asked the people, perhaps what they would have heard was-

 

He talked with me when no one else would.

He instructed me to pick up my mat and walk.

 

He told me that I would never be treated like a piece of trash.

 

He spoke through his tears.

 

In other words, “He said that we are not worthless, we are not expendable, that we are people of worth.”

 

So often, we focus our faith on what Jesus does; so often we are dazzled by miracles and signs.

 

But when Jesus most needed to defend himself, he did not turn to what he did or how many tasks and chores and things he accomplished?

 

Jesus focused on what he said, what he taught, to whom he spoke.

 

What is Jesus saying to you?

 

What has Jesus said?

 

What words are you longing to hear?

 

Because when we understand the words, when we hear what’s being said, we can better understand our service and why we serve.

 

We serve not because we are trying to earn Christ love, but we serve because we are already loved.

 

How do we know we are loved?

 

Because the Word that was in the Beginning has made sure to tell us again and again, through scriptures, stories, and in our own lives, how much God cares,

 

and how much we are worth.

 

In the beginning was the Word….and the Word loves each and every one of you so very, very much.

 

For that, we can say “Amen.”

Letter To The Editor re: HB-1557

 I'm concerned that the FL House has not thought through HB-1557-Parental Rights In Education. The bill prohibits the discussion or teaching of orientation in grades 1-3.  Here's the issue- orientation doesn't just apply to gays and lesbians, but also to those who identify as straight.  So, if we can no longer talk about orientation at all, we can not address straight, same-gendered couples in the school.  This means when teaching American History, we can not state that President Trump was married to Melanie, because that would indicate orientation.  Every single children's book in the classroom will now have to be vetted to ensure there are no stories that show or refer to a couple, because that indicates orientation.  Further, teachers can not talk about their spouses, show photos of their family, or talk about life events, because that indicates orientation.  On days in which a movie is shown, films such as "Aladdin" are out, because that clearly shows a straight orientation.  I fear the Florida House has set our schools up to be sued into oblivion.  Imagine if just 1 family in each school, in each district of Florida was to sue their school the moment anyone, at anytime, talks about any meaningful romantic relationship, because being straight is an orientation.  Respectfully, Rev. George Miller

Jesus Served; John 13:1-17

 

Rev. George Miller

March 13, 2022

John 13:1-17

 

Hard to believe, but four years has passed since our first Sabbatical experience as a congregation. 

 

Four years ago we learned to navigate what no other Emmanuel pastor had done before.  There were some rough seas and bumpy topes, but we made it through to the other side.

 

Now, preparations have begun for the next Sabbatical in 2023. 

 

The ideas great, options many.  What we arrived at is so logical, natural, that we are already seeing some benefits.

 

Instead of going far away, my 2023 Sabbatical is set to consist of rest, travel, and volunteering 19 miles south at the Highway Park Neighborhood & Enhance District.

 

Highway Park is a historically Black neighborhood in Lake Placid right off 27.  A 5013© with a community center, they serve senior citizens, veterans, and youth.

 

From June through August of 2023, I’ll be at the Center assisting with their programs, such as art, computers, financial literacy, and agribusiness.

 

I’ll assist with the youth leadership program, which teaches leadership, civic engagement, entrepreneurship.

 

The goals while there are to observe how a successful community program is run, to establish connections with youth, to learn more about the grant writing process.

 

To nurture a relationship between Emmanuel and the Highway Park people to add to our other existing relationships.

 

We are applying for a grant to cover my expenses and the expenses of Emmanuel so that we can continue providing solid worship while I’m gone.

 

Sabbatical- a time to rest, restore, and re-imagine.

 

Think back to the 2018 Sabbatical, how much of a game changer that was.  With rest and clarity, I was empowered to come back ready for 5 more years of service, and what a 5 years it has been.

 

The Narrative Lectionary, Garden Of Hope, Community Conversations, Rural Ministry, ADESE, ONA, and NAACP.

 

Most vital of all was a lesson that was shared with me on the 1^st day I returned from the 2018 Sabbatical.

 

Diane and I, sat down, and we had a talk.  “The Talk.”

 

And she said the most transforming thing to me. 

 

Diane observed that I often referred to Emmanuel UCC as “my church.”  Though it was meant to be a positive statement, it came across as ownership.

 

“Instead,” she said, “Refer to Emmanuel as the church you serve.”

 

The church that you serve.

 

Like digging my hands in the dirt a few weeks ago, it was a major reset.

 

Though I have been called to serve Emmanuel UCC for this space and this time, Emmanuel is not my church.

 

It’s God’s church. 

 

Emmanuel belongs to God, belongs to the community, belongs to us.

 

Emmanuel is not mine.

 

But.  But I get to serve Emmanuel UCC.

 

What an honor.

What a privilege.

What a responsibility.

 

That simple adjustment of words was a major adjustment of vision, action, and humility.

 

Words are powerful.

What we say makes all the difference.

 

After all, in the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was…

 

Life giving.  Eternal.  Revolutionary.

 

Mine.  Serve.

 

Own.  Do.

 

Object.  Action.

 

To serve.

 

Words matter, and throughout this year we have encountered many words wrapped in so many stories.

 

Look back upon all we have discussed about Jesus in the Gospel of John, and a myriad of words swim in our mind.

 

Jesus is

The Word

The Light of the World

Son of God

 

Jesus is

Lord

Lamb of God

Messiah and Anointed

 

Read further in John.

Jesus is the

Wine Maker

Bridegroom

Living Water

 

Jesus is

Rabbi

Healer

Loaves and Fish Feeder

 

Jesus is the

Rough Sea Walker

Mud Maker

Sight Giver

 

Jesus is the

The Good Shepherd

The One Who Won’t Throw You Away

Your best friend

 

Jesus is

Alpha.  Omega.  I AM.

 

Today’s story adds one more title-

Servant.  Jesus serves.

 

Though Jesus is Lord, though Jesus is Messiah, though Jesus is the sum of all that is, was and ever will be, today we see Jesus take a humble roll, get on his knees….and serve.

 

Like an immigrant woman toiling at the nail salon, like a struggling mother making her money as a maid, like a man works after midnight to clean up after the party.

 

Jesus, on his own initiative, serves the very people he cares most about.

 

Even though they don’t always get it, although he is not always appreciated, though he will be betrayed,  Jesus serves.

 

In a culture in which folk walked everywhere, homeowners would have their guests greeted at the door by a servant who would wash the dirt and dust from their feet.

 

Because this was such a demeaning job, it was often only women who washed feet.  No man would do it because it would infer that they are less-than.

 

Yet Jesus Christ, Lord of All, Alpha and Omega, takes off his robe, ties on a towel, pours water into a basin, and begins to wash the feet of each and every disciple- Peter, Thomas, Judas.

 

Two weeks ago we saw how Jesus is willing to get dirty and down for us by spitting in the dirt and making mud.

 

Today we witness something more- public humility, true compassion, radical love, humble service.

 

Jesus, who will soon be raised up on the cross, lowers himself beneath us, so that he can wash our feet.

 

Jesus, who is Owner of The Heavens, lowers himself as low as possible to the ground as he can, kneeling before us, head bowed, nearly naked.

 

If you had any doubt how much Jesus loved you when he said no one will be thrown away, if you had any worry about how much you are loved when he got dirty in the dirt for you.

 

If you had any lingering wonder if Jesus truly, really did care about you at all.

 

The answer is yes.

 

Because here Jesus is, saying “I, the Great I AM, kneel before you, to touch your calluses and cuts, your dirt and your dust, and I am here to serve you, to wash you, to soothe your soles.”

 

Why does any of this matter?

 

Because how we see Jesus, the words we use to describe Jesus, can often indicate what it is we need from Jesus, and how we can serve in return.

 

Think of a Word you would use to describe Jesus.

 

If you say Shepherd, that means perhaps God is calling you to guide those who are lost and lonely.

 

If you say Teacher, perhaps that means God has crafted you to empower others as they learn.

 

If you say Mud Maker, perhaps that means God has shaped you to grow gardens and plant seeds.

 

If you say Servant…. then perhaps God is calling you to serve others, in humility, in kindness, in great care.

 

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word is life, and the Word is wellness, and the Word is world changing.

 

Servant, healer, feeder, sight giver.

 

Who is Jesus?

 

Who are you?

 

Amen and amen.