Exodus 17:1-7 ; Philippians 2:1-13; Matthew 21:23-32
Ordinary 26A; Proper 21
Who do we follow? Whose authority holds sway over us?
While initially the parable Jesus tells in response to the questioning of the religious leaders seems steeped in works righteousness regarding as it does which son does the father’s will, the main point is one of authority. Whose instructions do we obey? In our Old Testament reading for this week, Moses faces a crisis of leadership: those he is entrusted to lead not only grouse and complain, they appear to be on the cusp of violence. Moses pleads with God for help because the people “are almost ready to stone me.” The Philippians text encourages Christians to emulate Jesus’ leadership, the one whose power was made evident in humility and self-emptying.
To whom do we listen? Whose guidance do we heed? Who do we refuse to follow? How do we exercise leadership when it is entrusted to us? More to the point for us: Does Jesus have authority over us? Do we obey God’s commandments? Do we say we do God’s will and then neglect its requirements? Do we hesitate to follow Jesus Christ, but then tentatively take steps on the Way?
This whole discussion on authority feels strange, uncomfortable even, to our contemporary ears — perhaps especially in our cultural context where there is much talk of individual liberty and radical autonomy. I frequently see license plates in my area that don the coiled rattle snake and the phrase “Don’t tread on me” — a throwback to 1775 and the Revolutionary War that apparently carries much resonance for some in 21st century America. Who has authority over me? No one. No wonder we wrestle with being obedient, even to God. This conversation on obedience also carries complications for those abused and exploited by nefarious earthly authority figures. Both of these realities demonstrate our need for this week’s lectionary readings. We need a biblical understanding of authority to help us discern rightly who to follow and how to lead.
Jesus’ encounter with the chief priest and the elders of the people – those who come questioning his authority, those who dismissed John the Baptist’s authority – clarifies the means and ends of divine power. Keep in mind this exchange takes place shortly after Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem and points repeatedly to Jesus’ upcoming arrest and crucifixion. These connections, coupled with the Philippians reading on divine kenosis and the Exodus narrative of God’s ongoing provision for the Israelites in the desert, reminds us the Triune God leads us with self-giving compassion and leads us to live-giving salvation. God’s authority is not coercive or oppressive; it is loving and redemptive. Doing the will of the Father affords us joy and does not inflict harm. God does not lead the Israelites out of Egypt only to let them die in the wilderness; God provides for them throughout the journey, all the way to the Promised Land. While following Jesus demands our all, Jesus gives his all for us.
Do we trust that God’s authority and commandments are truly life-giving and good? So much so that we are compelled to look to the interest of others, knowing God gives us all we need and more? Would we follow Jesus even as the tensions mount and the stakes get higher and earthly authorities plot to kill him and the people grow agitated? In other words, when the climate is one of fear and unrest, anxiety and loud grumbling, can we do the will of the One who fulfills the will of God?
Often I think we are like that second son in this parable. We agree in theory to do as the father asks. We nod our heads and say, “Yes, I’ll go work in the vineyard,” but then when it comes down to actually getting our hands dirty, sweating in the sun, reaching to prune and bending to plant, we think better of it and find more lucrative, less demanding work. Discipleship, after all, is hard, daily and unending. We give ourselves over to other powers and authorities that at least on the surface seem to require less and reward us more. Consider for a moment how you spend the bulk of your time, resources and energy. What do you find yourself thinking about? What do you fear or desire? There is an adage that says you get what you invest in. What do we invest in, really? What are our congregations invested in, honestly?
I recently saw two yard signs. One was for a presidential candidate, his name emblazoned on the top, the year 2020 across the bottom. Directly beside it was another one, same colors, same design, with “Jesus” across the top and “2020” across the bottom. I found the juxtaposition interesting — a conflation of Jesus’ authority with earthly, political power. But regardless of your political leanings, the truth is that Jesus’ authority is singular and not up for election. Jesus is not running for office, campaigning to win or making his case to be imbued with power. Jesus is Lord of all, regardless of whether we acknowledge him, no matter if we obey his commandments or not. We do not vote for Jesus, we follow him. Or not.
Which offspring are we in this parable? The one who says, “I will go” and does not, or the one who says, “I will not go” but has a change of heart and does? The one who does the will of the father enters the kingdom — not through works righteousness, but as a result of knowing whose authority is legitimate, salvific, good, trustworthy and life-giving, not just for us, but for all creation. In this very anxious time, when fear is stoked and divisions heightened, whose lead will we follow? Whose will governs our actions? How does our living reflect the One we say we follow? Will we follow and submit to the One who humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death — even death on a cross?
This week:
- What comes to your mind when you hear the word “authority”?
- How do you assess whose or what power holds sway over you?
- How are you like the first son in the parable? The second?
- When you read the Philippians text for this week, what stands out to you? How are we looking to the interest of others? Exhibiting the same mind as Christ?
- When have you been in a position of leadership? How has your leadership reflected your discipleship?
- Often in the church we talk about servant leadership. What does that mean? When have you experienced servant leadership?
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