Sermon: Lamb Without Blemish

The Word Is The Energy Of Creation Itself

Last week’s lessons connected Jesus’ understanding of the messianic role with the role of the prophet. This week’s lessons continue the theme. Presumably, the disciples are familiar with the often inhospitable reception of the prophets by the people. But they have a difficult time with what Jesus says about the likely reception of his own work and its connection with the so-called prophet’s reward, even when he spells it out for them.

This week we’re given a passage from Jeremiah. There is a plot against the prophet’s life. Someone must consider him dangerous. He must be doing something right. The word of the Lord that he has spoken must have found its mark. The enemies of God’s word want to silence the inconvenient truth by eliminating the inconvenient truth-teller.

But recollect the passage in Isaiah about God’s word. We typically recite it in Advent:

So is my word that goes forth from my mouth;

it will not return to me empty,

but it will accomplish that which I have purposed,

and prosper in that for which I send it.

Isaiah 55:11