The Sign
July 29, 2012 |
Patrick Preheim | John 6:1-15; 2nd Kings 4:42-44
Scene One (Patrick): My name is Persis, and I was there that day. Wheat bread was certainly more common among the middle and upper classes. Barley was cheaper and consequently, the loaf of choice for those of us trying to save a denarii or two (Raymond Brown, The Gospel According to John (Anchor Bible Series), vl 1, p. 233). It did not matter to him. He takes the humblest of offerings, brings life from them, extends hope through them. Buffet style dining is good, particularly if on a budget. Some days the house lacks even barley, but memories of that miracle and thoughts of him continue to sustain me. Even when there isn’t food, he is enough. With so many around indifferent to our plight it is his compassion for us that is the sign. He must be God’s anointed one.
Scene Two (Allan): My name is Philip, and I speak from the distance of several years post resurrection. Jesus and I visited that day 5000 were fed. We, the disciples, were shocked by his utter disregard for hierarchy. Rather than send them away, Jesus had all 5000 sit down. He wanted to feed them; he always had compassion for weak, hurting, and hungry. Andrew scrounged up a few meager rations from a boy and Jesus did his routine. In an unforgettable sequence he took the loaves, gave thanks, broke the bread, and distributed it. And then he personally served each of those gathered. You heard me right-- He served them all. We should have been filling the baskets and serving the crowd, not the master. But no, Jesus had us stand off to the side while he did it himself. The personal touch was important for him. Such humility. At his last Passover with us he even took a towel and washed our feet. We should have been competing to wash his feet. It is his servant leadership that is the sign. It is so unlike the executives from the limestone mining company, the foremen at the chariot factory, or even the teachers of the holy book. So many powerful people lord it over their subordinates, but not him. It is the sign. He is the fulfillment of all prophets (see textual links with Moses (Num 11) and Elisha (2nd Kings 4)).
Scene Three (Winona): I am Mary from Ephesus, and I want to share how the miracle of that day continues several decades later. At least once a month we gather to re-enact the multiplication of the loaves. The ritual helps us remember all Jesus has done for us and how Jesus treated those around him. The real multiplication of the loaves, however, is happening in our congregation and other Christian assemblies. We are growing at a phenomenal rate. We imitate Jesus out there in the Roman Empire actually extending peace to all those the “Pax Romana” has violated or otherwise left behind. We treat people kindly. We give food away. We help out when there are disasters. We tell people about Jesus. They are being drawn to our communities and the vision of what the world can be. They are being drawn by the love of Christ who redeems suffering and death through his own suffering and death. We worship the risen Christ here as well as imitate him in the world. Our re-enactment of those sacred meals Jesus hosted strengthens our spirits so that we are empowered to bless our neighbours and co-workers. The broken bread is the sign. It is the sign that Jesus was broken for us, that his sacrifice can sustain us. The broken bread is the sign of our mission in the world—we are to feed hungry souls. The broken bread is the sign that God has chosen to dwell among us this and every day. May it continue to be so.
Scene Four (Patrick): My name is Patrick, and I am co-pastor at NPMC. It would not be right to hear about 5000 being fed without participating in the meal that has shaped history, and has the power to shape us. Today, we again enter the story. Communion servers, would you please join us at the table.
