Sermon
As we work our way through Hebrews, we have been focusing on the singular function of High Priest. Today the end of today's text finally introduces the themes that will be coming up. If Jesus is the new and improved high priest for the readers of this letter, how then does that affect them? The last four lines indicate where the writer is going with his thoughts. The writer is asking and answering my favorite question – why? Why does this matter? We don't ask why because we assume it doesn't matter. We assume it does matter, and ask ourselves why.
In other words, not like me in high school algebra, why does this matter? But me watching my brother cook, asking as he adds ingredients, why does this matter?
The difference is important. The algebra version of why says “prove it to me.” The cooking version of why says “I want to know.” The algebra version is closed. The cooking version is open. The distinction will determine how we hear any answer that we get. The writer of Hebrews doesn't have any hard proof of why it matters that Jesus is a different kind of high priest. The author wants us to know something.
Here are the three things the author wants us to know:1
• We can and should approach God with a true heart.
• We should hold fast to the confession of our hope.
• We should consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds.
While the first two can be considered to be for individuals as well as, as a community, the third one is only for the community. “We should consider how to provoke one another……
Wait, provoke one another?! I am sure the author of Hebrews isn't telling us that we should consider how best to annoy one another. When I look up synonyms for the word “provoke” most of them are things that get folks hot under the collar. Incite, instigate, stir up. Well it's the Bible – I wanted it to be a nicer version of the word, so I assumed it was a translation problem. But the greek word used there means “stirring up.” So the original language did have the connotation of intentionally prodding and getting something intense to happen.
I hate being provoked. It's painful, I have to spend lots of time talking myself out of doing and saying something stupid; I feel betrayed; it takes up lots of my brain for longer than it should. When we are provoked, we feel a strong urge toward lashing out, revenge, making strong angry statements, sometimes violence. Not a relationship building kind of feeling. I turn into Algebra Deb asking why? The kind of why we ask when we want proof of something. Why did they do that, say that; use that tone of voice, make a face like that, use those words, etc.
Our text today asks us to consider how to provoke one another, with that same intensity – but with a different outcome. The etymology of the English word means to call forth. To stir up intentionally. To provide the needed stimulus for. To set in motion.
What would it be like if when we were provoked, we turned into the cooking Deb and asked why did they do that? Was it something I did? Why did they say that, use that tone of voice, those words? Are they hurting? Did I make an assumption? Did I miss something? This kind of why leads to healthy relationships.
Unfortunately we all know how to provoke someone. But how can we use those skills to provoke each other to love and good deeds? How can each of us set in motion an act of love or a good deed?
In the 23 months I have been with you here at Bethany, we have seen each other in worship for only 4-5 of those months. And in these last three months, we have had five beloved friends and family members die. Yesterday at the service for Orrin, we witnessed an example of what happens when we are provoked to love and good deeds. It was the love for Orrin, the care for him and his family, the history and shared stories together and the desire to companion the family in their grief that led to the good deeds. With only one week to prepare, Orrin's family and Orrin's Bethany family were provoked to so many good deeds and love. The service was beautiful, well attended, with music, food, welcoming faces, a beautiful bulletin, and slide show – all because individuals were provoked to love and good deeds. Death of a loved one can provide us with the strong stimulus like provocation because of our need to be together, our call to witness, and our love.
Each of the three memorial services we have had at Bethany have been deeply felt. Being startled by yet another loss has taken its toll too. I've spoken to a few people who didn't come to the memorial yesterday, and to a person the response was, “I couldn't bear it.” That's completely understandable.
But there's more. Our Bethany community holds so much pain. Pain from all of the deaths of some of your parents, children, loved ones, friends; pain from so many other kinds of losses – loss of friendships, loss of relationships, all stemming from the complexities of being human. We hurt each other in so many ways. Misunderstandings or intentional hurtful words or actions. There have been betrayals, confusion, broken hearts, sadness and disappointments. Sometimes people feel invisible.
Our text today tells us that communities confident in the abiding hope and truth of Jesus Christ are uniquely placed to learn from the example of Christ just how to be present to each other. Did Jesus ever say to anyone “That's a terrible idea.” Did Jesus teach us to walk away from someone else's pain? Did Jesus teach us that we should be oblivious to those around us? Did Jesus ever see a conflict and say “not my circus, not my monkeys?” Jesus was aware of the people around him – even turning when a woman in a crowd touched only the hem of his garment.
If we want to provoke each other to love and good deeds, we can start by being aware of those around us. Who is in pain? Who has a joy to share? Who wants to be left on their own today? I wonder what his story is? I wonder what her story is? We have lots of long term love here at Bethany! And we all can think of no end of good deeds having come out of Bethany. And still that is not enough to overcome deep deep hurts from losses and strained relationships.
We have been given permission to provoke someone today. Much like John Lewis' good trouble, we have permission to provoke someone into joy. The sky's the limit.
Let's pray,
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1 Working Preacher, commentary on this Hebrews text, Madison N. Pierce, Assistant Professor of New Testament, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.