Adult Object Lesson: September 16, 2012
Are We Ashamed of What We Believe?
Isaiah 50:4-9a, Proverbs 1:20-33, Psalm 116:1-9, James 3:1-12, Mark 8:27-38
For waywardness kills the simple, and the complacency of fools destroys them; but those who listen to me will be secure and will live at ease, without dread of disaster. — Proverbs 1: 32-33
The Lord God has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious, I did not turn backward. I gave my back to those who struck me, and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard; I did not hide my face from insult and spitting. The Lord God helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced. —Isaiah 50:5-7a
Today’s object is a dunce cap. You might make your own from a large sheet of oaktag or you can decorate a party hat with the word “dunce.”
Wear your hat and face your congregation. You might have a teacher carry it to the front of the sanctuary and place it on your head for more drama.
Point out that it is September — back to school time. Students are once again facing their teachers.
Two lessons from the Old Testament talk about the role of student and teacher.
The dunce camp was once a commonly used form of punishment in American schools. Students who were unprepared or lazy were humiliated in hopes of setting them straight.
It was something to be dreaded.
Today, we attempt to be more understanding. Struggling students may be battling learning disabilities. Even so, teachers today sometimes control students and classrooms with a quick tongue designed to shame them into better behaviors.
Rebellious students are nothing new. The analogy is part of both the Isaiah and Proverbs texts.
Isaiah faces humiliation head on, embracing it. He wears his dunce cap with pride (facing the crowd who watched as he was beaten).
The critics will wear themselves out. God will sustain.
The gospel lesson that accompanies these lessons (Mark 8:27-38) is also a teacher/student session. Jesus is questioning his students and preparing them for the trials they will soon face—the final exam, so to speak. Peter steps up and gives the answers his best shot. Jesus rebukes him in front of the disciples. We can only imagine his embarrassment and shame. Did it stop Peter?
Jesus prepared him. In Verse 38 he cautions disciples:
“Those who are ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”
Witnessing in today’s world is a challenge. We all face the possibility of being ridiculed for our beliefs. We weigh carefully in every social situation just how bold we should be in expressing our faith.
We fear shame.
Today’s message: Face shame with confidence. (And there is a definite “Or else!”)