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Object Lessons for Adults

Why Adult Object Lessons? Aren’t They for Kids?

We’ve explained this before but not for about a year. We’ve gained a lot of experience since then. Last year, search engines brought a lot of people looking for object lessons to 2×2 (about 16,000!)

Other websites present ideas for children’s object lessons. Redeemer contributed regularly to one site, posting our weekly children’s sermon. We didn’t have our own site at the time. We learned something in that process. The object lessons were enjoyed more by the adults present.

Adults have the ability to think abstractly. Children are developing this ability. Most won’t be ready to understand an object lesson until after they stop running to the front of the church and stay behind with the adults.

There are probably no studies on whether or not it works. We doubt it.

2×2 witnessed a children’s sermon last Pentecost. For once there were children in church! 

A lay person was delivering this message. Often that is a good move. Many pastors lack training in teaching children and it shows.

The children were eager listeners.

The teacher had a few balloons. She blew one up and fwwooff. She let the air out and the balloon flew across the chancel and will probably be retrieved from behind a decorative screen 20 years from now.

Did the children understand the Pentecost message about being filled with the Holy Spirit? One child begged for a balloon the whole time the teacher was talking. Concrete thinking! The other children listened pleasantly and eagerly as the teacher filled a second balloon with air.

The concept she was teaching makes sense to adults. The adults present were observing and pondering the Holy Spirit and how we cannot control it.

The children were somewhere else. Interestingly, one girl was still thinking about the previous week’s children sermon. We weren’t present for that but it was clear that the teacher had directed the children’s attention to a stained glass window depicting the Ascension.

This girl had probably been thinking about this all week. She still had questions.

“Last week you said we were going to say good-bye to Jesus and we never did.”

A week has passed and it’s still on her mind! Can you remember last week’s sermon?

This exchange went unanswered—a teaching moment lost. In this case there was no object with a special meaning—just a story and a picture.

Children understand stories and pictures.  Adults understand object lessons.

2×2 provides object lessons geared to an analysis of scripture for adult learners because object lessons work best with adults.

We are preparing to publish our first book of Adult Object Lessons which will follow the Standard Lectionary. We hope you will enjoy it.

14 Jun 2013

Building Ministry One Post at A Time

I began my morning experimenting with a new plug-in called Anthologize. If you are blogging on WordPress, try it.

Anthologize allows a blogger to collect posts and categorize them—edit, rearrange, whatever— and then export them as a single document into Microsoft Word for publication as an ebook.

2×2 has posted a weekly Adult Object Lesson for a while. Had you asked, I’d have said six months or so. Object Lessons account for a lot of our traffic.

When I collected the weekly posts with Anthologize, I found more than 70 posts with object-based sermon illustrations geared to adult learners! Many can be adapted for children. More than a year! Half of Year B of the Standard Lectionary and half of Year C.

Quite a little ministry for a church that doesn’t exist (according to the ELCA)!

Imagine what all the churches that DO exist could be doing on the web!

13 Jun 2013

Adult Object Lesson: Luke 7:36–8:3

couponCrashing the Party

Today’s object is a coupon.

When people clip coupons, they care about only two things.

  1. The promise of substantial savings.
  2. The conditions and expiration dates.

The lure of savings is in large, bold and probably red type.

The conditions and expiration date are microscopic.

Coupons work this way. They save you money only if you buy the product the issuer wants you to buy when they want you to buy it. Coupons are a way of controlling the market—while giving the illusion that it’s the consumer they care about. 

The issuer of a coupon is sure that their offering is worthy. They are well-branded—rich and important. Giving a tiny bit—while factoring the gift into the cost—will add to their wealth and status.

But a heavenly coupon is different. The offer of salvation is in big, bold letters.

The fine print may surprise you.

Today’s gospel addresses our tendency to presume that because we have chosen to follow God that we are suddenly better than the other guy. We are in a position to showcase our superiority. We are the bearers of a valuable coupon that, if we read only the large print, leads us to believe:

  • We are better than others.
  • We are certainly better than sinners.
  • We are better than the best people of other faiths and so much better than those who don’t believe at all.

Jesus addresses our self-satisfaction with a story of his own in today’s scripture. But for now, let’s stick to our own little parable.

The Pharisee read the coupon’s large print and issued his own coupon offer. At first, we are led to believe that Jesus alone has been invited to dinner. Later verses reveal that the dinner has many guests. So it’s a party! “Come to my party for Jesus. There is something in it for you!”

The Pharisee is maximizing his status. He is giving with the expectation of reward!

We in the church can do this, too.

The Pharisee’s dinner party is a show. A boast. The Pharisee can contribute to the cause and assure himself status in heaven and, for the time being, on earth.

Then, there is the small print. The disclaimer and the expiration date. The Pharisee’s coupon comes with conditions. Read carefully.

The Pharisee’s conditions are that you are already accepted in fine society, worthy to cross his threshold.

The woman who intrudes on this party has the original coupon. She read the small print. She saw the conditions — repent and believe. Expiration date? There is none!

This woman, already low in society’s ladder of importance, coupon in hand (so to speak), intrudes on a dinner party intended for the best of society. Not only is she a woman (not to be listened to) but she is recognized as a sinner. She is such a sinner that there is no need to address the sin. It’s taken for granted. Everyone knows.

The host and important guests are aghast. Who let her in?

Jesus, the guest of honor, applauds her daring. He points to her humility and sacrifice—her willingness to make a public spectacle of her devotion despite the shame and public ridicule she knows so well.

With the odds stacked against her, she wants her part of the promise. She read the fine print. She intends to redeem this coupon for full value.

And that is just fine with Jesus.

photo credit: Max Nathan via photopin cc
12 Jun 2013

Adult Object Lesson: The Widow of Nain

donation

The Value of A Miracle

Luke 7:11-17; 1 Kings 17:17-24; Psalm 30

Today’s object is a dollar bill or an assortment of paper money of different values.

Today’s Gospel mirrors an Old Testament miracle in 1 Kings 17:17-24.

In the New Testament, Jesus raises the only son of a widow. In the Old Testament, Elijah performs a similar miracle.

There are differences in the stories.

Elijah resurrects the dead son of a widow who has shown kindness to him. The widow is wracked with guilt. She holds her son to her bosom and examines her soul for her sinfulness that cost her the life of her son.

We don’t know if similar thoughts were going through the mind of the widow of Nain. But we can guess that she was feeling just as desperate.

In the New Testament story, Jesus is a stranger passing by who senses her distress. The widow is not looking to him for help. She is wrapped up in her own misfortune. Jesus sees through her agony and intrudes on a funeral procession. He raises the dead young man. The son sits up on the funeral bier and speaks as his body is being carried to a tomb. He was probably wrapped in a funeral shroud, his gray skin coated with fragrant oils and dusted with spices. He is dead beyond doubt. But he sits up and speaks. Dramatic!

What value is there in these two miracles? Hold up your paper money and ask your congregation to answer this question in today’s terms. What is the value of a resurrected life?

There is a dollar value (denari value). The social order of the day provided no Social Security. The son was the provider for the mother—the only provider. As she grieved for her son, she faced destitution.

There is value in the fact that she need no longer question her sin. Whatever divine power had judged her and taken her son from her had just reprieved her. Foreshadowing of a resurrection yet to come! Every writer knows the value of foreshadowing!

There is value to the young man and society. He will earn a living, marry and enjoy his own family, and contribute to society.

But the focus on this story is the value of the miracle itself. Each story has a similar ending.

The Elijah story is more personal and private.

So the woman said to Elijah, “Now I know that you are a man of God, and that the word of the Lord in your mouth is truth.”

When Jesus resurrects the son of the widow of Nain the value of the story is in that it is witnessed by the village. The village is joined in grief.  Together, they witness a miracle.

The value of that miracle begins with economics and ends with “buzz.”

Buzz leads to belief. Belief leads to faith.

Here are verses 16-17.

Fear seized all of them; and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has risen among us!” and “God has looked favorably on his people!” This word about him spread throughout Judea and all the surrounding country.

How do we look today look upon our works as a community of God. Do we measure them for their monetary value? Do we measure them by their ability to witness?

This is an important question for today’s church as we increasingly rely on the funding of secular programs to do good things in our society.

Our choices are often driven by economics. A church’s dollar seems to go farther when it is pooled with government dollars or well-funded and publicized not-for- profits.

But missing from these good works is an important value that has a less obvious value monetarily. The work of the church can be a compelling witness beyond the value of the deed. The work of the church can bring people to faith. Faith-driven people can do wonders, practically and economically.

You can finish with the closing verses of today’s Psalm.

Psalm 30:11-12

You have turned my mourning into dancing; you have taken off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, so that my soul may praise you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever.

photo credit: epSos.de via photopin cc
06 Jun 2013

Adult Object Lesson: Luke 7:1-10

kaleidoscopeJesus Is Surprised

Today’s object is a kaleidoscope.

A kaleidoscope is an ordinary looking object. A tube-often cardboard-with a whole on one end. When we look into that whole for the first time we don’t know what to expect. We see a spectacular mosaic of bright colors.

But that’s not all. Each time we turn or shake the kaleidoscope we see something new. The geometry and colors change. Each time is a surprise.

In today’s Gospel lesson, Jesus is surprised. He is approached by Jewish leaders who come to make a request on behalf of a centurion who is concerned that a favorite slave is ill. The centurion is not Jewish. He is a foreigner, a representative of an occupying army. He is a man with power that he could use to get Jesus’ attention. But he doesn’t. He doesn’t even come to Jesus himself. He sends people to speak on his behalf—almost as if he fears Jesus would reject him for not being Jewish.

We don’t know what Jesus expected from this encounter. We only know that he was surprised. Jesus, the Son of God, is taken aback.

The centurion asked for help in the most humble way. “Please, don’t go out of your way. Just heal my slave. You can do it.”

Jesus is not the only surprised person. Turn the kaleidoscope and see the surprise on the faces of the Jewish leaders when Jesus praises the centurion. Turn the kaleidoscope again and see the bewilderment of the followers as Jesus makes an example of the centurion’s faith. Make another turn and see the disciples who just don’t know what to think!

We need to turn the kaleidoscope as we view our own neighborhoods.

  • What surprises might await us if we would occasionally refresh our view of our own congregations, our friends, and our acquaintances?
  • Who are we missing when we look for more people like us as we build our faith communities?
  • How might we be strengthened by learning from the centurions in our midst — the good people who respect us even though they do not worship with us — the people we think we know? But do we?

Ask your congregation, “Who are the centurions in our neighborhoods?” Listen to their answers.

Close with Psalm 96:1-9. O sing to the Lord a new song, all the earth. 

photo credit: Lucy Nieto via photopin cc
30 May 2013

Adult Object Lesson: Trinity Sunday

tricycleIt’s A Wonderful Gift! (What Is It?)

If ever there was a Sunday that cried for an object lesson it is Trinity Sunday. On this day we concentrate on a key teaching of Christianity — and one that puzzles even great theological thinkers.

But what objects work?

St. Patrick  plucked a shamrock from the lush meadows of Ireland and talked about the single plant with three leaves. Artists intertwine circles or draw equilateral triangles. 

I always like the image of the tricycle. The three wheels give us balance. The front wheel (representing the Spirit) drives all three and makes an inert, well-balanced vehicle get somewhere.

But here’s a new image for you.

The gift you don’t quite know what to do with.

Think of your own example. It might be something unusual in appearance or difficult to  put together. A puzzle, perhaps.

I think of one Christmas when I opened a small package. It contained a small jar of liquid and a few sticks of wood. I thanked the giver graciously, went home and pondered. I sat it on the kitchen table and looked at it for a while. At last, I called someone at the party whose discretion I trusted and said, “I am sure this is a wonderful gift but I have to confess. I haven’t the slightest idea what it is. Can you tell me? I want to write a thank you note and I don’t know what to say!”

She was so patient with me. The jar contained a scented liquid. You opened the jar and placed a stick in the jar. The stick would draw the scent from the jar to freshen a room.

Ahh! I see!

Now I understood and knew what I was supposed to do with the gift. The “Spirit” had spoken.

These few verses from John are like a gift we don’t quite know what to do with.

Only in this case the giver knows He is presenting us with a puzzle!

Jesus warns his listeners. “You are not ready for this.” There is a puzzling transfer of ownership taking place. It starts with the Holy Spirit’s guidance and voice. Jesus tries to explain. “All that the Father has is mine. He will take what is mine and declare it to you.”

  • The Father has everything.
  • The Father  shares everything with the Son.
  • Through the voice of the Holy Spirit, everything is declared to us.

Do you get it? Don’t worry if you don’t. No one really does.

We are still not ready! All we can do is listen to the voice of the Spirit and do our best.

And don’t forget to thank the Giver.

photo credit: Yelnoc via photopin cc

23 May 2013

Adult Object Lesson: Pentecost

Why concentrate on diversity?

It’s Pentecost!

Part of the Pentecost story that we gloss over is the list of hometowns of those who heard the commotion that followed the descent of the Holy Spirit like tongues of fire.

The eleven were meeting privately when the Holy Spirit struck. But things changed very quickly.

Jerusalem was crowded with Jews celebrating the ancient Jewish holiday of Pentecost. Pentecost was a harvest festival. This particular Pentecost would surely have been charged with excitement at the recent two months of gossip, which included the crucifixion of Jesus and the many reported sightings of the risen Lord. 

There was a new account. Jesus had recently disappeared into the heavens.

Now, perhaps, things would settle down.

What was that noise?

People came running. They encountered a lot of people speaking strangely but they heard the din in their own languages.

They heard. They understood. Their understanding led to bewilderment.

Then comes the list of foreign regions and our modern ears turn off. The reader may stumble over the names. We graciously jump ahead, mentally putting the lector out of misery.

All the confusion is to fulfill a prophecy.

It is an inclusive prophecy. 

Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. Everyone.

It’s high time we work at it!

Today’s object is the list of foreign places in the reading from Acts 2:1-21.

Read the list (vv. 9-11) and have your congregation repeat the names after you. They may think you are giving them a lesson in pronunciation.

When you reach the end of the biblical list extend the list to include neighborhoods your congregation will recognize and needs to serve. Continue the list just as if your local neighborhoods were listed in the Bible. Have them continue to echo the names of the local neighborhoods or groups of people—the ones they know how to pronounce!

14 May 2013

Adult Object Lesson: Acts 16:16-34, John 17:20-26 and Psalm 97

Breaking the  Shackles of Life

We all have our cages.Today’s object is a cage. It should be obviously locked—perhaps with an extra lock to add some drama.

Today’s lessons revolve around the lesson from Acts 16:16-34. Paul and Silas are beaten severely. The Bible leaves their pain to our imaginations. We all know what it feels like to be beaten — if not literally, then figuratively.

The beating is a biblical act of bullying. Some important people are upset. They use their influence to incite the masses. The masses are all to eager too please the influencers in their lives.

The bullying doesn’t end with taunting and beating. Paul and Silas are thrown into jail—the ultimate punishment that causes ongoing shame even after release. Death might seem worse. But living with the history and memory of incarceration is a life-long challenge.

All the verbal and physical punishment means nothing compared to the wielding of power that the cage or jail cell represents. It is meant to control and wear down the encaptured. Cages are meant to change who you are. (And it is usually not meant to make you better!)

Cages keep us from reaching our true potential.

What do Paul and Silas do in their cage—aching with the pain of beating, shackled, robbed of their freedom and mobility, hidden in the most desolate part of the prison?

Paul and Silas sing hymns of joy.

They are able to do so because of the gospel of love, including today’s reading: John 17:20-26.

This passage is the “Other Lord’s Prayer.” Jesus prays expressly for his disciples.

He prays to His Father (and our Father), “that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”

Bring this prayer to your listeners today. Reread that and substitute the word “we” and “us” for “they” and “them.”

The promise of the coming glory makes the cages of our lives bearable—and we all have cages. We may feel trapped in a job, trapped in a marriage, trapped in a toxic relationship, trapped by bureaucracy, trapped by tradition, trapped by our own weaknesses and shortcomings.

Which brings us to the joyful psalm of the day. Perhaps this was the song that Paul and Silas were singing. Psalm 97.

Here’s an excerpt.

Psalm 97: 10-12

The Lord loves those who hate evil; he guards the lives of his faithful; he rescues them from the hand of the wicked. Light dawns for the righteous, and joy for the upright in heart. Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous, and give thanks to his holy name!

If your prayers were answered and you somehow escaped your personal cage, what would you do? It might depend on what we do while we are in our cages!

As you and your congregation repeat the psalm together, open the door of the cage.

photo credit: Pensiero via photopin cc

08 May 2013

Adult Object Lesson: John 14:23-29, Psalm 67

Thinking of peace as a verb.The Gift of Peace

Today’s object lesson can be a gift-wrapped package. Inside the package should be some symbol of peace. There are yard ornaments — rocks with peace written on them. (You could paint your own rock.) Or you might pull out a dove from a Christmas decoration. Think of some physical symbol of peace. Ask a member of the congregation to open the gift.

In today’s gospel reading, Jesus is preparing the apostles for their mission without His physical presence. He knows that their journeys are not going to be easy. Most will die martyrs’ deaths. He sends them out with the assurance that He will somehow, in a way beyond normal understanding, be with them. He offers them peace.

That’s quite a promise!

How can He possibly deliver on that promise!

Well, it’s not the type of peace the world gives you, He explains.

There’s something to talk about in that because the world is always at war, it seems. Yet we still long for individual oases of calm. Lake houses of serenity.

Talk of the Spirit is never far away. The Spirit is about to figure prominently in the post-Easter story. The Spirit keeps the sense of peace in motion. The peace of the Lord is an active peace. Less of a lake house of serenity and more like a boat on a storm-tossed sea—that Jesus has the power to calm!

A great gift deserves a response.

Given the gift of peace, what are we going to do with it?

Don’t just let the question dangle in the air. Help your congregation explore answers. When they pass the peace later in the service, it may take on new meaning.

In fact, when you come to the passing of the peace, you could physically hand the symbol of peace you unwrapped from one congregant to another. That will be a reminder of your teaching this morning.

 

01 May 2013

A Story from the Life of John

Little children, love one another.

My father, a retired Lutheran pastor, loves to tell this story—often through tears. I am proud to repeat it.

John, the disciple whom Jesus loved and the great gospel writer and visionary, didn’t have an easy life, but he lived to be quite old. In his later years, he was the sole survivor of the original Twelve.

John the evangelistHe was treated with great respect as he grew infirm. The early Christians would carry him into worship and seat him in a position of honor. The Christian community hung on every word he could share with them. After all, he actually knew Christ. He had stood at the foot of the cross.

One day, as a very feeble John was brought into the gathering of early Christians, the people asked him for advice and guidance.

“What would Jesus say?” they asked him.

John answered, “Little children, love one another.”

The people pressed on. “Really, most respected John, what would Jesus say? Tell us more. Please.”

They asked over and over and John had only one answer.

“Little children, love one another.”

That’s all folks. The Gospel in a nutshell.

John had spent some 50 years writing and preaching. In the end, the gospel message is five little words.

Little children, love one another.

25 Apr 2013