Jesus 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.