The story of escape to and return from Egypt echoes the tale of Joseph going down into Egypt, and Moses leading the Israelites out again. It is also a foreshadowing of the connection between Jesus and the Passover sacrifice, which is made more explicit at the end of the Gospel.
A couple of Christmases ago, I received a card from a friend from college asking me if I still lived in D.C. and was I still searching for the meaning of life. I answered Yes to both.
Once upon a time there was a man who lived alone in his apartment. When he got home from his day of work, the most frightening minutes of all were those spent unlocking the four locks on his door. The main lock was especially costly and had quite a special key. Once inside, he re-fastened the four locks, then pushed home the two bolts, and finally attached the chain. Safe inside, he made his supper and then watched television. Whether he watched news or movies, it was the same -- war, murder, rape and robbery. He kept the lights low and the heavy curtains drawn. It was a dark apartment.
The story of Jesus healing the ten lepers is unique to Luke's gospel. Critics disagree on its proper title, its literary category and historical origins. Its theological message is also a subject of debate. The story begins with a confusing geographical reference. It is the only place in the Bible where people who are not disciples call Jesus "master." The text also uses a word for "foreigner" not found elsewhere in the New Testament. This is a complex passage. If we would allow this story to speak to us, we will allow its complexity to put us on the spot.
This sermon is many things, but that's the root of it all. I love you. What can Seekers look like if we all start from such an affirmation?