What's the Use of Preaching? Its Character.

Friday, May 8, 2015

What's the Use of Preaching? Its Character.

Now, let’s turn to a point we addressed early on but left hanging. Why, in two major lists of things to look for to identify the King, do we find preaching the gospel to the poor? Some would contend that preaching is the last thing they need, if they need it at all.

Sadly, preaching has become associated with wild-eyed harangues or droning lectures, and is linked with people who live in the insulated world of the study. However, since preaching the Gospel to the poor is part of the footprint of the sovereign King, it is wise to reconsider our stereotypes. Jesus seems to model something different.

First, other than in formal occasions at a synagogue, his preaching was not done from a pulpit. Nope, I do not mean to discount pulpits. They can carry symbolic weight in a church worship setting. However, it must be admitted that much of Jesus’ talking points were delivered on the hoof in public, or with his disciples around a table or maybe a campfire. His words were delivered in real-world surroundings.

Second, his preaching was always associated with service venues. He did not do what the disciples could do for themselves, such as gather up leftovers after a big meal; but as he spoke he modeled real-life things they would need to learn. He touched lepers, held kids on his lap, prepared lunch, and washed feet.

Third, his preaching encompassed all of the philosopher’s categories of matter.