24 Pentecost - Matthew 25:14-30

Many Christian camps and churches teach a dangerous song.

It is dangerous because it is a prayer that might come true.

It begins, Open my eyes, Lord, I want to see Jesus.

That's exactly what is happening in Matthew chapter 25.

Back in chapter 16, Jesus asked his disciples, who do you say that I am?

Simon Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God."...

Then he sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.

From that time on, Jesus began to show the disciples that he must go to Jerusalem

and undergo great suffering...and be killed, and on the third day be raised.

When Jesus begins opening their eyes, Peter doesn't like what he sees.

Now, nine long chapters later, in Jerusalem on the doorstep of disaster, Jesus

continues clarifying their view.

Last week we learned he is a bridegroom who shows up late and doesn't open the door to

those who worry more about having oil than welcoming him.

Next week, he will be a king hidden among the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the sick,

the naked, and the incarcerated.

And this week, Jesus is a jerk.

Perhaps we have heard this parable too many times, especially in stewardship sermons to

American capitalists, to really hear it and open our eyes to see and feel its scandal.

The third slave, who is the only morally acceptable figure in the whole story, identifies

the problem: Master, I knew that you were a harsh man, reaping where you did

not sow...so I was afraid.