Reflections on “Dancing with Jesus: the Water Walk” Matthew 14: 22-33

The second week of dancing. this week the dance was a hula.  I saw the recording of the service - it looks like I have some type of hip tic!  I thought it worked well to draw the contrast between the risk of discipleship and the gentle hula motion.  Brene Brown's "price of invulnerability" is a really interesting concept.  It is worth it to listen to her TED talk. 

“Dancing with Jesus: the Water Walk”  Matthew 14: 22-33 June 18, 2023; SAPC, Denton; Dr. Richard B. Culp; 

²²Immediately he [Jesus] made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. ²³And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, ²⁴but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. ²⁵And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. ²⁶But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. ²⁷But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” ²⁸Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” ²⁹He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. ³⁰But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” ³¹Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” ³²When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. ³³And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Introduction:  In some faith traditions, dancing and church are kept separate.

for me, dancing and church are integrally related.

Why?  Because I learned to dance at Synod Youth Workshop when I was a Freshman in high school.

Back then, most of the nights at SYW finished with everyone gathering for dance.

I did not dance.  In fact, the thought of dancing in public seemed rather terrifying.  trying to move in rhythm in front of a bunch of people.

so, I stood against the wall the first couple of nights.  I think that’s where the term wallflower comes from!

Some of my newfound friends in my small group invited me to dance.  I assured them I did not know how to dance, so I could not possibly dance.

no one offered to teach me to dance, but someone did have an interesting idea.  This was the era of strobe lights.  So as the music played each night, so was the strobe light.

So a friend asked if I could jog in place.  that, I knew how to do.  So, he suggested, just jog in place, and with the strobe light everyone will think you are dancing.

now that sounded kind of interesting.  I was curious if that would work.  so, with the music playing and the strobe going, stepped onto the dance floor and started slowly jogging in place.

after the first dance, people were coming up saying, “I thought you said you couldn’t dance.  You looked great out there!”

So I became a dancer, or at least a jogger in place!

I thought about that this week when reading this story of the Peter being asked to step out.  not that my dancing is comparable to Peter walking on water, but it reminded me of stepping out and doing something we’re not sure we can.

so three thoughts on this story from Matthew.

move 1:  First, notice that the Invitation to join with Jesus arrives in the midst of the disciples’  fear. 

a. We might be surprised the disciples are afraid.

1. this story takes place Immediately following the feeding of the 5K.

2, the disciples had watched, and joined with Jesus in feeding all these people. 

 they had seen firsthand both the divine power and divine compassion of Jesus and Jesus’ desire for them to join with him in his ministry.

3. But, now in this storm on the sea, they are afraid

and there is Jesus walking on water before them.

4. in the midst of their fear, they find Jesus.

b.  Reveals an interesting aspect of answering God’s call.

1. Fear sometimes sharpens our focus on Jesus.

2.  Fear sends us back looking for God.  

3.  We often hear God’s call most clearly in moments of stress and difficulty.

3.   David Lose notes that:  we often overlook God’s presence in the peaceful and pleasant portions of life yet call out [to God] in earnest when things took a difficult turn.

4.  When things are going well, we sometimes forget our need for God.

But when things turn scary, we start looking for God. (https://www.davidlose.net/2014/08/pentecost-9a-whole-hearted-faith/

5.  there in the storm is Petersounding more like Thomas,  “Lord, if it is you….”

6.  there is Jesus, calling out, “Take heart, it is I; have no fear” (15:27). 

in the midst of the disciples’ fear, they find Jesus.

Move 2: Notice what happens next - Jesus calls Peter into the storm

a.  How would you expect this scent to play out if you were in charge of the events?

1.  The disciples are off in a boat by themselves.

2.  A big storm arrives.

3. Winds blowing; 

waves crashing over the boat

rain pelting down

As we know storms, storms can be scary.  

Even scarier on the water.

3.  the disciples  are afraid  - not sure whether they are afraid because of the storm, 

or because they see someone walking toward them, 

or maybe a combination of both.

4.  It is Jesus walking on water toward them.

5. What do you expect Jesus to do?

give words of comfort?

calm the storm?

make everything OK!

b.  But what does Jesus do?

1. he invites Peter to step out into the storm and walk on water.

2.  Jesus does not subdue the crisis and fear, but invites Peter to literally step out in faith. (Carla Works, Professor of New Testament, Wesley Theological Seminary, Washington, D.C. made this point; https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/ordinary-19/commentary-on-matthew-1422-33-5)

3. to live out his calling to follow Jesus, Peter has to overcome his fear and trust, in the midst of the storm.

b. Our dance this morning may be the soft swaying of the hula;

our hymn after the sermon may be the easy melody of the “Jesus Calls Us”

but do not be deceived by the dance or the hymn into thinking that discipleship is easy or without risks.

1. Discipleship is not primarily about Jesus finding us the safest way to live our lives.

2.  As we read the biblical stories, we see again and again the challenge, and the risk involved in following Jesus.

3. For that matter, Israel had discovered that truth long before Jesus arrived on the scene.

Abraham and Sarah had to pack up and follow Jesus into an unknown land.

Joseph was sold into slavery and imprisoned on his way to being put to use to save God’s people.

Moses - leave Egypt; deal with cranky Israelites in the wilderness

Mary is asked to bear God’s son

Peter, Andrew, James, and John - abruptly give up their jobs and follow Jesus, wherever he goes.

Paul - blinded on the road to Damascus, which might seem like the easy part after he faces off against the Jewish religious authorities and the Roman authorities.

4. No surprise, I suppose because they follow Jesus, the crucified Christ.

5.  As you consider answering the call to follow Jesus, do not be surprised if it is risky and challenging.

c. .  But know that if you step out in faith like Peter did, Jesus is there with you, even if you falter.

1.  Remember what Jesus tells the disciples:  “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.”

2.  the Greek we translate as “it is I” literally says, “I am.”  (Carla Works, Professor of New Testament, Wesley Theological Seminary, Washington, D.C.; https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/ordinary-19/commentary-on-matthew-1422-33-5

3. I Am - the Hebrew name God gives to Moses from the burning bush when Moses ask : What shall I tell people your name is."

3.  When Peter steps out into the storm, God in flesh is waiting to guide him, support him, and lead him.

4. When hear the call to step into the storm, God in flesh is waiting to guide him, support him, and lead us.

Move 3:  Finally, this story reminds us we have to be vulnerable to experience the joys of discipleship.

a. Brene Brown - researcher on vulnerability; 

1.  to remove ourselves from all vulnerability, also removes us from the joy, hope, and opportunity

2.  She calls it the “the price of invulnerability”  (Brene Brown’s TED talk “The Power of Vulnerability”)

3. To put that in the context of Peter in the storm, if he had chosen not to make himself vulnerable and step out toward Jesus, he would not only avoid the challenge but also miss the opportunity of following Christ.

b. to put that in the context of our own lives of discipleship, in order to experience the joy of following Christ we have to take the risk of stepping out in faith.

1.  As David Lose notes in reflecting on this passage:  “This is still God’s desire for us. 

God desires, that is, that we trust that God is with us and for us and thereby live with courage and hope, taking chances, risking ourselves in relationship, seeking the welfare of the individuals and community around us, all the while remembering that even when we overlook God’s presence yet God is always there, sometimes to encourage us to overcome our fears, sometimes sending us out ahead, and sometimes reaching out to grab hold of us in forgiveness, mercy, comfort, and grace. (https://www.davidlose.net/2014/08/pentecost-9a-whole-hearted-faith/)

2. the vulnerability to step out in faith allows us to embrace the risks and challenges of discipleship, even as we embrace the opportunities and joys that wait for us as live into our God as disciples of Christ.

conclusion:  In the storm, after Jesus joins them in the boat, the disciples say, “Truly you are the Son of God.”  

they got it right.

Now the Son of God is calling you.

Reflections on “Dancing with Jesus: the Carpenter’s Clog” Matthew 13: 54-58

This is the first sermon of the summer sermon series, "Dancing with Jesus."  It is based on a book by Sam Stall, which has different dances based on different biblical stories.  Each week, the dance will be taught during Time with Young Disciples and the story will be introduced to them.  The sermon will be based on the same story.  

This week was the Carpenter's Clog, which grew out of the fact that Jesus was a carpenter.  As I discovered, not much is made of Jesus being a carpenter, at least not in the biblical story or in commentaries on the two instances in which is it mentioned.  I had some fun imagining how being a carpenter impacted Jesus and his approach to ministry.

 “Dancing with Jesus: the Carpenter’s Clog”   June 11, 2023; Matthew 13: 54-58 SAPC, Denton; Dr. Richard B. Culp; 

Matthew 13: 54-58:  He came to his hometown and began to teach the people in their synagogue so that they were astounded and said, ‘Where did this man get this wisdom and these deeds of power? Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother called Mary? And are not his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? And are not all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all this?’ And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, ‘Prophets are not without honor except in their own country and in their own house.’ And he did not do many deeds of power there, because of their unbelief.

Introduction: We are going to dance this summer!

That’s what happens when your minister goes on vacation and ends us with friends in a little gift shop with crazy socks, bumper stickers, and a book called “Dancing with Jesus.”

It’s been sitting on my desk for over a year.

inviting me to dance.

I have ignored its invitation for too long, so this summer we are going to dance.

Each week, a different dance will be taught during the Time with YOung disciples.  

Feel free to join us.

we will also have some surprises along the way - guest instructors; different music;  

most importantly, each dance will tie to a biblical text that will be the foundation for the sermon.

so be ready for a summer of toe-tapping, dancing, and wonderful biblical stories.

We begin this week with the carpenter’s clog.

Move 1:  Which begs the question - was Jesus really a carpenter?

a.  You may have noticed that the passage we read from Matthew does not call Jesus a carpenter but notes that he is the carpenter’s son.

1. for many biblical scholars, this is enough evidence since sons very often engaged in the same work as their fathers.

2.  If we were to read the parallel passage in the Gospel of Mark, we would hear Mark explicitly call Jesus a carpenter, or literally, a craftsman with his hands.

b.  Not much is made of Jesus being a carpenter.

1. Rightfully so, the gospels are more concerned with Jesus being the Son of God;

how he engaged people 

what he said and taught

the miracles he performed.

his crucifixion

his resurrection

his ascension.

2.  But, he was a carpenter first.

Move 2: thinking of Jesus as a carpenter reminds us of his humanity.

a.  God sent into the real world as evidenced by Jesus having a job.

1. If Jesus had just been God wearing a mask and pretending to be human, I doubt he would have been a carpenter.

sweating as he labored.

A job where he used his hands.

2.  Carpentry has a long tradition in the biblical text

carpenters build the ark; 

carpenters built the temple; 

carpenter built the cross

b. Having a job means Jesus knew what it was like to be an employee or part of the family business.

1. Jesus had to learn how to be a carpenter.

Probably following his father to work, holding the tools as a young boy helping out his father.

Maybe acted as an apprentice along the way.

2.  By the time Jesus left carpentry to engage in his ministry, I suspect Jesus knew what it was like to have a job

get behind at work 

having the pressure of completing the task on time 

or coming up with a reason to not get the job done on time 

or facing the consequences.

5. He knew what it was like to work at a craft

hammer with authority

measure with precision

cut at exactly the right place and angle.

Jesus had a skill set.

6.  he may not have been hammering away, literally, when he turned to ministry full-time, but I imagine the skills necessary to be a carpenter and work at a job helped him in his ministry.

6.  to call Jesus a carpenter ties him to his humanity, in part,  because he experienced similar challenges.

to call Jesus a carpenter reminds us that his life was grounded in the reality of the world just like we are.

b.  We are found to Christ in our humanity that connects with his humanity.

1. Like Jesus, we have skill sets and places in life.

2.  think about your own context in which you live.

3.  some of us are students still in school - we have the tools like laptops, pens, and paper….

4. some of us work in our professions with the tools and skills necessary to do the work.

5.  Others of us are retired or not working in paid jobs at the moment, but have acquired and continue to acquire different skills and tools.

c.  How we live out our discipleship, in part, is shaped by the skills that we have

the opportunities that come our way as we live out our lives.

1.  The church I served in KY had bought a post office next door at a government auction before I arrived.

2.  Part of the expressed call for their next minister, me, was to help them figure out what to do with a Post office. 

3.  One day, I was having lunch with a member at a little diner right across the street from what we by then called the Presbyterian Post.

4.  I was trying to talk the member into joining us for a Habitat workday putting a roof on the house being built.

5.  I told him how great it might be for him to learn how to roof.  Since he was a doctor, I figured he had not done much roofing.

6.  we talked for a bit, and then he said, “You know, I’m a doctor, right?”

7.  I did know that.  He was my internist after all.

8. “Why do you want me to learn roofing instead of using the skills I have as a doctor?”

9. As I was pondering that thought, he pointed out the window and across the street at the Presbyterian Post.

“Maybe we could figure out how to use my medical skills t at the Presbyterian Post.”

thus, began a process of developing the Presbyterian Post clinic - a place where the uninsured could come for medical attention and receive medications.

10.  I saw a photo posted just this last month of the new building being built to house the expanded ministry of the Presbyterian Post clinic.

25+ yrs later the clinic is still growing, all because a doctor said I want to use my skills in ministry.

11.  Part of being human means developing skills, which can give us opportunities for engaging in ministry.

Move 3:  thinking of Jesus as a carpenter also reminds me of the importance of relationships in ministry.

a.  I say that because of a story I heard while on the Israel trip with the St. Andrew group a few years ago.

1.  We were looking at an old boat that had been found.

it might not have been a boat they could prove Jesus had been on, but it was from the same time frame as Jesus engaged in ministry and it was found at the bottom of the Sea of Galilee. 

2. As our guide told us about the boat, he mentioned that Jesus had been a carpenter.

Some people believed that Jesus was a carpenter who worked on repairing boats.

Maybe Jesus had worked on the boats of the fishermen he would call to follow him.

No concrete evidence, but it could explain why when Jesus walks by the boats and calls Peter and Andrew and then James and John to follow him, they were willing to go.

not some magical moment when they follow a stranger, but responding to the person they had come to know as we worked in their midst.

3. think of all the powerful stories of Jesus’ ministry among us - at the heart of all of them is Jesus connecting and relating to real people.

4. he meets the people, 

hears their cries for help and hope

Jesus connects with them and leads them to new life.

b. Ministry is like that - reaching out in the name of Jesus and developing relationships.

1. whether we are engaging people who come to worship with us and extending ourselves to others to share the good news.

or  working with the chosen family on their Habitat house

or engaging in mission work

relationships matter.

2.  Philip Gulley grows up as a Catholic and becomes a Quaker.  He may have doctrinal reasons, but in the stories of his childhood, he tells about Miss Mildred, the Quaker widow who hired him to do yard work and with whom he developed a relationship.  He also talks about going to the Quaker church youth group that was led by the neighbors and attended by lots of girls.  I Love You, Miss Huddleston:  and other inappropriate longings of my Indiana childhood, Philip Gulley

3. Admittedly, sometimes our ministry does not allow us to engage the people being benefitted personally, but even then the ministry works best when we develop a relationship with the group leading the ministry.

3. Consider some of our ministry projects St. Andrew supports.

we have a mission mixer every year so we can connect with the groups in Denton with whom we partner in mission.  

to hear their stories

to develop strong relationships

4.  We have Keri Caruthers in worship this morning to share about Interfaith Ministries’ Appletree program not just because there are 7,000 students who need backpacks.

You could learn all that by reading the article in the paper.

But It is also an invitation to engage with Interfaith Ministries - to create relationships.

5.  If I ask you to share the most meaningful moment of ministry in which you have ever engaged, I bet as you told the story there would be something in it about relationships.

a person you met on a mission trip

the story of someone who was impacted by the ministry

6.  Relationships are the foundation out of which ministry grows.

Jesus knew that. 

Jesus did that.

conclusion:   A carpenter’s clog

did Jesus dance - who knows!

Was Jesus a carpenter - probably.

Did Jesus join us in our humanity and develop relationships as he ministered among us.  Absolutely.

Go and do likewise.