Luke 22:7-13 | Philippians 3:17-21 | Gospels during Lent: Luke 21-22
On the way to the cross in Luke, Jesus shared the Passover meal with his disciples, which we will read today and tomorrow.
But Paul’s words in Philippians are striking. The whole letter is riddled with Roman political language that Paul is pilfering to re-image in Christian ways. Many scholars even believe that great hymn we read in chapter 2 could be a reframing of an imperial hymn reserved for Caesar (that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow).
But today’s short reading says it explicitly: citizenship. Roman citizenship, which Paul benefitted from, afforded the individual significant rights over the masses who did not have it. To be a citizen of Rome was of great pride.
Paul will have none of it and declares that Christians’ citizenship is in heaven.
Think about it.
Luke 22:7-13
The Day of Unleavened Bread arrived, when the Passover had to be sacrificed. Jesus sent Peter and John with this task: “Go and prepare for us to eat the Passover meal.”
They said to him, “Where do you want us to prepare it?”
Jesus replied, “When you go into the city, a man carrying a water jar will meet you. Follow him to the house he enters. Say to the owner of the house, ‘The teacher says to you, “Where is the guestroom where I can eat the Passover meal with my disciples?” ’ He will show you a large upstairs room, already furnished. Make preparations there.” They went and found everything just as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover meal.
Philippians 3:17-21
Brothers and sisters, become imitators of me and watch those who live this way—you can use us as models. As I have told you many times and now say with deep sadness, many people live as enemies of the cross. Their lives end with destruction. Their god is their stomach, and they take pride in their disgrace because their thoughts focus on earthly things. Our citizenship is in heaven. We look forward to a savior that comes from there—the Lord Jesus Christ. He will transform our humble bodies so that they are like his glorious body, by the power that also makes him able to subject all things to himself.
Prayer
God,
Thank you for this new day.
I’m mindful of Paul’s words exhorting the Church to follow the example of those who live according to the pattern we have in Christ, knowing our citizenship is in heaven. Even so, living in a world where earthly citizenship holds significance, particularly as an American.
It seems obvious that just as citizens of Rome took great pride and power in their citizenship, so too do we too often find pride and power in our citizenship of the United States. I am grateful for the freedoms and opportunities afforded as a citizen of this nation. But these opportunities and privileges are the very things giving us amnesia concerning our supposed allegiance to you…that our true citizenship is in your kingdom.
So help me, God: in the midst of our earthly citizenship, may we emulate the example set by those who walk in the ways of Christ. Set us firm in our faith amidst a society whose values often conflicted with those of the Kingdom. Help us navigate the complexities of our world with integrity and grace.
I confess we have placed our trust in the systems and structures of this world, rather than in you. Forgive us for the times when we have allowed our earthly citizenship to overshadow our identity as citizens of heaven. Help us to remember that our true citizenship transcends national boundaries and political affiliations.
In the midst of the challenges and uncertainties of our world, give me hope not in earthly kingdoms, but in the promise of your eternal kingdom. Empower me to live as your citizen of heaven here on earth, bearing witness to your love, grace, and truth in all that I do.
By your spirit & in Christ,
Amen.