Sermons
What we know about 1st century Palestine is that decades after John had died, people were still following him and understanding the events of the world through him. One of the most important documents we have about Judaism in the 1st century gives at least twice the space to John than it gives to Jesus. John was a credible witness because he was so popular and had so many followers. So when John the Baptist says to pay attention to this guy, it would have some urgency.
What do John the Baptist and Winnie the Pooh have in common? The same middle name.
There is a story in the Winnie the Pooh books about the arrival of two new characters to the Hundred Acre Woods – Kanga and her son, Roo. When they arrive, the other animals are quite upset. Rabbit, Piglet, and Pooh all gather together to discuss, vent, complain and scheme about how to get rid of them. Rabbit, who seems to be the most frustrated of all says, “Here we are, all of us, and suddenly we wake up one morning, and what do we find? We find a Strange Animal among us.” And in that great A.A. Milne way, the first letters of strange and animal are capitalized, like a proper name, emphasizing those words – “Strange Animal among us”.
There is a story we tell ourselves here in America. They may tell it elsewhere, I don’t know: this is where I live. It is the story of the self-made man or woman; that person who, out of nothing, is able to make greatness; out of nothing, become wildly successful, or rich beyond imagination, or more famous than anyone else. Out of nothing but their own fortitude and strength and virtue, nothing but their own wit and wisdom and intelligence, they are able to build greatness.
