In our gospel lesson for today Jesus laments the fate of the city of Jerusalem. Rich and wonderful gifts had come to the people in that place. There the prophets had proclaimed the word of God. There the ceremonies had foreshadowed the coming of the Messiah Himself. There the Christ had at last come to proclaim the salvation from God. There the Holy Spirit had been active in the words of the prophets and of Jesus the Savior.
Instead of rejoicing at such gifts, however, “…the chief priests, the scribes, and the leaders of the people sought to destroy Him…”
The history of God’s relationship is one of grace, constantly calling people to repentance and forgiveness, constantly pouring out the gifts His mercy and grace. The history of man’s relationship to God is one of stubborn resistance and neglect of God’s grace.
In our epistle lesson Paul informs us about God’s gifts. The first and most important is the gift of the Holy Spirit Who has called us to faith. After that are all the gifts by which we are made instruments of God’s grace to encourage one another and to bring the gospel to the lost.
We should not be surprised when our efforts seem to fall upon deaf ears and uncaring, complacent, or unbelieving hearts, for as Jesus says, John 15:20 “20Remember the words I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.”
While we should not be surprised, neither should we give up or grow weary, for the gifts of God are priceless and by giving them to you, God Himself makes you a blessing to the whole body of Christ, His church, and through you offers life and salvation to others.