Deuteronomy 21:18-21

During the sermon this Sunday, we’re going to wrestle with this very difficult text. As you read it what’s your reaction? Given that we need do some hard work of interpretation for this text to speak to us today how might we read this text through the lens of the cruciform and kenotic love of God as revealed in Jesus?

(To hear more about ‘cruciform and kenotic love listen to Rupert’s last sermon here)

18 If someone has a stubborn and rebellious son who does not obey his father and mother and will not listen to them when they discipline him, 19 his father and mother shall take hold of him and bring him to the elders at the gate of his town. 20 They shall say to the elders, “This son of ours is stubborn and rebellious. He will not obey us. He is a glutton and a drunkard.” 21 Then all the men of his town are to stone him to death. You must purge the evil from among you. All Israel will hear of it and be afraid.

New International Version