Weekly Lectionary Scripture
Each week we explore a scripture passage based on the lectionary.
- Exploring the Scripture Today ends the examination of Christ as the Eternal High Priest. We have come to understand he gave his life once and for all time, for all people. For those following the Hebrews lectionary path the last few Sundays, today…
- Exploring the Scripture Jesus had entered the temple for the first time after his triumphant entry into Jerusalem the day before. Until this time, he had ministered in the countryside. He was not considered a threat by the ruling Romans or the…
- Exploring the Scripture The Gospel writer of Mark shared the good news of God’s coming reign through story: a fast-paced account of Jesus’ life, ministry, death, and resurrection. God’s new revelation in and through Jesus is communicated through…
- Exploring the Scripture The day following All Hallows Eve (Halloween) is All Saints’ Day, a celebration of all the saints, martyrs, and spiritual mentors who influence us. Today we recognize with gratitude all those, past and present, who have…
- Exploring the Scripture Last week’s lectionary text introduced Christ as the High Priest of God. Jews regarded the high priest as a person set apart, privileged among all humans, in close communion with God. This passage expands the traits and role…
- Exploring the Scripture Hebrews is a sermon to a community in crisis in Rome. Preached by an unknown preacher during second-generation Christianity, this pastoral discourse centers on the meaning of Christ. Although the author is unidentified, he was…
- Exploring the Scripture Hebrews 4 introduces a primary theme: Christ, the High Priest of God. For the next four Sundays, the lectionary focus will develop this idea. We will explore different facets of High Priest ministry and how Christ transforms…
- Exploring the Scripture Although Hebrews ends as if it were a letter, it opens as an essay. The writer affirms God speaks to humankind throughout the ages, a belief central to Community of Christ. God spoke through prophets in the past, but around…
- Exploring the Scripture Jesus and his first followers were Jewish. Christianity began as a sect of Judaism. Thus, early practices in the Christian church reflected Jewish worship forms, such as prayer and song. Prayer is the common denominator in…
- Exploring the Scripture Today’s scripture passage explores two kinds of wisdom. “[E]arthly, unspiritual, devilish” wisdom leads to “bitter envy, selfish ambition…disorder, and wickedness of every kind” (vv. 15–16). Gentle understanding “wisdom from…