Weekly Lectionary Scripture
Each week we explore a scripture passage based on the lectionary.
- Exploring the Scripture Most likely, the first letter of John is a commentary on the main themes of the Gospel of John. This letter was likely written to a group united in believing that the Word was God. However, they were divided about the…
- Exploring the Scripture In the scripture passages for today, there is the great theme that God’s faithful presence continues in Jesus’ resurrection. The author, Luke, clearly presents the resurrected Jesus as one who has a physical body and walks…
- Exploring the Scripture The author of John’s first letter reminds us of God’s generous grace revealed in Christ Jesus and our call as disciples to live ethically. Faithful interpretation and responsible application of this text invite exploration of…
- Exploring the Scripture Chapter 15 of Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians begins with a recitation of creedal statements. Familiar principles of faith ground and connect the young church of new disciples in Corinth to the earliest Christian…
- Exploring the Scripture This text gives an excellent model for talking about the need to mirror Christ’s attitude and about our interactions with one another. This Philippian hymn helps us see the events of Holy Week as part of Christ’s humility and…
- Exploring the Scripture The scripture text for this Sunday is a message of hope and restoration that God extends in a new covenant with the house of Israel. To understand this powerful message, it is important to place it in a historical frame of…
- Exploring the Scripture The letter to the Ephesians, traditionally credited to Paul, is considered by most scholars to have been written by followers of Paul. Often used during Lent, it is a significant text faithful to Paul’s understanding of God…
- Exploring the Scripture This text describes the gospel as counterintuitive. The word Paul uses is “foolishness” (v. 18). He was helping the church in Corinth grapple with the mystery of the cross. They would have more to learn if they thought they…
- Exploring the Scripture The phrase “hoping against hope,” which is sometimes used to suggest clinging on even when all seems hopeless, originates from verse 18 of today’s scripture passage and is central to its message. In Abraham, we meet an…
- Exploring the Scripture Is there any good news? We are desperate for some good news. What is the good news? We need to hear good news. The people in today’s story were desperate for good news. In 70 CE Galilee, radical Jews were revolting against the…