Weekly Lectionary Scripture
Each week we explore a scripture passage based on the lectionary.
- Exploring the Scripture The scripture text tells the story of Jacob, who must leave his home and family as a refugee, fleeing for his life toward an uncertain future. He is in this predicament because of his bad motive in stealing his brother Esau’s…
- Exploring the Scripture Parables challenge what we already know. When Jesus tells parables it causes us to rethink what it means to be part of God’s kingdom. The kingdom is never what we expect; there is always an element of surprise. The parable of…
- Exploring the Scripture This passage opens with Jesus identifying comparisons people make between him and those with whom he has been associating. It is almost as if Jesus is saying he is tired of being accused because of guilt by association. As he…
- Exploring the Scripture Last week, we explored the idea of taking part in Jesus’ death and resurrection through baptism. Buried with Christ in the waters of baptism, we die to sin’s power. We rise to new life, “alive to God” through our union with…
- Exploring the Scripture Today we continue exploring justification by faith: a sinner becomes right with God not through works but by faith in Christ. Paul affirmed not only that Jesus died and lived again, but that all baptized Christians take part…
- Exploring the Scripture The book of Genesis can be divided into two main parts. The first part covers God’s creation of the world and people’s early cultural and religious development (Genesis 18:1–11). The second, the lineage of God’s chosen people…
- Exploring the Scripture Last week began a 15-week series from Paul’s letter to the Romans. The letter was Paul’s effort to introduce himself and summarize his perspective on the nature of God, Christ, the church, and life as a disciple. The Christian…
- Exploring the Scripture The primary message of the book of Matthew is to tell the story of Jesus, not just as a remarkable and gifted human being, but as the focus and instrument of God’s involvement with creation. The author’s primary goals appear…
- Exploring the Scripture Pentecost comes at the end of the Easter season. Christ had promised to return and promised his disciples would not be left alone. With the coming of the Holy Spirit those promises are fulfilled. Today’s text is set in…
- Exploring the Scripture Today’s passage is part of the longer account in Luke 24 that includes the empty tomb and the encounter of two disciples with Christ on the road to Emmaus. These stories are in harmony with Luke’s entire message that Jesus has…