Weekly Lectionary Scripture
Each week we explore a scripture passage based on the lectionary.
- Exploring the Scripture The story of Joseph’s brothers plotting to kill him, but instead selling him to nomads on their way to Egypt sets the stage for Jacob’s family migrating to Egypt. The story connects a family of roughly 70 people to their…
- Exploring the Scripture Jacob is a complicated hero. Many would consider him to be dishonest. People familiar with Jacob’s story know that he stole his older brother Esau’s blessing and inheritance. The reader may be familiar with dishonest people…
- Exploring the Scripture Today’s text includes one of the most controversial passages of Paul’s writings and one of his most significant affirmations. Either topic is worth exploring in a sermon, class, or private meditation. Paul began with human…
- 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…