Christology

Standing firm in 1 Peter 4 and 5 video discussion

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The lectionary reading for Easter 7 in Year A is split over two chapters in 1 Peter: 1 Peter 4.12-14; 5.6-11. The first part returns to the question of suffering, and both connects with previous teaching on suffering, and adds in new striking dimensions, in particular the mention of the Spirit.

The second part includes well-known encouragements to cast all our cares on God, because he cares for us.

In both, Peter echoes the teaching of Jesus, draws on the Old Testament, but also points to the reality of suffering for his readers.

The gospel reading for this week is John 17.1–11, the start of Jesus’ so-called High Priestly prayer.

The video discussion of that is here, and the written commentary is here.

What is ‘transfigured’ in Matthew 17?

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The lectionary gospel reading for the last Sunday before Lent in Year A, is Matt 17.1–9, Matthew’s account of the Transfiguration. You can find video discussion of this commentary here and posted at the end. The epistle is Peter’s account in 2 Peter 1.16–21; you can find the video discussion of that passage here and … Continue Reading

Why does Jesus bring ‘division and a sword’ in Luke 12?

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(If you enjoy this article, why not buy me a coffee?) The Sunday lectionary reading (Trinity 9, Year C) continues on its journey through Luke’s ‘special section’ of Jesus’ ministry and teaching on road to Jerusalem from Luke 9.51 to Luke 18.14. In this short (and again, inexplicably truncated by the lectionary) reading from Luke … Continue Reading

Why does Jesus bring ‘division and a sword’ in Luke 12? video discussion

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The gospel lectionary reading for Trinity 9 in this Year C is Luke 12.49–56, continuing in a substantial section of teaching of Jesus gathered together by Luke. In this part of the gospel, we find some of Jesus’ toughest teaching about the reality of judgement and the cost of following him. (The lectionary oddly cuts … Continue Reading

Jesus stilling the storm in Luke 8

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The Sunday gospel lectionary reading for the Second Sunday before Lent in Year C is Luke 8.22–25, the concise account by Luke of Jesus stilling the storm. (It is worth noting that the ecumenical lectionary has a different set of readings; apparently for the Church of England it was thought that there was not enough … Continue Reading

Jesus calming the storm in Mark 4

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The lectionary reading for Trinity 4 in Year B is Mark 4.35–41, (the reading for Trinity 3 in other Years B) the account of Jesus calming the storm. It is a fabulous story both full of little eye-witness details, and yet at the same time impossible to read without feeling its symbolic significance. Unlike Matthew, … Continue Reading