Scripture: Luke 1:68-79 (NRSV)

“Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has looked favorably on his people and redeemed them. He has raised up a mighty savior for us in the house of his servant David, as he spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old, that we would be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us. Thus he has shown the mercy promised to our ancestors, and has remembered his holy covenant, the oath that he swore to our ancestor Abraham, to grant us that we, being rescued from the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people by the forgiveness of their sins. By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

Context

These prophetic  words–traditionally called the Benedictus– come from Zechariah, who is the father of John the Baptist. They are the first words that he speaks after having been struck mute for expressing disbelief about the news from the angel, Gabriel, that he and his wife, Elizabeth, would have a son (Luke 1:5-23).

Zechariah spoke not a single word from that moment until the time came for his son to be named. The neighbors and relatives thought that the child would be named after his father, but his mother said that his name was to be John. They then asked his father, and Zechariah wrote on a tablet “His name is John” (Luke 1:63), and immediately he was able again to speak.

Zechariah’s words begin with a word of blessing for the Lord God of Israel. They hearken back to the promise to Abraham, and they look forward to the child’s becoming “the prophet of the Most High…”(Luke 1:73-74).

Reflection Questions

• Have you ever been temporarily “unable to speak,” perhaps from stunningly bad news or, conversely, stunningly good news?
• Have you ever doubted or disbelieved the promises of God? What impact or effect has it had on you?
• What is hardest to believe about “good news,” however and whenever it comes? Do we really prefer “bad news,” since it is more likely to conform to what we view as reality?

Prayer

Lord, help us truly to prepare our hearts, our minds, and our lives for the stunningly good news of the coming Christ. In his name we pray. Amen.

Scripture: Jeremiah 33:14-16

The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called: “The Lord is our righteousness.”

Context

The prophet Jeremiah came from Anathoth, a village in the tribal territory of Benjamin. This tribe was located to the north of Judah, the southern kingdom.

Jeremiah was a descendant of Abiathar, one of the chief priests of King David. Jeremiah was active as a prophet in the late seventh and early seventh centuries B.C.E. Before the Babylonian Exile of 587 B.C.E., Jeremiah typically spoke oracles of judgment. After the exile, he spoke of hope.

Jeremiah’s words of hope in 33:14-16 promise the restoration of the royal line of David and the priesthood. While they have specific historical application, they also offer hope to persons in all kinds of desperate situations.

Reflection Questions

• Is it harder to believe words of hope than words of judgment?
• How do we know whom to believe? whom to trust?
• Do we live more often by hope or by judgment?

Prayer

Lord, help us hear–and believe–your word of hope especially when our circumstances are anything but hopeful. Amen.

Scripture: John 18:33-37 (NRSV)

Then Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus answered, “Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?” Pilate replied, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?” Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.” Pilate asked him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.”

Context

This Sunday is the last one in the annual cycle of the Christian Year. The new year will begin, as it always does, with the First Sunday of Advent. On November 22, we celebrate the reality of “Christ the King.”

The asigned passage features the dialogue between Pontius Pilate and Jesus recounted in the Gospel of John. Jesus has been betrayed by Judas and arrested by a detachment of Roman soldiers in the garden(18:1-11). Jesus has been taken before the High Priest (18:12-14, 19-24). Peter has denied Jesus three times, as Jesus had foretold (13:36-38, 18:15-18, 18:25-27).  Jesus is handed over to Pilate, with the clear implication that he is to find Jesus to be deserving of the death penalty.

There had been speculation about Jesus as a possible king since early in his ministry (John 6:15). Now the issue is joined clearly.  But, even though Pilate and Jesus are talking to one another directly, they are communicating at different levels.

Reflection Questions

• What question would you ask of Jesus if he were standing in front of you?
• What is your greatest hope–and your greatest fear–about Jesus as King?
• How can Jesus rule over a kingdom “not from this world?”
• How are “listening to Jesus” and loyalty to Jesus related?

Prayer

Lord, help us learn to listen to you and hear your quiet voice of truth. Help us learn to live as faithful people in Your kingdom. Amen.

Scripture: 1 Samuel 2:1-10 (NRSV)

Hannah prayed and said, “My heart exults in the Lord; my strength is exalted in my God. My mouth derides my enemies, because I rejoice in my victory. “There is no Holy One like the Lord, no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God. Talk no more so very proudly, let not arrogance come from your mouth; for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed. The bows of the mighty are broken, but the feeble gird on strength. Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread, but those who were hungry are fat with spoil. The barren has borne seven, but she who has many children is forlorn. The Lord kills and brings to life; he brings down to Sheol and raises up. The Lord makes poor and makes rich; he brings low, he also exalts. He raises up the poor from the dust; he lifts the needy from the ash heap, to make them sit with princes and inherit a seat of honor. For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, and on them he has set the world. “He will guard the feet of his faithful ones, but the wicked shall be cut off in darkness; for not by might does one prevail. The Lord! His adversaries shall be shattered; the Most High will thunder in heaven. The Lord will judge the ends of the earth; he will give strength to his king, and exalt the power of his anointed.”

Context

The two books of Samuel cover the transition in the history of Israel from the time of the Judges to the inauguration of the kingship, with Saul and David being the first rulers. These books begin, appropriately enough,  with the story of their namesake.

Samuel’s birth comes about as a result of apparent divine intervention. His mother, Hannah, is one of the two wives of Elkanah. His father’s other wife, Penninah, has borne several children to her husband, and she mercifully makes fun of Hannah for her childlessness.

The rivalry, tension, and bitterness between the two women becomes nearly intolerable. Finally, after extensive and intensive prayer, Hannah is at last granted her desire and blessed with a son, whom she names Samuel. The name is a play on the Hebrew phrase, “I have asked him of the Lord.”

Hannah had made a vow to the Lord that her son would be dedicated to the service of the Lord. Once the child is weaned, she takes him to the house of the Lord at Shiloh and gives him over to the Lord “for as long as he lives.”

The song in the second chapter attributed to Hannah is one of exultation and celebration. It is a ringing affirmation of the power and the purposes of God.

Reflection Questions

• When you are disappointed with your life, does it lead you closer to God or farther away from God?
• What would bring you to such intensity of prayer that those who observe would think you were intoxicated?
• How do you give over your loves ones to the service of the Lord?
• How is God a “rock” in your life?

Prayer

Lord, help us to exult extravagantly in your power and presence in your lives. May we build our lives on the rock of your salvation, for there is truly no one like You! Amen.

Scripture: Mark 12:38-44 (NRSV)

As he taught, he said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets! They devour widows’ houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.”He sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. Then he called his disciples and said to them, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”

Context

Jesus continues teaching in the temple, challenging the scribes with questions they cannot answer and then denouncing them for their pretentious and self-serving ways.

Jesus is situated in the the “Court of the Women.” There would have been both men and women there. It was named in this manner because this was as far as women could go in the temple grounds.

In the latter portion of the scripture, Jesus is situated across from the temple treasury. From this vantage point, he could easily see people putting their money in the offering receptacles, which were metal and shaped like trumpets. There were thirteen of them, designated for a variety of purposes. It would have been easy to hear the sound of coins being dropped into them, with the size and kind of offering being readily obvious.

There were those who would have made a great show of how much they were giving. Their generosity would have been readily apparent. The “poor widow,” however, had only two small coins to offer. The more generous gifts are not condemned, but hers is clearly commended.

Reflection Questions

• What behavior of the scribes does Jesus condemn? Is it their wealth, or is it their pretension?
• Whom do we seek to impress with our giving?
• What do we seek to accomplish with our giving?
• How does this woman’s gift exemplify John Wesley’s teaching in his sermon, “The Use of Money,” that we are to “earn all we can, save all we can, [and] give all we can?”

Prayer

Lord, we are more wealthy than we realize. Help us to be generous, without having to have the attention of others. Amen.

Scripture: Mark 12:28-34

One of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, he asked him, “Which commandment is the first of all?” ²⁹Jesus answered, “The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Then the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher; you have truly said that ‘he is one, and besides him there is no other’; and ‘to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength,’ and ‘to love one’s neighbor as oneself,’ —this is much more important than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” After that no one dared to ask him any question.

Context

Jesus has arrived in Jerusalem. According to the Gospel of Mark, he has entered the city in triumph-riding on a previously unridden colt (11:1-11), cursed a fig tree (11:12-14), cleansed the Temple (11:15-19), interpreted the withering of the fig tree (11:20-26), dealt with challenges to his authority (11:27-33), told the parable of the wicked tenants (12:1-12), handled the issue of paying taxes (12:13-17), and responded judiciously to a question about the resurrection (12:18-27).

Jesus’ time of testing continues with the arrival of a scribe who asks an apparently innocent question about the greatest of the commandments–a traditional point of conversation or debate.  Jesus responds by citing not one commandment but two, what we have come to call the “Great Commandments.” They come from Deuteronomy 6:4-5 and Leviticus 19:18.

Perhaps surprisingly, the scribe concurs with Jesus’ assessment. Jesus concludes with a word of affirmation that the scribe is “…not far from the kingdom of God”(12:34b).

Reflection Questions

• How do we deal with Jesus’ presence in the midst of our lives? Do we seek to argue him into submission, or do we listen to what he has to say?
• What are truly the “greatest commandments” for us?
• How do we love God with all our heart and soul and mind and strength?
• Who are the neighbors whom God gives us?

Prayer

Lord, thank you for coming among us and responding to our questions. Help us to live by the great commandments, as we seek to grow in our love of God and love of neighbor. Amen.

Scripture: Mark 10:46-52 (NRSV)

They came to Jericho. As he and his disciples and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the roadside. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Many sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he cried out even more loudly, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesus stood still and said, “Call him here.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart; get up, he is calling you.” So throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. Then Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man said to him, “My teacher, let me see again.” Jesus said to him, “Go; your faith has made you well.” Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the way.

Context

Jesus and his disciples continue on his journey to Jerusalem. He has told them of his coming death and resurrection three times (8:31-9:1, 9:30-31, 10:32-34), but they seem not to grasp what he is saying. The disciples quarrel along the way which of them was the greatest (9:33-37), and James and John try for special treatment (10:35-40).

As they come to Jericho, a large crowd has become part of Jesus’ entourage. The excitement–and apprehension–were mounting. Jerusalem–and the triumphal entry–is literally the next stop. Just as they are leaving Jericho, a blind man–without even his own name–calls repeatedly  for Jesus to have mercy on him.

“Bartimaeus” isn’t actually a name, even though that is how it appears to us. It simply identifies this man as the “Son of Timaeus.” Regardless of his namelessness, he knows precisely what he wants. He wants to see–not for the first time, but again. Without any further ado, Jesus announces the fact of his healing. And this unknown and unnamed man follows Jesus on the way to Jerusalem.

Reflection Questions

• Do you ever find yourself in spiritual darkness? What keeps you there? What brings you forth?
• Does Jesus’ healing of this blind man bring questions to your mind? If so, what are they? If not, why not?
• What is the “light at the end of the tunnel for you?”
• What does Jesus need to say or do for you to follow him on his way?

Prayer

Lord, give us the courage to call for help in the midst of our blindness. Give us the faith to believe in your power and purpose for our lives. And grant us the commitment to travel the path with you. Amen.

Scripture: Mark 10:35-45 (NRSV)

James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to him and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” And he said to them, “What is it you want me to do for you?” And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” They replied, “We are able.” Then Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.”

When the ten heard this, they began to be angry with James and John. So Jesus called them and said to them, “You know that among the Gentiles those whom they recognize as their rulers lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. But it is not so among you; but whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.”

Context

Jesus and his disciples are on their way to Jerusalem. At the beginning of the journey, Jesus cured a blind man, though it took him two tries to get it right (8:22-26). During the journey, the disciples are the ones who appear unable to see or understand anything clearly–despite Peter’s confession at Caesarea Philippi (8:27-30) and the Transfiguration of Jesus (9:2-8).

Jesus spoke  clearly about  his impending death (and resurrection)–not just once or twice, but three times. However, the disciples managed only to argue about who among them was the greatest (Mark 9:33-37), complain about someone else casting out demons in Jesus’ name (9:38-42), and try to keep people from bringing little children to Jesus for his blessing (10:13-16).

In this passage, James and John try to work out a private deal with Jesus so that they can be assured places of prominence and prestige in the coming kingdom.   They clearly do not (yet) understand what Jesus is saying and are looking out primarily for themselves.

The two disciples claim naively that they can “drink the cup” that Jesus will drink and be “baptized with the baptism” with which he will be baptized. They have no idea what this commitment will really mean, but Jesus does not scold them or chastise them for their lack of understanding. Indeed, he tells them that they will, indeed, go through what he has gone through.

Reflection Questions

• What “special privileges” do we expect in being disciples of Jesus? Exemption from suffering? Healing from illness? Long life? Prosperity?
• As we grow in the faith, how does Jesus help us understand more fully what it really  means to walk with him?
• How do we find ways to serve others authentically?

Prayer

Lord, thank you for your patience and your guidance. Continue to walk with us in our journey of faith. Strengthen in us the commitment to “drink the cup” that you drink and be “baptized with the baptism” which you experienced. Amen.

Scripture: Hebrews 1:1-4, 2:10-11 (NRSV)

Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds. He is the reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s very being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word. When he had made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.
It was fitting that God, for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many children to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For the one who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one Father. For this reason Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters,

Context

The “Letter to the Hebrews” is never actually named by this title. According to the HarperCollins Study Bible (P. 2250), it is more of an “extended sermon,” although it does end like a letter and may well have been sent to a distant congrelation(13:22-25).

This “letter”  is sometimes attributed to Paul, but it is unlikely that he was the author. Other conjectures have been made, but none of them has  gained acceptance, and so its authorship remains unknown.

The “Letter to the Hebews” was probably written in the second generation of the early church. Its language is sophisticated, and it uses imagery from various fields of endeavor, including education, agriculture, seafaring, and athletics.

The most important source for the book is the Old Testament in its Greek form, the Septuagint, which is interpreted in the light of belief in Jesus.

Reflection Questions

• How did you come to know Jesus? Who is he for you?
• How can someone “be made perfect” through suffering (Hebrews 2:10).
• What does it mean for us to have the same Father as Jesus? How does this make us sisters and brothers?

Prayer

O God, we thank you for Jesus, who has opened the way to You and wants to bring us to glory. We are glad to be part of his everlasting family. Amen.

Scripture: Acts 6:1-7 (NRSV)

Now during those days, when the disciples were increasing in number, the Hellenists complained against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food. And the twelve called together the whole community of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables. Therefore, friends, select from among yourselves seven men of good standing, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint to this task, while we, for our part, will devote ourselves to prayer and to serving the word.” What they said pleased the whole community, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, together with Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. They had these men stand before the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. The word of God continued to spread; the number of the disciples increased greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.

Context

The early church continues to grow in numbers, not only in spite of persecution but in some ways because of it. Despite threats and warnings, the apostles “did not cease to teach and proclaim Jesus as the Messiah”(Acts 5:42).

The early church is not without its internal tensions. As their numbers grew, there came to be an issue between the Greek-speaking believers and those who spoke Hebrew. There seemed to be favoritism, with the Greek speaking widows “being neglected in the daily distribution of food”(Acts 6:1) Widows were among the most socially and culturally disadvantaged,

The solution was not to assign blame or argue about whose fault this might have been. Nor did the twelve disciples decide to work harder or faster. Instead, they divided the work, so that it might be done more effectively and equitably.This particular issue does not arise again.

Reflection Questions

• When people have complaints, concerns, or questions about the life and work of the church, how do we respond?
• Are we willing to speak up for others in need, even though we may not personally be suffering?
• Are we more concerned with fixing the blame or resolving the problem?
• Do we take or share responsibility?

Prayer

Lord, help us remain level headed when tensions arise in the life of the church. Guide us to find solutions rather than to assign blame. Amen.