Lectionary Readings 2nd Sunday in Lent
Jesus began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected, and killed, and after three days rise again. Mark 8:31
(These readings for the second Sunday in Lent remind us that God continually acts in ways that human wisdom would declare to be impossible! [ 1 Corinthians 1:18-2].)
Reading. Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 The covenant between God and Abraham, and then through Abraham to all peoples is one of the most important aspects of God’s relationship with humanity. While the covenant gave hope and security to the nation this account reminds them that the survival of the nations depends solely upon God’s grace. The fundamental promises emerging from the Covenant would be a place of safety, the Promised Land, and a large family, described as a multitude of nations. For Abraham at the time these are far reaching promises. However, even as the covenant is being inaugurated Abraham still considers that he will be able to assist God. (verse 18). God’s covenant plan is beyond the scope of human understanding. A man a hundred years old and a woman who is ninety are well past childbearing except in God’s economy. Isaac is the grace gift through which the covenant is founded. The condition within the covenant for Abraham is that both he and his offspring will live obediently as God’s family, in God’s way, upholding the values of justice and mercy. In other words as God has shown them grace, they in turn would live grace filled lives and so honour God.
The plan God had to build a people with whom to form a relationship rests entirely on God’s initiative. As Christians we see this theme being repeated with the coming of God’s Messiah. It was the Messiah who lived our life, “yet without sin” and by his life established the kingdom and secured the promised redemption of the covenant.
Prayer. Gracious Lord as we read again of the great gift that came to Abraham of a son, we give you thanks and praise that you have given to us the gift of our Lord Jesus Christ. We thank you that through his ministry we, even we, can consider ourselves to be your children. We recognise our unworthiness and at the same time see again how gracious you are and how deep is your love for humanity. Before you all of us can find a place because of Jesus the Christ. We offer you all thanks and praise in his most precious Name. Amen.
Reading. Mark 9:2-9 The end of chapter 8 and the beginning of chapter 9 are for Mark the great climax of the ministry of Jesus. Jesus is named as Messiah and teaches his disciples that he was about to suffer and be put to death. Jesus was to be put to death as the Messiah, that would have been both a new and a radical thought. Then in chapter 9 we read of his transfiguration and once again the great confirmation that Jesus is God’s beloved Son to whom we should listen! Jesus now named Messiah and approved of by God is preparing for his death. Luke when recounting the transfiguration tells us that Moses and Elijah talked with Jesus about his death. (Luke 9:31) The word used is “exodus” which means the departure but is filled with significance for it brings to mind the journey from slavery into the Promised Land, a journey that Jesus was to complete by his announced death and resurrection.
Though Mark’s gospel is the first to be written, it was written when there were already churches established, already there were congregations worshipping and people by this time were being persecuted for their faith in Jesus. Historically speaking they knew that Jesus had lived, died and had risen again. The believers understood that Jesus who had been seen and was known was now seated in the place of authority. As such Mark is speaking into that belief and announcing very clearly that Jesus is Lord. Here is the one who links earth and heaven; here is the one who links both God and humanity. As Wesley put it so succinctly “Our God contracted to a span, incomprehensibly made Man”.
For us the message from Mark is exactly the same as it was for those first readers; Jesus is Lord and though we may have the same response as Peter and not quite know how to respond to the fact that Jesus is at once both God and man it does not change the reality. Moreover we can live our lives in the confidence that Jesus’ completed work is accomplishing all that God has planned for God’s people.
Prayer. Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. Psalm 139:23-24 (NLT2)
Lord the cares of the world surround us and our internal thoughts overwhelm us. Help us to look beyond and centre our thoughts on you. You rule over all and all things will one day submit to your authority. Help us to put our whole trust in you and be at peace despite the turmoil we see all around us. Help us at all times to give to you all thanks and praise. To you be all honour and glory now and for ever. Amen
Collects. God our Father, you are all tenderness and compassion, slow to anger, rich in graciousness, and always ready to forgive. Grant us grace to renounce all evil and to cling to Christ, that in every way we may prove to be your loving sons and daughters; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
O God, Source of eternal life, your Son must go to the cross, and his path is also ours. May we walk by faith with him, wherever it may lead; this we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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