Lectionary for Lent 2

Lectionary for Lent 2

God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. John 3:17

Collect. O God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, you called our ancestors to a journey of faith; and in your Son, lifted up on the cross, you opened for us the path to eternal life. Grant that, being born again of water and the Spirit, we may joyfully serve you in newness of life and faithfully walk in your holy ways; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Reading. Romans 4:1-5, 13-17.  Our reading for today is in two parts with two different themes. For Christians it is hard to grasp how important and influential was the historical figure of Abraham. It was from Abraham that every Jew established their identity. He was the one whom God had called and it was on their behalf that Abraham received God’s promised blessing. Though he was a towering figure in history Abraham had nothing to offer to God that would have ensured he received anything from God. Paul is reminding his readers that great though he was Abraham received his blessing because of God’s loving action. It was because he believed in God and only because he believed in God that Abraham was blessed and considered to be righteous. Furthermore Paul points out that God gave Abraham righteousness long before the Law was given to the Jewish nation. The Law which was given through Moses came many generations after the death of Abraham thus his righteousness was affirmed by God alone. Paul is reminding his readers that God’s promised blessing comes to all of Abraham’s descendants,  not through keeping laws but by trusting in the promises of God. Indeed Paul argues that law keeping can be an impediment to receiving God’s blessing.

Paul was addressing his remarks to Christians in the early church and his comments are still important. As we come to God we have nothing to offer that would make us acceptable to God. Nothing that we bring could ever merit his blessing and yet as we trust in God’s mercy and faithfulness then the way is open for us to receive God’s gifts as a righteous person. How can this be? The answer is simple, God promised his blessing to all believers through Abraham and it is Abraham’s descendent Jesus who has fulfilled all the requirements on our behalf and made us heirs to all the gifts of God.

As we move on through the season of Lent, more and more we will see at what cost Jesus fulfilled all that needed to be done on our behalf.

Prayer. Lord, you give us life and joy: you know our names and provide for all our needs: Teach us to trust in you alone and listen for your voice. Guide us through your word and by the examples of your apostles who devoted themselves to breaking bread and prayers. May we, like them be so immersed in your godly nature that we will be in harmony with our sisters and brothers and in all things bring praise and honour to your name. Have mercy on us when we stray from your ways and listen to other voices. Forgive us when we cling to possessions and neglect your call upon our lives. Forgive us when we neglect the needs of others, or fail to work for the good of all, thinking only of our needs or of our welfare. Help us to have the faith to stand before you with clean hands and open hearts, healed by the ministry of Jesus, each trusting in your name alone. Amen. (Adapted from: Season of Ash and Fire)

Reading. John 3:1-17. Nicodemus was a leader of the Jews; a Pharisee no less; who was vitally attracted to Jesus. Some have thought that he came at night because he was afraid to be seen with Jesus openly. Others have argued that meeting at night was not unusual for each religious leader also had a secular trade just as Paul was by trade a tentmaker. Thus when the day’s work was ended there was opportunity to discuss aspects of religion and faith. He did not come to mock but the listen and question, to find out if this man Jesus was sound in theology. If he was such a sound teacher then perhaps Nicodemus was preparing to follow him. Even though Nicodemus may have been tentative and fearful Jesus is prepared to accept him and to give him time. Lack of knowledge need never keep us away from Jesus, he is always ready to teach and lead us. All of us are learners when it comes to knowledge of Jesus, no one has a grasp of all the truth, and Jesus is ready to teach us all. What is important is that we are ready to be taught by Jesus and not remain ignorant or pretending that we know everything. When Nicodemus first came to Jesus he was already a teacher and a leader, but he still had much to learn. Jesus was able to teach him, and was able to do so without condemning him. Jesus taught Nicodemus that the crucial step is to recognise that Jesus is God’s Son. He is the one that God has sent to lead all people back to God. Like the impaled snake that Moses displayed as an effective sign of God’s forgiveness so Jesus is the sign of God’s forgiveness given for all humanity. In the time of Moses’ the people looked at the snake and recognised both their failure as well as God’s forgiveness. The cross of Jesus reminds believers of their failure to obey God and of the cost Jesus paid for full forgiveness. It seems that Nicodemus did recognise that Jesus was the Son of God for we meet Nicodemus again in John 7:50, when he is defending Jesus and in John 19:39 when he is helping to bury Jesus. His faithful belief was demonstrated in action.

Our short passage from John’s gospel ends with perhaps two of the best known verses in the New Testament. These remind us that God loved the world and in response to the need he sent his son. The verses also remind us that this love has not changed for God’s love is everlasting. (c/f. Isaiah 54) The love of God that sent Jesus still remains in place as does the promise that those who believe in Jesus will have forgiveness and eternal life. However just as God’s love remains constant so must our belief and trust in Jesus. It is our belief that guides our way of life, our words and our deeds, all of them need to be in accord with what Jesus would want and desire. When we stray, as we might, we find forgiveness in Jesus but our straying should remind us that our focus is no longer on Jesus as it should be. Thus even our straying sends us hurrying back to Jesus lest we lose the most precious thing, eternal life with God.

Prayer. Holy God, your love for us is so amazing and yet we often doubt you, sometimes we even live in despair. But you alone are the one who by your plan has won salvation for every person. By your love shown to us in Jesus you have made it possible for everyone to be gathered into your family. We thank you for disciples who are still trying to have the courage to learn and follow you. May the revelation of who you are give to all of us the courage that we need to step out in faith and fully trust you. Help us to take that step of faith each day as we seek to worship and serve you. We ask in the Name of him who loved us and gave his life for us. Amen.

Collect. All-compassionate God, in your womb you bear us; and born of the Spirit, we are brought into your holy Church through the waters of baptism. As we breathe the fresh air of grace, may our cries be songs of never-ending praise; through your Son Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and for ever. Amen.