Lectionary notes

Lectionary for Easter 29 B

Opening sentence. The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many. Mark 10:45

Collect. God our Father, you have revealed your love for us in the cross of Christ. Grant us grace to take up our cross each day, that, in the company of our Saviour, we may gladly do your will and attain to life in all its fullness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Reading. Hebrews 5:1-10. As we read the letter to the Hebrews we need to keep in mind that it was written from a Jewish perspective aimed at Jews who had converted to Christianity. In the Jewish tradition the sacrificial system was the key for approaching God and also pleasing God. This explains the emphasis on the role of the high priest. By the time of Jesus the office of the high priest had developed more into a political office rather than a religious one. With that in mind it is not surprising that the writer refers back to Aaron, the priest that God appointed as the nation journeyed to the Promised Land. Aaron was the one called by God and because of that calling the high priest was chosen from Aaron’s family. Aaron lived a life worthy of his calling.

The writer reminds us that the priest offered gifts and sacrifices for the people’s sins and also for his own. Thus the priest had grace to help in time of need. It was because he was also a flawed human being that the priest could understand when people failed. Because the priesthood demanded such a high ethical standard no one presumed to take on the office of high priest, the appointment was made based on God’s choice alone. For anyone to assume the office of priest without the calling of God will always end in disaster for the priesthood is always and only of God’s choosing. (Numbers 16:10ff)

Having laid the ground work for the Aaronic priesthood the writer then contrasts the appointment of Jesus Christ as high priest. Christ became our high priest by the direct calling of God not to bring glory to himself. Just as the sons of Aaron were appointed as high priests, so now the Son of God is appointed to this office. Furthermore his priesthood will continue forever. Like Melchizedek Jesus simply appears and remains forever, also like Melchizedek Christ is both priest and King. Other priests will serve and then pass away but Christ’s kingly priesthood will never come to an end.

While in human form Jesus offered prayers and supplication, relying on God to ensure he fulfilled his ministry. It was his reliance on God that saw him suffering for it put him at odds with the ways of the world which most often promoted self interest. Through his obedience he was recognised as perfect and out of his perfection, a perfection that lead him to the cross came the fullness of salvation for everyone who trusts in Christ and obeys him. Though he was the Son, he also earned his sonship through obedience. In Jesus Christ we too are recognised as God’s children but like him we must not presume on our heritage but as true children we too walk in obedience to God.

In the Jewish tradition the priest offered the sacrifice on behalf of the people: Now in Christ he himself has become the sacrificial offering which opens the way to a family relationship with God. From the writer to the Hebrews point of view, we are being reminded of how blessed we are to have Christ as the one who offers the perfect sacrifice.

Prayer. Holy God we thank you for Jesus our Lord and Saviour who for our sakes took on the form of a human being. Relying on you alone he lived out the perfect life and so broke the link we have with sin and death. We thank you that he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit and there pleads our cause before your throne of grace. Trusting in Christ alone teach us to rely on you as we live out our earthly life. Grant that we may find life in all its fullness and so live lives worthy of your name. This we pray through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Reading. Mark 10:35-45. This section of Mark’s gospel is usually named “the request of James and John”. One commentator wrote that this was such a preposterous request that it is highly unlikely that the early church would have invented such a happening. When you consider that by this time James and John would have been considered very significant leaders in the church only a true accounting of the episode would have been acceptable! With that in mind we need to ask, “Why was it included in the gospel account?”

Mark is progressing Jesus to his passion and crucifixion and as such has revealed to his disciples that he is the Messiah and that only through him can one enter into the Kingdom of God. His example of blessing the children and his meeting with the rich young ruler should have reinforced the teaching that self effort cannot earn one kingdom membership.

Then on the road Jesus has been revealing most explicitly what will happen to him when they all arrive in Jerusalem; how he will be insulted, suffer and die and then after three days would rise again. Despite his clear explanation it is then that James and John make their audacious request. On the one hand it shows that the two brothers understood that Jesus would be in the position of authority in the coming kingdom. So their request would link them with high authority to also rule in the kingdom established by the Messiah. Naively and rather arrogantly they quickly agree that they can share in the same initiation that Jesus will face. Jesus agrees that they will indeed share the same fate but with humility reminds them that the choice of those who will be in position of authority is only for God to allocate. The other disciples were angry with James and John and had chosen to blindside them, this is understandable but also suggests they too had failed to understand how radical this teaching from Jesus was.

Jesus had taught that he would have to suffer and die in order to fulfil God’s purpose. The disciples still have not grasped that only through suffering would God’s kingdom be established. It is perhaps because of the need to suffer that the early church left this incident in the public record for down through the centuries the members of Christ’s church have suffered at the hands of the world. Now for those who do not face physical suffering there remains the suffering that comes from obedience and the denial of self in the service of God.

Mark ends this section with one of the great statements of the faith, “For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.” (mark 10:45) With that statement comes the reminder that every Christian is linked to Christ in service. Through the Lordship of Jesus all of us stand as equals before God and through God’s gifting we serve as his gifts allow.

Prayer. Lord God our Father, you have revealed your love for us in the cross of Christ. Grant us grace to take up our cross every day, that, in the company of our Saviour we may gladly do your will and attain to life in all its fullness. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, who reins with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. (Uniting in Worship.)

Holy Lord you are the King of kings and the Lord of lords and we seek to serve only you. Grant us the humility that helps us to put others before ourselves and to serve in your name with joy. Grant that Jesus alone be sovereign over us as we live and work and worship. We ask this in his name. Amen

Collect. Foolish as we are, Lord Jesus, you have claimed us as your own; help us so to love you, that we desire above all else to share your way, and to walk with you in costly service to the world; in your name and for your sake we pray. Amen.

Lectionary for Easter 28 B

Opening sentence. The word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

Collect. Let us pray (for God’s forgiveness and for the happiness it brings): Father, you show your almighty power in your mercy and forgiveness. Continue to fill us with your gifts of love. Help us to hurry towards the eternal life you promised and to share in the joys of your kingdom. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Reading. Hebrews 4:12-16. In the Genesis account of the creation story God had promised Adam and Eve the gift of entering into his rest as they lived served and worshiped in the Garden of Eden. Human disobedience excluded them from the rest that God had promised. In this chapter of Hebrews the writer once again reminds humanity that the same rest is still a matter of promise to all those who will soften their hearts towards God and trust in Him. It is through the written word that once more we are reminded of God’s promise and that is why the beginning of our reading today states quite clearly that the word of God is still a potent force in the world today. It also reminds us that this word is so discerning that nothing escapes the notice of God. To say that all creatures are naked before him, that nothing is hidden from his gaze is quite confronting. Even more confronting is the understanding that with nothing hidden each and every creature must render an account to this ultimate authority.

It is then that the writer reminds us that we have a high priest who has been placed in the presence of God, in the highest heaven and so with that advocate we can present our case with confidence before God. What the writer is reminding us is that in our High Priest Jesus Christ, the one who has conquered sin and death, we now have a second chance of entering into the rest that God originally promised. The High Priest was the only official who in the temple could enter the Holy of Holies and from there offer atonement for the sins of the people. Jesus who is now our High Priest is in the true Holy of Holies and from God he offers forgiveness and a new beginning into the rest that God had promised.

The transaction is made the more sure because Jesus has also experienced life as a true human being and so understands the trials and temptations that every human being faces. Not only that, Jesus was able to resist the trials that lead to disobedience and so remained the perfect servant of God. It is because of his perfection in every way that now as believers we can approach God with confidence. Through Jesus we have all the help we need to remain in the rest and peace of God.

Prayer. Gracious God we give you thanks and praise for sending your Son to be our Saviour. We thank you for the victory that he has won for us in obedience to you. We thank you for the joy and peace we have in him. Enable us by your grace to love and serve in ways that are acceptable to you. Grant that together with all believers we may live lives worthy of your praise. We ask this in the Name of Jesus, our only Saviour. Amen

Reading. Mark 10:17-31. Jesus is progressing on his journey to Jerusalem and to his final confrontation with the Jewish authorities when a man runs and kneels before him to ask a question. The first thing we notice is the title with which he addresses Jesus. To call Jesus a “Good Teacher” is not simply describing his prowess as a teacher but is giving to Jesus an elevated religious title for as Jesus forcibly reminds him, only God is “Good”. On the one hand this shows the respect that the young man has for Jesus and he humbly knelt before him. On the other hand it also has important implications for the young man. Jesus does not reject the title however if Jesus is “Good’ (i.e. God), then the young man by implication should, indeed must obey him.

The question is also revealing for the young man asks, “What must I do?” The question implies that that the young man could do something in order to receive eternal life. Jesus responds by reminding the young man of the second part of the law which was his duty towards the neighbour. The Jewish belief was that living an obedient life would enrich one’s life. When the young man responded that he had lived this obedient life Jesus loved him. In loving him, Jesus also looked for a further response and by asking him to give away his earthly treasure he reminded the young man of the first part of the law which was to love God, “with all your hearts’. To answer the young man’s question Jesus had effectively divided the law into two parts; duty towards one’s neighbour a duty the young man had achieved and duty towards God which the young man had not considered. When he was reminded of the need to love God alone his love of money was too strong for him to overcome.

As the disciples listened to Jesus saying that wealth could keep one out of the kingdom they were shocked. The Jews had long held the belief that wealth was an earthly sign of God’s blessing but Jesus’ teaching seems to suggest otherwise. Jesus then reiterates a teaching he has been trying to get through to the disciples for awhile, which was that one only receives the kingdom one never earns the right to enter. The kingdom belongs to those who come to God as little children with nothing with which to bargain. Nevertheless though we may come to God with nothing, in God’s care we can and do receive all that we need both now and into eternity.

Prayer. Lord God our Father, you have revealed your love for us in the cross of Christ. Grant us grace to take up our cross every day, that, in the company of our saviour we may gladly do your will and attain to life in all its fullness. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, who reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Uniting in Worship.)

Lord it is so easy to place our confidence in the material things we own or in the strength of our arm or in the wisdom and skills our minds can create. Help us Lord that we may hand our lives over to you and ask you to lead us. Grant us trust in you alone and in the end cling only to you and to the things of significance to you. May love, mercy, justice, forgiveness and acceptance be the watch words by which we live as your people, now and always. This we pray through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Collect. Your word, O God, cuts through our pretence; we are unable to hide from you. Guide us to know our secret faults, strengthen us to put them aside, and make us grateful for all you give us; this we ask for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

Lectionary for Easter 25 B

Opening sentence. Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread, or sit in the seat of scoffers; but their delight is in the law of the Lord. Psalm 1:1-2

Collect. God and Father of all, you have willed that the last should be first, and you have made a little child the measure of your kingdom. Give us that wisdom which is from above, that we may welcome the word of your Son and understand that, in your sight, the greatest of all is the one who serves. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Reading. James 3:13 to 4:3, 7-8a. James in this short reading begins by contrasting two types of wisdom. The first is human wisdom, what we might call common sense. That’s what we call it but it is surprising how uncommon, common sense is. Common sense is often conservative and cautious. You have heard the saying “Fools rush in where angels fear to tread” Actually the bible says. “The wise are cautious and turn away from evil, but the fool throws off restraint and is careless.” (Proverbs 14:16) This “common sense” wisdom is revealed by the love and action of a person and ideally should be honouring to God. If it is not honouring then such wisdom, no matter how well meaning, is really in opposition to God. This wisdom then contrasts with the wisdom from above which goes with a life of harmony and peace and does honour God. To receive such wisdom requires a heart and mind that is open to be guided by God.

It seems that James as he writes had the view that the evil one is always working in opposition to God and so disharmony and aggression flow from that perverse influence. He does not mince words as he describes the outcome of such aggressive disharmony. Then at the end of our reading for today James comes to what is perhaps the key reason for writing. From his descriptions it reads as if James is describing a present conflict within a known congregation. James offers a four stage plan with which to address disharmony within the congregation.

Submit to God and so resist the devil. Cultivate a closer and closer relationship with God. On reviewing your life confess all that is contrary to God’s will and way and so accept the new start that God in his forgiveness offers. Though forgiven continue to be humble recognising that every aspect of life must be under God’s direction.

These four steps are perhaps easy and obvious to contemplate as principles yet if we face the true reality of life as James is doing in this short passage then we quickly see how difficult they are to achieve.

How many of us have ever truly submitted ourselves to God, walking without question the life that God has set before us. In the business of life to develop a close relationship with God even when well intentioned is at best fragmentary. The discipline of regularly giving time to God and for God does not come easily. And yet despite all these factors which James would have been keenly aware of he holds out the prospect of a life of peace and harmony if with God’s help members begin to live a life in submission to God and his will. A congregation of believers who together determine to follow James’ advice would find a blessing that would honour God and bring peace and harmony. Such a godly outcome is worth striving for.

Prayer. Almighty and everlasting God, you are always more ready to hear than we are to pray, and have a holy inclination to give us more than we either desire or deserve: pour down upon us the fullness of your mercy; forgiving us those thing that we are afraid even to think of; give us those good things that we are not worthy to ask from your hand. Join us together with you and with each other through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ, your Son and our Lord Amen. (Adapted from the Book of Common Prayer 1662).

Reading. Mark 9:30-37. This section of Mark’s Gospel follows on from Peter’s revelation that Jesus is the Messiah and then Mark’s description of the transfiguration. Jesus is still resolutely on the way to Jerusalem and his passion and death. As such Jesus now begins in earnest to teach the disciples about the events that will unfold as Jesus comes to the end of his earthly ministry. Betrayal, rejection and death, followed by “rising again” is a lot to fully understand. Though there are scriptural echoes of suffering and adversity, tradition had taught that Messiah would be the conquering hero who would without doubt save the people and give a resounding victory to the Jewish nation. Jesus’ teaching cuts across these traditional assumptions. Also the suggestion that an individual would rise from the dead was not in their thinking. The tradition taught that at the end of the age all the righteous would rise together and live in peace under God. It was a national rising and so the teaching of Jesus was not simply hard to understand it ran counter to the theology of the day. Thus, Jesus is teaching profound truths that the disciples really don’t understand and because they don’t understand their minds are distracted and they argue about who is the greatest. The tradition would be that Messiah would come and reign on earth and so within that reign positions of power and prestige become quite significant. In a human way they can understand that and also in a human way the struggle for supremacy comes quickly to mind. When Jesus asks what the argument was Mark records that the disciples were silent. The text suggests that in the face of Jesus’ question they are ashamed and perhaps embarrassed.

Mark paints Jesus’ response very clearly. Jesus sat down, a position that the rabbis took whenever they proposed to teach. With the disciples standing around him Jesus teaches them that key Christian leaders are those who serve in humility. As we serve others in humility we are serving Jesus himself. It is by trusting in Jesus that struggling to be greater than those around is put into perspective.

A child who welcomes a simple embrace from the Lord teaches an example of trust. In a family setting which is what Mark has described that a child comes to Jesus shows that Jesus cared for the child and the child understood and welcomed that care. In the ancient world a child did not have great significance and so to care for a child brought no advantage to the carer. This example works against the way of the world for in the world to have pre-eminence is seen as success. For Jesus, it is those who are prepared to serve others for the sake of the other who are considered to be great.

Prayer. Gracious Lord, surrounded by our failures we look to you for the mercy that your love affords us. Help us in all our dealings to give to others that same comfort and forgiveness that you yourself give to us. Forgive our complacency as we deal with the needs and hurts of others. Strengthen those who are surrounded by temptation, comfort those who are embarrassed by events or actions conducted either by themselves or by members of their families for whom they feel responsible. Make us true disciples so that in word and deed we might be like Jesus. Grant that in all we do we may honour him Amen.

Collect. You show us a child, Jesus, to show us how to live; save us from our false ambitions and desires, that we may receive the pure heart which comes with true wisdom; this we ask in your name. Amen.

Lectionary for Easter 24 B

Opening sentence. Jesus said, If any want to become my followers,let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.’ Mark 8:34

Collect. Let us pray (for the peace which is born of faith and hope):Father in heaven, Creator of all, look down upon your people in their moments of need, for you alone are the source of our peace. Bring us to the dignity which distinguishes the poor in spirit, and show us how great is the call to serve, that we may share in the peace of Christ who offered his life in the service of all. We ask this in the name of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Reading. James 3:1-12. James begins this section with a warning to those who would be teachers of the Gospel. It seems from some of the early church letters that there were many who chose to be teachers but for various reasons taught a false gospel. James warned all teachers that they will be judged more harshly. People come to faith often through the proclamation of the word. Teaching in the context that James is discussing is not simply passing on knowledge but is also sharing truth and life saving power. The word in this sense is seen as powerful within the Christian tradition. It was the word of God that gave birth to the whole of creation and it is the word which brings new life and new birth to Christian Believers. Thus teachers have a huge responsibility as they speak God’s word. We need to have some care when we choose to guide others in their knowledge and understanding of God and in matters of faith. That is sometimes more subtle than we might imagine for it is easy to think that we can straighten out people’s thinking on a certain subject. James is saying that when that happens we need to know that we really are in possession of the truth and for that one has to be called by God. Teachers then will be judged more diligently because they are so sure that they hold the truth.

This quite stern warning about teachers leads James on to speak about the tongue. He reminds his readers, perhaps ironically, that anyone who can control the tongue will be able to live a life without sin. Of course James knows full well that no one can do either. The reality is no one can control the tongue or live a sinless life. Nevertheless James goes on to warn his readers of how great an impact words, specially hasty or ill-informed words can have.

James uses the example of the bit which when in the horse’s mouth allows the rider to guide the powerful animal in the right direction. His suggestion is that when we control the tongue that is in the mouth, guiding one’s life is much easier.

The warning that James gives is relevant for all times and we as Christians should be aware of the words and language that we use. Jesus himself reminded his followers that it is what comes out of a person that can cause disaster. (Mark 7:23) James is giving a challenging message to Christians in every age, the words we use reveals the state of our life within.

Prayer. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. (Psalm 19:14) Holy Lord as we bow to pray help us in all we say, guide our speech that it may be honouring to you and reveal from within the power of your salvation to present a life that is honourable and true. Grant that our words will reflect the goodness of your grace to us. May the blessing of the Holy Spirit continue to inspire every aspect of the life we live. Lord you are the one who has brought us back from the lostness of sin and to you alone do we owe allegiance. Let your love empower our days and nights as we live for you. Allow us the opportunities to serve you well as we touch the lives of others. Keep our conversations fresh and our motives pure, that our lives will be lived in obedience, filled with fruitful encounters. Grant that all we do will praise the name of Jesus, honouring him alone. Amen.

Reading. Mark 8:27-38. As we begin to look at this section of Mark’s gospel we note that Jesus is “on the way”. The first part of Mark’s Gospel sets Jesus’ ministry in Galilee but from this point Jesus is on the way to the cross and his suffering death. With this in mind Mark now highlights the purpose of Jesus’ ministry and more importantly who Jesus is. In the next chapter Mark will describe the Transfiguration which points directly to the divine origin of this one who is Messiah.

As Jesus and the disciples move on into Caesarea Philippi Jesus begins to ask the disciples who they recognise him to be. At first they repeat what others have named him. John the Baptist, Elijah or one of the prophets draw together themes of the restoration of God’s promise to the nation. This anticipates a glorious future still to come. While acknowledging these titles Jesus asks them more directly to state their own opinion. Peter’s response is categorically, “You are the Messiah”. Matthew reminds us that this comes to Peter as a revelation (Matthew 16:16) but here in Mark we have Jesus demanding that the disciples keep that knowledge to themselves. With Jesus declared to be Messiah we see the links that had formed from his ministry among the people. John, Elijah and the prophets all looked forward to the coming of Messiah. Marks point is well made, Jesus is the fulfilment of God to bring about a New Covenant through the Messiah.

When Jesus begins to relate that as Messiah he will have to undergo suffering, rejection and death before the final victory will be achieved. Peter who only recently had received a divine revelation now using human wisdom does not accept the events that Jesus has described. His rebuke of Jesus received and even sterner rebuke from Jesus himself. By using human wisdom to describe the actions of Jesus, however well meaning, has placed Peter against Jesus and his ministry. For the sake of the Gospel and for the sake of humanity Jesus must accomplish his ministry as God has chosen.(John 6:38)

Mark then describes Jesus addressing not only the disciples but also those who followed him and reveals to them the reality of being a follower of Jesus. Cross bearing is not simply putting up with discomfort or adversity it means putting Jesus first and denying self as we live life. By its very nature, following the way of Jesus puts the believer at odds with the world and that will lead to suffering. Yet like Jesus, it is suffering for the sake of the Gospel.

Prayer. Father in heaven, Creator of all, look down upon your people in their moments of need, for you alone are the source of our peace. Bring us the dignity which distinguishes the poor in spirit, and show us how great is the call to serve, that we may share in the peace of Christ who offered his life in the service of all. In prayer as in life may we be ready to hear your call to service, and being obedient to that call, grant that your love might be shown to friend and stranger alike. This we ask in the name of your Son our Lord Jesus Christ. (From Uniting in Worship)

Lord grant that we may walk with you today. Though your road is hard and stony still let us walk. Grant us the courage to face the way that you are facing and to walk in step, that if possible we to may be obedient children of God. With all our hearts we long to serve you and yet you know how weak we are and how easily we turn away from the ways you choose. In our weakness, strengthen us, in our accomplishments grant us humility; in our opportunities grant us courage to step out for you. Truly be Lord of all we do today. Amen

Collect. Jesus, Messiah, you bear the wounds of the cross; help us to know you, with our eyes, ears and hands opened by the Spirit of compassion. Lead us, for you are the Way now and for ever.

Lectionary for Easter 23 B

Opening sentence. What good is it if we say we have faith but do not have works? Faith without works is dead. James 2:14, 17

Collect. Let us pray (to our just and merciful God): Lord our God, in you mercy and justice meet. With unparalleled love you have saved us from death and drawn us into the circle of your life. Open our eyes to the wonders this life sets before us, that we may serve you, free from fear, and address you as God our Father. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Reading. James 2:1-10 [11-13] 14-17 In the first chapter James had addressed his letter to the 12 tribes of the dispersion. In other words to the scattered believers who are away from the city of Jerusalem. The Jews had previously been scattered across the whole region and of course many still lived in what had been the Persian city of Babylon. These were from the people who did not return to the Promised Land when it became possible to do so. The belief in Jesus as the Messiah spread across the region firstly within the Jewish community and it is to this scattered group that James addresses. Jerusalem was a city guided by the acceptable responses to God and so reminders of religious practises would have been ever present. (For example, people taking gifts and sacrifices to the temple and also appropriate ways of greeting and responding to people.) For believers living in Pagan cities a different set of standards would have applied and so godly reminders would have been absent. James is offering them wise advice regarding the daily practises of their faith and how they should behave.

Here in this chapter James is reminding them of three significant pointers. Firstly he recalls the equality that Jesus’ sacrifice demanded of them for “all have fallen short’ and so no one stands before God as a blameless person. Every believer enters the family of God only by the merits that Jesus’ death imparts. Earthly wealth or status has no part to play in our acceptance by God. Showing partiality reveals a judgement about others which has no credibility in God’s sight. Furthermore we are called not to judge by Jesus himself. (Matthew 7:1, Luke 6: 37 & John 7:24)

James then reminds the believers that it is impossible to satisfy the requirements of God by obeying the Law. Indeed no one can fully keep the Law, only Jesus can make us acceptable to God and that transaction is given as a free gift.

However that free gift must not make us complacent as James rightly goes on to remind us: Faith without works is dead! The faith that God supplies will give us a change of heart and also a change to the way we live. The idea that the Christian faith is an inward and private devotion would not have fitted with James’s understanding. Through Jesus Christ, God had great compassion on us and so a proper response is for us to also have compassion on those with whom we live and work.

Prayer. Holy Lord through Jesus Christ you have changed our hearts and placed within us your Holy Spirit of peace. Withhold from us any mistrust or controversy that might divide us. Work in us a true desire for unity and reconciliation so that we may rejoice in the diversity of our gifts and tastes and look to your business with a single and undivided mind. Through your unity and peace may we be ready to welcome all who in your Name might come at your call to work with us. Grant that we may truly be one body in Christ. Amen.

Reading. Mark 7:24-37. Jesus has moved into a completely different region, a non Jewish country. After the busy schedule that Mark has described he is looking to a short time of refreshment away from the crowds who have followed him and placed so many demands on him. It is a reminder to us of his humanness and also a reminder that relentless efforts cannot be sustained.

Though Jesus is now in a foreign country, news of his ministry has gone before him and in her anxiety a mother brings her need to Jesus. That she, a woman, would present herself to a Jewish rabbi and beg at his feet shows how dire her need was. At first Jesus seems to show her nothing but contempt and that is probably just as the mother would have expected. Male Jews often considered women unworthy of respect and so refrained from speaking to any woman in public. However his attitude did not deter her and she persisted in her request. Her very insightful observation shows that she had great confidence that Jesus could and indeed would grant her request. This demonstrates a high level of trust and faith. It was the faith that she had that kept her engaged in her quest. Jesus responds to the faith she has displayed and at his command the demon is expelled and the daughter is made whole. In this recollection Mark has demonstrated the power and the compassion of Jesus as he responds to the woman’s need. It also reminds us that the power of Jesus is not in any way confined; wherever he is he can act with authority. It is also a reminder to trust that Jesus can and does respond to our personal approaches to him. It was the woman’s faith that kept her trusting in Jesus to act on behalf of her daughter. However, Jesus’ attitude to the situation might surprise us, it might even offend us but it should remind us that Jesus did not come to be at our beck and call but to do the will of his Father. We should never presume to know the perfect will and mind of God that is for Jesus alone.

As is usual Mark hardly draws breath before he has Jesus on the move again. This time Jesus is back in Jewish territory and those who followed Jesus bring him a deaf man with a speech impediment. With deep sensitivity Jesus draws the man away from the crowd and deals with him personally and in private. For those who have never heard a sound and lived a lifetime in silence, to receive the gift of hearing would be a profound change. The excitement of a crowd and the hubbub that followed from Jesus’ act of healing would have been hard for a deaf person to bear. Jesus treats the man with dignity and so leads him away to heal him in private. Mark’s description of this healing is quite detailed. Despite the described rituals it is the command of Jesus that effects the healing of the man: Be Open. We do not know the significance of the sign that Mark recalls, maybe it is that deafness and impediments of speech reminded Jesus if the imperfections that had flourished in the once perfect, (good) creation. Jesus orders that the healing not be broadcast about but the command falls on deaf ears! Perhaps Mark is hinting that as usual the commands of Jesus are often overlooked. Nevertheless the final response of the crowd is that Jesus, “has done everything well!”

Prayer. O Lord Jesus Christ, who at your coming, sent your messenger to prepare the way before you: grant that we being ministers and stewards of your mysteries may in the same way be ready to prepare and make ready your way so that in our age and generation the lost may find you and the saved be more secure through you. Equipped us to serve you so that at your coming again we may be found acceptable people in your sight, who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end. (Adapted from Book of Common Prayer, 1662)

There are many times Lord, when we long to reach out with your love, when our hearts should burn with the fire of your passion for your whole creation, yet our timidity holds us back. Forgive us Lord and empower us to act faithfully in your Name. Grant that we look upon all people, made in your image, worthy of honour and deep respect as they struggle on in the joys and sorrows of human life. You are a faithful God and are present to them all. We pray for those we know have great needs to day; those who are sick, those who are bereaved, those who find that life is failing to enthuse or excite them. Take each one in your hand today and do not let them fall. Care for them as you care for each sparrow, each lily in the field, cherish them on their way and may they know of your presence and so find encouragement. This we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Collect. God of the outcast, through Christ, you offer healing to all; lead us to share your love with others, that our faith may be seen in the life we live, for the sake of Jesus our Saviour. Amen.

Lectionary for Easter 22 B

Opening sentence. Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, comes down from the Father of lights, who gave us birth by the word of truth. James 1:17, 18

Collect. Almighty and everlasting God, you are always more ready to hear than we to pray, and constantly give more than either we desire or deserve. Pour down upon us the abundance of your mercy, forgiving us those things of which our conscience is afraid, and giving us those good things which we are not worthy to ask, except through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord. Amen.

Reading. James 1:17-27. The book of James was written early in the churches’ history and while not containing grand theological ideas does bring into prominence many of the teachings of Jesus that have an ethical flavour. This is not surprising as the author has long been thought to be the half brother of Jesus. The teaching of James is designed to guide the church in its daily life. The book is addressed to the twelve tribes of the dispersion, so it is to those who in a sense have lost direct contact with the leadership group in Jerusalem. It is a call to action for the Christians who are away from the core centre of the church.

One of the consistent themes in James is that God is both good and generous. God does not give gifts that are designed to tempt or lead believers astray. That is what lies behind the idea of a “perfect gift”, they are gifts which lead to honourable outcomes which glorify God. James’s reference to God as the father of lights (the sun and the moon) reminds his readers that God is the great Creator and brings light to every situation, unlike the sun which often is overshadowed and for at least half the time leaves the world in darkness. The light and the goodness of God shine on his people at all times. It is in this light that we are equipped to serve God as was his intended purpose. James notes that we are given life through the word of truth. We find what James means by that as we read Acts 15 for it is there through the wisdom of James that he links the coming of the Spirit with the prophetic words from the Scriptures, a coming which equips both Jews and Gentiles for God’s service apart from the Law. James is reaching back to the very beginning of creation, reminding the church that God created humanity to be holy, set apart for God as the stewards who would order the creation as God had planned. The church is at the forefront of the task to bring God’s plan to fruition.

James then immediately sets down just what actions in life become necessary; slow to speak, quick to listen, slow to anger. In every aspect of life we are to keep ourselves under God’s control. Rather than following our own desires we are to always be obedient to the guidance of God. We do this best when we pay attention to the word which has the power to accomplish all that we need to do. The key phrase for James is be “doers of the word” not simply “hearers”. As Jesus Christ has taken us from darkness to light we are to live in the light and our actions must show how that change has taken effect.

Prayer. Most Holy Lord, you have promised that Jesus Christ will have all things placed under his authority and that your justice and mercy will prevail throughout the whole creation. May this knowledge give us full assurance to face all of life with a confidence founded in Jesus Christ alone. Help us to trust in his work and use his gifts and strength to overcome all the trials and tribulations that we face. Today we pray for all those whose lives are burdened with troubles. May they find relief through the victory of Jesus. For those who are sick, may they receive healing from your gracious hand and may all those who are going astray hear again your call to love and serve you alone. Above all we ask that you grant us the strength and power to be people of action in your name and for your sake, This we ask through Jesus before whom every knee will bow and every tongue confess that he is Lord of all. Amen

Reading. Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23. Before we think about the words of Jesus to the Pharisees and then to the crowd we must understand that unlike our standards of good and bad, sinful or morally acceptable; Jewish society had three classifications holy or sacred, clean and then unclean. Holy or sacred things could be contaminated by coming into contact with unclean things. Holy things, those things set apart for sacred purpose could be made common when used for common purposes. However clean things could become holy when used for sacred purpose and similarly clean things could become unclean through coming into contact with what was already unclean. Broadly speaking holy things should never come into contact with unclean things for they have nothing in common. The ordinary things of life could be either clean or unclean, thus money given to the poor would be considered clean while money used to cheat and defraud others would be considered unclean. This might seem quite complex to us but the people in the time of Jesus would have quite readily understood these fundamental principles.

The challenge the Pharisees posed to Jesus about washing had nothing to do with hygiene but was about ceremonial purity. As Mark explains, a devout Jew would not only wash his hands after being in the market but would also wash the food he bought, thus making both the food and the hands clean. Jesus used the words from Isaiah to show that they washed in order to be ritually clean in order to fulfil the Elder’s Tradition and not because their hearts were set on being ritually clean in order to please God. Jesus reminded the crowd that to fulfil the dietary laws in order to please the Pharisees did nothing. The action that really counted was when a person’s heart was set on pleasing God. For us the heart is thought of as the seat of the emotions but for those of Jesus time the heart was the seat of the will. Those whose heart was set on God where those whose will determined how they responded to any given situation. It was not enough to love and respect the tradition one had to first love and respect God and do everything possible to please him.

Jesus’ challenge to the Jews is just as pertinent to us today as Christians. Worship prayer and bible study must all be done not to please ourselves or make us feel good,nor done to impress others, all these things are done in order to please God, to draw closer to him as he desires.

Prayer. Almighty and everlasting God, you are always more ready to hear than we are to pray, and constantly give more than either we desire or deserve. Pour down upon us the abundance of your mercy, forgiving us those things of which our conscience is afraid, and give us those good things which we are unworthy to ask or receive except through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ, your Son our Lord. (From Uniting in Worship)

Holy Lord, it is only through Jesus that we may even dare to presume to approach you for you alone are holy. Nevertheless in your great love for us through Jesus Christ we come with confidence asking once again for your mercy and grace. Lord as we seek to serve you grant that we may always look at each other through your eyes which gaze on the heart. May we never dare to judge each other but through your grace, love and forgive, that we may in our life together be truly your family. May your love so touch us all that we may be the bearers of love and hope to a waiting world. This we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Amen

Collect. Loving God, wellspring of grace, save us from making petty rules, rather than rejoicing in the life which comes from you; help us to take in your truth and walk with Christ our Wisdom, in whose name we pray.Amen.

Lectionary for Easter 21 B

Opening sentence. Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God. John 6:68-69

Collect. Let us pray (that our minds may be fixed on eternal truth): Lord our God, all truth is from you, and you alone bring oneness of heart. Give your people the joy of hearing your word amid the din of human noise, and of longing for your presence more than for life itself. May all the attractions of a changing world point us to the peace of your kingdom, a peace which this world does not give. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Reading. Ephesians 6:10-20. The Armour of God is a favourite passage for devotions and sermons and is well worth keeping in mind as we begin each day. However we should not be so quick to move to the practical items that Paul describes. We need to consider his first and most important phrase, “Finally, be strong in the Lord”. Paul is reminding us to to keep uppermost in our minds the power and presence of God as we begin our day’s activities. A believer’s major fight is against an enemy that is unseen by human eye. Read again that our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the spiritual forces of evil. We in the West have had three centuries of Enlightenment Teaching which has successfully reduced our capacity to recognise when the forces of evil are present. Who has not been in a situation which causes the hairs on the back of your neck to tingle? When that happens the rational mind takes over and the feeling is either down played or dismissed altogether. Pretending that a danger does not exist does nothing to lessen the danger that is present. Paul’s advice is to be strong in the Lord, for against the forces of evil it is his presence that will prove effective. It is keeping a close relationship with the Lord which will assist us to put on the whole of the armour that is required. The armour that God supplies is what will keep us safe from both the unseen as well as the seen enemies that stand against plans and purpose of the Christian faith. The armour is not simply for our protection it is designed to bring about the victory against evil that God has planned.

Having considered that general view we see that God has provided each piece of armour with care. We hold to the truth about who Jesus is and what Jesus had done, one Lord, one faith, one baptism. Jesus and only Jesus is the head. The righteousness that Jesus supplies covers us completely and makes us worthy to go out to proclaim the the gospel of peace. Paul reminds us that we have treasure even though it is in vessels that are common and yet in those common vessels resides God’s power. The shield of faith helps us to hold firm to the understanding that both the fight and the power are God’s and keep us faithful. As Wesley said, “The doubts and fear of all our years are met in Him”. It is holding on to Jesus and the promises of Jesus that keeps us persevering in the fight to uphold the things of God. The helmet of salvation reminds us that we have been born anew and we now belong to Jesus as a member of his church. The word of God conveyed to us by the Spirit continues to refresh our faith and equip us to live out a credible witness to the Lord we love. All of this is possible as we stand strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power.

Prayer. Most Gracious Lord, you are the one who guides and protects, for to you belongs the power and the glory. Grant that today and every day we may bring to you an offering of praise and thanksgiving. By your power shield us from the attacks of the darkness that we may all walk in the light and be filled with grace and truth as your word promises. Holy Lord, plant the seeds of hope in our hearts afresh today, so we may grow strong in the Lord Jesus and rejoice in his goodness and love. Lift us above all those things of life which would hold us back from seeing how you are working with us for the good of all. May we trust more fully in your grace and find true security in knowing that we are your children. As your love embraces us today so may we embrace each other in love and fellowship, to your honour and glory. Amen

Reading. John 6:56-69. For a few weeks now we have been following John’s theme of Jesus as the “Bread of Life”. It is one of the great “I am” sayings of Jesus. John’s gospel is the one most often given to new believers or enquires, perhaps because of John 3:16. However as we read the passage for today we see that John delves deep into his theology of God to reveal what he sees as the great truth about Jesus and this calls for deeper reflection. The Jewish leaders and even some of Jesus’ closest followers found it most difficult to grasp what Jesus was announcing. Though they knew that Jesus was speaking metaphorically the principle of living by relying only on Jesus was for them unacceptable and they turned away.

In Hebrew thought, God was the Creator and Giver of life. The life that God gives is linked closely with the blood of all living creatures. (Leviticus 17:14) Jesus came from the Father and lived among them. It was his oneness with the Father that gave him life. Those who wanted to partake in the life of God could only do so by partaking in the life of Jesus. The manna that came down from heaven did not sustain life eternally but Jesus who came down from heaven does sustain life eternally. So John is noting three stages. God is the living God and Jesus lives because of his union with God. Jesus is similarly the living God. Those who are in relationship with Jesus receive their life from him. ( Jesus makes this clear in verse 63) It is this teaching that itself gives life. The believer’s life is reliant upon their bonding to Jesus himself. It is because of this essential bonding that so many followers could not commit to Jesus.

Jesus then challenges the twelve as they face this important question, is Jesus the life giving God? Peter speaks for all of them when he replies that what Jesus teaches brings them to eternal life. It is through those words that they have come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the one destined to save the people.

This passage from John also confronts us for it poses the question who do we understand Jesus to be. It is only when Jesus is God that the promises he gives become life giving for only as he has life in God can he share his life.

John has noted there are decisive issues here. Though it is not immediately clear that Jesus was discussing Holy Communion, yet for us it does stir the remembrance of sharing the elements in Communion. In communion we are remembering that Jesus gave up his life and then was given it back again and so now He lives eternally. Mortal flesh has taken on immortality. It is as we partake of the elements of that new life that we are refreshed in knowing that our life is linked with the life of Jesus: a life that sustains us into eternity; a life relies on the risen Jesus, a life that is sustained by faith in Jesus alone.

Prayer. Lord Jesus Christ, you are the Lord the giver of life. In your mercy you have brought us to the beginning of this new day and it will be filled with opportunities to love and serve you through ministry to others. Guide us through this day we pray that we may not miss those special times when we might be used by you to bring comfort and hope to others. Today we bring to you those that we know and love and ask that they be placed under your eternal care. Through the power of your love and through the presence of your Holy Spirit grant that all will find healing and hope. May we be faithful in our witness and fruitful in word and deed to the honour and glory of your name. This we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Amen

Collect. Lord Jesus, we have tasted, and you are good; we have seen and touched you, and your word feeds us for eternal life. Keep us close to you, trusting your promises, for you are the Holy One of God, and we can go to no other. Amen.

Lectionary for Easter 20 B

Opening sentence. Jesus said: ‘My flesh is true food and my blood is true drink. Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them.’ John 6:55-56

Collect. Almighty and ever-living God, you have given great and precious promises to those who believe. Grant us the perfect faith which overcomes all doubt; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Reading. Ephesians 5:15-20. In this letter Paul continually emphasises the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. He begins by reminding his readers of the new life that they have in Jesus Christ. To do this he draws on some of the great theological reminders. e;g, “for by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God”. (Eph 2:8). He then urges them to maintain a unity in their lives together. “making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Eph 4:3)

In today’s section of the letter Paul is urging believers to live a life that is honouring to Jesus who is Lord. Previously he has used the metaphor of “light” as against “darkness” now he draws the comparison between wisdom and foolishness. Being careful means not only paying attention to our actions and decisions it also means continually remembering who we are because of what Jesus Christ has done. He reminds the believers that the days are evil. This is not simply because bad things can and do happen. Paul’s mind is remembering that Jesus himself reminded his followers that he came to judge the ruler of this world who is Satan, and depose him. (John 12:31.) The days are still evil for the final overthrowing of Satan has yet to take place. Thus believers who are under the lordship of Jesus should not follow the ways of the world which is still governed by forces set against the rule of God. Thus Paul is not simply asking believers to act in a moral way but to stand with God against the ways and powers of evil. To do this needs a clear head and so it follows that drunkenness is to be avoided. In Paul’s day the Gentile world was known for its consumption of alcohol. Life was harsh for many people and alcohol provided some respite. The Holy Spirit on the other hand can bring a sense of joy and peace, along with an enduring hope into the future. The filling of the Spirit brings believers to a point of worship and adoration of God. It also brings together people of like mind which helps to reinforce the wisdom of God’s way to life a life filled with prayer and praise. This way of life is not only a life of action but reflects the inner life of the believer, a heart fully committed to loving the Lord Jesus. Believers give thanks to God wholeheartedly because of what He has done through Jesus Christ.

Prayer. Lord our God, all truth is from you, and you alone bring oneness of heart. Give to your people the joy of hearing your word amid the din of human noise, and of longing for your presence more than for life itself. Despite the attractions of this changing world may your word of grace point us to the peace of your kingdom, a peace which the world does not give. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. (From Uniting in Worship)

Lord may the truth of your word guide our hearts and minds as we live out our lives. Grant us your wisdom in all the choices we make. May our minds be fixed on you, always remembering that you are always present to us in all we do. This we pray through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Reading. John 6:51-58. This section of John’s gospel begins with the feeding of the five thousand, after which the crowd wanted to make Jesus king. Jesus slips away from them for this time is not right. He reminds them that he is the true bread that not only sustains them in earthly life but will sustain them into the future. He links this true bread by explaining that he has come down from heaven to bring this true bread to them.

As we read today’s section of John’s gospel we need to keep in mind that “the Jews” who are arguing against Jesus are not the crowd who followed him looking for bread but are the intellectual theologians. They have their own opinions about how to approach God and relate to God, so they are opposed to the message that Jesus is proposing. In particular they oppose the idea that Jesus has come down from God’s presence to offer them the true bread of life.

We read this passage with the hindsight of two thousand years and understand that Jesus is referring to his death on the cross. The bread that Jesus gives has a future tense as our text says, “that I will give” which indicates a future action. The Jews did not understand this even though the sacrificial law presented in Leviticus showed that when forgiveness was required then a sacrifice which included the shedding of blood was demanded. In contrast the Jews choose not to understand by accusing him of some kind of cannibalism. They would have understood that Jesus was using the word bread in a metaphoric sense. The Manna was bread that only sustained earthly life for those who were sustained by it had long since died. The bread that Jesus gives takes the “eater” on into eternal life. The eating of blood was expressly forbidden in the law and so once again they would have understood that Jesus was speaking metaphorically. Biblically the blood represented the life force and so what Jesus is demanding is that eternal life comes through sharing life with him. The Jews continued to dispute with Jesus and it was their constant opposition that in the end guided him to his death.

We have noted before that John wrote his gospel to encourage believers. John makes clear from the very beginning of his record that Jesus is from God and is God. In the first sentence of his written work he makes that very plain. As we read today we to need to remember that what Jesus said to the Jews in our passage he also says to us. The living bread has to be the food that sustains us. We also must live our lives constantly mingled with his life. This means more than partaking in the elements of communion; it is a daily way of living out our lives as Christ himself would demand.

Prayer. Lord you have given so many precious promises to your people and you are always faithful in fulfilling your promises. Grant to us the wisdom and courage to trust in you alone as we live our lives. May we be fully reliant on you for all our needs. Give us the wisdom and insights to see where you want us to go. May we be as faithful to you as you have been to us. May there be a generous touch of your loving kindness over each of us as we relate to one another. Grant us all your peace and through your blessing may we witness to your holiness and love. This we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Collect. Jesus, Word made flesh, we thank you for the holy meal in which you give yourself to us; help us so to receive your body and blood, that we grow in grace and strength, and live daily in praise and thanksgiving, now and for ever. Amen.

Lectionary for Easter 19 B.

Opening sentence. Jesus says: ‘I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live for ever.’ John 6:51

Collect. Let us pray (to be defended in doubt and difficulty): Merciful Father, whose Son laid down his life that we might die to self and live in him: grant us so perfect a communion with him that, in all the doubts and dangers that assail us, our faith may not be found wanting; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Reading. Ephesians 4:25 to 5:2. Earlier in his letter Paul has reminded his readers that through the death and resurrection of Christ every believer has been called into the Church, the body of Christ. Furthermore each has been equipped with gifts by the Holy Spirit to serve the church. Today’s reading reminds the believers that because they have been incorporated into the body then there is an appropriate ethical response that needs to be made. Paul is addressing believers personally but he is also thinking of the body of Christ as a unity; each member should respond this way for the good of the whole. Paramount in Paul’s thinking is the need to maintain a unity within the body; this unity would provide a stark contrast to the rest of society which then as now was deeply divided. This show of unity would further demonstrate that for each believer a new life and therefore a new life style had begun. With Christ as the head life was to be lived as he himself determined.

Every moral and ethical demand speaks directly of the new life in Christ. Lying is a way of life common to the old life. To always tell the truth demands an openness so that true relationships can be maintained. When we fail to tell the truth we hide parts of ourselves from others and this can lead to division.

Anger is a normal emotion but the anger spoken of here is the anger that divides and leads to evil thoughts and actions and again is a divisive force within the body. Paul says that such actions are devilish for they emulate the ways of the devil. (John 8:44) This anger as an emotion is not wrong but if that emotion leads to unhelpful actions it is to be avoided and dealt with quickly.

Stealing for some people was a way of life but in the body this is no longer tenable. If someone was unable to work then in a unified body they would receive assistance. The church has long been a help and a supporter of the poor but to live by stealing could not be tolerated.

Evil talk is not simply blasphemy but is chatter that does not build up the body. To criticize one another is not helpful and only indicates a desire to take control and lead. Commendation builds up and encourages but on the other hand criticism is destructive and simply holds people back from growing in the faith. Previously Paul has reminded his readers that the Holy Spirit has gifted special people to lead the body, (pastors, teachers ect) thus when correction or guidance is needed in the body they are the ones who are equipped to do it in such a way that those in need of guidance can learn and grow. To usurp those gifted with leadership is to work against the discernment of the Holy Spirit. To work against the ways of Jesus Christ is to grieve the Spirit for it is the Spirit who teaches us all that Christ desires of us. (John16:13) Paul closes this section by reminding the believers to live in love emulating the love that Christ has for each one for this not only honours God but also honours the sacrifice that Jesus made when he suffered and died to bring us to righteousness.

Prayer. Most Holy God, we thank you that we have been called to be members of your family in Christ, we thank and praise you for your majesty and power for in your mercy you sent Jesus to be the Saviour of all humanity. In His sacrifice and faithfulness those who trust and believe in Him are welcomed into your presence. With thankful hearts we worship you and offer to you the praise that is yours by right. In your name every family on earth can rejoice in the blessings that you have poured out through the sacrifice of Jesus. With sincere reverence we bow before you and we will tell of your mercy and grace, that all many know that Jesus Christ in Lord of all. We pray in His Name. Amen

Reading. John 6:35, 41-51. Just as John has seven signs by Jesus in his gospel, so he also has seven “I am” sayings of Jesus. I am the light of the world, the Good Shepherd, the door for the sheep, the true vine, the way, the resurrection and the life; but perhaps the most direct and far reaching was the saying that we read of today. I am the bread of life…the living bread that came down from heaven. It was after that statement that John notes that the “Jews” begin to complain. (We must note here that when John uses the term “Jews” he is not speaking in general but is referring to the religious leaders in Galilee whose authority that statement directly challenged.) The priestly leaders believed themselves to be the voice of God for the people, just as the prophets had been in the past. Jesus in contrast is putting himself in the very place of God, the one who gives life to all the people.

In order to retain their status the religious authorities relied on obeying the law. Human achievement was paramount in their right to exercise authority in God’s name. Jesus on the other hand was challenging them to live by trusting, and trusting in him no less.

Despite all the signs that Jesus had demonstrated they still could only see him as the son of a carpenter. They resolutely refused to believe. To be in the place of God was an amazing claim that the leaders could not accept. Jesus reminded them that their ancestors had been sustained in life by eating manna in the desert but this bread had only sustained their earthly existence. The bread that he was offering would sustain them eternally. The bread that he was offering was of a different nature all together.

As we read this passage we can more easily understand that Jesus was speaking of his death which was to be the sacrifice that would secure eternal life for those who believed. The leaders understood very well the difference between the bread that sustained earthly life and the bread that Jesus was offering that sustained life with God. However to accept what he was saying we to also accept that Jesus was the Messiah, the Saviour of the world. The leader’s refusal to believe meant that they simply did not trust in Jesus but were implacably opposed to him. They refused to accept a different way of trusting in God especially as it meant relinquishing their earthly authority. Jesus reminded them that it was only as God allowed them to accept the things that Jesus was saying that eternal life was achieved. We cannot come to God through understanding but only in Jesus, through faith and trust.

The conflict between Jesus and the religious authorities is important but if that is all we see we will miss the message that John is trying to give. This was written many years after the death and resurrection of Jesus. The conflict with the religious authorities still remained but the major point of John’s message continues to be an essential part of Jesus’ message and that is to take to ourselves the bread that will sustain us into eternal life.

The passage reminds us that it is easy to strive for things which in the end do not sustain us. The Jewish leaders clung onto their earthly power and authority which blinded their eyes to the power and authority of Jesus. In doing so they missed the chance to change and receive eternal life. In life it is so easy to see other things as more important than cultivating a lasting faith in Jesus. John’s message is clear to see, our hope for an eternal future is in danger unless our life is fully connected to Jesus. We need Jesus to be the essential element in our life now and forever.

Prayer. Gracious Father, your Word says, “ The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. So dear lord, as the brightness of the sun pushes back the darkness and light brings a new day, so Lord you come to us at the dawning of each new day, our lives are renewed, the anxieties of the night are gone and you calm our fears and anxieties as we place our trust in you. You give us strength and courage to live our daily lives knowing you are with us and we do not walk alone. From our birth to our death, you lead us; in our grief and in our sorrow, you comfort us, in our joy and celebration, you uplift us, and rejoice with us. We give you all thanks and praise for even when we find it hard to rejoice in life, still you surround us with love. Take our hand dear Lord, that we may walk with you and know the reality of your everlasting love. This we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen

Collect. Jesus, living Bread, all-sufficient Saviour, nourish us with your word; feed us, quench our thirst, that we may live in love and be filled with your praise now and for ever. Amen.

Lectionary for Easter 18 B

Opening sentence. Jesus says: ‘I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never thirst. John 6:35

Collect. Heavenly Father, you have placed within the hearts of all your children a longing for your word and a hunger for your truth. Grant that, believing in the One whom you have sent, we may know him to be the true bread of heaven and food of eternal life, your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom with you and the Holy Spirit be glory and honour for ever and ever. Amen.

Reading. Ephesians 4:1-16. Paul takes some pride in being a prisoner in the Lord and also for the Lord. It is his single mindedness that caused him to be a prisoner and which gives him the assurance that he can speak directly to the Ephesians, encouraging them to also be single minded about their own life in Christ. They are to lead a life which is worthy of their calling to be a part of God’s family the church. It is Christ who calls each one and Christ who also equips each one with the gifts needed to build up the church. From Paul’s perspective everything is from Christ and so as Christians our response must be to live in unity with Him and with each other.

Here in our state we have an excellent roadside assistance scheme and at the moment this association is running a TV advertising campaign encouraging people to join. The various announcements show the things that can go wrong for motorists and how the association can help. The slogan is “Better become a member!” It is an emphasis that this letter is impressing on the people to whom Paul is writing. There is “one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all”. Thus we’d “Better become a member!” The unity in the Spirit is to understand and acknowledge that Jesus is the only Lord and he alone can provide each believer with the gifts they need to contribute to the unity of the church. Unity however does not mean uniformity.

Though he speaks very directly about the obedience to Christ, still Paul recognizes that believers are able to make choices about the way that they live. In any group of people there will be differences of opinion, and different ways of reacting to the events of life. If we think of the era in which Paul is writing all of the congregations under his care had a great variety of members. These included wealthy and poor, freed slaves and those who still were slaves, Jews and Gentiles, not to mention a range of idol worshippers. This melting pot of people upon becoming Christians found a unity through the Spirit to but maintain it required constant obedience to Christ.

Through all the differences is one constant and that is there is one Lord and that Lord determines who we are and what we do. Our actions and attitudes are to be consistently obedient to be in unity under the direction of the Spirit. It is this freedom which leads Paul to “beg us” to lead a life worthy of our life in the Lord.

We have all received the grace gift of salvation but when Paul begins to talk about the gifts of the Spirit it is not a list of all believers as occurs in other places in Paul’s letter; Paul lists the leaders involved in congregational ministry, evangelists, pastors and teachers. These leaders are gifted in order to bring to maturity everyone who believes. The gifts are given so that the unity which is appropriate for the church can be maintained. We are all one but leaders are gifted to lead and this leadership is designed to maintain the unity which Christ has established.

In the middle of our reading we read the phrase “he led captivity captive”. Opinion is divided about what this phrase means. Certainly it is linked to Jesus who descended after his death but who or what was in captivity is unclear. We might surmise that since humanity experienced the fall, all humans have been held in captivity by death, for it is death which takes away the life that God and only God can give. Perhaps the captivity that Jesus captured was death itself, thus putting death under his sovereign control. The gifts that come through Jesus that maintain the unity are given, according to Paul, after He has ascended in his glory.

Prayer. Lord Jesus Christ, you are reigning on high with the Father in glory. All things are now under your control. Grant that we your faithful servants will be faithful in our obedience to you; serving your church well; doing nothing out of self interest but always for your honour and the unity of the church. In your mercy Lord, guide our steps throughout this day so that we may walk with you. Keep us in your presence during every waking hour. Help us to respond to your voice above the noise of the world. May all our companions on life’s journey today be drawn ever closer to you and to your guiding love. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Reading. John 6:24-35. The people knew that Jesus had not gone in the boat with the disciples and that no other boats had left for Capernaum but yet Jesus was no longer in the vicinity. When they went to his home in Capernaum they found that he was already there. The natural question was how did he get there? Jesus does not answer their question but we know that the disciples knew he had walked out to the boat and arrived at Capernaum with them.

In his gospel John has spoken of the signs that Jesus did and so his walking on the water was only for the disciples to know. Though it was important for the disciples to understand Jesus’ sovereignty and power John reminds us that Jesus did not wish the crowd of followers to see that miraculous sign. That decision by Jesus is in keeping with this next section of John’s gospel where Jesus emphasises the need to develop to the full ones spiritual life. When Jesus challenged them to see him as God’s messenger they immediately demanded a sign from him. Prove your credentials to us and we will believe! Jesus knew that they had followed him because he had provided food for them in the wilderness but had not seen in him anything more than a food source. Indeed they reminded Jesus that Moses had provided food in the wilderness which led Jesus to teach them that it was not Moses but it was God who had produced food to sustain life in the wilderness. This teaching allowed them to understand what they should have already known, that the survival of the people was due to the providence of God. Acknowledging the truth of what Jesus has said they then demand the living bread that will give them the fullness of life they need. Jesus then points directly himself as the only source of living bread.

Like the crowd, as we read this statement from John we see again the absolute claim that Jesus makes; only in him can we find true and fulfilled life. Many people work hard to obtain the physical things of life and while that is important it should not be done at the expense of the spiritual and relational aspects of life. We do not live by bread alone, God the giver of life has to also be part of our lives. (Deut 8:3; Matt 4:4) Many have the most up to date equipment and the very latest knowledge about their work but still face life with an understanding of God learned through Sunday school stories. When the hard times of life happen their understanding of God is not adequate the help them through. Jesus has promised in our passage today that those who feed on him, that is know him and trust him will know an ongoing hope that will not let them down. It hope that is built on the truth that Jesus is Lord and all things are guided by his faithful hand.

Prayer. Heavenly Father, you have placed within the hearts of all your children a longing for your word and a hunger for your truth. Grant that believing in the One whom you have sent, we may know him to be the true bread of heaven and food of eternal life, Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom with you and the Holy Spirit be glory and honour for ever and ever. (From Uniting in Worship)

Lord you provide for us the Bread of Life and through your many gifts your family is blessed. Teach us to use your gifts wisely, so that every part of our daily life will point to you and to our gratitude in what you have done. Help us through the Holy Spirit to develop our gifts so that your Spirit will work through them accomplishing those things that you desire that your name may be glorified. This we pray through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Collect. O God, satisfier of hunger, you sent your Son to turn our hearts and minds from evil; help us to steadfastly look to Christ in times of plenty or famine, that we may never hunger or thirst for any other; in the name of our Saviour Jesus. Amen.