Lectionary for Easter 7 B

Lectionary for Easter 7 B

Opening sentence. God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 1 John 5:11

Collect. O God, the inexhaustible fount of life, you accepted the offering of your Son, sacrificed for the salvation of the world. Consecrate us in that unity which is your Spirit’s gift, that we may abide always in your love and become witnesses of the resurrection. 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. 1 John 5:9-13. It is important to remember the context of this short passage that we read today. John was the last remaining apostle and by the time of writing is an old man. More than a generation has passed since Jesus ascended to his Father and the Christian faith has spread over a wide area. John is writing in Ephesus which is a city in Asia. Scholars tell us that John’s gospel and his letters were in circulation around the churches that he had either established or had begun to care for them as their pastor. In much the same way as Paul felt a responsibility for the churches that he pastured so also John writes to keep his flock faithful to the Lord Jesus. In both his gospel and in the letters John’s major purpose of writing is so that his readers will believe that Jesus is the Son of God and by believing they will be assured of forgiveness and eternal life.

Themed through the whole of this letter is the implication that false teachers are beginning to lead people away from the truth that Jesus was both truly human and also divine. (Anyone who reads John’s gospel and compares that writing with the other three gospels can see that John has a greater emphasis on the divinity of Jesus. For John Jesus is the Word made flesh.) So John is saying we receive the testimony of human (false) teachers but the testimony of God is greater. God has testified to his son Jesus in many ways that the believers would have understood. Not least of these testimonies was that Jesus died an innocent death on behalf of humanity and then God called Jesus back from death, restoring him to a greater and more glorious life. At the very beginning of this letter John reminds his readers that he along with all the other apostles had not only seen and heard the resurrected Jesus but they also touched him. In other words John was witness to Jesus as a physical presence, a true human being who had passed through death and returned. There is something mystical in this resurrection action but there is also something substantial and bodily as well.

In John’s understanding to deny that Jesus returned physically is to deny the very testimony of God, furthermore by doing so they are calling God a liar. However John is also making it quite clear that those who do believe that Jesus rose again from the dead have the testimony of God. It is this testimony that gives to each believer the assurance of eternal life with God. John’s focus is on the risen Jesus for in him and only in him comes the godly life that relates us eternally with God.

Prayer. Gracious Lord we bow in humility before your awesome ministry, for you have broken the power of sin and death by raising our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Grant that by your mercy we will always keep the faith and, trusting in his saving grace live out our lives in true fellowship with you and with all who believe in the truth that Jesus Christ is the way and the truth and the life. This we ask in his most precious name. Amen

Reading. John 17:6-19. One of John’s emphases is the glorification of Jesus through his death on the cross. In many of the churches dedicated in honour of St. John somewhere in the building will often be a stained glass widow depicting the glorification of Jesus on the cross. For John, Jesus’ crucifixion is his coronation!

In the beginning of this seventeenth chapter John has described a summing up of Jesus’ death on the cross as the glory of the Father who in turn glorifies the Son. It is out of that sense of glory that Jesus stated what has traditionally been called, ‘Jesus high priestly prayer’.

Jesus came to conduct a ministry which showed believers the truth about God. He revealed God’s true nature to them. Jesus has already reminded the disciples that he chose them to be his followers. (John 15:16). Here Jesus is now praying for the disciples for he knows that after he has returned to the Father it is the disciples themselves who will be persecuted by those who oppose the truth about God. Though the disciples had been slow to learn and had made many mistakes they had still held onto the belief that Jesus did come from God and was in a true relationship with God and he was indeed the Messiah, God’s Son. It is with this in mind that Jesus prayed for them. He did not pray for the world but did pray that while the disciples remained in the world they would continue to hold fast to their faith in him and so not become linked to the world and its values.

The word of Jesus was also the power of Jesus for as long as they were true to Jesus’ word they would remain in him. It was the power of Jesus that had protected the disciples while he was on earth, now as he leaves he is praying that God will provide that guardianship over them. In recognising his protection he also notes the loss of one disciple, (Judas). Declaring that Judas’ loss was destined to happen does not imply that this loss was inevitable. Rather it implies that the choices Judas made turned him away from Jesus and over to the world’s standards and values: Thus he was lost.

Just as Jesus does not belong to this world, neither do the disciples belong to this world; their destiny is to be with God in life and service. Jesus prayed that they would be set apart in the truth. He had set himself apart for God and prayed that the disciples also would be set apart for God. By being set apart they would be able to continue the work that Jesus began, namely drawing together all those who had been called by God.

Jesus is praying for the disciples and all those who will follow on. He prays that together they will form a godly community which stands against the values and principles of the world. This has long been the challenge of the community we call the church, to live not in harmony with the world but to live in obedience to the word of Jesus Christ and in harmony with the truths of God.

Prayer. Lord as we read how Jesus prayed for a unity for believers to stand with you against the values of the world it is with humility that once more we turn in prayer to you. Forgive us that we so often follow the easy path, failing to uphold the truth of your word. Forgive us that our eyes are more often on our needs than on your call to serve. In your mercy grant us a new enthusiasm to walk in obedience and love, staying close to Jesus and rejoicing in the life and joy that comes from service in his Name: Grant us the courage to trust in you alone that we may be both salt and light in the community in which we live and work. May we never be ashamed to lift high the Name of Jesus: always honouring his will and way as we live our lives, in the world but not of the world. This we ask through Jesus our Lord. Amen

Collect. God, holy Father, you gather us together in Christ’s name, and you send us out as people of good news to announce your word; give us courage, and strengthen us in your Spirit; we ask this for the sake of Jesus our Saviour. Amen.

Lectionary for Easter 6 B

Lectionary for Ester 6 B

You did not choose me, but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last.        John 15:16

Collect. Merciful God, you have prepared for those who love you riches beyond imagination. Pour into our hearts such love toward you, that we, loving you above all things, may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Reading. Acts 10:44-48. This short passage brings to a conclusion the preaching of Peter to Cornelius and his company.  As we read the story with our modern minds it seems easy to accept but in its setting this would have been an astounding recollection. Cornelius while a devout god-fearer, living the devoted life of a Jew is outside the Jewish faith and so outside of the will of God according to normal Jewish thinking. Here we read that God sent an angel to command him to call for Peter.

Peter in turn, is confronted by a vision sent by God to challenge the laws of purity. Deciding what is clean and unclean would have presented Peter with an inner conflict. The message that Peter receives in his vision is that God is the one who decides what is clean and unclean. Only one who is clean can approach God; similarly only what is clean can be used as sacrifice to worship God.

Peter receives the same message from God to go and meet with Cornelius. Cornelius began to worship Peter on his arrival this gives us some indication of just how unusual was this meeting. Peter makes it clear that he is not to be worshipped and listens closely to the message that Cornelius has received. Peter, being confronted with a gathering of Gentiles has to break into a new way of thinking, coming to the understanding that God shows no partiality. This concept would not have been easy for Peter to grasp. With that in mind Peter begins to teach about the coming of the Lord Jesus and declares to those gathered that everyone who believes Jesus will receive God’s gracious forgiveness. It is while Peter is still speaking that suddenly those gathered believe without any argument. This whole account then ends with the gathering receiving the blessing of the Holy Spirit.

We can see that this outpouring comes as a great shock to those believers who have accompanied Peter on this quest. The result of the Spirit’s presence moves Peter to baptize those present, thus affirming that they have been welcomed into the family of believers. As a family they all stay together for some time and share in the new believers’ joy.

The acceptance of the Gentiles without any links to Judaism was a big leap for the early church for it departed from what was comfortable and known to the first Jewish believers. The account reminds us that it is God who is in control of his church and his intervention has moved the church into a new universal era. Luke’s message in Acts is that the church is growing across racial boundaries. Here is a strong reminder that the Good news of Christ’s salvation is available to everyone.

Prayer. Most Holy God with great excitement we read that no one is outside the boundary of your love, and no one is deemed unworthy of your special care. Through the sacrifice of Jesus each of us will be welcomed into your fold when we turn to you. O great and glorious God, whose nature is to be all loving, accept our grateful thinks and praise today. Help us to live in the strength and knowledge of your everlasting love for us, now and always. You Lord have reached out to humanity with loving hands. As we face the pain of all that is happening in the world at the moment, we thank you that you stand with us to bring comfort and hope. How great is your salvation. Lead us through each event of life that we may never lose hope nor stray away from the path that you have chosen for us. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Reading. John 15:9-17. This passage follows on from the discourse about abiding in Jesus. Here in this section of John’s gospel we see again that abiding is relational.  However the relationship of love has two component parts, namely loving obedience and then a unity built on love. The passage lays great stress on the importance of relying fully on Jesus. Perhaps we could even go so far as to say that if we are not serving Jesus joyfully we are not serving him at all. Jesus has loved us with a deep and powerful love. Just as the Father has loved Jesus and given him the power to accomplish God’s will; In the same way it is the love of Jesus that equips us to achieve the fruitfulness that both serves God and also brings us joy. Obedience is not a chore but a willing acceptance or Jesus love for us. It is this love that makes us who we are and so obedient action is what we do. Joyfully following Jesus Christ in obedience brings fruitfulness and in turn fruitfulness brings joy. Martin Luther is said to have remarked that in baptism the old Adam in us is drowned and the New Adam begins to live. However the old Adam is a powerful swimmer and keeps popping his head back up out of the water and we have to keep plunging him down again. It reminds us that love is not simply an emotion it is also an action decided by the will. Because we love we willing obey.

In obedient love we are linked in unity one with another. Jesus is not commanding that we love everybody but that we do love all fellow believers, they are our friends. Love then brings unity among believers. It is a holy love, if we can use that term without being pious for it is a love that is in harmony with obedience. Flowing out from this love we see that Jesus is revealing the fullness of God’s grace to us. We are not uninformed but are joined in partnership with the ministry Of Jesus Christ and destined to fulfill the perfect plan of God for all creation. Also there comes the amazing statement that as followers of Jesus we are each called because Jesus has chosen us to be with him. Just as Jesus chose his disciples so now Jesus chooses those who are becoming members of his family. This is another reason why we are to love each other. As members of his family we have access to all the resources we need in order to fulfil the call of God upon our lives.

Dr. William Temple, formally an Archbishop of Canterbury once wrote, “To worship is to quicken the conscience by the holiness of God, to feed the mind with the truth of God, to purge the imagination by the beauty of God, to open the hearts to the love of God, to devote the will to the purpose of God”. It seems a fitting summation of the words of Jesus recorded by John.

Prayer. Holy Father, we thank you that gave us your Son to be our Saviour. We thank you for his powerful love which took him to the cross and who now surrounds us with your forgiveness and love. By your mercy it is his love that fills us with joy and praise. We thank you that by your Holy Spirit we have the capacity to love beyond our understanding. In the fellowship of the Holy Spirit we are richly blessed by being united together in a loving harmony. May we rejoice to be your people and reflect the light and love that Jesus brings through his gifts to us. We offer our prayers in his Name. Amen,

Collect. Jesus, Lord and friend, you have given us the gift of a new commandment; and as you gave yourself for us, you fulfilled it. Help us so to love one another, that your life may grow among us now and for ever. Amen.

Lectionary for Easter 5 B

Lectionary for Easter 5 B

Opening sentence. Beloved, let us love one another, because the source of love is God. Everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.          1 John 4:7

Collect. Almighty God, whom to know is everlasting life: grant us so perfectly to know your Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth and the life, that we may steadfastly follow his steps in the way that leads to eternal life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Reading. Acts 8:26-40. We are introduced to Philip in Acts chapter 6 when he and six others are appointed to give pastoral care to the community of believers. This appointment was to free the Apostles so that they could give all their attention to prayer and proclaiming the Good News of Jesus. Stephen was also one of the seven and Luke recounts how Stephen so enraged the religious authorities that they stirred up the people and he was martyred. After his death many of the believers were hounded out of Jerusalem and that is where we next pick up the story of Philip. Philip under the guidance of the Holy Spirit is directed to a lonely road and it is on that road that he has an encounter with an Ethiopian who had come to worship God in Jerusalem, now he is on his way home to Ethiopia. In the ancient world Ethiopia was a much bigger state than present day Ethiopia and controlled all the trade routes linking the Roman Empire and India and Asia. With that understanding we see that any court official would have been a powerful individual and would have travelled with a large cohort of followers. Seated in his chariot he would have made an imposing figure. Philip shows  great courage to run up and speak to the Ethiopian official when he heard him reading from the scriptures. ( We should note that reading aloud was the normal practise in the ancient world; silent reading is a relatively modern practise!)

At Philip’s question the Ethiopian invited him to join him and explain the meaning of the passage from Isaiah. Through Philips explanation the Ethiopian receives the faith to believe in Jesus as Lord and urges Philip to baptise him immediately, which he does in some water by the wayside. The Ethiopian goes on his way rejoicing and Philip miraculously finds himself in Azotos.

In this passage we read of the holy Spirit’s power to direct and empower Philip. We also read of Philip’s openness to be directed by the Spirit and act in obedience to the Spirit’s guidance. Philip was chosen to act as a pastoral deacon but continued to grow in the power of the Spirit and conducted a powerful teaching ministry on to Caesarea. At the end of Acts Philip is no longer simply a Deacon but is named as Philip the Evagelist. (Acts 21:8)

The passge recalls that despite serious opposition which scattered the believers the end result is that the Gospel continues to grow and in this incident the faith is taken by the Ethiopian into Africa. We also read of the importance of the Hebrew Scriptures to reveal the truth about Jesus. As Christians we are often so immersed in the New Testament that we forget that for many decades the only scritures the early church had was what we call the Old Testament. Finally we notice the ability of the Holy Spirit to influence people and situations to further the spread of the Good News about Jesus.

Prayer. Lord we thank you for those who are called to preach and teach your word and we thank you for the openness of hearts and minds that lead to faith. We pray for ourselves that we may be more open to the leading of the Holy Spirit and more obedient to the call that day by day you place on our lives. We also pray for those who still do not know you that they may have listening ears that lead them into a true knowledge of your great love for them. Grant that we all may walk in obedience to you as we go through each day and give to you the honour and glory which is yours by right. This we pray in Jesus Name. Amen

Reading, John 15:1-8. In John’s record of Jesus he has reminded us of Mary anointing Jesus’ feet. (chapter 12) This was in preparation of his approaching death. With Jesus describing himself as the true vine this would remind the disciples of how essential Jesus is to the life of the nation. In the temple was a symbol of the vine which emphasised that the nation was supported by God and so the meaning to the disciples would have been quite clear. Way back in chapter ten John remembers Jesus declaring that, “the Father and I are one”. In relation to the vine, here is a similar statement. Jesus and the Father are joined together to give life to the nation. The vine is composed of branches but it is the vine which gives the branches life. The life that is in the branches is the life of the vine. No living branch has any other life than the life of the vine. Without life from the vine a branch will wither and be discarded.

It is all so understandable  for we have all seen how a vine’s branches flourish when attached to the vine root system yet John is recording something very important which we must not miss.

Jesus is indispensible to the life of the people of God. Like the song we often sing in worship. “In Christ alone my hope is found”. It is obvious but sometimes we forget and the needs of the society or the urgency that come push the centrality of Jesus into the background.

The Father prunes the branches. It’s not clear if pruning a vine is painful but experience tells us that in life pruning can be. Changing direction is not easy and there will be times when we also have to admit that we are wrong! Blundering on regardless is often easier that stopping and taking in the directions that God will give.

Jesus’ words are also reminding us of the importance of being fruitful. As Christians we need to continue to grow. The books you loved as a child are no longer the books you read as an adult. You can still love those books and the stories they tell but at the same time you have moved on, needs and tastes have changed. The Christian life should be no different! Jesus is reminding us that we need to grow and as we grow we begin to produce fruit. The moment a pruned vine begins its new season of growth the potential for fruit begins to appear. Fruitfulness is dependent on Jesus not on effort and that is why “abiding” is so important. Abiding is a continuing process not simply a once only experience. In that well known verse from John, as he recounts the love God has for all he goes on to say, “so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life”: we need to understand that the word “believes” is a word which should read, “one who goes on believing”. Abiding is an everyday experience as necessary and putting on your shoes in the morning or your hat on your head when in the sun. We must abide!

Jesus himself reminds us that abiding brings a life which is complete, a life which provides everything that we need for contentment and peace.

Prayer. Merciful God, you have prepared for those who love you riches beyond imagination. Pour into our hearts such love towards you, that we, loving you above all things, may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  (From Uniting in Worship)

Holy Lord God, we pray that our hearts and minds might be set on hearing you and our wills determine to follow you in obedience. May we be open to your call on us, that your Holy Spirit will be the one who guides our lives and keep us close to you. Give us the patience in a busy world to keep you always in mind, that where you are we may be also. This we pray through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Collect. Loving Father, you guide us in right ways; Jesus Christ, you are our true  home; Spirit of God, in you are the depths of life. Holy God, three yet one, may we live in union with you, and bear the fruit of love and faith now and for ever. Amen.

Lectionary for Easter 4 B

Lectionary for Easter 4 B

Opening sentence. This is God’s commandment, we should believe in the name  of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. All who keep his commandments abide in him, and he abides in them.    1 John 3:23-24

Collect. O God, Creator and Father, you show the risen Lord resplendent in glory whenever healing is bestowed in his name upon the infirmity of our human condition. Gather your scattered children into the unity of one family, so that, following closely after Christ our good shepherd, we may taste the joy of being your children. We ask this through your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Reading. Acts 4:5-12. This reading follows on from the healing of the lame man. The Sanhedrin was the ruling council of the Jews and comprised all the Key leaders from around the region. The chief priest and leader of the Sanhedrin Annas, had been appointed by the Roman governor Quirinius. (He was already the high priest at the time of John the Baptist). The Sanhedrin  was tasked with keeping traditional religious purity. Its members were mostly Sadducees who were more in favour of supporting Roman rule in order to keep the peace. Sadducees did not believe the Spirit of God nor did they believe in a Day of Resurrection, but they did insist in the strict keeping of the Law of Moses. Peter and John’s sermon caused quite a stir and so the Sanhedrin had to take action after the temple authorities had raised a complaint.

Being put in prison would have been a frightening experience and then being hauled into the presence of the top council in the land would have been very intimidating, just as it was intended to be. The size of the council was between 25 to 70 men depending who were available at such short notice. All knew each other and many were close relatives; they were all family. This is a very hostile environment in which to place these two fishermen and so no doubt the Sanhedrin were determined to nip this new aberration in the bud!

The question from the Sanhedrin shows that they saw Peter’s statement as a religious threat. Peter responds firmly and yet respectfully: as the text says he is filled with power from the Holy Spirit. The “good deed” done was irrefutable and this allows Peter to point most clearly to the power of Jesus for it was done in his name. Peter quotes from Psalm 118 which talks about the way to righteousness, ( the Law was intended to lead to righteousness but had failed due to constant disobedience) as the prophets had announced many times before. Peter’s reference would have reminded his listeners of the “new day” that the Lord was bringing in and this new day is founded on Jesus.

Their private discussion shows the deep concern they held because the healing had been done in a public place which had been seen by all the crowd. Their hands are tied and so they order them to no longer preach in the name of Jesus. Again Peter’s response is very respectful for he acknowledges that the Sanhedrin does have authority but he is being lead by an even higher authority than theirs.

Once again, the power of God to change and equip people to take out the message of Jesus is apparent. Looking back after two thousand years we can still only marvel at the certainty of their faith in the Risen Jesus and the courage that this faith gave to them.

Prayer. Holy Lord, as we think of the boldness of Peter and John, we pray for your church throughout the world: We pray that it may share to the full the work of your Son, revealing you and the salvation you bring to all humanity. In word and deed may the message of Jesus ring out, declaring a message of how great is that salvation. Teach us all to love each other as you have loved us. May your church exhibit that unity which is your special gift to us. We pray that we and all Christians may be what you want us to be, and do what you want us to do: that we may use your gifts of salvation and peace wisely. May the Name of Jesus be lifted high. Amen

Reading John 10:11-18. Jesus’ declaration the he is the Good Shepherd would have given a powerful message to those who heard him. There was a long tradition of the shepherd in Israel. In the first place the Lord God was the Shepherd of Israel. (Genesis 48:15). Then the appointed kings were the nation’s shepherd who had the responsibility under God to protect and care for the people. As the nation divided and became two kingdoms there was a steady movement away from the obedient worship of God and failure of the leaders to shepherd the people effectively. The prophets railed against this failure yet through the failure came a message of hope like the one expressed in Isaiah when he prophesied that the Lord God would once more, “feed his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms, and carry them in his bosom”. (Isaiah 40:11) The time that Isaiah was pointing to was a time when the Lord would take control of the Nation‘s destiny. This “day of the Lord” would be a time for great rejoicing and the true shepherd would effectively lead the people to security and peace. This was the promise of freedom, a freedom that they had not known almost back to the time of king David.

When Jesus made his announcement it would have sent a thrilling message to the people and they would have understood all the implications that were suggested. Through his words, Jesus was drawing the nation together with a message of expectant hope, a hope that would not disappoint.

In addition, Jesus is announcing that the original promise to Abraham would also be fulfilled: Namely that all the nations of the earth would be blessed through the Lord God’s covenant. (Genesis 18:18) In this combined kingdom, Jesus the Good shepherd will be Lord of all.

Then Jesus emphasizes his choice to obey the Father’s command and with that choice comes the power to fulfill all that God requires. The Lord God has given Jesus the power to lay down his life and has also given him the power to take it up again. For us today this prefigures the resurrection on which our whole faith is based and so the message of the Good Shepherd still has special meaning for us just as it did for Jesus’ hearers long ago.

Prayer. O God, the fountain of joy and peace, you have subjected to the royal power of your Son the destinies of all peoples and nations. Sustain us by the power of your Spirit, and grant that, in the midst of all life’s varied changes, we may never be separated from our Good Shepherd, who guides us to the springs of life, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Uniting in Worship)

Lord Jesus, you have said that you are the true shepherd of the sheep, help us to believe that so strongly that we will trust you and follow you wherever you might lead us. May your whole church be bound together in a unity which cannot be broken. Help us to be so fixed on you that we will perform those deeds that you desire. May the ministry of your church be conducted only in the power of your Holy Spirit and so achieve great things for you. This we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen

Collect. O Christ, you gave yourself for us; help us to hear your voice that we may give to others; draw your Church into the unity which is your gift and call, that in your name we may be one flock, one Shepherd. Amen.

Lectionary for Easter 3 B

Lectionary Easter 3 B

Opening sentence. See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are.       1 John 3:1

Lord Jesus, open to us the Scriptures; make our hearts burn within us while you speak.           Based on Luke 24:

Collect. O God, whose blessed Son made himself known to his disciples in the breaking of the bread: open the eyes of our faith that we may behold him in all his redeeming work; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Reading. Acts 3:12-19. We are so used to reading this short passage that it is easy to miss some important signs. We even sing a song based on the few verses before our passage.

Peter sees a crowd gathering and immediately begins to address them. We must note that this gathering takes place in Solomon’s Portico which is right in the temple precinct. It was an impressive place to gather and a favourite place for teachers of the Law. Jesus had taught his disciples there and according to John it was one of the places where Jesus had challenged the religious leaders. (John 10:23). We note that Peter uses this place and this opportunity to boldly address the crowd. What a change has now come over Peter, no longer a disciple hidden away but out in a public place honouring Jesus.

Peter uses the miraculous healing as a starting point to highlight that it is the power in the Name of Jesus that has worked this dramatic change for the lame man. Peter wants all the attention to be directed towards Jesus.

Not only does Peter emphasise the source of the healing but he also directly links the relationship between Jesus and the Lord God. Peter uses something known and familiar, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob to emphasise that Jesus is God’s servant. This would have had a meaningful significance for it would have reminded them of the Suffering Servant from the prophecy of Isaiah. For Isaiah the Suffering Servant was none other than the coming Messiah.

Though Peter is reminding them that they had all agreed with their leaders and denounced Jesus; he is doing so directly and yet very gently and so is offering them a way to change their minds and return to God.

As we view this passage through thousands of years of Christian history we still realise the profound change that has occurred in Peter. For our own Christian walk it reminds us that knowledge is not enough it needs the presence of the Holy Spirit. It was the power of the Spirit which was given when Peter accepted that Jesus was alive and present with him that set him free from the fear that held him back. We too must be prepared to move beyond our knowledge and accept the leadings of the Holy Spirit. We may never see a lame man healed but with the Spirit our whole life can be honouring to Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.

Prayer. Almighty God, we thank you for the gifts of healing that we have seen in our lives and in the lives of others. We thank you that your healing reminds us of how much you love us. Yet Lord we know that physical healing is not always the way forward that you choose. So today we pray for those who must wait and watch while loved ones die. Lord, keep their faith and trust in you strong. May they hold onto the knowledge that your love covers all situations and that you have an ultimate destiny for all your people: A destiny that transcends this life, finding its fulfilment in your eternity. Give us eyes to see your tomorrow with greater clarity. We pray our prayer in the powerful Name Jesus. Amen

Reading. 1 John 3:1-7. This is a beautiful passage filled with comfort and hope. The joy of knowing that we are God’s children comes through trusting in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. As we rejoice in this great privilege we should remind ourselves that the primary mission of God was to create a godly family who would care for the whole creation that God loved.

As we look at our world today we recognise that as a human race we have exploited our world and also exploited one another. We live in a world of huge inequalities. In our own society we hear reports of youth crime and death through domestic violence which reminds us that so often we are out of step with what God desires. None of that is new and John’s society was even more violent and exploitative than our own. However through the reality of what is we still hear the strong words of assurance that come from John, “See what love the Father has for us!”

John wants us to turn our eyes away from those things that are contrary to God and fix our eyes on the reality of what God has done which has restored us to his family. As John has said, the reason we find ourselves out of step with the world is because the world does not know God. However, as we do know God our way in the world needs to be different. God’s values are to be our values and God’s way is to be our way.

John makes it clear that he is not simply talking about morality but about the way every aspect of our lives is to be lived. The sin that John has in mind is the sin of disobedience. John is reminding us that because of God’s action through Jesus on the cross we are now members of his family. As members of his family each step of life’s journey from now on is lived out of that understanding. We have all made mistakes but by holding on to the reality of who we now are, through God’s love, we are constantly being guided and corrected as to how we need to live.

In John’s society, just like our own, there were those who believed that it did not matter how one lived life. John is emphasising that how we live our lives, the attitudes we have and the deeds we do are important. God and his love has changed us and as we trust in that change so we live out our lives.

We cannot put the things of this world right but we can be obedient to God because we are in his family. Each of us is a work in progress and as we keep faith with God he will continue to show us the way until the time when God’s whole family will be revealed. In God’s family the future, God’s future, belongs to each one of us.

Prayer. Gracious God, we lift our hands and hearts to you in prayer. Lead us in our thinking and speaking. We thank you for the victory that Jesus won for us. We thank you that this is a victory which has meaning in the events of every day. Through him our life and destiny has been changed. You embrace us in your loving arms and have designated us to be a part of your great family of heaven and earth. We are humbled to belong to your family and find in this a dignity which nothing can take away. Teach us to praise and honour your godly family more, by recognising the stamp of approval that you have placed on each one of those that you have chosen and called. Teach us to be obedient in rejoicing in their inclusion even as we rejoice in our own. May the bonds of family inform and empower all our relationships with all people. Lord let us live and love to your honour and glory. We ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Collect. Crucified and risen Lord, you have fulfilled in your body the words of the prophets; you have brought the time of God’s reign to us, here and now. Graciously come to our side, and open the scriptures in our midst, for you are the Living One. Amen.

Lectionary for Easter 2 B

Lectionary for Easter 2B

Opening sentence. This is the message we have heard and proclaim to you – God is light, and in God there is no darkness at all.       1 John 1:5

Collect. Let us pray (as Christians thirsting for the risen life): Heavenly Father and God of mercy, we no longer look for Jesus among the dead, for he is alive and has become the Lord of life. From the waters of death you raise us with him and renew your gift of life within us. Increase in our minds and hearts the risen life we share with Christ, and help us to grow as your people towards the fullness of eternal life with you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Reading. 1 John 1:1 to 2:2. As we begin this week, the celebrations for Easter will still be fresh in our minds but as we read this introduction from John’s first letter perhaps fifty or more years have transpired since Jesus’ resurrection. The church has begun to develop and the Jewish and Roman authorities are persecuting the growing groups of believers. John is writing to encourage the various congregations.

There are many points to consider in this first chapter but John begins by going right back to the beginning, reminding his readers of the practical reality of the faith. Christianity is not something from another realm it is very much grounded in this earthly life. Jesus lived and was physically present with his disciples. John says he was touchable and we touched him. However the life in him was an eternal life. Thus his death and resurrection effects life both now and into the future. Jesus’ life renewed through resurrection now links each believer’s life to the eternal life in Jesus and so to a real relationship with God. John wants us to know that our faith in Jesus has changed us in a most dramatic way, now we are related to God who is light and without any darkness. In the ancient world a bit like our own, “light” was often associated with knowledge. Consider the phrase, “She’s seen the light!”, knowledge or understanding has come.. Here in John “light” is used to describe pure goodness and without any sign of wrong. In the scriptures God’s nature is described as faithful, merciful, just and upright, one who keeps his word. Therefore the God who is light is also the God who is righteous and by contrast those who are in darkness are the unrighteous.

John is reminding believers that we are linked into an intimate relationship with this God who is righteous. To walk in the light is to walk in the way of righteousness, however John clearly realises that this is a tall order, perhaps he is remembering a verse from Job. “Can mortals be righteous before God?” (Job 4:17) The answer to the question is a resounding “No!”

That is why John is reminding us that only through Jesus can we claim to be righteous and so only through Jesus can we keep walking in the light. It is as we rely on Jesus, trusting in Him and not ourselves that we actually do walk in the light. It is the daily, even moment by moment remembrance that it is only through Jesus that we are worthy of being in a relationship with God. However, when we do trust is when we find a new and dynamic peace that brings a fresh joy to live as a Christian. “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness”. (Lamentations 3:22-23)

Prayer. Father God, you embrace us in your loving arms and have designed us to be a part of your great family of heaven and on earth. We are blessed to belong to your family and find in this a dignity which no one, nor nothing, can take away. Teach us to praise and honour our godly family more, by recognising the stamp of approval that you have placed on each one of those that you have chosen and called. Teach us to be obedient in rejoicing in their inclusion even as we rejoice in our own. May the bonds of family inform and empower all our relationships with all people. Lord let us live and love to your honour and glory. Amen

Reading. John 20:19-31. Biblical descriptions of the resurrection show how difficult it was to fully grasp that Jesus was alive after having been dead. The doors were locked for fear of the Jews. In a practical way that would be natural for once the leader is gone the remaining group become the prime target. Not surprising then that they keep the doors locked. Equally it makes a lot of sense as we read from John that Jesus’ first words to his disciples were to be “at peace!” The risen Lord comes first to quieten their natural fear and as their fear is diminished it becomes easier to realise that Jesus is alive. It is with that realisation that everything changes. The wounded Jesus is still in charge, his authority is unchanged. Not only has he conquered death but he has also rendered ineffective those who were seeking to destroy him. Death is the ultimate earthy weapon but once death is conquered those who live by deaths’ power are powerless. It is accepting that Jesus lives that brings true joy, and perhaps we might say relief to the disciples.

With the power of the world being nullified it is the power of the Holy Spirit that begins to guide them into ministry. As Jesus gives to them the Spirit of God he also gives them authority to announce the Gospel of Forgiveness. Forgiveness of sins comes by accepting that Jesus has lived and died and in that transaction forgiveness is available to be received. At the same time not to believe means that forgiveness is not available and therefore sin remains.

The disciples who met with Jesus find themselves completely changed; fear is gone and a new way has opened before them. For Thomas however things have not changed. The women at the tomb saw and the nine disciples saw but Thomas demands to touch Jesus. Thomas is convinced that only touch can bring the truth, however the minute he sees Jesus his faith is restored. Just as the nine disciples’ rational minds had led them to fear so Thomas’s rational mind led him only to unbelief. Thomas’s response is unequivocal “My Lord and my God!”. It is that exchange that reminds us that we cannot think our way to Jesus. In the end only revelation can bring us to true faith. However John reminds us that the Gospel is written so that belief may come and with belief will come true life. As we read and study the scriptures, as we worship in expectation, revelation and refreshing can come again and again.

Prayer. Most Gracious Lord, in your mercy refresh us each day concerning the wonders of your love for us. We so easily forget how great is your love and how privileged we are to receive all that you have prepared for us in Jesus our Saviour. Lord help us to keep our eyes on you and to rejoice in the freedom that your love gives to us. We follow a risen Saviour and it is Him who opens up true life for us. Help us through the freedom that He brings to love each other and so proclaim how effective your love is for us all. We ask this in the precious name of Jesus our Lord. Amen

Collect. Faithful God, when we are hidden behind locked doors, Christ comes to us with words of peace. Help us to hear his voice, and join him in reaching out to the world; we ask this through our risen Lord. Amen.

Lectionary for Easter B

Lectionary for Easter B

Christ is risen:Christ is risen indeed!

Christ died for our sins, was buried and raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures; and he appeared to the believers. 1 Corinthians 15:3-5

Collect. Let us pray (that we may rejoice in the victory that is won for us): Lord of all life and power, who through the mighty resurrection of your Son overcame the old order of sin and death to make all things new in him: grant that we, being dead to sin and alive to you in Jesus Christ, may reign with him in glory; to whom with you and the Holy Spirit be praise, honour and thanksgiving, now and in all eternity. Amen.

Reading. 1 Corinthians 15:1-11. Controversy in no stranger to the Christian Faith and as we read this passage we see that it has always been that way: Even in the early church there where those who did not believe the core teachings of the Christian faith. As we have previously noted the congregation in Corinth was a mixture of Gentiles most likely of Greek origin along with Jews with a Hebrew origin. Both groups had a traditional belief in a life after death. However Greeks considered life after death as a purely spiritual experience for death allowed the spirit to be freed from the burden of a physical body. Conversely, Hebrews could not contemplate life after death without a body. However, for the Hebrew thinkers this bodily life after death also meant that the Jews as the Chosen People would be in charge. So Paul is struggling to keep the central principles of the faith clear to both points of view. Thus at the beginning of our reading Paul is reminding the congregation of the importance of the good news which he proclaimed and they in turn received.

Paul’s description of the death and resurrection of Jesus is probably the first written record we have of the events which followed the death of Jesus on the cross. He lists those people who met with Jesus as well as the places where he was present. The people who met with him came from the core of disciples and followers. He did not present himself to those who had opposed him but showed himself to those who would in turn be the ones to take out the message of resurrection. Paul marks himself as one of the last to see Jesus alive and all through his ministry held this meeting as most precious. Paul links salvation firmly to the death of Jesus and his retuning back to life again is seen as the assurance that salvation in Jesus can be claimed. Paul reminds his hearers that it as we hold firm to the message of his death and resurrection that salvation remains an effective reality. That Jesus lived, died and rose again is all we need to know. Everything else must be subject to this truth. Our hope is to be found in that alone for it is through Jesus and his ministry that God works.

Prayer. Lord, at Easter we crowd together to hear again the message that Jesus is alive. It is for us a special day; but Lord you also know our faith and you know our doubts and fears. We want to believe, but sometimes our rational minds put a block in the way and we wonder if we can fully believe. We would like all our questions to be answered but we know they will not all be answered. Despite our times of doubt Lord, bless us and use us that the name of our Lord Jesus may be lifted high and others may come to hear of his love and great salvation. Lord may lives be changed this Easter because Jesus lives. Amen

Reading. Mark 16:1-18. As we read this final chapter of Mark’s Gospel and his record of the resurrection there are some differences between each of the other gospel writer’s recollections. However there are some striking similarities. The entrance to the tomb had been rolled away allowing the women and the disciples to enter the tomb. Then there is the empty tomb which was a major factor in the resurrection description. By far the most important single common factor was that the empty tomb was first discoved by a group of women. In the ancient world the testimony of women was not acceptable. Technically they could not act as reliable witness which tells us that if the early church had set out to fabricate any of the events, the inclusion of women as witnesses would not have been recorded.

Putting that aside let us look at what Mark records. Firstly the women go to the tomb early in the morning to perform the acts of care afforded to those who had died. The disciples had all fled in terror but the women remain loyal to the memory of Jesus. They discuss who will move the stone from the entrance. This was a difficult task as the stone would have been heavy and would have been put in place by rolling it down an incline to seal the entrance. Furthermore there was a ridge at the end of the incline which prevented the stone from easily being removed. The stone was put in place to prevent grave robbers stealing the burial clothing and also the spices used as these in particular were very expensive. It is only when the women see the young man dressed in white that they become alarmed. Up until that time everything was normal and explainable but the man inside the tomb waiting with a message turned the death of Jesus into something much more intriguing. The grave cloths are still in place but the body has gone.

From Mark’s description the message of resurrection has been declared but the women at that point rush from the tomb in terror.  Their rational minds cannot comprehend what has happened or even what this might mean. The message they receive is that Jesus has risen and they are to tell the disciples and Peter in particular.

Verse 8 gives us an abrupt ending which seems out of keeping with the rest of Mark’s Gospel so many theories have been suggested, such as the ending had been lost or Mark had more to write. Despite the abrupt ending the early church accepted the additional verses and from this we can concluded that they expressed facts and sentiments which were acceptable to the proclamation of the early church. Thus verses 9 -18 make a new beginning of the discovery by Mary Magdalene of the resurrected Jesus who takes back the message of bodily resurrection to the mourning disciples. Also, there is perhaps a reference to Luke’s story of the two meeting Jesus on the road to Emmaus. Mark then records that Jesus himself appears to the disciples and challenges them about their lack of faith. Jesus declares that their hearts are hard because they are willing themselves not to believe his resurrection. Again the rational mind proves to be a barrier and so limits the actions and power of God only to human understanding. Despite all the textual difficulties Mark’s message is clear, the Good News that Jesus lives has spread abroad and so salvation has come to those who believe.

There are many common threads in the bibles’ description of the resurrection of Jesus but perhaps the most telling sign that Jesus is once more alive apart from the biblical record is the change that occurs in the disciples. These eleven ordinary men who are hesitant, fearful and unbelieving suddenly change and in that change they along with Paul who also had an encounter with the risen Jesus really did turn the world upside down.

Prayer. Almighty and most Merciful God, in your love you have made an instrument of shameful death to be for us the means of life. Grant that we may see the true glory in the cross who for our sake suffered shame and loss. Through the resurrection of Jesus you have conquered sin and death giving to all things a new beginning. Considering his great sacrifice grant that our love may not grow cold in your service and that we may not fail you or deny you in our hour of trial. May we give to Our Lord all praise, honour and thanksgiving, now and in all eternity. This we pray through Jesus the living God. Amen

Collect. Living Jesus, Mary of Magdala came to your grave, the place of death, to be met by news of life. Dying, you have destroyed death, and you live for evermore. Unstop our mouths, that we may give you thanks and praise, now and for ever. Amen.

Lectionary for Lent 6B

Lectionary for Lent 6B

Opening sentence. Open the gates of justice, that I may enter through them and give thanks to the Lord.       Psalm 118:19

Collect. Let us pray (that we may share Christ’s humility): Father of all, who gave your only-begotten Son to take upon himself the form of a servant, and to be obedient even to death on a cross: give us the same mind that was in Christ Jesus. that, sharing in his humility, we may come to be with him in his glory; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Reading. Philippians 2:5-11. Philippi was a Roman colony and the church there was founded by Paul as recorded in Acts 16:8-10. As a Roman colony Philippi was a place of wealth and power. People born there were recognised as Roman citizens with all the rights and privileges that afforded. In the ancient world this was a prized position and Paul himself held that privilege. It is likely that the members of the congregations in Philippi comprised some Roman citizens while others were non citizens, or may even have been slaves. Such diversity needed to be addressed and so Paul is writing out of concern for the congregation as well as writing to inform and encourage them.

 The church had supported Paul in his work by sending him gifts and as we read through Philippians it is not hard to imagine that Paul had an extra feeling of affection for the congregation there. As he writes the letter Paul emphasises the centrality of Christ in his life and he is urging the Philippians to have a similar emphasis in their own faith. (Phil 1:21)

Thinking of the few verses before our passage we see that it is a reading which has a very practical application. Paul wants, even longs for, harmony and peace among the members. In a sense Paul is saying to the Philippians keep what I am describing to you about Jesus always in your minds.A unified congregation is also a strong congregation achieved by having its heart fixed on Jesus. Paul as an experienced pastor knows that judging and fault finding with one another can quickly tear a congregation apart. Unity is always the key and as Jesus Christ is the head Paul is urging each member to resist being self-seeking but work together with other members in humble cooperation, even as did Christ himself.

The verses which we read today form a reverent hymn to Jesus who humbled himself and was subsequently glorified, being made the true Lord of all creation. Paul describes the essential nature of Jesus Christ. As he begins the revealing hymn Paul urges the Philippians to let the nature of Jesus be reflected in their own attitudes and life together. From Paul’s understanding to experience Jesus Christ and begin to understand his humble nature is to find your mind changed. The way of Jesus Christ turns the values of the world upside down.

This is an ancient letter and it is easy to study it as such, yet we need also remember that the Scriptures are “living letters” and the truths that Paul is delivering to the Philippians are just as relevant to each of us as members of a congregation. Like them, we too need to keep in mind the nature of Jesus Christ and as we rely on his salvation find our own lives transformed and changed. In this way our congregations will be places of harmony and peace in a world so often in turmoil.

Prayer. Living Lord we give you thanks and praise that in your mercy you sent Jesus to be our Saviour. We thank you for the obedience that he showed throughout his ministry here in this world. We thank you that in the world to come all will recognise his as Lord. Grant that we his people here now may be true witness bearers of his glory and grace. In all we do may his Name be lifted high. Amen

Reading. Mark 11:1-11. Unlike the other Gospels, Mark only once places Jesus in Jerusalem. However, on arriving in Jerusalem the essential purpose for Jesus’ mission will begin to dramatically unfold.

The entry into Jerusalem conversely is recorded in each of the gospels, thus showing its significance. For once Mark’s description of the triumphant entry into Jerusalem, while it contains all the essential elements is much more measured than the description that for example John gives in his Gospel.

Passover was a major festival. Many people would have gathered to celebrate and religious feeling would have been at fever pitch. This would also mean there would have been extra Roman Soldiers arriving into the city because of the prospect of riots; not to mention outright rebellion. As an occupying force the Romans were universally hated. This was especially true at this time for history records that the Roman soldiers stationed in the Jerusalem area were actually Samaritans and as such would have been doubly despised.

 The words Mark uses and the slogans the crowds shout out show that the crowd saw Jesus as a coming king who would deal with the Romans. For them the echoes of ancient prophecy regarding the Day of the Lord would have been compelling. All of them would have remembered the prophecy from Zachariah, “Rejoice greatly, O daughter Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter Jerusalem! Lo, your king comes to you; triumphant and victorious is he, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey” With that picture in mind it is easy to see why Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem that day would be welcomed with such enthusiasm by the crowd.

Mark writes to remind us that here in this story Jesus is coming to take control. He didn’t need to explain how hated Rome and Pilot were: It went without saying, but Mark is presenting an alternative and as such he is setting Jesus against not only the Romans but against the Jewish religious authorities as well! Jesus was “of the people” in a way that was in contrast to the harshness of Rome and the arrogance of the religious authorities.. Mark’s record of “Hosanna!” can be interpreted as “Save us now” showing the anticipation the crowd had that Jesus would quickly take control to their advantage. As a popular leader Jesus was resolute; every facet of the story tells that Jesus has come to take control but the change that he had would bring was more far-reaching that the vocal crowd could imagine.

Prayer. Holy Lord, we marvel at the humility of Jesus as he entered into Jerusalem with such popularity. We thank you that he was not swayed by the cheering of the crowd but kept his heart pure and resolute, fixed frimly on doing your will. We thank you for his courage to walk the way of humble obedience and we give you grateful thanks that through his unswerving actions we receive your salvation. All praise and honour to Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God victorious over all creation. Amen

Collect. Jesus, you enter the holy city, approaching your passion and death; today the crowd acclaims you. May we sing your praises every day, for you are the servant Lord, now and for ever. Amen

Lectionary for Lent 5B

Lectionary for 5th of Lent B

Opening sentence.  Jesus says: ‘Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also.’      John 12:26

Collect.. Hear, O Father, the cry of your Son, who, to establish the new and everlasting covenant, became obedient to death upon the cross. Grant that, through all the trials of this life, we may come to share more intimately in his redeeming passion; and so obtain the fruitfulness of the seed that falls to the earth and dies, to be gathered as your harvest for the kingdom. We ask this through your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Reading. Hebrews 5:5-10. The position of High Priest seems unfamiliar to us but in Judaism it was the pinnacle of power and authority. The high priest was the only person who could enter the Holy of Holies to offer sacrifice at the festival of Atonement and so alleviate the sins of the nation. This was the highest office possible for a man to hold and gave to the one who held it not only power and prestige but the opportunity for immense wealth. In worldly terms it was a most coveted position.

In our reading from Hebrews we see Jesus Christ who was by nature God and also a human being appointed by God as high priest. The Son of God is appointed as High Priest forever. As high priest his sacrifice for the forgiveness of sin does not happen annually but is now continuously present. “You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.”

Hebrews is emphasizing that Jesus did not use his high position for himself but instead during his earthly ministry he was always obedient to the guidance of God. Though he was both God and high priest his life was lived always for God and Hebrews says, “in submission”

In worldly terms you expect high office to shield you from the pain and sufferings of life. To use a crass example in such a serious subject, when your income doubles you drive a better car, take more expensive holidays, perhaps move to more protected suburb. Jesus in the days of his flesh accepted no privileges from the moment his ministry began until his death. Despite his latent power he put his life into the hands of God in a complete way. Verse 8 says “Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered;” We have no idea what that kind of suffering would be like for we have never had any real power so having always to restrain yourself from using your power must have been so testing. ‘The great agony of the Saviour of the World will ever remain a mystery to us in this life, and so will other aspects of his suffering. No -one can therefore, afford to be dogmatic concerning the meaning of this difficult phrase’ (commentary titled: Epistle to the Hebrews. By Hughes and Hewitt; 1960)

The prayers of Jesus were heard and so he was able to withstand the pain and temptations both in the garden of Gethsemane and also on the cross. His prayers did not help him to avoid the pain but to bear it for our sake. His obedience to the Father equipped him to be the source of forgiveness that continues to link us into a relationship with God. As we keep our hope fixed on Jesus he in turn gives us the power to live in obedience. Through his obedience, we are obedient and through his Salvation we are saved.

Prayer.  Gracious God we come before you in prayer, amazed and yet humbled that Jesus so completely lay down his life in obedience to you for our sake. What amazing love that lets us live in a harmonious relationship with you.  With shame we recognize how often we turn away from your love, forgive us and accept again our thanks and praise for all that in Jesus Christ you have done for all humanity. We pray in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Amen

Reading. John 12:20-33. John’s Gospel begins to describe the final acts of Jesus ministry. Our reading for today describes the situation after the “triumphant entry” into Jerusalem. Jesus is at the height of his popularity in Jerusalem and perhaps that is why some Greeks who have come to Jerusalem to worship, (Jewish proselytes?), wish to see him. John has already hinted that the crowd have suggested that Jesus is the coming king perhaps they are looking for something more than Judaism can give them. Gentiles could worship in the temple but only so far as the outer court, the court that Jesus had cleared of traders.

They approach Phillip who in turn approaches Andrew, therefore showing signs of hesitation, but in the end they both tell Jesus of the request. Scripture is silent as to the outcome of the request but John’s narrative is broadening out Jesus’ appeal to be more inclusive of other nations. In chapters 7 & 8 Jesus has said that his hour had not yet come but now Jesus declares that “The hour has come!” In other words the full revealing of Jesus as Christ and of his purpose is to be fully shown. The Pharisees have noted that “the world has gone after him!” (Verse 19) and it is for the world that Jesus will die.

Following on from this Jesus speaks directly of his disciples dying but it is a death that leads to growth as the example of the grain of wheat shows. Dying in this sense means living in obedience to Jesus and his ways and not in the world’s way. It is a way that leads to fruitfulness. This is the essence of discipleship, trusting and relying on Jesus leads on to a fullness of life which is wonderfully exciting.

This is an excitingly high point but immediately the mood changes as Jesus views what lies ahead for him. The hour that brings his full revelation also brings the hour of his sacrificial death. John’s Gospel is different from the other synoptic Gospels in that for John the glory of God is displayed in Christ on the cross. Here in this passage we touch briefly on the struggle of avoiding the cross contrasted with the essential reason that Jesus became “flesh and lived among us”. (John 1:14). Jesus was to embrace the darkness of disobedience and survive. In this embrace the world is to be judged and the evil rulers of the world will be defeated. This judgement which will wrestle authority from the “powers and principalities” and return complete authority to the Lord God is cosmic in nature for it changes the direction of the whole of creation. (Ephesians 6:12 & 1 Peter 3:22) Jesus remarks that God’s affirmation of him is not for his sake but for ours for in that voice is our assurance that God is with Jesus Christ as he lays down his life. Jesus’ message is clear, when he is killed by the forces of evil, (lifted up) he will claim sovereignty over all things.

Now is eternal life, if risen with Christ we stand, in him to life reborn, held firm within his hand;

no more we fear death’s ancient dread, in Christ arisen from the dead. (George W. Briggs)

Prayer. Lord as we begin in prayer before you, we thank you for the privilege we have to approach your throne of grace and place our day’s activities before you. We pray let us see Jesus, not as we want him to be but as he is; let us find Jesus not where we want him to be found but in all the places where he is at work. Let the truth of Jesus be for us as clear as it can be, so that our trust in him will be both sure and sincere. We thank you that through Jesus we know that we are always heard and that through your grace our needs are met. As this day unfolds we ask that we may walk ever closer to Jesus and that in his care we may journey safely and serve him well. In his Name we ask. Amen

Collect.  Almighty God, you have appointed our Lord Jesus Christ as mediator of a New Covenant. Give us grace to draw near with full assurance of faith, and rejoice in our continuing covenant with you; through Christ your Son. Amen.

Lectionary for Lent 4 B

Lectionary for 4th Lent

Opening sentence.  By grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.       Ephesians 2:8

Collect. Gracious Father, you gave us our Lord Jesus Christ as a model of humility: in lowliness and obedience he yielded up his life on the cross. Enable us to follow his example, that, in humility and obedience, we may bear witness to your steadfast love and attain the joy of the resurrection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

Reading. Ephesians 2:1-10. In the first chapter of Ephesians Paul has unfolded the plan that God had from the beginning to have a family that would live together in harmony and at all times honour God. This family was centred on Abraham and his descendants. With their failure to follow God in obedience the prophets announced that the nation would suffer greatly and be overrun by their enemies but God would bring into being a New Covenant to replace the former one. This New Covenant would be led by a leader after God’s own heart. This planned New Covenant would bring into being a glorious New Creation which would exist in harmonious obedience with God. While this New Covenant was known to the nation of Israel, Paul emphasises that the “mystery” in this New Covenant was that the Gentiles would be now included into God’s new glorious family. It is with this in mind that we read this passage today.

Paul reminds the congregation that they, the Gentiles, were dead to God for while they lived to please themselves they lived in disobedience to God’s commands. Living in the world’s way effectively alienated them from God. This general principle is true even today. Many people think that because they live a “good” life they are acceptable to God but by Paul’s reckoning only obedience to God brings God’s approval, only obedience will link one to God.

The reason for that is clear; God chose Jesus Christ to be the one who would draw everyone into God’s family. Jesus was the one who lived a life fully in obedience to God’s will and in God’s way. Jesus lived this life out of love for God, it was not compulsion but an act of pure love. From that love Jesus embraced the whole of humanity giving to each of us the opportunity to be adopted into God’s family. In Him and only in Him do we come alive to God. Once alive to God through Jesus Christ we discover that we have a great future and an amazing inheritance. We can now live a life that pleases God.

For Paul there are two positions, life within God’s family under the headship of Jesus, or death following a way of our own choosing. Jesus Christ gave us an opportunity for a new beginning, an opening into a glorious future with God. As John wrote, “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me”. (John 14:6)

Prayer. Gracious God we thank you for your goodness and grace. In Jesus Christ you have called us together in his name, one family before you. We praise you for the blessing we have received through your gracious gift. By your grace grant that we may walk in the fullness of life that Jesus has secured for us. Daily may we live our lives in obedience to you, inspired by your Holy Spirit, ever willing love and serve you. We ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen

Reading. John 3:14-21. Our passage today from John’s Gospel joins into Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus. Nicodemus was a Pharisee and we should not make too much of the fact that he came at night. There is a sense of caution yet all rabbis had a trade and so during the day they worked at their trade. Paul for example was a tent-maker and earned his living by making tents. As such, night time was the time to sit and discuss matters of religion or theology.  Nicodemus, wanting to learn from Jesus suggests that he at least among the Pharisees had a mind which was open to the teaching from Jesus.

Quickly the discussion turned to the foundations of salvation. Being included in the kingdom of God was a much debated topic but by being born again or born from above was a great surprise to Nicodemus. Jews understood that they were an integral part of the kingdom by simply being Jews!

Jesus points to an incident during the wilderness wandering on the way to the Promised Land. The people turn against Moses and also against God. As a result of the people grumbling against God an invasion of serpents sent by God caused many deaths among the people. They beg Moses to pray to God to have mercy. The remedy was a bronze serpent pinned to a pole that was visible within the camp.

The Greek word in our translation of the bible “serpent” has a more literal meaning of “a malicious poison” – something that takes hold of a person and they die! Perhaps something like “a snake in the grass”

What is being described is a rebellion as people turn away from God. To draw the people back the bronze serpent was a reminder of the mercy of God with the power to call them back even from approaching death.

Still on the topic of salvation Jesus is reminding Nicodemus that separation from God is the result of disobedience. Once separated the end result was death. The bronze serpent, no matter how unlikely or even distasteful was the sign of God’s forgiveness. When viewed through faith it was the antidote to the serpents bite. Nicodemus would have understood that transaction as something spiritual received by trust. It is then that Jesus emphasises that the Messiah must be lifted up, an understood reference to crucifixion as the action of God to bring forgiveness and acceptance by God. Like the example from the bronze serpent, it had to be looked at, which reminded the people of their failure, then they had to trust that God was at work already giving them life. Eternal life is life with a future filled with promise and expectation.

In verse 16 which is probably the most remembered verse from the New Testament John reminds us that it is in the death and resurrection of Jesus which reminds us of God love and of God’s salvation. John also reminds us that believing is not simply a once only action. “Believes” should be read as “believes and goes on believing”. Paul wrote to Timothy at the end of his life, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith”. 2 Timothy 4:7.

The death of Jesus has an ongoing effect on our lives as we trust him and all that he has done. The blessing of God’s salvation comes as we live our lives in company with Jesus.

Prayer. Holy and Gracious 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, and by your love you have made it possible for everyone to be gathered into your family. We lift our hands and our hearts to praise you and bless you for Jesus our Lord and Saviour. Through him we have access to your forgiving love and can live in the joy of your perfect freedom. By your Spirit’s power may we keep our eyes on Jesus, living always to honour him. We ask in his Name. Amen

Collect. God of all mercy, for us Christ is lifted up on the cross, and lifted into your presence; light is shed upon the world. Give us a love for light, and direct us into the ways of life in the name of Jesus. Amen.