Drawn to the Gospels. Jay Sidebotham
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Название: Drawn to the Gospels
Автор: Jay Sidebotham
Издательство: Ingram
Жанр: Религия: прочее
Серия: Drawn to the Gospels
isbn: 9781640650831
isbn:
In this particular lectionary year, we shift on the third Sunday of Advent to the prologue of the Gospel of John, a beautiful overture striking the themes of that fourth gospel. This fourth gospel is different from the others in style and structure. But there’s one thing that all the gospels share. There’s an interest in John the Baptist, and an attempt to answer the question of his identity, his role. Who is this guy? He portrays humility in the presence of the long-expected Messiah. In fact, art of the Christian tradition has often shown him with arm extended, pointing beyond himself to the Christ, preparing the way for the Messiah.
Questions
1 What differences do you notice between the Gospel of Mark and the Gospel of John?
2 Why do you think that John the Baptist is so important?
3 Why do you think it was important to get clear about his identity? What did he say about himself?
4 What is the key to humility? Who do you know who exhibits that quality? Is it a quality that can be developed?
5 Why is it important that we see John the Baptist pointing to Jesus? Are there ways we can do that?
The Fourth Sunday in Advent
Luke 1:26–38
Notes on This Reading
This week, in this year of the lectionary, we shift gospels once again, to read from the Gospel of Luke. Luke is the only gospel writer who tells us the story of the annunciation of the birth of Jesus, news shared by the angel Gabriel. This story provides insight into the character of this courageous young woman who would be called “theotokos,” which means God-bearer. This is a beautiful story about call, and while Mary legitimately asks how this can be, she also responds with powerful words: “Here am I.” The story is full of angels. The word “angel” really means messenger. We’re grateful to Luke for sharing this message.
Questions
1 Have you ever encountered an angel? Have you ever had a spiritual messenger come to you?
2 Why might Mary have been afraid when the angel showed up? That often happens when angels appear, or when God’s message is delivered. Why is that?
3 When have you asked God: “How can this be?”
4 Have you ever had occasion to say: “Here am I” and “Let it be”?
Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ
Christmas Eve and Dayas well as Proper II
Luke 2:1–20
Notes on This Reading
We leave the Gospel of Mark for this great celebration in the life of the church: The Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord (also known as Christmas). We shift to Luke’s gospel, which gives us the fullest account of the birth of Jesus. It’s worth noting that two of the four gospels (Mark and John) don’t tell us anything about Jesus’s birth. But Luke shares the story of shepherds greeted by angels with hymns of praise. He lets us know that there was an innkeeper who hung out his “No Vacancy” sign. Luke tells about the gathering for worship around the manger. It’s a story of joy to the world.
Questions
1 This may well be the most familiar story in the New Testament. Try to read it as if you never heard it before. What strikes you? What puzzles you?
2 Why do you think the shepherds were the first to get the news of Jesus’s arrival?
3 What do you think Joseph was thinking in all of this, as he gets the news that there is no room in the inn, as his wife gives birth in a stable, as shepherds show up? Did he get more than he bargained for? Does he provide any model for you in your journey of faith?
Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ
Proper III and First Sundayafter Christmas
John 1:1–14 (15–18)
Notes on This Reading
Christmas is more than a day. It’s a season of twelve days, so we get another Sunday to celebrate the nativity of our Lord. The church gives us a totally different way to tell the story of Jesus’s arrival, by directing our attention to the Gospel of John, which begins with a poetic prologue, much like an overture to a symphony. It will strike many of the themes of John’s gospel, themes of the story of Jesus, describing the word made flesh dwelling among us, bringing light and life, grace and truth, facing rejection. Note how the prologue begins with the words, “In the beginning.” Where else have you seen those words? It sounds like the author of this gospel wants to say that the story of Jesus is as significant as the story of Genesis. A new creation is happening.
Questions
1 What does it mean to you that Jesus is the word made flesh? In what sense is he the word?
2 How does he bring light? Have you ever experienced that enlightenment in your life?
3 What does it mean to be filled both with grace and truth? Do we need both those things?
4 What significance do you attach to the fact that this gospel begins with the words, “In the beginning”?
Holy Name
Luke 2:15–21
Notes on This Reading
Our culture celebrates the New Year on January 1. On that same date, the church celebrates the Feast of the Holy Name, remembering the story in Luke’s gospel of how Joseph and Mary brought the infant Jesus to the temple for presentation, in keeping with the Jewish tradition. In that liturgy, he receives his name, a holy name. The name “Jesus,” a variant of the name “Joshua,” really means “God saves.” It’s a great name for this baby. One of the strong themes of the gospels (all four of them) is the way in which Jesus comes to fulfill the tradition into which he was born and not to do away with it. And in the fulfilling of that tradition, he brings God’s saving power to a world that really needs it.
Questions
1 What is so important about a naming ceremony? How did you get your name?
2 Reflect СКАЧАТЬ