The Sunday Lectionary and Prayers with Commentaries for Sunday, November 26, 2023—Christ the King Sunday

 

The Sunday Lectionary and Prayers

with Commentaries
Sunday, November 26, 2023
Christ the King Sunday
[Ordinary 34, Proper 29]

The Good Shepherd's Promise and Our Response

Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24; Psalm 100; Ephesians 1:15-23;

Matthew 25:31-46
(Revised Common Lectionary Year A)
(Semi-continuous Reading Plan)

Introduction

In our journey through the scriptures on this Christ the King Sunday, we find a resounding message of hope, responsibility, and the promise of a compassionate and caring Shepherd who takes the initiative to seek, gather, and tend to His flock. In Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, we witness the heart of God as He promises to personally search for His sheep, bring them back from places of despair, and provide for their needs. Psalm 100 calls us to respond to this good Shepherd with joy, gratitude, and praise, recognizing that we are His people, the sheep of His pasture. Ephesians 1:15-23 deepens our understanding of this hope and inheritance we have in Christ, praying that our hearts may be enlightened to fully grasp the richness of God’s promise. Finally, in Matthew 25:31-46, we are reminded of our responsibility as the flock of the Shepherd to reflect His heart in our actions, extending His care to those around us. Let us immerse ourselves in these passages and allow the message of the Good Shepherd to shape our hearts and guide our actions.

Today We Celebrate

This is a day of celebration. A day to worship the creator of the universe. A day to rejoice in the good news of Jesus. A day to proclaim, with all our hearts, our God reigns. Today…we celebrate!

Opening Prayer
(Ephesians 1, Matthew 25)

Almighty and everlasting God, on this glorious day of Christ the King Sunday, we come before you in awe and adoration. As we gather to celebrate the reign of our Lord Jesus Christ, we are reminded of the profound words from Ephesians 1, where we read of your great plan to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.

Lord, we are humbled by the mystery of your will, and we ask that you may give us the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that we may truly know the hope to which you have called us. May we understand the immeasurable greatness of your power, and may our hearts be enlightened to the inheritance you have promised to your saints.

We also remember the powerful parable in Matthew 25, where Jesus taught us the importance of compassion and service to others. As we celebrate Christ our King, may we be inspired to follow His example by loving our neighbors and serving those in need. May our actions reflect the values of your Kingdom, where the last shall be first and the first shall be last.

Lord, as we await the day when every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, we ask for your grace to live as faithful subjects of your Kingdom. May we always strive to do your will, and may we be counted among the blessed who will inherit the Kingdom prepared for us from the foundation of the world.

We ask all this in the name of Jesus Christ our King, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

Prayer of Confession
(Matthew 25)

Gracious and Sovereign Lord, on this Christ the King Sunday, we come before you in humble confession, recognizing that we have often failed to live up to the call you have placed on our lives.

In Matthew 25, you teach us that whatever we do for the least of our brothers and sisters, we do for you. Yet we confess that we have often ignored the needs of the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the naked, the sick, and the imprisoned. Forgive us, Lord, for turning a blind eye to the suffering around us, and for not recognizing your presence in the faces of those in need.

We confess that we have been more concerned with our own comfort and security than with seeking your kingdom and righteousness. Forgive us for our selfishness and help us to be more generous with our time, talents, and resources.

Help us to see your face in the faces of those we encounter, and to love and serve them as we would love and serve you. May our lives reflect your love, compassion, and justice, and may we be your hands and feet in the world.

On this Christ the King Sunday, we pledge to live as citizens of your kingdom, seeking to do your will and to bring glory and honor to your name.

We ask for your forgiveness, guidance, and strength as we seek to follow you more faithfully. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and King, we pray. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon
(Ephesians 1)

Brothers and sisters, hear these words from Ephesians 1:7-8a, "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace that he lavished on us".

In Christ, our King, we are forgiven! Through His blood, our sins are washed away, and we are welcomed into the kingdom of God's love and grace. On this Christ the King Sunday, let us rejoice in the assurance of God's pardon and celebrate the reign of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Today’s Lectionary Readings
First Reading

Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24
God will shepherd Israel

Ezekiel 34 stands as a critique of the leaders of Israel and a promise of God’s direct intervention in the care of His people. Within the chapter, the prophet Ezekiel presents a scathing indictment against the shepherds (leaders) of Israel for their negligence and exploitation. This section provides hope and assurance, emphasizing God’s unfailing commitment to gather, protect, and shepherd His people personally. The imagery of sheep and shepherds is used symbolically to represent the people of Israel and their leaders, respectively.

34 11 “‘For this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I myself will search for my sheep and look after them. 12 As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness. 13 I will bring them out from the nations and gather them from the countries, and I will bring them into their own land. I will pasture them on the mountains of Israel, in the ravines and in all the settlements in the land. 14 I will tend them in a good pasture, and the mountain heights of Israel will be their grazing land. There they will lie down in good grazing land, and there they will feed in a rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. 15 I myself will tend my sheep and have them lie down, declares the Sovereign Lord. 16 I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak, but the sleek and the strong I will destroy. I will shepherd the flock with justice.

20 “‘Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says to them: See, I myself will judge between the fat sheep and the lean sheep. 21 Because you shove with flank and shoulder, butting all the weak sheep with your horns until you have driven them away, 22 I will save my flock, and they will no longer be plundered. I will judge between one sheep and another. 23 I will place over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he will tend them; he will tend them and be their shepherd. 24 I the Lord will be their God, and my servant David will be prince among them. I the Lord have spoken.

Commentary

Verses 11-16: These verses capture the heart of God's compassion and faithfulness toward His people. Despite the negligence of Israel's leaders, God promises to intervene directly, gathering the scattered Israelites from various nations and bringing them back to their own land. The passage promises not just a return to the physical land of Israel but also restoration, protection, and nurture. The emphasis on God as the ultimate shepherd showcases His deep concern for the individual: searching for the lost, bringing back strays, healing the injured, and strengthening the weak. However, there's also an element of justice, where God promises to deal with those who are sleek and strong, perhaps referring to those who took advantage of the vulnerable.

Verses 20-24: God doesn't only take issue with the negligent shepherds (leaders) but also addresses conflict within the flock itself. The fat sheep symbolize those within the community who exploited or harmed their fellow Israelites. The judgment pronounced is that God will intervene, ensuring justice and restoring order.

In verses 23 and 24, there's a messianic undertone. The reference to my servant David doesn't imply a resurrection of King David but rather points to the Davidic line, from which the promised Messiah, Jesus Christ, would emerge. It prophesies the establishment of a righteous leader from David's lineage who will shepherd the people with care and integrity. This leader will restore the divine covenant relationship, wherein God reigns as the ultimate authority and the people are under His protective care.

In conclusion, Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 offers a profound message of hope to the people of Israel. It reassures them of God's unwavering commitment to their well-being, especially in the midst of poor leadership and internal conflicts. God's intention to personally intervene and shepherd His flock reaffirms His covenantal love, promising restoration, justice, and a future under the rule of a righteous Davidic leader.

A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 100
We are the people of God’s pasture

Psalm 100 is one of the most cherished and recognized psalms in the entire Psalter. Often referred to as a "Psalm of Praise," it invites all of the Earth to come before the Lord with joy and thanksgiving. With its short span of only five verses, it is concise, yet its message resonates deeply with profound simplicity. Echoing the thematic essence of worship, the psalm serves as a universal call for all peoples to recognize the sovereignty of God, and to approach Him with a heart full of gladness.

1 Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
2      Worship the Lord with gladness; *
    come before him with joyful songs.

3 Know that the Lord is God.
        It is he who made us, and we are his; *
    we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving
        and his courts with praise; *
    give thanks to him and praise his name.

5 For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; *
    his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Heavenly Father, with joy and thanksgiving in our hearts, we come before You today, praising Your name and rejoicing in Your steadfast love and faithfulness. Just as Psalm 100 invites us to make a joyful noise to You, we lift our voices in praise and thanksgiving for all that You have done for us.

We enter Your gates with thanksgiving and Your courts with praise, acknowledging that You are God, and we are Your people. You have created us, and we belong to You. We are the sheep of Your pasture, and You are our Shepherd, guiding us and caring for us with Your tender mercy.

Lord, we give thanks to You and bless Your name, for You are good, and Your love endures forever. Your faithfulness continues through all generations, and we are grateful to be counted among Your people.

Help us to live our lives in a way that reflects our gratitude and praise for You. May our words and actions be a testament to Your goodness and love, and may we always seek to honor and glorify You in all that we do.

In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

Second Reading
From the Epistles

Ephesians 1:15-23
The reign of Christ

The first chapter of Ephesians is a rich tapestry that weaves together themes of redemption, grace, and the power of God. In verses 15-23, the Apostle Paul transitions from a hymn-like praise of God's salvific work to a profound prayer for the believers in Ephesus. His words not only reflect his pastoral heart but also encapsulate key theological truths that are as relevant to contemporary readers as they were to the original audience.

1 15 For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

Commentary

Verses 15-17: Paul begins by expressing his gratitude for the faith and love evident in the Ephesian believers. This thanksgiving naturally flows into a prayer where he asks God to grant them a spirit of wisdom and revelation so that they may know Him better. Here, wisdom and revelation are not mere intellectual pursuits; rather, they are the means by which believers can truly comprehend the depths of God's nature and His workings in the world.

Verses 18-19a: Paul's prayer continues with a request for enlightened hearts, that the believers may grasp the hope, riches, and power available to them as God's people. This triad—hope, riches, and power—encapsulates the blessings of the Christian life and highlights the transformative effect of the gospel.

Verses 19b-21: The focus then shifts to the power of God, which is described as immeasurably great and exemplified in the resurrection of Christ. This power is not abstract or distant; it is the same power that works in and for believers, enabling them to live victorious Christian lives. The description of Christ's exaltation above all powers and authorities underscores the supremacy of Christ in both the spiritual and physical realms.

Verses 22-23: The passage concludes with a declaration of Christ's headship over the church, which is described as His body and the fullness of Him who fills everything in every way. This metaphor emphasizes the intimate relationship between Christ and the church and highlights the church's role in manifesting the presence and power of Christ in the world.

In summary, Ephesians 1:15-23 is a passage that captures the essence of Paul's theological reflection and pastoral concern. It provides readers with a glimpse into the heart of God and His desires for His people, encouraging them to pursue a deeper relationship with Him and to embrace the hope, riches, and power available to them in Christ.

Today’s Gospel Reading

Matthew 25:31-46
The separation of sheep and goats

The passage from Matthew 25:31-46, often referred to as the "Parable of the Sheep and the Goats," is one of Jesus’ most poignant teachings about the Final Judgment and the intrinsic link between faith and good works. Set within Jesus' eschatological discourse, this passage underscores the responsibility of believers towards their fellow humans and outlines the criteria by which all will be judged at the end of times. Through this parable, Christ emphasizes that genuine faith in Him is demonstrated by how one treats the most vulnerable and needy in society.

25 31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.

34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’

44 “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’

45 “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’

46 “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”

Commentary

The Son of Man in Glory (v. 31-33): Jesus begins by portraying a grand cosmic scene of the Son of Man– a title He often used for Himself–coming in glory and majesty. This imagery reiterates the authority and divine nature of Jesus. The act of separating the sheep from the goats is a vivid portrayal of the final judgment. Sheep, often symbolic of obedience and loyalty, and goats, sometimes associated with disobedience, represent the righteous and unrighteous respectively.

Criteria for Judgment (v. 34-40): Jesus provides a list of deeds–feeding the hungry, quenching the thirsty, welcoming the stranger, clothing the naked, caring for the sick, and visiting the imprisoned–as the basis for judgment. These actions are emblematic of compassionate love and selfless service. Surprisingly, the righteous are unaware that they served Christ through these actions, suggesting that true love for others is instinctive and not performed for rewards.

The Neglect of the Unrighteous (v. 41-45): In contrast, the goats (the unrighteous) are condemned for their lack of action. Their neglect of the vulnerable and needy is seen as neglecting Christ Himself. This emphasizes the intrinsic value of every individual in the eyes of God and our duty to recognize and serve Christ in the least of our brethren.

The Ultimate Outcome (v. 46): The parable concludes with the eternal consequences of one’s choices on earth: eternal life for the righteous and eternal punishment for the unrighteous. This underscores the gravity of our choices and actions in our earthly lives.

In essence, Matthew 25:31-46 serves as a compelling call to action for believers to live out their faith in tangible ways, by loving and serving others selflessly. It reminds us that our relationship with God is intrinsically linked to our relationship with our fellow humans. In serving the least of these, we are, in fact, serving Christ Himself.

Here end the Readings

Click HERE to read today’s Holy Gospel Lesson message

The Nicene Creed

The Nicene Creed

• We believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible.

• And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, begotten from the Father before all ages, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made; of the same essence as the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven; he became incarnate by the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary, and was made human. He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate; he suffered and was buried. The third day he rose again, according to the Scriptures. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again with glory to judge the living and the dead. His kingdom will never end.

• And we believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life. He proceeds from the Father and the Son, and with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified. He spoke through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church. We affirm one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look forward to the resurrection of the dead, and to life in the world to come. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

The Lord's Prayer - Our Father Who Art in Heaven

Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us; And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

Holy Communion

Holy Communion
A nondenominational serving of bread and wine

Though no video can truly replace the experience of celebrating together in our places of worship, we know that where two or more are gathered, the Lord is present. This table is open to all who recognize Jesus Christ as healer and redeemer. This table is open to all who work to bring God’s Kingdom here on earth. No one is turned away because of life circumstances. No one is barred from this table. No one seeking God’s abundant grace and mercy is turned aside. We see before us the abundance that a life of faith offers as we respond to God’s everlasting mercy in prayer and deed.

Communion Prayer
(Philippians 2)

Pour out your Holy Spirit on us and on these gifts of bread and wine. Make them be for us the life and love of Christ, that we may be the body of Christ for the world, redeemed and unified by Christ’s love and grace. By your Spirit, make us one with Christ, one with one another, and one in ministry to all the world, until Christ comes in final victory and we feast at your heavenly banquet. Through Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit in your holy church, all honor and glory is yours, almighty God, now and forevermore. Amen.

Benediction
(Ezekiel 34, Matthew 25)

May the Lord, our Shepherd and King, guide you to green pastures and still waters, restoring your soul. May He lead you in paths of righteousness for His name's sake. In the face of darkness and valleys of shadows, fear no evil, for God is with you; His rod and His staff, they comfort you.

Just as the King in Matthew 25 says, "I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in," may you also see the face of Christ in the least of these, serving Him by serving others.

Go now in the peace and love of God, carrying the light of Christ into the world, being His hands and feet, until we meet again. Amen.

Thanksgiving is Here

Optional parts of the readings are set off in [square brackets].

The Bible texts of the Old Testament, Epistle, and Gospel lessons are from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Commentaries by Kenny Sallee, ThM.

The Daily Lectionary is a three year cyclical lectionary. We are currently in Year A. Beginning with the first Sunday of Advent in 2023, we will be in Year B. The year which ended at Advent 2022 was Year A. These readings complement the Sunday and festival readings: Thursday through Saturday readings help prepare the reader for the Sunday ahead; Monday through Wednesday readings help the reader reflect and digest on what they heard in worship. Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings, copyright © 2005 Consultation on Common Texts. www.commontexts.org
The Sunday Lectionary and Prayers for Sunday, November 26, 2023
The Good Shepherd's Promise and Our Response
Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24; Psalm 100; Ephesians 1:15-23; Matthew 25:31-46
In our journey through the scriptures today, we find a resounding message of hope, responsibility, and the promise of a compassionate and caring Shepherd who takes the initiative to seek, gather, and tend to His flock. In Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, we witness the heart of God as He promises to personally search for His sheep, bring them back from places of despair, and provide for their needs. Psalm 100 calls us to respond to this good Shepherd with joy, gratitude, and praise, recognizing that we are His people, the sheep of His pasture. Ephesians 1:15-23 deepens our understanding of this hope and inheritance we have in Christ, praying that our hearts may be enlightened to fully grasp the richness of God’s promise. Finally, in Matthew 25:31-46, we are reminded of our responsibility as the flock of the Shepherd to reflect His heart in our actions, extending His care to those around us. Let us immerse ourselves in these passages and allow the message of the Good Shepherd to shape our hearts and guide our actions.