The Daily Lectionary with Commentary for Saturday, March 23, 2024

 

The Daily Lectionary
With Expository Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM
Saturday, March 23, 2024

Journey of Restoration and Hope

Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29; Jeremiah 33:10-16; Mark 10:32-34, 46-52
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Lent 6)

Introduction

This collection of scripture passages from Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29; Jeremiah 33:10-16; and Mark 10:32-34, 46-52 presents a powerful narrative of restoration, hope, and faith. Psalm 118 opens with a call to thanksgiving, acknowledging God's enduring love and leading into a celebration of salvation and deliverance. Jeremiah 33, set in a time of great turmoil for Israel, offers a prophetic promise of restoration and a future where justice and righteousness flourish. In Mark 10, we witness two distinct moments in Jesus' ministry: a foretelling of His suffering and resurrection, and the healing of Bartimaeus, symbolizing the transformative power of faith and Jesus' role as a restorer of sight and life. Together, these passages inspire a journey of trust in God's unfailing love and the fulfillment of His promises, encouraging believers to hold onto hope even in the midst of trials.

A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29
Blessed is the One Who Comes

Psalm 118, verses 1-2 and 19-29 presents an exuberant expression of gratitude and praise to God. It begins with an invocation of thanksgiving, acknowledging God's enduring mercy, and invites all of Israel to echo this sentiment. This passage then transitions to a vivid depiction of the psalmist's deliverance, where the gates of righteousness become a metaphorical entrance into God's favor. The psalm culminates in a celebratory procession, possibly reflecting an ancient festival, where the faithful give thanks and recognize the cornerstone rejected by the builders as the foundation of God's saving work. This Psalm, rich in liturgical imagery and Messianic overtones, has been a cornerstone of worship, symbolizing God's steadfast love and faithfulness across generations.

1    O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
        his steadfast love endures forever!

2    Let Israel say,
        “His steadfast love endures forever.”

19  Open to me the gates of righteousness,
        that I may enter through them
        and give thanks to the LORD.

20  This is the gate of the LORD;
        the righteous shall enter through it.

21  I thank you that you have answered me
        and have become my salvation.
22  The stone that the builders rejected
        has become the chief cornerstone.
23  This is the LORD’s doing;
        it is marvelous in our eyes.
24  This is the day that the LORD has made;
        let us rejoice and be glad in it.
25  Save us, we beseech you, O LORD!
        O Lord, we beseech you, give us success!

26  Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the LORD.
        We bless you from the house of the LORD.
27  The LORD is God,
        and he has given us light.
    Bind the festal procession with branches,
        up to the horns of the altar.

28  You are my God, and I will give thanks to you;
        you are my God, I will extol you.

29  O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,
        for his steadfast love endures forever.

Eternal and Loving God, we thank You for Your steadfast love and unending mercy, which endure forever. You have called us to be Your people, to walk in the light of Your grace, and to proclaim Your goodness to all nations.

Open to us the gates of righteousness, that we may enter and give thanks to You. We praise You for being our strength and our song, and for becoming our salvation. The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone; in this, we see Your mighty works and rejoice.

Lord, we ask that You guide us in Your paths of righteousness. Help us to navigate the challenges of life with faith and courage, knowing that You are with us. On this day that You have made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.

We pray for the grace to offer sacrifices of thanksgiving and to call upon Your name with pure hearts. May our lives reflect Your love and our actions speak of Your mercy.

Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. We bless You from Your house, O Lord. You are our God, and we will give thanks to You; You are our God, we will extol You.

Be with us today and every day in Jesus Christ, Who taught us to pray:

“Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who 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, forever and ever. Amen.”

Jeremiah 33:10-16
In a Place of Desolation God will Bring Gladness

Jeremiah 33:10-16 presents a profound message of hope and restoration from the prophet Jeremiah. This passage, often referred to as 'The Promise of Restoration,' is set against the backdrop of Judah's darkest period, marked by despair and ruin due to their exile in Babylon. Jeremiah, often called the 'weeping prophet' for his laments over Judah's fate, here delivers a divine promise from God. This promise foretells the return of joy, prosperity, and security to the desolate streets of Jerusalem. Furthermore, it prophesies the coming of a righteous Branch, a descendant of David, who will execute justice and righteousness in the land, symbolizing the Messianic hope and the restoration of the Davidic Kingdom. This passage not only offered immediate consolation to the exiles but has also been cherished by generations as a testament to God's unfailing faithfulness and enduring commitment to his covenant with Israel.

33 10 Thus says the LORD: In this place of which you say, “It is a waste without human beings or animals,” in the towns of Judah and the streets of Jerusalem that are desolate, without inhabitants, human or animal, there shall once more be heard 11 the voice of mirth and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride, the voices of those who sing, as they bring thank offerings to the house of the LORD:

    “Give thanks to the LORD of hosts,
        for the LORD is good,
        for his steadfast love endures forever!”

For I will restore the fortunes of the land as at first, says the LORD.

12 Thus says the LORD of hosts: In this place that is waste, without human beings or animals, and in all its towns there shall again be pasture for shepherds resting their flocks. 13 In the towns of the hill country, of the Shephelah, and of the Negeb, in the land of Benjamin, the places around Jerusalem, and in the towns of Judah, flocks shall again pass under the hands of the one who counts them, says the LORD.

14 The days are surely coming, says the LORD, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. 15 In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. 16 In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called: “The LORD is our righteousness.”

Expository Commentary

Verses 10-11: This section begins with a stark contrast between the desolation described in earlier chapters and the promise of joy and prosperity. The mention of voices of joy and gladness, brides and bridegrooms, and the praises to the Lord signifies the restoration of normal, joyful life activities in Jerusalem. The reference to "bringing offerings to the house of the Lord" symbolizes not only the rebuilding of the temple but also the restoration of proper worship and a renewed covenant relationship with God.

Verses 12-13: These verses extend the theme of restoration beyond Jerusalem to the towns of Judah and the hill country, the Shephelah (lowlands), and the Negeb (southern desert region). The imagery of shepherds and flocks depicts a return to peace and prosperity. The counting of flocks is a metaphor for the restoration of order and the ability to live in peace without fear of loss or invasion.

Verses 14-16: This is a pivotal section where the focus shifts to a messianic prophecy. The "righteous Branch" sprouting for David is a clear reference to the Messiah, who Christians believe is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. This figure is depicted as executing justice and righteousness, highlighting the themes of moral and social order. The name given, "The Lord is our righteousness," is significant. It emphasizes that it is not through the people’s righteousness but through the Lord’s action and character that salvation and justice are achieved.

Throughout these verses, Jeremiah conveys a strong message of hope and divine faithfulness. Despite the grim circumstances of his time, the prophecy reassures the people of God's unchanging commitment to His covenant, promising not just a return to their land but also the coming of a Messiah who would bring ultimate justice and righteousness. This passage has been significant both in its immediate historical context for the people of Judah and in its broader theological implications for understanding God's plan for salvation.

Mark 10:32-34, 46-52
Jesus Approaches Jerusalem

In this passage from Mark 10:32-34, 46-52, we witness two profound moments in the ministry of Jesus. The first section, verses 32-34, presents Jesus' third prediction of His passion, offering a foreboding yet necessary insight into the destiny that awaits Him in Jerusalem. This prediction not only reinforces the inevitability of the suffering and resurrection of Christ but also serves as a poignant reminder of the cost of true discipleship. Following this, verses 46-52 narrate the healing of Bartimaeus, a blind beggar in Jericho. This miracle is not just a display of Jesus' compassion and power but also symbolizes spiritual enlightenment, as Bartimaeus' physical healing leads to his spiritual awakening and discipleship. Through these events, Mark emphasizes the juxtaposition of human suffering and divine intervention, underscoring the transformative power of faith in Jesus

10 32 They were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them; they were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. He took the twelve aside again and began to tell them what was to happen to him, 33 saying, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death; then they will hand him over to the Gentiles; 34 they will mock him, and spit upon him, and flog him, and kill him; and after three days he will rise again.”

46 They came to Jericho. As he and his disciples and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the roadside. 47 When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 48 Many sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he cried out even more loudly, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 49 Jesus stood still and said, “Call him here.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart; get up, he is calling you.” 50 So throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. 51 Then Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man said to him, “My teacher, let me see again.” 52 Jesus said to him, “Go; your faith has made you well.” Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the way.

Expository Commentary

Mark 10:32-34 — The Prediction of Jesus' Passion

• Verses 32-34: These verses present Jesus' third prediction of His passion. Here, Jesus is leading His disciples to Jerusalem, and there is a sense of foreboding and awe among them. Jesus takes the twelve aside and begins to detail what is going to happen to Him - including being handed over to the chief priests and scribes, condemned to death, handed over to the Gentiles, mocked, spit upon, flogged, and killed, and after three days He will rise again. This prediction is stark and detailed, showing Jesus’ full awareness of the suffering He is about to endure. It underscores the necessity of the passion for the salvation narrative and highlights Jesus' role as a suffering Messiah, contrary to contemporary expectations of a triumphant political savior.

Mark 10:46-52 — The Healing of Bartimaeus

• Verse 46: This verse introduces Bartimaeus, a blind beggar sitting by the roadside as Jesus and his followers, along with a large crowd, leave Jericho. Bartimaeus, despite his physical blindness, recognizes Jesus’ significance, a metaphorical sight that many with physical sight lacked.

• Verses 47-48: Hearing that Jesus is near, Bartimaeus begins to shout for mercy, addressing Jesus as "Son of David". This title is significant; it acknowledges Jesus as the Messiah. The crowd rebukes him, telling him to be silent, but he shouts even more loudly. This persistence demonstrates his faith and desperation for healing.

• Verse 49: Jesus stops and says, “Call him here.” This demonstrates Jesus’ responsiveness to faith. Despite the crowd’s attempt to silence Bartimaeus, Jesus hears his cry. This is a powerful message about the inclusivity of Jesus' ministry, emphasizing that even those marginalized by society have direct access to Him.

• Verse 50: Bartimaeus’ response is immediate; he throws off his cloak, jumps up, and comes to Jesus. His actions signify a readiness to leave his old life behind. The cloak likely represented his only possession, and leaving it signifies a total commitment to Jesus.

• Verse 51: Jesus asks Bartimaeus, “What do you want me to do for you?” This question is significant because it gives Bartimaeus agency and respect. Bartimaeus asks to see again, expressing his faith in Jesus' power to heal.

• Verse 52: Jesus tells him, “Go; your faith has made you well.” Immediately, Bartimaeus regains his sight and follows Jesus on the way. The healing is instant, showcasing Jesus’ divine power. More importantly, Bartimaeus’ decision to follow Jesus highlights a transformation from physical healing to spiritual discipleship.

In summary, Mark 10:32-34, 46-52 juxtaposes the impending suffering of Jesus with His miraculous power to heal and transform lives. The passion prediction illustrates the depth of Jesus' understanding of His mission, while the healing of Bartimaeus exemplifies the transformative impact of faith in Jesus. Both sections emphasize the themes of spiritual insight, the fulfillment of messianic prophecies, and the call to discipleship in the face of trials and suffering.

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 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bible, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Commentaries are by Kenny Sallee, ThM, aided by ChatGPT. The biblical commentaries provided here are intended for educational and spiritual enrichment purposes only. The interpretations and insights offered are based on the authors' understanding and perspective of the Bible, which may be influenced by their theological training, denominational background, and personal beliefs.

The Daily Lectionary is a three year cyclical lectionary. We are currently in Year B. Beginning with the first Sunday of Advent in 2024, we will be in Year C. The year which ended at Advent 2023 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