The Daily Lectionary with Commentary for Monday, March 25, 2024: Monday of Holy Week

 

The Daily Lectionary
With Expository Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM
Monday, March 25, 2024: Monday of Holy Week

Divine Promise and Fulfillment

Isaiah 42:1-9; Psalm 36:5-11; Hebrews 9:11-15; John 12:1-11
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Lent 6)

Introduction

As we embark on the solemn journey of Holy Week, our scriptural readings for Holy Monday offer a profound reflection on the themes of divine promise and fulfillment. In Isaiah 42:1-9, we encounter the prophecy of a servant chosen by God, a foreshadowing of Christ's mission of justice and salvation. Psalm 36:5-11 poetically extols God's steadfast love and righteousness, reminding us of His protective and nurturing nature. The passage from Hebrews 9:11-15 delves into the redemptive work of Christ as the perfect high priest, whose sacrifice cleanses our conscience and reconciles us to God. Lastly, John 12:1-11 portrays a poignant scene where Mary anoints Jesus, signifying the impending fulfillment of His sacrificial death. Together, these readings weave a tapestry of anticipation and revelation, guiding us through a reflective journey of the promises of the Old Testament and their fulfillment in the New Testament, as we draw nearer to the passion of Christ.

Isaiah 42:1-9
The Servant Brings Forth Justice

Isaiah 42:1-9 presents a profound and compelling prophecy, often interpreted as one of the Servant Songs that foretell the coming of the Messiah. This passage begins with God’s declaration of His chosen servant, who will bring forth justice to the nations. The servant is not described as a conqueror, but as one who is gentle and compassionate, not breaking a bruised reed or quenching a dimly burning wick. This imagery portrays a savior who is nurturing and patient, embodying righteousness in a quiet but powerful manner. The passage further emphasizes that this servant will be a light to the nations, opening the eyes of the blind, and freeing captives from prison. This scripture is significant both for its messianic implications and its portrayal of a redeemer who leads not through might but through love, mercy, and justice. Isaiah 42:1-9 invites reflection on the nature of true leadership and salvation, resonating deeply with themes of hope and redemption.

42 1 Here is my servant, whom I uphold,
        my chosen, in whom my soul delights;
    I have put my spirit upon him;
        he will bring forth justice to the nations.
2    He will not cry or lift up his voice,
        or make it heard in the street;
3    a bruised reed he will not break,
        and a dimly burning wick he will not quench;
        he will faithfully bring forth justice.
4    He will not grow faint or be crushed
        until he has established justice in the earth;
        and the coastlands wait for his teaching.

5    Thus says God, the LORD,
        who created the heavens and stretched them out,
        who spread out the earth and what comes from it,
    who gives breath to the people upon it
        and spirit to those who walk in it:
6    I am the LORD, I have called you in righteousness,
        I have taken you by the hand and kept you;
    I have given you as a covenant to the people,
        a light to the nations,
7        to open the eyes that are blind,
    to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon,
        from the prison those who sit in darkness.
8    I am the LORD, that is my name;
        my glory I give to no other,
        nor my praise to idols.
9    See, the former things have come to pass,
        and new things I now declare;
    before they spring forth,
        I tell you of them.

Expository Commentary

Verse 1: This verse introduces God's chosen servant, an individual endowed with God’s spirit. The servant is not only supported by God but is also a source of divine delight. The mission of this servant is to bring justice to the nations, indicating a global impact and a focus on righteousness.

Verse 2: The servant's approach is characterized by gentleness and humility. Unlike many leaders who assert themselves loudly, this figure leads quietly and without fanfare. This contrasts significantly with contemporary notions of power and authority.

Verse 3: This imagery suggests the servant’s compassion and tenderness. The "bruised reed" and "dimly burning wick" symbolize the vulnerable and the weak. The servant’s commitment to justice does not involve crushing the already downtrodden but nurturing and supporting them.

Verse 4: The servant's perseverance is emphasized here. Despite challenges, the servant will not be discouraged or overwhelmed until justice prevails. The reference to "coastlands" expands the geographical scope of the servant's influence, indicating a worldwide anticipation of his teachings.

Verse 5: Here, God's authority as the creator of the universe is asserted, grounding the servant’s mission in the context of divine sovereignty and creative power. This verse underscores God's intimate involvement with creation, including humankind.

Verse 6: God speaks directly to the servant, affirming the call in righteousness. The servant is described as a covenant and a light to the nations, suggesting a role that is both salvific and illuminating, guiding people in the ways of righteousness.

Verse 7: The servant’s mission includes liberation and enlightenment. This verse speaks both literally and metaphorically, addressing physical blindness and imprisonment as well as spiritual and social blindness and bondage.

Verse 8: God reasserts divine uniqueness and glory. This verse serves as a reminder of the monotheistic foundation of the faith and a rejection of idolatry. It also indicates that the servant’s work is to glorify God, not to seek personal glory.

Verse 9: This verse speaks of God’s prophetic ability to declare future events. It highlights the newness of what is being accomplished through the servant, differentiating from past acts of God. It emphasizes God's omniscience and omnipotence.

In summary, Isaiah 42:1-9 presents a vision of a servant of God who brings justice and salvation in a manner marked by gentleness, compassion, and steadfastness. This passage is foundational in understanding the characteristics of divine leadership and redemption, and it resonates with themes of hope, restoration, and universal salvation.

Psalm 36:5-11
Refuge Under the Shadow of Your Wings

Psalm 36:5-11 presents a profound reflection on the immeasurable steadfast love and faithfulness of God towards all of creation. These verses poetically juxtapose the sinfulness of humans with the vastness of God's mercy and righteousness, illustrating a stark contrast between divine perfection and human frailty. The psalmist, possibly David, uses rich imagery to describe God's love as reaching beyond the heavens and His righteousness as mighty as the great mountains. This passage not only offers a prayer of adoration and recognition of God's protective care but also serves as a reminder of the refuge and delight found in the shadow of His wings. The themes of light and salvation threaded through these verses underscore the hope and assurance provided by God's unfailing love and faithfulness in a world often overshadowed by wickedness.

36 5 Your steadfast love, O LORD, extends to the heavens,
        your faithfulness to the clouds.
6    Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains,
        your judgments are like the great deep;
        you save humans and animals alike, O LORD.

7    How precious is your steadfast love, O God!
        All people may take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
8    They feast on the abundance of your house,
        and you give them drink from the river of your delights.
9    For with you is the fountain of life;
        in your light we see light.

10  O continue your steadfast love to those who know you,
        and your salvation to the upright of heart!
11  Do not let the foot of the arrogant tread on me,
        or the hand of the wicked drive me away.

Expository Commentary

Verse 5: This verse sets the tone for the entire passage, emphasizing the vast, immeasurable quality of God's love and faithfulness. The psalmist uses the metaphor of the heavens and the clouds to describe the boundless and lofty nature of these divine attributes. It suggests that God's love and faithfulness are as expansive and encompassing as the sky itself.

Verse 6: Here, the psalmist compares God's righteousness to mighty mountains and His judgments to the great deep (possibly the sea or ocean), indicating their immovable, profound, and awe-inspiring nature. The mention of "man and beast" suggests that God's care and salvation are all-encompassing, extending to all of creation.

Verse 7: This verse reflects the personal and communal appreciation for God's steadfast love. The imagery of taking refuge "in the shadow of your wings" provides a sense of comfort, protection, and intimacy with God. It's a metaphor for the safety and security found in God's presence.

Verse 8: The "abundance of your house" and the "river of your delights" symbolize the spiritual nourishment and joy that God provides. This verse speaks to the generous provision and fulfillment that comes from being in God's presence, suggesting spiritual sustenance and satisfaction.

Verse 9: This verse highlights God as the source of life and enlightenment. The "fountain of life" implies an ongoing, rejuvenating source, while "in your light we see light" suggests that it is through God's truth and presence that we gain understanding and clarity.

Verse 10: Here, the psalmist makes a plea for the continuation of God's love and salvation. It implies a relationship between knowing God and experiencing His love, as well as a connection between an upright heart and receiving His salvation.

Verse 11: The passage concludes with a prayer for protection against the arrogant and the wicked. It reflects a trust in God's justice and a desire for deliverance from those who are opposed to the ways of righteousness and godliness.

In summary, Psalm 36:5-11 is a beautiful depiction of God's unfathomable love, righteousness, and faithfulness. It portrays God as a refuge and source of life, inviting believers to find solace and sustenance in His presence. The passage also reflects a deep trust in God's protective care against the wickedness in the world.

Hebrews 9:11-15
The Blood of Christ Redeems for Eternal Life

Hebrews 9:11-15 presents a profound exploration of Christ's role as the ultimate high priest, transcending the limitations of the old covenant established under the Mosaic law. In this passage, the author contrasts the earthly tabernacle and rituals of the old priesthood with the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with hands—referring to Christ himself. It delves into the significance of Christ's sacrificial death, highlighting how His blood, more potent than that of goats and calves, achieves the redemption of transgressions under the first covenant. This section culminates in the assurance of a new covenant, where Christ's sacrifice provides eternal redemption and clears the conscience of the believer from dead works to worship the living God. This passage is pivotal in understanding the transition from the old covenant's emphasis on ritual purity to the new covenant's focus on spiritual redemption through Christ's singular and ultimate sacrifice.

9 11 But when Christ came as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation), 12 he entered once for all into the Holy Place, not with the blood of goats and calves, but with his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption. 13 For if the blood of goats and bulls, with the sprinkling of the ashes of a heifer, sanctifies those who have been defiled so that their flesh is purified, 14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to worship the living God!

15 For this reason he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, because a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions under the first covenant.

Expository Commentary

Verse 11: This verse introduces Christ as the high priest, signifying a new era of redemption. The "greater and more perfect tent" symbolizes a heavenly realm or order, not a physical structure. This contrasts with the earthly tabernacle of the Old Testament, emphasizing the transcendence of Christ's ministry beyond human-made structures and rituals.

Verse 12: Here, the author contrasts the repeated animal sacrifices of the Old Covenant with the singular, sufficient sacrifice of Christ. By entering the "Holy Place" with His own blood, Christ secures eternal redemption for humanity. This signifies the completeness and finality of His sacrifice, unlike the recurring sacrifices by earthly priests.

Verse 13: This verse refers to the purification rites of the Old Covenant (e.g., the Day of Atonement and the Red Heifer sacrifice in Numbers 19). These rites were effective for ritual cleanliness, yet they were limited to physical or external purification.

Verse 14: The author argues from the lesser to the greater. If animal sacrifices could cleanse physically, how much more would Christ's sacrifice, offered through the Holy Spirit and without blemish, cleanse our inner being? This verse emphasizes the internal and spiritual purification Christ achieves, enabling believers to move beyond "dead works" (actions not leading to spiritual life) to true worship of God.

Verse 15: This concluding verse establishes Christ as the mediator of a new covenant. His death not only redeems believers from the penalties of transgressions under the old law but also inaugurates a new relationship between God and humanity. This new covenant assures believers of an eternal inheritance, highlighting the enduring and comprehensive nature of Christ's redemptive work.

In summary, Hebrews 9:11-15 presents a profound theological transition from the Old Covenant's reliance on earthly rituals and sacrifices to the New Covenant's focus on spiritual redemption through Christ's ultimate sacrifice. This passage is pivotal in Christian theology, emphasizing the completeness, finality, and supremacy of Christ's redemptive work for believers.

John 12:1-11
Mary of Bethany Anoints Jesus

In this passage from the Gospel of John, chapters 12:1-11, we encounter a profound and intimate moment in the life of Jesus, just days before his crucifixion. The scene is set in Bethany, at the home of Lazarus, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here, Mary, the sister of Lazarus, anoints Jesus' feet with costly perfume, an act of deep devotion and foreshadowing of his impending death and burial. This touching gesture, however, sparks a sharp rebuke from Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus' disciples, who criticizes the act as wasteful. The narrative contrasts the selfless devotion of Mary with the deceitful and self-interested motives of Judas, who is revealed to be a thief. This incident not only highlights the differing responses to Jesus' ministry but also sets the stage for the upcoming events of the Passion, further intensifying the tension between Jesus and the religious authorities.

12 1 Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 2 There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. 3 Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4 But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, 5 “Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?” 6 (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) 7 Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. 8 You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.”

9 When the great crowd of the Jews learned that he was there, they came not only because of Jesus but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 So the chief priests planned to put Lazarus to death as well, 11 since it was on account of him that many of the Jews were deserting and were believing in Jesus.

Expository Commentary

Verse 1: This verse establishes the timeline and setting. The Passover is a significant Jewish festival, and Bethany is where Lazarus, whom Jesus raised, resides. The reference to Lazarus underscores Jesus' miraculous power and foreshadows the resurrection theme.

Verse 2: Martha's service highlights her character as a devoted hostess, first seen in Luke 10:38-42. Lazarus' presence as a dinner guest, alive and well, serves as a living testimony to Jesus' miraculous power.

Verse 3: Mary's act is one of extravagant devotion. The use of costly nard, a rare and expensive perfume, and the intimate act of wiping His feet with her hair, shows deep reverence and love. This act contrasts worldly values with spiritual devotion.

Verses 4-5: Judas Iscariot's objection introduces a theme of misunderstanding and foreshadows his betrayal. His concern for the poor is a pretense, revealing a contrast in understanding Jesus' mission and earthly concerns.

Verse 6: This verse directly challenges Judas' motives, indicating dishonesty and corruption. It shows the complexity of human nature and foreshadows the betrayal of Jesus.

Verses 7-8: Jesus' response defends Mary's act as preparation for his burial, a prophetic understanding of his imminent death. His statement about the poor is not a dismissal of their needs but an indication of the unique and temporal nature of his earthly ministry.

Verses 9-11: The raising of Lazarus had a significant impact, drawing crowds and leading many to believe in Jesus. The chief priests' plot to kill Lazarus, alongside Jesus, indicates the threat Jesus' miracles posed to their authority and the lengths to which they would go to maintain their control.

In summary, John 12:1-11 portrays contrasting responses to Jesus: devotion versus betrayal, spiritual insight versus worldly concerns. It sets a contemplative tone leading into the Passion narrative, highlighting Jesus' impending death and the varied reactions of those around him.

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