The Daily Lectionary with Commentary for Saturday, March 16, 2024

 

The Daily Lectionary
With Expository Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM
Saturday, March 16, 2024

Seeking Mercy, Embracing Faith,

and Witnessing Devotion

Psalm 51:1-12; Habakkuk 3:2-13; John 12:1-11
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Lent 5)

Introduction

In this spiritually enriching journey through Psalm 51:1-12, Habakkuk 3:2-13, and John 12:1-11, we delve into the depths of human longing for divine mercy, the steadfastness of faith amidst trials, and the profound expressions of devotion. Psalm 51:1-12 exposes the raw plea for forgiveness, showcasing a heart yearning for God's mercy and a soul seeking purification. Transitioning to Habakkuk 3:2-13, we witness a powerful dialogue of faith and hope in God's might, even as the world seems engulfed in turmoil. The narrative culminates in John 12:1-11, where the act of anointing Jesus by Mary of Bethany symbolizes the ultimate devotion, juxtaposed against the backdrop of betrayal. Together, these passages intertwine to form a tapestry of redemption, faith, and unwavering love, inviting readers to reflect on their spiritual journey and relationship with the divine.

A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 51:1-12
Create in Me a Clean Heart

Psalm 51:1-12 is a profound and heartfelt plea for mercy, forgiveness, and renewal. Traditionally attributed to King David after his moral failing with Bathsheba, this psalm expresses deep remorse and a sincere desire for spiritual cleansing. Its opening verses, "Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions," set the tone for a deeply personal and universal appeal for divine grace. The psalmist acknowledges his sins and seeks restoration, not through his own merits, but through God's unfailing love and compassion. This passage resonates with anyone seeking redemption and transformation, emphasizing the themes of contrition, confession, and the hope for a renewed spirit within the context of a loving and forgiving God.

1    Have mercy on me, O God,
        according to your steadfast love;
    according to your abundant mercy
        blot out my transgressions.
2    Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
        and cleanse me from my sin.

3    For I know my transgressions,
        and my sin is ever before me.
4    Against you, you alone, have I sinned,
        and done what is evil in your sight,
    so that you are justified in your sentence
        and blameless when you pass judgment.
5    Indeed, I was born guilty,
        a sinner when my mother conceived me.

6    You desire truth in the inward being;
        therefore teach me wisdom in my secret heart.
7    Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;
        wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
8    Let me hear joy and gladness;
        let the bones that you have crushed rejoice.
9    Hide your face from my sins,
        and blot out all my iniquities.

10  Create in me a clean heart, O God,
        and put a new and right spirit within me.
11  Do not cast me away from your presence,
        and do not take your holy spirit from me.
12  Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
        and sustain in me a willing spirit.

O Merciful God, in Your boundless compassion and unfathomable grace, hear my humble prayer. As I reflect on the words of Psalm 51, I recognize my own frailty and the multitude of my transgressions. In Your great mercy, blot out my iniquities and cleanse my heart from sin.

Lord, I acknowledge my offenses and my sins are ever before me. Against You alone have I sinned and done what is evil in Your sight. Yet, in Your steadfast love and abundant mercy, wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit.

Teach me Your ways, O Lord, that I may walk in Your truth. Help me to understand the depth of Your forgiveness, that I may be a vessel of Your grace to others. May my lips, once purified, declare Your praise, and my life be a testament to Your redeeming love.

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.”

Habakkuk 3:2-13
God Will Save the Anointed

Habakkuk 3:2-13 is a profound passage filled with emotive imagery and theological depth. This section of the Book of Habakkuk, often categorized as a prayer or a hymn, vividly depicts God's power and justice. The prophet Habakkuk, in these verses, expresses awe and reverence for God's mighty acts in history, while simultaneously pleading for mercy in the midst of divine judgment. As he recalls the terrifying yet awe-inspiring ways God has delivered His people in the past, Habakkuk's words oscillate between fear and faith. This passage, rich in poetic language and imagery, captures the essence of a God who is both a fearsome judge and a merciful savior, offering a glimpse into the complex relationship between the divine and the human, and the balance between justice and compassion.

3 2 O LORD, I have heard of your renown,
        and I stand in awe, O LORD, of your work.
    In our own time revive it;
        in our own time make it known;
        in wrath may you remember mercy.
3    God came from Teman,
        the Holy One from Mount Paran.        Selah
    His glory covered the heavens,
        and the earth was full of his praise.
4    The brightness was like the sun;
        rays came forth from his hand,
        where his power lay hidden.
5    Before him went pestilence,
        and plague followed close behind.
6    He stopped and shook the earth;
        he looked and made the nations tremble.
    The eternal mountains were shattered;
        along his ancient pathways
        the everlasting hills sank low.
7    I saw the tents of Cushan under affliction;
        the tent-curtains of the land of Midian trembled.
8    Was your wrath against the rivers, O LORD?
        Or your anger against the rivers,
        or your rage against the sea,
    when you drove your horses,
        your chariots to victory?
9    You brandished your naked bow,
        sated were the arrows at your command.    Selah
        You split the earth with rivers.
10  The mountains saw you, and writhed;
        a torrent of water swept by;
    the deep gave forth its voice.
        The sun raised high its hands;
11  the moon stood still in its exalted place,
        at the light of your arrows speeding by,
        at the gleam of your flashing spear.
12  In fury you trod the earth,
        in anger you trampled nations.
13  You came forth to save your people,
        to save your anointed.
    You crushed the head of the wicked house,
        laying it bare from foundation to roof.    Selah

Expository Commentary

Verses 2-3: These verses reflect the prophet's awe and reverence for God's mighty acts in the past. Habakkuk is pleading for God to renew these acts in his time and to show mercy despite His wrath. The mention of "Teman" and "Mount Paran" alludes to God's past theophanies and His mighty deeds associated with the exodus and wilderness wanderings of Israel.

Verses 4-6: This is a poetic description of God's majesty and power. The imagery of light and pestilence symbolizes God's power to both enlighten and to bring judgment. The shaking of the earth and trembling of nations indicate God's sovereignty over the world and its peoples.

Verses 7-10: These verses speak to the impact of God’s power on nations (Cushan and Midian). The rhetorical questions about God's wrath against the rivers and sea likely reference the parting of the Red Sea and the Jordan River, showcasing God's control over nature in His acts of deliverance for Israel.

Verses 11-13: The trampling of the sea symbolizes God's triumph over chaos and opposition. Habakkuk's physical reaction (trembling, quivering lips) signifies the overwhelming impact of witnessing God's power. The anticipation of a "day of calamity" reflects a hope for divine justice against enemies. Finally, God's purpose in these mighty acts is underscored as being the salvation of His people and His anointed, which in a broader sense, points to the theme of salvation in the Bible.

Summary: Habakkuk 3:2-13 is a powerful portrayal of God’s might and sovereignty, mixed with the prophet's deep reverence and anticipation of God’s intervention in human affairs. The passage serves as a reminder of God’s past deeds and a prayerful hope for His continued presence and action in the midst of human struggles and injustices.

John 12:1-11
Jesus is Anointed for His Coming Death

John 12:1-11 presents a poignant and multifaceted narrative set in Bethany, just before the Passover. This passage begins with Jesus visiting the home of Lazarus, whom he had recently raised from the dead, where he is anointed by Mary, Lazarus’ sister. This event, characterized by a display of deep devotion and lavish generosity, contrasts sharply with the betrayal brewing among Jesus' followers, particularly in Judas Iscariot’s disapproval of Mary’s actions. Furthermore, this section highlights the growing tension and intrigue surrounding Jesus, as the chief priests plot to kill not only Jesus but also Lazarus, because of the belief Lazarus' resurrection was leading many Jews to follow Jesus. The passage thereby sets the stage for the impending culmination of Jesus' ministry and the subsequent events of his passion.

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 — Jesus Anointed at Bethany: This verse sets the scene in Bethany, where Jesus is visiting Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead. The setting in Bethany, a place close to Jerusalem, underscores the proximity to the events of Jesus' Passion. The reference to Lazarus being alive is significant, as it speaks to the miraculous power of Jesus and sets the stage for the events to come.

Verse 2 — The Dinner at Martha’s House: Martha serves a dinner in Jesus' honor, which reflects her role as a caretaker and server, a theme consistent with other Gospel accounts (like Luke 10:40-42). This setting of a meal signifies fellowship and hospitality, key elements in Jesus' ministry.

Verse 3 — Mary Anoints Jesus: Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, anoints Jesus' feet with costly perfume and wipes them with her hair. This act is symbolic, often interpreted as an act of profound devotion and a prefiguration of Jesus' burial. The use of costly perfume signifies the value and depth of her devotion.

Verses 4-6 — Judas Iscariot’s Objection: Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus' disciples, objects to this act, citing the cost of the perfume and suggesting that it could have been sold to help the poor. This criticism is later revealed to be hypocritical, as Judas was known to steal from the communal funds. This introduces a contrast between genuine devotion (Mary's act) and deceitful piety (Judas' criticism).

Verses 7-8 — Jesus’ Response: Jesus' response to Judas' objection is significant. He tells Judas to leave Mary alone, stating that she bought the perfume for the day of His burial. Jesus is alluding to His imminent death, indicating that Mary's act is appropriate for the situation. He also mentions that the poor will always be present, but He will not, which can be interpreted as a call to recognize the significance of His presence and the events unfolding.

Verses 9-11 — The Plot to Kill Lazarus: The final verses shift the focus back to Lazarus. Many Jews are coming to believe in Jesus because of Lazarus' resurrection, which alarms the chief priests. They plot to kill Lazarus as well, fearing the growing belief in Jesus due to the miracle. This highlights the increasing tension and opposition Jesus faces and sets the stage for the upcoming Passion narrative.

In summary, John 12:1-11 is a rich text that weaves together themes of devotion, hypocrisy, and the impending Passion of Jesus. It contrasts the genuine devotion of Mary with the deceitful piety of Judas, while also highlighting the growing tension and opposition against Jesus, as exemplified by the plot against Lazarus. The passage serves as a prelude to the events of the Passion, illustrating the complex dynamics at play in the final days of Jesus' ministry.

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 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