The Sunday Lectionary and Prayers with Commentaries for Sunday, March 10, 2024: Fourth Sunday in Lent

 

The Sunday Lectionary
with Expository Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM
Sunday, March 10, 2024: Fourth Sunday in Lent

From Despair to Grace

Numbers 21:4-9; Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22;

Ephesians 2:1-10; John 3:14-21
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Lent 4)

Lent A Season of Reflection

The Fourth Sunday in Lent, known as Laetare Sunday, marks a pivotal moment in the Lenten season, offering a pause in the solemnity of Lent to reflect on the joy and hope of redemption. It is a time when the faithful are invited to deepen their understanding of the journey towards Easter, contemplating themes of mercy, grace, and spiritual renewal. This Sunday serves as a beacon of light in the midst of Lenten penance, reminding believers of God's unfailing love and the promise of salvation. As we engage with the scripture readings of the day, we are encouraged to embrace a path of transformation, recognizing the profound significance of Christ's sacrifice and the power of faith to illuminate even the darkest corners of our lives. The Fourth Sunday in Lent thus stands as an important milestone in the spiritual journey of Christians, calling for introspection, gratitude, and a rekindled hope in the journey towards Easter joy.

Introduction

The Fourth Sunday in Lent invites us to reflect on a journey of transformation and redemption, weaving through trials and divine grace. In Numbers 21:4-9, we encounter the Israelites' struggle and God's merciful intervention through the bronze serpent, symbolizing healing from rebellion. Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 echoes this theme of deliverance, praising God for salvation from distress and sickness. Ephesians 2:1-10 further unfolds the narrative of human frailty and God's immeasurable grace, emphasizing our salvation as a gift, not a reward for works. Lastly, John 3:14-21 draws a parallel between the serpent in Numbers and Jesus Christ's crucifixion, illuminating the path from darkness to light through belief in Him. Together, these passages offer a tapestry of salvation history, highlighting God's enduring love and the transformative power of faith.

Today’s Lectionary Readings
First Reading
From the Pentateuch
Numbers 21:4-9
The Lifting Up of the Serpent

In Numbers 21:4-9, we encounter a profound narrative that reflects the Israelites' journey and their relationship with God during their exodus from Egypt to the Promised Land. This passage vividly illustrates the challenges and struggles faced by the Israelites as they travel from Mount Hor along the route to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom. Frustrated and impatient, the people speak against God and Moses, lamenting the hardships of their journey. In response to their rebellion, the Lord sends venomous snakes among them, causing many to die. This calamity leads the Israelites to repent and ask Moses to intercede on their behalf. Following God's instructions, Moses crafts a bronze serpent and mounts it on a pole; whoever looks upon it after being bitten is miraculously healed. This segment of Scripture is rich in symbolism and theological significance, foreshadowing redemption and salvation themes that resonate throughout the Bible.

21 4 They traveled from Mount Hor along the route to the Red Sea, to go around Edom. But the people grew impatient on the way; 5 they spoke against God and against Moses, and said, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? There is no bread! There is no water! And we detest this miserable food!”

6 Then the LORD sent venomous snakes among them; they bit the people and many Israelites died. 7 The people came to Moses and said, “We sinned when we spoke against the LORD and against you. Pray that the LORD will take the snakes away from us.” So Moses prayed for the people.

8 The LORD said to Moses, “Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live.” 9 So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, they lived.

Expository Commentary

Verse 4 — Impatience of the Israelites: The people are traveling a longer route to avoid conflict with Edom. Their impatience reflects a common theme of grumbling against God's plans.

Verse 5 — Complaints Against God and Moses: The Israelites criticize the lack of resources and express disdain for the manna, the miraculous food provided by God. This represents a deeper spiritual discontent and ingratitude.

Verses 6-7 — Divine Punishment and Repentance: God's sending of serpents is a form of punishment for their lack of faith and ingratitude. The people's acknowledgment of their sin and Moses' intercession highlight themes of repentance and mediation.

Verse 8 — God's Provision for Healing: God instructs Moses to create a bronze serpent on a pole. This act prefigures the concept of salvation through faith. Looking at the serpent symbolizes trust in God's provision for healing and deliverance.

Verse 9 — Obedience and Faith: The obedience of Moses and the faith of the people in looking at the bronze serpent to be healed underscore the themes of obedience and faith as means to salvation.

Theological Implications:

• Judgment and Mercy: The passage demonstrates God's judgment on sin and His mercy in providing a means of restoration.

• Symbolism of the Bronze Serpent: The bronze serpent is seen as a Christological symbol in Christian theology, prefiguring Jesus' crucifixion (as referenced in John 3:14-15).

• Faith and Salvation: The act of looking at the bronze serpent represents faith in God's promises, a central tenet in both Jewish and Christian beliefs.

Conclusion: Numbers 21:4-9 encapsulates key themes of the Israelite's wilderness journey: human rebellion, divine judgment, repentance, and God's provision for salvation. It also has prophetic implications in the broader biblical narrative, pointing to the ultimate salvation in Christ.

A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22
God Delivers from Distress

Psalm 107 is a powerful song of thanksgiving and praise in the Bible, found in the Old Testament. This particular passage, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22, reflects on the steadfast love and deliverance of God. It speaks to the human experience of distress, the act of crying out to the Lord in times of trouble, and the wondrous relief and healing that comes from His intervention. As we prepare our hearts to delve into these verses, let us remember the countless ways in which God has shown His enduring love and faithfulness in our lives and in the history of His people.

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

2    Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, *
        Those he redeemed from trouble

3    And gathered in from the lands, *
        From the east and from the west,
        from the north and from the south.

17  Some were sick through their sinful ways, *
        And because of their iniquities endured affliction;

18  They loathed any kind of food, *
        And they drew near to the gates of death.

19  Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, *
        And he saved them from their distress;

20  He sent out his word and healed them, *
        And delivered them from destruction.

21  Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, *
        For his wonderful works to humankind.

22  And let them offer thanksgiving sacrifices, *
        And tell of his deeds with songs of joy.

Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude, echoing the psalmist's words, "O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His steadfast love endures forever." We rejoice in Your unending mercy and love that You have shown us, Your children, gathered from all corners of the earth.

Lord, in our moments of distress, when we were lost in our own wanderings, sick from our own doings, and afflicted because of our own sins, You heard our cries. In Your unfailing compassion, You delivered us from our distress, guiding us through the shadowed valleys and healing us with Your tender hand.

We praise You, O God, for Your wondrous works to humankind. You have satisfied our thirst and filled our hunger with good things. As we gather to thank You, we raise our voices in jubilant song and recount the deeds of Your love.

May we forever remember Your unfailing love and Your wonderful deeds, and may our lives be a continual offering of thanksgiving, proclaiming Your works with joy.

In Your holy name, we pray, Amen.

Second Reading
From the Epistles
Ephesians 2:1-10
Alive in Christ

Ephesians 2:1-10 offers a profound exploration of the themes of grace, salvation, and the transformation of human life through faith in Jesus Christ. This section begins by describing the state of humanity before receiving God's grace—living in transgressions and sins, and influenced by worldly temptations and desires. The passage then shifts to emphasize the immeasurable richness of God's mercy and love, demonstrating that it is by grace, not by human deeds, that salvation is received. This grace is a gift from God, rooted in faith, ensuring that no one can boast of their own efforts. The passage culminates in the declaration that believers are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared in advance for them to do. This part of Ephesians thus encapsulates the Christian doctrine of salvation by grace through faith, and the transformation that follows in a believer's life.

2 1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Expository Commentary

Ephesians 2:1-3 — The Condition of Humanity in Sin:*

• Verses 1-3 describe the spiritual state of individuals before they come to faith in Christ. It portrays humans as being 'dead in transgressions and sins', indicating a state of spiritual death and separation from God.

• The passage also speaks of living "in the passions of our flesh, following the desires of flesh and senses." This highlights the human tendency to be driven by base desires and self-centeredness, which is contrary to God's will.

• The phrase "children of wrath" suggests a natural state of alienation from God, emphasizing the seriousness of the human condition without divine intervention.

Ephesians 2:4-7 — God's Mercy and Love through Christ:

• These verses shift the focus to God's response to humanity's plight. The key phrase here is "But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us."

• The concept of being "made alive with Christ" signifies the transformation from a state of spiritual death to one of life. This is central to the Christian understanding of salvation.

• It also introduces the idea of grace—"by grace you have been saved." Grace here is understood as the unmerited favor of God, a gift that cannot be earned.

• The idea of being "raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus" suggests a radical change in status for believers, from being estranged from God to being in a place of honor.

Ephesians 2:8-10 — Salvation by Grace through Faith:

• Verses 8-9 are among the most quoted in the New Testament regarding the doctrine of salvation. It emphasizes that salvation is a gift from God, received through faith, and not a result of human works. This stresses the idea that no one can boast about earning their salvation.

• Verse 10 introduces the concept of good works in the life of a believer. While these works do not contribute to salvation, they are the fruit of a transformed life. Believers are described as "created in Christ Jesus for good works," indicating that good works are a part of God's purpose for those he saves.

• The phrase "which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life" suggests that God has a plan for each believer, which includes a life characterized by good works.

In summary, Ephesians 2:1-10 presents a comprehensive view of the Christian doctrine of salvation. It begins by describing the human condition of sin and alienation from God, then moves to God’s intervention through Christ, emphasizing that salvation is a gift of grace received through faith. Finally, it concludes with the role of good works as a natural outcome of a faith-filled life.

Today’s Gospel Reading

John 3:14-21
The Lifting Up of the Son of Man

In this profoundly significant passage, John 3:14-21, the Gospel of John presents a deep theological reflection on the nature of salvation and the role of Jesus Christ in redeeming humanity. The section begins with a symbolic reference to the Old Testament story of Moses lifting up the bronze serpent in the wilderness, drawing a parallel to the lifting up of the Son of Man, signifying Jesus' crucifixion. This act is presented as the ultimate demonstration of God's love for the world, offering eternal life to those who believe in Him. The passage further delves into the concept of light versus darkness, portraying Jesus as the light that has come into the world. It emphasizes the choice before humanity: to step into the light, embracing truth and faith, or to remain in darkness, indicative of evil deeds and rejection of God's word. This section of John's Gospel encapsulates the core message of Christian faith, focusing on faith, judgment, and the love of God as manifested in Jesus Christ.

3 14 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15 that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.”

16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. 19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.

Expository Commentary

John 3:14-15 — The Historical and Theological Context

• Verse 14 — Context and Imagery: This refers to the Old Testament story in Numbers 21:4-9, where Moses lifted a bronze serpent on a pole to heal the Israelites bitten by poisonous snakes. This prefigures Christ's crucifixion, symbolizing salvation and healing through Jesus.

•   Son of Man: A title Jesus uses for himself, emphasizing both his humanity and his divine role.

• Verse 15: "that whoever believes in him may have eternal life."

•   Belief and Eternal Life: This introduces a major theme in John's Gospel: faith in Jesus is the way to eternal life. The concept of 'believing' is not mere intellectual assent but involves trust and commitment.

John 3:16 — The Core of the Gospel

• Verse 16: "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life."

•   God's Love and the Gift of the Son: This famous verse emphasizes the vastness of God's love and the profound gift of Jesus for humanity's salvation.

•   Universal Scope: The phrase "the world" indicates the universality of God’s love and salvation, extending beyond any particular group.

John 3:17-18 — The Result of the Gift

• Verse 17: "Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him."

•   Purpose of Jesus' Mission: Contrary to expectations of judgment, Jesus' mission is one of salvation.

• Verse 18: "Those who believe in him are not condemned; but those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God."

•   Faith and Judgment: Belief in Jesus is presented as the decisive factor for salvation. Non-belief results in remaining in a state of condemnation, which is understood as separation from God.

John 3:19-21 — Living in the Light

• Verse 19: "And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil."

•   Light and Darkness: Jesus is the light that has come into the world. The preference for darkness symbolizes a rejection of Jesus and his teachings due to a commitment to evil deeds.

• Verse 20: "For all who do evil hate the light, and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed."

•   Moral Implications: Those who do evil avoid the truth and enlightenment that Jesus brings, as it reveals the true nature of their actions.

• Verse 21: "But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God."

•   Living in Truth: This verse emphasizes the positive aspect of coming to the light (Jesus) – it is not only about exposure of evil but also about affirming those who live in truth and righteousness, as their deeds reflect God’s work in their lives.

In summary, John 3:14-21 highlights the themes of salvation, faith, judgment, and the contrast between light and darkness. It underscores the universal scope of Jesus' mission and the transformative power of believing in him.

Here end the Readings

Lent A Prayer

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