The Daily Lectionary with Commentary for Saturday, April 20, 2024

 

The Daily Lectionary
With Expository Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM
Saturday, April 20, 2024

Guidance, Blessing, and Compassion

Psalm 23; Genesis 48:8-19; Mark 6:30-34
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Easter 4)

Introduction

Psalm 23, Genesis 48:8-19, and Mark 6:30-34 collectively offer a profound exploration of the themes of divine guidance, blessing, and compassion. Psalm 23, known for its comforting depiction of the Lord as a shepherd, assures believers of God's continuous guidance and provision even in the darkest of times. Genesis 48:8-19 portrays Jacob's blessings upon Joseph's sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, highlighting the theme of inheritance and the passing down of God’s promises through generations. In Mark 6:30-34, we witness Jesus' deep compassion as he attends to the needs of the crowds, teaching them and providing spiritual leadership. Together, these passages underscore the multifaceted ways in which divine leadership manifests—as a guiding shepherd, a bestower of blessings, and a compassionate teacher—offering reassurance and direction to the faithful in their spiritual journey.

Psalm 23
God our Shepherd

Psalm 23 is one of the most cherished and widely known psalms, offering comfort and hope to countless believers through its depiction of the Lord as a shepherd. This brief but profound text, attributed to King David, employs the metaphor of a shepherd guiding and caring for his sheep to express God's protective and provident relationship with His people. As the psalmist walks through valleys and faces adversity, the assurance of God's presence, guidance, and bounty provides a powerful message of divine companionship and trust. Psalm 23's timeless appeal lies in its evocative imagery and the deep sense of security and peace it imparts to its readers, making it a frequent choice for religious services, personal reflection, and times of distress.

1    The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want.
2        He makes me lie down in green pastures;
    he leads me beside still waters;
3        he restores my soul.
    He leads me in right paths
        for his name’s sake.

4    Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
        I fear no evil;
    for you are with me;
        your rod and your staff—
        they comfort me.

5    You prepare a table before me
        in the presence of my enemies;
    you anoint my head with oil;
        my cup overflows.
6    Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
        all the days of my life,
    and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD
        my whole life long.

Expository Commentary

Verse 1: This verse introduces the central metaphor of the Psalm: God as a shepherd. The imagery of a shepherd in biblical times conveys a sense of guidance, provision, and care. The phrase "I shall not want" signifies contentment and assurance in God's provision, suggesting that with God, all essential needs are met.

Verse 2: This verse continues the pastoral imagery, depicting a scene of tranquility and abundance. "Green pastures" symbolize a place of nourishment and rest, while "still waters" represent peace and refreshment for the soul. The verse emphasizes God's role in leading one to places of spiritual sustenance and rest.

Verse 3: The phrase "he restores my soul" suggests a renewal or revitalization provided by God. The "right paths" are indicative of a life lived in righteousness and moral integrity, guided by God's will. The phrase "for his name's sake" implies that this guidance is part of God's character and commitment to His people.

Verse 4: Here, the tone shifts to facing adversity. "The darkest valley" (traditionally "the valley of the shadow of death") symbolizes the most profound and challenging trials in life. The absence of fear is attributed to God's presence. The "rod and staff" are tools of the shepherd, symbolizing protection and guidance, respectively, offering comfort in the midst of trials.

Verse 5: This verse changes the metaphor slightly, with God portrayed as a gracious host. The "table" signifies provision and abundance, even in the presence of adversaries. The act of anointing the head with oil is a sign of honor, blessing, and hospitality. "My cup overflows" suggests abundant blessings beyond basic needs.

Verse 6: The Psalm concludes with a statement of confidence and hope. "Goodness and mercy" are seen as constant companions in the life of the believer, a testament to God's enduring faithfulness. The final promise, "I shall dwell in the house of the Lord," expresses a desire for eternal fellowship with God, reflecting a deep sense of trust and commitment.

Psalm 23 elegantly combines imagery of pastoral care and divine hospitality to convey a message of trust, provision, protection, and eternal hope in God. It remains a profound source of comfort and assurance for believers, encapsulating key aspects of the human relationship with the divine.

Genesis 48:8-19
God Has Been My Shepherd

Genesis 48:8-19 presents a deeply symbolic and significant moment in the patriarchal narrative of the Israelites. This passage describes an encounter between Jacob, also known as Israel, and his grandsons, Ephraim and Manasseh, who are the sons of Joseph. In this poignant episode, Jacob, now old and nearing the end of his life, bestows blessings upon his grandsons in a manner that defies traditional expectations. The act of blessing involves laying on of hands, a ritual that holds profound spiritual and familial significance. The passage highlights themes of providence, the reversal of human expectations, and the continuation of God's promises through generations, showcasing the intricate dynamics of faith, tradition, and God’s plans unfolding in the lives of Jacob's descendants.

48 8 When Israel saw Joseph’s sons, he said, “Who are these?” 9 Joseph said to his father, “They are my sons, whom God has given me here.” And he said, “Bring them to me, please, that I may bless them.” 10 Now the eyes of Israel were dim with age, and he could not see well. So Joseph brought them near him; and he kissed them and embraced them. 11 Israel said to Joseph, “I did not expect to see your face; and here God has let me see your children also.” 12 Then Joseph removed them from his father’s knees, and he bowed himself with his face to the earth. 13 Joseph took them both, Ephraim in his right hand toward Israel’s left, and Manasseh in his left hand toward Israel’s right, and brought them near him. 14 But Israel stretched out his right hand and laid it on the head of Ephraim, who was the younger, and his left hand on the head of Manasseh, crossing his hands, for Manasseh was the firstborn. 15 He blessed Joseph, and said,

    “The God before whom my ancestors Abraham and Isaac walked,
    the God who has been my shepherd all my life to this day,
16  the angel who has redeemed me from all harm, bless the boys;
    and in them let my name be perpetuated, and the name of my

    ancestors Abraham and Isaac;
    and let them grow into a multitude on the earth.”

17 When Joseph saw that his father laid his right hand on the head of Ephraim, it displeased him; so he took his father’s hand, to remove it from Ephraim’s head to Manasseh’s head. 18 Joseph said to his father, “Not so, my father! Since this one is the firstborn, put your right hand on his head.” 19 But his father refused, and said, “I know, my son, I know; he also shall become a people, and he also shall be great. Nevertheless his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his offspring shall become a multitude of nations.”

Expository Commentary

Verse 8: This question sets the stage for a formal recognition and blessing of Joseph's sons. Jacob's failing eyesight is symbolic of his old age and possibly of spiritual discernment.

Verse 9: Joseph acknowledges God's hand in his life, attributing his blessings, including his sons, to divine providence.

Verse 10: This physical detail mirrors Isaac’s blindness in Genesis 27, hinting at a reversal of the expected blessing, as Jacob himself had deceived his blind father.

Verse 11: Jacob expresses his gratitude and amazement at God's faithfulness, having thought he would never see Joseph again.

Verse 12: Joseph shows deep respect for his father, aligning with the cultural norms of honoring one's parents and elders.

Verse 13-14: Joseph presents his sons for the blessing, but Jacob crosses his arms, placing his right hand on Ephraim (the younger) and his left on Manasseh (the firstborn). This action is deliberate and signifies a departure from the traditional blessing where the right hand, denoting greater honor, would be on the elder son.

Verse 15-16: Jacob blesses Joseph through his sons, invoking the names of Abraham and Isaac, and referring to the "Angel who has redeemed me from all harm." This blessing links the boys to the covenant promises made to Jacob’s ancestors and acknowledges divine protection and guidance in Jacob's life.

Verse 17-18: Joseph tries to correct what he perceives as a mistake due to his father's poor sight. He attempts to switch Jacob’s hands, to follow the customary practice of the elder son receiving the primary blessing.

Verse 19: Jacob refuses, insisting that his actions are intentional. He prophesies that while Manasseh will also become great, Ephraim will be greater, and his descendants will form a multitude of nations. This prophecy foretells the future prominence of Ephraim in Israel's history.

This passage is rich in themes of faith, divine providence, and the subversion of human expectations. It underscores the idea that God's plans and blessings do not always align with human traditions or expectations, and it highlights the importance of faith and obedience in the unfolding of God’s covenantal promises.

Mark 6:30-34
Like Sheep Without a Shepherd

Mark 6:30-34 presents a vivid scene where Jesus Christ's compassion and understanding of human needs are on full display. In these verses, the disciples reunite with Jesus, sharing the stories of their recent missionary journeys. Amidst their enthusiastic recounting, Jesus, perceiving their exhaustion, suggests they retreat to a secluded place for rest. However, their quest for solitude is interrupted as a large crowd, yearning for Jesus' teachings and presence, gathers around them. This passage highlights Jesus' profound empathy, as despite his own need for rest and the disciples' fatigue, he looks upon the crowd with deep compassion, likening them to sheep without a shepherd, and begins to teach them. This narrative not only underscores the tireless commitment of Jesus to his ministry but also reflects his deep sensitivity to the physical and spiritual needs of the people.

6 30 The apostles gathered around Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught. 31 He said to them, “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. 32 And they went away in the boat to a deserted place by themselves. 33 Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they hurried there on foot from all the towns and arrived ahead of them. 34 As he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.

Expository Commentary

Verse 30: This verse sets the scene. The apostles, returning from their missionary journeys, gather around Jesus. Their approach to Jesus and eagerness to report back suggests a close, mentor-disciple relationship. This also marks a transition from active ministry to a period of reflection and rest, highlighting the importance of sharing experiences and learnings in spiritual journeys.

Verse 31: Jesus' response underscores the need for balance between active service and rest. His invitation to a deserted place signifies a retreat for physical and spiritual rejuvenation. This verse also subtly indicates the continuous demands placed on Jesus and his disciples, emphasizing the incessant nature of their ministry.

Verse 32: The apostles’ immediate compliance with Jesus’ suggestion demonstrates their trust and respect for his guidance. The use of a boat to find solitude also symbolizes a departure from the worldly chaos to a space of peace and reflection, a common theme in Christian spirituality.

Verse 33: This verse illustrates the immense popularity of Jesus and his disciples. The people's ability to recognize and eagerly follow them reflects the significant impact of their ministry. Their haste and effort to reach Jesus imply a deep hunger for spiritual guidance and teaching.

Verse 34: The climax of this passage reveals Jesus' profound compassion and commitment to his mission. The metaphor of the crowd being "like sheep without a shepherd" is powerful, evoking imagery of guidance, care, and protection that a shepherd provides. Jesus' reaction to teach them, despite the intended retreat, shows his selfless dedication to the spiritual nourishment of the people. This verse encapsulates the essence of Jesus' ministry – a relentless endeavor to fulfill the spiritual needs of humanity.

In summary, Mark 6:30-34 presents a compelling narrative of Jesus' ministry, highlighting themes of mentorship, the balance between work and rest, the popularity and impact of Jesus' teachings, and, most importantly, the profound compassion that drives his 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 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