The Sunday Lectionary
with Expository Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM
Sunday, February 18, 2024: First Sunday in Lent
Covenant, Guidance, Salvation, and Wilderness:
with Expository Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM
Sunday, February 18, 2024: First Sunday in Lent
Covenant, Guidance, Salvation, and Wilderness:
A Journey Through Faith
Genesis 9:8-17; Psalm 25:1-10; 1 Peter 3:18-22; Mark 1:9-15
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Lent 1)
Genesis 9:8-17; Psalm 25:1-10; 1 Peter 3:18-22; Mark 1:9-15
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Lent 1)
Lent A Season of Reflection
The First Sunday in Lent marks the beginning of a 40-day period of penitence and spiritual renewal in the Christian liturgical calendar. Coinciding with the desert journey of Jesus, where he fasted and faced temptation, this day sets the tone for Lenten observances. Christians around the world use this time for introspection, prayer, and fasting, echoing Jesus' time of testing in the wilderness. The scripture readings and liturgical practices on this day often emphasize themes of repentance, resistance to temptation, and the faithfulness of God. This solemn yet hopeful period invites believers to deepen their faith and prepare their hearts for the celebration of Easter.
Introduction
This collection of scriptural passages from Genesis 9:8-17, Psalm 25:1-10, 1 Peter 3:18-22, and Mark 1:9-15 takes us on a profound journey through key themes of the Christian faith. In Genesis, we witness God's covenant with Noah, symbolized by the rainbow, as a promise of never again destroying the earth with a flood. Psalm 25 offers a heartfelt plea for guidance and forgiveness, reflecting a deep trust in God's steadfast love and faithfulness. The passage from 1 Peter delves into the theme of salvation, linking Christ's suffering to our redemption and the promise of eternal life. Lastly, Mark's account of Jesus' baptism, temptation in the wilderness, and the beginning of his ministry encapsulates the human experience of preparation, trial, and the proclamation of God's kingdom. Together, these scriptures invite reflection on the enduring themes of God's promises, the quest for divine direction, the transformative power of suffering, and the challenges of faithful living.
Today’s Lectionary Readings
First Reading
From the Pentateuch
Genesis 9:8-17
The Rainbow Sign of God’s Covenant
First Reading
From the Pentateuch
Genesis 9:8-17
The Rainbow Sign of God’s Covenant
Genesis 9:8-17 presents a pivotal moment in the narrative of the Bible. This passage describes God's covenant with Noah following the great flood. In this covenant, God makes a promise to Noah, his descendants, and every living creature that never again will all flesh be cut off by the waters of a flood, and never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth. This covenant is marked by the sign of a rainbow, set in the clouds as a symbol of the perpetual agreement between God and all life on Earth. The passage underscores the themes of divine mercy and the sanctity of life, emphasizing the enduring relationship between the Creator and His creation.9 8 Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him, 9 “As for me, I am establishing my covenant with you and your descendants after you, 10 and with every living creature that is with you, the birds, the domestic animals, and every animal of the earth with you, as many as came out of the ark. 11 I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of a flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.” 12 God said, “This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: 13 I have set my bow in the clouds, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. 14 When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, 15 I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. 16 When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.” 17 God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between me and all flesh that is on the earth.”
Expository Commentary
Verses 8-10: These verses establish the beginning of God's covenant. It's significant that God addresses not only Noah and his sons but also every living creature. This inclusivity shows that the covenant extends beyond humanity to all of creation.
Verse 11: This is a key verse where God promises never again to destroy all living creatures with a flood. It's a promise of restraint and mercy, showing a shift in how God interacts with creation post-flood.
Verses 12-1: The rainbow is introduced as a sign of this covenant. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, a bow was often seen as a weapon. Here, it's as if God hangs up the bow, symbolizing the end of divine warfare against creation. The rainbow serves as a reminder to both God and humanity of this everlasting covenant.
Verses 14-15: The verses reinforce the significance of the rainbow as a reminder. Every time it appears, it reminds God of the promise made to all living creatures. This is unique in that it portrays God as engaging in an active process of remembrance.
Verses 16-17: The covenant is again affirmed as eternal and unbreakable. The repetition emphasizes its importance and the assurance that God will not forget this promise.
Overall, this passage marks a pivotal moment in the narrative of Genesis. It's about God's mercy, the promise of protection, and the establishment of a relationship with all of creation, not just humanity. The use of the rainbow as a sign is particularly powerful, symbolizing peace and the enduring nature of God's promises.
A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 25:1-10
Your Paths are Love and Faithfulness
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 25:1-10
Your Paths are Love and Faithfulness
Psalm 25, a deeply personal prayer of David, is an earnest plea for God's guidance and protection. In verses 1-10, David expresses his unwavering trust in the Lord, despite facing adversaries and personal anxieties. This section of the Psalm resonates with themes of seeking divine direction, understanding God's ways, and a heartfelt desire for forgiveness. As we delve into these verses, we find a profound acknowledgment of God's steadfast love and faithfulness. It's a passage that speaks to the heart of those yearning for a closer walk with God amidst life's challenges.1 To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul.
2 O my God, in you I trust; *
Do not let me be put to shame;
do not let my enemies exult over me.
3 Do not let those who wait for you be put to shame; *
Let them be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.
4 Make me to know your ways, O LORD; *
Teach me your paths.
5 Lead me in your truth, and teach me,
for you are the God of my salvation; *
For you I wait all day long.
6 Be mindful of your mercy, O LORD, and of your steadfast love, *
For they have been from of old.
7 Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions; *
According to your steadfast love remember me,
for your goodness’ sake, O LORD!
8 Good and upright is the LORD; *
Therefore he instructs sinners in the way.
9 He leads the humble in what is right, *
And teaches the humble his way.
10 All the paths of the LORD are steadfast love and faithfulness, *
For those who keep his covenant and his decrees.
Heavenly Father, in the spirit of Psalm 25, I lift up my soul to You. In You, I trust, O Lord; let me not be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me. Indeed, none who wait for You shall be put to shame; they shall be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.
Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; for You I wait all day long. Remember Your mercy, O Lord, and Your steadfast love, for they have been from of old. Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to Your steadfast love remember me, for the sake of Your goodness, O Lord!
Good and upright are You; therefore You instruct sinners in the way. You lead the humble in what is right, and teach the humble Your way. All Your paths, O Lord, are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep Your covenant and Your decrees.
In Your name, Amen.
1 Peter 3:18-22 is a theologically profound and complex passage that delves into the heart of Christian doctrine and soteriology. This segment of Scripture eloquently encapsulates the essence of Christ's sacrificial role, His resurrection, and the profound spiritual implications for believers. It presents a vivid juxtaposition of Christ's suffering in the flesh and His triumph in the spirit, while intertwining these themes with the symbolic narrative of Noah and the ark. This passage serves as a bridge between Old Testament imagery and New Testament salvation, underlining the transformative power of baptism and the overarching theme of redemption. It is a cornerstone text that offers deep insights into early Christian understanding of Jesus' death, resurrection, and His exalted status in the heavenly realms, making it a crucial study for those seeking to comprehend the core beliefs of Christian faith.3 18 For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit, 19 in which also he went and made a proclamation to the spirits in prison, 20 who in former times did not obey, when God waited patiently in the days of Noah, during the building of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were saved through water. 21 And baptism, which this prefigured, now saves you—not as a removal of dirt from the body, but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers made subject to him.
Expository Commentary
Verse 18: This verse highlights the core Christian belief of atonement. It emphasizes the sacrificial death of Christ, who is seen as the righteous one suffering for the unrighteous. The purpose of this sacrificial death is to reconcile humanity to God. The contrast between being 'put to death in the flesh' and 'made alive in the spirit' refers to the Christian belief in the resurrection.
Verse 19: This verse is theologically dense and has been subject to various interpretations. It suggests that after his death, Christ went and preached to the 'spirits in prison'. This is often interpreted as Christ's descent into hell or Hades, where he proclaimed victory over death to the spirits of the deceased.
Verse 20: This verse connects the time of Noah to Christ's proclamation. The 'spirits' are those who were disobedient during Noah's time. The reference to Noah and the ark is symbolic of salvation and God's patience. The ark, which saved eight people through water, prefigures baptism and the Christian concept of salvation.
Verse 21: Here, baptism is directly linked to the themes mentioned earlier. It's not merely a physical act but a spiritual appeal to God for a clean conscience. The saving power of baptism is tied to the belief in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, reinforcing the central Christian doctrine of salvation through faith in Christ.
Verse 22:This verse concludes with the exaltation of Christ. After his resurrection, Christ ascends to heaven, where he sits at the right hand of God, a position of honor and authority. The reference to angels, authorities, and powers suggests Christ's dominion over all celestial and earthly realms.
Summary: 1 Peter 3:18-22 is a complex passage that weaves together themes of atonement, resurrection, salvation, and Christ's ultimate authority and victory. It uses the story of Noah as a typology for Christian baptism, emphasizing the spiritual transformation and salvation that comes through faith in Christ. This passage is crucial for understanding early Christian interpretations of Jesus' death and resurrection and its significance for believers.
Mark 1:9-15 opens with a pivotal moment in the life of Jesus Christ, as He emerges from obscurity in Nazareth to embark on His divine mission. The passage begins with the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist in the Jordan River, where the heavens dramatically part, the Holy Spirit descends, and God the Father declares Jesus as His beloved Son. This profound event marks the inauguration of Jesus' public ministry, but immediately thereafter, the Spirit leads Him into the wilderness, where He faces forty days of testing, revealing His victory over temptation. As John the Baptist is arrested, Jesus returns to Galilee, heralding the arrival of the Kingdom of God and calling for repentance and belief in the good news. These verses serve as a powerful introduction to the Gospel of Mark, setting the stage for the transformative journey of Jesus and His message of salvation.2 9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. 11 And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”
12 And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. 13 He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him.
14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.”
Expository Commentary
Verse 9: In this verse, we see the introduction of Jesus, who comes from Nazareth in Galilee. He seeks out John the Baptist to be baptized in the Jordan River. This act of baptism symbolizes Jesus' initiation into His ministry and His identification with humanity.
Verse 10: As Jesus emerges from the water, a significant event occurs. The heavens are "torn apart," signifying a divine revelation. The Holy Spirit descends upon Jesus in the form of a dove, marking the beginning of His public ministry and confirming His divine mission.
Verse 11: This verse is a powerful declaration from God the Father. He acknowledges Jesus as His Son and expresses His pleasure and approval. This moment serves as a divine confirmation of Jesus' identity and mission.
Verse 12: Following His baptism and divine affirmation, Jesus is compelled by the Holy Spirit to enter the wilderness. This period of testing and solitude is a crucial part of His preparation for the ministry that lies ahead.
Verse 13: During these forty days in the wilderness, Jesus faces temptation from Satan. This mirrors the Israelites' forty years in the wilderness and showcases Jesus' victory over sin and temptation. The presence of wild beasts highlights His mastery over the natural world. Additionally, angels minister to Him, demonstrating God's care and support.
Verse 14: With John the Baptist's arrest, Jesus begins His public ministry. He returns to Galilee, His home region, and starts preaching the "good news of God." This marks the commencement of His mission to proclaim the Kingdom of God.
Verse 15: In this verse, Jesus declares that the long-awaited time has arrived, and the Kingdom of God is at hand. He calls people to repentance, inviting them to turn away from sin and embrace the good news of salvation through faith. This message sets the tone for His ministry, emphasizing the need for a change of heart and a belief in the message He brings.
In these verses, we witness the significant events that marked the beginning of Jesus' earthly ministry: His baptism, the divine affirmation of His identity, His wilderness testing, and the commencement of His public proclamation of the Kingdom of God. These verses lay the foundation for the unfolding narrative of Jesus' ministry in the Gospel of Mark.
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
