The Sunday Lectionary
with Expository Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM
Sunday, February 25, 2024: Second Sunday in Lent
Covenant of Faith: Embracing the Promise
Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16; Psalm 22:23-31;
with Expository Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM
Sunday, February 25, 2024: Second Sunday in Lent
Covenant of Faith: Embracing the Promise
Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16; Psalm 22:23-31;
Romans 4:13-25; Mark 8:31-38
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Lent 2)
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Lent 2)
Lent A Season of Reflection
On this Second Sunday in Lent, we gather to reflect and deepen our spiritual journey as we continue to walk the solemn path towards Easter. This time serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of faith and the profound teachings of sacrifice and redemption. In this season of introspection and penance, we are called to embrace the challenges and blessings of Lent with open hearts. Through prayer, fasting, and acts of charity, we seek to grow closer to God, understanding more deeply the love and grace that guides us. Let us come together in worship and contemplation, as we seek to emulate the compassion and humility exemplified in the Lenten narrative.
Introduction
On this Second Sunday in Lent, our journey through the season of reflection and repentance brings us to a tapestry of scriptural narratives, each weaving a profound message of faith and divine promise. In Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, we encounter God's covenant with Abraham, a profound promise that shapes the very identity of God's people. Psalm 22:23-31 echoes with a song of praise, acknowledging the Lord's faithfulness and dominion over all nations. In Romans 4:13-25, Paul reflects on the nature of faith, using Abraham's unwavering trust in God's promises as a cornerstone for understanding righteousness. Finally, Mark 8:31-38 confronts us with the challenging teachings of Jesus about the cost of discipleship, inviting us to take up our cross and follow Him. Together, these passages invite us to ponder the depth of our own faith, challenging us to trust in God's promises and embrace the journey of Lent with hearts open to transformation.
Today’s Lectionary Readings
First Reading
From the Pentateuch
Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16
God Blesses Abraham and Sarah
First Reading
From the Pentateuch
Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16
God Blesses Abraham and Sarah
Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 is a pivotal passage in the Biblical narrative, marking a significant moment in the covenant relationship between God and Abraham. In these verses, God appears to Abraham, affirming his promise and establishing a perpetual covenant not only with him but also with his descendants. This covenant is symbolized through the changing of names, with Abram becoming Abraham, and Sarai becoming Sarah, reflecting their new roles as the ancestors of nations and kings. The passage emphasizes themes of faith, promise, and transformation, serving as a cornerstone in understanding the relationship between God and humanity in the Judeo-Christian tradition.17 1 When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, “I am God Almighty; walk before me faithfully and be blameless. 2 Then I will make my covenant between me and you and will greatly increase your numbers.”
3 Abram fell facedown, and God said to him, 4 “As for me, this is my covenant with you: You will be the father of many nations. 5 No longer will you be called Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations. 6 I will make you very fruitful; I will make nations of you, and kings will come from you. 7 I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you.
15 God also said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you are no longer to call her Sarai; her name will be Sarah. 16 I will bless her and will surely give you a son by her. I will bless her so that she will be the mother of nations; kings of peoples will come from her.”
Expository Commentary
Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 presents a foundational moment in the biblical narrative, rich with theological and symbolic significance. Let's break down these verses for a deeper understanding:
Verse 17:1 — "When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said to him, “I am El Shaddai; walk before me, and be blameless."
- Age of Abram: The mention of Abram's age (ninety-nine) emphasizes the extraordinary nature of the events that follow, underscoring the theme of divine intervention in human affairs.
- God’s Appearance and Name (El Shaddai): This is one of the few instances where God identifies Himself as "El Shaddai," traditionally understood as "God Almighty." This name signifies God's supreme power and authority.
Verses 17:2-7 — God's Covenant with Abram:
- Instruction to Abram: The call to "walk before me, and be blameless" is significant. It suggests a life lived in continuous presence and awareness of God, marked by integrity and moral uprightness.
- "I will make my covenant between me and you, and will make you exceedingly numerous.” (v.2): This initiates the covenant, highlighting the promise of numerous descendants, a central theme in Abram's story.
- "Abram fell on his face; and God said to him," (v.3): Abram's reaction, falling on his face, signifies deep reverence and submission to God's presence and words.
- "As for me, this is my covenant with you: You shall be the ancestor of a multitude of nations." (v.4): The covenant extends beyond personal blessing to a communal and even global scale.
- "No longer shall your name be Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you the ancestor of a multitude of nations." (v.5): The name change from Abram ("exalted father") to Abraham ("father of a multitude") symbolizes his role in God's plan.
Verses 17:15-16 — The Covenant Extended to Sarai:
- "I will establish my covenant between me and you, and your offspring after you throughout their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you." (v.7): This verse emphasizes the perpetual and unconditional nature of God's covenant.
- "As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name." (v.15): Sarai's name change to Sarah ("princess") signifies her vital role in the covenant.
In summary, Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 is a profound text that speaks of God's covenant with Abraham and Sarah, marking a transformation in their lives and setting the stage for the unfolding of a significant theological narrative in the Judeo-Christian tradition. It deals with themes of divine promise, human response, identity transformation, and the unfolding of God's plan for humanity.
- "I will bless her, and moreover I will give you a son by her. I will bless her, and she shall give rise to nations; kings of peoples shall come from her." (v.16): This promise includes Sarah directly in the covenant, highlighting the significance of her role in the divine plan. The mention of nations and kings descending from her underscores the magnitude of the blessing.
A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 22:23-31
All The Earth Shall Turn to God
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 22:23-31
All The Earth Shall Turn to God
In this profound passage from Psalm 22, verses 23 to 31, we find ourselves immersed in a message of profound hope and universal redemption. This section of the Psalm shifts from the earlier expressions of distress and desolation to a celebration of deliverance and God's enduring faithfulness. The psalmist calls on those who fear the Lord to praise Him, reflecting a journey from suffering to salvation. This passage powerfully conveys the message that God's dominion extends beyond the present struggles, encompassing all nations and future generations. It serves as a reminder that in the midst of trials and tribulations, there remains an unshakeable promise of divine intervention and grace, offering solace and strength to all believers.23 You who fear the LORD, praise him!
All you offspring of Jacob, glorify him; *
Stand in awe of him, all you offspring of Israel!
24 For he did not despise or abhor
the affliction of the afflicted; *
He did not hide his face from me,
but heard when I cried to him.
25 From you comes my praise in the great congregation; *
My vows I will pay before those who fear him.
26 The poor shall eat and be satisfied; *
Those who seek him shall praise the LORD.
May your hearts live forever!
27 All the ends of the earth shall remember
and turn to the LORD; *
And all the families of the nations
shall worship before him.
28 For dominion belongs to the LORD, *
And he rules over the nations.
29 To him, indeed, shall all who sleep in the earth bow down; *
Before him shall bow all who go down to the dust,
and I shall live for him.
30 Posterity will serve him; *
Future generations will be told about the LORD,
31 And proclaim his deliverance to a people yet unborn, *
Saying that he has done it.
Heavenly Father, we come to You with hearts full of gratitude, drawing inspiration from the words of Psalm 22, verses 23 to 31. We praise You, O Lord, for You have not despised or abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; nor have You hidden Your face from us, but when we cried to You for help, You heard.
Our praises belong to You in the great congregation; our vows we will perform in the presence of those who fear You. The poor shall eat and be satisfied; may those who seek You praise You. May their hearts live forever!
All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord; all the families of the nations shall worship before You. For dominion belongs to You, O Lord, and You rule over the nations.
To You, indeed, shall all who sleep in the earth bow down; before You shall bow all who go down to the dust, and I shall live for You. Posterity will serve You; future generations will be told about the Lord, and proclaim His deliverance to a people yet unborn, saying that He has done it.
In Your grace and mercy, hear our prayer, O Lord. Amen.
Romans 4:13-25 is a profound passage where the Apostle Paul delves into the nature of faith and the promise given to Abraham and his descendants. Paul argues that it was not through adherence to the law that Abraham and his descendants were to inherit the world, but through the righteousness of faith. This passage emphasizes that the promise is not exclusive to those who follow the law but extends to all who share Abraham's faith, whether they are of the law or not. Paul highlights that faith is credited as righteousness and discusses the unwavering faith of Abraham in God's promises, despite his old age and the barrenness of Sarah. The passage concludes by relating this faith to Christian belief in Jesus Christ, who was handed over to death for our trespasses and raised for our justification, reinforcing the concept of faith as central to Christian doctrine and salvation.4 13 It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. 14 For if those who depend on the law are heirs, faith means nothing and the promise is worthless, 15 because the law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression.
16 Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. 17 As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.” He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not.
18 Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” 19 Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. 20 Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21 being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. 22 This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.” 23 The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone, 24 but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. 25 He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.
Expository Commentary
Romans 4:13-25 is a rich and theologically dense passage. Here's an expository commentary, breaking down the verses:
Verses 13-15 — The Promise to Abraham and His Descendants: Paul asserts that Abraham's righteousness and the promise of being a world heir did not come from the law but through faith. He argues that if adherence to the law was the basis for inheritance, faith would be meaningless, and the promise nullified. The law, Paul states, brings wrath; where there is no law, there is no violation. This emphasizes the distinction between law and faith in God's promise.
Verses 16-17 — The Promise Rests on Grace: These verses emphasize that the promise comes by grace and through faith for it to be assured to all descendants of Abraham. This includes not only those who adhere to the law (Jews) but also those who share Abraham's faith (Gentiles). Abraham is presented as the father of many nations, as God had stated. Paul underscores that God, who brings the dead to life and calls into existence things that do not exist, gave this promise.
Verses 18-22 — God's Promise Believed in Hope: Here, Paul describes Abraham's unwavering faith. Despite his old age and Sarah's barrenness, Abraham believed in hope that he would become the father of many nations, as promised by God. His faith did not weaken, even though the fulfillment of God's promise seemed humanly impossible. His unwavering belief in God's promise was "reckoned to him as righteousness."
Verses 23-25 — Righteousness through Faith for All: Paul concludes by extending Abraham's experience to all believers. The righteousness that was reckoned to Abraham is not for him alone but also for those who believe in God, who raised Jesus from the dead. Jesus, handed over to death for our trespasses and raised for our justification, is central to Christian faith. This passage solidifies the doctrine that faith in Christ leads to righteousness and salvation, just as Abraham's faith led to righteousness.
In this passage, Paul masterfully weaves the story of Abraham's faith with the Christian message of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. He highlights the continuity of God's plan from Abraham to Christ, emphasizing that righteousness comes from faith, not law, and is available to all who believe.
The passage Mark 8:31-38 presents a pivotal moment in the ministry of Jesus Christ. In these verses, Jesus begins to teach his disciples about the suffering, rejection, and eventual death he must endure, along with his resurrection after three days. This section confronts the disciples' expectations and understanding of the Messiah, especially as Peter rebukes Jesus for such predictions, only to be rebuked himself for not setting his mind on divine things. The passage concludes with Jesus addressing the crowd and his disciples about the cost of discipleship, emphasizing the paradox of losing one's life to save it and the value of one's soul compared to the world. This passage challenges readers to consider the true nature and cost of following Jesus, juxtaposing worldly gains with spiritual truths.8 31 He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again. 32 He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.
33 But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. “Get behind me, Satan!” he said. “You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”
34 Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 35 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. 36 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? 37 Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? 38 If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.”
Expository Commentary
The passage Mark 8:31-38 is rich in theological and spiritual insights. Here's an expository commentary breaking down these verses:
Mark 8:31: Jesus begins to teach his disciples that he must undergo great suffering, be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. This is the first of three passion predictions in Mark's Gospel. Jesus outlines his impending suffering and death, challenging common Messianic expectations of a triumphant, earthly ruler.
Mark 8:32: Jesus speaks openly about his fate, emphasizing the certainty and necessity of these events. Peter's reaction to rebuke Jesus reflects a misunderstanding of the Messiah's role and a reluctance to accept suffering as part of God's plan.
Mark 8:33: Jesus’ rebuke of Peter is stern. He identifies Peter's statement as a temptation, a hindrance akin to Satan's, because it focuses on human concerns over divine. This highlights the tension between divine purpose and human expectations.
Mark 8:34: Jesus then addresses the crowd and his disciples, teaching about the demands of discipleship. He invites anyone who wishes to follow him to "deny themselves and take up their cross." This means to reject self-centered living and be willing to endure suffering or persecution for being his follower.
Mark 8:35: This verse presents a paradox: those who seek to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for Jesus' sake, and for the gospel, will save it. This is a call to spiritual self-denial, where the true life is found in giving up one’s selfish desires and ambitions for the sake of the gospel.
Mark 8:36-37: Jesus poses rhetorical questions to emphasize the futility of gaining the whole world at the cost of one's soul. This is a stark contrast between worldly wealth and eternal values, underscoring the infinite value of the soul compared to earthly riches.
Mark 8:38: Jesus concludes with a warning about the consequences of being ashamed of him and his words. This shame implies a refusal to bear the cross or a denial of Jesus in the face of worldly opposition. He connects this with the concept of the Son of Man's return in glory, suggesting a future judgment where faithfulness to Jesus will be vindicated.
In summary, Mark 8:31-38 confronts the reader with the core Christian tenets of self-denial, the inevitability of suffering in Christian discipleship, and the eternal perspective that prioritizes spiritual over worldly gains. Jesus challenges both the crowd and modern readers to reconsider their understanding of success, sacrifice, and commitment to the gospel.
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
