The Sunday Lectionary
with Expository Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM
Sunday, March 17, 2024: Fifth Sunday in Lent
Embracing the Promise of a New Covenant
Jeremiah 31:31-34; Psalm 51:1-12;
with Expository Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM
Sunday, March 17, 2024: Fifth Sunday in Lent
Embracing the Promise of a New Covenant
Jeremiah 31:31-34; Psalm 51:1-12;
Hebrews 5:5-10; John 12:20-33
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Lent 5)
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Lent 5)
Lent — A Season of Reflection
Introduction
As we journey through the Fifth Sunday in Lent, our scripture readings — Jeremiah 31:31-34, Psalm 51:1-12, Hebrews 5:5-10, and John 12:20-33 — invite us into a profound contemplation of renewal, redemption, and the transformative power of faith. In Jeremiah, we encounter the divine promise of a new covenant, not written on stone, but etched upon the hearts of the people, signifying an intimate and unbreakable bond between God and humanity. The penitential cries of Psalm 51 echo with a longing for cleansing and restoration, reminding us of God's boundless mercy and our constant need for spiritual rejuvenation. The letter to the Hebrews reveals the depth of Christ's obedience and suffering, portraying him as the ultimate high priest who paves our path to salvation. Finally, in the Gospel of John, we are presented with the paradox of life through death, as Jesus anticipates his crucifixion, offering a profound lesson on the cost of glorification and the mystery of eternal life. Together, these passages weave a tapestry of hope and challenge, guiding us to reflect on the enduring significance of God's promises and the transformative journey of Lent.
Today’s Lectionary Readings
First Reading
From the Prophetic Books
Jeremiah 31:31-34
A New Covenant Written on the Heart
First Reading
From the Prophetic Books
Jeremiah 31:31-34
A New Covenant Written on the Heart
Jeremiah 31:31-34 is a profoundly significant passage within the book of Jeremiah, one of the major prophets in the Old Testament. This section, often referred to as the "New Covenant" passage, heralds a momentous shift in the relationship between God and His people. It promises the establishment of a new covenant, distinct from the one made with their ancestors when God led them out of Egypt. This new covenant is characterized by a deep, internal transformation, where laws are written on hearts rather than stone tablets. It emphasizes a direct, personal relationship with God, where knowledge of Him is universal and intimate. The passage is remarkable for its forward-looking perspective, offering hope and a future vision of reconciliation and spiritual renewal.31 31 The days are surely coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. 32 It will not be like the covenant that I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt—a covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, says the LORD. 33 But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 34 No longer shall they teach one another, or say to each other, “Know the LORD,” for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, says the LORD; for I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their sin no more.
Expository Commentary
Verse 31: "The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah."
- Context: This promise comes during a time of despair for the Israelites, particularly in the backdrop of the Babylonian exile. Jeremiah, known as the "weeping prophet," often brings messages of judgment and restoration.
- New Covenant: The concept of a "new covenant" is significant. It contrasts with the Mosaic covenant given at Sinai, suggesting a radical change in God’s relationship with His people.
Verse 32: "It will not be like the covenant that I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt—a covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, says the Lord."
- House of Israel and Judah: This indicates a unification of the divided kingdoms of Israel (Northern Kingdom) and Judah (Southern Kingdom), pointing towards a future restoration.
- Contrast with Mosaic Covenant: This verse makes a direct contrast with the covenant made at Sinai. While the Sinai covenant was based on obedience to the Law (Torah), the new covenant would be different, implying a more intimate and personal relationship with God.
Verse 33: "But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people."
- Biblical Imagery: The imagery of God as a husband to Israel highlights a deep, personal relationship. It also underscores Israel’s failure to be faithful to this relationship.
- Internal Law: The key change in the new covenant is the location of the law – “within them” and “on their hearts.” This suggests an internalization of God's will, as opposed to external adherence to laws and commands.
Verse 34: "No longer shall they teach one another, or say to each other, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, says the Lord; for I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their sin no more."
- Relationship: The phrase “I will be their God, and they shall be my people” is a covenant formula seen throughout the Bible, emphasizing a deep and personal relationship between God and His people.
- Universal Knowledge of God: This verse suggests a time when knowledge of God will be universal and direct, not reliant on intermediaries. It speaks to a deep, personal understanding of God by all individuals.
In summary, these verses from Jeremiah 31:31-34 announce a significant shift from the old covenant based on the law to a new covenant based on a deep, internal, and personal relationship with God. This passage is often interpreted as prophetic of the coming of Christ and the establishment of a new covenant through His ministry and sacrifice. It highlights themes of restoration, forgiveness, and a more intimate connection with the divine.
- Forgiveness and Redemption: The promise of forgiveness and God’s choice to “remember their sin no more” is crucial. It speaks of a complete restoration and renewal of the relationship between God and His people, based on grace and forgiveness.
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
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.
Heavenly Father, on this Fifth Sunday in Lent, we gather in humble reflection, guided by the words of Psalm 51. In your infinite mercy, blot out our transgressions and wash us thoroughly from our iniquity. We acknowledge our sins, which are ever before us, and seek your forgiveness.
Create in us clean hearts, O God, and renew a right spirit within us. Cast us not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from us. Restore to us the joy of your salvation and uphold us with a willing spirit.
In this Lenten season, as we journey towards the cross, let us embrace the spirit of repentance and renewal. May we find strength in your grace and wisdom in your Word. Lead us on a path that reflects your love and righteousness.
Through the trials we face, remind us of your steadfast love and abundant mercy. Help us to understand our frailties and to rely on your unending strength. Teach us to be instruments of your peace and agents of your grace in a world in need.
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.”
Hebrews 5:5-10 delves into the profound themes of Christ's priesthood, comparing it to that of Melchizedek, a figure shrouded in mystery within the Old Testament. These verses emphasize that Jesus did not assume this high honor for Himself, but was appointed by God, highlighting the theme of obedience and humility. The passage poignantly illustrates how Christ, despite being the Son of God, learned obedience through suffering and became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him. This section not only reinforces the divinity and humanity of Jesus but also underscores the unique and eternal nature of His priesthood, distinct from the Levitical priesthood of the Old Testament.5 5 So also Christ did not glorify himself in becoming a high priest, but was appointed by the one who said to him,
“You are my Son,
today I have begotten you”;
6 as he says also in another place,
“You are a priest forever,
according to the order of Melchizedek.”
7 In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. 8 Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered; 9 and having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him, 10 having been designated by God a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.
Expository Commentary
Verses 5-6: Christ's Appointment by God
- Verse 5: This verse emphasizes that Jesus did not appoint Himself as a high priest, a role central to Jewish religious life. Instead, His appointment came directly from God, indicating divine authority and legitimacy. The quotation, "You are my Son, today I have begotten you," is from Psalm 2:7, suggesting Jesus's divine sonship and messianic role.
Verses 7-8: Christ's Humanity and Obedience
- Verse 6: This is a reference to Psalm 110:4, introducing Melchizedek, a mysterious and eternal priestly figure. By aligning Jesus with Melchizedek, the author suggests that Christ's priesthood is eternal and not bound by the limitations of the Levitical priesthood.
- Verse 7: This verse highlights Jesus's humanity, showing Him experiencing deep emotions and engaging in fervent prayer. It points to the Garden of Gethsemane experience, where Jesus prayed earnestly before His crucifixion. His prayers were heard, not by sparing Him from death, but by honoring His submission and obedience.
Verses 9-10: The Outcome of Christ's Obedience
- Verse 8: Despite being divine, Jesus learned obedience through suffering. This suggests that His experiences were not just symbolic but were essential for His role as a mediator. His obedience in suffering makes Him relatable to humanity, bridging the gap between human and divine.
- Verse 9: The phrase "made perfect" signifies completion or fulfillment, indicating that through His experiences, Jesus fully embodied the role of the high priest. His perfection as a high priest makes Him the source of eternal salvation, highlighting the salvific significance of His obedience and suffering.
In summary, Hebrews 5:5-10 presents a profound theological reflection on Christ's priesthood. It portrays Jesus as a divinely appointed high priest, akin to Melchizedek, who fully embodies obedience and humanity. Through His suffering and submission, He becomes the source of eternal salvation, marking a pivotal shift from the old covenant's Levitical priesthood to the new covenant's eternal priesthood.
- Verse 10: Reiterating the unique nature of Christ's priesthood, this verse aligns Jesus once again with Melchizedek. This designation by God emphasizes that Jesus’s priesthood is not after the order of Aaron (the traditional Levitical priesthood) but is of a different, eternal nature, signifying a new covenant.
The passage of John 12:20-33 presents a significant moment in the ministry of Jesus Christ, focusing on themes of sacrifice, glorification, and the eternal impact of Jesus' mission. This section begins with some Greeks seeking to meet Jesus, symbolizing the widening of His message beyond the Jewish community. Jesus then speaks about the necessity of His death to bring forth new life, using the metaphor of a grain of wheat falling to the ground. He discusses the paradoxical nature of life and death in the spiritual realm and the importance of serving and following Him. The passage culminates with a divine voice affirming Jesus' mission, and Jesus interpreting this as the moment of judgement for the world and the defeat of its ruler. This passage is pivotal in understanding the purpose of Jesus' life and death, and His role as a universal Savior.12 20 Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. 21 They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” 22 Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. 23 Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25 Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honor.
27 “Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say—‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” 29 The crowd standing there heard it and said that it was thunder. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” 30 Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not for mine. 31 Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. 32 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” 33 He said this to indicate the kind of death he was to die.
Expository Commentary
Verses 20-22 — Greeks Seeking Jesus: These verses introduce some Greeks (non-Jews) who have come to worship at the Passover festival. Their request to see Jesus, made through Philip and Andrew, signifies the growing interest in Jesus' teachings beyond the Jewish community. This moment indicates the beginning of the fulfillment of Jesus’ mission to all nations, not just Israel.
Verses 23-24 — The Hour Has Come: Jesus responds to the Greeks' request with a profound statement: "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified." This ‘hour’ refers to His upcoming crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. He uses the metaphor of a grain of wheat dying to produce many seeds, illustrating the necessity of His death for the salvation of many. It underscores the principle that true life often comes through self-sacrifice.
Verses 25-26 — Losing Life to Gain It: Here, Jesus teaches a paradoxical truth: those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. This challenges the listeners to prioritize spiritual values over worldly ones. Following Jesus, thus, means a willingness to give up one's own interests or even life for the sake of the gospel.
Verse 27 — Jesus’ Troubled Soul: Jesus expresses His inner turmoil about His impending death, showing His humanity. However, He recognizes that this very purpose is why He came to this hour. This verse demonstrates the dual nature of Jesus - fully human and fully divine.
Verses 28-30 — Father, Glorify Your Name: In response to Jesus’ plea, a voice from heaven speaks, affirming Jesus' mission. This divine endorsement serves not just for Jesus' assurance but as a sign for the crowd. Jesus interprets this voice as a sign of God's judgment on the world and the impending defeat of its ruler (often interpreted as Satan).
Verses 31-33 — The Judgment of the World: Jesus speaks about the judgment of the world and the driving out of its ruler. His reference to being ‘lifted up’ not only alludes to His crucifixion but also to His exaltation and the drawing of all people to Himself. It emphasizes the universal scope of Jesus' mission and the salvific significance of His death.
In this passage, John presents a deep theological understanding of Jesus' mission and His death. It highlights the universal nature of Jesus' salvation, the necessity of self-sacrifice for true life, and the imminent victory over the powers of darkness through His death and resurrection.
Here end the Readings
Lent — A Prayer of Preparation
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
