The Daily Lectionary
With Expository Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM
Tuesday, March 26, 2024: Tuesday of Holy Week
Seeking Light in Shadows
Isaiah 49:1-7; Psalm 71:1-14;
With Expository Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM
Tuesday, March 26, 2024: Tuesday of Holy Week
Seeking Light in Shadows
Isaiah 49:1-7; Psalm 71:1-14;
1 Corinthians 1:18-31; John 12:20-36
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Lent 6)
Introduction
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Lent 6)
Introduction
As we venture into the heart of Holy Week on this Tuesday, we find ourselves immersed in a tapestry of scripture that guides us through a journey of deep introspection and divine promise. Isaiah 49:1-7 unveils the servant's role, a symbol of hope and redemption, not just for Israel but for the nations. The poignant words of Psalm 71:1-14 echo a steadfast trust in God amidst life's trials, encouraging us to cling to faith in times of uncertainty. In 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Paul confronts the paradox of the cross, revealing the profound wisdom and strength in what the world perceives as foolishness and weakness. Lastly, John 12:20-36 presents a pivotal moment in Christ's ministry, where the promise of eternal life emerges from the shadows of impending sacrifice. Together, these passages invite us to reflect on the transformative power of faith, the depth of God's wisdom, and the light that shines in the darkest moments, guiding us towards redemption.
Isaiah 49:1-7 presents a profound and evocative passage within the Book of Isaiah. This section, known as the Second Servant Song, delves into the calling and mission of the Servant of the Lord. It begins with a universal invitation to the distant nations and peoples to listen to the Servant’s message. The passage eloquently describes how the Servant was chosen and formed by God from the womb to be a light to the nations. This Servant is tasked with the daunting mission of restoring Israel and bringing salvation to the ends of the earth. The passage poignantly reflects themes of struggle and divine purpose, emphasizing the Servant’s role in God's redemptive plan for humanity. Despite facing rejection and suffering, the Servant is upheld by God's promise of ultimate vindication and success in his mission. Isaiah 49:1-7 thus serves as a key text in understanding the prophetic vision of salvation and service, resonating deeply with Christian interpretations of Jesus as the fulfillment of the Servant's role.49 1 Listen to me, O coastlands,
pay attention, you peoples from far away!
The LORD called me before I was born,
while I was in my mother’s womb he named me.
2 He made my mouth like a sharp sword,
in the shadow of his hand he hid me;
he made me a polished arrow,
in his quiver he hid me away.
3 And he said to me, “You are my servant,
Israel, in whom I will be glorified.”
4 But I said, “I have labored in vain,
I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity;
yet surely my cause is with the LORD,
and my reward with my God.”
5 And now the LORD says,
who formed me in the womb to be his servant,
to bring Jacob back to him,
and that Israel might be gathered to him,
for I am honored in the sight of the LORD,
and my God has become my strength—
6 he says,
“It is too light a thing that you should be my servant
to raise up the tribes of Jacob
and to restore the survivors of Israel;
I will give you as a light to the nations,
that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.”
7 Thus says the LORD,
the Redeemer of Israel and his Holy One,
to one deeply despised, abhorred by the nations,
the slave of rulers,
“Kings shall see and stand up,
princes, and they shall prostrate themselves,
because of the LORD, who is faithful,
the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you.”
Expository Commentary
Verse 1: This verse introduces the Servant of the Lord speaking to a global audience, signifying the universal scope of his mission. The calling of the Servant before birth emphasizes the divine intention and purpose in his life. This pre-natal calling echoes themes seen in other biblical figures like Jeremiah, underscoring the idea that God's plans are ordained well before human action.
Verse 2: The imagery of a sharp sword and a polished arrow suggests that the Servant's words and actions are powerful and precise instruments of God. The reference to being hidden in God's hand and quiver implies protection and preparation, indicating that the Servant is being readied for a significant but challenging mission.
Verse 3: Here, the Servant is identified with Israel, highlighting the collective identity and role of the people of Israel as God's servant. This verse emphasizes that through the Servant, God's glory will be manifested. It introduces a theme of the Servant not just as an individual but as a representative of a larger community.
Verse 4: This verse reveals the Servant's discouragement and sense of futility, reflecting the real struggles in fulfilling God's mission. However, it ends with a reaffirmation of trust in God, suggesting that despite apparent failures, the Servant's work is ultimately in God's hands.
Verse 5: This verse reiterates the Servant's divine commission from conception and specifies his mission: to bring back Jacob (another name for Israel) to God. It underscores the honor and strength that come from serving God, indicating divine support and approval for the Servant's mission.
Verse 6: God expands the Servant's mission beyond the restoration of Israel, stating that it's too small a task. The Servant is called to be a light to the nations (Gentiles), showing that God's salvation is intended for all humanity, not just the Jewish people. This verse is critical in understanding the inclusive nature of God's plan for salvation.
Verse 7: This verse addresses the paradox of the Servant's experience: despised and abhorred, yet ultimately vindicated. It predicts that even kings and princes will recognize the Servant's role and authority because of the faithfulness of the Lord. This verse encapsulates the theme of the suffering servant who, despite adversity, is upheld and honored by God.
In summary, Isaiah 49:1-7 presents a rich tapestry of themes including divine calling, the power of God's word, the Servant's role in both Israel's restoration and the universal salvation, and the paradox of suffering and vindication in God's redemptive plan. This passage is pivotal in understanding the identity and mission of the Servant, a figure that has profound implications in both Jewish and Christian theologies.
Psalm 71:1-14, a profound section of the Hebrew Bible, presents a heartfelt prayer of an individual seeking refuge in God amidst life's adversities. This passage beautifully encapsulates the themes of trust, deliverance, and unwavering faith. The psalmist begins by declaring their unshakeable reliance on God as a protector and deliverer, imploring God not to be forsaken in old age. As the verses progress, the psalmist reflects on a lifetime of God's guidance, from youth to old age, and the continuous battles against enemies and unjust forces. Despite the trials, there is a strong current of hope and praise for God's righteousness and mighty deeds. The passage serves as a powerful reminder of God's enduring presence and the steadfast faith of those who seek shelter in the Divine.1 In you, O LORD, I take refuge;
let me never be put to shame.
2 In your righteousness deliver me and rescue me;
incline your ear to me and save me.
3 Be to me a rock of refuge,
a strong fortress, to save me,
for you are my rock and my fortress.
4 Rescue me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked,
from the grasp of the unjust and cruel.
5 For you, O LORD, are my hope,
my trust, O LORD, from my youth.
6 Upon you I have leaned from my birth;
it was you who took me from my mother’s womb.
My praise is continually of you.
7 I have been like a portent to many,
but you are my strong refuge.
8 My mouth is filled with your praise,
and with your glory all day long.
9 Do not cast me off in the time of old age;
do not forsake me when my strength is spent.
10 For my enemies speak concerning me,
and those who watch for my life consult together.
11 They say, “Pursue and seize that person
whom God has forsaken,
for there is no one to deliver.”
12 O God, do not be far from me;
O my God, make haste to help me!
13 Let my accusers be put to shame and consumed;
let those who seek to hurt me
be covered with scorn and disgrace.
14 But I will hope continually,
and will praise you yet more and more.
Expository Commentary
Verses 1-3: Seeking Refuge in God
- Verse 1: The psalmist opens with a plea for deliverance, affirming their trust in God. It sets the tone of the psalm as one of both supplication and confidence.
- Verse 2: Here, the psalmist requests God's justice and rescue, recognizing God's ability to save and deliver. This verse emphasizes God's role as a just judge and protector.
Verses 4-6: Deliverance from Wickedness and Acknowledgment of God's Lifelong Protection
- Verse 3: The psalmist asks God to be a rock of refuge, a metaphor depicting strength, stability, and safety. It's a request for a continual, reliable sanctuary in God.
- Verse 4: The speaker seeks rescue from the wicked and unjust. This plea highlights the presence of adversaries and the need for divine intervention.
- Verse 5: God is acknowledged as the source of hope since youth. This long-term relationship with God underlines the psalmist's deep-rooted faith.
Verses 7-8: Witness to Others and Continual Praise
- Verse 6: The psalmist reflects on God's guidance from birth, suggesting a preordained relationship and expressing gratitude for God's sustenance.
- Verse 7: The psalmist's life serves as a testament to others, possibly indicating that their struggles and reliance on God have been visible to their community.
Verses 9-11: A Plea in Old Age and in the Face of Enemies
- Verse 8: There is a commitment to continually praising God, suggesting that worship is a key response to God's goodness and an integral part of the psalmist's life.
- Verse 9: The plea not to be forsaken in old age expresses a fear of vulnerability and abandonment when strength wanes.
Verses 12-14: Renewed Pleas for God's Presence and Proclamation of Trust
- Verse 10-11: The psalmist describes adversaries speaking against them, planning harm. This likely symbolizes both physical and spiritual enemies, and the psalmist feels besieged.
- Verse 12: This verse reiterates the need for God's immediate presence and help, highlighting a sense of urgency.
- Verse 13: The speaker asks for the confounding and consumption of adversaries, seeking divine justice against those who do harm.
Throughout these verses, Psalm 71:1-14 blends personal supplication with a communal testimony of faith, depicting a journey of trust, trials, and unwavering confidence in God's protection and justice.
- Verse 14: Despite the challenges, the psalmist remains hopeful, determined to continually praise and trust in God. This verse encapsulates the enduring faith and resilience of the speaker.
1 Corinthians 1:18-31 presents a central theme of Christian theology—the paradox of the cross. In these verses, the Apostle Paul addresses the Corinthian church, a community struggling with divisions and a quest for worldly wisdom. He contrasts the wisdom of the world with the wisdom of God, revealed in what seems foolish to the world: the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Paul emphasizes that God's power and wisdom are supremely manifested in the cross, which, though perceived as foolishness and weakness by many, is the true path to salvation and understanding of God's nature. This section challenges believers to reconsider their values and perspectives, recognizing that God's ways often defy human expectations and societal norms.1 18 For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written,
“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.”
20 Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, God decided, through the foolishness of our proclamation, to save those who believe. 22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, 23 but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24 but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength.
26 Consider your own call, brothers and sisters: not many of you were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; 28 God chose what is low and despised in the world, things that are not, to reduce to nothing things that are, 29 so that no one might boast in the presence of God. 30 He is the source of your life in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 31 in order that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”
Expository Commentary
Verses 18-19: Paul begins by contrasting two types of people: those who are perishing and see the message of the cross as foolishness, and those who are being saved and see it as the power of God. The reference to the Old Testament (Isaiah 29:14) underlines the theme that God's ways often subvert human expectations.
Verses 20-21: Paul challenges the reliance on human wisdom, represented by the wise, scribes, and debaters. He asserts that the wisdom of the world is inadequate for knowing God, implying that true knowledge of God comes through faith in what the world sees as foolish - the proclamation of the crucified Christ.
Verses 22-24: This passage highlights the differing expectations of Jews and Greeks (Gentiles). The Jews sought miraculous signs, while Greeks sought philosophical wisdom. However, the crucifixion of Christ doesn't fit into either of these categories; it is a "stumbling block" and "foolishness" to them, yet for believers, Christ embodies the true power and wisdom of God.
Verses 25-26: Paul argues that what the world perceives as God's "foolishness" or "weakness" (the crucifixion) is in fact wiser and stronger than any human wisdom or strength. He reminds the Corinthian believers of their own backgrounds, most of whom were not wise, powerful, or of noble birth by worldly standards, emphasizing God's preference for the humble and lowly.
Verses 27-29: Here, Paul elaborates on God's strategy of reversing worldly values. By choosing what the world considers foolish, weak, and low, God subverts the prevailing social and religious hierarchies. This ensures that human boasting is excluded in the realm of divine accomplishment.
Verses 30-31: In the concluding verses, Paul sums up the believers' identity in Christ. Jesus embodies wisdom from God and provides righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. The reference to Jeremiah 9:24 reinforces the idea that boasting should be in the Lord, not in human achievements or wisdom.
This passage is a profound reflection on the nature of divine wisdom versus human wisdom, emphasizing faith in Christ as the key to understanding and accessing God's wisdom and power.
John 12:20-36 presents a poignant and pivotal section of the Gospel according to John. This passage begins with the arrival of some Greeks who wish to see Jesus, signaling the growing interest in His teachings beyond the Jewish community. Jesus responds to their request with a profound teaching about the necessity of His death, using the metaphor of a grain of wheat falling to the ground to illustrate the principle of sacrificial life and the paradox of losing life to save it. He openly speaks about His impending death, expressing human apprehension yet submitting to the Father’s will. This section reaches its climax as Jesus predicts His glorification through His death, followed by a divine voice affirming His mission. The discourse concludes with Jesus teaching about the judgment of the world, the defeat of the ruler of this world, and the importance of walking in the light to become children of light. This passage encapsulates key themes of sacrifice, obedience, divine affirmation, and the universal scope of Jesus' mission.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. 34 The crowd answered him, “We have heard from the law that the Messiah remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?” 35 Jesus said to them, “The light is with you for a little longer. Walk while you have the light, so that the darkness may not overtake you. If you walk in the darkness, you do not know where you are going. 36 While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of light.”
After Jesus had said this, he departed and hid from them.
Expository Commentary
Verses 20-22 — The Arrival of the Greeks: This section introduces Greeks seeking Jesus, indicating the reach of His message beyond Jewish boundaries. The Greeks approach Philip, perhaps due to his Greek name, signaling a bridge between Jewish and Gentile worlds. Their request to see Jesus symbolizes the broader Gentile desire for spiritual insight.
Verses 23-24 — The Hour Has Come: Jesus declares that His 'hour' has come, a recurrent theme in John, signifying the time of His crucifixion and glorification. He uses the metaphor of a grain of wheat falling and dying to produce many seeds, illustrating the necessity of His death for the proliferation of life - a fundamental Christian belief in sacrificial love and resurrection.
Verses 25-26 — Losing Life to Save It: Here, Jesus teaches a paradoxical principle: 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 audience to prioritize spiritual over temporal values. The promise of following Jesus is profound, leading to honor from the Father.
Verses 27-28 — A Troubled Soul and Glorification: Jesus expresses a deeply human emotion - troubledness about His impending death. Yet, He resolves not to ask for deliverance from this hour since it's the purpose of His coming. His prayer for the Father's name to be glorified receives an immediate divine response, affirming His mission and indicating divine approval.
Verses 29-30 — The Crowd's Confusion: The crowd's reaction to the divine voice - interpreting it as thunder or an angel's voice—reflects their misunderstanding of Jesus' divine mission. Jesus clarifies that the voice was for their benefit, not His, underscoring the significance of divine revelation.
Verses 31-33 — Judgment and the Lifting Up of the Son of Man: Jesus speaks of His death as the moment of judgment for 'this world' and the defeat of its ruler, interpreted as Satan. The 'lifting up' of the Son of Man (a title for Jesus) alludes to His crucifixion and subsequent resurrection, indicating that His death will draw all people to Himself, signifying the universal scope of salvation.
Verses 34-36 — The Crowd's Inquiry and Jesus' Response: The crowd questions Jesus about His reference to the Son of Man being 'lifted up', confused by the Law's declaration that the Messiah remains forever. Jesus doesn't directly answer but emphasizes the need to walk in the light (Himself), hinting at the limited time of His physical presence. He encourages belief in the light to become 'children of light', a metaphor for living in truth and righteousness.
Overall, John 12:20-36 weaves together themes of Jesus' impending death, the universal scope of His mission, the paradox of life through death, and the importance of spiritual enlightenment. It marks a critical transition from Jesus' public ministry to His path towards the crucifixion, highlighting His role as the sacrificial Lamb and the Light of the World.
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
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
