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  • First Impressions of the Lectionary

On Mondays, I begin my lectionary study at 6.00 am. Usually by now, mid morning, I have the draft of an article, even the beginnings of a sermon. Today I have laid myself out on the couch, grieved to the point of weeping. It began like this.

It is common to observe that Jesus’ public ministry begins when John has been arrested. Less common, is this observation from Brian Stoffregen.

It may also be that John and Jesus are both precursors to the fate of the disciples who will face "being handed over" (13:9, 11).

First John, then Jesus, now us. We are proclaiming good news which will not be welcomed by the powers that be, and yet for other folk will be compulsive, sweeping them up like a net which captures everything in its sweep. It is dangerous to tell people the good news. We risk netting them into something which will overturn their lives, and may cost them everything...  they will hand you over to councils; and you will be beaten in synagogues; and you will stand before governors and kings because of me... children will rise against parents and have them put to death; and you will be hated by all because of my name. (13:9-13)

Yet this, apparently, is good news! The word euangelion (gospel), in its context, meant the bringing of the news of a victory in battle. It was the joyful running of a marathon to tell the news of the victory, even if one died from the effort of the race.... Read on >>>>>