Lectionary 22/06/2025
- Proper 7 /Ordinary 12 -Year C
Lectionary Readings
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The Widow of Nain
The Widow of Nain
by Dave Hopwood
A Matter of Life and Death Bible Ref: Matthew 8,9,& 11 -13; Mark 3&4; Luke 7&8 Each of the following sketches (scenes) can be used to form the basis for a complete act of worship or used as individual scenes on separate occasions. Each scene will require a narrator to read the …
The Messengers from John the Baptist
The Messengers from John the Baptist
by Dave Hopwood
A Matter of Life and Death Bible Ref: Matthew 8,9,& 11 -13; Mark 3&4; Luke 7&8 Each of the following sketches (scenes) can be used to form the basis for a complete act of worship or used as individual scenes on separate occasions. Each scene will require a narrator to read the li…
At the House of Simon the Pharisee
At the House of Simon the Pharisee
by Dave Hopwood
A Matter of Life and Death Bible Ref: Matthew 8,9,& 11 -13; Mark 3&4; Luke 7&8 Each of the following sketches (scenes) can be used to form the basis for a complete act of worship or used as individual scenes on separate occasions. Each scene will require a narrator to read the li…
Jesus Drives Out Demons
Jesus Drives Out Demons
by Dave Hopwood
A Matter of Life and Death Bible Ref: Matthew 8,9,& 11 -13; Mark 3&4; Luke 7&8 Each of the following sketches (scenes) can be used to form the basis for a complete act of worship or used as individual scenes on separate occasions. Each scene will require a narrator to read the li…
The Parable of the Sower
The Parable of the Sower
by Dave Hopwood
A Matter of Life and Death Bible Ref: Matthew 8,9,& 11 -13; Mark 3&4; Luke 7&8 Each of the following sketches (scenes) can be used to form the basis for a complete act of worship or used as individual scenes on separate occasions. Each scene will require a narrator to read the li…
Why Use Parables?
Why Use Parables?
by Dave Hopwood
A Matter of Life and Death Bible Ref: Matthew 8,9,& 11 -13; Mark 3&4; Luke 7&8 Each of the following sketches (scenes) can be used to form the basis for a complete act of worship or used as individual scenes on separate occasions. Each scene will require a narrator to read the li…
The Parables of the Mustard Seed and the Weeds
The Parables of the Mustard Seed and the Weeds
by Dave Hopwood
A Matter of Life and Death Bible Ref: Matthew 8,9,& 11 -13; Mark 3&4; Luke 7&8 Each of the following sketches (scenes) can be used to form the basis for a complete act of worship or used as individual scenes on separate occasions. Each scene will require a narrator to read the li…
Jesus Calms a Storm
Jesus Calms a Storm
by Dave Hopwood
A Matter of Life and Death Bible Ref: Matthew 8,9,& 11 -13; Mark 3&4; Luke 7&8 Each of the following sketches (scenes) can be used to form the basis for a complete act of worship or used as individual scenes on separate occasions. Each scene will require a narrator to read the li…
The Gerasene Demoniacs
The Gerasene Demoniacs
by Dave Hopwood
A Matter of Life and Death Bible Ref: Matthew 8,9,& 11 -13; Mark 3&4; Luke 7&8 Each of the following sketches (scenes) can be used to form the basis for a complete act of worship or used as individual scenes on separate occasions. Each scene will require a narrator to read the li…
Jairus's Daughter and the Woman Who Touched Jesus
Jairus's Daughter and the Woman Who Touched Jesus
by Dave Hopwood
A Matter of Life and Death Bible Ref: Matthew 8,9,& 11 -13; Mark 3&4; Luke 7&8 Each of the following sketches (scenes) can be used to form the basis for a complete act of worship or used as individual scenes on separate occasions. Each scene will require a narrator to read the li…
Hidden Treasure and Precious Pearls
Hidden Treasure and Precious Pearls
by Dave Hopwood
Food and Water Bible Ref: Matthew 9-11 & 13-16; Mark 6-8; Luke 9; John 6-7 Each of the following sketches (scenes) can be used to form the basis for a complete act of worship or used as individual scenes on separate occasions. Each scene will require a narrator to read the linkin…
The Death of John the Baptist
The Death of John the Baptist
by Dave Hopwood
Food and Water Bible Ref: Matthew 9-11 & 13-16; Mark 6-8; Luke 9; John 6-7 Each of the following sketches (scenes) can be used to form the basis for a complete act of worship or used as individual scenes on separate occasions. Each scene will require a narrator to read the linkin…
Jesus Feeds Five Thousand People
Jesus Feeds Five Thousand People
by Dave Hopwood
Food and Water Bible Ref: Matthew 9-11 & 13-16; Mark 6-8; Luke 9; John 6-7 Each of the following sketches (scenes) can be used to form the basis for a complete act of worship or used as individual scenes on separate occasions. Each scene will require a narrator to read the linkin…
Jesus Walks on Water
Jesus Walks on Water
by Dave Hopwood
Food and Water Bible Ref: Matthew 9-11 & 13-16; Mark 6-8; Luke 9; John 6-7 Each of the following sketches (scenes) can be used to form the basis for a complete act of worship or used as individual scenes on separate occasions. Each scene will require a narrator to read the linkin…
The Bread of Life
The Bread of Life
by Dave Hopwood
Food and Water Bible Ref: Matthew 9-11 & 13-16; Mark 6-8; Luke 9; John 6-7 Each of the following sketches (scenes) can be used to form the basis for a complete act of worship or used as individual scenes on separate occasions. Each scene will require a narrator to read the linkin…
What Makes a Person Unclean
What Makes a Person Unclean
by Dave Hopwood
Food and Water Bible Ref: Matthew 9-11 & 13-16; Mark 6-8; Luke 9; John 6-7 Each of the following sketches (scenes) can be used to form the basis for a complete act of worship or used as individual scenes on separate occasions. Each scene will require a narrator to read the linkin…
A Persistent Canaanite Woman
A Persistent Canaanite Woman
by Dave Hopwood
Food and Water Bible Ref: Matthew 9-11 & 13-16; Mark 6-8; Luke 9; John 6-7 Each of the following sketches (scenes) can be used to form the basis for a complete act of worship or used as individual scenes on separate occasions. Each scene will require a narrator to read the linkin…
Jesus Heals a Deaf Mute
Jesus Heals a Deaf Mute
by Dave Hopwood
Food and Water Bible Ref: Matthew 9-11 & 13-16; Mark 6-8; Luke 9; John 6-7 Each of the following sketches (scenes) can be used to form the basis for a complete act of worship or used as individual scenes on separate occasions. Each scene will require a narrator to read the linkin…
Jesus Feeds Four Thousand People
Jesus Feeds Four Thousand People
by Dave Hopwood
Food and Water Bible Ref: Matthew 9-11 & 13-16; Mark 6-8; Luke 9; John 6-7 Each of the following sketches (scenes) can be used to form the basis for a complete act of worship or used as individual scenes on separate occasions. Each scene will require a narrator to read the linkin…
The Pharisees Ask for a Sign
The Pharisees Ask for a Sign
by Dave Hopwood
Food and Water Bible Ref: Matthew 9-11 & 13-16; Mark 6-8; Luke 9; John 6-7 Each of the following sketches (scenes) can be used to form the basis for a complete act of worship or used as individual scenes on separate occasions. Each scene will require a narrator to read the link…
The Yeast of the Pharisees
The Yeast of the Pharisees
by Dave Hopwood
The Truth, the Whole Truth, and Nothing But… Bible Ref: Matthew 16-18; Mark 8 & 9; Luke 9; John 7-8 Each of the following sketches (scenes) can be used to form the basis for a complete act of worship or used as individual scenes on separate occasions. Each scene will require a na…
Jesus Heals a Blind Man
Jesus Heals a Blind Man
by Dave Hopwood
The Truth, the Whole Truth, and Nothing But… Bible Ref: Matthew 16-18; Mark 8 & 9; Luke 9; John 7-8 Each of the following sketches (scenes) can be used to form the basis for a complete act of worship or used as individual scenes on separate occasions. Each scene will require a na…
Peter's Declaration about Jesus
Peter's Declaration about Jesus
by Dave Hopwood
The Truth, the Whole Truth, and Nothing But… Bible Ref: Matthew 16-18; Mark 8 & 9; Luke 9; John 7-8 Each of the following sketches (scenes) can be used to form the basis for a complete act of worship or used as individual scenes on separate occasions. Each scene will require a na…
The Transfiguration
The Transfiguration
by Dave Hopwood
The Truth, the Whole Truth, and Nothing But… Bible Ref: Matthew 16-18; Mark 8 & 9; Luke 9; John 7-8 Each of the following sketches (scenes) can be used to form the basis for a complete act of worship or used as individual scenes on separate occasions. Each scene will require a na…
Jesus Heals a Deaf and Dumb Boy
Jesus Heals a Deaf and Dumb Boy
by Dave Hopwood
The Truth, the Whole Truth, and Nothing But… Bible Ref: Matthew 16-18; Mark 8 & 9; Luke 9; John 7-8 Each of the following sketches (scenes) can be used to form the basis for a complete act of worship or used as individual scenes on separate occasions. Each scene will require a na…
Money from a Fish's Mouth
Money from a Fish's Mouth
by Dave Hopwood
The Truth, the Whole Truth, and Nothing But… Bible Ref: Matthew 16-18; Mark 8 & 9; Luke 9; John 7-8 Each of the following sketches (scenes) can be used to form the basis for a complete act of worship or used as individual scenes on separate occasions. Each scene will require a na…
Become Like a Child
Become Like a Child
by Dave Hopwood
The Truth, the Whole Truth, and Nothing But… Bible Ref: Matthew 16-18; Mark 8 & 9; Luke 9; John 7-8 Each of the following sketches (scenes) can be used to form the basis for a complete act of worship or used as individual scenes on separate occasions. Each scene will require a na…
Who is the Greatest
Who is the Greatest
by Dave Hopwood
Who is the Greatest? Jesus: James – what were you and the others talking about on the way here today? James: Ah! Well – lots of things Lord… Jesus: Anything in particular? You appeared to have a heated debate at one point? James: Oh not really… Just… nothing. Jesus: John – what’s…
The Unforgiving Servant
The Unforgiving Servant
by Dave Hopwood
The Unforgiving Servant King: Now, I suppose you know why I’ve called you here today? Servant: Er... to polish your boots, sir? King: No. Servant: Oh, er... to feed your Majesty’s royal dogs perhaps. King: No. Servant: Er... I know - to lend you some money? King: NO! I am the Kin…
Thunderbolts from Heaven on a Smaritan Village
Thunderbolts from Heaven on a Smaritan Village
by Dave Hopwood
The Truth, the Whole Truth, and Nothing But… Bible Ref: Matthew 16-18; Mark 8 & 9; Luke 9; John 7-8 Each of the following sketches (scenes) can be used to form the basis for a complete act of worship or used as individual scenes on separate occasions. Each scene will require a na…
Counting the Cost
Counting the Cost
by Dave Hopwood
The Truth, the Whole Truth, and Nothing But… Bible Ref: Matthew 16-18; Mark 8 & 9; Luke 9; John 7-8 Each of the following sketches (scenes) can be used to form the basis for a complete act of worship or used as individual scenes on separate occasions. Each scene will require a na…
The Woman Caught in Adultery
The Woman Caught in Adultery
by Dave Hopwood
The Truth, the Whole Truth, and Nothing But… Bible Ref: Matthew 16-18; Mark 8 & 9; Luke 9; John 7-8 Each of the following sketches (scenes) can be used to form the basis for a complete act of worship or used as individual scenes on separate occasions. Each scene will require a na…
The Resurrection
The Resurrection
by Dave Hopwood
Back for Good Bible Ref: Matthew 28; Mark 16; Luke 24; John 20-21; Acts 1 Each of the following sketches (scenes) can be used to form the basis for a complete act of worship or used as individual scenes on separate occasions. Each scene will require a narrator to read the linking…
All Desires Known - Christ Our Brother Collect
All Desires Known - Christ Our Brother Collect
by SPCK - Janet Morley
CHRIST OUR BROTHER Collect Luke 2.15–21; Galatians 3.28 Christ our brother, in you there is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither male nor female... Christmas 1 (B); Proper 7 (C); Holy Name (ABC); Birth of John the Baptist (ABC) Taken from All Desires Known by Janet Morley Published b…
Lent for Everyone Mark Year B - Sunday: Week 2 in Lent Year B
Lent for Everyone Mark Year B - Sunday: Week 2 in Lent Year B
by SPCK - N T Wright
Lent for Everyone Mark Year B WEEK 2: SUNDAY... ...Imagine you are standing there in the dark, at the foot of the cross. The sun’s light has failed, and through your tears all you can see is this horrible pole stretching up, with Jesus hanging there, his whole body so tortured th…
Acts for Everyone Part 2 - Address in Antioch
Acts for Everyone Part 2 - Address in Antioch
by SPCK - N T Wright
Address in Antioch Acts 13.13-25 I sat in the small meeting room, intrigued at what I was hearing. I had been invited to a presentation organized by local councillors and businessmen in a particular area. They had a project, and they wanted support for it. There was an old factor…
Lectionary Reflection Year C - Proper 7 Year C
Lectionary Reflection Year C - Proper 7 Year C
by SPCK - Jane Williams
Proper 7 Isaiah 65.1–9 Galatians 3.23–9 Luke 8.26–39 The people in today’s reading from Isaiah have apparently got bored with the true God. The chapter opens with God waiting patiently, almost passively, for his people to come looking for him. When they don’t, God begins to call …
Twelve Months of Sunday year c - Proper 7 Year C
Twelve Months of Sunday year c - Proper 7 Year C
by SPCK - N T Wright
Proper 7 1 Kings 19.1–15a Galatians 3.23–end Luke 8.26–39 Elijah went to Sinai, to hand back his commission. ‘I’ve done all this for you, and now they’re going to kill me. I’ve had enough.’ Fear and exhaustion generated self-destructive depression. What was he expecting? A volcan…
1 and 2 Kings for Everyone - The Low Murmuring Sound
1 and 2 Kings for Everyone - The Low Murmuring Sound
by SPCK - John Goldingay
The Low Murmuring Sound 1 Kings 19:1-21 I am inclined to think that nothing I do in seeking to fulfill my vocation achieves anything. My vocation is to help people understand the Old Testament and let their thinking and their lives be shaped by it. I am passionately committed to …
Poem/Reflection-Storm
Poem/Reflection-Storm
by Sue Brown
Poem/Reflection based on Luke 8:22-39 Reflection on the storm on the lake and the healing of a troubled man. Storm The storm came on suddenly, unexpectedly. They had set out purposefully across calm waters – the opposite shore clearly visible. But in minutes the rising wind whipp…
LWPT Meditations - Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year C
LWPT Meditations - Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year C
by Susan Thorne
Meditation – 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Yr C 1st Kings 19:1-4, 8-15a Psalm 42, 43 Galatians 3:23-29 Luke 8:26-39 When Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, he showed amazing courage and trust in God. Although outnumbered by 450 to one, he put his life in jeopa…
Meditation - 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
Meditation - 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
by David Middleton
Meditation – 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Yr C Order out of chaos Luke 8: 26-39 So many demands on my time, so many people expecting so much of me… Life had just got too much, Lord. I was trying to be so many people all at the same time: husband – to my loyal wife, father – to my…
Prayer: When we are swept along
Prayer: When we are swept along
by Marjorie Dobson
Prayer: When we are swept along When we are swept along by doubts and disbelief swirling around us, like the wind attempting to carry us with irresistible power: when we find it difficult to stand against public opinion: when we feel the whole world is against us: when we are in …
Poem: Held in the cleft of the cold, dark rock
Poem: Held in the cleft of the cold, dark rock
by Andrew Pratt
Poem: Held in the cleft of the cold, dark rock Held in the cleft of the cold, dark rock, the summit of human fear, pursued to the end of his life's reserves, the hunters were drawing near. God was remote, Elijah quaked, protection was hard to find, the One he had heard and sought…
Poem: Hope
Poem: Hope
by Marjorie Dobson
Poem: Hope When tears are the only companion and solace; when worship is empty of devotion and meaning; when the heart is heavy and the soul is weary; when the problems of life are overwhelming; when no one seems to care; when pain and suffering are part of every day; Continues..…
The fawn that finds the cooling stream
The fawn that finds the cooling stream
by Andrew Pratt
The fawn that finds the cooling stream is like a soul, at rest, at peace. And when we know eternal love, we feel at one, we know release. Within the compass of love's care, safe held in grace, no fear is there. Verse 2 follows Tune: ABINGDON Metre: 88.88.88 Andrew Pratt (born 1…
Straining human understanding
Straining human understanding
by Andrew Pratt
Straining human understanding, grace is greater than our flaws, love will reach beyond our folly, breach our hatred, counter wars. Some ignore the call to caring, selfish impulse drives them on, yet our human love in action could avert a greater wrong. Verses 3 follow Tune: MERTO…
Poem: Children of God
Poem: Children of God
by Marjorie Dobson
Poem: Children of God The Law was a protection for the Jews. Stay within it, where all is regulated and secure, and nothing could harm them. Children they were, but children of the Law, bound by its restrictions and ever-expanding trivialities. Continues... ©Marjorie Dobson
Drama: The Tale of the Pigs
Drama: The Tale of the Pigs
by Marjorie Dobson
Drama: The Tale of the Pigs A Here, piggy, piggy! Here, piggy, piggy! B What are you looking for mate? A Here, piggy, piggy! Don’t you think that might give you some clue? Or did you think I was calling my dog? Here, piggy, piggy! B Well, if it’s pigs you’re looking for, I don’t …
When those whose thoughts are crystal clear
When those whose thoughts are crystal clear
by Andrew Pratt
When those whose thoughts are crystal clear meet those who are confused, reality can seem disturbed and sense can feel abused. We stand upon a sheer abyss while vertigo takes hold, the air above, the sea beneath, our actions uncontrolled. Verses 2-3 follow Tune: MACPHERSON’S FARE…
The arranged marriage
The arranged marriage
by Rev. Margaret Roe
Rebekah – Genesis 24 The arranged marriage “Would I go with him?” I was asked. I was surprised to hear myself say yes so readily. I was also surprised that I had been consulted. Women did not usually get any say in who they married. And I did not even know the man I was to marry.…
Genesis for Everyone Part 2 - Where to Find Isaac a Wife
Genesis for Everyone Part 2 - Where to Find Isaac a Wife
by SPCK - John Goldingay
Where To Find Isaac a Wife Genesis 24: 1-20 When you make your short list of the things that you pray most concerning your children, their being able to marry the “right” person (and keep that marriage going) is near the top of the list. Our sons married beautiful, strong women w…
Genesis for Everyone Part 2 - How to Find Isaac a Wife
Genesis for Everyone Part 2 - How to Find Isaac a Wife
by SPCK - John Goldingay
How To Find Isaac A Wife Genesis 24: 21-48 The first of the “Four Spiritual Laws” that have been the starting point for many people coming to faith in Christ is that “God loves you and offers a wonderful plan for your life.” The law is supported by scriptural verses affirming God…
Gazing on the Gospels Year C - Proper 7 Year C
Gazing on the Gospels Year C - Proper 7 Year C
by SPCK - Judith Dimond
Proper 7 Luke 8: 26- 39 Gaze on all that is unclean in this story: the man himself, the tombs he lived in, and the pigs feeding on swill, caked with mud. Gaze on the vagrants of our cities today: the men stretched out on newspaper in the shop doorways; bag ladies pushing trolleys…
PAUL AND THE FAITHFULNESS OF GOD - From Worldview to Theology
PAUL AND THE FAITHFULNESS OF GOD - From Worldview to Theology
by SPCK - N T Wright
Part 1: PAUL AND HIS WORLD Chapter One RETURN OF THE RUNAWAY? 2 Philemon and the Study of Paul (iii) From Worldview to Theology The particular claim of the present book, then, embodied in the transition between Part II and Part III, is that when we understand the worldview of Pau…
Psalms for Everyone - My God, My God, Why?
Psalms for Everyone - My God, My God, Why?
by SPCK - John Goldingay
My God, My God, Why? Psalm 22: 1-18 Each Palm Sunday as part of our church’s worship we read the story of Jesus’ trial and execution, with members of the congregation taking different parts. There are a number of frightening moments in the story. Particularly sickening is the poi…
Psalms for Everyone - On Facing Two Sets of Facts
Psalms for Everyone - On Facing Two Sets of Facts
by SPCK - John Goldingay
On Facing Two Sets of Facts Psalm 22: 19-31 Two friends of ours were giving us an amusing account of a difference they had discerned between the way they approach problems in their relationship and in other aspects of life. It was amusing yet also serious and profound. When there…
Psalms for Everyone - Where Is Your God?
Psalms for Everyone - Where Is Your God?
by SPCK - John Goldingay
Where Is Your God? Psalm 42 There is a poignant movie called James’ Journey to Jerusalem about a young Zulu who has been designated to be his village’s next pastor. If it were the West he would be sent to seminary, but the village decides that the best way to prepare him for his …
Psalms for Everyone - Remembering Makes All the Difference
Psalms for Everyone - Remembering Makes All the Difference
by SPCK - John Goldingay
Remembering Makes All the Difference Psalm 57 I’ve been thinking about memory. As a result of a comment by a student, I found myself reflecting on the fact that we don’t think much about the link between memory and our life with God—our ethics and our spirituality—though there ar…
Paul and the Faithfulness of God - The Theology of a Pharisee
Paul and the Faithfulness of God - The Theology of a Pharisee
by SPCK - N T Wright
Chapter TWO LIKE BIRDS HOVERING OVERHEAD: THE FAITHFULNESS OF THE GOD OF ISRAEL The Theology of a Pharisee It is not difficult to draw out from what has already been said the main lines of Pharisaic theology, bringing into brief and I hope sharp focus the larger and longer treatm…
PAUL AND THE FAITHFULNESS OF GOD - Jewish Responses to Pagan Philosophy
PAUL AND THE FAITHFULNESS OF GOD - Jewish Responses to Pagan Philosophy
by SPCK - N T Wright
3. Athene and Her Owl: the Wisdom of the Greeks Jewish Responses to Pagan Philosophy Before we do that, one final task remains. Granted that Paul grew up in the world of strict Pharisaic Judaism, what response might we expect him to have to the world of pagan philosophy? It would…
Rhythms of remembering - Easter - Tuesday Morning Prayer
Rhythms of remembering - Easter - Tuesday Morning Prayer
by SPCK - Hannah Ward & Jennifer Wild
EASTER - Tuesday Morning Prayer Alleluia, blessed be God: you come to redeem us, alleluia. How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation...
Four Gospels, One Jesus - What about the authors?
Four Gospels, One Jesus - What about the authors?
by SPCK - Richard A Burridge
What about the authors? Redaction and composition I cannot always read my favourite newspaper at coffee-time in our staff common room, because someone else has bagged it already! Never mind, there are others around, and reading various papers reveals their different styles and vi…
Four Gospels, One Jesus - The lion and his pride
Four Gospels, One Jesus - The lion and his pride
by SPCK - Richard A Burridge
The lion and his pride The role of the disciples A lion must have his pride – and a rabbi, his disciples. However, are Jesus’ disciples his ‘pride and joy’? On the one hand, they are the people Jesus calls to share his roamings and his battles; on the other hand, their attention …
Four Gospels, One Jesus - In at the kill
Four Gospels, One Jesus - In at the kill
by SPCK - Richard A Burridge
In at the kill The Passion, Mark 14—15 At last we come to the ending – the Markan Passion, a dark scene to which the whole gospel has been leading. Jesus has made his way to Jerusalem, and this geographical concentration has brought the conflict into focus: a lion’s story should …
Four Gospels, One Jesus - The ox in the Temple and the stall
Four Gospels, One Jesus - The ox in the Temple and the stall
by SPCK - Richard A Burridge
The ox in the Temple and the stall Infancy and beginnings, Luke 1—4.13 Since the ox was the universal beast of burden, it is not surprising that Luke stresses the universal importance of Jesus. We have seen that the opening words of any ancient text were crucial. If Mark is not c…
Four Gospels, One Jesus - The ox plods a long, slow journey
Four Gospels, One Jesus - The ox plods a long, slow journey
by SPCK - Richard A Burridge
The ox plods a long, slow journey Luke’s style and structure Unlike Mark’s disorderly rushing about, Luke writes an ‘orderly account’ (1.4). His preface has a calm, literary self-confidence, and this continues into the main narrative. While Mark introduces everything ‘and immedia…
Four Gospels, One Jesus - The ox, the herd, and the drivers
Four Gospels, One Jesus - The ox, the herd, and the drivers
by SPCK - Richard A Burridge
The ox, the herd, and the drivers Luke’s characterization The gospels’ stories involve three main protagonists – Jesus himself, his disciples and the religious leaders of his day, with three storylines developing en route to their shared climax at the death and resurrection. So l…
Four Gospels, One Jesus - Those who are burdened with heavy loads
Four Gospels, One Jesus - Those who are burdened with heavy loads
by SPCK - Richard A Burridge
Those who are burdened with heavy loads The ministry of the ox The keynote for Luke’s portrait of Jesus is set in his initial visit to the synagogue at Nazareth (4.16–30). Luke’s story is three times longer than the equivalent accounts which occur much later in Mark and Matthew (…
Four Gospels, One Jesus - From four gospels forward to many Jesuses
Four Gospels, One Jesus - From four gospels forward to many Jesuses
by SPCK - Richard A Burridge
From four gospels forward to many Jesuses Many interpretations tend to create the subject’s portrait in the author’s own image. Irenaeus applies the four living creatures not only to the evangelists themselves, but also to their portraits of Jesus: the four symbols are ‘images of…
THE WOMEN'S BIBLE COMMENTARY - Book I (Pss. 1-41)
THE WOMEN'S BIBLE COMMENTARY - Book I (Pss. 1-41)
by SPCK - Newsom, Ringe and Lapsley
Book I (Pss. 1-41) Book I opens, in Psalm 1, with words encouraging faithful meditation upon the Torah. The book continues in Psalm 2 with words of warning to the nations and their rulers to recognize the God of Israel as king over all. The psalms are framed (1:1 and 2:11) with t…
THE WOMEN'S BIBLE COMMENTARY - Jerusalem's Hopeful Future
THE WOMEN'S BIBLE COMMENTARY - Jerusalem's Hopeful Future
by SPCK - Newsom, Ringe and Lapsley
Jerusalem’s Hopeful Future (Isaiah 60: 1-22; 62: 1-12; 66: 7-13) Chapters 60–62 at the center of Third Isaiah echo language and themes of Second Isaiah most closely. Chapter 60 addresses Jerusalem much as Isaiah 49 had, directing her eyes to see her children coming from afar and,…
THE WOMEN'S BIBLE COMMENTARY - The Origin of John the Baptist and Jesus
THE WOMEN'S BIBLE COMMENTARY - The Origin of John the Baptist and Jesus
by SPCK - Newsom, Ringe and Lapsley
The Origin of John the Baptist and Jesus (Luke 1) Against this background of the role of women in Luke, one can examine in more detail passages unique to Luke that focus on women. Three women appear in this section (Elizabeth, Mary of Nazareth, and Anna) in roles far more powerfu…
THE WOMEN'S BIBLE COMMENTARY - The Social Meaning of Sonship
THE WOMEN'S BIBLE COMMENTARY - The Social Meaning of Sonship
by SPCK - Newsom, Ringe and Lapsley
The Social Meaning of Sonship (Galatians 3: 23-26; 4: 4-7) In chapter 3, Paul has ingeniously used examples from Scripture and from life to illustrate his argument that observance of the law of Moses is no longer necessary for Gentile converts to Jesus. He maintains that his argu…
THE WOMEN'S BIBLE COMMENTARY - Book II
THE WOMEN'S BIBLE COMMENTARY - Book II
by SPCK - Newsom, Ringe and Lapsley
Book II (Psalms 42-72) Book II of the Psalter, like Book I, contains many lament psalms. But unlike Book I, not all of the psalms are attributed to David. The Korahites, who were, according to the book of Chronicles, temple singers during the reigns of David and Solomon, mix thei…
THE WOMEN'S BIBLE COMMENTARY - Second Isaiah
THE WOMEN'S BIBLE COMMENTARY - Second Isaiah
by SPCK - Newsom, Ringe and Lapsley
Second Isaiah (Isaiah 40-55) The sixteen chapters that begin with “Comfort, comfort my people” comprise a complex but thematically continuous piece focusing on Jerusalem’s restoration as the Babylonian era ended. The prophet is self-effacing and barely visible, but certain aspect…
Traces of Glory Year B - The Fifth Sunday of Easter - Year B
Traces of Glory Year B - The Fifth Sunday of Easter - Year B
by SPCK - David Adam
The Fifth Sunday of Easter God of love, may we abide in your presence and so abide in your love: as we freely receive your love, let us freely share with others all that you have given us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, for ever …
Isaiah for everyone - The Servant's Servant
Isaiah for everyone - The Servant's Servant
by SPCK - John Goldingay
The Servant’s Servant A few weeks ago I had to preach at the ordination of a friend. She asked me to choose a passage as a Scripture reading from which I would preach. She laughed when I told her it would be the first of these two paragraphs, because (she commented) everyone knew…
Isaiah for everyone - Straight-Talking Meets Straight-Talking
Isaiah for everyone - Straight-Talking Meets Straight-Talking
by SPCK - John Goldingay
Straight-Talking Meets Straight-Talking I sometimes have a hard time persuading people that prayer is an act of communication between us and God and that there’s a mutuality about this communication. The idea has got around that prayer is really more like a form of reflection and…
The Womens' Bible Commentary - The Mothers and Fathers of Israel
The Womens' Bible Commentary - The Mothers and Fathers of Israel
by SPCK - Newsom, Ringe and Lapsley
The Mothers and Fathers of Israel Commentaries on Genesis 12–50 generally focus on Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph, ancestral heroes of Israel. Their life stories are built from traditional elements such as the hero’s unusual birth, his stormy relationship with his brothers, yo…
The Womens' Bible Commentary - Jezebel, Elijah, and the Northern Kings
The Womens' Bible Commentary - Jezebel, Elijah, and the Northern Kings
by SPCK - Newsom, Ringe and Lapsley
Jezebel, Elijah, and the Northern Kings At 1 Kings 16 the narrative turns much of its attention to the intrigues of the northern kingdom, focusing upon it until the inception of the Jehu dynasty and the end of the Omride dynasty in 2 Kings 10. The kings of Israel receive no benef…
Times and Seasons - Full Service - Proper 7 (12) - Year C
Times and Seasons - Full Service - Proper 7 (12) - Year C
by Andrew Pratt and Marjorie Dobson
Proper 7 (12) - Year C Service contains: Hymn: Praise, my soul, the king of heaven or My Jesus, my Saviour or The challenges that face our faith Reading: Psalm 42 and/or Psalm 43 Prayer: When we are swept along Poem: Hope Hymn: As pants the hart for cooling streams or Will you hi…
Fresh Thoughts For Sunday - Fresh Thoughts For Sunday Issue 121 19/06/16
Fresh Thoughts For Sunday - Fresh Thoughts For Sunday Issue 121 19/06/16
by Twelvebaskets Ltd
A selection of commentary, reflection and prayer ideas from various Christian authors and the full bible texts from the NRSV for this week's lectionary. NOW INCLUDING SERIALISED BOOKS FROM SPCK AND CONTRIBUTIONS FROM BRF. Check below for details. Subscribe to Fresh Thoughts For S…
embodying mark - 7 Following the King
embodying mark - 7 Following the King
by SPCK - meda a a stamper
7 Following the King Finally we come to the terrible death of the Son, betrayed, denied and deserted by his male followers; mocked by passers-by, who shake their heads and say ‘Aha’, and by the religious authorities, who have condemned him in a kangaroo court and handed him over …
The Women's Bible Commentary - Mary, Rhoda, and Slavery
The Women's Bible Commentary - Mary, Rhoda, and Slavery
by SPCK - Newsom, Ringe and Lapsley
Mary, Rhoda, and Slavery At the very end of the story of Peter’s imprisonment in Jerusalem, Luke gives readers a glimpse into one of the assemblies of The Way (or Christians, as they are now called [Acts 11:26])…
David and Goliath