1 John 1:1-2:2

Acts 4:32-35

John 20:19-31

We have been convinced that sin is something small and insignificant, making the words from1 John ring hollow. But they remain true because sin is much bigger than we are led to believe. Sin is cosmic and we participate in it even without knowing. But Jesus is bigger even than it for he has conquered it in the resurrection.

John 20:1-18

1 Corinthian 11:23-32

John 12:20-33

Mark 1: 21-28

Mark 1:14-20

Mark 1: 4-11

John 1:1-14

Luke 2:1-20

Mark 1:1-8

We read the beginning of Mark’s gospel as he sets the stage for the story of Jesus, who is himself the good news.

Mark 13: 24-37

Advent is a season to ponder Christ’s return in glory.  No longer hidden, Christ’s glory will be revealed for all to see.

The story of Jesus healing the ten lepers, but only the Samaritan returning is often used as a morality lesson for giving thanks.  The story though is more about Jesus’ identity.  Our praise and thanksgiving is rooted in that identity.

Ezekiel 34

Matthew 25:31-46

Ezekiel speaks the word of the Lord about the Shepherds of Israel who look out for their own well-being and not the flock’s.  The Lord’s judgment in Ezekiel is echoed again in Jesus’ words of this final parable before his Passion.

Matthew 25:14-30

Jesus tells his parable dealing with the end and judgment.  Discipleship is, he points out, a life of joy and there is more to come in the end.

Revelation 7:9-17

John the Seer reports his vision of a vast multitude gathered around the throne praising God, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits upon the throne and to the Lamb!”  People from all over, gathered into one body for one purpose.

John 8:31-38

Matthew 22:34-46

Jesus faces his final challenge from religious authorities before his death.  Here Jesus gives his summation of the Law.  Love God and love neighbor.  The whole law and prophets hang on the commandment to love.

Matthew 22:15-23

Jesus is tested by religious leaders regarding paying taxes to Rome.  Jesus does not answer their question but reframes the debate, looking at God’s sovereignty over the world instead.  Ultimately Jesus fulfills both sides of his clever statement “Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and unto God the things that are God’s.”

I am indebted to my colleague and former classmate Matt Musteric for the emphasis on the passion.

Matthew 22:1-14

Jesus concludes his answer to the religious leaders who had asked him “By what authority are you doing these things and who gave that authority to you?”  Jesus’ parable are saying something about him, the religious authorities and the Kingdom, all while saying something else.

Philippians 3:4b-14

Paul lifts up his incredible achievements as a Jewish man, but realizes that they are nothing when compared to Christ’s actions claiming him.