Lutheran Co-op Bible Study

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Second Sunday of Advent (C) – Luke 3:1-6

Imperatives of Discipleship – Prepare!

Focus Question: What are you preparing for this Advent season?

word of life

“Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.” Luke 3:4 (NRSV)

Read Luke 3:1-6

Each Advent season, regardless of which of the four gospels is being read and studied, we see the person of John the Baptist.

1. What do you know about John the Baptist?

2. If you have time, look over the descriptions of John the Baptist found in Matthew 3:1-12, Mark 1:1-8, and John 1:19-28. Note similarities and differences in the readings.

John is often known for his radical lifestyle, rugged dress, and stark diet. But the significance of John the Baptist is found in his message.

The writer of Luke carefully gives the political context into which John (and later Jesus) comes into the story. (We see a similar contextual grounding in Luke’s account of the Christmas story in Luke 2:1). The political and religious leaders are named (Luke 3:1-2) and are significant, for they indicate the various forces in place at the time. (Many of them will be heard from again at Jesus’ trial and crucifixion.) Israel is a vassal state, forced to live under Roman occupancy. The high priesthood is also largely under Roman control. Anyone proclaiming the message of the coming kingdom of God would have to deal with the political realities of the day.

3. How does the context impact the message?

4. What political or religious forces are present today as we strive to share the Good News of the coming of the kingdom of God?

It is in this time of political oppression and foreign rule that “the word of God came to John” (vs. 2). This is a common phrase in the call of a prophet. (See Jeremiah 1:1-2.) The prophet is confronted with God’s message and compelled to share that message with God’s people.

5. In what ways does the “word of God come to us” today?

John is a messenger; and like the prophets before him, his message is one of preparation and repentance. His words echo the prophet Isaiah – “prepare the way of the Lord, and make his paths straight” (Isaiah 40:3). This is challenging news – changes are called for. But it is also good news, for “all flesh shall see the salvation of God.” (Luke 3:6 NRSV)

The Greek word repentance can be literally translated “to turn one’s mind around.” It has less to do with confession and more to do with change in life and perspective. John Westerhoff, in his book A Pilgrim People (p. 46) writes:

To repent is to change our perception, to recognize that the reign of God is at hand, that life in the world to come has already begun. To repent is not to lament our sins or be sorry for the evil we’ve done; it is to have faith, to perceive life and our lives in a new way.

Something great is about to happen. Someone great is coming. Repent.! Prepare! Get ready!

word among us

The overarching theme for the Daily Discipleship material this season is The Imperatives of Discipleship. When we think of imperatives, we often think of obligatory commands that we have to do. As children at the dinner table, we were told the imperative, “Eat your vegetables.” As we go through airport security, we are commanded, “Take off your shoes.”

We often chafe at such demands and view them as limiting our freedoms and forcing us to do things we don’t want to do. The imperatives feel like laws we have to follow, whether we want to or not.

Examples abound. A coach tells the football team in the scorching heat of the summer, “Get ready now, and you’ll know the thrill of victory in the future.” A vocal coach works with the singer in order to experience the joy of the performance. A family cleans and decorates the house in order to enjoy the sights and sounds of the season.

1. What are other examples of imperatives in our daily lives?

The imperatives of discipleship are a bit different. They expand rather than limit our freedoms. They lead us to life in the fullest, rather than restrict our lives. They point us to a future filled with hope and promise.

2. How does the theme “The Imperatives of Discipleship” feel to you?

3. Does Jesus give us imperatives? Explain your answer.

The message of John the Baptist is filled with imperatives: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.” John calls for preparation and repentance, not to limit the possibilities of those who hear and follow, but to expand them to know and see more fully the wonderful future that is coming.

As disciples of Christ, we hear the imperatives of discipleship. We hear John’s message: “Prepare the way of the Lord.” We ask God to clean our lives and our spiritual houses, getting rid of old grudges and patterns of living that clutter our existence and limit our vision. We pray for a clean and a right spirit within us, so that we might experience anew and ever more fully Christ’s coming.

And we respond to the imperative from John – “prepare the way of the Lord” – with our imperative of prayer: “Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!”

4. How will you prepare for the way of the Lord?

5. What other changes in your life are in order?

Prayer

Stir up your power, O Lord, and come. Cleanse our hearts that we might prepare for your coming among us. Amen

Dig Deeper

Malachi 3:1-4

Isaiah 40: 1-5

last word

This week, note ways you prepare

for Christmas and for Christ’s coming.

used with permission

Daily Discipleship

Written by John and Robin McCullough-Bade

May be reproduced for local, non-sale use provided the above copyright notice is included.

www.elca.org/evangelizingchurch/dailydiscipleship

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

First Sunday of Advent (C) – Luke 21:25-36

Imperatives of Discipleship – Watch!

Focus Question: What are you watching and waiting for this Advent season?

word of life

“Be on guard, so that your hearts are not weighed down ….” Luke 21:34 (NRSV)

Read Luke 21:25-36

Happy New Year! No, this greeting is not one month early. This Sunday begins the new church year with the first Sunday in Advent.

How do you observe and celebrate a new year?
How might you observe and celebrate the new church year?

Advent has often been understood as a time of anticipation of and preparation for Christmas. Certainly we do look forward to the celebration of the coming of Christ enfleshed in the birth in Bethlehem. But Advent is also a time to remember, anticipate, and prepare for the promised coming of Christ at the end of time.

And so we begin the church year with Jesus’ teaching about the end of all years – the promised and anticipated coming of Christ at the end of the world.

The verses for today from Luke’s Gospel are a part of what is known as “apocalyptic” literature. The word “apocalypse” means “to reveal” or “to unveil.” The literature is mysterious and filled with signs, symbolism, and hidden meaning; and it often is interpreted as teachings about the end of the world. (Perhaps the most well-known example of apocalyptic literature is the last book of the Bible – the Revelation of John.)

The early first-century church believed that Jesus would return in glory as he had promised at the Ascension. (“Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” Acts 2:11 NRSV) The early followers of Jesus anticipated this “second coming” to occur in their lifetime. (See 1 Thessalonians 3:13.) They were to live lives of faithfulness, anticipating Christ’s victorious, glorious return.

What images come to mind when you think of the end of the world?
Are these comforting or disturbing images?
Do you think the Bible gives clear signs of the beginning of the end?

As many of the first followers of Jesus began to die and Christ had not yet returned, the early church faced a crisis in faith. How does one live faithfully “in the in-between time”? It is a question the followers of Jesus are to ask yet today.

Jesus speaks of signs of the beginning of the end – natural occurrences, as well as confusion and distress among nations. People throughout history have tried to identify these signs and predict the time of the ending of the world. But Jesus is not concerned about when these events will occur. He emphasizes the meaning of these signs – “your redemption is drawing near.” (Luke 21:28 NRSV) Jesus encourages his followers to be watchful, alert, and ready, always anticipating the coming of Christ.

What does it mean to live expectantly, anticipating the coming of Christ?
What difference does this attitude make for living in the “here and now”?

word among us

You might have already heard it. Its melody is sung and played every year at about this time. Its lyrics speak a message of anticipation and expectation. It has also been used as a strategy for eliciting good behavior from little children.

“Oh, you better watch out! You better not pout! You better not cry!

I’m telling you why: Santa Claus is coming town.”

We jovially sing this song in this season as we anticipate the coming of a mythical figure bringing reward for those who have been good “for goodness’ sake.” It’s a Christmas song. And, in many ways, it’s an Advent song.

What is the message of the song “Santa Claus is Coming to Town”?
How does that fit with your understanding of the Advent message?

We, too, sing in Advent of anticipation and expectation. We sing of One who is coming. We are reminded of how we are to live our lives – watching and waiting, alert for signs of his coming. “Be on guard! Be alert at all times! Stand up and raise your heads!”

How does one wait, anticipating the coming of Christ?
What will be the signs of the return of Christ?

While some would fear such a time and wonder what it all means, the followers of Jesus clearly know – the One who is coming is bringing gifts. “Your redemption is drawing near.” (vs. 28) The words to the song are transformed from a message of foreboding and anxiety to one of hopefulness and anticipation. For we know how the song and the story will end.

How does it make you feel when you hear about the end of time?
What might lessen your anxiety?
Does knowing that Christ will come again change anything about how you live? Why or why not?

We can face the troubles and anxieties of this age, for we know that this is not the final word. We can live faithfully and expectantly in the midst of great uncertainty and fear, for we know and trust that Christ is “coming to town.”

Knowing that makes all the difference in the world.

What difference does it make to know the end of the story?
What can you do to be ready for the return of Jesus?

Prayer

Stir up your power, O Lord, and come. Grant us expectant hearts, that we might be faithful as we await your coming. Amen

Dig Deeper

Jeremiah 33:14-16

1 Thessalonians 3:9-13

last word

This week, listen for words

of expectation and watchfulness.

Daily Discipleship

Written by John and Robin McCullough-Bade

May be reproduced for local, non-sale use provided the above copyright notice is included.

www.elca.org/evangelizingchurch/dailydiscipleship 1 Advent (C)

Monday, November 16, 2015

Sunday, November 13-19 (B) – Hebrews 10:11-14, (15-18), 19-25

Focus: The Posture of Faith, Hope, and Love

word of life

“Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23 (NRSV)

Read Hebrews 10:11-14, (15-18), 19-25a

Our lessons over the past five weeks have come from the letter to the Hebrews. The author has written extensively about Jesus as the great high priest who offers the perfect sacrifice of himself to restore our relationship with God.

What have you learned about Jesus as the high priest?
What questions do you still have?

The verses for today offer yet one more point as proof of the superiority of Jesus’ sacrifice; but it is a subtle one. This proof is seen in the posture of the priest. Read Hebrews 10:11-12 again, and note the contrasting postures. Every earthly priest stands day after day, continually doing his service, never completely finished, offering again and again the same sacrifices, yet never fully taking away sin. Contrast this posture with that of Jesus, the great high priest.

When Christ offered the single sacrifice of himself, he “sat down at the right hand of God.” (Hebrews 10:12 NRSV) The perfect sacrifice has been made; his work was complete. The bridge between God and humanity had been built and can never be destroyed. The task of atonement – of restoring the relationship between God and humanity – the gracious gift of forgiveness was accomplished once for all. Jesus’ final words on the cross were validated and true: “It is finished.” (John 19:30 NRSV)

Why do we need a bridge between God and humanity?
What questions do you have about atonement?

Having established and validated the unique, superior sacrifice of Jesus, the author turns to the response that the believer should make to this once for all gift. “Therefore, my friends, since we have confidence to enter the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way … and since we have a great high priest over the house of God….” (Hebrews 10:19 NRSV) Knowing all this to be true, the response is in the form of an exhortation: “Let us … approach … hold fast … and consider ….” (Hebrews 10:22-24 NRSV)

How do you respond to something you know to be true?
What is your response to God’s gift of forgiveness?

In the Greek New Testament, verses 19-25 (of Hebrews chapter 10) are written as one extended, eloquent sentence, thereby suggesting a unified faithful response. The response has three elements: 1) “let us approach with a true heart in full assurance of faith…” (verse 22) – the response of faith; 2) “let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering…” (verse 23) – the response of hope; and 3) “let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds…” (verse 24) – the response of love. Paul wrote of the same three-fold response to God’s gift of grace through Christ: “And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love.” (I Corinthians 13:13 NRSV)

How do we live to reflect these three elements of our response to God?
Do you agree that “the greatest of these is love?” Why or why not?

word among us

Stand for the opening. Kneel for confession. Stand for the hymn of praise. Sit for the reading of the Word. Stand for the proclamation of the Gospel. Sit for the sermon. Stand for the profession of faith (the creed). Kneel for the prayers. Stand for the sharing of the peace. Sit for the offering. Stand for the Great Thanksgiving. Kneel at the altar to receive the bread and wine. Stand for the closing hymn.

WHEW! We certainly get our exercise Sunday mornings as we do our liturgical calisthenics!

Why do we go up and down so often in worship?
What does our posture say about the various elements of the service?

Posture is important for the writer of Hebrews. It indicates the superiority of Jesus the high priest (whose sacrifice of himself fulfills and completes the need for sacrifices for the forgiveness of sins) over the inadequate sacrifice of the earthly high priest. The earthly high priest stands because his task is never fully done; Jesus, the great high priest, is seated at the right hand of God because he offers a perfect sacrifice which spans the chasm between God and humanity. We confess this in the words of the Apostles’ Creed: “He (Jesus) is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty ….”

What can you learn by observing someone’s posture?
What posture do we take before God?

The confession that Jesus seated at the right hand of God calls forth a response from the believer. The author of Hebrews articulates a three-fold response that is familiar to the Christian. We are freed from having to offer sacrifices because of the once for all sacrifice of Jesus, the great high priest. We are to approach God with a full, confident faith; we are to stand fast in a sure and certain hope in the power and promises of God; and we are to consider ways to foster love and good deeds, following the example of Jesus, the great high priest.

What does it mean to you to be able to approach God with a full, confident faith?
How might a Christian foster love and good deeds?

faith practice in daily life

Serve all people, following the example of Christ

We have been joined to Christ in our baptism. This relationship gives us forgiveness, life, and salvation. No longer do we have to rely on our feeble attempts to please God; Christ has done it all for us. All this raises important questions:

What are you going to do, now that you don’t have to do anything to earn your salvation?
How do you live into your baptism?

Hebrews offers the answer: Live in faith, with hope, to love. It’s a posture of grateful trust in what God has done in Christ once for all. It’s a posture of hopeful anticipation of what God will do in the future. It’s a posture of what we can do now as faithful, hopeful servants of the great high priest, Jesus Christ.

What posture do you hope to take during the coming weeks?

Prayer

Help us, O Christ, the great high priest, to live with faith, hope, and love in response to all you have done for us. Amen

used with permission

Daily Faith Practices

Written by John and Robin McCullough-Bade

May be reproduced for local, non-sale use provided the above copyright notice is included.

www,ekca,org/dailyfaithpractices

Monday, November 9, 2015

Sunday, November 6-12 (B) – Hebrews 9:24-28

Focus: Once For All Sacrifice

word of life

“But as it is, he (Christ) has appeared once for all at the end of the age to remove sin by the sacrifice of himself.” Hebrews 9:26 (NRSV)

Read Hebrews 9:24-28

Our reflection on the image of Jesus as the great high priest who offers the perfect sacrifice for us comes to a soaring climax in the verses appointed for today. The contrast is once again made between the incomplete earthly sanctuary made of earthly hands (Hebrews 9:24) and the greater, perfect sanctuary of heaven in the full presence of God. Likewise, the incomplete sacrifice of an earthly high priest offered by necessity year after year pales to the sacrifice of Jesus of himself. (Hebrews 9:25-26) There is no comparison! The earthly sanctuary is but a dim copy of the heavenly one; and the sacrifice of the human high priest is fleeting and needs to be repeated year after year while the sacrifice of Christ is everlasting and complete.

Can you think of other examples contrasting the earthly and heavenly?
Describe the perfect sanctuary of heaven in the full presence of God.

There are several key words and phrases in today’s reading that are found throughout the book of Hebrews. The phrase “on our behalf” (Hebrews 9:24) identifies the purpose of Christ’s sacrifice. It is for us that Jesus suffers and dies. It for us that Jesus is obedient to God’s will. We proclaim this as we receive the bread and wine “given for you, and shed for you.”

How does it make you feel to know that Jesus suffered and died for you?
How do you try to live and order your life in response to this gift given for you?

Our highlighted verse for today (see above) includes another key theme: “…he (Christ) has appeared once for all ….” The Greek word translated “once for all” refers to the unique and definitive act of Christ’s death. The apostle Paul uses this word in his letter to the Romans: “The death he (Christ) died, he died to sin, once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.” (Romans 6:10 NRSV) Jesus, as both priest and sacrifice, accomplishes in full what earthly priests can only do in part and temporarily – he reconciles us fully to God. The effects of Christ’s sacrifice – forgiveness of sin, new life, a new relationship with God, salvation – are for all and for all time.

What does the phrase “once for all” mean to you?

“But as it is, he (Christ) has appeared once for all at the end of the age to remove sin by the sacrifice of himself.” (Hebrews 9:26 NRSV) Jesus ushers in a new era and new covenant – a covenant which is permanent and not dependent on our imperfect human actions. The phrase “the end of the age” echoes the opening verses of Hebrews: “Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days (God) has spoken to us by a Son...” (Hebrews 1:1-2 NRSV)

We will know the fullness of this new covenant when Christ comes again, “not to deal with sin, but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.” (Hebrews 9:28 NRSV)

Describe the new era when Christ will come again.
How should we live as we wait for the return of Christ?

word among us

“OK! OK! I’ll do it for you, but only just this one time.”

We can imagine a scenario when these words are heard. Oftentimes, they are spoken in a moment of frustration and resignation. We are asked to do something we don’t want to do. We resist and resist, until finally – begrudgingly – for the sake of the relationship with the other person, we give in.

When have you heard this phrase spoken? Describe the setting and the context.
After you do something one time how inclined are you to do it again and again?
What might truly be a “once-for-all” sacrifice?

We hear similar words in the reading for today from the book of Hebrews. Jesus suffers and dies – for us. Jesus intercedes to God – for us. Jesus appears “in the presence of God on our behalf.” (Hebrews 9:24 NRSV) We affirm this in the words of the Nicene Creed that we say in worship: “For us and for our salvation, he came down from heaven … for our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate ….” (Evangelical Lutheran Worship, p. 126) Jesus does it all – for us.

What emotions do you feel when you hear all Christ has done for you?
Do you try to live your life differently because of all Christ has done? How so?

Jesus does it all, not begrudgingly, but willingly. And unlike our “one-time” efforts which don’t last, Jesus’ gift of himself lasts forever. It is a “once for all” gift. It is such a precious gift that it gives completion, fulfillment, and total forgiveness. “But as it is, he (Christ) has appeared once for all at the end of the age to remove sin by the sacrifice of himself.” (Hebrews 9:26 NRSV) Thanks be to God!

What does it mean to you to be given a “once for all” forever gift in Jesus Christ?
How might you describe this “once for all” gift to someone who has not heard about Jesus Christ?

faith practice in daily life

Hear God’s Word and share in the Lord’s Supper

It’s a one-time thing – Jesus’ death and resurrection. It’s a one-time thing – our baptism. It’s a one-time thing, not because we don’t need it every week, every day, every hour. No, it’s a one-time thing because of the power of the grace of God revealed in the suffering, death, and resurrection of Christ.

And so we gather together weekly to remind us of the gift given and shed for us for the forgiveness of sin. We remember daily our baptism – that once for all event that connects us to Christ. And we go forth always with grateful hearts to tell and show others the love of God in Christ our Lord.

If someone wanted to be baptized again, how would you respond?
How has your understanding about your own baptism grown over the years?
What might you do to remember your baptism?

Prayer

We stand in awe, O gracious Christ, of the gift you give of yourself for us. Give us grateful hearts, and empower us to tell others of your gracious gift. Amen

last word

Each day this week,

remember to give thanks for your baptism.

used with permission

Daily Faith Practices

Written by John and Robin McCullough-Bade

May be reproduced for local, non-sale use provided the above copyright notice is included.

www,ekca,org/dailyfaithpractices Nov 6-12 (B) Faith Practices

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Sunday, October 30-November 5 (B) – Hebrews 9:11-14

Focus: Making Things Right

word of life

“… how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to worship the living God!”

Hebrews 9:14 (NRSV)

Read Hebrews 9:11-14

Our reading continues the theme of Jesus as the great high priest. The verses for today make reference to the most significant and important responsibility of the high priest. On the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) the high priest offered blood sacrifices for his sins and the sins of his people. (The detailed ritual is found in Leviticus 16.) No work was to be done that day. Fasting and penance were observed. The high priest was to enter the temple and offer a bull (without blemish) as a sacrifice for his sins and the sins of his house/lineage. Then, he was to take the blood of the bull and the blood of a goat (also without blemish) and go behind a veil to enter the Holy of Holies. (This was the only time during the year the Holy of Holies was entered.) The blood was sprinkled on the mercy seat as a sacrifice for the sins of the people. Another live goat was then presented, and the priest was to lay both hands on the goat and transfer all the sins and faults of the people. This goat – the scapegoat – was then caste off into the desert, carrying with it all the people’s sins.

What was the purpose of animal sacrifice in the Jewish faith?
How do we understand sacrifice in the Christian faith?

The author of Hebrews obviously knew the ritual well and used the theme of the blood of the sacrifice on the Day of Atonement to articulate and interpret the sacrifice of Jesus. The sacrifice of Christ – the shedding of his blood – reconciled us to God and restored or atoned the relationship between God and sinful humanity (at-one-ment). Christ as the great high priest entered “…once for all into the Holy Place, not with the blood of goats and calves, but with his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption.” (Hebrews 9:12 NRSV) Once again, the sacrifice of Jesus is sufficient for all time. It does not need to be offered again and again.

This theme echoes the Gospel of Matthew’s account of the Last Supper. After blessing and distributing the bread, Jesus took a cup of wine, blessed it, and gave it to his disciples saying, “Drink from it, all of you; for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” (Matthew 26:27-28 NRSV) The old covenant of the Day of Atonement, with the blood of animal sacrifices, is replaced by a new covenant, sealed by the blood of Jesus.

How would you define “atonement”?
How is Holy Communion related to atonement?

This section concludes by comparing the sacrifice of animals with the sacrifice of Jesus. If the blood of animals sanctify and reconcile God’s people defiled by sin, “… how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to worship the living God!” (Hebrews 9:14 NRSV) In Christ, the great high priest becomes the pure, unblemished sacrifice which restores us to God.

What does it mean to you for Christ to have been sacrificed?
How does the sacrifice of Christ change your life?

word among us

The Christian faith is one of great paradox. Those who are last will be first; the lowly will be lifted up, and mighty will be caste down; strength is found in weakness; death brings life. A cross becomes a crown.

Can you think of other paradoxes in the Bible?
Are the paradoxes of the Christian faith comforting or unsettling? Why?

The reading from Hebrews describes yet another paradox of the faith. Jesus, the great high priest, pure and sinless, offers a holy sacrifice, not of animals as an earthly high priest. No, Jesus’ sacrifice is of himself. Through his suffering, death, obedience to God, and resurrection, Jesus bridges the chasm between God and humanity. He pours out his life-blood for all. The priest becomes the perfect sacrifice, putting us in a right relationship with God.

What does it mean to have a right relationship with God?

Sometimes, when a relationship has been strained, one of the parties will say, “I want to make things right.” It is an acknowledgement that something is broken and needs to be repaired. It is an expression of commitment to the relationship. It reflects a desire for reconciliation. Through his sacrificial obedience and his suffering and death, Jesus says in word and deed, “I want to make things right. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” The words from Hebrews express it well: “… how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to worship the living God.”

(Hebrews 9:14 NRSV)

Give other examples when someone has said, “I want to make things right.”
What impact did this expressed desire have on the situation or the relationship?
Take a moment to silently reflect if there are some relationships you need to make right.

faith practice in daily life

Hear God’s Word and share in the Lord’s Supper

We gather weekly to celebrate a new covenant – one sealed by Jesus. We not only hear the words of the covenant; we experience it as we gather around bread and wine. Our relationship with God is restored through the sacrificial gift we receive in Holy Communion.

As we celebrate this reconciliation, we proclaim the paradox of the faith: “Worthy is Christ, the Lamb who was slain, whose blood set us free to be people of God. This is the feast of victory for our God, for the Lamb who was slain has begun his reign.” (Evangelical Lutheran Worship, p. 140) The Lamb who was sacrificed is the risen Lord of all creation, and we know the freedom of forgiveness.

Think through the liturgy in your worship service. Are there other instances of paradox? Are there other expressions of Jesus’ sacrifice?

Prayer

O Jesus, you were willing to die on the cross to make things right. We praise you for your sacrifice for us. Amen

last word

Take the initiative to make things right

with someone in your life

used with permission

Daily Faith Practices

Written by John and Robin McCullough-Bade

May be reproduced for local, non-sale use provided the above copyright notice is included.

www,ekca,org/dailyfaithpractices

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Sunday, October 23-29 (B) – Hebrews 7:23-28

Focus: Christ as our Intercessor

word of life

“Consequently he (Jesus) is able for all time to save those who approach God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 7:25 (NRSV)

Read Hebrews 7:23-28

The theme of Jesus as the great high priest continues in the readings for today. The author of Hebrews makes the case for the designation of Jesus as the great high priest by contrasting Jesus with human priests. There were many human priests because they were mortal; death ended their continuance in the priestly role. But Jesus as the high priest will continue to serve forever because he has been raised from death and lives forever. (Hebrews 7:23-24) Unlike the earthly priests, who are required to offer sacrifices for sin day after day, Jesus’ sacrifice of himself is a “once-and-for-all” offering (a word used frequently in Hebrews). Its effect lasts forever. (Hebrews 7:27)

What does it mean to you to think of Jesus as the great high priest?
What is the significance of Jesus’ death and resurrection being a “once-and-for-all” event?

Having established that Jesus is the only true continual high priest, he is able for all time and all people to save “…those who approach God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 7:25 (NRSV)

Serving as mediator or intercessor is the central role of the high priest. He is to act on behalf of the faith community to serve as a bridge between God and humanity. The imagery of Jesus interceding to God on our behalf is also found in Paul’s letter to the Romans: “It is Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us.” (Romans 8:34 NRSV)

Is it comforting to know that Jesus intercedes for us?
How do you experience that intercession?

The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus uniquely qualify him to serve as intercessor. He identifies with humanity because, like earthly priests, he suffered death; but unlike earthly priests, in his resurrection, he always lives. His intercession, therefore, for those who follow him is unceasing and serves as the permanent bridge between God and us.

Which imagery – intercessor, mediator, or bridge – do you find most helpful? Why?
Do you find this comparison of Jesus to a high priest helpful or not? Explain your answer.
Do you feel you need someone to intercede on your behalf? Explain your answer.

The author of Hebrews enumerates in eloquent language the attributes of Jesus as high priest: “holy, blameless, undefiled, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.” (Hebrews 7:26 NRSV) Many scholars believe that this verse was an early Christian hymn. Jesus is not portrayed as a high priest with faults and blemishes, having to seek forgiveness for his sins, meekly on his knees interceding for us. Rather, his attributes are those of God, holy and exalted above the heavens. His intercession on our behalf thereby brings forgiveness, life, and salvation.

What are other attributes of Jesus?
When you describe Jesus, how quickly do you mention his role as high priest? Why do you think that is so?

word among us

There are distinct advantages to being a part of a large family with many brothers and sisters. One such advantage is having a variety of strategies available when asking a parent for permission to go somewhere or do something special. If an older sibling could be enlisted to ask on your behalf, there might be a better chance at getting the desired response. When asked by an older sibling “Can John and I go to the ball game?” the parent might be more inclined to say, ”Yes” than asking to go alone. It’s always good to have an ally to intercede on your behalf!

What are other examples of intercession in your daily life?
Does having an ally to intercede always “work”? Why? Or why not?

“Put in a good word for me.” Requests such as these remind us of the power of intercession. To have someone in your corner – someone who has your best interests in mind, someone who is willing to risk on your behalf – can make all the difference in the world.

The author of Hebrews recognized the power of Jesus as intercessor for us: “…he (Jesus) is able for all time to save those who approach God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.” (Hebrews 7:25 NRSV) Unlike our human intercessors, whose effectiveness and power to intercede is limited, Jesus as our risen Lord always lives to intercede on our behalf. His intercession is not bound by time and place. It always brings salvation to those who approach God through him.

What difference does it make to know that Jesus is interceding to God for you?

faith practice in daily life

Serve all people, following the example of Jesus

There is a time in almost every worship service for intercessory prayer. Names of those in the community who have special needs – those who are ill or homebound, those grieving, those dealing with difficult life circumstances – are read as a part of the prayer. Sometimes silence is observed and names of those in need are spoken spontaneously during the prayer. The gathered community prays for creation and for the needs of the whole world.

How are prayers of intercession offered in your worship service? Who reads them?
What does it mean to you when you are in need to know that your congregation is praying for you?

Some have said that the time of intercessory prayer is when the faithful “roll up their sleeves while they are on their knees.” We are giving “marching orders” for our ministry together. Living among God’s faithful people, we are reminded in prayer of our call to serve – a call begun in baptism.

How does intercessory prayer give us “marching orders”?
How do we live out our baptismal calling to serve?

Prayer

Gracious God, what a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and grief to bear. We give thanks for his intercession on our behalf. Empower us to intercede for others, following his example. Amen

last word

Pray this week

for those in need.

used with permission

Daily Faith Practices

Written by John and Robin McCullough-Bade

May be reproduced for local, non-sale use provided the above copyright notice is included.

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