Highlighting the Bible, Part XX, Reflections on highlighting the revised common lectionary

A. Hanson, Minneapolis 2014

Over the last two and a half months I have been "highlighting the Bible".  I have been looking through the revised common lectionary readings and physically highlighting the passages that appear as assigned readings.  Then I have been making posts with what does not appear in these assigned readings, or if there is very little assigned, just making notes of what actually appears.

The Gospels attempt to tell the story of Jesus' life in a more or less consistent way each year.  The readings selected from the epistles (Letters) tend to support these re-tellings based on the year.  The Hebrew Bible readings are more sporadic.  Readings selected from these books tend to foretell the coming of Jesus or point to God's faithfulness in the midst of suffering.

One thing that has long bothered me is the use of Hebrew scriptures only to prove Christian belief.  In the course of this summer project (and several classes in my theological formation), I have come to believe that this part of the canon is rich and full and has stories to tell on its own.  As Christians, we profess that Jesus is Lord and the salvation of the whole world, and God's son.  So the God of the Hebrew scriptures is also our God, not some outdated figure that belongs to another people of another time and place. The Hebrew scriptures are tough to read at times, but they are definitely worth wrestling with.

As I prepare for my next adventure, a Chaplain residency at a Level I Trauma Center, I will be spending lots of time wondering about the presence and activity of God in the midst of suffering, pain, grief, and death.  So my next blog series will likely explore this, and I believe that the Hebrew scriptures are the place to begin.

Highlighting the Bible, Part XIX, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi

A.Hanson, Montana 2008

This final group of the Hebrew Bible Prophets tells the story of the Israelites.  The prophet Micah warns both kingdoms of God's coming judgment and offers words of hope for those without power who remained faithful to the covenant. The prophet Nahum writes of the destruction of Ninevah, the Assyrian capital, and how this fall of a powerful city was God's judgment against the oppressive Assyrian superpower. The prophet Habakkuk lived in Judah, stuck between Babylon and Egypt. He cries out for God to rescue God's faithful people.  Habakkuk questions God for allowing so much suffering to last for so long. The prophet Zephaniah writes during the rule of a King, and makes the case for the people to trust in God instead of in earthly powers. The prophet Haggai writes of the return of the Israelites from Exile and the slow rebuilding of the temple.  Zechariah was a contemporary of Haggai, and also writes of the restoration of the temple.

A. The following passages from the book of Micah appear in the lectionary:

Micah 3:5-13 (judgment against wicked rulers and prophets)

Micah 5:2-5 (the ruler from Bethlehem)

Micah 6:1-8 (God challenges Israel; What God requires)


B. No passages from the book of Nahum appear in the lectionary


C. The following passages from the book of Habakkuk appear in the lectionary:

Hab 1:1-4 (The prophet's complaint)

Hab 2:1-4 (God's reply to the prophet's complaint)


D. The following passages from the book of Zephaniah appear in the lectionary:

Zeph 1:7, 12-18 (the coming judgment on Judah; the great day of the Lord)

Zeph 3:14-20 (A song of Joy)


E. No passages from the book of Haggai appear in the lectionary


F. The following passages of the book of Zechariah appear in the lectionary:

Zech 9:9-12 (the coming ruler of God's people)


G. The following passages from the book of Malachi appear in the lectionary:

Mal 3:1-4 (The coming messenger)

Mal 4:1-2b (The great day of the LORD)

Highlighting the Bible, part XVIII, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah and Jonah

A.Hanson, Minneapolis, 2010

Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah and Jonah are other prophetic books that are read at times in the revised common lectionary.

Daniel focuses specifically on three people, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and their interactions with kings.  The book is a commentary on the rule of kings and how they interact with God's people. Hosea also is writing during the time of the ruling of the kings and includes harsh accusations of the people of God.  The prophet Joel writes of God using power in the natural world and God acting in the world on behalf of God's people.  The prophet Amos urged the divided kingdoms of the north and the south to return to union with one another and also writes of God's concern for justice.  The prophet Obadiah is concerned with hope and justice, and he writes to the country of Edom.  Finally, the book of Jonah is one that is fairly well-known.  It is not quite a prophecy, but rather a short story.  The message of this book is that the love and mercy of God are available not only to the Israelites, but to others as well.

A. The following passages from the book of Daniel appear in the lectionary:

Dan 7:1-4 (Visions of the four beasts)

Dan 7:9-10, 13-14 (Judgment before the ancient one)

Dan 7:15-18 (Daniel's visions interpreted)

Dan 10:10-14 (An angel speaks to Daniel)

Dan 12:1-3 (The resurrection of the dead)


B. No passages from the book of Hosea appear in the lectionary


C. The following passages from the book of Joel appear in the lectionary:

Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 ("blow the trumpet in Zion, sound the alarm on my holy mountain!…Return to me with all your heart") This is a text read on Ash Wednesday

Joel 2:21-27 ("do not fear, O Soil…be glad and rejoice for the Lord has done great things!)


D. The following passages from the book of Amos appear in the lectionary:

Amos 5:6-7, 10-25 (Seek the Lord and live…Seek good and not evil, that you may live.")

Amos 5:18-24 (The day of the LORD a Dark Day)

Amos 6:1, 4-7 (Complacent self-indulgence will be punished)

Amos 7:7-15 (the plumb line; Amaziah complains to the King)

Amos 8:4-7 ("hear this, you that trample on the needy and bring to ruin the poor of the land…Surely I will never forget any of their deeds")


E. No passages from the book of Obadiah appear in the lectionary


F. The following passages from the book of Jonah appear in the lectionary:

Jonah 3:1-5 (the conversion of Ninevah)

Jonah 3:10-4:1-11 (Jonah's anger; Jonah is reproved)

Highlighting the Bible, Part XVII, Jeremiah, Lamentations, and Ezekiel

A.Hanson, Taize 2009

The book of Jeremiah is set in a time of disaster and uncertainty.  This prophet spoke of God's destruction on the world because of the unfaithfulness of the people of Judah.  This makes it hard to read at times, particularly given the metaphors the that the prophet chooses to use.  But Jeremiah points continually again and again to the activity of God.

The Book of Lamentations is a series of five poems mourning the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians in 586 BCE.

The Book of Ezekiel is also a prophetic telling of the events leading up to the exile, promises of restoration and a vision for healing and hope in the future.  Ezekiel is a wild and rich book full of fantastic imagery and is quite fun to read.

Because these three books are not used frequently in the lectionary, it suits the purposes of this series to cite what actually appears in the lectionary.

A. The following texts from the book of Jeremiah appear in the lectionary:

Jer 1:4-10 (Jeremiah's call and commission)

Jer 11:18-20 (Jeremiah's life threatened)

Jer 14:7-10 (The Great Drought)

Jer 14:19-22 (The people plead for mercy)

Jer 15:15-21 (Jeremiah complains again and is reassured)

Jer 20:7-13 (Jeremiah denounces his persecutors)

Jer 23:1-6 (restoration after Exile; the righteous branch of David)

Jer 23:23-29 ("Am I a God nearby?…Who can hide in secret places that I cannot see them?")

Jer 29:5-9 (Jeremiah's letter of hope to the exiles in Babylon)

Jer 31:1-14 (The joyful return of the exiles)

Jer 31:31-34 (A new covenant)

Jer 33:14-16 (The righteous branch and the covenant with David)


B. The following passages from the book of Lamentations appear in the lectionary:

Lam 3:22-33 ("The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases")


C. The following passages from the book of Ezekiel appear in the lectionary:

Eze 2:1-5 (The vision of the scroll)

Eze 17:22-24 (Israel exalted at last)

Eze 18:1-4 (Individual retribution)

Eze 18:25-32 ("Hear now, O House of Israel: Is my way unfair?")

Eze 33:7-11 (God's justice and mercy)

Eze 34:11-16, 20-24 (God, the True Shepherd)

Eze 37:1-14 (The Valley of the Dry Bones)

Highlighting the Bible, Part XVI, Isaiah

A.Hanson, Paris, 2009

The book of Isaiah is the Hebrew bible book most often quoted by Christians and used by the Gospel writers.  It is divided into three parts, the first part of Isaiah (chap 1-33) is attributed to Isaiah, son of Ahoz, who preached in Judah.  Chapters 34-39 likely date from a later time and their authorship is unknown. The second part of Isaiah (chap 40-55) was written while the Israelites were in exile in Babylonia.  The third part of Isaiah (chap 56-66) was written in the post-exilic period. This book is beloved by Christians because of its use of Messianic imagery.  It is often read during the time of Advent and during Epiphany to celebrate the coming of Jesus.

Isaiah is a fascinating book and in taking it piecemeal at only certain times of the year misses the overarching story.  The first part of the story traces the turbulent history of God's people, which would lead to their exile to Babylon.  The second part of Isaiah speaks more words of comfort than of condemnation.  Finally, the third portion of Isaiah describes the return to Jerusalem.

The following are passages from the book of Isaiah that do not appear in the revised common lectionary:

Isaiah 1:1-9 (The wickedness of Judah)

Isaiah 1:19-31 (The Degenerate City)

Isaiah 2:6-22 (Judgment pronounced on arrogance)

Isaiah 3-4 (more judgment pronounced; Future glory of the survivors in Zion)

Isaiah 5:8-30 (Social injustice announced; Foreign invasion predicted)

Isaiah 6:9-13 (a portion of a vision of God in the temple)

Isaiah 7:1-9 (Isaiah reassures King Ahaz)

Isaiah 7:17-8:22 (Isaiah gives Ahaz the sign of Immanuel; Isaiah's son a sign of the Assyrian invasion; disciples of Isaiah)

Isaiah 9:8-21 (Judgment on arrogance and oppression)

Isaiah 10 (Arrogant Assyria also judged; the repentant remnant of Israel)

Isaiah 11:10-16 (Return of the remnant of Israel and Judah)

Isaiah 12-24 (Thanksgiving and Praise; Oracles against the nations)

Isaiah 25:10-12 (comments about the Moabites)

Isaiah 26-34 (Judah's song of victory; Israel's redemption; Judgment on corrupt rulers; the Siege of Jerusalem; Hope for the future; futility of reliance on Egypt; God's promise to Zion; Judgment on Assyria; Government with justice predicted; peace of God's reign; A prophecy of deliverance from Foes; Judgment on the nations)

Isaiah 36-39 (Sennacherib threatens Jerusalem; Hezekiah consults Isaiah; Hezekiah's prayer; Sennacherib's defeat; Hezekiah's illness; envoys from Babylon warned)

Isaiah 40:12-20 (a poem about the activity of God)

Isaiah 41 (Israel assured of God's help; the futility of idols)

Isaiah 42:10-25 (a hymn of praise; Israel's disobedience)

Isaiah 43:8-15 (God speaks, "bring forth the people who are blind…let all nations gather together")

Isaiah 43:22-28 (God speaks "yet you did not call upon me, O Jacob; I am He who blots out your transgressions)

Isaiah 44:1-5 (God's blessing on Israel)

Isaiah 44:9-28 (the absurdity of idol worship; Israel is not forgotten)

Isaiah 45:8-25 (God speaks, "Who to you who strive with your maker"; idols cannot save Babylon)

Isaiah 46-48 (Idols cannot save; the humiliation of Babylon; God the creator and redeemer)

Isaiah 49:8-50:3 (Zion's children to be brought home)

Isaiah 50:9b-11 ("who among you fears the Lord and obeys the voice of his servant")

Isaiah 51:7-23 (blessings in store for God's people)

Isaiah 52:1-6 ("awake, awake, put on your strength O Zion!)

Isaiah 52:11-12 ("depart, depart…touch no unclean thing!)

Isaiah 54 (The eternal covenant of peace)

Isaiah 56:2-5 (The covenant extended to all who obey)

Isaiah 56:9-12 (the corruption of Israel's rulers)

Isaiah 57 (Israel's futile idolatry; a promise of help and healing)

Isaiah 59 (Injustice and Oppression to be punished)

Isaiah 60:7-22 (Ingathering of the dispersed; God the glory of Zion)

Isaiah 62:5-7 ("you shall be called priests of the Lord")

Isaiah 63:1-6 (Vengeance on Edom)

Isaiah 63:10-19 (God's mercy remembered; a prayer of penitence)

Isaiah 64:10-12 ("your holy cities have become a wilderness")

Isaiah 65:10-16 (a portion of the righteousness of God's judgment)

Isaiah 66:1-9 (the worship that God demands; The LORD vindicates Zion)

Isaiah 66:15-24 (The reign and indignation of God)

Highlighting the Bible, Part XV, Wisdom Books (Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon)

A.Hanson, Paris, 2009

The wisdom books include Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon.  The book of Psalms was already addressed in part VI of this series , so in this post we will explore what portions of the remaining wisdom books appear in the lectionary.  The Christian lectionary picks and chooses portions of these wisdom books that emphasize God's promises or the work of the Spirit of God.

The book of Job is a story of theodicy, or explorations of God's actions in the face of suffering. It can be viewed as a meditation on the problem of underserved suffering. Proverbs provides practical insights and instructions for right living, and the Song of Solomon is about human love, so it often finds it way into the readings at weddings. As in the historical books, much of these wisdom books do not make it into the lectionary, so we will simply note what passages are presented.


A. The following passages from the book of Job are in the lectionary:

Job 19:23-27 ("For I know that my Redeemer lives")

Job 38:1-11 (The LORD answers Job)


B. The following passages from the book of Proverbs appear in the lectionary:

Prov 8:1-4 (The gifts of Wisdom)

Prov 8:22-31 (Wisdom's part in creation)

Prov 9:1-6 (Wisdom's feast)

Prov 25:6-7 ("do not put yourself forward in the King's presence…for it is better to be told 'come up here' than to be put lower in the presence of a noble")


C. The following passages from the book of Ecclesiastes appear in the lectionary:

Ecc 1:2, 12-14 (The futility of seeking wisdom)

Ecc 2:18-23 (Wisdom and joy given to the one who pleases God)


D. No passages from Song of Solomon appear in the lectionary

Highlighting the Bible, Part XIV: The History Books (Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings, 1 and 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther

A.Hanson, Paris, 2009

The history books of the Hebrew Bible serve as a historical record for the Israelites.  They are not a chronological record, but instead, records of the same event might appear in multiple books.  They tell the story of the time after Moses' leadership, through the time of the Kings and the divided kingdom, until the time of the Exile. Very little from these books appears in the revised common lectionary, so in the interests of a streamlined post, I will only list what actually appears in the lectionary and you can leave the rest for your own discovery.

A. The following passages from Joshua appear in the lectionary:

Joshua 5:9-12 (Passover at Gilgal)

Joshua 24:1-2, 14-18 ("Choose this day whom you will serve")


B. No passages from the book of Judges appear in the lectionary


C. No passages from the book of Ruth appear in the lectionary


D. The following passages from the book of 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel appear in the lectionary:

1 Sam 2:18-20, 26 (The child Samuel at Shiloh)

1 Sam 3 (Samuel's calling and Prophetic Activity)

1 Sam 16:1-13 (David Anointed as King)

2 Sam 7:1-11, 16 (God's covenant with David)

2 Sam 11:26-12:10, 13-15 (Nathan condemns David)


E. The following passages from 1 Kings and 2 Kings appear in the lectionary:

1 Kings 3:5-12 (Solomon's prayer for wisdom)

1 Kings 8:22-23 (Solomon's prayer of dedication)

1 Kings 8:41-43 (Welcome the foreigner in the temple)

1 Kings 17:8-16 (The widow of Zaraphath)

1 Kings 17:17-24 (Elijah revives the Widow's son)

1 Kings 19:4-21 (Elijah flees from Jezebel; Elijah meets God at Horeb; Elisha becomes Elijah's disciple)

2 Kings 2:1-12 (Elijah ascends to heaven)

2 Kings 4:42-44 (Elisha feeds one hundred men)

2 Kings 5:1-3, 7-15 (The healing of Naaman from leprosy)


F. No passages from 1 and 2 Chronicles appear in the lectionary


G. No passages from Ezra appear in the lectionary


H. The following passages from the book of Nehemiah appear in the lectionary:

Neh 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10 (Ezra summons the people to obey the law)


I. No passages from the book of Esther appear in the lectionary

Highlighting the Bible, part XIII: The Pentateuch (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy)

A.Hanson, Amsterdam, 2009

Christians refer to the first five books of the Hebrew Bible as the Pentateuch. The Jewish community refers to these same books as the Torah. There are a variety of potential authors for these books, with very distinct writing styles, and much debate among scholars.

These books tell the story of God and God's people in the world.  These books of the Hebrew Bible (I am deliberately not describing this as the Old Testament, because that is taking a Christo-centric view) are important for Christians for they tell our story of creation and identity as God's people also, and tell of the faithfulness of God's promises in the midst of a broken world.

A. The following portions from Genesis do not appear in the lectionary:

Gen 2:4b-14 (Another account of creation)

Gen 3:16-24 (more comment about the first sin)

Gen 4-8 (Cain murders Abel;  Beginnings of Civilization; Adam's descendants; the wickedness of humankind; Noah pleases God; The Great Flood; The flood subsides; God's promise to Noah)

Gen 9:1-7 (a portion of the covenant with Noah)

Gen 9:18-28 (Noah and his sons)

Gen 10 (Nations descended from Noah)

Gen 11:10-32 (Descendants of Shem; Descendants of Terah)

Gen 12:4b-20 (Abram and Sarai in Egypt)

Gen 13-14 (Abram and Lot Separate; Lot's captivity and rescue; Abram blessed by Melchizedek)

Gen 16 (Birth of Ishmael)

Gen 17:8-14 (discussion of covenant with Abraham)

Gen 17:18-27 (announcement that Sarah will bear a son and he shall be named Isaac)

Gen 18:11-19 (Sarah laughs; Judgment pronounced on Sodom)

Gen 19-31 (Depravity of Sodom; Sodom and Gomorrah destroyed; Shameful origin of Moab and Ammon; Abraham and Sarah at Gerar; The birth of Isaac; Hagar and Ishamael sent away; Abraham and Abimelech make a covenant; The command to sacrifice Isaac; Sarah's death and burial; Marriage of Isaac and Rebekah; Abraham marries Keturah; Death of Abraham; Ishmael's descendants; Birth and youth of Esau and Jacob; Esau sells his birthright; Isaac and Abimelech; Isaac blesses Jacob; Esau's lost blessing; Jacob escapes Esau's fury; Esau marries Ishmael's daughter; Jacob's dream at Bethel; Jacob meets Rachel; Jacob marries Laban's daughters; Jacob prospers at Laban's expense; Jacob flees with family and flocks; Laban overtakes Jacob; Laban and Jacob make a covenant)

Gen 32:1-21 (Jacob sends presents to appease Esau)

Gen 33-49 (Jacob and Esau meet; rape of Dinah; Jacob returns to Bethel; many records of descendants; the story of Joseph; Judah and Tamar; Joseph interpreting dreams; Joseph's brothers in Egypt; Joseph reveals himself to his brothers; Joseph brings his family to Egypt)

Gen 50:1-14 (death of Jacob)

Gen 50:22-26 (death of Joseph)


B. The following passages from Exodus do not appear in the lectionary:

Exodus 1-11 (Moses' birth and youth; Moses and the burning bush; God reveals God's name; Moses' power revealed; Moses goes to Egypt; hard working conditions in Egypt; Israel's delivery assured; Moses and Aaron; the plagues)

Exodus 12:15-51; 13(death of the firstborn; Exodus to Succoth; festival of unleavened bread; consecration of firstborn; pillars of cloud and fire)

Exod 14-15 (Crossing the red sea; Song of Moses; Song of Miriam)

Exod 16:16-36 (Manna in the desert)

Exod 17:8-16 (Amalek attacks Israel and is defeated)

Exod 18-19 (Jethro's advice; Israelites reach Mt Sinai)

Exod 20:22-26 (law concerning the altar)

Exod 21-24:1-11 (a variety of laws)

Exod 25-31 (description of the tabernacle and priesthood)

Exod 32:1-6 (the making of the golden calf)

Exod 32:15-35 (Moses gets angry and breaks the stone tablets)

Exod 33-Exod 34:1-27 (Command to leave Sinai; Moses makes new tablets; Covenant renewed)

Exod 35-40 (more discussion about the construction of the tabernacle)


C. The following passage is the ONLY passage from Leviticus that appears in the lectionary:

Lev 19:1-2, 9-18 (Ritual and moral holiness)


D. The following passages are the ONLY passages from Numbers that appear in the lectionary:

Numbers 11:4-6, 10-16 (the people complaining in the desert

Numbers 11:24-30 (the spirit of God anoints 70 elders of the people)

Numbers 21:4-9 (Moses and the bronze serpent)


E. The following passages from Deuteronomy do not appear in the lectionary:

Deut 1-3 (events in Horeb; the desert years; defeat of King Og)

Deut 4:10-49 (more discussion of Moses commanding obedience)

Deut 5 (the 10 commandments; Moses the mediator of God's will)

Deut 6:10-25 (Caution against disobedience)

Deut 7 (A chosen people; blessings for obedience)

Deut 8:1-6 (a warning not to forget God in prosperity)

Deut 9-17 (Consequences of rebelling against God; Second pair of tablets; Essence of the law; rewards for obedience; Pagan shrines to be destroyed; prescribed place of worship; warning against idolatry; a variety of laws; passover revisited)

Deut 18:1-14 (privileges of priests; child sacrifice, divination and magic prohibited

Deut 19-25 (various laws)

Deut 26:12-19 (discussion of first fruits and tithes; concluding exhortation)

Deut 27-29 (blessings and warnings for disobedience)

Deut 30:1-8 (God's fidelity assured)

Deut 31-24 (Joshua chosen to succeed Moses; Song of Moses; Moses' final blessing; Moses' death and burial)

Highlighting the Bible, Part XII: Hebrews, James, 1 and 2 Peter, 1, 2, and 3 John, Jude, and Revelation

A. Hanson, Amsterdam, 2009

The remaining books of the New Testament, Hebrews, James, 1 and 2 Peter, 1, 2, and 3 John, Jude and Revelation are an interesting collection of literature.  They cannot be attributed to Paul and their authorship is unknown.

The letter to the Hebrews is a favorite among the lectionary folks, because of its poetic language.

The letters of James, 1 and 2 Peter, 1,2, and 3 John and Jude are intended to be general letters written to the whole Christian community as both warning and exhortation to be faithful.

The book of Revelation is an interesting book.  This literature uses a tone of apocalypse, but this is more a style of writing than a road map for the end of times, like so many biblical literalists would claim.  It was written to support and encourage a group of seven churches who face persecution and struggle to faith faithfully.

A. The following passages from the book of Hebrews do not appear in the lectionary:

Heb 1:13-14 (questions about devotion to God)

Heb 2:1-4 (warning to pay attention)

Heb 3 (Moses a servant, Christ a son; warning against unbelief)

Heb 4:1-11 (The rest that God promised)

Heb 5:11-14 (Warning against falling away)

Heb 6 (The peril of falling away; the certainty of God's promise)

Heb 7:1-22 (the priestly order of Melchizedek; another priest, like Melchizedek)

Heb 8 (Mediator of a better covenant)

Heb 9:1-10 (the earthly and heavenly sanctuaries)

Heb 9:16-23 (the death of the will)

Heb 10:1-4 (the law cannot take away sin)

Heb 10:26-39 (a call to persevere in the midst of struggle)

Heb 11:4-7 (The examples of Abel, Enoch, and Noah)

Heb 11:17-28 (the faith of Abraham; the faith of Moses)

Heb 12:4-17 (The example of Jesus; warnings against rejecting God's grace)

Heb 13:9-14 (do not be carried away by strange teachings)

Heb 13:17-25 (call to obey leaders; benediction; final exhortation and greetings)


B. The following passages from James do not appear in the lectionary

James 1:1-16 (Salutation; faith and wisdom; poverty and riches; trial and temptation)

James 2:18-26 (more discussion on faith and works)

James 4:11-12 (warning against judging another)

James 5:1-6 (warning to rich oppressors)

James 5:11-12 (endure in faith)


C. The following passages from 1 and 2 Peter do not appear in the lectionary

1 Peter 1:1-2 (salutation)

1 Peter 1:10-16 (prophets testifying to the hope of Christ; a call to holy living)

1 Peter 1:24-25 (quoting a passage from Isaiah 40)

1 Peter 2:11-19 (live as servants of God; command to slaves to accept the authority of their masters)

1 Peter 3:1-12 (wives accept the authority of their husbands; do not repay evil for evil)

1 Peter 4:1-11 (good stewards of God's grace_

1 Peter 4:15-19 (do not view your suffering as a disgrace, but glorify God)

1 Peter 5:1-5 (Tending the flock of God)

1 Peter 5:12-14 (final greetings and benediction)

2 Peter 2 (false prophets and their punishment)

2 Peter 3:1-7 (The promise of the Lord's coming)

2 Peter 3:16-18 (final greetings and doxology)


D. The following passages from 1, 2, and 3 John do not appear in the lectionary

1 John 2:3-28 (we must obey Christ's commandments if we are to know him; a new commandment; warning against anti-Christs_

1 John 3:8-15 (The son of God was revealed to destroy the works of the devil; Love one another)

1 John 4:1-6 (Testing the Spirits)

1 John 5:7-8 (The spirit, the water and the blood testify that Jesus is the son of God)

1 John 5:14-21 (epilogue)

2 John (no part of this book appears in the lectionary) (salutation; truth and love; final greetings)

3 John (no part of this book appears in the lectionary) (salutation; Gaius commanded for his hospitality; Diotrephes and Demetrius; Final Greetings)

E. No passages from the book of Jude appear in the lectionary

Jude (Salutation; Occasion of the Letter; Judgment on false teachers; warnings and exhortations; Benediction

F. The following passages from the book of Revelation do not appear in the lectionary
 Rev 1:1-3 (Introduction and Salutation)

Rev 1:9-20 (a vision of Christ)

Rev 2 (Message to Ephesus; Message to Smyrna; message to Pergamum; message to Thyatira)

Rev 3 (Message to Sardis; message to Philadelphia; message to Laodicea

Rev 4 (The heavenly worship)

Rev 5:1-10 (the scroll and the lamb)

Rev 6 (the seven seals)

Rev 7:1-8 (the 144,000 of Israel sealed)

Rev 8 (the seventh seal and the Golden censer; the seven trumpets)

Rev 9 (the seven trumpets continued)

Rev 10 (the angel with the little scroll)

Rev 11 (the two witnesses; the seventh trumpet)

Rev 12:1-6 (the woman and the dragon)

Rev 12:13-18 (the dragon fights again on earth)

Rev 13 (the first beast; the second beast)

Rev 14 (the Lamb and the 144,000; the messages of the three angels; reaping the earth's harvest)

Rev 15 (The angels with the seven last plagues)

Rev 16 (The bowls of God's wrath)

Rev 17 (The great whore and the beast)

Rev 18 (the fall of Babylon)

Rev 19 (the rejoicing in heaven; the rider on the white horse; the beast and its armies defeated)

Rev 20 (The thousand years; Satan's doom; the dead are judged)

Rev 21:7-9 (those who are cowardly and faithless will be punished; one of the seven angels appears to show the bride of the Lord)

Rev 21:11-21 (the vision of the new Jerusalem)

Rev 22:6-11 ("See!  I am coming soon!"; epilogue and benediction)

Highlighting the Bible, Part XI: 2 Thessalonians, 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon

A.Hanson, Minneapolis, 2014

2 Thessalonians, 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon are letters that are often attributed to Paul, but they have a different style, tone, or message than the other Pauline letters, so their authorship is likely not from Paul himself.

A. The following passages from 2 Thessalonians do not appear in the lectionary:

2 Thess 1:5-10 (the judgment at Christ's coming)

2 Thess 2:6-12 (the coming of the lawless one)

2 Thess 3:1-5 (a request for prayer)

2 Thess 3:14-18 (a warning to those who do not obey; final greetings and benediction)

B. The following passages from 1 Timothy do not appear in the lectionary: 

1 Tim 1:1-11 (Salutation; warning against false teachers)

1 Tim 1:18-20 (the purpose for giving Timothy instructions, "so that they might learn not to blaspheme")

1 Tim 2:8-15 (more instructions for prayer, "women dressed modestly")

1 Tim 3 (Qualifications of Bishops; qualifications of deacons; The mystery of our religion)

1 Tim 4 (False asceticism; A good minister of Jesus Christ)

1 Tim 5 (Duties toward Believers)

1 Tim 6:1-5 ("let all who are under the yoke of slavery regard their masters as worthy of all honor; False teaching and true riches)

1 Tim 6:20-21 (Personal instructions and Benedictions)

C. The following passages from 2 Timothy do not appear in the lectionary:

 2 Tim 1:15-18 (some personal notes to some people)

2 Tim 2:1-7 (A good soldier of Jesus Christ)

2 Tim 2:16-26 (a worker approved by God)

2 Tim 3:1-13 (Godlessness in the last days; Paul's charge to Timothy)

2 Tim 4:9-16 (personal instructions to Timothy)

2 Tim 4:19-22 (final greetings and benediction)

D. The following passages from Titus do not appear in the lectionary

Titus 1 (Salutation; Titus in Crete)

Titus 2:1-10 (Teach sound doctrine) 

Titus 2:15 (commentary on Titus 2:11-14)

Titus 3:1-3 (maintain good deeds)

Titus 3:8-15 (the followers of God devote themselves to good works that profit everyone; final messages and benediction)

E. The following passages from Philemon do not appear in the lectionary

Philemon 1:23-25 (Final greetings and benediction)

Highlighting the Bible, Part X: Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians

A. Hanson, NYC, 2014

Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and 1 Thessalonians are letters that are attributed to Paul.  While some other letters are also attributed to Paul (which will be explored in part XI), their authorship is in question.  1 Thessalonians is the earliest letter that we have from Paul, and like the two letters to the Corinthians, references some other correspondence with the congregation that we do not have.

Galatians is a favorite of Lutherans as well, because Paul teaches justification by faith through grace.

A. The following passages from Galatians do not appear in the lectionary:

Gal 2:1-14 (Paul and the other apostles; Paul rebukes Peter at Antioch)

Gal 3:1-22 (Law or Faith; The promise to Abraham; The purpose of the law)

Gal 4:1-3 (while we were minors, we were slaves to the law)

Gal 4:5-31 (Paul reproves the Galatians; the allegory of Hagar and Sarah)

Gal 5:2-12 (The nature of Christian freedom

Gal 6:17-18 (a final admonition and benediction)

B. The following passages from Ephesians do not appear in the lectionary:
Eph 4:17-24 (The old life and the new)

Eph 5:3-6 (renounce pagan ways)

Eph 5:21-33 (The Christian household: this is the controversial "wives be subject to your husbands" passage)

Eph 6:1-9 (Children obey your parents; slaves obey your masters)

Eph 6:21-24 (personal greetings and benediction)

C. The following passages from Philippians do not appear in the lectionary:
Phil 1:1-2 (salutation)

Phil 1:12-20 (Paul's present circumstances)

Phil 2:14-30 (Shining as lights in the world; Timothy and Epaphroditus)

Phil 3:1-4 (admonishment that one need not be tied to the law of circumcision)

Phil 4:10-23 (Acknowledgment of the Philippians gift; final greetings and benediction)

D. The following passages from Colossians do not appear in the lectionary:
Col 1:29 (a statement about Paul's interest in the Colossians)

Col 2:1-5 (more commentary on Paul's interest in this community

Col 2:20-23 (Warnings against false teachers)

Col 3:18-25 (Rules for Christian households, "wives be subject to your husbands")

Col 4 ("masters treat your slaves justly"; further instructions; Final greetings and benediction)

E. The following passages from 1 Thessalonians do not appear in the lectionary:
1 Thess 2:13-20 (giving thanks for the community; Paul's desire to visit the community again)

1 Thess 3:1-8 (the sending of Timothy to check in on the community; Timothy's report)

1 Thess 4:1-12 (A life pleasing to God)

1 Thess 4:12-15 (some final greetings)

1 Thess 4:25-28 (request for prayer; benediction)

Highlighting the Bible, Part IX: 1 and 2 Corinthians

A. Hanson, NYC 2014

Paul's first and second letters to the Corinthians are part of an ongoing conversation with the community at Corinth.  It is theorized that Paul wrote an earlier letter to this community, and these letters continue conversations.  They are an interesting snapshot into the lives, concerns, disagreements, hopes, and joys of these early churches.  Portions of 1 Corinthians are often read at weddings because of the focus on love.

The following passages from 1 and 2 Corinthians do not appear in the lectionary:

1 Cor 4 (The Ministry of the Apostles; Fatherly admonition)

1 Cor 5 (Sexual immorality defiles the church; Sexual immorality must be judged

1 Cor 6:1-11 (Lawsuits among believers)

1 Cor 7:1-28 (Directions concerning marriage; The life the Lord has assigned; The unmarried at the Widows)

1 Cor 7:32-40 (more discussion about marriage, love, and honor in relationships)

1 Cor 9:1-15 (The rights of an apostle)

1 Cor 9:24-27 (talking about enslaving the body to belief)

1 Cor 10:14-33 (command to flee from the worship of idols; Do all to the glory of God)

1 Cor 11:1-22 (Head Coverings; Abuses at the Lord's supper)

1 Cor 11:27-34 (Partaking of the Supper unworthily)

1 Cor 14 (Gifts of Prophecy and Tongues; Orderly Worship)

1 Cor 15:12-18 (The resurrection of the dead)

1 Cor 15:27-58 (more commentary on the resurrection; what happens to the physical body after resurrection)

1 Cor 16 (The collection for the saints; plans for travel; Final messages and greetings)

2 Cor 1 (salutation; Paul's thanksgiving after affliction; postponement of Paul's visit)

2 Cor 2 (more about Paul's visit; forgiveness for the offender; Paul's anxiety in Troas)

2 Cor 3:1-11 (Ministers of the new covenant)

2 Cor 5:1-5 (we know that our earthy dwellings will not endure)

2 Cor 6:11-18 (the Temple of the living God)

2 Cor 7 (Paul's joy at the church's repentance)

2 Cor 8:1-6 (Encouragement to be generous)

2 Cor 8:16-24 (commendation of Titus)

2 Cor 9:1-5 (the collection for Christians at Jerusalem)

2 Cor 10 (Paul defends his ministry)

2 Cor 11 (Paul and the false apostles; Paul's suffering as an apostle)

2 Cor 12:11-21 (Paul's concern for the Corinthian church)

2 Cor 13:1-10 (Further warning to examine their lives of faith)

Highlighting the Bible part VIII: Romans

A.Hanson, NYC 2014

Paul's letter to the Romans is one of the most beloved Pauline epistles (or letters).  Paul had been a missionary for a number of years at the time of its writing.  Romans has a well developed theology (hence its favored status among Lutherans and other Protestants) and is distinct in that it is the only letter that was not written to a congregation founded by Paul or a person whom he converted.

All of Paul's letters begin with a salutation.  The letter to the Romans is written to "all God's beloved in Rome, who are called to be saints."

The following passages from Paul's letter to the Romans do not appear in any lectionary passage:

Romans 1:8-32 (Prayer of Thanksgiving; The Power of the Gospel; the Guilt of Humankind

Romans 2 (The righteous judgment of God; The Jews and the law)

Romans 3:1-18 (continuing the argument that law does not save; None is righteous)

Romans 4:1-12 (The Example of Abraham)

Romans 7:1-13 (An Analogy from Marriage; The Law and Sin)

Romans 9:6-33 (commentary on God's election of Israel; God's wrath and mercy; Israel's unbelief)

Romans 10:1-4 (commentary on Paul's desire that all be saved)

Romans 11:3-28 (Israel's rejection is not final; The salvation of the Gentiles; All Israel will be saved)

Romans 11:33-36 (a hymn of praise to God)

Romans 13:1-7 (Being subject to authorities)

Romans 14:13-23 (Do not make another stumble)

Romans 15:1-3 (Please others, not yourself)

Romans 15:14-33 (Paul's reason for writing so boldly; Paul's plan to visit Rome)

Romans 16:1-23 (Personal greetings; final instructions

Highlighting the Bible, Part VII: The Acts of the Apostles (Acts)

A.Hanson, NYC 2014

The book of The Acts of the Apostles is part of a series with Luke's Gospel.  The title is quite informative, as the book does indeed refer to the actions of Jesus' apostles.  It tells the story of the growing Christian church from its very beginnings in Jerusalem.  We often only pay attention to Acts when the story of Pentecost is read (Acts 2:1-21) or perhaps the story of the Ascension (Acts 1:1-11).  This book traces the path that the first believers traced in their work of evangelism and many of the places mentioned in Acts will be found in letters that the apostle Paul writes.

The following passages from Acts do not appear in the lectionary:

Acts 1:18-20 (a commentary about the scriptures being fulfilled about Judas' betrayal)

Acts 3:1-10 (Peter heals a crippled beggar)

Acts 3:20-26 (commentary cited from Moses about the coming of a prophetic messiah)

Acts 4:1-4 (a description of the arrest of Peter and John because they were telling the story of the resurrection)

Acts 4:13-31 (The believers pray for boldness)

Acts 4:36-37 (a description of Joseph, called Barnabus, who sold some land and gave the proceeds to the apostles)

Acts 5:1-26 (Ananias and Sapphira, the healing of many by the apostles, and the persecution of the apostles)

Acts 5:33-42 (A pharisee named Gamaliel convinces the crowds not to arrest the apostles)

Acts 6 (Seven chosen to serve: Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, also the arrest of Stephen)

Acts 7:1-54 (Stephen's speech to the council)

Acts 8:1-13 (Saul's persecution of the church, Philip preaching in Samaria)

Acts 8:18-25 (Simon offered to pay the apostles to lay hands on him and give him the holy spirit)

Acts 9:19-35 (Saul preaches in Damascus, Saul escapes from the Jews, Saul in Jerusalem, the healing of Aeneas)

Acts 10:1-33 (Peter and Cornelius)

Acts 11:19-30 (The Church in Antioch)

Acts 12:12-25 (Peter is released from prison and goes to visit Mary the mother of John.  No one believes he is alive; the death of Herod)

Acts 13: (Barnabus and Saul are commissioned; The apostles preach in Cyprus; Paul and Barnabus in Antioch of Pisidia)

Acts 14 (Paul and Barnabus in Iconium; Paul and Barnabus in Lystra and Derbe; The return to Antioch in Syria)

Acts 15 (The council at Jerusalem; The council's letter to gentile believers; Paul and Barnabus separate)

Acts 16:1-8 (Timothy joins Paul and Silas; Paul's vision of the man of Macedonia)

Acts 16:35-40 (the magistrates release Paul from jail in Phillipi)

Acts 17:1-21 (The uproar in Thessalonica; Paul and Silas in Beroaea; Paul in Athens)

Acts 17:32-22 (a few believers come to the church based on Paul's sermon at the Areopagus)

Acts 18 (Paul in Corinth; Paul's return to Antioch; Ministry of Apollos)

Acts 19:8-41 (The Sons of Sceva; The riot in Ephesus)

Acts 20 (Paul goes to Macedonia and Greece; Paul's farewell visit to Troas; The Voyage from Troas to Miletus; Paul speaks to the Ephesian elders)

Acts 21 (Paul's journey to Jerusalem; Paul visits James at Jerusalem; Paul arrested at the Temple; Paul defends himself)

Acts 22 (Paul tells of his conversion; Paul is sent to the Gentiles; Paul and the Roman Tribune; Paul before the Council)

Acts 23 (Paul before the Council; the plot to kill Paul; Paul sent to Felix the Governor)

Acts 24 (Paul before Felix at Caesarea; Paul's defense before Felix; Paul held in custody)

Acts 25 (Paul appeals to the emperor; Festus consults King Agrippa; Paul brought before Agrippa)

Acts 26 (Paul defends himself before Agrippa; Paul tells of his conversion; Paul tells of his preaching; Paul appeals to Agrippa to believe)

Acts 27 (Paul sails for Rome; The storm at sea; The shipwreck)

Acts 28 (Paul on the island of Malta; Paul arrives at Rome; Paul and Jewish leaders in Rome; Paul preaches in Rome

Highlighting the Bible Part VI: The Psalms (Year A, B, C)

A.Hanson, Belle Plaine, MN, 2013

The Book of the Psalms is a collection of 150 songs that are attributed to various authors.

]The longest psalm is 119 (176 verses)
The shortest psalm is 117 (2 verses)

The following are psalms that do not appear whole or in part in any of the three lectionary years:

Psalm 3
Psalm 5-7
Psalm 9-14
Psalm 18
Psalm 20
Psalm 21
Psalm 28
Psalm 35
Psalm 38-42
Psalm 44
Psalm 45
Psalm 48
Psalm 52
Psalm 53
Psalm 55-62
Psalm 64
Psalm 73-77
Psalm 79
Psalm 81
Psalm 88
Psalm 94
Psalm 101
Psalm 102
Psalm 105
Psalm 106
Psalm 108-110
Psalm 113-115
Psalm 117 (the shortest Psalm at two verses!)
Psalm 120
Psalm 124
Psalm 125
Psalm 127-129
Psalm 131
Psalm 132
Psalm 134-137
Psalm 140-144

A.Hanson, 2013

There are a number of psalms that appear in two or more of the lectionary years:

Psalm 1 (Years A-B)
Psalm 8 (all years)
Psalm 15 (all years)
Psalm 16 (all years)
Psalm 19 (Years B and C)
Psalm 22 (all years)
Psalm 23 (all years)
Psalm 24 (a portion in years A-B)
Psalm 25 (all years)
Psalm 27 (A-C)
Psalm 29 (all years)
Psalm 30 (B-C)
Psalm 31 (all years)
Psalm 32 (A-C)
Psalm 34 (A-B)
Psalm 36 (all years)
Psalm 46 and 47 (all years)
Psalm 51 (all years, used on Ash Wednesday)
Psalm 65 (A-B)
Psalm 66 (A-C)
Psalm 67 (A-C)
Psalm 70 (all years)
Psalm 71 (all years)
Psalm 72 (all years)
Psalm 80 (all years)
Psalm 84 (A-C)
Psalm 89 (A-B)
Psalm 91(B-C)
Psalm 93 (B-C)
Psalm 96-98 (all years, used during Christmas)
Psalm 99 (A-C)
Psalm 103 (A-C)
Psalm 104 (B-C)
Psalm 111 (B-C)
Psalm 116 (all years)
Psalm 118 (all years)
Psalm 119 (portions used in A-B)
Psalm 121 (A-C)
Psalm 126 (B-C)
Psalm 130 (A-B)
Psalm 138 (A-B)
Psalm 145 (A-B)
Psalm 146 (all years)
Psalm 148 (all years)

Highlighting the Bible Part V: The Gospel of John

Amy Hanson, Minnesota, 2014

Portions of John's Gospel are scattered throughout the three-year lectionary cycle. Also, because John's Gospel has the highest Christology, we read the texts for Holy Week and the Easter story from John's Gospel.

The following are passages from John's Gospel that do not appear in the three-year cycle (Years A,B,C) of the Revised Common Lectionary.

John 2:23-25 (Commentary on Jesus cleansing the Temple)

John 3:22-36 (Jesus and John the Baptist, The One Who Comes From Heaven)

John 4:1-4 (Commentary on how Jesus made his way back to Galilee through Samaria)

John 4:46-54 (Jesus Heals an Official's Son)

John 5:10-47 (Commentary on Jesus Heals on the Sabbath, The Authority of the Son, Witnesses to Jesus)

John 6:22-23 (Commentary on Jesus being alone on the Shore before the story of Bread from Heaven)

John 6:36-40 (Jesus talking to the disciples about being the bread from heaven)

John 7:1-36 (The Unbelief of Jesus' Brothers, Jesus at the Festival of Booths, Is This the Christ?, Officers are Sent to Arrest Jesus)

John 7:40-52 (Division Among the People, The Unbelief of Those in Authority)

John 8:1-30 (The Woman Caught in Adultery, Jesus the Light of the World, Jesus Foretells his Death)

John 8:39-59 (Jesus and Abraham)

John 10:19-21 (commentary from the Jewish crowds that Jesus must have a demon)

John 10:31-42 (more of the story of Jesus being rejected by the Jews)

John 11:45-57 (The Plot to Kill Jesus)

John 12:12-19 (Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem)

John 12:37-50 (The Unbelief of the People, Summary of Jesus' Teaching)

John 13:36-38 (Jesus foretells Peter's denial)

John 15:18-25 (The World's Hatred)

John 16:1-4 (Jesus speaking about the tribulations that will come to those who follow him)

John 16:16-33 (Sorrow will Turn into Joy, Peace for the Disciples)

John 21:20-25 (Jesus and the Beloved Disciple)

Highlighting the Bible, Part IV, Year B (Mark 2015) Gospel readings

A. Hanson, Minnesota, 2014

Part IV: Highlighting the Bible, Year B

The Gospel readings for Year B include readings from Mark's Gospel, as well as a substantial amount of readings from John's Gospel. As far as Gospel's go, Mark is my least favorite.  It is abrupt, hurried, and brief.

Here's what doesn't appear from Mark's Gospel in Year B:

Mark 1:40-45 (Jesus cleanses a leper)

Mark 2 (Jesus heals a paralytic, Jesus calls Levi, The Question about Fasting, Pronouncement about the Sabbath)

Mark 3:1-19 (The Man with a Withered Hand, A multitude at the Seaside, Jesus Appoints the Twelve)

Mark 4:1-25 (The Parable of the Sower, The Purpose of the Parables, A Lamp Under a Bushel Basket)

Mark 5:1-20 (Jesus heals the Geresene Demoniac)

Mark 6:45-52 (Jesus Walks on Water)

Mark 7:9-13 (an admonishment about rejecting the commands of God)

Mark 7:17-20 (Another admonishment)

Mark 8:1-26 (Feeding the Four Thousand, The Demand for a Sign, The Yeast of the Pharisees and of Herod, Jesus Cures a Blind Man and Bethsaida)

Mark 9:9-29 (The Coming of Elijah, The Healing of a Boy with a Spirit)

Mark 10:32-34 (A Third Time Jesus foretells His Death and Resurrection)

Mark 11 (Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, Jesus Curses the Fig Tree, Jesus Cleanses the Temple, The Lesson from the Withered Fig Tree, Jesus' authority is Questioned)

Mark 12:1-27 (The Parable of the Wicked Tenants, The Question about Paying Taxes, The Question about the Resurrection)

Mark 12:35-37 (The Question About David's Son)

Mark 13: 9-23 (Persecution Foretold, The Desolating Sacrilege)

Mark 14 (The Plot to Kill Jesus, The Anointing at Bethany, Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus, The Passover with the Disciples, The Institution of the Lord's Supper, Peter's Denial Foretold, Jesus Prays in Gethsemane, The Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus, Jesus Before the Council, Peter Denies Jesus)

Mark 15 (Jesus Before Pilate, Pilate Hands Jesus Over to be Crucified, The Soldier's Mock Jesus, The Crucifixion of Jesus, The Death of Jesus, The Burial of Jesus)

Mark 16: 9-19 (This is called the "Longer Ending of Mark", and includes Jesus' appearance to Mary Magdalene, two disciples, the commissioning of the disciples, and the Ascension of Jesus)

Highlighting the Bible: Part III, Year C (Luke 2013) Gospel Readings

A.Hanson, Minnesota 2014

For the next portion of this project I decided to highlight the parts of the Luke's Gospel that appear in Year C of the Revised Common Lectionary.  Because the Gospel of Luke is the longest Gospel, we are unable to read large portions of it as part of the lectionary.  It appears that the lectionary powers-that-be have elected to exclude large portions of text that are healings, portions of text that are repetitive (such as Jesus foretelling his own death multiple times) or commentary by the writer of Luke's Gospel.

This lectionary year incorporates more readings from the Gospel of John, which will follow in its own blog post.

The following pericopes do not appear in Luke's portion of the lectionary:

Luke 1:1-38 (Dedication to theophilus, the birth of John the Baptist foretold, The birth of Jesus foretold).

Luke 1:46-80 (Mary's Song of praise, The Birth of John the Baptist, Zechariah's Prophecy)

Luke 2:21 (Jesus is named)

Luke 2: 39-40 (The Return to Nazareth)

Luke 3:23-37 (The Ancestors of Jesus)

Luke 4:31-44 (The Man with the unclean spirit, healings at Simon's house, Jesus preaches in the synagogues)

Luke 5 (Jesus calls the first disciples, Jesus cleanses a leper, Jesus heals a paralytic, Jesus calls Levi, The Question about Fasting)

Luke 6: 1-18 (The question about the Sabbath, The Man with a withered hand, Jesus chooses the 12 apostles, Jesus teaches and heals)

Luke 6:32-49 (Judging Others, A tree and its fruit, The two foundations)

Luke 7: 18-35 (Messengers from John the Baptist)

Luke 8:4-25 (Parable of the sower, Purpose of the Parables, Parable of the Sower explained, A lamp under a jar, the true kindred of Jesus, Jesus calls a storm)

Luke 8:40-56 (A girl restored to life, a woman healed)

Luke 9:1-27 (The mission of the 12, Herod's perplexity, Feeding the 5,000, Peter's declaration about Jesus, Jesus foretells his death and resurrection)

Luke 9:37-50 (Jesus heals a boy with a demon, Jesus again foretells his death, True greatness, Another Exorcist)

Luke 10:13-15 (Woes to unrepentant cities)

Luke 10:21-23 (Jesus Rejoices)

Luke 11:14-53 (Jesus and Beelzebul, Return of the unclean spirit, True blessedness, The sign of Jonah, The Light of the Body, Jesus denounces Pharisees and Lawyers)

Luke 12:9-12 ("anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven")

Luke 12:22-31 (Do not Worry)

Luke 12:41-48 (the Faithful or the Unfaithful slave)

Luke 12:57-59 (Settling with your opponent)

Luke 13:18-30 (The parable of the mustard seed, the parable of the yeast, the narrow door)

Luke 14:2-6 (Jesus heals a man with dropsy)

Luke 14:15-24 (Parable of the Great Dinner)

Luke 14:34-25 (About Salt)

Luke 16:14-31 (The Law and the Kingdom of God, The Rich Man and Lazarus)

Luke 17:1-4 (Sayings of Jesus)

Luke 17:20-37 (The Coming of the Kingdom)

Luke 18:15-43 (Jesus blesses little children, The rich Ruler, A third time Jesus foretells his death, Jesus heals a blind beggar)

Luke 19:11-48 (The parable of the 10 Pounds, Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, Jesus weeps over Jerusalem, Jesus cleanses the temple)

Luke 20:1-26 (The Authority of Jesus questioned, the parable of the wicked tenants, the question about paying taxes)

Luke 20:41-47 (The question about David's son, Jesus denounces the scribes)

Luke 21:1-4 (The widow's offering)

Luke 21:20-24 (The destruction of Jerusalem foretold)

Luke 21:37-38 (comment about the activity of Jesus)

Luke 22:1-13 (The plot to kill Jesus, the preparation of the Passover)

Luke 24:36-43 (Jesus appears to his disciples)

Highlighting the Bible: Part II, Year A (Matthew, 2014) Gospel readings

A. Hanson, Denver 2014

For the first part of my summer project, I started highlighting the readings from Matthew's Gospel that appear in Year A of the Revised Common Lectionary.

I should specify that I am using the Augsburg Fortress lectionary calendar for Year A, 2014.  The lectionary readings change slightly in the three year cycle. It is simply not possible to use all of Matthew's Gospel in Year A.  Additionally, John's Gospel is what is used during Holy Week and for the passion narrative, and during the season of Easter.  This does not change from year to year. It is interesting to me what does not appear in the lectionary texts.  In a year of attending worship, you will never hear the following texts from Matthew's Gospel read out loud in worship.

The following are chunks of texts (the fancy seminary word for these are pericopes) that DO NOT appear in the lectionary:

Matthew 1:1-17, The Genealogy of Jesus

Matthew 4:23-25, Jesus ministers to crowds of people

Matthew 6:7-14, a portion of the sermon on the mount concerning prayer

Matthew 6:22-34, More sermon on the mount discourse.  Pertaining to the eye, serving two masters, and "do not worry"

Matthew 7, More from the sermon on the mount.

Matthew 8, Jesus heals a leper.  Jesus heals a Centurion's servant. Jesus healing at Peter's house.   Jesus stills a storm.  Jesus heals the Gadarene demoniac.

Matthew 9, Jesus healing a paralytic.  The call of Matthew the tax collector.  Questions about fasting.  A girl restored to life and a woman healed from hemorrhaging. Jesus healing two blind men.  Jesus healing a mute man.

Matthew 10:1-23, The summoning of the twelve apostles.  The giving of the mission of the twelve.  Warnings of coming persecutions.

Matthew 11:20-24, Woes to unrepentant cities.

Matthew 12, Comments about plucking grain on the Sabbath. The healing of a man with a withered hand.  Jesus and Beelzebul.  A parable of a tree and its fruit. The sign of Jonah.  The return of the unclean spirit.  The true kindred of Jesus.

Matthew 13:10-17, The purpose of the parable

Matthew 13:54-58, the Rejection of Jesus at Nazareth

Matthew 14:1-12, The Death of John the Baptist

Matthew 14:34-36, Jesus heals the sick at Gennesaret

Matthew 15:1-9, The tradition of the elders

Matthew 15:29-39, Jesus curing many people.  The feeding of four thousand.

Matthew 16:1-12, The demand for a sign.  The yeast of the Pharisees and the Sadducees.

Matthew 17:14-27, Jesus cures a boy with a demon.  Jesus again foretells his death and resurrection.  Jesus commenting on the temple tax.

Matthew 18:1-14, True Greatness.  Temptations to sin.  Parable of the lost sheep.

Matthew 19, Teaching about divorce.  Jesus blesses little children.  The parable of the rich young man.

Matthew 20:17-33, A third time Jesus foretells his death and resurrection.  The request of the mother of James and John (having one disciple at Jesus' right hand and another at his left).  Jesus healing two blind men.

Matthew 21:1-22, Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem.  Jesus cleansing the temple. Jesus curses the fig tree.

Matthew 22:23-33, The question about the Resurrection.

Matthew 23:13-38, Discourse about woes to the Scribes and Pharisees.  Lament over Jerusalem.

Matthew 24:1-35, Destruction of the temple foretold.  Signs of the end of the age.  Persecutions foretold.  The coming of the son of man.  The lesson of the fig tree.

Matthew 24:45-51, parable of the faithful or unfaithful slave

Matthew 26:1-25, The plot to kill Jesus.  The anointing at Bethany.  Judas agrees to betray Jesus. The passover meal with the disciples.

Matthew 28:11-15, The report of the guard of the empty tomb.

Summer Project: highlighting the revised common lectionary, part I

Inspired by a project that my friend Cara completed the summer after she graduated from seminary, I have decided to take an older Bible (from my freshman year religion class at College) and highlight all the passages that appear in the 3 year lectionary cycle.

Then I will make a note of what passages DO NOT appear in the lectionary.

What might we be missing?

By way of a basic primer, the revised common lectionary appears in a 3 year cycle. Year A (which is what we are currently in) has passages mostly from Matthew's Gospel.  Year B has passages mostly from Mark's Gospel.  Year C has passages from Luke's Gospel.  Readings from John's Gospel appear during the season of Easter and at other random times throughout the three year cycle.

There is another lectionary that is gaining some traction among clergy-types, it is called the Narrative Lectionary.  It comes out of Luther Seminary, and is intended to boost biblical literacy and tell more of the biblical story.  There are advantages and disadvantages to both lectionaries.  Perhaps I will explore the narrative lectionary at another date.