March 29, 2009

Scriptures for the week of March 29th :Jeremiah 31:31-34, Psalm 51:1-12, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33

Hebrews This book is also written to second generation Christians going through a crisis. The message is that Jesus is a merciful and faithful high priest. He is both a representative of the people and the divine. We don’t have to think about our salvation, Jesus has done all of the hard work on our behalf. In that act, Jesus has done more for us than any priest in the past. He should be honored for that,

John Throughout the time of lent, all of our gospel lessons have a very distinct message. Every lesson has a prediction of what will happen to the Son of Man. Different people have different reactions to that “promise” of what is to come. In this story – a voice foretells the future – not Jesus. Those who hear it thought it was thunder, or an angel. Jesus responds that he will not fight the voice – but accept it as his destiny and of the world’s destiny. This is the first time that Jesus speaks to Greek speaking believers. Philip and Andrew not only hear his message, they become disciples.
Questions How important is repentance for forgiveness? What does it mean to lose our life in order to gain it: what are we losing? How does suffering bring about a greater good? What is the significance of Greeks seeking out a Jewish rabbi? What is the hope of multicultural talks today? Why would it e significant today if a Muslim visited the church to learn more about Jesus? What would you teach them about Jesus?