March 21, 2021

Breaking Open the Scripture Scripture for March 21st: Jeremiah 31:31-34, Psalm 51:1-12, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33, Theme: obedience, Song: Change My Heart O God TFWS 2152 Hebrews: The whole point of the book of Hebrews is to help us understand Jesus role as the high priest for all people. The high priest would take responsibility for the sins of the people. They would also intercede to God on behalf of the people. High priests are found in the temple. In this case, Jesus does not reside in the temple, he does not even have any formal training. Jesus works in the lives of the ordinary person. Jesus eventually resides in the most abhorred place in society – crucified on the cross. He becomes the sacrifice for our sins – and there is no need for another sacrifice. The lesson in chapter 5 is that Jesus salves us through his obedience of the cross. He does not argue with the will of God. The lesson is that if Jesus can be obedient, than so can we. Our way of forgiving our sins is in a decision to follow Jesus to the Cross. Psalms 51: This psalm is the classic Lenten psalm asking not only for forgiveness from God, but also asking for a renewed open relationship with God. This is the desperate prayer of someone who at one time was obedient and close to God. But because of life, they feel that door is now closed. They are asking God for a cleaning of the soul that they can return to that relationship. It is a trust that God will open that doorway again. It is good for us to think of lent as a time for us to renew our relationship with God. Time for us to realize how much life has gotten in the way. Time to admit that we are sinners in our life. It is time to trust that We are special in God’s eyes, and God is reaching out to us as we are reaching out to God. Questions: What does it mean to be obedient to God? What must we do to follow Jesus role model? How do you feel cut off from God? What practice do you need to start, that you have let fall by the wayside?