Blogging toward Sunday

The Lectionary texts for Sunday, March 25th include Jeremiah 31:31-34 and John 12:20-33

Today's meeting of area pastor's for our Lectionary Group time was quite interesting. The truth might just be that we came scratching our heads in confusion and left much the same way. You have noticed, I am sure, that when Jesus is asked a question, particularly in the Gospel of John, the answer is often not quite clear.

Take the story we read today. It goes a bit like this: Some Greeks show up wanting to see Jesus. They approach Philip who doesn't seem to know how to respond. Philip goes to Andrew--I can almost seem them huddled there, heads together and whispering. Still, they don't know what to do about these Greeks. So the two of them go to Jesus. And what does Jesus say? Does he say, "Bring the Greeks to me"? Does he address them at all? At first glance, the answer seems to be, "No." But with a closer look, it may be that all of what Jesus says involve the Greeks who are standing by, especially in light of verse 32 when Jesus claims that "all people" will be drawn to him.

In preparation for worship on Sunday:

1. Read the passages from Jeremiah and John. Do you see any connections? If so, what do you notice?
2. Read John 12:20-33 again. What do you think Jesus means when he says, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified"?
3. Now, back up to the previous section to read John 12:1-19. [Just as an aside, it's always a good thing when you are studying Scripture to look at a particular passage in context. In other words, notice what just happened or what happens next, or what the overall setting is.] Pay particular attention to verse 19. What do the Pharisees fear? 
4. In verse 20, have the Pharisees fears come to fruition? If so, how?

May God bless you this week as you continue the Lenten journey. I look forward to seeing you at the Celtic Worship service Saturday at 5 p.m. and/or Sunday morning worship.

Shalom,
Glenda