Proper 13 • Luke 12:13–21 • July 31, 2016


Proper 13 • Luke 12:13–21 • July 31, 2016

David I. Lewis Literary Context In the verses proceeding today’s text Jesus confronts the religious authorities about their hypocrisy (11:37–54) and then warns his disciples to be faithful in the midst of persecution (12:1–12), persecution that would come in part from those very religious authorities. Today’s pericope then follows. Here Jesus turns from the disciples ..


Epiphany 2 • John 2:1–11 • January 17, 2016


Epiphany 2 • John 2:1–11 • January 17, 2016

By David I. Lewis Introduction  Today’s gospel lesson records the beginning of the miraculous signs (αρχη των σημειων) which Jesus did as recorded in the Gospel of John: Jesus changes gallons of water into excellent wine (καλος οινος). How preachers and commentators have interpreted the significance of this event has varied. For instance, some argue ..


Transfiguration • 2 Corinthians 3:12–13 (14–18); 4:1–6 • February 15, 2015


Transfiguration • 2 Corinthians 3:12–13 (14–18); 4:1–6 • February 15, 2015

By David I. Lewis Literary Context The text is part of the section of 2 Corinthians where Paul is defending the integrity of his apostolic ministry and his past actions in dealing with the believers in Corinth (1:12–7:16). In the section immediately preceding today’s text, 3:7–11, Paul contrasts the ministry of Moses in mediating the Torah to Israel to ..


Proper 13 · John 6:22-35 · August 2, 2009


Proper 13 · John 6:22-35 · August 2, 2009

By David I. Lewis Literary Context Today’s Gospel is the first of a series of three lessons taken from the so called “Bread of Life Discourse” of John 6:22-71. Here Jesus engages in an extended dialogue first with the crowd (6:25-59) and then with his disciples (6:60-71). At several points, this dialogue shifts to monologue/short ..


Easter 4 · 1 Peter 2:19-25 · April 13, 2008


Easter 4 · 1 Peter 2:19-25 · April 13, 2008

By David I. Lewis, Introduction: In the three year lectionary the Fourth Sunday of Easter is also designated “Good Shepherd Sunday” with readings from John 10 as the Gospel text dispersed over the three years. Today’s Epistle is read on this Sunday perhaps especially because of verse 25 which does relate to this theme—”For you were ..