Commentary posted on August 24, 2020

Proper 17A Sermon Commentary

The Proper 17A Sermon Starters include commentary and illustration ideas for Matthew 16:21-28 from the Lectionary Gospel; Exodus 3:1-15 from the Old Testament Lectionary; Psalm 26 from the Lectionary Psalms; and Romans 12:9-21 from the Lectionary Epistle.

Related Reformed confession: Lectionary Epistle: Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 107 (Lord’s Day 40)

 

Home » August 24, 2020 - Proper 17A

Matthew 16:21-28 Sermon Commentary

Proper 17A

“In the cross of Christ I glory, towering o’er the wrecks of time.”  That is a hymn lyric that many Christians know. But the notion of the cross towering over various temporal “wrecks” gained new poignancy when we saw on the news—and for those of us who went to Lower Manhattan in the months after…

Explore Commentary

Psalm 26:1-8 Sermon Commentary

Proper 17A

For the 1999 edition of the Pennyroyal Caxton Bible, illustrator Barry Moser sketched two portraits of David.  The first is of the young David, the “getting ready to slay Goliath” David.   He’s young, brash.  The eyes say it all.   He has his whole life ahead of him and he’s confident it’s going to be…

Explore Commentary

Romans 12:9-21 Sermon Commentary

Proper 17A

When my family travelled in Asia we saw nearly countless products that were imitation brands. One of our favorites was “Poma” (not Puma) athletic shoes. Those knock-offs, in fact, looked quite a bit like the real thing. But they were actually low-quality counterfeits. When he invites his readers to “love” in this Sunday’s Epistolary Lesson,…

Explore Commentary

Exodus 3:1-15 Sermon Commentary

Proper 17A

And, now, for the third and most important actor in the drama that unfolds in the book of Exodus.  In last week’s reading from Exodus 1 and 2 we met the villain, Pharaoh, and the hero, Moses.  Now we meet the director, producer, creator, redeemer– God, Yahweh, “I am what I am.”  God is mentioned…

Explore Commentary