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Mark 7:24-37 Sermon Commentary
Proper 18B
The lectionary perhaps does us a big favour by pairing these two stories together because the first half of our selection, when read in isolation of what came before and what directly follows, is one of those passages that challenges our picture—even our theology—of Jesus. The conversation between Jesus and the Syrophoenician woman is heavy…
Psalm 146 Sermon Commentary
Proper 18B
Psalm 146 is one of the final poems in the Hebrew Psalter and is part and parcel of the revving up we get as the whole Book crescendos in a climax of praise. And there is no doubting that Psalm 146 is a song of tremendous praise. But that does not mean it has no…
Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23 Sermon Commentary
Proper 18B
“When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” “The early bird catches the worm.” “A penny saved is a penny earned.” “God helps those who help themselves.” Sound familiar? They should as these are among the better known modern-day proverbs that have a lot of currency throughout North America. I am not familiar enough…
James 2:1-10, (11-13), 14-17 Sermon Commentary
Proper 18B
When I hear James tell his brothers and sisters in Christ in this Sunday’s Epistolary Lesson not to “show favoritism” (1), I’m tempted to respond, “That’s easier said than done.” Favoritism isn’t, after all, both common and dangerous. It’s also terribly difficult to eradicate. Favoritism is an at least perceived fact of daily life. Almost…
Commentary posted on August 30, 2021
Proper 18B Sermon Commentary
The Proper 18B Sermon Starters include commentary and illustration ideas for Mark 7:24-37 from the Lectionary Gospel; Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23 from the Old Testament Lectionary; Psalm 146 from the Lectionary Psalms; and James 2:1-10, (11-13), 14-17 from the Lectionary Epistle.
Related Reformed confession: OT Lectionary: Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 27 (Lord’s Day 10)