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Mark 9:38-50 Sermon Commentary
Proper 21B
The challenge of this lectionary text is that it reads like a hodgepodge of Jesus’ sayings, something like the book of Proverbs with its often unconnected string of wisdom sayings. Because of its lack of apparent cohesion, it would be difficult to build a coherent sermon by moving though the entire text. So, the text…
Psalm 124 Sermon Commentary
Proper 21B
Digging into the Text: Psalm 124 is again one of that special collection of Psalms called “Songs of Ascent.” These Psalms were associated especially with the liturgical life of Israel during the pilgrim feasts in which the people traveled to Jerusalem and its Temple. It’s clear that this Psalm has a liturgical setting. It begins,…
James 5:13-20 Sermon Commentary
Proper 21B
Difficult people, things and circumstances exist over which even the most skilled and powerful people have virtually no control. But God graciously gives God’s adopted sons and daughters at least some control over how we respond to those difficulties. James 5:13-20 at least implies that the apostle understood that as well as anyone. After all,…
Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22 Sermon Commentary
Proper 21B
Our text from Esther today speaks to the human tendency to forget important events, even events that changed our lives and altered the course of history. That’s why history echoes with cries not to forget. “Remember the Maine!” But who does? “Remember Pearl Harbor!” But do Millenials do that? We have Memorial Day to help…
Commentary posted on September 24, 2018
Proper 21B Sermon Commentary
The Proper 21B Sermon Starters include commentary and illustration ideas for Mark 9:38-50 from the Lectionary Gospel; Esther 7:1-6, 9-20; 9:20-22 from the Old Testament Lectionary; Psalm 124 from the Lectionary Psalms; and James 5:13-20 from the Lectionary Epistle.
Related Reformed confession: Lectionary Psalm: Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 113 (Lord’s Day 44)