Gospel, John 1:6-8, 19-28 John the Baptist receives a great deal of attention in the gospels. John’s ministry, although relatively brief, had a tremendous impact. The fact that the gospel of John, written many years after the other gospels, gives such emphasis to John the Baptist indicates that the devotion through John was still strong. Even after the death and resurrection of Jesus, there were many people who had received John’s baptism and were disciples in his tradition…people who had not yet become followers of Jesus (see Acts 18:25 and 19:3). Rather than turn these people away, the scriptural writers wanted to bring them from John to Jesus…not deny the importance of John and his ministry, but show how even John saw himself as one preparing the way for Jesus. John’s gospel speaks of John the Baptist’s statements as giving “testimony” to Jesus, as to suggest that Jesus was on trial before the jury of the Jewish authorities throughout his ministry. This “testimony” theme runs throughout John’s gospel (see: 1:19, 1:32, 2:25, 3:32-33, 4:39, 5:31-37, 8:13-14, 13:21, 19:35 and 21:24). What kind of testimony do you give to your faith in Jesus?
Reading I, Isaiah 61:1-2a, 10-11 The initial verses of this text, spoken by the prophet in regard to the restoration of are quoted by Jesus when invited to do the reading on his return to the synagogue at his hometown of Nazareth after beginning his public ministry. The “year of favor” which Jesus announces was in reference to the Jewish Jubilee Year described and mandated in Leviticus 25. Every fiftieth year prisoners and Jewish slaves were to be set free, debts pardoned, land returned to former owners. The “fiftieth” was determined as 7x7 years plus the new year, seven being the number symbolic of perfection.
Reading II, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 Like parents’ instructions to their kids to “do your homework, no TV, don’t forget to do the dishes, behave, and get to bed on time” while heading out the door, Paul ends his letter to the Thessalonians with this list of imperatives. Jesus does something similar with his final instructions to the apostles just before ascending to heaven (Matthew 28:19-20). It’s a worthy list for Christians of every age and location.
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