Understanding the Lectionary for the Fifth Sunday After the Epiphany

A Closer look at the lectionary The Fifth Sunday After the Epiphany

The Holy Gospel Reading Read Matthew 5:13 Read Matthew 5:13- -20 20

Holy Gospel Discussion Questions What does this say about the Christian who will not use his saltiness to preserve and enrich What does this say about the Christian who will not use his saltiness to preserve and enrich humanity? humanity? Disciples are salt by virtue of being disciples. Disciples are salt by virtue of being disciples. A disciple who refuses to us this saltiness has a problem at the core of his discipleship, A disciple who refuses to us this saltiness has a problem at the core of his discipleship, that is, with his relationship with his Lord which makes him salt. that is, with his relationship with his Lord which makes him salt.

Holy Gospel Discussion Questions How can we help people relate our good deeds to our faith in Jesus, so it is the light of Jesus that How can we help people relate our good deeds to our faith in Jesus, so it is the light of Jesus that they see and not just our light as good people ? they see and not just our light as good people ? Faith cannot be seen by anyone; faith is an internal thing. Faith cannot be seen by anyone; faith is an internal thing. The visible element, the fruits of faith, must be accompanied by a verbal confession of and The visible element, the fruits of faith, must be accompanied by a verbal confession of and witness to Jesus for the proclamation of the Gospel. witness to Jesus for the proclamation of the Gospel.

Holy Gospel Discussion Questions What prophecies of the the Old Testament have been fulfilled by Jesus? What prophecies of the the Old Testament have been fulfilled by Jesus? Jesus fulfilled the prophecies regarding the coming of the Messiah as the Savior through his Jesus fulfilled the prophecies regarding the coming of the Messiah as the Savior through his life, death, and resurrection. life, death, and resurrection. This includes the Old Testament sacrificial system in the temple. This includes the Old Testament sacrificial system in the temple.

Holy Gospel Discussion Questions What prophecies of the Old Testament still await fulfillment? What prophecies of the Old Testament still await fulfillment? The eschatological (end times) prophecies will not be fulfilled until the day when Christ returns The eschatological (end times) prophecies will not be fulfilled until the day when Christ returns in glory and judgement. in glory and judgement. The new covenant under which the Church lives today is one of fulfillment and not yet The new covenant under which the Church lives today is one of fulfillment and not yet fulfilled. fulfilled. You are presently forgiven and live as a child of God, but await the day when the Lord calls You are presently forgiven and live as a child of God, but await the day when the Lord calls you home to his glory. you home to his glory.

Holy Gospel Discussion Questions What was Jesus teaching about discipleship through this? What was Jesus teaching about discipleship through this? By teaching about the least of these commandments, Jesus teaches that his disciples are given to be By teaching about the least of these commandments, Jesus teaches that his disciples are given to be serious about the seemingly less important responsibilities. serious about the seemingly less important responsibilities. We are neither given nor able to pick and choose which parts of the Word which we follow to the glory We are neither given nor able to pick and choose which parts of the Word which we follow to the glory of God. of God.

Holy Gospel Discussion Questions How can disciples of Jesus gain a righteousness that surpasses that of the super How can disciples of Jesus gain a righteousness that surpasses that of the super- -scrupulous Pharisees? (See Romans 3:21 Pharisees? (See Romans 3:21- -26 and 8:1 26 and 8:1- -4) 4) While the Pharisees did concern themselves with the little things, they did so out of legal obligation rather While the Pharisees did concern themselves with the little things, they did so out of legal obligation rather than faith. than faith. The righteousness which surpasses that of the Pharisees is the righteousness of God received through faith The righteousness which surpasses that of the Pharisees is the righteousness of God received through faith in Jesus Christ. in Jesus Christ. scrupulous

Holy Gospel Discussion Questions Was Jesus talking about the imputed righteousness that is ours through faith in Him or a Was Jesus talking about the imputed righteousness that is ours through faith in Him or a righteousness to be displayed in our lives as His disciples? righteousness to be displayed in our lives as His disciples? Yes Yes The teachings of the Sermon on the Mount are about visible righteousness, the deeds The teachings of the Sermon on the Mount are about visible righteousness, the deeds which are seen and experienced by others. which are seen and experienced by others. However, this outward righteousness is only possible as a reflection of the imputed However, this outward righteousness is only possible as a reflection of the imputed righteousness through faith. righteousness through faith.

Holy Gospel Discussion Questions What is the essential difference between the righteousness that Jesus requires of us as His disciples What is the essential difference between the righteousness that Jesus requires of us as His disciples and that which the Pharisees pursued? and that which the Pharisees pursued? The Pharisees righteousness is based on themselves and their legalistic adherence, which puts The Pharisees righteousness is based on themselves and their legalistic adherence, which puts the focus and onus on them and their works. the focus and onus on them and their works. The righteousness which Jesus requires is one which is freely and willingly pursued because of The righteousness which Jesus requires is one which is freely and willingly pursued because of the gracious gift of salvation which God has given. the gracious gift of salvation which God has given.

Holy gospel discussion questions What encourages you to be more serious about your righteousness as a disciple of Jesus? What encourages you to be more serious about your righteousness as a disciple of Jesus? Being a disciple of Jesus is motivated by the pull of the Gospel rather than the push of the Being a disciple of Jesus is motivated by the pull of the Gospel rather than the push of the Law. Law. The pull of the Gospel calls and guides us to live lives of righteousness as Jesus disciples, lives The pull of the Gospel calls and guides us to live lives of righteousness as Jesus disciples, lives which are seen by others and give glory to Christ. which are seen by others and give glory to Christ.

Old Testament Reading Read Isaiah 58:3 Read Isaiah 58:3- -9a 9a

Old Testament Discussion Questions How did Isaiah expose the false motives of many of his people about their fasting? What was the How did Isaiah expose the false motives of many of his people about their fasting? What was the evidence of the insincerity of their fasting? evidence of the insincerity of their fasting? The people were fasting to be seen fasting by others. The people were fasting to be seen fasting by others. Their false attitudes were evidenced by their mistreatment of others: Their false attitudes were evidenced by their mistreatment of others: Exploiting workers Exploiting workers Quarreling, both verbally and physically with their neighbors. Quarreling, both verbally and physically with their neighbors.

Old Testament Discussion Questions The Lord s complaint was not that the people were not observing the specified feast day, because The Lord s complaint was not that the people were not observing the specified feast day, because they were. What was missing in their worship of the Lord? they were. What was missing in their worship of the Lord? The observance was carried out in a selfish manner, hoping to be seen by others or gain favor The observance was carried out in a selfish manner, hoping to be seen by others or gain favor with the Lord through their actions. with the Lord through their actions. What was lacking was a sincere love for the neighbor, reflecting the sincere love of God for What was lacking was a sincere love for the neighbor, reflecting the sincere love of God for them. them.

Old Testament Discussion Questions Why must active social ministry concerns be a part of our worship of the Lord in today s Church? Why must active social ministry concerns be a part of our worship of the Lord in today s Church? (See 1 John 3:16 (See 1 John 3:16- -18 and 4:19 18 and 4:19- -21) 21) Is Christianity a matter of completing the ritual of going to church on Sunday mornings, or is it Is Christianity a matter of completing the ritual of going to church on Sunday mornings, or is it a new life in Christ which loves and serves the neighbor? a new life in Christ which loves and serves the neighbor? John warns us that God s love cannot dwell in the one who shuts off his or her heart to the John warns us that God s love cannot dwell in the one who shuts off his or her heart to the needs of the neighbor. needs of the neighbor.

Old testament discussion question Fill in the blanks: Fill in the blanks: Then shall you Then shall you light go before you; the go before you; the glory of the Lord answer answer; you shall ; you shall cry for help light break forth, and your break forth, and your healing glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. Then you shall shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call call and the Lord cry for help, and He will say, , and He will say, Here I am. Here I am. healing shall spring up speedily; your shall spring up speedily; your righteousness righteousness shall and the Lord wll wll shall

Old Testament Discussion Questions How can we take practical steps to increase our awareness of the needs of others? How can we take practical steps to increase our awareness of the needs of others? We can thoughtfully listen to the needs of others, both within and outside of the Church. We can thoughtfully listen to the needs of others, both within and outside of the Church. We can look out for neighbors who might be in need of assistance and care and point them to those who We can look out for neighbors who might be in need of assistance and care and point them to those who would be able to best assist them. would be able to best assist them. We can support the work of those whose aims are to provide for the needs of others. We can support the work of those whose aims are to provide for the needs of others.

Old testament discussion questions How will such true fasting, or lack thereof, affect our relationship with Jesus? How will such true fasting, or lack thereof, affect our relationship with Jesus? True fasting responds to the needs of others as a response to God s love in Christ, which draws True fasting responds to the needs of others as a response to God s love in Christ, which draws us closer to the Lord and His presence and blessing in our lives, both in good times and bad. us closer to the Lord and His presence and blessing in our lives, both in good times and bad. Insincere or false fasting diminishes the work of Christ in us by promoting self Insincere or false fasting diminishes the work of Christ in us by promoting self- -dependence and self and self- -justification in life. justification in life. dependence

Old testament discussion questions How does this Old Testament Lesson tie in with today s Holy Gospel? How does this Old Testament Lesson tie in with today s Holy Gospel? This lesson expresses the concern for righteous deeds which glorify God. This lesson expresses the concern for righteous deeds which glorify God. These outward deeds are the shining of the light of faith, which both Isaiah and Matthew These outward deeds are the shining of the light of faith, which both Isaiah and Matthew record for us. record for us.

The Epistle Reading Read 1 Corinthians 2:1 Read 1 Corinthians 2:1- -16 16

Epistle Reading discussion Questions What was the heart and core of Paul s testimony about God? What was the heart and core of Paul s testimony about God? Christ crucified Christ crucified

Epistle Reading discussion Questions If Paul had great confidence in the work of the Spirit through him, why, then, did Paul come to If Paul had great confidence in the work of the Spirit through him, why, then, did Paul come to Corinth in weakness and in fear and much trembling ? Corinth in weakness and in fear and much trembling ? Paul had Paul had attempted (with limited success) to convince other Greeks of the resurrection of Christ attempted (with limited success) to convince other Greeks of the resurrection of Christ within the bounds of contemporary Greek philosophy, which accepted the immortality of the within the bounds of contemporary Greek philosophy, which accepted the immortality of the soul, but rejected the idea of the resurrection of the flesh. soul, but rejected the idea of the resurrection of the flesh. The Corinthians were known for their valuing of wisdom and philosophy, which would have led The Corinthians were known for their valuing of wisdom and philosophy, which would have led to Paul s trepidation regarding his work. to Paul s trepidation regarding his work.

Epistle Reading discussion Questions How had the Spirit s power been demonstrated in Corinth? (See Acts 18:5 How had the Spirit s power been demonstrated in Corinth? (See Acts 18:5- -11) 11) God s power was demonstrated through the conversion of many, and that Paul was assured of his safety God s power was demonstrated through the conversion of many, and that Paul was assured of his safety and protection in the city by the faithful. and protection in the city by the faithful.

Epistle Reading discussion Questions What was Paul s primary concern for those who believed through his preaching? What was Paul s primary concern for those who believed through his preaching? Paul s main concern was that the faith of the people not be dependent on Paul and his Paul s main concern was that the faith of the people not be dependent on Paul and his preaching, but that the people s faith rest solely on Jesus Christ. preaching, but that the people s faith rest solely on Jesus Christ. Basing one s church membership on the person or charisma of the preacher leads to a Basing one s church membership on the person or charisma of the preacher leads to a shattering of the person s faith if the pastor leaves or disappoints in some way. shattering of the person s faith if the pastor leaves or disappoints in some way.

Epistle Reading discussion Questions What guidance is there in Paul s words for us today regarding avoiding division and strengthening What guidance is there in Paul s words for us today regarding avoiding division and strengthening unity? unity? Paul s words direct us to the Gospel of Jesus Christ as the basis of unity in the faith. Paul s words direct us to the Gospel of Jesus Christ as the basis of unity in the faith. It is through the union of the members to the body of Christ that enables Christian fellowship It is through the union of the members to the body of Christ that enables Christian fellowship to survive disagreements on things which do no impinge on the Gospel without splitting into to survive disagreements on things which do no impinge on the Gospel without splitting into factions. factions.

Epistle Reading discussion Questions When was this wisdom of the Gospel of Jesus conceived in the mind of God and for what purpose? When was this wisdom of the Gospel of Jesus conceived in the mind of God and for what purpose? The wisdom of the Gospel predates time and was always destined for our glory in the new life The wisdom of the Gospel predates time and was always destined for our glory in the new life given by Jesus. given by Jesus. God s wisdom was rejected by the worldly rulers of the age: God s wisdom was rejected by the worldly rulers of the age: Pilate (representing all worldly government authority) Pilate (representing all worldly government authority) Jewish religious leaders (representing all law Jewish religious leaders (representing all law- -oriented, humanistic religion that denies and rejects the Gospel) rejects the Gospel) The Gospel is fully shown in the fact that man Crucified the Lord of glory. The Gospel is fully shown in the fact that man Crucified the Lord of glory. oriented, humanistic religion that denies and

Epistle Reading discussion Questions What assurance may we find in the fact that Paul said that in the bringing of the Gospel to people What assurance may we find in the fact that Paul said that in the bringing of the Gospel to people he was speaking he was speaking words words taught by the Spirit? taught by the Spirit? If Paul s spoken words were taught by the Spirit, we can be sure that his If Paul s spoken words were taught by the Spirit, we can be sure that his written (Epistles of Scripture) are also given by the Spirit. (Epistles of Scripture) are also given by the Spirit. written words words

Epistle Reading discussion Questions Why do some people respond in faith to the Spirit Why do some people respond in faith to the Spirit- -powered Gospel and others do not? (See John 14:15 14:15- -17 and Hebrews 10:26 17 and Hebrews 10:26- -31) 31) Cur alii, alii non? Cur alii, alii non? Why some and not others? A question which people have struggled with Why some and not others? A question which people have struggled with from the beginning. from the beginning. The answer rests within the divine will of God for the salvation of sinners and believers confess The answer rests within the divine will of God for the salvation of sinners and believers confess that any who are saved are saved by God s grace alone, received by faith alone, assured by that any who are saved are saved by God s grace alone, received by faith alone, assured by Christ alone, and revealed through Scripture alone. Those who are lost are lost because of an Christ alone, and revealed through Scripture alone. Those who are lost are lost because of an ignoring or rejecting of the gospel. ignoring or rejecting of the gospel. powered Gospel and others do not? (See John