Readings for April14,2017 Year A Good Friday

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

First Reading and Psalm

  • Isaiah 52:13-53:12
  • Psalm 22

Second Reading

  • Hebrews 10:16-25 or Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9

Gospel

  • John 18:1-19:42

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

YAHWEH speaks of his coming Servant who will undergo humiliation, rejection and great injustice. But like a sacrificial lamb he will bear the transgressions of many, suffering in silence on their behalf and making them whole. Although assigned to the grave, in the end he will find vindication, exaltation and triumph. The Psalmist is in despair because of his enemies, feeling as if surrounded by bulls or lions about to charge and God is nowhere to be seen! While he melts with fear they already cast lots for his clothes. However, at the same time he expresses a final confidence that YAHWEH does see and will act, resulting in praise resounding from all the nations and even the dead. The writer of Hebrews describes Jesus as both priest and sacrificial victim who made a way for us to come to God with clean hearts. As a result we should continue to meet together in mutual encouragement towards love and good deeds. John’s account of the Passion stresses fulfillments of both Scripture and Jesus’ own words to show that God is in control of these events. Jesus is arrested and faces two Jewish authorities as well as Pilate. In bitter irony Peter denies him three times. In an effort to get to the truth Pilate questions a reluctant Jesus about the charge that he claims to be a king. Satisfied that Jesus is innocent of any crime against Rome he tries to release him after a good flogging but the crowd threatens to smear him as no friend of Caesar if he does so. He gives in and Jesus is crucified, the soldiers casting lots for his tunic. Pilate makes it known that it is Jesus’ claim to be king of the Jews that has condemned him. Jesus gives up his life and is buried nearby in a garden tomb.

As Introductions and/or Bulletin Use

Old Testament

YAHWEH speaks of his coming Servant who will undergo humiliation, rejection and great injustice. But like a sacrificial lamb he will bear the transgressions of many, suffering in silence on their behalf and making them whole. Although assigned to the grave, in the end he will find vindication, exaltation and triumph.

Psalm

The Psalmist is in despair because of his enemies, feeling as if surrounded by bulls or lions about to charge and God is nowhere to be seen! While he melts with fear they already cast lots for his clothes. However, at the same time he expresses a final confidence that YAHWEH does see and will act, resulting in praise resounding from all the nations and even the dead.

New Testament

The writer of Hebrews describes Jesus as both priest and sacrificial victim who made a way for us to come to God with clean hearts. As a result we should continue to meet together in mutual encouragement towards love and good deeds.

Gospel

John’s account of the Passion stresses fulfillments of both Scripture and Jesus’ own words to show that God is in control of these events. Jesus is arrested and faces two Jewish authorities as well as Pilate. In bitter irony Peter denies him three times. In an effort to get to the truth Pilate questions a reluctant Jesus about the charge that he claims to be a king. Satisfied that Jesus is innocent of any crime against Rome he tries to release him after a good flogging but the crowd threatens to smear him as no friend of Caesar if he does so. He gives in and Jesus is crucified, the soldiers casting lots for his tunic. Pilate makes it known that it is Jesus’ claim to be king of the Jews that has condemned him. Jesus gives up his life and is buried nearby in a garden tomb.

Based on the Alternative Readings

YAHWEH speaks of his coming Servant who will undergo humiliation, rejection and great injustice. But like a sacrificial lamb he will bear the transgressions of many, suffering in silence on their behalf and making them whole. Although assigned to the grave, in the end he will find vindication, exaltation and triumph. The Psalmist is in despair because of his enemies, feeling as if surrounded by bulls or lions about to charge and God is nowhere to be seen! While he melts with fear they already cast lots for his clothes. However, at the same time he expresses a final confidence that YAHWEH does see and will act, resulting in praise resounding from all the nations and even the dead. The writer of Hebrews exults in having such an approachable high priest as Jesus who is able to sympathize with us, tested in every way but without sin. Facing death he pleaded for God to save but in the end submitted to his will and became the source of eternal salvation. John’s account of the Passion stresses fulfillments of both Scripture and Jesus’ own words to show that God is in control of these events. Jesus is arrested and faces two Jewish authorities as well as Pilate. In bitter irony Peter denies him three times. In an effort to get to the truth Pilate questions a reluctant Jesus about the charge that he claims to be a king. Satisfied that Jesus is innocent of any crime against Rome he tries to release him after a good flogging but the crowd threatens to smear him as no friend of Caesar if he does so. He gives in and Jesus is crucified, the soldiers casting lots for his tunic. Pilate makes it known that it is Jesus’ claim to be king of the Jews that has condemned him. Jesus gives up his life and is buried nearby in a garden tomb.

As Introductions and/or Bulletin Use

Old Testament

YAHWEH speaks of his coming Servant who will undergo humiliation, rejection and great injustice. But like a sacrificial lamb he will bear the transgressions of many, suffering in silence on their behalf and making them whole. Although assigned to the grave, in the end he will find vindication, exaltation and triumph.

Psalm

The Psalmist is in despair because of his enemies, feeling as if surrounded by bulls or lions about to charge and God is nowhere to be seen! While he melts with fear they already cast lots for his clothes. However, at the same time he expresses a final confidence that YAHWEH does see and will act, resulting in praise resounding from all the nations and even the dead.

New Testament

The writer of Hebrews exults in having such an approachable high priest as Jesus who is able to sympathize with us, tested in every way but without sin. Facing death he pleaded for God to save but in the end submitted to his will and became the source of eternal salvation.

Gospel

John’s account of the Passion stresses fulfillments of both Scripture and Jesus’ own words to show that God is in control of these events. Jesus is arrested and faces two Jewish authorities as well as Pilate. In bitter irony Peter denies him three times. In an effort to get to the truth Pilate questions a reluctant Jesus about the charge that he claims to be a king. Satisfied that Jesus is innocent of any crime against Rome he tries to release him after a good flogging but the crowd threatens to smear him as no friend of Caesar if he does so. He gives in and Jesus is crucified, the soldiers casting lots for his tunic. Pilate makes it known that it is Jesus’ claim to be king of the Jews that has condemned him. Jesus gives up his life and is buried nearby in a garden tomb.