Reign of Christ, November 22, 2020

For Thanksgiving DaY (US), please see here.

Please see Using Lection Connection.

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24)

The Lord God proclaims that he will gather the people of Israel from their places of exile like a shepherd who gathers his sheep with lavish care. Abusers of the weak will be destroyed and the nation’s relationship with God restored under David, its shepherd-king.

Psalm (100)

The Psalmist exhorts the whole earth to joyful praise of the Lord, creator of all, and to come into his presence as his people, sheep of his pasture. Yahweh is good, loving and faithful across the generations.

OR

Psalm (95:1-7a)

The Psalmist invites the people of God into the joyful presence of the Lord with thanks and praise. As creator of all things, he is king over all other powers and we are his sheep, fed in his pasture.

Second Reading (Ephesians 1:15-23

Paul exults in the knowledge of God’s great power made known in the resurrection and ascension of Jesus above all other rule. He prays the Ephesians will experience it increasingly as they come to know Christ in whom their redemption is secure.

Gospel (Matthew 25:31-46)

Jesus teaches that he himself, like a shepherd separating the sheep from the goats, will judge the nations when he returns in glory. They will be held to account for how they have treated the least of those he regards as his family.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

• God/Christ as shepherd-king: savior, provider, protector, judge
• The people of God as “sheep” and God/Christ as “shepherd”
• The relationship/identification of God/Christ with his people
• Trusting in the awesome power of God, creator, re-creator, king
• God/Christ as the shepherd who sets all things right
• In the presence of God/Christ