In this week’s visual lectionary resources, we address both the Revised Common Lectionary and the Narrative Lectionary. Explore Jesus’ confrontation with the religious leaders over authority in Matthew 21 (RCL) alongside Joseph’s story of resilience and God’s presence in Genesis 39 (NL).
In Matthew 20, Jesus asks, “Is your eye evil because I am good?” Explore how Christ turns societal hierarchies upside down by inviting us to replace the “evil eye” of contempt with a generous way of seeing the world. Plus, in the Narrative Lectionary, we look at the call of Abram in Genesis 12 and what it means for us when we settle instead of continuing the journey of faith. Dive into full visual lectionary resources, commentaries, and drawings for both the Revised Common Lectionary and the Narrative Lectionary!
Why do people say “Jesus Christ is Lord?” For many in our 21st century Western culture the phrase “Jesus Christ” is simply a curse word. Others may assume that “Christ” is Jesus’ last name. The term “Lord” seems archaic and oppressive. How is it relevant in a democratic society?
I would like to suggest that the terms Christ and Lord, when they were used in the first century, were an attempt to find unity in the diversity of a multicultural church that was divided into factions. I would also like to suggest that we need the spirit of these terms in the fractured and divided church today, just as much as they needed it then.
As a new school year and ministry season kick off, there is no better theme to ground our communities than God’s grace and promise. This week’s visual resources explore the call to radical forgiveness in Matthew 18 for the Revised Common Lectionary, alongside the powerful symbol of the rainbow—God’s bow hanging in the sky as a covenant of peace—for the Narrative Lectionary. Explore full commentaries, artwork, and visual downloads for both lectionaries for September 13.
In this post I reflect on the 8-week summer journey of art and scripture. It was a very meaningful journey for me. I hope you enjoy it as well.