Q4 — Writings | John, Hebrews, Revelation
John 19-21, Heb. 1-2; Song. 6-8, Ruth 1-4, Lam. 1-5, Eccl. 1-3; Psalm 124-126
John 19-21, Heb. 1-2
FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT
Behold the Son of God
Naming a child is hard. Most parents make lists, look up word origins, dreaming of how those names might sound as their child gets older. We packed as much meaning into our kids' names as their birth certificates could hold, giving each of our kids five names!
On the other hand, when kids are mean to each other, we say, "Don't call each other names!" Because what we call someone matters. Never is that more evident than the designations given to Jesus, as we'll see this week.
The Man
This week begins and ends with Christ's humanity. Let's start at the end of the week, where Friday's reading (Hebrews 2) asks, "What is man that you are mindful of him, or the son of man that you care for him?" (Heb. 2:6-7). In his inexplicable grace, God gives humanity a place of honor. Considering our failings, perhaps someone should show us what it means to be human as God intends, to bear his image and reflect his glory? Enter the one "who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor" (Heb. 2:9). He "had to be made like his brothers," you and me, "in every respect" to "become a merciful and faithful high priest" (Heb. 2:17), freeing us from sin (Heb. 2:17) and death (Heb. 2:14-15).
On Monday (John 19), Pilate ironically points to Jesus and says, "Behold the man!" (John 19:5). But Pilate didn't even realize how darkly ironic his statement was, as Jesus is indeed "the man," the "Son of Man" (John 13:31), the Word made flesh (John 1:14). They dress him in a purple robe and a crown of thorns, and Pilate later mocks the Jews by saying, "Behold your King!" (John 19:14). Seeing his humiliation and pain on "the day of Preparation of the Passover" (John 19:14), we remember that he's our passover, the "lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29).
- What encouragement do you find in knowing our High Priest was tempted in all ways as we are, yet without sin?
The Lord
On Tuesday (John 20), we'll read about encounters with the risen Christ. Mary Magdalene meets Jesus at his tomb (John 20:1-18) and announces, "I have seen the Lord" (John 20:18). Then Jesus shows up in a locked room to meet the disciples (John 20:19-24). But Thomas wasn't there, and doubts it ever happened, demanding to see and touch the nail scars of crucifixion (John 20:25). When — eight days later — Jesus appears and invites him to do just that, he cries out, "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28).
On Wednesday (John 21), Jesus meets the disciples on the shore as they fish (John 21:1-8), inviting them to join him for breakfast (John 21:9-14). John's closing words remind us that no book can capture all of Christ's great deeds: "Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written" (John 21:25).
- What is John's stated purpose for writing (John 20:30-31)? Did the book accomplish its goal?
The Son
And on Thursday (Hebrews 1), Jesus is contrasted with angels, who delivered God's message in times past (Heb. 2:2). Now, God "has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world" (Heb. 1:2).
- What do you learn about angels from this passage?
- What do these Old Testament quotes tell you about the Son?
Song. 6-8, Ruth 1-4, Lam. 1-5, Eccl. 1-3
FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT
The books of Ruth, Lamentations, and Ecclesiastes offer rich insights into the human experience and God's interaction with His people. In Ruth 1-4, the story unfolds a narrative of loyalty, redemption, and divine providence as Ruth, a Moabite widow, chooses to accompany her mother-in-law Naomi back to Bethlehem. Her commitment leads to her eventual marriage to Boaz, symbolizing hope and restoration.
Lamentations 1-5 presents a poignant lament over the devastation of Jerusalem, expressing grief, loss, and the consequences of sin. The poet's raw emotions articulate the experience of suffering and the longing for God's mercy amid despair.
Ecclesiastes 1-3 explores the meaning of life and the futility of human endeavors. With reflections on time, purpose, and the cycles of existence, it encourages readers to find joy in simple pleasures while recognizing the ephemeral nature of life. Together, these texts illuminate themes of love, loss, hope, and the search for meaning, resonating deeply with the human condition.
Psalm 124-126
REFLECTING ON THE PSALMS
Psalm 124-126 continues the themes of trust and divine deliverance, reinforcing Israel's reliance on God. Psalm 124 reflects on how the people would have been overwhelmed by their enemies if not for the Lord's protection. Their deliverance serves as a powerful testament to God's saving grace. Psalm 125 contrasts the security of those who trust in God with the fate of the wicked, affirming that God's presence surrounds and supports His faithful ones. Psalm 126 celebrates the joy of restoration following exile, where the returning captives rejoice in what the Lord has done, acknowledging His power to transform sorrow into joy. Together, these psalms highlight God's faithfulness, the importance of collective memory in worship, and the transformative power of His intervention in the lives of His people.