Sermon and Worship Resources

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Showing 2326 to 2350 of 4942 results

2326. Jacob’s Flocks Increase

Genesis 30:25-43

Understanding Series

John E. Hartley

The Increase in Jacob’s Flocks: In this account Jacob negotiates his wages (30:25–36) and breeds the flocks to his advantage (30:37–43). 30:25–28 At the end of the fourteen years of labor, Jacob sought Laban’s permission to return to Canaan with his wives and children. His approach implies that Laban continued to have authority over his daughters’ departure from his household. Laban, however, entreated Jacob to stay on with him, claiming to have learned by divination that his prosperity was the result of ...

2327. Judah and Tamar

Genesis 38:1-30

Understanding Series

John E. Hartley

Judah and Tamar: The account of Judah and Tamar is set as an interlude in the Joseph narrative. It adds to the suspense of the Joseph story, as the reader wonders what is going to happen to Joseph. The action takes place in four scenes: the failure of Judah’s sons to have an heir (vv. 1–11), Judah’s relationship with a supposed prostitute (vv. 12–23), Tamar’s vindication (vv. 24–26), and Tamar’s bearing twins (vv. 27–30). Although this account appears to interrupt the long, closely knit Joseph narrative, ...

2328. Joseph and Potiphar’s Wife

Genesis 39:1-23

Understanding Series

John E. Hartley

Joseph in Potiphar’s House: Joseph goes from favorite son to bondservant and from chief steward to prisoner. Although Joseph appears prone to bad luck, the narrator makes it clear that God is directing Joseph’s destiny, including his setbacks, to his ultimate destiny of ruler as anticipated in his boyhood dreams. A key term in this episode is “hand” (yad). It captures the trust Joseph inspires and plays a key role in his fall. Potiphar places all things in Joseph’s “hand” (vv. 3, 4, 6, 8, 22, 23). But in ...

2329. Pharaoh's Dreams

Genesis 41:1-40

Understanding Series

John E. Hartley

Joseph Interprets Pharaoh’s Dreams and Rises to Power: Clothing, a motif throughout the Joseph story, plays a particularly prominent role in this account; it marks Joseph’s transition from prison to the honor of standing before Pharaoh and then his investiture with authority. In this account we read about Pharaoh’s dreams (vv. 1–7), his need for an interpreter (vv. 8–16), Joseph’s interpretation of the dreams (vv. 17–32), his counsel to Pharaoh concerning the coming crisis (vv. 33–38), Joseph’s ...

2330. Manasseh and Ephraim

Genesis 48:1-22

Understanding Series

John E. Hartley

Jacob Blesses Joseph and His Sons: On learning that Jacob has become very ill, Joseph and his sons Manasseh and Ephraim go to visit him. On this occasion Jacob blesses both Joseph and his sons. Significantly, he raises Joseph’s two sons to the level of his own children. This account carries great weight, for it modifies Israel’s tribal structure. Throughout the account there are abrupt shifts that disturb the narrative flow. Joseph introduces his sons to Jacob (vv. 8–9) even though Jacob has already spoken ...

2331. Fear the Lord

Deuteronomy 10:12-22

Understanding Series

Christopher J. H. Wright

Walk in All God’s Ways: These verses begin the buildup toward the climax of the opening exhortation of the book in chapter 11. Deuteronomy 10:12–22 is unquestionably one of the richest texts in the Hebrew Bible, exalted and poetic in its language, comprehensive and challenging in its message. It purposely tries to “boil down” the whole theological and ethical content of the book into memorable phraseology, packed and pregnant, rich and resonant of all the surrounding preaching. Indeed, there are not many ...

2332. Cities of Refuge (II)

Deuteronomy 19:1-14

Understanding Series

Christopher J. H. Wright

Manslaughter, Murder, and Malice: The whole section 19:1–21:9 may be thematically linked to the sixth commandment, “you shall not murder.” This is clearest in 19:1–13 and 21:1–9, but there are some links in the intervening laws as well, particularly 19:15–21. The organization is not overly tidy, however, and other commandments can be detected; the eighth and tenth, for example (19:14), and the ninth (19:16–19). Israel needed structures of authority and leadership that would preserve their societal ...

2333. Renewal of the Covenant

Deuteronomy 29:1-29

Understanding Series

Christopher J. H. Wright

Summary and Renewal of the Covenant: In terms of the rhetorical nature of the book, Moses’ third speech to Israel begins here at 29:2 (which is 29:1 in the Hebrew text). In terms of the concentric structure of the book, we are still within what Christensen calls “the inner frame” (chs. 27–30), which is in a position corresponding to chapters 4–11 (cf. introduction, p. 4). And in terms of the message of the book, this section picks up and summarizes much of the earlier material, setting it once again within ...

2334. Solomon Builds His Palace

1 Kings 7:1-12

Understanding Series

Iain W. Provan

Solomon Builds His Palace: The building of the temple structure is finished, and perhaps we expect to hear next how the whole project was brought to completion through its furnishing. Not so! The description of the temple is not picked up again until 7:13. Instead, we find ourselves reading of the royal palace complex. Why do the authors delay their account of the completion of the temple? Did they wish simply to describe all the building work together, before moving on? Did they want to subordinate the ...

2335. Solomon's Other Activities

1 Kings 9:10-28

Understanding Series

Iain W. Provan

Glory under a Cloud: It was Solomon’s rule over the surrounding kingdoms, combined with his status in the world in general (4:21–34), that put him in a position to be able to plan, build, and dedicate the temple (5:1–8:66). First Kings 9:10–10:29 brings us back to consider the glory of this empire. It is glory that must now be seen with respect to 8:22–53 and 9:1–9. It is therefore glory under a cloud, destined to fade away. This of itself would affect our view of what we read in 9:10–10:29, even if we ...

2336. Nadab King of Israel

1 Kings 15:25-32

Understanding Series

Iain W. Provan

From Nadab to Ahab: The fulfillment of the prophecy against the house of Jeroboam has been delayed until it has been made clear how different God’s treatment of the house of David is. Now, however, we shall hear that it all turned out as Ahijah had said; as king succeeds king in this fast-moving tale of northern intrigue and violence, we shall also begin to see what he meant by describing Israel as a “reed swaying in water” (14:15). Political stability is certainly not the order of the day. 15:25–32 The ...

2337. Moab Revolts

2 Kings 3:1-27

Understanding Series

Iain W. Provan

Elisha and the Conquest of Moab: Elijah has gone, and Elisha has been authenticated as his successor. We expect, on the analogy of Elijah’s own life (and because of God’s words in 1 Kgs. 19:15–18), that succession means involvement in politics, and this is what we now find as Elisha is consulted about a military campaign. Echoes of 1 Kings 22:1–28 are everywhere to be heard, especially in Jehoshaphat’s renewed alliance with the house of Ahab. We must listen to these words intently if we are to understand ...

2338. Jehu Anointed King of Israel

2 Kings 9:1-13

Understanding Series

Iain W. Provan

The Axe Falls (at Last) on Ahab: The twelve years of Jehoram, son of Ahab, are completed (2 Kgs. 3:1; 8:25); and the time for judgment has come (1 Kgs. 21:21–29). Elisha is still with us, and Hazael—though not in the way first planned—is king of Aram. Ahab’s drama is approaching its final curtain. Of the players mentioned in 1 Kings 19:15–18, we await only Jehu. Right on cue, he now makes his entrance. Israel will be purged at last of Ahab’s house and the worship of Baal it has introduced. Judah, too, will ...

2339. Zechariah King of Israel

2 Kings 15:8-12

Understanding Series

Iain W. Provan

Israel’s Last Days: With the death of Jeroboam II, we have reached the “fourth generation” of the divine promise to Jehu (2 Kgs. 10:30). We expect a return to the unstable government, implied by 1 Kings 14:15 and illustrated in 1 Kings 14–16, that preceded the houses of Omri and Jehu. That is what we now find. Reigns change in quick succession, as Israel plunges speedily towards its doom. All deliverance has ceased, and judgment lies just around the corner. 15:8–12 Scarcely has Jeroboam’s son Zechariah sat ...

2340. The Song of the Vineyard

Isaiah 5:1-7

Understanding Series

John Goldingay

Judgment Missed and Demonstrated: In length and theme chapter 5 pairs with chapter 1 and closes a bracket around 2:2–4:6. Chapter 5 comprises a mock love song; a series of woes that will be completed in 10:1–4; and a warning about Yahweh’s outstretched hand that will continue in chapter 9. In contrast to 1:1–2:1 and 2:2–4:6, no positive note is struck at the beginning or the end. Chapters 1–5 come to a close as bleak as their opening. Rebellion and darkness ultimately bracket them. 5:1–7 The chapter opens ...

2341. A Prophecy Against Cush

Isaiah 18:1-7

Understanding Series

John Goldingay

Poems about the Southern Powers: For three chapters we turn to the far south. Cush covers an area corresponding to the very south of modern Egypt and the northern part of Sudan. A Cushite dynasty ruled Egypt itself at the end of the eighth century, so this poem about Cush is as much a poem about Egypt (cf. 20:1–6). 18:1–7 This poem begins “Oh,” like the preceding poem about the nations in general (NIV translates woe this time). This parallel suggests that the embassy from Cush raises issues covered by the ...

2342. The Lord's Devastation of the Earth

Isaiah 24:1-23

Understanding Series

John Goldingay

Devastation and Renewal for the Whole Land: The word massa’ no longer introduces the prophecies, but not until chapter 28 do we return to the direct, confrontational challenges to the people of God that dominate chapters 1–12. Chapters 24–27 thus stand out from the material on either side. The canvas broadens yet further than it had in chapters 13–23, but the tone of these chapters continues. The prophecy depicts further disaster and devastation, but makes fewer references to specific peoples. The effect ...

2343. Woe to those Who Rely on Egypt

Isaiah 31:1-9

Understanding Series

John Goldingay

Oh You People Who Rely on Egypt: In the introduction to chapters 28–30 we suggested that 31:1–32:20 is one unit. Chapter 31 is much shorter than the units on either side, chapter 32 has no opening “Oh” like the rest of chapters 28–33, and taken together chapters 31–32 better fit the pattern whereby chapters 28–30 give increasing prominence to reassuring promise on the other side of threat. 31:1–3 In powerful fashion these opening verses sum up the thrust of chapters 28–30 as Isaiah tries one more time to ...

2344. Sermon on the Mount: Giving, Prayer, and Fasting

Matthew 6:1-4, Matthew 6:5-15, Matthew 6:16-18

Teach the Text

Jeannine K. Brown

Big Idea: Jesus expects his disciples to practice a covenantal piety that centers on a longing for God’s kingdom to arrive and strives to please God, not humans. Understanding the Text Following on the heels of Matthew’s instructions about keeping the law, this passage indicates right ways of enacting religious practices of giving, prayer, and fasting. In each case, believers ought to act “in secret” to receive divine rather than human approval. Their behavior is to contrast with “hypocrites” who care ...

2345. Jesus Announces His Impending Suffering and Death

Matthew 16:21-28

Teach the Text

Jeannine K. Brown

Big Idea: Though they have just confessed Jesus as the Messiah, the disciples struggle to understand his revelation that he will suffer, die, and be raised, and that they are to follow in his cruciform footsteps. Understanding the Text This passage begins a new section, signaled by the formula “From that time on Jesus began to [explain]” (16:21 [as in 4:17]), narrating Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem (16:21–20:28). Jesus and his disciples travel from Galilee to Jerusalem, with Jesus teaching the Twelve along ...

2346. Community Discourse: Lavish Forgiveness in the Kingdom

Matthew 18:21-35

Teach the Text

Jeannine K. Brown

Big Idea: Jesus stresses that the kingdom community is characterized by unlimited forgiveness based on God’s prior and lavish forgiveness, warning those who are not persistent in offering forgiveness that they will not receive it in the end. Understanding the Text In the second half of the Community Discourse (chap. 18) Jesus highlights the necessity of forgiving others in the Christian community, a theme already introduced in the Sermon on the Mount (6:12–15). As in the first half of the discourse, a ...

2347. Jesus’s Identity as Messiah and Son of God Established

Mark 1:1-8

Teach the Text

Grant R. Osborne

Big Idea: The good news centers on Jesus the Messiah, who shows himself to be the Son of God by inaugurating God’s kingdom age. He is declared as such first by Old Testament prophecy and then by the wilderness voice, his forerunner John the Baptist. Understanding the Text This passage is the “prologue” to Mark (cf. John 1:1–18), and the purpose is to inform the reader about the primary truths in the book, especially the identification of Jesus. In the rest of the book we will see the primary groups ( ...

2348. Spiritual Hypocrisy—Living by the Rules, Not by the Heart

Mark 7:1-23

Teach the Text

Grant R. Osborne

Big Idea: In this passage about spiritual hypocrisy Jesus teaches that God’s people must live their lives not by how they appear externally to others but how they really are within. It is not external codes of conduct but the inner life of the heart that really matters. Understanding the Text The theme of failure continues from 6:45–53, as the disciples’ hardened hearts (6:52) link them to the Pharisees (3:5; 10:5) in their inability to comprehend the reality of Jesus and the kingdom (see “The Text in ...

2349. Gentiles Exemplify True Discipleship

Mark 7:31-37, Mark 7:24-30

Teach the Text

Grant R. Osborne

Big Idea: Salvation and the kingdom blessings, heretofore experienced primarily by the Jews, are now extended to the Gentiles. A Gentile woman of Tyre shows remarkable faith and humility, and a deaf mute in the Decapolis experiences messianic healing. Understanding the Text Mark now turns to examples of faith, as the Syrophoenician woman is one of the “little people” in Mark, characters who appear only once but carry the theme of what a true disciple should be. As such, she gives a lesson to the disciples ...

2350. The Path of Discipleship

Mark 8:31--9:1

Teach the Text

Grant R. Osborne

Big Idea: Jesus’s role as the suffering Messiah (8:27–33) provides a model for his disciples. The path of true discipleship is one of self-denying and cross-bearing. Understanding the Text The previous section developed the necessity and meaning of Jesus’s suffering (8:27–33). Jesus then uses his messianic suffering as the model for discipleship. The sayings in 8:34–9:1 define the implications for true followers, with the thesis statement telling how to follow (v. 34) followed by two clarifications telling ...

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