Daily Readings - Sun Mar 17 2024
Jeremiah
31"Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah,32not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, my covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, declares the LORD.33But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people.34And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,' for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more."
Hebrews
7In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence.8Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered.9And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him,
John
20Now among those who went up to worship at the feast were some Greeks.21So these came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, "Sir, we wish to see Jesus."22Philip went and told Andrew; Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus.23And Jesus answered them, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.24Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.25Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.26If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.27"Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? But for this purpose I have come to this hour.28Father, glorify your name." Then a voice came from heaven: "I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again."29The crowd that stood there and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, "An angel has spoken to him."30Jesus answered, "This voice has come for your sake, not mine.31Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out.32And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself."33He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die.
Sermon
The readings today guide us through a journey of covenant, obedience, and sacrifice, each weaving together to reveal God's plan of salvation. Jeremiah's promise of a new covenant highlights a deepened relationship with God, where His law is inscribed on our hearts, leading to a universal knowledge of Him. This covenant, born out of the old one's limitations, signifies a restoration and a closer bond with God's people. In Hebrews, we see Jesus as the embodiment of this new covenant, whose obedience and suffering pave the way for our salvation. His prayers and tears illustrate His humanity and reverence, yet His divine role as the source of eternal salvation is clear.
In John's Gospel, Jesus' conversation with the Gentiles and His subsequent discourse reveal the culmination of this covenant through His death. The grain of wheat metaphor teaches us that self-sacrifice is essential for bearing fruit, mirroring Jesus' own journey. His death, a necessary step in God's plan, draws all people to Himself, demonstrating that true life comes through surrender. The voice from heaven underscores God's glorification and the cosmic victory over evil, emphasizing the universal impact of Jesus' sacrifice.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to embrace a life of self-giving love and trust in God's plan. Just as Jesus trusted in His Father's will, we too can find purpose in our struggles. The new covenant calls us to live with God's law in our hearts, leading to actions that reflect His love. Let us remember that our challenges, like Jesus', can lead to greater good, drawing others to God. May we trust in His plan, knowing that through sacrifice, we find true life and honor from the Father.