Daily Lectionary | Genesis 5 & John 3:22-36
These short summaries and questions are based on the Morning Prayer Scripture readings from the 2019 BCP Daily Office Lectionary.
Genesis 5
Summary
The phrase "these are the generations" occurs 10 times in Genesis and gives a structure to the book. The second occurrence in Genesis 5:1 unfolds the descendants of Adam up to Noah. The large number of years each descendant lived stands out and call for reflection. Even if we take these very long lifespans literally (which nothing immediately in the text indicates we shouldn't), the symbolical nature of the numbers has struck many commentators. In short, the lifespans may have an astrological significance, tracking with the synodical periods of the planets (i.e., the time it takes for a planet to make a complete journey back to its starting place). Perhaps there's a connection with Abraham who's told to consider the "stars of the sky" in relationship to his descendants. At any rate, the chapter gets us to Noah, whose father prophesies that he will bring rest to the from the toil of humanity's labors.
Reflection Questions
- What significance do genealogies have in general? Why do think we have so many of them in the Bible? (Consider Matthew 1:1-17).
- The section begins with Adam and ends with Noah. How might Noah be like a new Adam? Will Noah have a similar role?
John 3:22-36
Summary
Earlier in John 3, Jesus talks about the necessarily of being "born from above." Now, John recognizes that Jesus is from above, he has authority that has been given him from heaven. John yields to Jesus: "He must increase, but I must decrease." John is filled with joy that the Messiah has now arrived. He's like a friend of the bridegroom (Jesus as bridegroom is an important theme in John)! John echoes Jesus' words earlier in the chapter, in keeping with his role as Jesus chief witness, that "whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him" (Jn. 3:36).
- Describe how John the Baptist bears witness to Jesus through John chapter 3?
- How is John an example for followers of Christ?