Daily Lectionary | Genesis 14 & John 7:1-24
Genesis 14
Summary
Lot separated from Abram and settled near Sodom with great wealth. But soon Lot is caught in the midst of warring kingdoms. Chedorlaomer leads a force of kings who take the Jordan Valley and eventually face off against the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah, among others. Chedorlaomer’s invading forces conquer the opposition, taking Lot captive. News comes back to Abram, who responds by gathering 318 fighting men. Abram defeats Chedorlaomer and rescues Lot, who was like a son to him.
We’re told Abram gathers 318 men “born in his house” (Gen. 14:14). Why such a specific number? In Hebrew a gematria is an alphanumeric code assigned to a Hebrew letter. Interpreters have noted that 318 is the number for Abram’s servant Eliezer, who is Abram’s heir at this point (Gen. 15:2-3). One suggestion is that Elizer was the captain of this force of fighting men, which represented Abram’s “son.” Whatever the case, the specific number calls for investigation.
After Abram’s victory, Melchizedek king of Salem (i.e., Jerusalem) brings out bread and wine with a blessing of the God Most High. Abram tithes everything of his to this priest who comes out of nowhere.
Reflection Questions
1. How does Hebrews 7 explain the role of Melchizedek?
2. Abram receives the bread and wine from Melchizedek but refuses the King of Sodom’s offer. Consider the significance of these gifts offered to Abram and how he responds to both.
John 7:1-24
Summary
Jesus' disciples want him to go where he will have the greatest impact: Jerusalem. But Jesus refuses because his “hour” had not come, so he remains in Galilee. His absence at the feast is cause for much conversation, with some saying he is a deceiver and others he’s a good man, though John tells us any praise was spokenin hushed tones “for fear of the Jews.”
Jesus goes up to Jerusalem and the temple after all and causes everyone to marvel at his teaching. The authority by which one taught was a big deal to the Jews. Jesus shows his authority by the force teaching, but his hearers marvel because they didn’t know where he got such learning. Jesus claims his authority is from God. Jesus brings up Moses, who keeps showing up, and rebukes his hearers because they do not keep the law of Moses.
Reflection Questions
1. Jesus healing the lame man on the Sabbath (Jn. 5) is still an issue. How does he challenge his opponents’ objection to his working on the Sabbath?
2. Why does Jesus keep saying his “hour” has not yet come? What is his strategy in highlighting this issue of time?