Daily Lectionary | Genesis 23 & John 11:45-end

Genesis 23

Summary

Abraham settled at the oaks of Mamre and built an altar to the Lord at Hebron (Gen. 13:18). Sarah died here. The Hittites are now in the land, and Abraham buys a tomb from Ephron the Hittite for a hefty sum. The narrative calls our attention to Abraham buying the field and tomb. Abraham would not accept the field as a gift, he must purchase it for more than a fair price and in the presence of witnesses. 

The Hittites are in the land of Canaan, but Abraham is taking possession of that land by acquiring the tomb.

In Genesis 22, Abram witnesses the “death and resurrection” of Isaac. This along with the death of the great matriarch Sarah in Genesis 23  prepares us for a new stage in patriarchal history. 

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the narrative of Genesis depict Sarah?

  2. What’s the significance of Abraham securing a tomb in this particular location?

John 11:45-57

Summary

Jesus has just shown his authority over life by raising Lazarus from the dead. Now, his Jewish opponents seek to wield their authority to put Jesus to death. The theme of Jesus performing a miracle followed by conflict continues. Here the Jewish officials fear that Jesus will gather such a following that it will draw attention from the Romans and jeopardize their standing. The Jews enjoyed a matter of autonomy with their own religious and civil structures but were under the thumb of the Romans at the end of the day. 

The high priest who was serving that year, Caiaphas, gives an unwitting prophecy: “Nor do you understand that it is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish” (Jn. 11:50). Jesus will be a scapegoat, just not in the way they were thinking. 

The third passover of the gospel is noted in John 11:55, and everyone is wondering what Jesus would do. Passover time is revolution time. And if Jesus showed his face in Jerusalem then, the authorities would seek to arrest him. 

Reflections

  1. How will Jesus die for the whole nation?

  2. This is the only time in the gospels explicitly mention the Romans. What role do they play here and in the gospels?

Daily Office LectionaryBlakeGenesis, John