Liturgy for the 20th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B (Mark)
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Passages for the Day
Job 1:1, 2:1-10 - Job is introduced as a blameless and upright man who fears God and shuns evil and is described as a prosperous man from the land of Uz, known for his integrity and piety. In this story, Satan challenges Job's integrity multiple times, inflicting painful sores upon him, yet despite his suffering and his wife's urging him to curse God, he remains steadfast.
Genesis 2:18-24 - After forming animals and birds, God brings them to man (Adam) to name, but none are found to be a suitable companion, so God causes Adam to fall into a deep sleep, takes one of his ribs, and creates woman from it. When Adam sees her, he declares her, "bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh," acknowledging her as an equal as two become one flesh.
Read more here:
Psalm 26- David asserts his integrity and trust in the Lord as he asks God to examine and test him. He is confident in his faithful walk as he avoids deceitful people. He loves God's house and the place where God's glory dwells.
Psalm 8 - God's majesty is celebrated as the psalmist marvels at the honor given to humanity. God is so mighty, filled with greatness and purity, and yet God has given dominion of creation over to humans who are also creatures
Hebrews 1:1-4, 2:5-12 - Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God and the heir of all things, the one through whom the universe was created, and the radiance of God's glory. He sustains all things by his powerful word, has provided purification for sins, and sits at the right hand of God. The second passage discusses Jesus' role in salvation. Notice, the passage underscores Jesus' solidarity with humanity, referring to him as the one who calls believers "brothers and sisters" and praises God's salvation.
I chose to preach: Why Is Jesus So Important to Christians?
Mark 10:2-16 - in an attempt to test Jesus and to grind him down in controversy, a Pharisees asks Jesus about divorce. Jesus responds by referencing God's creation intentions, emphasizing that marriage is a divine union established by God. In the second half of the passage, people bring children to Jesus so he can bless them. For some reason, the disciples shoo them away, but Jesus rebukes them and accepts the children, stating that the kingdom belongs to such as these.
Overlapping Themes
God's Divine Order and Intentions: In Genesis 2:18-24, Psalm 8, and Mark 10:2-16, there is an emphasis on God’s original design and intentions for creation and human relationships. Genesis discusses God’s creation of woman as a suitable companion for man and the institution of marriage. Psalm 8 marvels at God’s creation and the intentional placement of humanity within it. Mark 10 highlights Jesus’ reaffirmation of God’s design for marriage and his acceptance of children, showing God’s original intentions for human relationships and interaction.
Human Dignity and Value: Each passage reflects the inherent dignity and value God places on humanity. Genesis 2 highlights the special relationship between man and woman. Psalm 8 praises humanity’s significant role and honor within creation. Mark 10 shows Jesus valuing children and affirming their place in the kingdom of God, stressing their worth and importance.
Preaching Ideas
Divine Design: Understanding God's Intent for Relationships
This sermon could explore the gift of human relationships as seen in Genesis 2, and connect it with Jesus' teachings in Mark 10 (intimate relationships and children). Don't forget the teaching in James 1 that ALL GOOD gifts come from God. Therefore, every relationship is a gift.
2. The Radiance of God: Why Jesus is So Important to Christians
I wrote this sermon to talk about why Christians are willing to follow the teachings and example of Jesus, someone who had such little power but so much influence. He not only showed divine love in his life and death, but he is the ultimate revelation of God, is superior to angels, and is the pioneer of our salvation.
Call to Worship
One: Come, let us unite in awe before the Creator of the cosmos.
All: We come with wonder and reverence for the Divine artistry that adorns our world.
One: Let us lift our hearts in jubilant praise for the honor bestowed upon us as God has entrusted us to care for creation.
All: We celebrate the profound significance of our place in this magnificent world.
One: Open our eyes to the beauty and purpose that infuse every moment.
All: We are eager to experience the grace and majesty that shape our lives and the world around us.
One: God is creative, mighty, brilliant, and loving.
All: God is worthy of our praise.
Call to Confession
We confess we are limited, God, and we often limit what you can do. We believe you can’t help, can’t love, or can’t transform us, someone else, or a particular situation. How can we think so lowly about the High and Holy One? Forgive us. Open our minds to new ideas and our hearts to new ways of living so that we may live lives of daring faith and abundant joy.
One: Lord may your name be glorified in us and through us. We ask this through Christ Jesus, your only begotten son. It is he who is our Lord and our Savior, our brother and our friend.
Assurance of Pardon - Hebrews 2:10-11
It was fitting that God, for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many children to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For the one who sanctifies and those who are sanctified, all have one Father. For this reason, Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters.
Friends, this is the good news!
All: Thanks be to God!
Prayer of Illumination
Heavenly Father, we come before you with open hearts and minds, eager to receive your guidance as we explore your word. Illuminate our understanding with the light of the Holy Spirit, that we might grasp the truths you have for us today. Remove any shadows of doubt or distractions that may hinder our hearing. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Teacher and Savior. Amen.
Prayer of Dedication
Creator God, you made all things, and all things belong to you. Thank you for entrusting so much to us. We now return to your care our offerings and ask that you use them to continue your restorative work in the world. Amen.
