Liturgy for the 18th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B (Mark)
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Passages for the Day
Proverbs 31:10-31
This passage describes the qualities of a virtuous woman who is industrious, caring, and wise, portraying her as a valuable asset to her household and community. Her strength and dignity are evident in her actions and character, and she is praised for her fear of the Lord.
Psalm 1
Psalm 1 contrasts the righteous and the wicked, highlighting the blessedness of those who meditate on the law of the Lord and live according to it. The righteous are compared to a fruitful tree, while the wicked are like chaff that the wind blows away. When one compares Psalm 1 and Proverbs 31, the comparison and contrasts quickly appear.
READ MORE PSALM 1 HERE
Psalm 54
This psalm is a plea for divine help in the face of betrayal and injustice from those who oppose the psalmist. It expresses trust in God’s deliverance and promises to offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving for His rescue. Gratitude is always the fitting response to grace. Notice how the psalmist speaks as if deliverance has already occurred.
James 3:13 – 4:3, 7-8a
James addresses the importance of wisdom that comes from God, contrasted with selfish desires that lead to disorder and conflict. He calls for humility, submission to God, and resistance to the devil, promising that God will draw near to those who seek Him sincerely. The wisdom of our faith tradition is given to us to help us navigate life carefully so that we can enhance our joy and minimize our regret.
Jeremiah 11:18-20
Jeremiah describes his experience of being targeted by enemies due to his prophetic message. He expresses trust in the Lord’s justice and seeks divine protection against those who plot against him. I wonder if we are comfortable talking this way to God.
Mark 9:30-37
Jesus teaches His disciples about His forthcoming suffering and the nature of true greatness in the kingdom of God. He emphasizes that greatness comes through humility and serving others, using a child as an example of true greatness. Is Jesus shaming the disciples with the example of the kid or does Jesus simply realize their quarreling is due to a misunderstanding so he uses the example of the kid to make this prior teaching crystal clear? What tone do you have in mind?
Overlapping Themes
A prominent theme across these passages is the distinction between righteousness and wickedness. Proverbs 31 and Psalm 1 celebrate the virtues of righteousness and wisdom, while Jeremiah addresses the consequences of rejecting these values.
The call to humility and service in James and Mark underscores the practical outworking of righteousness in daily life.
Each passage emphasizes the importance of aligning one’s life with divine wisdom and justice, contrasting this with the ultimate failure of pursuing selfish desires and actions.
Jesus teaches the selfless or self-forgetful call to child-like trust.
Preaching Ideas
As usual, there is plenty to choose from. I will likely choose the first one listed below, though James and Proverbs offers great supporting material.
The Call to Servant Leadership
Focus on Mark 9:30-37, where Jesus teaches about greatness through humility and service. Highlight how Jesus redefines greatness in the kingdom of God by using a child as an example, showing that true leadership is rooted in serving others and embracing humility. Discuss how this teaching challenges worldly notions of power and success and calls us to a life of genuine service and love.
Main point: True greatness in the kingdom of God is characterized by humility and the willingness to serve others, as exemplified by Jesus’ teaching and actions.
Wisdom vs. Folly: The Pursuit of True Greatness
Contrast the wisdom described in James and Proverbs with the folly of the wicked in Psalm 1. This sermon addresses the importance of seeking God’s wisdom over worldly pursuits and how true greatness is achieved through humility and service, as illustrated by Jesus in Mark 9. I like to tie these passages to the life of Jesus.
Main point: True greatness and fulfillment come from pursuing divine wisdom and embodying humility and service, contrasting sharply with the fleeting gains of earthly folly.
Trust and Deliverance in Times of Injustice
Reflect on Jeremiah’s plea for justice and Psalm 54’s cry for deliverance from betrayal. Discuss how trusting in God during difficult times and remaining steadfast in faith can lead to divine deliverance and justice, encouraging the congregation to trust in God’s timing and righteousness.
Main point: Trusting in God’s justice and deliverance, even in times of betrayal and injustice, reinforces our faith and assures us of His ultimate intervention and protection.
I love the diversity these readings offer the preacher, liturgist, and congregation!
Call to Worship
One: We gather in the presence of the Almighty, drawn together by never-ending love.
All: We come with hearts open to receive grace and truth.
One: Let us celebrate the beauty of creation and the depth of the Lord’s mercy.
All: With joy and reverence, we worship our God, who is worthy of all praise.
One: In our worship, Lord, we ask to be renewed by your Spirit. Beloved people, lift up your hearts!
All: Let us lift our hearts and voices in gratitude, adoration, and worship.
Call to Confession
We confess, O God, that we often fail to embody the wisdom and virtues you desire for us. We have been swayed by earthly desires and conflicts rather than seeking your righteousness. We have not always trusted in Your deliverance or practiced humility and service as Christ taught. Forgive us, we pray, and guide us to live in your light and truth.
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
“Your mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.”
--(Psalm 36:5)
Friends, this is the good news!
All: Thanks be to God!
Prayer of Illumination
Heavenly Father, open our hearts and minds to Your Word. Illuminate our understanding so we may avoid folly, heartache, and needless suffering. We realize this is done by a gracious work of your Spirit, so with hope in our hearts, we ask in faith, amen.
Prayer of Dedication
Lord, bless our offerings and our lives. Use them for Your glory and the service of others.
