Narrative Lectionary 2013-2014 Readings for Year 4 (John) The preaching texts are always listed first. From September through the Third Sunday of Advent, the preaching texts are taken from the Old Testament, with a brief selection from the Gospel of John noted in parentheses as accompanying reading. From Christmas until Easter, the preaching texts are taken from the Gospel of John, with a corresponding psalm and psalm verse noted in parentheses. These accompanying readings are optional. Sept. 8, 2013 Creation Genesis 1:1-2:4a (John 1:1-5) Green PREACHING TEXT: Genesis 1:1 2:4a Creation by the word; light, life; it was good. GOSPEL TEXT: John 1:1-5 In the beginning was the Word, all things were made through him Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Green) Sept. 15, 2013 Binding of Isaac Genesis 21:1-3; 22:1-14 (John 1:29) Green PREACHING TEXT: Genesis 21:1-3; 22:1-14 God keeps his word to give Abraham and Sarah a son in their old age. Abraham is told to sacrifice his beloved son, but God provides the lamb GOSPEL TEXT: John 1:29 Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost (Green) Sept. 22, 2013 Jacob's Dream Genesis 27:1-4, 15-23; 28:10-17 (John 1:50-51) Green PREACHING TEXT: Genesis 27:1-4, 15-23; 28:10-17 Jacob obtains a blessing by trickery and flees. He dreams of a ladder on which the angels ascend and descend. Receives God s promise GOSPEL TEXT: John 1:50-51 Angels ascending and descending on the Son of Man Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Green)
Sept. 29, 2013 God's Name Exodus 2:23-25; 3:10-15; 4:10-17 (John 8:58) PREACHING TEXT: Exodus 2:23-25; 3:10-15; 4:10-17 God reveals that his name is I Am. Moses is a reluctant messenger, but God uses him to deliver Israel. GOSPEL TEXT: John 8:58 Jesus said, Truly I say to you, before Abraham was, I Am Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Green) Oct. 6, 2013 Manna Exodus 16:1-18 (John 6:51) PREACHING TEXT: Exodus 16:1-18 People complain and God provides manna. To live by manna is to live by faith in what God gives GOSPEL TEXT: John 6:51 Jesus is the living bread that came down from heaven; the bread he gives is his flesh Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost (Green) Oct. 13, 2013 Call of Samuel 1 Samuel 3:1-21 (John 20:21-23) PREACHING TEXT: 1 Samuel 3:1-21 God calls Samuel in the night. He says, Speak Lord for your servant is listening. Told to warn of sin in Israel GOSPEL TEXT: John 20:21-23 As the Father sent me so I send you; if you forgive the sins of any they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any they are retained Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost (Green) Oct. 20, 2013 Call of David 1 Sam 16:1-13 Psalm 51:10-14 (John 7:24) PREACHING TEXT: 1 Samuel 16:1-13; Psalm 51:10-14 God does not look on outward appearance but on the heart; create in me a clean heart GOSPEL TEXT: John 7:24 Do not judge by appearances but judge with right judgment Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost (Green) Revised April 1, 2014 http://www. narrativelectionary.org 2
Oct. 27, 2013 Solomon's Temple 1 Kings 5:1-5; 8:1-13 (John 2: 19-21) PREACHING TEXT: 1 Kings 5:1-5; 8:1-13 Solomon s temple a place of sacrifice and divine presence GOSPEL TEXT: John 2:19-21 Destroy the temple and I will raise it in three days; he spoke of the temple of his body Reformation Sunday (Red) or Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost (Green) Nov. 3, 2013 Still, Small Voice 1 Kings 19:1-18 (John 12:27-28) PREACHING TEXT: 1 Kings 19:1-18 Elijah at Horeb; The prophet in despair, God speaks in the silence GOSPEL TEXT: John 12:27-28 Jesus is troubled; What shall I say, Father save me from this hour? No, for this reason I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name All Saints Sunday (Gold/White) or Twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost (Green) Nov. 10, 2013 Amos Amos 1:1-2; 5:14-15, 21-24 (John 7:37-38) PREACHING TEXT: Amos 1:1-2; 5:14-15, 21-24 Let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream GOSPEL TEXT: John 7:37-38 Jesus said, Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, out of his heart shall flow rivers of living water Twenty-fifth Sunday after Pentecost (Green) Nov. 17, 2013 Isaiah Isaiah 9:1-7 (John 8:12) PREACHING TEXT: Isaiah 9:1-7 People who walked in darkness have seen a great light GOSPEL TEXT: John 8:12 I am the light of the world Twenty-sixth Sunday after Pentecost (Green) Revised April 1, 2014 http://www. narrativelectionary.org 3
Nov. 24, 2013 Jeremiah Jeremiah 29:1, 4-14 (John 14:27) PREACHING TEXT: Jeremiah 29:1, 4-14 Seek the welfare of the city; I know the plans I have for you GOSPEL TEXT: John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not let them be afraid Christ the King Sunday (White/Gold) Dec. 1, 2013 Fiery Furnace Daniel 3:1, 8-30 (John 18:36-37) PREACHING TEXT: Daniel 3:1, 8-30 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; God present in the fiery furnace GOSPEL TEXT: John 18:36-37 Jesus tells Pilate that his kingdom is not from this world. He came to bear witness to the truth First Sunday of Advent (Blue) Dec. 8, 2013 Valley of Bones Ezekiel 37:1-14 (John 11:25-26) PREACHING TEXT: Ezekiel 37:1-14 Ezekiel prophesies to the dry bones and they are raised to new life GOSPEL TEXT: John 11:25-26 Jesus is the resurrection and the life Second Sunday of Advent (Blue) Dec. 15, 2013 Return from Exile Isaiah 55:1-11 (John 4:13-14) PREACHING TEXT: Isaiah 55:1-11 Let anyone who is thirsty come to the waters; God s word will not return empty GOSPEL TEXT: John 4:13-14 Jesus promises the gift of living water to those who thirst Third Sunday of Advent (Blue) Revised April 1, 2014 http://www. narrativelectionary.org 4
Dec. 22, 2013 Word Made Flesh John 1:1-18 (Psalm 130:5-8) PREACHING TEXT: John 1:1-18 The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth PSALM TEXT: Psalm 130:5-8 Fourth Sunday of Advent (Blue) Dec. 24, 2013 Birth of Jesus Luke 2:1-14 (or 2:1-20) (Psalm 96:7-10) PREACHING TEXT: Luke 2:1-14 (or 2:1-20) Birth of Jesus PSALM TEXT: Psalm 96:7-10 Christmas Eve (White/Gold) Dec. 25, 2013 Magi Matt 2:1-12 (or Luke 2:8-20) (Ps. 102:13-15) PREACHING TEXT: Matthew 2:1-12 (or Luke 2:8-20, the shepherds) The Magi visit the Christ child PSALM TEXT: Psalm 102:13-15 Christmas Day (White/Gold) Dec. 29, 2013 A Voice in the Wilderness John 1:19-34 (Psalm 32:1-2) PREACHING TEXT: John 1:19-34 John the Baptist questioned; says he is not the Christ, Elijah, or the prophet but a voice in the wilderness PSALM TEXT: Psalm 32:1-2 First Sunday of Christmas (White/Gold) Jan. 5, 2014 John Baptizes John 1:35-51 (Psalm 66:1-5) PREACHING TEXT: John 1:35-51 Behold the Lamb of God, Call of disciples, Come and see PSALM TEXT: Psalm 66:1-5 Second Sunday of Christmas (White/Gold) Revised April 1, 2014 http://www. narrativelectionary.org 5
Jan. 12, 2014 Wedding at Cana John 2:1-11 (Ps. 104:14-16) PREACHING TEXT: John 2:1-11 Wedding at Cana, water into wine PSALM TEXT: Psalm 104:14-16 First Sunday after Epiphany (White/Gold) Jan. 19, 2013 Cleansing the Temple John 2:13-25 (Psalm 127:1-2) PREACHING TEXT: John 2:13-25 Jesus cleanses the temple, signifying the destruction and raising of the temple of his body PSALM TEXT: Psalm 127:1-2 Second Sunday after Epiphany (Green) Jan. 26, 2014 Nicodemus John 3:1-21 (Ps. 139:13-18) PREACHING TEXT: John 3:1-21 Jesus and Nicodemus, being born anew, God s love for the world PSALM TEXT: Psalm 139:13-18 Third Sunday after Epiphany (Green) Feb. 2, 2014 Woman at the Well John 4:1-42 (Psalm 42:1-3) PREACHING TEXT: John 4:1-42 Jesus meets a Samaritan woman at well, speaks of living water, true worship, and the fields white for harvest PSALM TEXT: Psalm 42:1-3 Fourth Sunday after Epiphany (Green) Feb. 9, 2014 Healing Stories John 4:46-54 and/or John 5:1-18 (Psalm 40:1-5) PREACHING TEXT: John 4:46-54 Healing official s son, faith in the word of promise and/or John 5:1-18 The invalid at Bethesda, Jesus heals one who shows no faith PSALM TEXT: Psalm 40:1-5 Fifth Sunday after Epiphany (Green) Revised April 1, 2014 http://www. narrativelectionary.org 6
Feb. 16, 2014 Bread of Life John 6:35-59 (Psalm 34:1-10) PREACHING TEXT: John 6:35-59 The Bread of Life that comes from heaven PSALM TEXT: Psalm 34:1-10 Sixth Sunday after Epiphany (Green) Feb. 23, 2014 Living Water John 7:37-52 (Psalm 147:1-11) PREACHING TEXT: John 7:37-52 Jesus promise of the Spirit s living water PSALM TEXT: Psalm 147:1-11 Seventh Sunday after Epiphany (Green) March 2, 2014 Light of the World John 9:1-41 (Psalm 27:1-4) PREACHING TEXT: John 9:1-41 Jesus is the light of the world brings light to the eyes of a man born blind PSALM TEXT: Psalm 27:1-4 Transfiguration (White/Gold) Mar. 5, 2014 Good Shepherd John 10:1-18 (Psalm 23) PREACHING TEXT: John 10:1-18 Jesus the gate and good shepherd, who lays down his life PSALM TEXT: Psalm 23 Ash Wednesday (Purple/Black) Mar. 9, 2014 Raising Lazarus John 11:1-44 (Ps. 104:27-30) PREACHING TEXT: John 11:1-44 Raising Lazarus, Jesus as the resurrection and life PSALM TEXT: Psalm 104:27-30 First Sunday in Lent (Purple) Revised April 1, 2014 http://www. narrativelectionary.org 7
Mar. 16, 2014 Footwashing John 13:1-17 (Psalm 51:7-12) PREACHING TEXT: John 13:1-17 Footwashing as a sign of Jesus love and example PSALM TEXT: Psalm 51:7-12 Second Sunday in Lent (Purple) Mar. 23, 2014 Peter's Denial John 18:12-27 (Psalm 17:1-7) PREACHING TEXT: John 18:12-27 Trial before Annas, Peter s denial PSALM TEXT: Psalm 17:1-7 Third Sunday in Lent (Purple) Mar. 30, 2014 Jesus and Pilate John 18:28-40 (Ps. 145:10-13) PREACHING TEXT: John 18:28-40 Jesus and Pilate, kingdom not from this world PSALM TEXT: Psalm 145:10-13 Fourth Sunday in Lent (Purple) Apr.6, 2014 Jesus Condemned John 19:1-16a (Psalm 146) PREACHING TEXT: John 19:1-16a Jesus is condemned, they have no king but Caesar PSALM TEXT: Psalm 146 Fifth Sunday in Lent (Purple) Apr. 13, 2014 King, Crucified PREACHING TEXT: John 12:12-27 Palm Sunday welcome for the king and John 12:12-27 and John 19:16b-22 (Psalm 24) John 19:16b-22 Sign above the cross proclaims the crucified king PSALM TEXT: Psalm 24 Palm Sunday (Red) Revised April 1, 2014 http://www. narrativelectionary.org 8
Apr. 17, 2014 Jesus' Last Words John 19:23-30 (Psalm 26:3) PREACHING TEXT: John 19:23-30 Woman, behold your son; I thirst; It is finished PSALM TEXT: Psalm 26:3 Maundy Thursday (Red) Apr. 18, 2014 Passover Lamb John 19:31-42 (Psalm 31:9-18) PREACHING TEXT: John 19:31-42 His bones are not broken (as Passover Lamb), water from the side, a royal burial PSALM TEXT: Psalm 31:9-18 Good Friday (Black/Bare) Apr. 20, 2014 Resurrection John 20:1-18 (Ps. 118:21-29) PREACHING TEXT: John 20:1-18 Resurrection, empty tomb, calls Mary by name PSALM TEXT: Psalm 118:21-29 Easter (White/Gold) Apr. 27, 2014 Thomas John 20:19-31 (Ps. 145:13-21) PREACHING TEXT: John 20:19-31 Giving of Spirit, appearance to Thomas PSALM TEXT: Psalm 145:13-21 Second Sunday of Easter (White/Gold) May 4, 2014 Called into Christ's Service Acts 9:1-19 (Matt 6:24) PREACHING TEXT: Acts 9:1-19 Paul and Ananias, each called into Christ s service (locally and globally) GOSPEL TEXT: Matt 6:24 Third Sunday of Easter (White/Gold) Revised April 1, 2014 http://www. narrativelectionary.org 9
May 11, 2014 Paul and Silas Acts 16:16-34 (Luke 6:18-19, 22-23) May 18, 2014 Sermon at Athens Acts 17:16-31 (John 1:16-18) May 25, 2014 Partnership in the Gospel Phil 1:1-18a (Luke 9:46-48) June 1, 2014 Mind of Christ Philippians 2:1-13 (Luke 6:43-45) June 8, 2014 Pentecost Acts 2:1-21 (or Phil 4:4-7) (John 14:16-17) PREACHING TEXT: Acts 16:16-34 Paul and Silas in prison at Philippi, jailor and his family are baptized GOSPEL TEXT: Luke 6:18-19, 22-23 Fourth Sunday of Easter (White/Gold) PREACHING TEXT: Acts 17:16-31 Paul s sermon at Athens: What you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you GOSPEL TEXT: John 1:16-18 Fifth Sunday of Easter (White/Gold) PREACHING TEXT: Philippians 1:1-18a Paul in prison, thankful for the Philippians partnership in the gospel GOSPEL TEXT: Luke 9:46-48 Sixth Sunday of Easter (White/Gold) PREACHING TEXT: Philippians 2:1-13 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who became obedient to death GOSPEL TEXT: Luke 6:43-45 Seventh Sunday of Easter (White/Gold) PREACHING TEXT: Acts 2:1-21 Gift of the Spirit as miracle of communication (optional additional reading: Philippians 4:4-7 Rejoice in the Lord always. The peace of God). GOSPEL TEXT: John 14:16-17 Pentecost (Red) Revised April 1, 2014 http://www. narrativelectionary.org 10