Narrative Lectionary

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Commentary on Luke 2:21-38

In 2:21–38, Luke fleshes out Jesus’ identity as Savior, Messiah, and Lord (see also 2:11). [...]

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Commentary on Luke 2:8-20

The song of the angels in Luke 2:14, traditionally known as the Gloria, speaks of [...]

Photo of a Nativity Scene
Commentary on Luke 2:1-14 [15-20]

Eastern Orthodox Christians call Mary, the mother of Jesus, Theotokos—Theo [...]

Photo of newborn baby
Commentary on Luke 1:26-45 [46-56]

The announcement of Jesus’ birth brought by Gabriel to his [...]

Photo of a sewn up felt heart
Commentary on Isaiah 61:1-11

Isaiah 61 is part of the postexilic portion of the book, chapters 40–66. This part [...]

Photo of a paper heart being torn in two.
Commentary on Joel 2:12-13, 28-29

There is a plaintive quality to today’s lesson. The passage [...]

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Commentary on Daniel 6:6-27

“Daniel in the Lions’ Den” is a well-known story, frequently abridged and adapted for children’s [...]

Detail from a Slovenian painting of the prophet Jeremiah, 1868
Commentary on Jeremiah 36:1-8, 21-23, 27-28; then 31:31-34

“Forthtelling, Not Foretelling” is the [...]

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Commentary on Isaiah 6:1-8

Isaiah 6 is the first episode in a series that purports to present biographical information [...]

Jonah the Prophet sculpture by Sargis Babayan, 2011.
Commentary on Jonah 1:1-17; 3:1-10; [4:1-11]

The book of Jonah could be described as equal parts [...]