St. Mark’s Adult Education Meeting Summary
Today’s Scripture Lessons
An In-Depth Discussion Led by the Rev. Mike Kreutzer
Sunday, July 31, 2011
FIRST READING: Genesis (32:22-31)
The same night [Jacob] got up and took his two wives, his two maids, and his eleven children, and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. He took them and sent them across the stream, and likewise everything that he had. Jacob was left alone; and a man wrestled with him until daybreak. When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he struck him on the hip socket; and Jacob’s hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. Then he said, “Let me go, for the day is breaking.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go, unless you bless me.” So he said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.” Then the man said, “You shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with humans, and have prevailed.” Then Jacob asked him, “Please tell me your name.” But he said, “Why is it that you ask my name?” And there he blessed him. So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, “For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life is preserved.” The sun rose upon him as he passed Penuel, limping because of his hip.
> Finally, Jacob is on his way back home to Canaan.
> He is worried how Esau feels about him and sends gifts.
> The Jabbok River flows into the Jordan River.
> Ancient mythology about spirits and the man who wrestled with Jacob
> Renamed “Israel” — “The one who struggles”
> Jacob finally realized he was wrestling with God.
> His wound has a lasting effect.
> In the ancient world, if you saw God’s face you would not survive.
> These are some of the most analyzed verses in the Bible.
> Key word: “face” – will soon see Esau face-to-face.
> Jacob needed reconciliation with his brother, Esau and with God.
Psalm 17:1-7, 16
1 Hear my plea of innocence, O Lord; give heed to my cry; *
listen to my prayer, which does not come from lying lips.
2 Let my vindication come forth from your presence; *
let your eyes be fixed on justice.
3 Weigh my heart, summon me by night, *
melt me down; you will find no impurity in me.
4 I give no offense with my mouth as others do; *
I have heeded the words of your lips.
5 My footsteps hold fast to the ways of your law; *
in your paths my feet shall not stumble.
6 I call upon you, O God, for you will answer me; *
incline your ear to me and hear my words.
7 Show me your marvelous loving-kindness, *
O Savior of those who take refuge at your right hand
from those who rise up against them.
16 But at my vindication I shall see your face; *
when I awake, I shall be satisfied, beholding your likeness.
> Prayer by someone who considers himself innocent.
> Also, reference to the night vision
> Same idea of encountering God
SECOND READING: Romans (9:1-5)
I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience confirms it by the Holy Spirit—I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my own people, my kindred according to the flesh. They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises; to them belong the patriarchs, and from them, according to the flesh, comes the Messiah, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen.
> Deals with Paul’s struggles
> God’s covenant with Israel is still valid.
> Why is Israel not receiving Jesus as Messiah?
> Conclusion: They will only be separated for a time.
> Romans was written to a community Paul had not yet visited.
> All the other writings of Paul were to places he had already visited.
> Also speculation he went to Spain to preach.
The Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew (14:13-21)
Jesus withdrew in a boat to a deserted place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. When he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them and cured their sick. When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a deserted place, and the hour is now late; send the crowds away so that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” Jesus said to them, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” They replied, “We have nothing here but five loaves and two fish.” And he said, “Bring them here to me.” Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And all ate and were filled; and they took up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve baskets full. And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.
> Feeding of 5,000: Multiplication of loaves and fishes
> Jesus can not get away from the crowds.
> Eucharistic pattern with the bread – blessing – breaking – giving.
