Lectionary 20, Year B
Proper 15 The Sunday between August 14 and August 20 Revised Common Lectionary, Year B, the year of Mark Green
Next read on .
The Gospel: John 6:51–58
The Jews argue over how Jesus can give his flesh to eat, and he says whoever eats his flesh and drinks his blood has eternal life.
What is going on
Jesus’ words about giving his flesh as bread cause an argument. The listeners ask how this man can give them his flesh to eat.
Jesus does not soften it. He says that whoever eats his flesh and drinks his blood has eternal life, and remains in him, and he in them.
Christians have long heard this alongside communion, where Jesus gives himself in bread and wine. In Jesus’ world, blood meant life: he is promising his own life, given for them.
John 6:51-58
Most churches stand for the Gospel, and sing or say a short response before and after it.
The passage
51 I am the living bread which came down out of heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. Yes, the bread which I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.” 52 The Jews therefore contended with one another, saying, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” 53 Jesus therefore said to them, “Most certainly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you don’t have life in yourselves. 54 He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. 55 For my flesh is food indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. 56 He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood lives in me, and I in him. 57 As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father; so he who feeds on me, he will also live because of me. 58 This is the bread which came down out of heaven—not as our fathers ate the manna, and died. He who eats this bread will live forever.”
World English Bible, public domain. The whole chapter on Free Scripture → · Read in the NRSVue, the ELCA’s standard translation →
The other readings
In the order they are read on Sunday, before the Gospel.
Proverbs 9:1-6
Wisdom builds her house, sets her table, and calls to the simple to come eat her bread, drink her wine, and walk in understanding.
Read it here
1 Wisdom has built her house. She has carved out her seven pillars. 2 She has prepared her meat. She has mixed her wine. She has also set her table. 3 She has sent out her maidens. She cries from the highest places of the city: 4 “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” As for him who is void of understanding, she says to him, 5 “Come, eat some of my bread, Drink some of the wine which I have mixed! 6 Leave your simple ways, and live. Walk in the way of understanding.”
World English Bible, public domain. The whole chapter on Free Scripture → · Read in the NRSVue, the ELCA’s standard translation →
Psalm 34:9-14
A teaching song about honoring the LORD, promising no lack of good things, and urging honest speech and seeking peace.
Read it here
9 Oh fear the LORD, you his saints, for there is no lack with those who fear him. 10 The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger, but those who seek the LORD shall not lack any good thing. 11 Come, you children, listen to me. I will teach you the fear of the LORD. 12 Who is someone who desires life, and loves many days, that he may see good? 13 Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking lies. 14 Depart from evil, and do good. Seek peace, and pursue it.
World English Bible, public domain. The whole chapter on Free Scripture → · Read in the NRSVue, the ELCA’s standard translation →
Ephesians 5:15-20
Paul urges the Ephesians to live wisely, to be filled with the Spirit instead of wine, and to sing and give thanks to God for everything.
Read it here
15 Therefore watch carefully how you walk, not as unwise, but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore don’t be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 Don’t be drunken with wine, in which is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs; singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; 20 giving thanks always concerning all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to God, even the Father;
World English Bible, public domain. The whole chapter on Free Scripture → · Read in the NRSVue, the ELCA’s standard translation →
Some congregations follow the RCL’s other track this Sunday, which reads an Old Testament book straight through over several weeks: 1 Kings 2:10–12; 3:3–14 and Psalm 111 in place of the first reading and psalm above.
A question to carry into the week
Jesus promises to remain in those who receive him. What does it mean to you that he stays?
For your newsletter or sermon notes
These readings are told as stories on our sister site, Free Scripture, one scene at a time in plain words. The lines below are ready to paste. The next eight Sundays, and every story.
Lectionary 20 (Proper 15) · Revised Common Lectionary, Year B · the same Sunday at the Vanderbilt Divinity Library. Scripture text: World English Bible, public domain.
Revised Common Lectionary copyright © 1992 Consultation on Common Texts. www.commontexts.org Used by permission.