Scripture Study for

The first reading is quite poignant as it describes how, despite the sinfulness  of the people, God was moved to compassion. Again and again prophets were  sent to this corrupt nation, but to no avail. Not only did the people ignore the  prophets, they actively derided them. Because of this callous contempt, the  avenging anger of God was unleashed. The demise of the monarchy, the collapse  of the temple system of worship, and the deportation of the people were the  inevitable consequences of this hardhearted obstinacy. The reading ends on a  note of hope. The people are told to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. 

The image of God that is sketched in the first verses of the reading from  Ephesians is very dynamic. God is rich in mercy; has great love for us; has brought  us to life, raised us up, and seated us with Christ in glory. Unable to save our selves, we receive our salvation as a pure gift from God. The contrast between the  graciousness of God and human inadequacy is drawn in bold strokes. When we  were dead in sin, God made us alive in Christ. Why? Not because we deserved it,  but because God is rich in mercy, because God loves us. 

Jesus declares that just as healing came to those who looked on the bronze  serpent that Moses raised up (Numbers 21:8–9), so life eternal comes to those  who believe in the Son of Man, who was raised up in both ignominy and exaltation. Although the world was created good, it often stands in opposition to God  and consequently is in need of being saved. God’s love for the world is so deep  that nothing is spared for its salvation, not even God’s only Son. This Son, Jesus  Christ, is the true light, and those who choose him live in that light, or live in the  truth; those who do not believe are in darkness.