Lectionary Year B (2005-06) Unit 4: Epiphany 7--Lent 2

This unit covers the seventh Sundays after Epiphany through the second Sunday of Lent in Lectionary Year B. These lessons explore faith in Christ's power to heal and forgive, the Transfiguration, God's mercy, and dying to self.

Lesson 1: Who Will Bear My Stretcher?-This lesson's theme is Faith in Christ's Power to Heal and Forgive. Jesus sees the faith of the friends of a paralyzed man and proclaims forgiveness. Do we have the faith to believe that Jesus can do both the seen and unseen in our lives? Are we willing to believe that He can work deeply in our lives and forgive our hidden sins? (Isaiah 43:18-25; Psalm 41; 2 Corinthians 1:18-22; Mark 2:1-12)

Lesson 2: Transforming Love-This lesson's theme is The Transfiguration. Jesus is seen with Moses and Elijah, representing all of God's revelation through the law and prophets. Have I understood Jesus to be God's revelation of Himself? Do I have the hope that God's love can transform me into who I really am-who I am meant to be? (2 Kings 2:1-12; Psalm 50:1-6; 2 Corinthians 4:3-6; Mark 9:2-9)

Lesson 3: Please Forget about That-This lesson's theme is The Mercy of God. For those unwilling to admit their sin, or who do not understand how our sins separate us from God, mercy is not significant - but for the humble, mercy through Jesus is something to celebrate. Do we understand the significance of God's mercy? Do we realize what it means that our sins are remembered no more? (Genesis 9:8-17; Psalm 25:1-10; 1 Peter 3:18-22; Mark 1:9-15)

Lesson 4: Hope in Suffering-This lesson's theme is Take up Your Cross. The call to follow Jesus is a call to come and die. There is a temptation to cling to life, but Jesus says plainly that those who follow Him are following Him to a cross. What does it mean to die to self? Are we, like Peter, trying to reason our way out of suffering and death to self? (Genesis 17:1-17, 15-16; Psalm 22:23-31; Romans 4:13-25; Mark 8:31-38)