Following is the commentary that accompanies the responsive reading for March 12, 2023; both of which I provide for the small country church I attend. Simple folk and simple message. The responsive reading was taken from Isaiah 53: 1-11, and John 1: 1-5.

As we begin this third week of the Lenten season, the responsive reading primarily concerns Isaiah’s prophesy about the ministry, suffering, and death of Jesus. This prophesy was written some 700 years before Jesus was born.

Isaiah first speaks of Jesus coming in lowly form and not a conquering king. The mission for Jesus was always to end at the cross, dying for our sins. Isaiah portrays Jesus as a servant, who bears the burdens and infirmities that were on our shoulders.

Isaiah speaks clearly about Jesus going through the same daily trials, as do we. As Christians we can be despised by those that are not believers. We can be persecuted, and seen as fools for Jesus. Yet, this is nothing new, since Jesus faced the same ridicule and hatred during his earthly ministry.

When sin entered the world in the Garden of Eden, a chasm was created between us and God. No matter how diligently we try, on our own; we cannot overcome this obstacle. Since the beginning, Jesus was destined to become the bridge that crosses this chasm.

Jesus was sinless and innocent of any wrong doing, yet as happens many times justice was perverted. Jesus was convicted of crimes that we as sinners commit; but of which he was guiltless.

Many times I struggle with understanding the love that Jesus has for us, such that he willingly took on our sin and iniquity; and paid the price for our atonement with God. To walk with sinners daily and love them, knowing that He eventually faced the cross; just seems too great a burden for anyone to bear. And yet, Jesus did just that!

Since the first sin in the garden, there has been a dark shroud of grief over the loss of paradise that each of us must sense. Our lives are clouded and darkened with sin that we seem powerless to overcome. 

In the final portion of the responsive reading, taken from John 1: 1-5; we read of the Word — Jesus being the voice of creation. Already Jesus was loving us and preparing to pay the ultimate price for our sins. Through his redeeming work on the cross, and his resurrection; Jesus became the light that overcomes the darkness of sin.

Jesus created life, and offers us eternal life with him; when we accept his sacrifice and take up our cross and follow him. Praying that Jesus makes our burdens light this week, as we follow him…