Lesson Plans: Epiphany 5 (B)

Sunday between February 4 and February 10

Old Testament Lesson Plans: The Lord is Everlasting

Scripture: Isaiah 40:21-31

The reading for today offers a poetic reminder of the glory of God, and of God’s constant presence and mercy. Even when life is challenging, God is already present with us, more powerful than we can imagine, and gathering us ever closer. We have as much need of this reminder as the people who first heard Isaiah’s words. It rights our perspective and cheers us on.

New Testament Lesson Plans: Prayer and Action

Scripture: Mark 1:29-39

A rhythm is surfacing. Out to teach or to heal – then in to pray and listen. Jesus goes to Simon’s house after the first teaching in the synagogue to find Simon’s mother-in-law ill. He takes her by the hand and helps her up. Right back into the kitchen she goes to cook supper. By evening, the whole town was crowding around – many in need of healing, and most were healed. Jesus gets a little rest and then long before dawn goes inward – to a lonely place to pray. We see the balance in which he lives.