Lesson Plans: Proper 17 (A)

Sunday between August 28 and September 3 inclusive

Old Testament Lesson Plans: Answering God’s call

Scripture: Exodus 3:1-15

This may be one of the best-known stories in the Bible. The story of Moses and the burning bush is not only a great story, but the first story we hear of someone being called to be a prophet. The first story of God calling someone to speak on God’s behalf, to do the work of God, to be the voice of God in the world. How is it that we are now answering God’s call and coming off the mountaintop to do God’s work?

New Testament Lesson Plans: Stumbling block

Scripture: Matthew 16:21-28

Written by the Rev. Shannon Kelly

“From that time on…” this phrase signifies a shift in the Gospel of Matthew. After last week’s lesson, where Peter professes that Jesus is the Messiah, we turn this week to Jesus getting down to business, telling them what that means. Being the Messiah doesn’t mean that he is above anyone, but rather that he is one who is living out what he has been professing in his teachings, miracles, and parables. Peter does not want to believe that this is possible and wants to save him from this. Jesus reprimands him, saying that even though he had professed him as Messiah, he clearly doesn’t understand what that will mean.