Weekly Summary

The Old Testament lectionary readings for this week cover the birth of Abraham’s promised son Isaac and the confirmation of Abraham’s faith in his willingness to sacrifice that same son, a sacrifice that was obviated at the last minute by God Himself. These chapters also include the account of the destruction of Sodom and Gomarrah, the expulsion of Hagar and Ishmael, the marriage of Isaac and the death of Sarah.

The New Testament readings conclude John’s Gospel, describing the betrayal, arrest, trials and torture of Jesus, leading to His crucifixion, death and burial. John provides a unique account of Jesus’s resurrection, including His restoration of Simon Peter, after Peter had denied Christ three times before the crucifixion.

The Psalm readings continue through the Psalms of David.