You Tube Theology

The epistle for Advent 3 in Year A is James 5.7–10. The lectionary makes an odd choice here, and we really need to read on to verse 11 as well.

James here echoes much of the ethical teaching of Jesus, including some exact parallels of wording from the gospels; like Jesus, James draws from the wisdom tradition of the Old Testament, but mixes in a prophetic, eschatological perspective.

And his understanding of eschatology overlaps with Paul, though has some distinctive emphases too. Whereas Paul mostly focuses on the need for endurance in the face of external pressure, James here calls us to patience in relationships with one another as we await the coming of Jesus.

On the importance of the triangles 17 and 153 (prior to 18 and 171, the number of this episode) see: https://www.psephizo.com/biblical-studies/do-the-153-fish-in-john-21-count-for-anything/

The gospel reading this week is Matt 11.2–11, John the Baptist's questions about Jesus. Commentary is here: https://www.psephizo.com/biblical-studies/does-jesus-fail-to-meet-expectations-in-matthew-11/

and video discussion can be found here: https://youtu.be/VzlEolwOt-k