Our lectionary readings for the Fifth Sunday After Pentecost (Proper 8), June 28, 2026, follow. For a combined link to read them all online, go here.
Matthew 10:40-42
Jeremiah 28:5-9
Psalm 89:1-4, 15-18
Romans 6:12-23
- In Matthew, Jesus tells his disciples that whoever receives them receives Jesus and the Father who sent him. Whoever receives a prophet refers to receiving someone – a disciple – who speaks the word of God. Receiving a righteous person is about receiving one who follows Jesus, and a little one is one of low status. Being a disciple means being like Jesus and following his commands of love to all.
- Jeremiah is confronted in the temple in front of all the people by Hananiah, who claims the Lord has declared that within two years all the exiles and all the stolen vessels will be returned from Babylon. Jeremiah wisely states an Amen to this promise of peace and restoration. He prays that it will be so. Nevertheless he reminds everyone present that all the previous prophets proclaimed war, famine and pestilence. As for Hananiah proclaiming peace, that is great. When (and if) that comes to pass, then they will know that a true prophet of the Lord has come. A little sarcasm there, but well done. Hananiah can’t leave it alone and continues to lie and prophesy falsely. The Lord reprimands him through Jeremiah and kills him for uttering rebellion to the Lord.
- In Psalm 89 we praise God for his steadfast love, our covenant with him – which he always keeps even if we don’t – his righteousness and strength and the way he shields us so much.
- Romans 6:12-23 urges us not to let sin and its passions rule us, but rather present ourselves to God as tools for his righteousness. Sin may still be tempting but has no power over us, because we are not under the law but grace. We were once slaves to sin leading to death, but now we should be slaves to God’s righteousness, leading to eternal life.
Comment: Jeremiah hinted at the way our behavior should be, accepting those who come in the name of the Lord as righteous prophets, but reminding them of what that requires. If their prophecy is true, we will recognize it. If not, judgment awaits them. At the same time, we must be ready to treat even those disciples with lesser social standing with grace, kindness and respect.