Lectionary Year B, Unit 04: Transfiguration Sunday--Lent 3

This unit covers the Transfiguration Sunday through the third Sunday in Lent in Lectionary Year B. These lessons explore the Transfiguration, God's mercy, dying to self, and the cleansing of the Temple.

Lesson 1: Transforming Love--This lesson's theme is The Transfiguration. Jesus is seen with Moses and Elijah, representing all of God's revelation through the law and prophets. Have I understood Jesus to be God's revelation of Himself? Do I have the hope that God's love can transform me into who I really am-who I am meant to be? (2 Kings 2:1-12; Psalm 50:1-6; 2 Corinthians 4:3-6; Mark 9:2-9)

Lesson 2: Please Forget about That--This lesson's theme is The Mercy of God. For those unwilling to admit their sin, or who do not understand how our sins separate us from God, mercy is not significant - but for the humble, mercy through Jesus is something to celebrate. Do we understand the significance of God's mercy? Do we realize what it means that our sins are remembered no more? (Genesis 9:8-17; Psalm 25:1-10; 1 Peter 3:18-22; Mark 1:9-15)

Lesson 3: A Cross to Carry--This lesson's theme is Take up Your Cross. The call to follow Jesus is a call to come and die. There is a temptation to cling to life, but Jesus says plainly that those who follow Him are following Him to a cross. What does it mean to die to self? Are we, like Peter, trying to reason our way out of suffering and death to self? (Genesis 17:1-17, 15-16; Psalm 22:23-31; Romans 4:13-25; Mark 8:31-38)

Lesson 4: Making Room for Everyone--This lesson's theme is the cleansing of the temple. Jesus cleanses the temple and shows His passion for God's place of worship. This act challenges us to examine our attitude and approach to worship. How have we turned worship and church into something they were not meant to be? What does Jesus need to overturn in us to make our lives and worship pure? (Exodus 20:1-17; Psalm 19; 2 Corinthians 1:18-25; John 2:13-22)