Tag: Journey through Matthew

6.3 Fill My Cup, Lord

06_2Read Matthew chapter 23.  This chapter is a difficult read.  The “woes” Jesus proclaims are almost music
to our ears.  We so easily see the hypocrisy in others and love it when Jesus calls them on it.  Today ask yourself where does Jesus want me to change my inside thinking to match my outside persona?  Where do I need to “clean up” my act and live for God with all my heart, soul, and mind?

6.2 Fill My Cup, Lord

06_1Read Matthew chapter 22.  Read again the passage on the “Great Commandment” to “love the Lord your God with all of your heart, all of your soul, and with all of your mind” and to “love your neighbor as yourself.”  To love God with heart, soul, or mind, or love neighbor as yourself … which is the most difficult for you to do today?  Ask God to help you in your journey.

6.1 Fill My Cup, Lord

06Read Matthew chapter 21.  As you read the story of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem place yourself in the story.  Are you with the band of disciples, or shouting hallelujahs with the crowd, or puzzled by this man taking your donkey or colt, or are you confused and asking “who is this?”  As you prepare for holy week how will you follow Jesus?  Will you be close at hand, watching from a distance, or part of the shifting crowds?

SOAP on Matthew 18:15-17 – The Rule of Christ

Colorcover_6Scripture: Jesus said, "If a fellow believer hurts you, go and tell him–work it out between the two of you.  If he listens, you’ve made a friend.  If he won’t listen, take one or two others along so that the presence of witnesses will keep things honest, and try again.  If he still won’t listen, tell the church.  If he won’t listen to the church, you’ll have to start over from scratch, confront him with the need for repentance, and offer again God’s forgiving love” (Matthew 18:15-17, The MESSAGE).

Observe the Context: This lesson occurs in a series of teachings about how Christians are to live together in community. It is helpful from time to time to stop and review our Lord’s teaching on community. Why? Because, “Where two or three are gathered together, there is Eris” (the
Greek goddess of discord). The early church lived out these lessons when Antioch and Corinth did not get along, when Paul and Peter were at odds, and when Paul and Barnabas later parted ways.

Continue reading “SOAP on Matthew 18:15-17 – The Rule of Christ” →

5.4 Fill My Cup, Lord

05_3Read Matthew chapter 20.  The “Laborers in the Vineyard” is an easy story to tell, but a more complex parable to unravel. The master hires folks at daybreak, nine o’clock, noon, three o’clock, and even five o’clock and then pays them each the same wage.  This grates on our sensibilities and we are quick to join those last in line to be paid – the ones who showed up first, get paid last, and get paid the same thing – and we want justice! Jesus turns to us and asks,” are you envious because I am  generous?”  Where do you need to practice generosity with another person today?

5.2 Fill My Cup, Lord

05Read Matthew chapter 18.  Jesus says, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3).  Take time this week to be in the presence of children.  Play with them, read with them, let them read to you, let them instruct you again about being a child.  Children often ask “why” for what seems like hundreds of times in a day and then later as adults we almost never ask “Why?”  What change is God asking you to make this week in your life?  Why is God asking that of you?

5.1 Fill My Cup, Lord

05_1Read Matthew chapter 17.  In the story of the Transfiguration we encounter two Jewish heroes, Moses and Elijah. Moses was the leader called by God to deliver the children of Israel from their Egyptian oppressors – a story remembered each year in the Passover Feast.  Elijah was the prophet who stood
up to the priests of Baal and a seat is reserved at the Passover Feast for his eminent return.  In the presence of these harbingers of God’s deliverance, a voice from the cloud says of Jesus, “This is my Son, the Beloved, with him I am well pleased; listen to him” (Matthew 17:5).  Where do you need to listen to
Jesus today?

SOAP on Matthew 13:52 – What’ the Right Price?

Colorcover_4Scripture: Jesus said, "Then you see how every student well-trained in
God’s kingdom is like the owner of a general store who can put his
hands on anything you need, old or new, exactly when you need it"
(Matthew 13:52, The MESSAGE).

Observe the Context:
This word from Jesus is offered in the midst of a sermon series of
parables on the kingdom of heaven. Among these parables are the
following:

  • Parable of the Sower – Matthew 13:1-9
  • Parable of the Weeds – Matthew 13:24-30
  • Parable of the Mustard Seed – Matthew 13:31-32
  • Parable of the Yeast – Matthew 13:33
  • Parable of the Hidden Treasure – Matthew 13:44
  • Parable of the Pearl – Matthew 13:45-56
  • Parable of the Net – Matthew 13:47-50

At
least one of the dominant threads in the warp and woof of the kingdom
of heaven is extravagance. A sower sows more seeds than makes sense,
wheat and weeds grow together, a tiny seed becomes a mighty tree, a
woman prepares biscuits for hundreds, a tremendous price is paid for a
treasure in a field or a pearl of great price, and many are the fish
caught in the kingdom net … even if some are discarded. Did the
crowds get it? Do we get it? We know the disciples did not get it.

The
disciple ask Jesus why he always teaches in parables and he begins his
answer with these words, "To you it has been given to know the secrets
[or mysteries] of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been
given. For to those who have, more will be given, and they will have an
abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be
taken away" (Matthew 13:11-12, NRSV).

Continue reading “SOAP on Matthew 13:52 – What’ the Right Price?” →