pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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Bold Words

Reading: Matthew 26

Matthew 26:35 – “Peter said, ‘Even if I must die alongside you, I won’t deny you.’ All the disciples said the same thing.”

In Matthew 26 we move into Jesus final days. He announces that in two days he will be handed over and crucified. Matthew notes that the chief priests and elders don’t want it to happen during the feast – they fear the people’s reaction. But it will happen as Jesus said and as God has planned.

That night at the house of Simon (formerly the leper), a woman anoints Jesus’ head with very expensive perfume, preparing him for burial. The disciples see it as a waste, but Jesus commends her actions. Judas then goes and agrees to betray Jesus. The next day Jesus and the disciples celebrate the Passover meal. Jesus tells them that one of them will betray him and Judas is eventually identified. Jesus then offers the first communion. Judas is still there. They sing some songs and then go to the Mount of Olives.

Jesus tells them that they’ll all fall away that night. Peter says he’ll never stumble. Jesus tells him that he’ll deny Jesus three times that night – “before the rooster crows.” Boldly Peter says, “Even if I must die alongside you, I won’t deny you.” The others echo this sentiment. Jesus moves to the area known as Gethsemane to pray, inviting the disciples to “keep alert” as they join him in prayer. They sleep. Jesus wrestles with the suffering to come but ultimately prays to God that this will be “what you want.” Awakening the disciples, Judas and the crowd arrive.

Identified with a kiss, Jesus is arrested. All is to fulfill the scriptures. All the disciples run away. Jesus is taken not to the temple but to the home of Caiaphas, the high priest. Peter follows at a distance. It is at a distance that he will boldly deny Jesus three times. The fake trial ends with the religious leaders hitting and spitting on a condemned Jesus. Funny how their literal actions mirror what the disciples did to Jesus, figuratively speaking. Sadly, at times, we do the same.

Prayer: Lord God, the sad but glorious ending begins to unfold. Human weakness, pride, jealousy, betrayal – all are present. Obedience, trust, faith, courage – all present as well. Lord, help us to be like you instead of like the religious leaders and like the disciples in their moments of fear. Lord, empower our faith and trust, our obedience and courage. May our words and our actions be bold. Amen.


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So It Will Be with Us

Reading: Matthew 24-25

Matthew 24:46 – “Happy are those servants whom the master finds fulfilling their responsibilities when he comes.”

Chapter 24 is almost all about the signs of Jesus’ return. The end of chapter 24 and most of chapter 25 is about being ready or prepared for that day. Chapter 25 closes with the consequences of our decisions and actions leading up to that day. The conversation begins outside the temple, where Jesus predicts its destruction. This leads the disciples to ask about the end times when Jesus will return in glory.

Jesus says there will be many things that will happen. There will be false prophets and false christs. There will be war, famine, earthquakes, great suffering, and persecution. Many will fall away. Then the sun and moon will go dark and the planets will shake. Christ will come on the clouds in great splendor and power. The angels will gather the chosen ones. Jesus then reminds us that no one knows the day or hour. It will come upon the earth just as the flood came upon the people of Noah’s day. The message is clear: stay alert, always be prepared for the day.

From 24:45 through 25:30 we find three parables that describe what it looks like to be alert and prepared. In the first parable we read, “Happy are those servants whom the master finds fulfilling their responsibilities when he comes.” The bad or unfaithful servants will be cut to pieces and thrown into hell when the master returns unexpectedly. In the second parable the wise bridesmaids had plenty of oil (faith.) They will enter the wedding (heaven) when the late groom (Christ) arrives. The door will be closed. The foolish or unprepared will hear, “I don’t know you” when they try to get in. In the third parable the faithful who have put their gifts to work will hear, “Come, celebrate with me.” The lazy and evil will be thrown into the “furthest darkness.”

We close with the parable of the sheep and the goats. This summarizes the results of how one lived. The sheep lived for others, feeding the hungry, visiting the prisoners, welcoming the strangers. They did so in the name of Christ. Eternal life is their final reward. The goats ignored the hungry… Their final reward is eternal punishment. So it will be with us.

Prayer: Lord God, how we live day by day matters. Keep us faithful in the small things, attending to all that you place before us, using the gifts and blessings you have given us to bring your kingdom to fruition. Amen.


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The Banquet

Reading: Matthew 22-23

Matthew 22:21 – “Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.”

Chapter 22 begins with a parable about God’s kingdom. The scene is a wedding party for the king’s son. Proper guests are first invited. But they refuse to come. Then all people are invited – the good and the bad. The banquet hall is filled. But one enters who isn’t prepared to be there. He is removed and thrown into the deepest darkness. Those who were invited first represent the religious leaders and all Jews who refused to accept God’s son as Lord and Savior. The man represents those who say they follow Jesus but really live for self.

Jesus is asked about paying taxes. After examining the coin he declares, “Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” We are to be good and responsible citizens and faithful followers of God. Jesus clarifies the order when asked about the greatest commandment. First, we are to love God with all that we are. The second is to love neighbor as self. We are to first be faithful followers of God and then to be good and responsible neighbors.

In chapter 23 Jesus condemns the hypocritical ways of the legal experts and the Pharisees. They pile Law upon Law, rule upon rule, on the people but don’t lift a finger to help them in their walk of faith. By contrast, we recall Jesus’ yoke is easy and the burden light. The legal experts and Pharisees love to be seen and noticed. But the “greatest among you” will become the servant. They give a tenth of their spices but ignore justice, peace, and faith. They look great and righteous on the outside but are “full of pretense and rebellion” in their hearts. They refuse to come to the wedding banquet.

There is lament to close out today’s reading. Just as their ancestors abused and killed the prophets, so too will they abuse and kill Jesus, the disciples, the apostles… Jesus longs to gather Jerusalem as a “hen gathers her chicks.” They refuse. They too will not enter the wedding banquet.

Prayer: Lord God, as we read these words today we reflect now on the condition of our hearts. Do we love you with all our being? Is this reflected in how we love neighbor, in how we practice justice, peace, and mercy? Have we truly become part of your kingdom? Or do we just have one foot inside the banquet hall? Lord, help us all. Amen.


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The Cornerstone

Reading: Matthew 21

Matthew 21:21 – “I assure you that if you have faith and don’t doubt… You will even say to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the lake.’ And it will happen.”

Photo credit: Aaron Burden

Today’s reading begins with Matthew’s version of what we know as Palm Sunday. Jesus’ triumphal entry is highlighted by praise and adoration from the crowd and from his disciples. There is a buzz in the city. Jesus rides this wave into the temple, where he overturns tables and chairs, throwing out those who have made “God’s house of prayer” into a “hideout for crooks.” He then heals the blind and lame who come into the temple – likely for the first time since becoming blind or lame. Children run around the temple shouting praises. The religious leaders are deeply offended by all of this.

Returning to the city the next morning, Jesus curses a fruitless fig tree. The disciples are amazed at his power. He says to them, “I assure you that if you have faith and don’t doubt… You will even say to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the lake.’ And it will happen.” Build your faith on me, he says, and be amazed at what God will do. As Jesus enters the temple again we see the opposite of this. The leaders question Jesus’ authority. His response begins with a question: Where did John the Baptist get his authority? There is no right answer for the religious leaders. So Jesus tells two parables to reveal their lack of faith and to condemn their fruitless ministry.

In the first parable the religious leaders know it is the first son who does the father’s will. He was obedient. Jesus then tells these leaders that tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom ahead of them. They heard and believed John, changing hearts and lives. Even this fruit didn’t convince the religious leaders to change. In the second parable tenants mistreat and even kill some of the servants sent to collect fruit. They then kill the son who is sent. The religious leaders tell Jesus that the owner will “totally destroy” these wicked tenants. Jesus then quotes Psalms, claiming to be the stone that the builders rejected. But he tells the leaders that this stone will become the cornerstone, the foundation of the new, coming kingdom.

Prayer: Lord God, you call us to shout “Hosanna!” with our voices and with our actions – not one day a year but every day. When things get in the way of us doing this, clear our lives like Jesus cleared the temple. Build up in us a faith without doubts, a faith that stands firmly on the cornerstone, on Jesus Christ. Amen.


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So It Was… So It Must Be

Reading: Matthew 19-20

Matthew 20:26-27 – “Whoever wants to be great among you will be your servant. Whoever wants to be first among you will be your slave.”

Today’s readings center on the upside-down and countercultural life that Jesus calls his followers to. He first addresses divorce in an exchange with the Pharisees. They want to know if Jesus thinks it is ok to divorce one’s wife for any reason. The fact is the Law has been watered down to accommodate human desires. Jesus goes back to Genesis, declaring God’s intent: “Humans must not pull apart what God has put together.”

After blessing the children because “the kingdom belongs to people like these children,” Jesus encounters a rich man. He wants to know what “good thing” he must do to have eternal life. He’s kept the commandments, but feels like he’s missing something. That tug on the heart is there. Jesus tells him that to be “complete” he must go and sell all, giving the money to the poor. He cannot do this. Saddened, he goes away. Peter asks about the disciples leaving all for Jesus. The reward will be great for those who leave home, family… to follow Jesus.

To perhaps temper this reward mentality Jesus tells the parable of the workers in the vineyard. An owner hires workers early in the morning to work for one denarion, a typical day’s wage. He also hires at 9, noon, 3, and 5. At the end of the day the owner instructs his manager to work backwards. He first pays those who’ve worked an hour a denarion. The all-day workers also receive a denarion. They grumble, thinking they deserve more. They are resentful of the owner’s generosity. So it is with us sometimes as we see God freely granting mercy.

After again predicting his death and resurrection, James and John’s mother requests places of supreme honor in heaven for her sons. Perhaps she thinks they’ve given up the most to follow Jesus. Her request is denied. Her asking angers the rest of the 12. Jesus calls them all in and tells them, “Whoever wants to be great among you will be your servant. Whoever wants to be first among you will be your slave.” So it was with Jesus. So it must be with us.

Prayer: Lord God, again and again today we hear the calls to place both you and others before self, to be humble and generous, to honor you in all we do. When we seek to walk in these ways we can bump up against the ways of the world that elevate self as #1 and preach “Gather, gather, gather!” In those moments of temptation, remind us of our call to walk in the footsteps of Jesus, following his example of servant to all. Amen.


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In Turn

Reading: Matthew 16-18

Matthew 16:24 – “All who want to come after me must say no to themselves, take up their cross, and follow me.”

The Pharisees and Sadducees come and ask Jesus for a sign from heaven. Although they can read the sky to know the coming weather, they cannot read the signs of Jesus’ ministry, knowing the Christ is among them. He again tells them they will receive the sign of Jonah. After parting company, Jesus warns the disciples to be wary about the religious leaders “yeast” – their teaching.

Jesus then asks what people see and know about him. After hearing John, Elijah, some prophet, he asks the disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” Simon responds, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus names him Peter, the rock upon which Jesus will build the church. Then Jesus teaches about his last days. The “rock” turn becomes a stumbling block as Peter rebukes Jesus for saying such things. Jesus responds, “Get behind me, Satan.” Peter is thinking of human things, not the eternal. Continuing, Jesus declares, “All who want to come after me must say no to themselves, take up their cross, and follow me.” Clearly there is a cost to discipleship.

Taking Peter, James, and John up the mountain, Jesus is transfigured. His glory is revealed and he talks with Moses and Elijah. God declares love for Jesus and reinforced his authority. Twice more Jesus speaks of suffering to come. The disciples understand. Matthew says they are “heartbroken.” After a healing and paying the temple tax, the focus shifts to the “little ones” – a metaphor for the new believers. They have a humble, simple, pure faith. Yet at times they will need gentle correction. At times they will wander. At times they will need forgiveness. At times we all find ourselves in these situations. Mercy, grace, and love continue to flow from God to all who call on Jesus as Lord and Savior. In turn, we are called to be merciful, gracious, and loving. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, help us to hear your word and your Spirit’s voice, our guides to faithful living. Lead us to a childlike faith, simple, pure, honest, humble. And as we experience your forgiveness, mercy, grace, and love, may we be people who live and practice these things. In humility and gratitude may we give as we receive. Amen.


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Faith, Love, Compassion

Reading: Matthew 14-15

Matthew 15:6-7 – “You do away with God’s Law for the sake of the rules that have been handed down to you. Hypocrites!”

Photo credit: Nathan Lemon

Today’s two chapters cover a wide variety of topics – abuse of power, feeding and healing, doubt and fear, great faith. In some stories, these topics intertwine. Chapter 14 begins with the death of John the Baptist. Abusing his power is nothing new for Herod. Here it costs John his life. At his birthday party, Herod promises “anything” to his daughter-in-law. She asks for John’s head. Jesus learns of this, is grieved, and withdraws to a “deserted place” by himself.

The crowds find Jesus and bring the sick to him. With compassion he heals them. Late in the day, the disciples urge Jesus to send them away to buy food. His response: “You give them something.” The impossible becomes reality as 5,000 men plus women and children eat their fill from 5 fish and 2 loaves. In the end each disciple holds a basket full of leftovers. Later, in chapter 15, Jesus feeds a crowd of 4,000 men plus women and children.

Jesus dismisses the crowd, sends the disciples on across the lake, and goes up the mountain to pray. In the early morning he comes to them, walking on the water during a storm. Here is where Peter walks in the water – until his fears and doubts overcome his faith. Jesus rescues him. Later it is a Canaanite woman, another outsider, who shows great faith, persevering until Jesus heals her daughter.

At the start of chapter 15 there is an encounter between Jesus and the religious leaders. Being “clean” is the core issue. Jesus says, “You do away with God’s Law for the sake of the rules that have been handed down to you. Hypocrites!” His example: man’s rule (giving money to the temple) has overridden God’s Law (honor father and mother.) This too is an abuse of power. Getting to the core issue, Jesus tells the crowd and then the disciples that it is what comes out of the mouth (and therefore out of the heart) that makes one unclean. When one allows evil thoughts, adultery, insults… to form in the heart and then to come out of the mouth, then one becomes unclean. May it not be so.

Prayer: Lord God, like today’s reading, life brings a variety of challenges as we seek to walk faithfully with you. Faith, love, compassion – may these be our guides as we strive to love you and to love neighbor in all the ways we can, in all the times we can. Amen.


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Happy Are…

Reading: Matthew 13

Matthew 13:16 – “Happy are your eyes because they see. Happy are your ears because they hear.”

Today’s reading holds seven parables all aimed at showing how God is at work in our world and in our lives. In these teachings, Matthew shows that God is engaged in daily life and desires to be in connection with us. In the first parable a farmer scatters seed. In a day when every seed mattered, “scatter” would draw people’s attention. Most seeds do not bear fruit. The many cares of this world are too much. The seed that does fall on good soil produces a great crop. Hearts that receive and nurture God’s word leads others to do the same, creating more disciples.

Matthew connects to Isaiah, using his words as a means to explain why many do not understand the parables. They have become “calloused” and refuse to “change their hearts and lives.” This was the invitation given by John the Baptist and by Jesus. It continues to be given each time the world is read or proclaimed.

Each of the remaining parables begins with the phrase, “The kingdom of heaven is like…” It is like a field with good plants and weeds, like a net with good and bad fish. One day the angels will sort out and burn the bad. The good will be saved. It is like a mustard seed or some yeast – small but powerful, able to spread and grow into something large. It is like a hidden treasure or a pearl of great worth. Once found, a person must be willing to sell all else, investing everything they have into their faith.

As Jesus teaches in parables he asks his disciples if they understand. They do. In response, Jesus says, “Happy are your eyes because they see. Happy are your ears because they hear.” May our eyes and ears be happy as well.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for opening our eyes and ears to your word. We don’t always get it 100% but as we keep at it, reading, studying, seeking to understand, your Spirit works in us, giving us more insight and understanding. Each time we encounter that word, the connection grows stronger, deeper. Thank you for your continuing work in us. Amen.


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Putting on the Yoke

Matthew 11:29 – “Put on my yoke, and learn from me. I’m gentle and humble. And you will find rest for yourselves.”

John the Baptist is the focus of the start of chapter 11. He sends his disciples to Jesus (he is in prison), asking, “Are you the one?” The response Jesus gives is to tell John what they see and hear. The blind see, the dead are raised… The fruit of his ministry is the proof: Jesus is the Messiah. John was an important one too, Jesus says: “He is the Elijah who is to come.” Jesus then laments this generation. They misunderstood John and they’ll misunderstand Jesus. This leads Jesus to lament about the places that he has ministered. They saw the miracle and did not change hearts or lives. He later declares that Nineveh will condemn this generation. They heard Jonah’s message and changed hearts and lives.

At the end of chapter 11 Jesus praises God for keeping “these things” hidden from the wise and intelligent (the religious leaders). He issues an invitation to those who are struggling and carrying heavy loads (the poor): “Put on my yoke, and learn from me. I’m gentle and humble. And you will find rest for yourselves.” What a contrast to the Pharisees. They and Jesus both called for a devout adherence to the Law. For one, though, the Law was a heavy weight to carry. For Jesus, “my burden is light.” Here one finds rest, not weariness.

Sabbath adherence is the focus of the beginning of chapter 12. These two encounters highlight the heavy/light contrast. Eating when famished and doing good supersedes the “do no work” mandate. Mercy trumps sacrifice. Love always wins. These clashes begin the Pharisees down the road to snuffing out this threat. The next clash centers on healing a demon-possessed mute man. The Pharisees attribute the healing to Jesus working with Satan. He rebukes this idea, claiming it is by the Holy Spirit that he heals. Jesus condemns them for their “useless words.” They demand a sign. Remember Jonah?, he asks. Jesus tells them he will be in the “heart of the earth for three days and nights.” What a surprise ending that story will have too! Even better than Jonah’s!

Today’s reading closes with Jesus calling his true family his disciples. They have taken on his yoke and are walking with Jesus. The disciples are Jesus’ “brothers, sisters, mothers.” May it be so for us as well.

Prayer: Lord God, you continue to speak the words of life. Some hear and understand, some do not. Give us ears to hear. You continue to invite us to change our hearts and lives, growing deeper and more connected to you. Give us a spirit that is ever willing. Draw us more completely into your family, O God. Amen.


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Worthy of the Kingdom

Reading: Matthew 9-10

Matthew 10:22 – “Everyone will hate you on account of my name. But whoever stands firm until the end will be saved.”

Photo credit: Shane Rounce

Chapter 9 is mostly about the healings that Jesus brought to people. There is the calling of Matthew too and the questioning of why Jesus ate with “tax collectors and sinners.” Chapter 10 shifts first to the calling and sending of the 12. The chapter ends with the realities of the cost of discipleship. This was and still is a reality for the followers of Jesus.

Chapter 9 begins with the healing of a paralyzed man. Jesus begins by forgiving his sins. This is just a means to draw in the “legal experts,” to prove that Jesus has the power to forgive sins and to heal sicknesses. Jesus then calls Matthew, saying, “Follow me.” Later, at dinner, the Pharisees question Jesus’ choice of table mates. He declares, “I didn’t come to call righteous people, but sinners.” As the chapter continues, Jesus heals five more people and Matthew closes with a summary of Jesus’ early ministry. Jesus taught and healed, announcing the good news of the kingdom. The chapter closes with a lament: the harvest is huge but the workers are few. Jesus encourages his disciples to “plead” with God for workers.

Chapter 10 begins with God’s response. The 12 are called and given authority to cast out demons and to heal diseases. They are then sent out to “the lost sheep… of Israel.” The disciples are to go without anything, relying on worthy people to take them in. They will bless these homes. If no one is found worthy in a place, the disciples will move on.

Starting in verse 16, Jesus begins to detail the cost of discipleship. The 12 go out as “sheep among wolves.” They will be arrested and beaten. But the Spirit will be with them and in their words. Jesus says, “Everyone will hate you on account of my name. But whoever stands firm until the end will be saved.” Families will come apart and turn on one another because Jesus did not “come to bring peace but sword.” The disciples are encouraged to “pick up their cross” as they follow Jesus. Doing so, they will be counted as worthy in the kingdom of God. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, send us out as workers, fully cognizant of the cost of discipleship and fully aware of your Spirit’s presence with us. Lord, use us to bring healing and wholeness to others, encouraging them with the good news of your kingdom through us and our ministries. Strengthen and empower us as we too seek to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. Amen.