Wealth stands in the way of following Jesus

Jesus teaches that wealth stands in the way of following him.

Matthew 19:23-26 23 Then Jesus said to his disciples, "Truly I tell you, it will be hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God." 25 When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astounded and said, "Then who can be saved?" 26 But Jesus looked at them and said, "For mortals it is impossible, but for God all things are possible." 27 Then Peter said in reply, "Look, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?" 28 Jesus said to them, "Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man is seated on the throne of his glory, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields, for my name's sake, will receive a hundredfold, and will inherit eternal life. 30 But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.

****

Jesus' message is a bit different than the message we get in some of the Old Testament where God blesses people who honor God (Abraham, David, Daniel, etc) with land, wealth, success, big families, or power.  To be fair, there are plenty of stories in the Old Testament where the wealthy are corrupt and unacceptable to God because they prey on the poor and use their wealth selfishly.  But we tend to like the "wealth is a blessing" stories over the "wealth is a path to hell" stories.  We want to believe that if we live right, then we will be blessed with wealth.  And this justifies how our society is set up - it makes consumerism kin to righteousness - it enables us to look down on the poor with disgust instead of compassion.  And it is so much easier to follow a god who signs this "follow me and get wealthy" contract than one that tells us to "go and sell everything in order to follow him".

But Jesus is the second kind of god.  He says that wealthy people are less likely to be part of his community than others.  After all, why should a rich person want to follow Jesus?  Jesus wants to give them a new life that starts without their possessions - when the old life seemed pretty good just the way it is.  Where's the motivation? 

Do we ignore Jesus' teaching that wealth hinders one's desire and ability to follow Jesus?  Being the most wealthy people on earth, what does God want from us?  Do we protect our wealth and culture? Or do we give it up to follow him?

Jesus isn't focused on making sure we live forever.

Jesus teaches that the question "How do I live forever?" is misguided. A better question is "How do I follow you?"

Matthew 19:16-22 16 Then someone came to him and said, "Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?" 17 And he said to him, "Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments." 18 He said to him, "Which ones?" And Jesus said, "You shall not murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; 19 Honor your father and mother; also, You shall love your neighbor as yourself." 20 The young man said to him, "I have kept all these; what do I still lack?" 21 Jesus said to him, "If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me." 22 When the young man heard this word, he went away grieving, for he had many possessions.

****

The question this man asks Jesus demonstrates what religion is all about: "How do I get saved?" And he'd like to know the minimum required so he can take care of it and get back to his own life. But is "getting people saved" - making sure they have a ticket to heaven - really the point of what Jesus did on earth? "Getting people saved" is the point of religion, but not so much of Jesus. Jesus' work - his life, his death, his resurrection - was about enabling the Holy Spirit to live within us so that we can enter into a new kind of relationship with God - one that allows us to truly follow Jesus.  Making followers was the point of Jesus' ministry - not helping people live forever.

This is why when John the Baptist introduces his disciples to Jesus, he says that Jesus has come to baptise them with the Holy Spirit rather than "Jesus is your ticket to living forever." It is also why the prophets talk about the new covenant in terms of a day when the Spirit will live within God's people and through the Holy Spirit they will enter into a relationship with God different from the old covenant.  If I am right, then this man is asking the wrong question. Instead, he should ask: "How can I become your follower?"  But that is not what this man wants to do.  He wants eternal life, not a new way of being.  He doesn't want Jesus to transform his life... he just wants to live forever in his old life. 

"If you died tonight, would you go to heaven?" is the wrong question for evangelists to be asking!  "Are you filled with the Spirit - are you a follower of Jesus?" - these are the right questions!  The ones Jesus came to answer.

So Jesus gives this man the religious answer: "follow this list of rules".  The man is so confused, he thinks he already follows them which, of course, no one can really do.  Yet, he senses something is incomplete - there is something more Jesus isn't saying so he asks again, "what else do I have to do?"  Jesus tells him to get rid of his old way of life (sell your pocessions) and follow me into a new life. This isn't the answer the man wanted.  He is really not that committed.

Eternal life comes by grace through faith - there is nothing this man can do to deserve it.  But following Jesus comes when we surrender our old way of being - letting Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, live out his life through us. 

Do we ignore Jesus' teaching that his focus is not on making sure we live forever?

Give the children priority access to Jesus

Jesus teaches us to give the children priority access to him.

Matthew 19:13-15 13 Then little children were being brought to him in order that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples spoke sternly to those who brought them; 14 but Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs." 15 And he laid his hands on them and went on his way.

Jesus has just gotten done stressing responsible behavior to men in marriage - not to divorce their wives.  Women were at the mercy of their husbands - they were property with few rights.  One rabbi of the day wrote that it was okay to divorce your wife if she cooked a bad meal!  But Jesus sets a new expectation of husbands that this behavior isn't acceptable in his community.  In doing so - he teaches husbands compassion and care for the wife. 

Now Jesus teaches compassion and care for the children (and not just one's own children but all children).  Children didn't have a lot of rights either, but they were treated pretty well in Jewish society.  They saw their children as hope for the future.  However, the disciples seemed to think they are a bother.  Following Jesus was too important for children to interrupt.  But Jesus won't have anything to do with that attitude either.  He says the kingdom of heaven belongs to the children (and those like them). 

Jesus was always turning things upside down rearranging priorities, redoing the social order. 

Do we ignore Jesus' teaching to give the children priority access to him?  After all - the kingdom of heaven belongs to them and those like them.

Men are better off being eunuchs than divorcing their wives

Jesus teaches men that they are better off making themselves eunuchs than divorcing their wives.

It is so easy for those of us who are married and have never wanted a divorce to look down on those who have been through one.  We might think we did a better job of picking out our spouse or perhaps we work harder at our marriages or .... we could think of a million reasons to feel prideful.  But in reality, we might be better off just being grateful.  Why some people stay in love for a lifetime and some don't isn't really explainable.  Why some people stay together who are no longer in love is also inexplicable.  Does God play a role in this?  Of course.  Does praying together help?  Absolutely.  Does being in a community that supports your marriage matter?  For sure.  But it is complicated at best.  And divorce is probably one of the most painful things a human being can go through.

Marriages in Jesus' time didn't resemble a modern day marriage in a lot of ways.  Marriage was pretty much ruled by the male.  It varied within the different "denominations" of Jews, but some allowed the male to pretty much divorce at will while others did not allow it except for unfaithfulness.  The female, on the other hand, couldn't choose to get a divorce.  She was more like property.   The institution of marriage when upheld served to protect her and her offspring from becoming homeless.  Jesus tells the men, those in charge, those with all the rights, that they'd be better off not marrying than to marry and divorce.  In fact, he says they'd be better of being eunuchs. 

I think Jesus said this out of love and concern for the woman and her children.  I think he wants these men to see how hurtful their divorces were - how discarding their wives and children is not the way in his kingdom.  I guess, in modern language, Jesus would say, "real men take care of their families."

Matthew 19:3-12 3 Some Pharisees came to him, and to test him they asked, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any cause?" 4 He answered, "Have you not read that the one who made them at the beginning 'made them male and female,' 5 and said, 'For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'? 6 So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate." 7 They said to him, "Why then did Moses command us to give a certificate of dismissal and to divorce her?" 8 He said to them, "It was because you were so hard-hearted that Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so. 9 And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for unchastity, and marries another commits adultery." 10 His disciples said to him, "If such is the case of a man with his wife, it is better not to marry." 11 But he said to them, "Not everyone can accept this teaching, but only those to whom it is given. 12 For there are eunuchs who have been so from birth, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by others, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let anyone accept this who can."

Do we ignore Jesus' teaching that men would be better off being eunuchs than divorcing their wives?  What would Jesus say about marriage today given laws and rights have changed and women are as powerful as men?

If we do not forgive, God releases us to be tortured.

Jesus teaches that God will turn us over to be tortured if we do not forgive others.

Wow!  If you thought Jesus was never tough on his followers, then tell me what you think after reading these verses.  These verses continue with Jesus' reconciliation expectations for his community - except now Jesus concentrates on the one who needs to forgive.   The message is simple:  Do it! 

Matthew 18:21-35 21 Then Peter came and said to him, "Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?" 22 Jesus said to him, "Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times. 23 "For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves. 24 When he began the reckoning, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him; 25 and, as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, together with his wife and children and all his possessions, and payment to be made. 26 So the slave fell on his knees before him, saying, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.' 27 And out of pity for him, the lord of that slave released him and forgave him the debt. 28 But that same slave, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat, he said, 'Pay what you owe.' 29 Then his fellow slave fell down and pleaded with him, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you.' 30 But he refused; then he went and threw him into prison until he would pay the debt. 31 When his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. 32 Then his lord summoned him and said to him, 'You wicked slave! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. 33 Should you not have had mercy on your fellow slave, as I had mercy on you?' 34 And in anger his lord handed him over to be tortured until he would pay his entire debt. 35 So my heavenly Father will also do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart."

God readily forgives us.  But God is also greatly angered by those of us who are willing to accept God's forgiveness, but will not forgive others.   And something supernatural happens to those who are part of Jesus' community who won't forgive.  God does the spiritual equivalent to releasing them to be tortured.  Have you ever seen one of these people?  Their life is consumed with unforgiveness. They may have had every right to be offended.  The offense may be decades old - time doesn't stop the torture.  As they age, their unforgivenss is etched on their faces.  There is no joy - no peace - their laughter is hollow.  But those who recognize how much God loves them and have translated that love into forgiving others... they are different... their faces are filled with beauty.  And they are at peace.

Do we ignore Jesus' teaching that we must forgive each other or God will release us to be tortured?

Note:  I have to add this note for those who have suffered abuse.  You can forgive someone and still remove yourself from their presence.  God does not expect us to stay in relationship with those who are abusing us (reread the last two blogs if you need proof), but he does expect us to forgive. 

Church has been empowered for reconciliation

Jesus empowers his church to practice reconciliation in order to be whole. At first glance, it is hard to see how yesterday’s blog on verses 15-18 (about teaching reconciliation) go with today's verses 19-20 (about the church's supernatural empowerment). But because the conversation continues about reconciliation in verse 21, they are obviously linked.

Matthew 18:15-20 15 "If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one. 16 But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 17 If the member refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. 18 Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. 19 Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them." 21 Then Peter came and said to him, "Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?" 22 Jesus said to him, "Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times...

After Jesus teaches three steps to reconciliation (verses 15-17) that his followers are to follow, he now says something very important about the church's role in reconciling believers (verse 18-20). 

The first thing Jesus says about the church's empowerment is in verse 18. The church acts as agents of Christ's kingdom.  In this context - speaking of reconciliation - binding and loosing refer to the church caring for its own body.  A member of the body who will not participate in the reconciliation process or will not repent of a sin against another member of the body is not committed to living as a member of the Messiah's community.  Therefore the church is empowered to loosen that person from the fellowship.  But members of the body who participate and reconcile - the church is empowered to bind them to the body, healing the body where there had been discord.

The second thing Jesus says about the church's empowerment is in verses 19-20.  Jesus indicates that when the two at conflict gather to resolve their differences in private - the Father is there - and if they pray for reconciliation, it will happen. Likewise, when others are brought into the mix to facilitate reconciliation - if all hearts involved seek reconciliation, the Father will be in the midst and facilitate it. Reconciliation is such an important part of the Christian community - so much so - that Jesus' promises that the Father himself will be there in the middle of it. 

Jesus' process of reconciliation is key to the community of God flourishing.

Do we ignore Jesus' teaching that the church has both the responsibility and the power to practice his process of reconciliation?  Do we follow Jesus' process or make up our own that is more of a compromise than true reconciliation?  Do we ignore Jesus' process so we can manipulate what we want instead of what God wants?

Jesus teaches us how to reconcile with each other

Jesus teaches reconciliation in his community.  Most Christians and their churches don't practice this.  Most church members and church boards aren't committed to it.  And hence, the church doesn't look very much like the Kingdom of God much of the time.

At first glance, it is hard to see how verses 15-17 (which are specific instructions on how to reconcile) go with verses 18-20 (which seems to be promising a favorable answer to all prayer), but the two actually do go hand in hand.  This is obvious when you get to verse 21 and Peter is still asking about forgiving a church member.  I will write about verses 18-20 in tomorrow's blog.

Matthew 18:15-20 15 "If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one. 16 But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 17 If the member refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. 18 Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. 19 Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them." 21 Then Peter came and said to him, "Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?" 22 Jesus said to him, "Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times...

Jesus teaches three steps to reconciliation: 

1) If you have been offended, it is your responsibility to initiate reconciliation in private.  So go to whomever has offended you with the purpose of making things right between the two of you.  Privacy is very important because it keeps chaos from forming in the body of Christ.  A person who truly desires reconciliation will do this.  In my experience, a person who isn't intent on reconciliation - or who really doesn't have an issue on the up and up - will often spread gossip, create chaos, and garner support rather than following Jesus' instructions.

2) If reconciliation does not occur during your private attempt, then take one or two others with you.  The matter is still kept private between just these few.  The people you take with you are to both be witnesses to your attempt to reconcile (vs 16), but also to facilitate the reconciliation (vs 17).  So they need to be mature spiritually.  In our society, we have been taught not to get involved in other people's problems - but not so in Jesus' community.  Be willing to walk with those who need reconciliation.  It is not an easy journey, but one that Jesus' followers step up to doing.  Another thing that often hinders reconciliation is that our society teaches that truth is relative and that each party is probably both right and wrong to an extent... that there are two viewpoints with equal weight.  Not so in the kingdom of God.  Jesus expects matters to be settled and right and wrong determined based on his teachings.  Making everyone happy - through compromise - is not the goal.  In fact, compromise is often very destructive to the testimony of the church.

3) Finally if the person who has offended will not reconcile, then the matter is to be made public in the church community.  And the church is to speak out on the matter.  If the offender will not reconcile, they are to be released from the community of God.  This is interesting considering how yesterday's scripture was about how God welcomes those who stray back with open arms. It is important that the church both speaks truth to offenders, but also creates a joyful. loving, and safe place to come home to.

Do we ignore Jesus' command to reconcile to each other?  Do we follow the process Jesus teaches or do we do things to thwart the Holy Spirit's reconciling work because we don't really want the fellowship Jesus offers in his community?

Welcome those who have strayed with open arms

Jesus teaches that God rejoices when those who stray come back

Matthew 18:12-14 12 What do you think? If a shepherd has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? 13 And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. 14 So it is not the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones should be lost.

When someone rejects God (and in doing so - the community of God), depending on how badly they have hurt us in their rejection, we may not want them to come back into God's community at all.  We may feel justified in keeping them out entirely - we may even hope they live to regret their decision.  This is certainly where the heart of the prodigal brother was at in Luke 15:11-32.  But not God.  God goes searching for those who have strayed.  God doesn't bring them back kicking and screaming, but "if he finds them", then Jesus warns those who never left that God will happily take them back.  God wants us to have a like minded concern for those who have lost their way - searching them out, loving them, welcoming them back in God's community.

Do we ignore Jesus' teaching that in his community, those who stray are welcomed back with open arms?  Do we practice this in our churches - making church a safe place to come home to?  Or do we put up walls that reject those who have strayed?  Do we have a ministry that actively reaches out to those who have strayed?

Freely give your power to those with childlike humility

Jesus teaches us to freely give our power to those with childlike humility.

Matthew 18:10 "Take care that you do not despise (think little of) one of these little ones; for, I tell you, in heaven their angels continually see the face of my Father in heaven.

Unlike the secular world, in the kingdom of God, power is not demanded or coerced.  It doesn't go to those who have the most strength whether it be their education, money, muscle, or etc that makes them strong.  It doesn't even go to those with the most popular votes!  It doesn't go to those who manipulate and scheme.  Instead, followers of Jesus freely give up their power to each other.  They allow the other to be more powerful than themselves.  This is not the way of the world, but this is how things work in the Messiah's community. 

Jesus has just finished teaching that his true followers are all humble (teachable like children who idealize their teacher).  These kind of people can be looked down upon and taken advantage of since they will be unlikely to fight back.  Jesus says his followers to do not behave this way searching for personal greatness and power, instead they enable one another. 

He also warns that his followers have supernatural protection.  This should be a comfort to those who are truly following him with childlike humility and warning to those who are only seeking their own gain.

Do we ignore Jesus' teaching to give up our personal power?  How can I give my power to someone who is humbling following Jesus?  Who needs to be heard and honored in our church communities that might not have a voice right now?

Don't keep stumbling blocks in your own life

Jesus teaches us to get rid of stumbling blocks in our own lives.  The last set of verses talked about not putting stumbling blocks in the way of others.  Now Jesus makes us responsible for removing stumbling blocks from our own lives.

Matthew 18:8-9 8 "If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away; it is better for you to enter life maimed or lame than to have two hands or two feet and to be thrown into the eternal fire. 9 And if your eye causes you to stumble, tear it out and throw it away; it is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and to be thrown into the hell of fire.

This is one time when I don't think Jesus is speaking literally - please don't amputate your body parts!  But he is speaking spiritually.  Whatever is keeping us from following Jesus, we need to get rid of it.  A lot of misguided people have taken these verses to mean that "whom"ever is keeping you from following Jesus, get rid of them.  And they have used these verses to excommunicate people from their fellowship or even divorce a spouse that wasn't pleasing them or (in darker times) to execute those they disagreed with.  But that isn't what it says. Jesus says to look at yourself and get rid of what it is about you that is making you stumble.  It is a very personal call to examine ourselves and to take very radical action.

What makes me stumble on this journey?  Most of us can probably name specifics, but they likely all boil down to something we want more than following the way of Jesus.  Success? Friends? Respect? Financial security? Power?  Jesus says to cut these things off if they are keeping you from following him.  Deal with them.  Get rid of them.  You are better off without them.  Many of us discover Jesus and then try to fit him into our lives.  But to follow Jesus, there is a radical transformation required - one where Jesus tells us to unload the baggage.  It isn't about fitting Jesus into our lives, but about letting him change us.

Do we ignore Jesus' teaching to deal radically with what makes us stumble?

Don't put stumbling blocks in front of others.

Jesus teaches us not to put stumbling blocks in front of others. It grieves me to think of the stumbling blocks that I might have put in front of others… claiming to be a follower of Jesus and not living a life that is worthy; seeing a spiritual or physical need and not offering to help; straying from what is important to things that have no lasting purpose, putting my needs and preferences before someone else’s needs; worrying about my own reputation and welfare when God will provide all I need so that I can freely serve others, etc.


Matthew 18:5-7 5 Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. 6 If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were fastened around your neck and you were drowned in the depth of the sea. 7 Woe to the world because of stumbling blocks! Occasions for stumbling are bound to come, but woe to the one by whom the stumbling block comes!

Note: The word “child” here doesn’t refer to one’s age, but one’s relationship to God – see the last blog for the reasoning behind this.

Do we ignore Jesus’ teaching not to put stumbling blocks in front of others? How do we put up stumbling blocks in our churches? Perhaps we do it by requiring people to meet our theological and political expectations before we accept them. How do we put up stumbling blocks in our private lives? Perhaps by avoiding making ourselves vulnerable and developing holy relationships with those who need us? How can we remove these?

Those with a humble childlike attitude are greatest

Jesus teaches that those with a humble childlike attitude are greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.  We live in a culture that teaches competition and individuality as the desired way - where humbleness is reserved for those who have erred and need to grovel - for those who are in need or for those who want something.  But this is not the way in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Matthew 18:1-4 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" 2 He called a child, whom he put among them, 3 and said, "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

The Kingdom of Heaven is a place where everything is turned upside down.  The greatest is not the most powerful nor the wealthiest nor the smartest.  Greatness starts in the heart... with a childlike humbleness.  This kind of humbleness is not a result of weakness.  It isn't self deprecation - it isn't rooted in insecurity - it doesn't come from realizing you are helpless.  Instead, picture a child hanging out with a parent who loves them unconditionally.  A child who is full of curiosity, excitement, and longing to be like the parent they idealize.  Visualize the child, whether at play or doing chores, soaking up their parent's wisdom and love - longing to be like them.   This kind of humbleness comes from knowing you are loved completely by a parent who is good and honorable and fun to be with it.  And in that security, the child is teachable.  God wants this kind of relationship with us where we bask in God's love for us.  Where we want to be in relationship with God because we want to learn God's ways and become like Jesus.  This is childlike humility.

If the disciples were to even enter the Kingdom of Heaven, they needed to change and become like humble children - safe and secure in the love God offers them - excited to soak it up and mimic it - offering it to others.  Entrance to the Kingdom - knowledge of the truth - being in relationship with God and others - comes when we let go of the earthly definition of greatness and become humble like children.

Do we ignore Jesus' teaching that we must become humble like children to enter his kingdom?  Or do we strive to become great, powerful, independent, and in charge?  Does the thought of giving up our power seem counter intuitive?

Don't be offensive (at least sometimes)

Do we ignore Jesus' teaching not to be offensive?  This is interesting, because so much of Jesus' ministry is offensive to both the religious powers and the government powers.  It was true then and it is true today.  All through the gospels, Jesus sets an example for us of living in love AND speaking truth at the same time.  Even just a few verses back, he is refusing to wash his hands before a meal in protest of the Pharisee's laws and tradition.  But here, he compromises.  Weird!  And unexpected!

Matthew 17:24-27 24 When they reached Capernaum, the collectors of the temple tax came to Peter and said, "Does your teacher not pay the temple tax?" 25 He said, "Yes, he does." And when he came home, Jesus spoke of it first, asking, "What do you think, Simon? From whom do kings of the earth take toll or tribute? From their children or from others?" 26 When Peter said, "From others," Jesus said to him, "Then the children are free. 27 However, so that we do not give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook; take the first fish that comes up; and when you open its mouth, you will find a coin; take that and give it to them for you and me."

The truth at stake before him in the hand washing incidence was: "Do followers of Christ follow Jesus or a list of rules and traditions?"  The answer was Jesus.  Here another truth is at stake: "Does the son of the King need to pay the temple tax (a tax all adult males had to pay)?"  Jesus, being the son of God (who is King of all), would not be obligated to pay the tax.  Jesus could make the point that he is the Messiah  by refusing to pay the tax.  But this time, he takes on a servant attitude and pays it anyway. 

Could that be the difference?  In the earlier case he defends the truth of the gospel, rather than himself, and in this case he takes on a servant attitude refusing to defend himself?  Or maybe it just wasn't time to make his Messiahship the public issue.   Either way, he doesn't want to offend at this time so he goes ahead and pays it.  Can we learn that we need to choose our battles?  That sometimes survival is important so that the message can be delivered later in God's time?  Obviously survival is not always more important than the message - Jesus makes this clear to his disciples over and over again even telling them that some of them will die in his service - and he especially demonstrates this in his own death.  The time to "speak truth" and when "not to speak truth" can only be determined by being in close relationships with the Father.  Am I walking close enough to God to know the difference?  Remembering that success can not be judged by survival. 

Also interesting is that Jesus pays the tax with a coin delivered supernaturally.  What is the significance of a coin found in a fish's mouth - a coin not earned? Will think on this some....

Do we ignore Jesus' teaching that offending is not always the way to go?  Which direction to take is a matter of walking close enough to God to know God's will for a particular situation.  Do I walk close enough to know?  Or do I just wing it based on how I feel at the time?

Faith makes nothing impossible

Jesus teaches that faith makes nothing impossible.  This is one of those teachings that I personally find really hard and discouraging.  These disciples have enough faith to ask God to heal the boy and the parents have enough faith to bring the boy to the disciples for healing.  But apparently that faith isn't even as big as a mustard seed?  How can that be?  And it was obviously God's will that the child be healed, because Jesus heals him - so we can't use the excuse that God didn't want the child healed.

At first glance, I really don't know what to do with this story!  I don't know how to have enough faith!  Some commentaries say it wasn't that they had no faith - it was the quality of the faith they had.  Hmmm.  In the same story in Mark (9:22), Jesus' answer is that they needed prayer.  If prayer represents our relationship with God, then that clue adds more information.  It would say to me that faith isn't something you jump into and out of with God as if it were the magic we need to make something happen.  Faith would be something that grows out of a deep relationship with God - a relationship that only comes from bathing one's life in prayer.  Not the kind of prayer that takes a shopping list to God, but the kind that listens for God to speak.  Would it be safe to say that a life of constant prayer - constantly living in deep relationship with God - produces a faith that makes nothing impossible?

Matthew 17:14-20 14 When they came to the crowd, a man came to him, knelt before him, 15 and said, "Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and he suffers terribly; he often falls into the fire and often into the water. 16 And I brought him to your disciples, but they could not cure him." 17 Jesus answered, "You faithless and perverse generation, how much longer must I be with you? How much longer must I put up with you? Bring him here to me." 18 And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him, and the boy was cured instantly. 19 Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, "Why could we not cast it out?" 20 He said to them, "Because of your little faith. For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you."

Do we ignore Jesus' teaching that faith makes nothing impossible?  Do we pretend he didn't say this, didn't mean it, or that it doesn't apply... because it is just too hard to swallow and because it doesn't match our experience?  Or is it because this kind of faith is a lot of work - a life of prayer?

Listen to Jesus

Listen to Jesus!  Here Jesus is with his closest disciples... and the Father shows up.  The Father could have given them any message.  But his message is so simple: "Listen to Jesus!  He is who is says he is!"  I guess this is the point of my blog.  Let's stop ignoring Jesus ... we all do it. Who wants to hear these hard teachings of Jesus?  Love your enemy.  Forgive your enemy.  Your old family ties have been updated with new brothers and sisters.  Bare one another's burdens.  Turn the other cheek.  Etc. Who doesn't want to pretend some of his teachings don't apply to us or that they aren't to be taken literally?  Who doesn't want to water them down so they are palitable.  Jesus crosses all kinds of lines.  Are we willing to cross them to follow him?

Matthew 17:1-8 Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. 2 And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. 3 Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. 4 Then Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." 5 While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, "This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!" 6 When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. 7 But Jesus came and touched them, saying, "Get up and do not be afraid." 8 And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone.

Do we ignore what the Father taught Jesus' disciples.... "listen to him - he is the real deal!"  It is so simple:  "Don't ignore Jesus."

Following Jesus means denying our lives

Jesus calls his followers to a committment where they deny themselves.  If we want to be Jesus' followers we must be willing to lose our life for Jesus' sake! By that yardstick... how many of us are really Jesus' followers? 

Jesus had a purpose for Peter's life.  Peter was to be the foundation of the church.  And Jesus even warned Peter it would cost him his life (John 21:18-19).  For most of us, we will never face death for our committment to the way of Jesus, but we will face giving up our preferences, our priorities, our successes, our fun, our comfort - even being liked.  The words, "We are just not that committed" still burn in my ear... words from a favorite and greatly admired elder who unlike Peter didn't want to play their part in building the church.  The words, "my congregants are my clients," ring in my ears too... words from a really awesome pastor who realizes he is focused on being liked by his congregants rather than gently and lovingly speaking God's sometimes really hard truth.  Or my own hangup, "I will follow you if you are going some place fun (like where we are walking on water),  but please don't send me to people who never laugh (where the waves are 16 footers and the wind howls)!"  Are we really willing to give up our lives for Jesus?   

Matthew 16:21-27 21 From that time on, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and undergo great suffering at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. 22 And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, "God forbid it, Lord! This must never happen to you." 23 But he turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things." 24 Then Jesus told his disciples, "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 25 For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. 26 For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life? 27 "For the Son of Man is to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay everyone for what has been done...

Do we ignore Jesus' teaching that to follow him is the ultimate committment?  In reality, for most Americans, that doesn't mean dying. For most of us that means trading what we think makes us happy for what Jesus really created us to do and be.   And still... are we willing to do that?

Revelation of the Messiah comes supernaturally

Jesus taught that not only was he the Messiah, Son of the Living God, but that this knowledge is revealed supernaturally.

Matthew 16:13-20 13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" 14 And they said, "Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." 15 He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" 16 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." 17 And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. 

I think those of us who are convinced that Jesus was who he said he was often think we can convince others through a compelling argument or a life well lived.  We often think the burden rests on our shoulders.  And while what we do may contribute, the revelation comes supernaturally through God.  How does it change our witness when we realize that God reveals himself to people supernaturally not because we try hard enough to convince them?  What if we see ourselves as "we get to take part in God's mission" instead of "God's mission rests on my shoulders?"  Could we live with greater joy and anticipation of watching God work instead of thinking we have to do it all?

Do we ignore Jesus' teaching that God does the work of revealing Jesus?

Beware that legalism has a far reaching insidious affect

Jesus taught us to beware that legalism infects the entire body.  When the dough is kneaded, the yeast spreads throughout and affects the whole body of the dough.  This is also what happens when legalism takes hold in a church.  It can look many different ways... "certain people can't worship with us because they aren't like us" to "our music, our liturgists, our way is the only right way to worship God" to "only people with certain political views are welcome."  Jesus says, "beware" of the influence of legalism, because it takes the focus off of following him and puts it on knowing the right theology, the right set of rules to follow, and the right list of good works to do.  And then what are you left with?  Religion.  Not Jesus followers.

Matthew 16:5-12 5 When the disciples reached the other side, they had forgotten to bring any bread. 6 Jesus said to them, "Watch out, and beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees." 7 They said to one another, "It is because we have brought no bread." 8 And becoming aware of it, Jesus said, "You of little faith, why are you talking about having no bread? 9 Do you still not perceive? Do you not remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many baskets you gathered? 10 Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many baskets you gathered? 11 How could you fail to perceive that I was not speaking about bread? Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees!" 12 Then they understood that he had not told them to beware of the yeast of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

Do we ignore Jesus' teaching to beware of the infectious nature of legalism?  What do I do that supports legalism in my church instead of standing against it?

Ignoring the only sign

Jesus taught that rejecting him meant they'd rejected the only sign they were going to get.  Imagine you are on a journey and there is only one path that will get you where you want to go.  And you fail to see it.  This is what happens when...

Matthew 16:1-4 The Pharisees and Sadducees came, and to test Jesus they asked him to show them a sign from heaven. 2 He answered them, "When it is evening, you say, 'It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.' 3 And in the morning, 'It will be stormy today, for the sky is red and threatening.' You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. 4 An evil and adulterous generation asks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah." Then he left them and went away.

Do we ignore Jesus' teaching that he is the only sign we are gonna get?  For the love of their traditions and for the sake of their personal power, these two religious groups, who generally don't even like one another, have both rejected Jesus.  But now they join forces to try and discredit Jesus.  Funny how hate can unite "evil and unfaithful" people.  Jesus has already done a bunch of miracles and is very popular among those not in power.  In fact he is taking away from the popularity and power of the leaders.... and they are upset by this.  They have serious control issues! So they decide to try and discredit Jesus by asking for a sign.  There have already been lots of signs.  Now they want one more.  But Jesus tells them that he is the only sign they are going to get.  Jonah was the only sign given to Nineveh.  God sent Jonah and nothing else to tell the Ninevites about God.  And Jesus is the only sign they are going to get too.  But they didn't want Jesus - his gospel took away their traditions and power.

What traditions and power issues do we have - what makes us evil and unfaithful - that keep us from following the only sign we are ever going to get?