Jesus teaches that our words will either condemn us or justify us - even the careless (or insignificant) words are judged.
I have stayed with this scripture for the last few days. But tomorrow I move on.
Matthew 12:22-37 22 Then they brought to him a demoniac who was blind and mute; and he cured him, so that the one who had been mute could speak and see. 23 All the crowds were amazed and said, "Can this be the Son of David?" 24 But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, "It is only by Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons, that this fellow casts out the demons." 25 He knew what they were thinking and said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand. 26 If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then will his kingdom stand? 27 If I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your own exorcists cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. 28 But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come to you. 29 Or how can one enter a strong man's house and plunder his property, without first tying up the strong man? Then indeed the house can be plundered. 30 Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. 31 Therefore I tell you, people will be forgiven for every sin and blasphemy, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. 32 Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come. 33 "Either make the tree good, and its fruit good; or make the tree bad, and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit. 34 You brood of vipers! How can you speak good things, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. 35 The good person brings good things out of a good treasure, and the evil person brings evil things out of an evil treasure. 36 I tell you, on the day of judgment you will have to give an account for every careless word you utter; 37 for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."
Do we ignore Jesus' teaching that our words are important because they will be used to judge us?
Note: Jesus draws this picture of our hearts being a treasure chest from which our words are drawn. Those with good treasure, speak good things. Even though the Pharisees were judging Jesus with their words, their words were actually judging them. Their words flowed from an evil treasure.
Last Sunday, during Sunday School, Steve taught that Jesus calls us to address personal attacks with love rather than with fists or put downs. I believe this is only possible when our hearts contain God's love as its treasure. Then from a heart which is full of God's love, we can address the wrongs against us with love instead of anger. The hardest part of doing this, however, is that our hearts are pretty broken and most of us have put up barriers to receiving God's love. We tend to store our own baggage where God's love is supposed to be. So when someone offends us, we go the treasure in our heart and pull out our baggage and throw it at the person instead of finding God's love in our hearts and addressing the wrong out of the abundance of love within us.
I felt this happen in my own life this week. Someone offended me by both attacking my character and telling me just how insignificant I am. The fit way for a follower of Christ to handle this situation is to go to one's heart, find it over flowing with God's love, and use that love to address the issue. My son, who majors in Peaces in Justice Studies and really is an expert on reconcilation, talked with me about the practicalities of how I could address this with the person given the deep hurt I felt. He said to wait until God filled my heart with love for the other person and - not until then - should I address it. Otherwise I would be addressing it from my own baggage - fear of being insignificant, fear of not being "good" enough for God to use in his service. He said it is not enough to act like I loved the person, but I must actually love them. I must actually be willing to put their good before my own.
So I prayed for God to clean my heart of old baggage - old fears - old lies of never being good enough - and replace it with his love. I have since felt God working within me doing just that. Soon I hope my words will over flow from this transforming heart and I will be ready to offer kind words to my offender.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Neutrality and/or doublemindedness is impossible
Jesus teaches that being neutral (not taking sides) or being double minded (changing sides as convenient) is not possible when it comes to this cosmic battle between good and evil.
I will stay with this scripture for the next few days.
Matthew 12:22-37 22 Then they brought to him a demoniac who was blind and mute; and he cured him, so that the one who had been mute could speak and see. 23 All the crowds were amazed and said, "Can this be the Son of David?" 24 But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, "It is only by Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons, that this fellow casts out the demons." 25 He knew what they were thinking and said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand. 26 If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then will his kingdom stand? 27 If I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your own exorcists cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. 28 But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come to you. 29 Or how can one enter a strong man's house and plunder his property, without first tying up the strong man? Then indeed the house can be plundered. 30 Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. 31 Therefore I tell you, people will be forgiven for every sin and blasphemy, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. 32 Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come. 33 "Either make the tree good, and its fruit good; or make the tree bad, and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit. 34 You brood of vipers! How can you speak good things, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. 35 The good person brings good things out of a good treasure, and the evil person brings evil things out of an evil treasure. 36 I tell you, on the day of judgment you will have to give an account for every careless word you utter; 37 for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."
Do we ignore Jesus' teaching that we must take sides in this cosmic battle between good and evil? That good can't be evil and evil can't be good.
Note: Verse 33 is hard to make sense of... because use of the word "make" is strange. How do we "make" the tree evil or good? Since Jesus is replying to accusations that his power comes from evil, I believe he is using the word "make" to say "choose sides". In other words, "You must accept the tree as either evil or good - it is not both." In still other words, "You must accept me as completely good with my power completely coming from God. It is not possible for me or you to be divided."
I will stay with this scripture for the next few days.
Matthew 12:22-37 22 Then they brought to him a demoniac who was blind and mute; and he cured him, so that the one who had been mute could speak and see. 23 All the crowds were amazed and said, "Can this be the Son of David?" 24 But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, "It is only by Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons, that this fellow casts out the demons." 25 He knew what they were thinking and said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand. 26 If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then will his kingdom stand? 27 If I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your own exorcists cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. 28 But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come to you. 29 Or how can one enter a strong man's house and plunder his property, without first tying up the strong man? Then indeed the house can be plundered. 30 Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. 31 Therefore I tell you, people will be forgiven for every sin and blasphemy, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. 32 Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come. 33 "Either make the tree good, and its fruit good; or make the tree bad, and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit. 34 You brood of vipers! How can you speak good things, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. 35 The good person brings good things out of a good treasure, and the evil person brings evil things out of an evil treasure. 36 I tell you, on the day of judgment you will have to give an account for every careless word you utter; 37 for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."
Do we ignore Jesus' teaching that we must take sides in this cosmic battle between good and evil? That good can't be evil and evil can't be good.
Note: Verse 33 is hard to make sense of... because use of the word "make" is strange. How do we "make" the tree evil or good? Since Jesus is replying to accusations that his power comes from evil, I believe he is using the word "make" to say "choose sides". In other words, "You must accept the tree as either evil or good - it is not both." In still other words, "You must accept me as completely good with my power completely coming from God. It is not possible for me or you to be divided."
Friday, February 26, 2010
Blasphemy against Holy Spirit unforgiveable
Jesus teaches that every sin will be forgiven except speaking against the Holy Spirit. He says this in response to the Pharisees saying his power is demonic.
I will stay with this scripture for the next few days.
Matthew 12:22-37 22 Then they brought to him a demoniac who was blind and mute; and he cured him, so that the one who had been mute could speak and see. 23 All the crowds were amazed and said, "Can this be the Son of David?" 24 But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, "It is only by Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons, that this fellow casts out the demons." 25 He knew what they were thinking and said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand. 26 If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then will his kingdom stand? 27 If I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your own exorcists cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. 28 But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come to you. 29 Or how can one enter a strong man's house and plunder his property, without first tying up the strong man? Then indeed the house can be plundered. 30 Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. 31 Therefore I tell you, people will be forgiven for every sin and blasphemy, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. 32 Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come. 33 "Either make the tree good, and its fruit good; or make the tree bad, and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit. 34 You brood of vipers! How can you speak good things, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. 35 The good person brings good things out of a good treasure, and the evil person brings evil things out of an evil treasure. 36 I tell you, on the day of judgment you will have to give an account for every careless word you utter; 37 for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."
Do we ignore Jesus' teaching that we are not to call the works of the Holy Spirit evil? How often do we tread close to this edge when we judge the works of those who belong to God?
Note: Often taken too lightly in our modern culture, is the fact that Jesus's work on the cross happened so that the Holy Spirit could indwell us. The cross and the resurrection were not ends in themselves... Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit is sent to indwell all believers, has to happen too. Otherwise we are neither reconciled to God nor set aside to serve Christ. John the Baptist described Jesus' purpose as the "baptism of the Spirit." The Holy Spirit not only marks us as belonging to Jesus, but it gives us power to do the work of God.
I believe what Jesus is saying here is that if one "speaks against" the Holy Spirit, then one has not allowed the Holy Spirit to mark them and empower them for Jesus' mission. And hence, they have signed up to be on the dark side of a cosmic battle against God. Jesus does not leave room for neutrality here... one is either with him or against him.
The Pharisees have thoughtfully, willfully, and self-consciously attributed the work of the Spirit to the powers of evil. Jesus tells them this is unforgiveable. It appears they would rather see the poor man under the control of their religious rules than set free by Jesus.
I will stay with this scripture for the next few days.
Matthew 12:22-37 22 Then they brought to him a demoniac who was blind and mute; and he cured him, so that the one who had been mute could speak and see. 23 All the crowds were amazed and said, "Can this be the Son of David?" 24 But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, "It is only by Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons, that this fellow casts out the demons." 25 He knew what they were thinking and said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand. 26 If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then will his kingdom stand? 27 If I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your own exorcists cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. 28 But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come to you. 29 Or how can one enter a strong man's house and plunder his property, without first tying up the strong man? Then indeed the house can be plundered. 30 Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. 31 Therefore I tell you, people will be forgiven for every sin and blasphemy, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. 32 Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come. 33 "Either make the tree good, and its fruit good; or make the tree bad, and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit. 34 You brood of vipers! How can you speak good things, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. 35 The good person brings good things out of a good treasure, and the evil person brings evil things out of an evil treasure. 36 I tell you, on the day of judgment you will have to give an account for every careless word you utter; 37 for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."
Do we ignore Jesus' teaching that we are not to call the works of the Holy Spirit evil? How often do we tread close to this edge when we judge the works of those who belong to God?
Note: Often taken too lightly in our modern culture, is the fact that Jesus's work on the cross happened so that the Holy Spirit could indwell us. The cross and the resurrection were not ends in themselves... Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit is sent to indwell all believers, has to happen too. Otherwise we are neither reconciled to God nor set aside to serve Christ. John the Baptist described Jesus' purpose as the "baptism of the Spirit." The Holy Spirit not only marks us as belonging to Jesus, but it gives us power to do the work of God.
I believe what Jesus is saying here is that if one "speaks against" the Holy Spirit, then one has not allowed the Holy Spirit to mark them and empower them for Jesus' mission. And hence, they have signed up to be on the dark side of a cosmic battle against God. Jesus does not leave room for neutrality here... one is either with him or against him.
The Pharisees have thoughtfully, willfully, and self-consciously attributed the work of the Spirit to the powers of evil. Jesus tells them this is unforgiveable. It appears they would rather see the poor man under the control of their religious rules than set free by Jesus.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Gather to the Kingdom of God.
Jesus teaches that those who are with him will gather and those who are against him scatter. This is the purpose of the Holy Spirit to empower us to gather the Kingdom of God. Those who are against Jesus scatter the Kingdom with lies and chaos.
I will stay with this scripture for the next few days.
Matthew 12:22-37 22 Then they brought to him a demoniac who was blind and mute; and he cured him, so that the one who had been mute could speak and see. 23 All the crowds were amazed and said, "Can this be the Son of David?" 24 But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, "It is only by Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons, that this fellow casts out the demons." 25 He knew what they were thinking and said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand. 26 If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then will his kingdom stand? 27 If I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your own exorcists cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. 28 But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come to you. 29 Or how can one enter a strong man's house and plunder his property, without first tying up the strong man? Then indeed the house can be plundered. 30 Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. 31 Therefore I tell you, people will be forgiven for every sin and blasphemy, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. 32 Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come. 33 "Either make the tree good, and its fruit good; or make the tree bad, and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit. 34 You brood of vipers! How can you speak good things, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. 35 The good person brings good things out of a good treasure, and the evil person brings evil things out of an evil treasure. 36 I tell you, on the day of judgment you will have to give an account for every careless word you utter; 37 for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."
Do we ignore Jesus' teaching that those who are gathering for the Kingdom are for him. And those who are scattering are against him? Do we hang out with gatherers or scatterers?
Note: Jesus gathers here by casting out the demon and making the man whole. Interesting that to "gather," Jesus must first cast out. The Pharisees "scatter" by misrepresenting where Jesus gets his power from - they would rather the man remain unwhole than give up their control over him with their religious laws.
I will stay with this scripture for the next few days.
Matthew 12:22-37 22 Then they brought to him a demoniac who was blind and mute; and he cured him, so that the one who had been mute could speak and see. 23 All the crowds were amazed and said, "Can this be the Son of David?" 24 But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, "It is only by Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons, that this fellow casts out the demons." 25 He knew what they were thinking and said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand. 26 If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then will his kingdom stand? 27 If I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your own exorcists cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. 28 But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come to you. 29 Or how can one enter a strong man's house and plunder his property, without first tying up the strong man? Then indeed the house can be plundered. 30 Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. 31 Therefore I tell you, people will be forgiven for every sin and blasphemy, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. 32 Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come. 33 "Either make the tree good, and its fruit good; or make the tree bad, and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit. 34 You brood of vipers! How can you speak good things, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. 35 The good person brings good things out of a good treasure, and the evil person brings evil things out of an evil treasure. 36 I tell you, on the day of judgment you will have to give an account for every careless word you utter; 37 for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."
Do we ignore Jesus' teaching that those who are gathering for the Kingdom are for him. And those who are scattering are against him? Do we hang out with gatherers or scatterers?
Note: Jesus gathers here by casting out the demon and making the man whole. Interesting that to "gather," Jesus must first cast out. The Pharisees "scatter" by misrepresenting where Jesus gets his power from - they would rather the man remain unwhole than give up their control over him with their religious laws.
Works of Holy Spirit bring Kingdom of God
Jesus teaches that the kingdom of God has come to us. The sign of this happening is that the Spirit of God is casting out Satan's kingdom from the demoniac, but also from society.
I will stay with this scripture for the next few days.
Matthew 12:22-37 22 Then they brought to him a demoniac who was blind and mute; and he cured him, so that the one who had been mute could speak and see. 23 All the crowds were amazed and said, "Can this be the Son of David?" 24 But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, "It is only by Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons, that this fellow casts out the demons." 25 He knew what they were thinking and said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand. 26 If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then will his kingdom stand? 27 If I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your own exorcists cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. 28 But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come to you. 29 Or how can one enter a strong man's house and plunder his property, without first tying up the strong man? Then indeed the house can be plundered. 30 Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. 30 Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. 31 Therefore I tell you, people will be forgiven for every sin and blasphemy, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. 32 Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come. 33 "Either make the tree good, and its fruit good; or make the tree bad, and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit. 34 You brood of vipers! How can you speak good things, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. 35 The good person brings good things out of a good treasure, and the evil person brings evil things out of an evil treasure. 36 I tell you, on the day of judgment you will have to give an account for every careless word you utter; 37 for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."
Do we ignore Jesus' teaching that casting out evil through the works of the Spirit is part of "thy Kingdom come?"
Note: The kingdom of God and the works of the Spirit of God are tied together. The work of the Holy Spirit is done through Jesus in this story. But after Pentecost, the works of the Holy Spirit will be done through all of his followers. After Jesus ascends into heaven, this is how the Kingdom of God continues to enter the world... through the work of the Holy Spirit within believers.
I will stay with this scripture for the next few days.
Matthew 12:22-37 22 Then they brought to him a demoniac who was blind and mute; and he cured him, so that the one who had been mute could speak and see. 23 All the crowds were amazed and said, "Can this be the Son of David?" 24 But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, "It is only by Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons, that this fellow casts out the demons." 25 He knew what they were thinking and said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand. 26 If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then will his kingdom stand? 27 If I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your own exorcists cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. 28 But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come to you. 29 Or how can one enter a strong man's house and plunder his property, without first tying up the strong man? Then indeed the house can be plundered. 30 Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. 30 Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. 31 Therefore I tell you, people will be forgiven for every sin and blasphemy, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. 32 Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come. 33 "Either make the tree good, and its fruit good; or make the tree bad, and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit. 34 You brood of vipers! How can you speak good things, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. 35 The good person brings good things out of a good treasure, and the evil person brings evil things out of an evil treasure. 36 I tell you, on the day of judgment you will have to give an account for every careless word you utter; 37 for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."
Do we ignore Jesus' teaching that casting out evil through the works of the Spirit is part of "thy Kingdom come?"
Note: The kingdom of God and the works of the Spirit of God are tied together. The work of the Holy Spirit is done through Jesus in this story. But after Pentecost, the works of the Holy Spirit will be done through all of his followers. After Jesus ascends into heaven, this is how the Kingdom of God continues to enter the world... through the work of the Holy Spirit within believers.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Loving Trumphs Following Religious Rules
Jesus teaches that love (doing good) trumps a bunch of religious rules every time.
Matthew 12:9-13 9 He left that place and entered their synagogue; 10 a man was there with a withered hand, and they asked him, "Is it lawful to cure on the sabbath?" so that they might accuse him. 11 He said to them, "Suppose one of you has only one sheep and it falls into a pit on the sabbath; will you not lay hold of it and lift it out? 12 How much more valuable is a human being than a sheep! So it is lawful to do good on the sabbath." 13 Then he said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He stretched it out, and it was restored, as sound as the other.
Imagine a bunch of religious people sitting around diligently trying to decide what people should and should not do on the Sabbath. Meanwhile, there are people outside their meeting needing their help... needing food, needing hope, needing love. Jesus said, "Get over your stupid religious rules and do good."
Likewise, I went to a meeting recently where instead of talking about where to use the talents and passion of interested people in the service of Jesus, they spent their time talking about who was good enough and who wasn't good enough to be used in Jesus' service. I wanted to say, "Let us get over our stupid religious rules and let these willing people do good."
So Jesus heals the hand - but he doesn't heal the hearts of the people with the stupid religious rules. Why not? This is where real change needs to happen in our world (espeically in the religion of Christianity) so we can get on with the business of doing good.
Matthew 12:9-13 9 He left that place and entered their synagogue; 10 a man was there with a withered hand, and they asked him, "Is it lawful to cure on the sabbath?" so that they might accuse him. 11 He said to them, "Suppose one of you has only one sheep and it falls into a pit on the sabbath; will you not lay hold of it and lift it out? 12 How much more valuable is a human being than a sheep! So it is lawful to do good on the sabbath." 13 Then he said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He stretched it out, and it was restored, as sound as the other.
Imagine a bunch of religious people sitting around diligently trying to decide what people should and should not do on the Sabbath. Meanwhile, there are people outside their meeting needing their help... needing food, needing hope, needing love. Jesus said, "Get over your stupid religious rules and do good."
Likewise, I went to a meeting recently where instead of talking about where to use the talents and passion of interested people in the service of Jesus, they spent their time talking about who was good enough and who wasn't good enough to be used in Jesus' service. I wanted to say, "Let us get over our stupid religious rules and let these willing people do good."
So Jesus heals the hand - but he doesn't heal the hearts of the people with the stupid religious rules. Why not? This is where real change needs to happen in our world (espeically in the religion of Christianity) so we can get on with the business of doing good.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Offer Mercy not Judgement
Jesus teaches that his followers are not worried about following a long list of rules, but in following him.
Matthew 12:1-8 At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the sabbath; his disciples were hungry, and they began to pluck heads of grain and to eat. 2 When the Pharisees saw it, they said to him, "Look, your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the sabbath." 3 He said to them, "Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? 4 He entered the house of God and ate the bread of the Presence, which it was not lawful for him or his companions to eat, but only for the priests. 5 Or have you not read in the law that on the sabbath the priests in the temple break the sabbath and yet are guiltless? 6 I tell you, something greater than the temple is here. 7 But if you had known what this means, 'I desire mercy and not sacrifice,' you would not have condemned the guiltless. 8 For the Son of Man is lord of the sabbath."
Do we ignore Jesus' teaching that we are to follow him in offering mercy, rather than following a long list of rules that judge and condemn others?
Matthew 12:1-8 At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the sabbath; his disciples were hungry, and they began to pluck heads of grain and to eat. 2 When the Pharisees saw it, they said to him, "Look, your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the sabbath." 3 He said to them, "Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? 4 He entered the house of God and ate the bread of the Presence, which it was not lawful for him or his companions to eat, but only for the priests. 5 Or have you not read in the law that on the sabbath the priests in the temple break the sabbath and yet are guiltless? 6 I tell you, something greater than the temple is here. 7 But if you had known what this means, 'I desire mercy and not sacrifice,' you would not have condemned the guiltless. 8 For the Son of Man is lord of the sabbath."
Do we ignore Jesus' teaching that we are to follow him in offering mercy, rather than following a long list of rules that judge and condemn others?
Monday, February 1, 2010
Come to Jesus - Let him hold you in his arms
Jesus teaches us to let him gently take all our problems from us.
Matthew 11:28-30 28 "Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
Do we ignore Jesus' teaching to trust him to gently hold and love us?
Note: The Pharisees had a saying... "To be right with God, you must take on the Yoke of the Law" which was a long list of rules that they believed that they must follow to be right with God. Instead of focusing their lives on having a loving relationship with God and others, they focused their lives on which rules to follow and which rules to judge people by. But Jesus says something completely different! He says his yoke is easy and his burden is light. Stop taking on the burden of being right with God... of following a list of rules - and instead just follow Jesus to a place of peace where you will be tenderly loved and where he will teach you to tenderly love God and others.
Mindy Smith sings a song called "Come to Jesus" that applies so much to this...
Matthew 11:28-30 28 "Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
Do we ignore Jesus' teaching to trust him to gently hold and love us?
Note: The Pharisees had a saying... "To be right with God, you must take on the Yoke of the Law" which was a long list of rules that they believed that they must follow to be right with God. Instead of focusing their lives on having a loving relationship with God and others, they focused their lives on which rules to follow and which rules to judge people by. But Jesus says something completely different! He says his yoke is easy and his burden is light. Stop taking on the burden of being right with God... of following a list of rules - and instead just follow Jesus to a place of peace where you will be tenderly loved and where he will teach you to tenderly love God and others.
Mindy Smith sings a song called "Come to Jesus" that applies so much to this...
"Come To Jesus"
Oh, my baby, when you're older
Maybe then you'll understand
You have angels to dance around your shoulders
'Cause at times in life you need a helping hand
Oh, my baby, when you're prayin'
Leave your burden by my door
You have Jesus standing at your bedside
To keep you calm, keep you safe,
Away from harm
Worry not my daughters,
Worry not my sons
Child, when life don't seem worth livin'
Come to Jesus and let Him hold you in His arms
Oh, my baby, when you're cryin'
Never hide your face from me
'cause I have conquered hell and driven out the demons
I have come with a light to set you free
Worry not my daughters,
Worry not my sons
Child, when life don't seem worth livin'
Come to Jesus and let Him hold you in His arms
Oh, my baby, when you're dying
Believe the healing of His hand
Here in Heaven we will wait for your arrival
Here in Heaven you will finally understand
Here in Heaven we will wait for your arrival
Here in Heaven you will finally understand
Worry not my daughters,
Worry not my sons
Child, when life don't seem worth livin'
Come to Jesus and let Him hold you in His arms
Thursday, January 28, 2010
God's will is sovereign over our will
Jesus recognized God's Sovereignty
Matthew 11:25-26 25 At that time Jesus said, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; 26 yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.
Do we ignore Jesus' teaching that God has sovereignty over our free will?
Note: Sovereignty is the quality of having supreme, independent authority. The Father chooses whose eyes are opened to him. This is always hard for me to hear wanting our free will to completely control our destinies, but the Father has his ways and his timing. And as Jesus says, God's will is gracious to us. And so we can still trust God's love for all of humanity will relentlessly pursue each of us until we are reconciled into the arms of the trinity.
Matthew 11:25-26 25 At that time Jesus said, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; 26 yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.
Do we ignore Jesus' teaching that God has sovereignty over our free will?
Note: Sovereignty is the quality of having supreme, independent authority. The Father chooses whose eyes are opened to him. This is always hard for me to hear wanting our free will to completely control our destinies, but the Father has his ways and his timing. And as Jesus says, God's will is gracious to us. And so we can still trust God's love for all of humanity will relentlessly pursue each of us until we are reconciled into the arms of the trinity.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Miracles & Message demonstrate Messiah's authenticity
Jesus teaches that his miracles and his message are proof that he is the Messiah
Matthew 11:2-6 2 When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples 3 and said to him, "Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?" 4 Jesus answered them, "Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5 the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. 6 And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me."
Do we ignore Jesus' teaching that he is the one sent to reconcile humanity to our creator?
Matthew 11:2-6 2 When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples 3 and said to him, "Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?" 4 Jesus answered them, "Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5 the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. 6 And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me."
Do we ignore Jesus' teaching that he is the one sent to reconcile humanity to our creator?
Friday, January 22, 2010
Find real life in giving up self and following Jesus
Jesus teaches us to follow him by dying to self and in doing so find real life.
Matthew 10:38-39 38 whoever does not take up the cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Those who find their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.
Do we ignore Jesus' teaching that in letting go of our own interests and following him completely, that we find our most meaningful and joyful life?
Note: "Taking up one's cross" means to let go of one's own interests and put the interest of Jesus and others first. This is not a call to live in gloom and denial, but to truly live for something --- to live out the Kingdom life that Jesus describes (love God and others by our actions not just our feelings).
Matthew 10:38-39 38 whoever does not take up the cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Those who find their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.
Do we ignore Jesus' teaching that in letting go of our own interests and following him completely, that we find our most meaningful and joyful life?
Note: "Taking up one's cross" means to let go of one's own interests and put the interest of Jesus and others first. This is not a call to live in gloom and denial, but to truly live for something --- to live out the Kingdom life that Jesus describes (love God and others by our actions not just our feelings).
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Jesus' family values: He comes before family
Jesus teaches that his Kingdom News will split up families. And that he is to come first.
Matthew 10:34-37 34 "Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; 36 and one's foes will be members of one's own household. 37 Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me;
Do we ignore Jesus' teaching to expect that families will be split over living out his Kingdom?
Note: Jesus teaches several times in the gospels that when we choose to follow him, he becomes our brother. And all of his followers become our mothers, sisters, and brothers (we only have one father - and that is God). We are to have an even deeper relationship with followers of Jesus than we do with genetically related family members. Of course, the best of all worlds is that our blood relatives would be his followers too and we would all live out his kingdom teachings together. But he warns us that this will not be the case all of the time. Jesus is telling us here that the old patriarcal social order is different from Kingdom living. Kingdom living has to do with following Jesus together (as brothers, sisters, and mothers), not falling back into an old accepted social order at home.
Matthew 12:46-50 46 While he was still speaking to the crowds, his mother and his brothers were standing outside, wanting to speak to him. 47 Someone told him, "Look, your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you." 48 But to the one who had told him this, Jesus replied, "Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?" 49 And pointing to his disciples, he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers! 50 For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother."
Matthew 19:29-30 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.
Matthew 23:9 9 And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father-- the one in heaven.
John 19:26-27 26 When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, "Woman, here is your son." 27 Then he said to the disciple, "Here is your mother." And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home.
Matthew 10:34-37 34 "Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; 36 and one's foes will be members of one's own household. 37 Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me;
Do we ignore Jesus' teaching to expect that families will be split over living out his Kingdom?
Note: Jesus teaches several times in the gospels that when we choose to follow him, he becomes our brother. And all of his followers become our mothers, sisters, and brothers (we only have one father - and that is God). We are to have an even deeper relationship with followers of Jesus than we do with genetically related family members. Of course, the best of all worlds is that our blood relatives would be his followers too and we would all live out his kingdom teachings together. But he warns us that this will not be the case all of the time. Jesus is telling us here that the old patriarcal social order is different from Kingdom living. Kingdom living has to do with following Jesus together (as brothers, sisters, and mothers), not falling back into an old accepted social order at home.
Matthew 12:46-50 46 While he was still speaking to the crowds, his mother and his brothers were standing outside, wanting to speak to him. 47 Someone told him, "Look, your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you." 48 But to the one who had told him this, Jesus replied, "Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?" 49 And pointing to his disciples, he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers! 50 For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother."
Matthew 19:29-30 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.
Matthew 23:9 9 And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father-- the one in heaven.
John 19:26-27 26 When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, "Woman, here is your son." 27 Then he said to the disciple, "Here is your mother." And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
No such thing as an undercover follower of Jesus
Jesus teaches us that his followers will acknowledge (confess or profess) him publically.
Matthew 10:32-33 32 "Everyone therefore who acknowledges me before others, I also will acknowledge before my Father in heaven; 33 but whoever denies me before others, I also will deny before my Father in heaven.
Do we ignore Jesus' teaching that his followers will acknowledge him publically?
Matthew 10:32-33 32 "Everyone therefore who acknowledges me before others, I also will acknowledge before my Father in heaven; 33 but whoever denies me before others, I also will deny before my Father in heaven.
Do we ignore Jesus' teaching that his followers will acknowledge him publically?
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Don't fear - God cares
Jesus taught that since God cares about the smallest matters, we can be free from fear.
Matthew 10:29-31 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30 And even the hairs of your head are all counted. 31 So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows.
Do we ignore Jesus’ teaching that God cares about even the details of our individual lives? If we believed this – how would it change how we live? The surrounding verses indicate that Jesus wants this knowledge to motivate those spreading the Kingdom News to live without fear.
Note: A God who bothers to count the hairs on our head is not limited to caring about the cosmic issues of the universe. Jesus is telling us that if God cares about the details, the small things, the sparrows, then he cares about us too – and everything that happens to us. Jesus doesn’t say we won’t ever have problems (the sparrows fall), but Jesus tells us that God’s concern (love) surrounds us in the midst of problems.
Matthew 10:29-31 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30 And even the hairs of your head are all counted. 31 So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows.
Do we ignore Jesus’ teaching that God cares about even the details of our individual lives? If we believed this – how would it change how we live? The surrounding verses indicate that Jesus wants this knowledge to motivate those spreading the Kingdom News to live without fear.
Note: A God who bothers to count the hairs on our head is not limited to caring about the cosmic issues of the universe. Jesus is telling us that if God cares about the details, the small things, the sparrows, then he cares about us too – and everything that happens to us. Jesus doesn’t say we won’t ever have problems (the sparrows fall), but Jesus tells us that God’s concern (love) surrounds us in the midst of problems.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Death is "not even" the final word
Jesus taught that we should not fear the end of our earthly existence - our souls continue.
Matthew 10:28 Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
Do we ignore Jesus’ teaching to live without fear of death?
Note: Shane Claiborne in “The Irresistible Revolution” warns his readers: "All around you, people will be tiptoeing through life, just to arrive at death safely. But dear children, do not tiptoe. Run, hop, skip, or dance, just don't tiptoe" and "Dance until they kill you, and then we'll dance some more."
Matthew 10:28 Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
Do we ignore Jesus’ teaching to live without fear of death?
Note: Shane Claiborne in “The Irresistible Revolution” warns his readers: "All around you, people will be tiptoeing through life, just to arrive at death safely. But dear children, do not tiptoe. Run, hop, skip, or dance, just don't tiptoe" and "Dance until they kill you, and then we'll dance some more."
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Don't hide Jesus' message - speak it
Jesus taught the disciples to proclaim his Kingdom message in the light and from the housetops.
Matthew 10:27 What I say to you in the dark, tell in the light; and what you hear whispered, proclaim from the housetops.
When was the last time any of us yelled "Jesus loves you" from a roof? Okay, it’s a metaphor. But do we ignore Jesus' teaching to speak his kingdom message?
Note: We watched "New in Town" last night about a business woman having the cultural shock of her life when she is sent from upscale Miami to a little town in Minnesota. There is a line in the movie when an angry (although usually gentle Minnesota woman) tells the business woman off. The woman accuses the business woman of looking down her nose the town's people. And she begins to list all the things the business woman has judged them for. Among the list was "you don't like that we bring Jesus into ordinary conversation." I thought of this verse when she said that.
At times, Jesus had told the disciples and others to keep his message and miracles quiet. The world wasn't ready to hear them yet. Some of the things he taught, the disciples didn't understand immediately and weren't ready to teach. But here Jesus instructs them that it is time to speak everything he has taught.
Matthew 10:27 What I say to you in the dark, tell in the light; and what you hear whispered, proclaim from the housetops.
When was the last time any of us yelled "Jesus loves you" from a roof? Okay, it’s a metaphor. But do we ignore Jesus' teaching to speak his kingdom message?
Note: We watched "New in Town" last night about a business woman having the cultural shock of her life when she is sent from upscale Miami to a little town in Minnesota. There is a line in the movie when an angry (although usually gentle Minnesota woman) tells the business woman off. The woman accuses the business woman of looking down her nose the town's people. And she begins to list all the things the business woman has judged them for. Among the list was "you don't like that we bring Jesus into ordinary conversation." I thought of this verse when she said that.
At times, Jesus had told the disciples and others to keep his message and miracles quiet. The world wasn't ready to hear them yet. Some of the things he taught, the disciples didn't understand immediately and weren't ready to teach. But here Jesus instructs them that it is time to speak everything he has taught.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Do not fear - Father is with you.
Jesus taught those sent to spread his Kingdom Message not to fear - that nothing happens to them apart from the Father's awareness.
Matthew 10:26-31 26 "So have no fear of them; for nothing is covered up that will not be uncovered, and nothing secret that will not become known. 27 What I say to you in the dark, tell in the light; and what you hear whispered, proclaim from the housetops. 28 Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30 And even the hairs of your head are all counted. 31 So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows.
Do we ignore Jesus' teaching to trust that the Father is aware of our situations and is with us. Therefore there is no reason to fear?
Matthew 10:26-31 26 "So have no fear of them; for nothing is covered up that will not be uncovered, and nothing secret that will not become known. 27 What I say to you in the dark, tell in the light; and what you hear whispered, proclaim from the housetops. 28 Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30 And even the hairs of your head are all counted. 31 So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows.
Do we ignore Jesus' teaching to trust that the Father is aware of our situations and is with us. Therefore there is no reason to fear?
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Expect Kingdom Messengers will be called Evil
Jesus tells those he sent to teach the Kingdom Message that they will be called evil.
Matthew 10:24-25 24 "A disciple is not above the teacher, nor a slave above the master; 25 it is enough for the disciple to be like the teacher, and the slave like the master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household!
Do we ignore Jesus’ teaching that those teaching his message will not be popular?
Note: If they disliked the teacher, they will dislike the student. If they dislike the master, they will dislike the slave. So if they associated Jesus with evil, they will associate those sharing Jesus’ message with evil too. "They" were the religious people of the day.
Matthew 10:24-25 24 "A disciple is not above the teacher, nor a slave above the master; 25 it is enough for the disciple to be like the teacher, and the slave like the master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household!
Do we ignore Jesus’ teaching that those teaching his message will not be popular?
Note: If they disliked the teacher, they will dislike the student. If they dislike the master, they will dislike the slave. So if they associated Jesus with evil, they will associate those sharing Jesus’ message with evil too. "They" were the religious people of the day.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Expect Division, Seek those who listen, Endure
Jesus' Kingdom Message tells us we can be reconciled - not just to God, but to each other. And yet, Jesus warns those he is sending to teach the Kingdom Message that the message will violently divide those who don't accept it.
Matthew 10:21-23 21 "Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. 22 All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. 23 When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. I tell you the truth, you will not finish going through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes.
Do we ignore Jesus' Teaching to expect division, not to let it hijack the message, and to have endurance to keep seeking out those who will listen?
Note: Division between persons has been an apocalyptic sign throughout scripture.
Matthew 10:21-23 21 "Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. 22 All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. 23 When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. I tell you the truth, you will not finish going through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes.
Do we ignore Jesus' Teaching to expect division, not to let it hijack the message, and to have endurance to keep seeking out those who will listen?
Note: Division between persons has been an apocalyptic sign throughout scripture.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Don't worry about what to say
Jesus teaches that the Spirit will give words to say that will witness of him to his followers detractors
Matthew 10:17-20 17 "But beware of men; for they will deliver you up to the courts, and scourge you in their synagogues; 18 and you shall even be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. 19 "But when they deliver you up, do not become anxious about how or what you will speak; for it shall be given you in that hour what you are to speak. 20 "For it is not you who speak, but it is the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.
Do we ignore Jesus' teaching not to worry about how to answer detractors, but to let the Holy Spirit speak through us?
Matthew 10:17-20 17 "But beware of men; for they will deliver you up to the courts, and scourge you in their synagogues; 18 and you shall even be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. 19 "But when they deliver you up, do not become anxious about how or what you will speak; for it shall be given you in that hour what you are to speak. 20 "For it is not you who speak, but it is the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.
Do we ignore Jesus' teaching not to worry about how to answer detractors, but to let the Holy Spirit speak through us?
Friday, January 8, 2010
Protect yourself from harm in a holy manner
Jesus taught those sent to spread his kingdom message that there would be those who wanted to harm them... so they should be "shrewd, yet holy."
Matthew 10:16 "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; therefore be shrewd as serpents, and innocent as doves."
Do we ignore Jesus' teaching to be shrewedly aware, yet holy in our actions toward those who want to harm us?
Note: Serpent were considered shrewd and wise in the Middle East. Doves were considered innocent, harmless, and pure. Two things to note:
Matthew 10:16 "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; therefore be shrewd as serpents, and innocent as doves."
Do we ignore Jesus' teaching to be shrewedly aware, yet holy in our actions toward those who want to harm us?
Note: Serpent were considered shrewd and wise in the Middle East. Doves were considered innocent, harmless, and pure. Two things to note:
- Being "shrewed and wise" can easily degenerate into manipulation and violence unless it is seasoned with purity.
- Being "pure, harmless, and innocent" can easily degenerate into becoming a naive victim unless combined with shrewed wisdom.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Move on when Kingdom Message is ignored
Jesus teaches us to simply move on when people don't want to hear the kingdom message.
Matthew 10:14-15 14 If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet as you leave that house or town. 15 Truly I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.
Matthew 10:21-23 21 "Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. 22 All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. 23 When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. I tell you the truth, you will not finish going through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes.
Do we ignore Jesus' teaching to move on when people don't want to hear the kingdom news?
Note: Jesus has just sent his followers to teach the Kingdom Message (proclaim the good news, 'The kingdom of heaven has come near.' Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons) to the most religious people of his day. Since these were good "bible belieiving" relgious people, it would have been shocking to his followers that Jesus compares these good religous people to the people of Sodom and Gomorrah. The sin they were both committing was explained by the prophet Ezekiel: "This was the guilt of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters had pride, excess of food, and prosperous ease, but did not aid the poor and needy. They were haughty, and did abominable things before me; therefore I removed them when I saw it" (Ezekiel 16:49-50).
Whenever Christianity becomes a religion instead of the committment to be the hands and feet of Jesus ministering to the spiritual and physical needs of others, the religion takes precedent over loving God and others. Sodom put itself before God and others. So did the religious people Jesus was sending his followers to. And they refused to hear the kingdom message. Jesus says to move on when the religious people (or anyone else) won't hear his message.
Matthew 10:14-15 14 If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet as you leave that house or town. 15 Truly I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.
Matthew 10:21-23 21 "Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. 22 All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. 23 When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. I tell you the truth, you will not finish going through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes.
Do we ignore Jesus' teaching to move on when people don't want to hear the kingdom news?
Note: Jesus has just sent his followers to teach the Kingdom Message (proclaim the good news, 'The kingdom of heaven has come near.' Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons) to the most religious people of his day. Since these were good "bible belieiving" relgious people, it would have been shocking to his followers that Jesus compares these good religous people to the people of Sodom and Gomorrah. The sin they were both committing was explained by the prophet Ezekiel: "This was the guilt of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters had pride, excess of food, and prosperous ease, but did not aid the poor and needy. They were haughty, and did abominable things before me; therefore I removed them when I saw it" (Ezekiel 16:49-50).
Whenever Christianity becomes a religion instead of the committment to be the hands and feet of Jesus ministering to the spiritual and physical needs of others, the religion takes precedent over loving God and others. Sodom put itself before God and others. So did the religious people Jesus was sending his followers to. And they refused to hear the kingdom message. Jesus says to move on when the religious people (or anyone else) won't hear his message.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Trust God will provide partners in Kingdom ministry
Jesus instructed those spreading the news of the Kingdom that they should/would be provided for when/where the Kingdom needs to be taught.
Matthew 10:9-13 9 Take no gold, or silver, or copper in your belts, 10 no bag for your journey, or two tunics, or sandals, or a staff; for laborers deserve their food. 11 Whatever town or village you enter, find out who in it is worthy, and stay there until you leave. 12 As you enter the house, greet it. 13 If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you.
Do we ignore Jesus' teaching that God will provide for the needs of those teaching the Kingdom when/where he wants them to teach his Kingdom?
Matthew 10:9-13 9 Take no gold, or silver, or copper in your belts, 10 no bag for your journey, or two tunics, or sandals, or a staff; for laborers deserve their food. 11 Whatever town or village you enter, find out who in it is worthy, and stay there until you leave. 12 As you enter the house, greet it. 13 If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you.
Do we ignore Jesus' teaching that God will provide for the needs of those teaching the Kingdom when/where he wants them to teach his Kingdom?
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Don't profit from Kingdom ministry
Jesus taught his followers to teach the kingdom and heal spiritual and physical problems without profiting from their work.
Matthew 10:8 You received without payment; give without payment.
Do we ignore Jesus' teaching not to profit from kingdom ministry?
Note: Micah 3:12 11 Its rulers give judgment for a bribe, its priests teach for a price, its prophets give oracles for money; yet they lean upon the LORD and say, "Surely the LORD is with us! No harm shall come upon us." 12 Therefore because of you Zion shall be plowed as a field; Jerusalem shall become a heap of ruins, and the mountain of the house a wooded height.
Matthew 10:8 You received without payment; give without payment.
Do we ignore Jesus' teaching not to profit from kingdom ministry?
Note: Micah 3:12 11 Its rulers give judgment for a bribe, its priests teach for a price, its prophets give oracles for money; yet they lean upon the LORD and say, "Surely the LORD is with us! No harm shall come upon us." 12 Therefore because of you Zion shall be plowed as a field; Jerusalem shall become a heap of ruins, and the mountain of the house a wooded height.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Teaching the kingdom is in sync with other ministries.
Jesus teaches his followers that proclaiming the news of the kingdom goes hand in hand with meeting the spiritual and physical needs of others.
Matthew 10:7-8 7 As you go, proclaim the good news, 'The kingdom of heaven has come near.' 8 Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons.
Do we ignore the teaching of Jesus to teach the kingdom and meet the spiritual and physical needs?
Matthew 10:7-8 7 As you go, proclaim the good news, 'The kingdom of heaven has come near.' 8 Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons.
Do we ignore the teaching of Jesus to teach the kingdom and meet the spiritual and physical needs?
Friday, January 1, 2010
Follow a plan for teaching the Kingdom message
Jesus had a plan to disperse the message of the Kingdom. First to his peeps and then to the rest of the world.
Matthew 10:5, 18 5 These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: "Go nowhere among the Gentiles, and enter no town of the Samaritans, 6 but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. ...18 and you will be dragged before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them and the Gentiles.
Do we ignore the fact that Jesus had a plan for dispersing the message of the Kingdom? First to his Jewish brothers and sisters and then to everyone else.
Note: I wonder if this relates to how we should disperse the message of the Kingdom today? So much of the "church" doesn't know Jesus' teachings and it is easy to just reject the established "church" since they claim to know them. On the other hand, is it time to leave the established "church" behind and focus on taking the message to people who have been rejected by the established church (i.e. the emergent church movement)?
Matthew 10:5, 18 5 These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: "Go nowhere among the Gentiles, and enter no town of the Samaritans, 6 but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. ...18 and you will be dragged before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them and the Gentiles.
Do we ignore the fact that Jesus had a plan for dispersing the message of the Kingdom? First to his Jewish brothers and sisters and then to everyone else.
Note: I wonder if this relates to how we should disperse the message of the Kingdom today? So much of the "church" doesn't know Jesus' teachings and it is easy to just reject the established "church" since they claim to know them. On the other hand, is it time to leave the established "church" behind and focus on taking the message to people who have been rejected by the established church (i.e. the emergent church movement)?
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Have Power Over Spiritual and Physical Needs
Jesus taught his followers that they have power over spiritual and physical needs.
Matthew 10:1 35 Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and curing every disease and every sickness. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; 38 therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest." 10:1 Then Jesus summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to cure every disease and every sickness. 2 These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon, also known as Peter, and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed him.
Do we ignore Jesus' teaching that his followers have power over spiritual and physical problems?
Note: Jesus no sooner teaches his followers to pray that God will send workers to those in spiritual and physical need, when he tells them that they are the answer to their prayers - that God is sending them. But he doesn't stop there. Jesus gives them power over spiritual and physical needs. Jesus' followers can change the world!
Matthew 10:1 35 Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and curing every disease and every sickness. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; 38 therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest." 10:1 Then Jesus summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to cure every disease and every sickness. 2 These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon, also known as Peter, and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed him.
Do we ignore Jesus' teaching that his followers have power over spiritual and physical problems?
Note: Jesus no sooner teaches his followers to pray that God will send workers to those in spiritual and physical need, when he tells them that they are the answer to their prayers - that God is sending them. But he doesn't stop there. Jesus gives them power over spiritual and physical needs. Jesus' followers can change the world!
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Be the answer to your prayers for those in need
Jesus makes his followers the answer to their prayer to be ministers to those in spiritual and physical need.
Matthew 10:1-4 35 Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and curing every disease and every sickness. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; 38 therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest." 10:1 Then Jesus summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to cure every disease and every sickness. 2 These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon, also known as Peter, and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed him.
Do we ignore Jesus' teaching that we are the answer to our prayers for those in spiritual and physcial need?
Note: Jesus not only teaches his followers to pray that God will send helpers to those in spiritual and physical need, but then he tells them that they are the answer to their prayers - they are the ones God is sending.
Matthew 10:1-4 35 Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and curing every disease and every sickness. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; 38 therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest." 10:1 Then Jesus summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to cure every disease and every sickness. 2 These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon, also known as Peter, and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed him.
Do we ignore Jesus' teaching that we are the answer to our prayers for those in spiritual and physcial need?
Note: Jesus not only teaches his followers to pray that God will send helpers to those in spiritual and physical need, but then he tells them that they are the answer to their prayers - they are the ones God is sending.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Ask God to send workers to those in need
Jesus taught his followers to ask God to send workers to those in need
Matthew 9:35-38 35 Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and curing every disease and every sickness. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; 38 therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest."
Do we ignore Jesus' teaching to ask God to send workers to those in need?
Note: The Lord's Prayer is not the only time Jesus taught his followers to pray. And yet, how often do we pray this prayer together? Jesus had seen those in need and taught his followers to ask God (the Lord of the harvest) to send out laborers (in the sense of caregivers or helpers) to minister to those in spiritual and physical need. Perhaps we should pray: "There are many who are harassed and helpless, but there are few who will help them. Send workers to those in need."
Monday, December 28, 2009
The "religious" discredit Jesus
Jesus was accused of being evil by the most religious people of his day.
Matthew 9:32-34 32 After they had gone away, a demoniac who was mute was brought to him. 33 And when the demon had been cast out, the one who had been mute spoke; and the crowds were amazed and said, "Never has anything like this been seen in Israel." 34 But the Pharisees said, "By the ruler of the demons he casts out the demons."
Do we ignore Jesus' experience that the most religious people of his day explained away his power by saying he was evil?
Note: The Pharisees were the most "religious" "denomination" of Jesus' day. They are most commonly known for keeping a long list of rules meant to help them from straying from God's law. But they also had a well developed theology... they believed that an afterlife existed where God would punished the wicked and rewarded the righteous. They believed in a messiah that would herald an era of Jewish rule and world peace. Jesus had problems with some of them because there is a difference between practicing religion (following a list of rules, believing a particular doctrine, performing a list of good works) and having a relationship with God. And many of them didn't have the latter. Jesus says they were more interested in what humans thought of them than God (Matt 23:28 and John 12:43). Some Pharisees were followers of Jesus, but the ones in this story are so disturbed that Jesus has power apart from their religion that they can only explain it away if they believe that Jesus is evil.
Matthew 9:32-34 32 After they had gone away, a demoniac who was mute was brought to him. 33 And when the demon had been cast out, the one who had been mute spoke; and the crowds were amazed and said, "Never has anything like this been seen in Israel." 34 But the Pharisees said, "By the ruler of the demons he casts out the demons."
Do we ignore Jesus' experience that the most religious people of his day explained away his power by saying he was evil?
Note: The Pharisees were the most "religious" "denomination" of Jesus' day. They are most commonly known for keeping a long list of rules meant to help them from straying from God's law. But they also had a well developed theology... they believed that an afterlife existed where God would punished the wicked and rewarded the righteous. They believed in a messiah that would herald an era of Jewish rule and world peace. Jesus had problems with some of them because there is a difference between practicing religion (following a list of rules, believing a particular doctrine, performing a list of good works) and having a relationship with God. And many of them didn't have the latter. Jesus says they were more interested in what humans thought of them than God (Matt 23:28 and John 12:43). Some Pharisees were followers of Jesus, but the ones in this story are so disturbed that Jesus has power apart from their religion that they can only explain it away if they believe that Jesus is evil.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Trust Jesus' power to heal.
Jesus teaches us to have faith that will seek out his power to heal.
Matthew 9:18-31
18 While he was saying these things to them, suddenly a leader of the synagogue came in and knelt before him, saying, "My daughter has just died; but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live." 19 And Jesus got up and followed him, with his disciples.
20 Then suddenly a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his cloak, 21 for she said to herself, "If I only touch his cloak, I will be made well." 22 Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, "Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well." And instantly the woman was made well.
23 When Jesus came to the leader's house and saw the flute players and the crowd making a commotion, 24 he said, "Go away; for the girl is not dead but sleeping." And they laughed at him. 25 But when the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took her by the hand, and the girl got up. 26 And the report of this spread throughout that district.
27 As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, crying loudly, "Have mercy on us, Son of David!" 28 When he entered the house, the blind men came to him; and Jesus said to them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" They said to him, "Yes, Lord." 29 Then he touched their eyes and said, "According to your faith let it be done to you." 30 And their eyes were opened. Then Jesus sternly ordered them, "See that no one knows of this." 31 But they went away and spread the news about him throughout that district.
Do we ignore Jesus' teaching to have faith in his power to heal?
Note: I think it is important to point out that these stories do not teach that if one is sick (or doesn't get healed) that there is a lack of faith. But in the three stories here, their faith influences their healing. The leader of the synagogue has faith and his daughter is healed - after the unbelieving crowd is removed from his house. The woman is healed because "your faith has made you well." The blind men are healed "according to their faith let it be done to them." It doesn't seem that it matters how much faith they had ( faith of a mustard seed can move mountains), but that with whatever faith they had, they turned to Jesus for help.
Matthew 9:18-31
18 While he was saying these things to them, suddenly a leader of the synagogue came in and knelt before him, saying, "My daughter has just died; but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live." 19 And Jesus got up and followed him, with his disciples.
20 Then suddenly a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his cloak, 21 for she said to herself, "If I only touch his cloak, I will be made well." 22 Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, "Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well." And instantly the woman was made well.
23 When Jesus came to the leader's house and saw the flute players and the crowd making a commotion, 24 he said, "Go away; for the girl is not dead but sleeping." And they laughed at him. 25 But when the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took her by the hand, and the girl got up. 26 And the report of this spread throughout that district.
27 As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, crying loudly, "Have mercy on us, Son of David!" 28 When he entered the house, the blind men came to him; and Jesus said to them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" They said to him, "Yes, Lord." 29 Then he touched their eyes and said, "According to your faith let it be done to you." 30 And their eyes were opened. Then Jesus sternly ordered them, "See that no one knows of this." 31 But they went away and spread the news about him throughout that district.
Do we ignore Jesus' teaching to have faith in his power to heal?
Note: I think it is important to point out that these stories do not teach that if one is sick (or doesn't get healed) that there is a lack of faith. But in the three stories here, their faith influences their healing. The leader of the synagogue has faith and his daughter is healed - after the unbelieving crowd is removed from his house. The woman is healed because "your faith has made you well." The blind men are healed "according to their faith let it be done to them." It doesn't seem that it matters how much faith they had ( faith of a mustard seed can move mountains), but that with whatever faith they had, they turned to Jesus for help.
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