Jesus teaches us to find answers in scripture and in the power of God
Jewish "denominations" in Jesus' time believed different things about death. Some believed that the soul did not die with the body, but would be resurrected. Others believed that death was really the end of both the soul and the body. Some believed in angels and some didn't. In the text today, it seems someone very crafty wants to use these theological disagreements to further raise the tension surrounding Jesus' teachings.
Matthew 22:23-33 23 The same day some Sadducees came to him, saying there is no resurrection; and they asked him a question, saying, 24 "Teacher, Moses said, 'If a man dies childless, his brother shall marry the widow, and raise up children for his brother.' 25 Now there were seven brothers among us; the first married, and died childless, leaving the widow to his brother. 26 The second did the same, so also the third, down to the seventh. 27 Last of all, the woman herself died. 28 In the resurrection, then, whose wife of the seven will she be? For all of them had married her." 29 Jesus answered them, "You are wrong, because you know neither the scriptures nor the power of God. 30 For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. 31 And as for the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was said to you by God, 32 'I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob'? He is God not of the dead, but of the living." 33 And when the crowd heard it, they were astounded at his teaching.
Jesus points them to scripture and to the power of God for the answers to their questions. Apparently had they understood scripture to be an authoritative witness and God's power to be unlimited, they wouldn't have been confused. But they were using their own logic to reason what God might be like.
Do we ignore Jesus' teaching that an understanding of scripture and trust in the power of God gives us answers we can not gain through rational thought?
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Pay taxes and tithe
Jesus teaches that the Messiah's community gives to God and pays taxes.
Matthew 22:15-22 15 Then the Pharisees went and plotted to entrap Jesus in what he said. 16 So they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, "Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and teach the way of God in accordance with truth, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality. 17 Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?" 18 But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, "Why are you putting me to the test, you hypocrites? 19 Show me the coin used for the tax." And they brought him a denarius. 20 Then he said to them, "Whose head is this, and whose title?" 21 They answered, "The emperor's." Then he said to them, "Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor's, and to God the things that are God's." 22 When they heard this, they were amazed; and they left him and went away.
What Jesus says here is not just about paying taxes. It is a statement about the Messiah's purpose on earth. The Romans have control over the Jews and demand taxes from them. Of course, they'd rather not pay them. And in the Jewish mind, when the Messiah arrived, they won't have to pay taxes to the Romans any more, because the Messiah will free them from Roman rule. But Jesus teaches something different - overthrowing Roman rule is not why he came to earth at that time. AND that those in his community both pay taxes and give to God.
Do we ignore Jesus' teaching that he wasn't about over throwing the government (at least not until the cosmic end arrives)? Instead his community pays taxes and tithes.
Matthew 22:15-22 15 Then the Pharisees went and plotted to entrap Jesus in what he said. 16 So they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, "Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and teach the way of God in accordance with truth, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality. 17 Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?" 18 But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, "Why are you putting me to the test, you hypocrites? 19 Show me the coin used for the tax." And they brought him a denarius. 20 Then he said to them, "Whose head is this, and whose title?" 21 They answered, "The emperor's." Then he said to them, "Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor's, and to God the things that are God's." 22 When they heard this, they were amazed; and they left him and went away.
What Jesus says here is not just about paying taxes. It is a statement about the Messiah's purpose on earth. The Romans have control over the Jews and demand taxes from them. Of course, they'd rather not pay them. And in the Jewish mind, when the Messiah arrived, they won't have to pay taxes to the Romans any more, because the Messiah will free them from Roman rule. But Jesus teaches something different - overthrowing Roman rule is not why he came to earth at that time. AND that those in his community both pay taxes and give to God.
Do we ignore Jesus' teaching that he wasn't about over throwing the government (at least not until the cosmic end arrives)? Instead his community pays taxes and tithes.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Many are called, few are chosen.
Jesus teaches that many are called to his community, but few are chosen.
The simpleton's moral for this story could be summed up by saying, "When you get an inviation to the King's son's wedding, then attend it wearing the appropriately respectful clothes." Why wouldn't you? It's the ultimate cosmic party with great food. You don't want to miss it.
But the people invited to the wedding react in several ways:
Matthew 22:1-14 Once more Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying: 2 "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding banquet for his son. 3 He sent his slaves to call those who had been invited to the wedding banquet, but they would not come. 4 Again he sent other slaves, saying, 'Tell those who have been invited: Look, I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves have been slaughtered, and everything is ready; come to the wedding banquet.' 5 But they made light of it and went away, one to his farm, another to his business, 6 while the rest seized his slaves, mistreated them, and killed them. 7 The king was enraged. He sent his troops, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city. 8 Then he said to his slaves, 'The wedding is ready, but those invited were not worthy. 9 Go therefore into the main streets, and invite everyone you find to the wedding banquet.' 10 Those slaves went out into the streets and gathered all whom they found, both good and bad; so the wedding hall was filled with guests. 11 "But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing a wedding robe, 12 and he said to him, 'Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding robe?' And he was speechless. 13 Then the king said to the attendants, 'Bind him hand and foot, and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' 14 For many are called, but few are chosen."
When the king shows up for the wedding feast, at least one of the guests is not dressed appropriately. The man doesn't have on a wedding robe. Not being dressed appropriately is a sign of disrespect - a sign that he is there, but not really part of the kingdom. This guest came, but his dress shows that his heart is not in the right place. He isn't really committed to being part of the feast. So the king - after giving him a chance to explain - binds him and throws him out.
The moral of the story is that many are invited to the feast, but few are chosen. The chosen are those who show up in wedding robes. I believe there is a distinct difference in those who believe and those who have faith. Those who believe show up for the wedding - they believe that the King, the Son, and the wedding exists so they come. But those who have faith - they are committed to wearing the wedding robes. They have chosen not just to show up, but they are committed to the King's invitation and their heart is in it. The Kingdom of God is not about getting an invitation to the party and showing up, it is about showing up wearing the robe.
Do we ignore Jesus' teaching that many are called, but few are chosen?
The simpleton's moral for this story could be summed up by saying, "When you get an inviation to the King's son's wedding, then attend it wearing the appropriately respectful clothes." Why wouldn't you? It's the ultimate cosmic party with great food. You don't want to miss it.
But the people invited to the wedding react in several ways:
- Some (maybe most of us) "make light of the invitation" refusing to reconginize the significance of the invitation and go back to taking care of our personal business. We have no idea that we are being invited to play a role in a cosmic feast that will change the history of mankind. And our reply is "Thanks. I am just not that interested. Just not that committed to the King. Got better things to do."
- Some behave even worse. They kill the messengers sent to invite them! See, the messengers didn't just drop off the invitation. This time, they were there to make sure those invited understood the choices they were making. And those on the invite list didn't want to hear that they were making a mistake choosing the mundane activities of the world over the King's feast. Better to kill the messengers rather than have them call us out.
Matthew 22:1-14 Once more Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying: 2 "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding banquet for his son. 3 He sent his slaves to call those who had been invited to the wedding banquet, but they would not come. 4 Again he sent other slaves, saying, 'Tell those who have been invited: Look, I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves have been slaughtered, and everything is ready; come to the wedding banquet.' 5 But they made light of it and went away, one to his farm, another to his business, 6 while the rest seized his slaves, mistreated them, and killed them. 7 The king was enraged. He sent his troops, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city. 8 Then he said to his slaves, 'The wedding is ready, but those invited were not worthy. 9 Go therefore into the main streets, and invite everyone you find to the wedding banquet.' 10 Those slaves went out into the streets and gathered all whom they found, both good and bad; so the wedding hall was filled with guests. 11 "But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing a wedding robe, 12 and he said to him, 'Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding robe?' And he was speechless. 13 Then the king said to the attendants, 'Bind him hand and foot, and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' 14 For many are called, but few are chosen."
When the king shows up for the wedding feast, at least one of the guests is not dressed appropriately. The man doesn't have on a wedding robe. Not being dressed appropriately is a sign of disrespect - a sign that he is there, but not really part of the kingdom. This guest came, but his dress shows that his heart is not in the right place. He isn't really committed to being part of the feast. So the king - after giving him a chance to explain - binds him and throws him out.
The moral of the story is that many are invited to the feast, but few are chosen. The chosen are those who show up in wedding robes. I believe there is a distinct difference in those who believe and those who have faith. Those who believe show up for the wedding - they believe that the King, the Son, and the wedding exists so they come. But those who have faith - they are committed to wearing the wedding robes. They have chosen not just to show up, but they are committed to the King's invitation and their heart is in it. The Kingdom of God is not about getting an invitation to the party and showing up, it is about showing up wearing the robe.
Do we ignore Jesus' teaching that many are called, but few are chosen?
Friday, September 24, 2010
Messiah's Kingdom belongs to those who produce fruit.
Jesus teaches that his kingdom will be taken from those who do not produce fruit and given to those who do.
Matthew 21:33-46 33 "Listen to another parable. There was a landowner who planted a vineyard, put a fence around it, dug a wine press in it, and built a watchtower. Then he leased it to tenants and went to another country. 34 When the harvest time had come, he sent his slaves to the tenants to collect his produce. 35 But the tenants seized his slaves and beat one, killed another, and stoned another. 36 Again he sent other slaves, more than the first; and they treated them in the same way. 37 Finally he sent his son to them, saying, 'They will respect my son.' 38 But when the tenants saw the son, they said to themselves, 'This is the heir; come, let us kill him and get his inheritance.' 39 So they seized him, threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him. 40 Now when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?" 41 They said to him, "He will put those wretches to a miserable death, and lease the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the produce at the harvest time." 42 Jesus said to them, "Have you never read in the scriptures: 'The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord's doing, and it is amazing in our eyes'? 43 Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that produces the fruits of the kingdom. 44 The one who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; and it will crush anyone on whom it falls." 45 When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they realized that he was speaking about them. 46 They wanted to arrest him, but they feared the crowds, because they regarded him as a prophet.
I like that Jesus' parable is not directed at an individual. It is directed at the community who claims to be the people of God. In that moment, Jesus was pointing out that the Jewish community had been living in the abundance that God had given them. In doing so, they were to produce fruit. In other scripture, we see that they were primarily to be a welcoming presence of God's love to the world. But instead they closed themselves off from the world refusing to produce fruit for God and instead hoarding God's abundance for themselves. When God sent prophets to show them the error of their ways, they killed them. Now God has sent his son... and they are about to kill him too.
But these are not words that no longer apply to us today. Today, these words of Jesus speak to the church. Do the individuals in your church work together to produce fruit for God? Many churches treat God the way these tenants treated the landowner. Churches are willing to accept what God gives them whether it be eternal life or earthly abundance... but they don't realize accepting God's gifts is not what following Jesus is all about. Following Jesus means we produce fruit for God. If the church is not producing fruit, its fate is pretty clear... God will entrust his kingdom to others who will.
Do we ignore how important it is for the body of Christ to produce fruit?
Matthew 21:33-46 33 "Listen to another parable. There was a landowner who planted a vineyard, put a fence around it, dug a wine press in it, and built a watchtower. Then he leased it to tenants and went to another country. 34 When the harvest time had come, he sent his slaves to the tenants to collect his produce. 35 But the tenants seized his slaves and beat one, killed another, and stoned another. 36 Again he sent other slaves, more than the first; and they treated them in the same way. 37 Finally he sent his son to them, saying, 'They will respect my son.' 38 But when the tenants saw the son, they said to themselves, 'This is the heir; come, let us kill him and get his inheritance.' 39 So they seized him, threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him. 40 Now when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?" 41 They said to him, "He will put those wretches to a miserable death, and lease the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the produce at the harvest time." 42 Jesus said to them, "Have you never read in the scriptures: 'The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord's doing, and it is amazing in our eyes'? 43 Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that produces the fruits of the kingdom. 44 The one who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; and it will crush anyone on whom it falls." 45 When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they realized that he was speaking about them. 46 They wanted to arrest him, but they feared the crowds, because they regarded him as a prophet.
I like that Jesus' parable is not directed at an individual. It is directed at the community who claims to be the people of God. In that moment, Jesus was pointing out that the Jewish community had been living in the abundance that God had given them. In doing so, they were to produce fruit. In other scripture, we see that they were primarily to be a welcoming presence of God's love to the world. But instead they closed themselves off from the world refusing to produce fruit for God and instead hoarding God's abundance for themselves. When God sent prophets to show them the error of their ways, they killed them. Now God has sent his son... and they are about to kill him too.
But these are not words that no longer apply to us today. Today, these words of Jesus speak to the church. Do the individuals in your church work together to produce fruit for God? Many churches treat God the way these tenants treated the landowner. Churches are willing to accept what God gives them whether it be eternal life or earthly abundance... but they don't realize accepting God's gifts is not what following Jesus is all about. Following Jesus means we produce fruit for God. If the church is not producing fruit, its fate is pretty clear... God will entrust his kingdom to others who will.
Do we ignore how important it is for the body of Christ to produce fruit?
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Religious say yes to God with words, but no with actions
Jesus teaches that the religious often say "yes" to God with their words, but "no" with their actions.
Matthew 21:28-32 28 "What do you think? A man had two sons; he went to the first and said, 'Son, go and work in the vineyard today.' 29 He answered, 'I will not'; but later he changed his mind and went. 30 The father went to the second and said the same; and he answered, 'I go, sir'; but he did not go. 31 Which of the two did the will of his father?" They said, "The first." Jesus said to them, "Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you. 32 For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him; and even after you saw it, you did not change your minds and believe him.
"Religious" people - especially religious leaders - often say yes to God with their words, but no with their actions. This is because it is very difficult for those entrenched in religion - those committed to the institution - to see that their lives might be out of step with Jesus. Leading the institution is different from giving up everything to be in relationship (to follow) Jesus. Leading the institution can become a full time task that derails us from being a servant in Jesus' community. This is especially true for the leaders of religion whose personal power is strong only when the institution is strong. But it is true of anyone who worships the institution rather than God.
And it is as true for the 1st century Jews as it is for the church today. After all, Jesus never defined "church" as an institution, but instead as his body - his hands and feet. This makes it very difficult for those in love with the institution to be both part of the institution and in a relationship with God - a relationship that is defined by servanthood not power. These religious Jewish leaders said "yes" to God with their mouths, but "no" with their lives. Sure, they were following all the right rules, believing all the right theology ("even after you saw it"), but they hadn't decided to follow Jesus. The cost was too high.
On the other hand, tax collectors (Jews who were taking Jewish money and giving it to the Roman oppressors) and prostitutes don't have as much to lose. Their lives are pretty unhappy already. Society treated them like outcasts. They weren't welcomed except by those who wanted to use them. Being invited into the Messiah's community - where they are forgiven, loved, and valued - is a giant step up. Jesus says they are the ones that originally said no with their lives, but now they have changed their minds. And he welcomes them into his community.
Do we ignore Jesus' warning that religion often says "yes" to God with words, but "no" with actions? How can we guard our hearts from following religion instead of Jesus?
Matthew 21:28-32 28 "What do you think? A man had two sons; he went to the first and said, 'Son, go and work in the vineyard today.' 29 He answered, 'I will not'; but later he changed his mind and went. 30 The father went to the second and said the same; and he answered, 'I go, sir'; but he did not go. 31 Which of the two did the will of his father?" They said, "The first." Jesus said to them, "Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you. 32 For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him; and even after you saw it, you did not change your minds and believe him.
"Religious" people - especially religious leaders - often say yes to God with their words, but no with their actions. This is because it is very difficult for those entrenched in religion - those committed to the institution - to see that their lives might be out of step with Jesus. Leading the institution is different from giving up everything to be in relationship (to follow) Jesus. Leading the institution can become a full time task that derails us from being a servant in Jesus' community. This is especially true for the leaders of religion whose personal power is strong only when the institution is strong. But it is true of anyone who worships the institution rather than God.
And it is as true for the 1st century Jews as it is for the church today. After all, Jesus never defined "church" as an institution, but instead as his body - his hands and feet. This makes it very difficult for those in love with the institution to be both part of the institution and in a relationship with God - a relationship that is defined by servanthood not power. These religious Jewish leaders said "yes" to God with their mouths, but "no" with their lives. Sure, they were following all the right rules, believing all the right theology ("even after you saw it"), but they hadn't decided to follow Jesus. The cost was too high.
On the other hand, tax collectors (Jews who were taking Jewish money and giving it to the Roman oppressors) and prostitutes don't have as much to lose. Their lives are pretty unhappy already. Society treated them like outcasts. They weren't welcomed except by those who wanted to use them. Being invited into the Messiah's community - where they are forgiven, loved, and valued - is a giant step up. Jesus says they are the ones that originally said no with their lives, but now they have changed their minds. And he welcomes them into his community.
Do we ignore Jesus' warning that religion often says "yes" to God with words, but "no" with actions? How can we guard our hearts from following religion instead of Jesus?
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Leaders and Truth don't depend on popular opinion
Jesus teaches that leaders and truth don't depend on popular opinion.
Matthew 21:23-27 23 When he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching, and said, "By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?" 24 Jesus said to them, "I will also ask you one question; if you tell me the answer, then I will also tell you by what authority I do these things. 25 Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin?" And they argued with one another, "If we say, 'From heaven,' he will say to us, 'Why then did you not believe him?' 26 But if we say, 'Of human origin,' we are afraid of the crowd; for all regard John as a prophet." 27 So they answered Jesus, "We do not know." And he said to them, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.
This is not just a story about Jesus answering the chief priests carefully so that he can survive a while longer without being crucified. Instead, Jesus is pointing out something very important to the priests. They can't answer Jesus' question, because they are too worried about being popular! Instead of teaching the crowd, they are worried about their own skin. Leaders can't do this and still be leaders. They can keep their jobs, they can keep those they are leading happy, but they aren't leaders. "Let me see where my people are going so that I can lead them" isn't a leadership strategy. At least not in the kingdom of God.
These priests had refused to accept John's teachings which identified Jesus as the Messiah. They didn't accept it because it upset their power base. And now they are refusing to accept what Jesus had to say about himself (that he was equal to God) just days before. They are refusing to accept it, not because of theological reasons, but because they thought that they would have to share or maybe even give up their powerful positions.
Jesus is driving home the same point he has driven home over and over in Matthew's gospel... the Kingdom of God (the truth of God - the gospel) is only understood as we become less and allow God to become more. We can't see the truth as long as it has to benefit us in order to believe it. We can't see the truth if we require that the truth makes us powerful, happy, or wealthy.
Do we ignore Jesus' teaching that neither leadership nor the truth depends on popular opinion?
Matthew 21:23-27 23 When he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching, and said, "By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?" 24 Jesus said to them, "I will also ask you one question; if you tell me the answer, then I will also tell you by what authority I do these things. 25 Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin?" And they argued with one another, "If we say, 'From heaven,' he will say to us, 'Why then did you not believe him?' 26 But if we say, 'Of human origin,' we are afraid of the crowd; for all regard John as a prophet." 27 So they answered Jesus, "We do not know." And he said to them, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.
This is not just a story about Jesus answering the chief priests carefully so that he can survive a while longer without being crucified. Instead, Jesus is pointing out something very important to the priests. They can't answer Jesus' question, because they are too worried about being popular! Instead of teaching the crowd, they are worried about their own skin. Leaders can't do this and still be leaders. They can keep their jobs, they can keep those they are leading happy, but they aren't leaders. "Let me see where my people are going so that I can lead them" isn't a leadership strategy. At least not in the kingdom of God.
These priests had refused to accept John's teachings which identified Jesus as the Messiah. They didn't accept it because it upset their power base. And now they are refusing to accept what Jesus had to say about himself (that he was equal to God) just days before. They are refusing to accept it, not because of theological reasons, but because they thought that they would have to share or maybe even give up their powerful positions.
Jesus is driving home the same point he has driven home over and over in Matthew's gospel... the Kingdom of God (the truth of God - the gospel) is only understood as we become less and allow God to become more. We can't see the truth as long as it has to benefit us in order to believe it. We can't see the truth if we require that the truth makes us powerful, happy, or wealthy.
Do we ignore Jesus' teaching that neither leadership nor the truth depends on popular opinion?
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Jesus doesn't tolerate fruitlessness
Jesus demonstrates his disgust with fruitlessness
There are people who pretend to be followers of Jesus. In fact, they gather together and call themselves "church." It says so in the newspaper ads they run on special occasions and on the sign out front. But being a church means that they follow Jesus' teachings, produce good works in the community, and seek out new followers. Outsiders recognize them as Jesus' friends because there is such love between them... and they extend that love to outsiders. They put the things of Jesus first.
Now picture Jesus walking up to the front doors of one of these kinds of churches - expecting to find a community of followers - and instead he sees the trappings of religion (stain glass windows, hymnals, the baptismal font, the communion table, the church van, the bulletin), BUT no fruit.
Matthew 21:18-19 18 In the morning, when he returned to the city, he was hungry. 19 And seeing a fig tree by the side of the road, he went to it and found nothing at all on it but leaves. Then he said to it, "May no fruit ever come from you again!" And the fig tree withered at once.
A fig tree - no matter how beautiful and lush its leaves are - without figs, it is pretty worthless. Jesus curses it - and it withers and dies.
Do we ignore Jesus' demonstration that he doesn't tolerate fruitlessness? How can we, as individuals and as the church, produce the fruit we have been created to produce?
There are people who pretend to be followers of Jesus. In fact, they gather together and call themselves "church." It says so in the newspaper ads they run on special occasions and on the sign out front. But being a church means that they follow Jesus' teachings, produce good works in the community, and seek out new followers. Outsiders recognize them as Jesus' friends because there is such love between them... and they extend that love to outsiders. They put the things of Jesus first.
Now picture Jesus walking up to the front doors of one of these kinds of churches - expecting to find a community of followers - and instead he sees the trappings of religion (stain glass windows, hymnals, the baptismal font, the communion table, the church van, the bulletin), BUT no fruit.
Matthew 21:18-19 18 In the morning, when he returned to the city, he was hungry. 19 And seeing a fig tree by the side of the road, he went to it and found nothing at all on it but leaves. Then he said to it, "May no fruit ever come from you again!" And the fig tree withered at once.
A fig tree - no matter how beautiful and lush its leaves are - without figs, it is pretty worthless. Jesus curses it - and it withers and dies.
Do we ignore Jesus' demonstration that he doesn't tolerate fruitlessness? How can we, as individuals and as the church, produce the fruit we have been created to produce?
Monday, September 20, 2010
You will receive what you ask for in prayer with faith.
Jesus teaches that whatever you ask for in prayer with faith, you will receive.
Matthew 21:18-22 18 In the morning, when he returned to the city, he was hungry. 19 And seeing a fig tree by the side of the road, he went to it and found nothing at all on it but leaves. Then he said to it, "May no fruit ever come from you again!" And the fig tree withered at once. 20 When the disciples saw it, they were amazed, saying, "How did the fig tree wither at once?" 21 Jesus answered them, "Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only will you do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, 'Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,' it will be done. 22 Whatever you ask for in prayer with faith, you will receive."
This is one of those passages that I struggle with. Such passages have been used to prey on those in desperate need. I remember that my grandfather sent money to a prominent televangelist who in turned promised prayers would be offered that would heal him of a disease - a disease that eventually killed him. Such passages have also been used abusively to tell those whose prayer requests were not answered as requested that they didn't have enough faith. Neither of these scenarios work!!
Yet, I believe Jesus' words: "Whatever you ask for in prayer with faith you will receive." But the statement does raise the question, how do we ask "in prayer with faith?"
Do we ignore Jesus' teaching that we will receive what we ask for in faithful prayer? Or are our prayers more like infants crying out to their parent demanding that their needs be met?
Matthew 21:18-22 18 In the morning, when he returned to the city, he was hungry. 19 And seeing a fig tree by the side of the road, he went to it and found nothing at all on it but leaves. Then he said to it, "May no fruit ever come from you again!" And the fig tree withered at once. 20 When the disciples saw it, they were amazed, saying, "How did the fig tree wither at once?" 21 Jesus answered them, "Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only will you do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, 'Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,' it will be done. 22 Whatever you ask for in prayer with faith, you will receive."
This is one of those passages that I struggle with. Such passages have been used to prey on those in desperate need. I remember that my grandfather sent money to a prominent televangelist who in turned promised prayers would be offered that would heal him of a disease - a disease that eventually killed him. Such passages have also been used abusively to tell those whose prayer requests were not answered as requested that they didn't have enough faith. Neither of these scenarios work!!
Yet, I believe Jesus' words: "Whatever you ask for in prayer with faith you will receive." But the statement does raise the question, how do we ask "in prayer with faith?"
- What is faith? It isn't just believing that God exists or even that God has the power to do what we ask. The words "faith" and "belief" are often interchanged in Bible translations and I think that is a mistake. They aren't the same. Faith goes way beyond belief. Faith is putting our trust in God that what God does and wants is holy and good. It is a commitment to follow anywhere God leads. It is far more than just saying "yeah, I believe."
- What is faithful prayer? Faithful prayer is more than just shouting out our needs to God - that is what infants do when they have a need. Faithful prayer is an interactive relationship with God - that grows deeper and deeper as we desire it. It is a commitment to follow God even when his plans are different from ours. It is not like the relationship between an infant and its mother. Instead, it is often described in scripture as the relationship between a wife and a husband where they constantly walk together seeking the best for the other.
Do we ignore Jesus' teaching that we will receive what we ask for in faithful prayer? Or are our prayers more like infants crying out to their parent demanding that their needs be met?
Friday, September 17, 2010
Jesus claims equality with God
Jesus accepts for himself praise prepared by God for God.
Matthew 21:14-17 14 The blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he cured them. 15 But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the amazing things that he did, and heard the children crying out in the temple, "Hosanna to the Son of David," they became angry 16 and said to him, "Do you hear what these are saying?" Jesus said to them, "Yes; have you never read, 'Out of the mouths of infants and nursing babies you have prepared praise for yourself'?" 17 He left them, went out of the city to Bethany, and spent the night there.
Jesus admits his divinity quoting scripture that identifies himself, not only as the Messiah (Son of David), but also as God. He accepts the praise he is receiving from the children – praise created by God for God - as valid and right placed. He claims equality with God.
Do we ignore Jesus’ teaching that praise prepared for God by God is rightly given to himself? It is so much more politically correct just to think of Jesus as a great teacher. But this isn't what he claimed for himself. He claimed to be God. He accepted praise for himself that was created for God by God. Jesus was either nuts or he was God. I don’t see a middle ground if I am going to follow him.
Matthew 21:14-17 14 The blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he cured them. 15 But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the amazing things that he did, and heard the children crying out in the temple, "Hosanna to the Son of David," they became angry 16 and said to him, "Do you hear what these are saying?" Jesus said to them, "Yes; have you never read, 'Out of the mouths of infants and nursing babies you have prepared praise for yourself'?" 17 He left them, went out of the city to Bethany, and spent the night there.
Jesus admits his divinity quoting scripture that identifies himself, not only as the Messiah (Son of David), but also as God. He accepts the praise he is receiving from the children – praise created by God for God - as valid and right placed. He claims equality with God.
Do we ignore Jesus’ teaching that praise prepared for God by God is rightly given to himself? It is so much more politically correct just to think of Jesus as a great teacher. But this isn't what he claimed for himself. He claimed to be God. He accepted praise for himself that was created for God by God. Jesus was either nuts or he was God. I don’t see a middle ground if I am going to follow him.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Jesus created conflict
At the right time, Jesus creates conflict.
Matthew 21:14-17 14 The blind and the lame came to Jesus in the temple, and he cured them. 15 But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the amazing things that he did, and heard the children crying out in the temple, "Hosanna to the Son of David," they became angry 16 and said to him, "Do you hear what these are saying?" Jesus said to them, "Yes; have you never read, 'Out of the mouths of infants and nursing babies you have prepared praise for yourself'?" 17 He left them, went out of the city to Bethany, and spent the night there.
Jesus chose to show up at the temple this day. He chose to buck the religious teachings of the day and welcome the handicapped into the temple and to respond to them by healing them. And he chose to do it publicly. Many times in the past, Jesus healed and then sent those he healed away with instructions not to tell anyone. But now Jesus has chosen to go fully public. His ministry has survived long enough to prepare his disciples and the world for his crucifixion and resurrection. His death is approaching so Jesus throws caution to the wind and intentionally creates conflict with those in charge.
He creates a situation where the religious leaders' personal power is being threatened. This is dangerous. It gets you killed! Jesus is no longer allowing those in power to sit on the sidelines and complain - Jesus engages them. He goes into the temple and bucks their rules. And THEN he accepts for himself the praise created for God. In essence, he claims to be God and worthy of the praise offered to God.
Jesus intentionally creates conflict in order to proclaim his Messiahship. The religious authorities must accept it or reject it. The conflict Jesus creates makes clear the choice before the authorities.
Do we ignore Jesus' example that creating conflict in God's way and in God's timing is appropriate? When is it okay for us to challenge cultural, religious, and political powers? I believe Jesus creates conflict in this situation because he wants there to be no mistake of who he claims to be. He wants to register who he is with the authorities. He wants them to know beyond doubt that he claims to be the Messiah - and that the praise due God is also due him. He wants the conflict that is coming to be straight forward - not hidden by lies and innuendo.
The conflict that would end Jesus’ human life - that would forever change the destiny of us all - is in full force!
Do we ignore Jesus’ example that creating conflict may be appropriate and necessary? Are we willing to participate in conflict or do we run for cover? Does the conflict we create reflect Jesus' goals or do we use conflict for our own gain? When is creating conflict appropriate and when is it not?
Matthew 21:14-17 14 The blind and the lame came to Jesus in the temple, and he cured them. 15 But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the amazing things that he did, and heard the children crying out in the temple, "Hosanna to the Son of David," they became angry 16 and said to him, "Do you hear what these are saying?" Jesus said to them, "Yes; have you never read, 'Out of the mouths of infants and nursing babies you have prepared praise for yourself'?" 17 He left them, went out of the city to Bethany, and spent the night there.
Jesus chose to show up at the temple this day. He chose to buck the religious teachings of the day and welcome the handicapped into the temple and to respond to them by healing them. And he chose to do it publicly. Many times in the past, Jesus healed and then sent those he healed away with instructions not to tell anyone. But now Jesus has chosen to go fully public. His ministry has survived long enough to prepare his disciples and the world for his crucifixion and resurrection. His death is approaching so Jesus throws caution to the wind and intentionally creates conflict with those in charge.
He creates a situation where the religious leaders' personal power is being threatened. This is dangerous. It gets you killed! Jesus is no longer allowing those in power to sit on the sidelines and complain - Jesus engages them. He goes into the temple and bucks their rules. And THEN he accepts for himself the praise created for God. In essence, he claims to be God and worthy of the praise offered to God.
Jesus intentionally creates conflict in order to proclaim his Messiahship. The religious authorities must accept it or reject it. The conflict Jesus creates makes clear the choice before the authorities.
Do we ignore Jesus' example that creating conflict in God's way and in God's timing is appropriate? When is it okay for us to challenge cultural, religious, and political powers? I believe Jesus creates conflict in this situation because he wants there to be no mistake of who he claims to be. He wants to register who he is with the authorities. He wants them to know beyond doubt that he claims to be the Messiah - and that the praise due God is also due him. He wants the conflict that is coming to be straight forward - not hidden by lies and innuendo.
The conflict that would end Jesus’ human life - that would forever change the destiny of us all - is in full force!
Do we ignore Jesus’ example that creating conflict may be appropriate and necessary? Are we willing to participate in conflict or do we run for cover? Does the conflict we create reflect Jesus' goals or do we use conflict for our own gain? When is creating conflict appropriate and when is it not?
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Welcome those with handicaps in Messiah's community
Jesus’ community welcomes those with handicaps.
Matthew 21:14-17 14 The blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he cured them. 15 But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the amazing things that he did, and heard the children crying out in the temple, "Hosanna to the Son of David," they became angry 16 and said to him, "Do you hear what these are saying?" Jesus said to them, "Yes; have you never read, 'Out of the mouths of infants and nursing babies you have prepared praise for yourself'?" 17 He left them, went out of the city to Bethany, and spent the night there.
What Jesus is doing in the temple is radical. Those with handicaps were excluded from the temple by most rabbis. In addition, many rabbis taught that anyone with a handicap was not only excluded from the temple, but from any fellowship with the congregation. But here Jesus is... not only allowing those with handicaps in the temple, but he is showing them great love and compassion by healing them too! He is making a statement that not only are the handicapped welcomed into the temple, but that he personally has the compassion and desire to heal them.
Do we ignore Jesus’ example that handicapped people are to be welcomed in the Messiah’s community? What do our churches do to welcome and accommodate those with special needs? What are we doing in our personal lives to show the kind of compassion and desire that Jesus showed? How do we offer healing and fellowship to those with special needs?
Matthew 21:14-17 14 The blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he cured them. 15 But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the amazing things that he did, and heard the children crying out in the temple, "Hosanna to the Son of David," they became angry 16 and said to him, "Do you hear what these are saying?" Jesus said to them, "Yes; have you never read, 'Out of the mouths of infants and nursing babies you have prepared praise for yourself'?" 17 He left them, went out of the city to Bethany, and spent the night there.
What Jesus is doing in the temple is radical. Those with handicaps were excluded from the temple by most rabbis. In addition, many rabbis taught that anyone with a handicap was not only excluded from the temple, but from any fellowship with the congregation. But here Jesus is... not only allowing those with handicaps in the temple, but he is showing them great love and compassion by healing them too! He is making a statement that not only are the handicapped welcomed into the temple, but that he personally has the compassion and desire to heal them.
Do we ignore Jesus’ example that handicapped people are to be welcomed in the Messiah’s community? What do our churches do to welcome and accommodate those with special needs? What are we doing in our personal lives to show the kind of compassion and desire that Jesus showed? How do we offer healing and fellowship to those with special needs?
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Messiah's community is not to be a nationalistic stronghold
Jesus teaches that his community is not to be a nationalistic stronghold.
Jesus had a problem with what was going on in the place of worship. Instead of being a place of prayer (a place set aside for being in relationship with God), it was a den of robbers...
Matthew 21:12-13 12 Then Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who were selling and buying in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. 13 He said to them, "It is written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer'; but you are making it a den of robbers."
It was permitted under Jewish law to sell provisions in this area of the temple that were necessary for sacrifices in the temple. Those coming from long distances did not have to bring their sacrifice with them, but could buy them when they got there. And monetary giving had to be done with Jewish coins, hence, the money changers. The problem was not that doves were being sold or that money was being exchange in the temple. The problem was that this service offered to the people coming to worship had become "a den of robbers." Maybe this service should have been non-profit and instead had become big business. Maybe the prices were so steep that the poor were being kept from participating in worship. I believe this was part of the problem. However... there is more to this story!
When you translate the word "robber" the way it is normally translated in Greek literature there is an added depth to this story. For instance in Matt 27:16 this word translated "robber" means "nationalistic rebel" as it refers to Barabbas - the one who the Romans pardoned at the Jew's request in exchange for Jesus' crucifixion. In other words, Jesus is saying, "My house shall be called a house of prayer'; but you are making it a den of nationalistic rebels." In the book of Mark, Mark records even more of Jesus' words: "My house shall be a house of prayer for all nations; but you are making it a den of nationalistic rebels." The Jews, like the follower of Jesus, had been given the mission to be a witness of the living God to all nations. They were to invite all nations into their community to worship God with them, but they didn't do it! Instead the temple had become a rallying place where the Jews segregated themselves from other nations. They were not fulfilling the mission God had given them.
Has the church become a rallying place for nationalistic rebels? Or is it a house of prayer for all nations? Do we exclude the poor by making the church a place they can not afford to come to? Do we invite others to join us in worshiping God or do we segregate ourselves? Do we ignore Jesus' teaching that his community is to be a place of prayer where all people are welcome not a place of nationalism?
Notes for further thought: At Jesus' trial, the Romans are going to set Jesus free, but are afraid it will cause an uprising among the Jews. So they offer the Jews a choice: Set Barabbas free or Jesus. Barabbas is a nationalistic hero who has participated in the Jewish insurrection and is accused of murdering those against his cause. Of course, Jesus is the opposite. Jesus was not supporting their nationalistic agenda. The Messiah was supposed to do that - at least in their view. They thought that the Messiah was all about putting their family back in power and wealth. And they reasoned that Jesus could not be the Messiah because he is not blessing them the way they'd hoped by supporting their nationalistic/family agenda. This brings into strong focus the choice before the Jews then and us today. Will we use our "religion" to support a nationalistic/family agenda of "God bless America" or will we use our "relationship with God" to support the Messiah's agenda which is one of inclusion, peace, and servant hood?
Jesus had a problem with what was going on in the place of worship. Instead of being a place of prayer (a place set aside for being in relationship with God), it was a den of robbers...
Matthew 21:12-13 12 Then Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who were selling and buying in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. 13 He said to them, "It is written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer'; but you are making it a den of robbers."
It was permitted under Jewish law to sell provisions in this area of the temple that were necessary for sacrifices in the temple. Those coming from long distances did not have to bring their sacrifice with them, but could buy them when they got there. And monetary giving had to be done with Jewish coins, hence, the money changers. The problem was not that doves were being sold or that money was being exchange in the temple. The problem was that this service offered to the people coming to worship had become "a den of robbers." Maybe this service should have been non-profit and instead had become big business. Maybe the prices were so steep that the poor were being kept from participating in worship. I believe this was part of the problem. However... there is more to this story!
When you translate the word "robber" the way it is normally translated in Greek literature there is an added depth to this story. For instance in Matt 27:16 this word translated "robber" means "nationalistic rebel" as it refers to Barabbas - the one who the Romans pardoned at the Jew's request in exchange for Jesus' crucifixion. In other words, Jesus is saying, "My house shall be called a house of prayer'; but you are making it a den of nationalistic rebels." In the book of Mark, Mark records even more of Jesus' words: "My house shall be a house of prayer for all nations; but you are making it a den of nationalistic rebels." The Jews, like the follower of Jesus, had been given the mission to be a witness of the living God to all nations. They were to invite all nations into their community to worship God with them, but they didn't do it! Instead the temple had become a rallying place where the Jews segregated themselves from other nations. They were not fulfilling the mission God had given them.
Has the church become a rallying place for nationalistic rebels? Or is it a house of prayer for all nations? Do we exclude the poor by making the church a place they can not afford to come to? Do we invite others to join us in worshiping God or do we segregate ourselves? Do we ignore Jesus' teaching that his community is to be a place of prayer where all people are welcome not a place of nationalism?
Notes for further thought: At Jesus' trial, the Romans are going to set Jesus free, but are afraid it will cause an uprising among the Jews. So they offer the Jews a choice: Set Barabbas free or Jesus. Barabbas is a nationalistic hero who has participated in the Jewish insurrection and is accused of murdering those against his cause. Of course, Jesus is the opposite. Jesus was not supporting their nationalistic agenda. The Messiah was supposed to do that - at least in their view. They thought that the Messiah was all about putting their family back in power and wealth. And they reasoned that Jesus could not be the Messiah because he is not blessing them the way they'd hoped by supporting their nationalistic/family agenda. This brings into strong focus the choice before the Jews then and us today. Will we use our "religion" to support a nationalistic/family agenda of "God bless America" or will we use our "relationship with God" to support the Messiah's agenda which is one of inclusion, peace, and servant hood?
Monday, September 13, 2010
The Messiah's kingship is founded on humility and peace
Jesus demonstrates what his kingship is all about: a peaceful entry on a humble colt.
Jesus doesn't enter Jerusalem, the hubbub of Jewish religious power and Roman occupation as one would expect the Messiah-King to enter. Not on a mighty horse dressed in armor with fury or anger. He doesn't threaten war... he doesn't beat those into submission who disagree with his teachings and way of life... he doesn't demand that the religious powers bow down to him or that the Romans hand over the keys to Jerusalem to him. Instead he enters peacefully and humbly. Who is this guy?
Matthew 21:1-11 When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, "Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, just say this, 'The Lord needs them.' And he will send them immediately. " 4 This took place to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet, saying, 5 "Tell the daughter of Zion, Look, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey." 6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; 7 they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them. 8 A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting, "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!" 10 When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, "Who is this?" 11 The crowds were saying, "This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee."
A large crowd has gathered. They want the long ago prophesied Messiah-King to come and reclaim their land and power from Rome. They want him to throw the Gentiles out of their city and lives. They want to go back to being family - God's family, of course. All signs - the miracles Jesus does - indicate that he is the Messiah. All the prophecies are lining up too. So they give him a king's entrance paving his path with their clothes and palm branches. They yell out "Hosanna" which means "Savior." But wait - what kind of savior arrives like this? Peacefully. Humbly. One who will be tortured and killed. One who will expand their family beyond themselves... one that will welcome those not family members into God's family. But this is not what they want! The Messiah was to give them back their power, land, and wealth. And in a few days, when it become obvious that he will not do this, these same people will be the ones yelling "Crucify Him!"
Do we ignore that Jesus' Messiah-Kingship is founded on humility and peace? Do we live out our lives in humility and peace? Or do we attack? When those not following Jesus picture ''a follower of Jesus" in their mind's eye, do they envision people following a peaceful man on a donkey? Or do they picture people standing with posters that demand their own well being screaming at those who disagree with them?
Who was this guy? And are we following him or not?
Jesus doesn't enter Jerusalem, the hubbub of Jewish religious power and Roman occupation as one would expect the Messiah-King to enter. Not on a mighty horse dressed in armor with fury or anger. He doesn't threaten war... he doesn't beat those into submission who disagree with his teachings and way of life... he doesn't demand that the religious powers bow down to him or that the Romans hand over the keys to Jerusalem to him. Instead he enters peacefully and humbly. Who is this guy?
Matthew 21:1-11 When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, "Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, just say this, 'The Lord needs them.' And he will send them immediately. " 4 This took place to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet, saying, 5 "Tell the daughter of Zion, Look, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey." 6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; 7 they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them. 8 A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting, "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!" 10 When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, "Who is this?" 11 The crowds were saying, "This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee."
A large crowd has gathered. They want the long ago prophesied Messiah-King to come and reclaim their land and power from Rome. They want him to throw the Gentiles out of their city and lives. They want to go back to being family - God's family, of course. All signs - the miracles Jesus does - indicate that he is the Messiah. All the prophecies are lining up too. So they give him a king's entrance paving his path with their clothes and palm branches. They yell out "Hosanna" which means "Savior." But wait - what kind of savior arrives like this? Peacefully. Humbly. One who will be tortured and killed. One who will expand their family beyond themselves... one that will welcome those not family members into God's family. But this is not what they want! The Messiah was to give them back their power, land, and wealth. And in a few days, when it become obvious that he will not do this, these same people will be the ones yelling "Crucify Him!"
Do we ignore that Jesus' Messiah-Kingship is founded on humility and peace? Do we live out our lives in humility and peace? Or do we attack? When those not following Jesus picture ''a follower of Jesus" in their mind's eye, do they envision people following a peaceful man on a donkey? Or do they picture people standing with posters that demand their own well being screaming at those who disagree with them?
Who was this guy? And are we following him or not?
Friday, September 10, 2010
Don't assume to know the solution to other's needs.
Jesus gives us an example: "Don't assume to know what others need".
I am touched by these two blind men who have created a community of two. Together they sit by the road - no doubt begging. Their families aren't taking care of them. The crowd wants them to be quiet. They are social rejects - their handicaps are embarrassments - even a sign of sin in that culture. There are no resources to help them - so they beg together.
I am also saddened by this large crowd who is "following Jesus." Physically they are following him. But spiritually, like most of us, they hardly get who Jesus is and what following him means. In fact, the crowd thinks they are doing Jesus a service by telling the men to be quiet!
Matthew 20:29-34 29 As they were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed Jesus. 30 There were two blind men sitting by the roadside. When they heard that Jesus was passing by, they shouted, "Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!" 31 The crowd sternly ordered them to be quiet; but they shouted even more loudly, "Have mercy on us, Lord, Son of David!" 32 Jesus stood still and called them, saying, "What do you want me to do for you?" 33 They said to him, "Lord, let our eyes be opened." 34 Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes. Immediately they regained their sight and followed him.
No doubt that Jesus knows what the needs of these men are better than they do! But he doesn't just fix their problem. He asks what they need - what they want him to do. This is significant! It shows respect for these men. And it shows us an example. Jesus demonstrates a desire to walk alongside them rather than assuming we know what is best for them.
Remember those missionaries - those "followers of Jesus" - who went to Haiti after the disaster there to confiscate children and take them out of the country where they would put them up for adoption? Apparently the government of Haiti didn't want these "followers of Jesus" to take their children. The "followers of Jesus" offered "help" that wasn't wanted. Jesus didn't do this. He asked.
The crowd "following Jesus" passing by these two men has assumed they know what is best - and that is for these two men to be quiet. But Jesus shows the men respect and asks, "How can I help?" When we encounter people with needs (and aren't all of us needy in some way?), do we ask what the other needs from us or do we assume we know and force on them our solutions?
Do we ignore the respect Jesus shows to those in need? If we followed Jesus' example, how would we approach society's problems? How would we approach the needs of our friends and loved ones?
I am touched by these two blind men who have created a community of two. Together they sit by the road - no doubt begging. Their families aren't taking care of them. The crowd wants them to be quiet. They are social rejects - their handicaps are embarrassments - even a sign of sin in that culture. There are no resources to help them - so they beg together.
I am also saddened by this large crowd who is "following Jesus." Physically they are following him. But spiritually, like most of us, they hardly get who Jesus is and what following him means. In fact, the crowd thinks they are doing Jesus a service by telling the men to be quiet!
Matthew 20:29-34 29 As they were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed Jesus. 30 There were two blind men sitting by the roadside. When they heard that Jesus was passing by, they shouted, "Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!" 31 The crowd sternly ordered them to be quiet; but they shouted even more loudly, "Have mercy on us, Lord, Son of David!" 32 Jesus stood still and called them, saying, "What do you want me to do for you?" 33 They said to him, "Lord, let our eyes be opened." 34 Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes. Immediately they regained their sight and followed him.
No doubt that Jesus knows what the needs of these men are better than they do! But he doesn't just fix their problem. He asks what they need - what they want him to do. This is significant! It shows respect for these men. And it shows us an example. Jesus demonstrates a desire to walk alongside them rather than assuming we know what is best for them.
Remember those missionaries - those "followers of Jesus" - who went to Haiti after the disaster there to confiscate children and take them out of the country where they would put them up for adoption? Apparently the government of Haiti didn't want these "followers of Jesus" to take their children. The "followers of Jesus" offered "help" that wasn't wanted. Jesus didn't do this. He asked.
The crowd "following Jesus" passing by these two men has assumed they know what is best - and that is for these two men to be quiet. But Jesus shows the men respect and asks, "How can I help?" When we encounter people with needs (and aren't all of us needy in some way?), do we ask what the other needs from us or do we assume we know and force on them our solutions?
Do we ignore the respect Jesus shows to those in need? If we followed Jesus' example, how would we approach society's problems? How would we approach the needs of our friends and loved ones?
Thursday, September 9, 2010
The goal is to serve - not to be served
Jesus teaches that those who are greatest in his community are the ones who serve others, not the ones who are served by others. In the midst of hearing Jesus say he is the Messiah, this mother and her sons are thinking about how to use the situation to their advantage to get power and status. They are ignoring that Jesus said he is also about to be executed. Instead, they have heard Jesus say to ask for whatever you want and it will be granted. And this is what they want... to be powerful in the Messiah's community...
Matthew 20:20-28 20 Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to him with her sons, and kneeling before him, she asked a favor of him. 21 And he said to her, "What do you want?" She said to him, "Declare that these two sons of mine will sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom." 22 But Jesus answered, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?" They said to him, "We are able." 23 He said to them, "You will indeed drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left, this is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father." 24 When the ten heard it, they were angry with the two brothers. 25 But Jesus called them to him and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. 26 It will not be so among you; but whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wishes to be first among you must be your slave; 28 just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many."
What these three don't understand is that those who are closest to Jesus are not those who the world gives power to... not the ones voted into office... not the rock stars or the football heroes... not the ones most admired. The ones who sit closest to Jesus are the ones who have a servant's heart. The kind of heart that will endure the worst persecution in Jesus' name. The institutional structures of the world (including politics, government, and even the church) are nothing like the power structures in the Messiah's community. The greatest in the Messiah's community are the ones who willing accept the role of slave... the ones willing to give up their lives for others.
Jesus declares here again, that he will die and that his life will be given as a ransom for many. This is the ultimate example of how we are to live.
Do we ignore Jesus' teaching that as his followers, our goal is to be like slaves? How can we be slaves to each other? to our enemies? to those we don't like? to those who don't treat us well? Having a servant's heart furthers the Kingdom of God. Demanding our own preferences and well being harms the Kingdom of God.
Matthew 20:20-28 20 Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to him with her sons, and kneeling before him, she asked a favor of him. 21 And he said to her, "What do you want?" She said to him, "Declare that these two sons of mine will sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom." 22 But Jesus answered, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?" They said to him, "We are able." 23 He said to them, "You will indeed drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left, this is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father." 24 When the ten heard it, they were angry with the two brothers. 25 But Jesus called them to him and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. 26 It will not be so among you; but whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wishes to be first among you must be your slave; 28 just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many."
What these three don't understand is that those who are closest to Jesus are not those who the world gives power to... not the ones voted into office... not the rock stars or the football heroes... not the ones most admired. The ones who sit closest to Jesus are the ones who have a servant's heart. The kind of heart that will endure the worst persecution in Jesus' name. The institutional structures of the world (including politics, government, and even the church) are nothing like the power structures in the Messiah's community. The greatest in the Messiah's community are the ones who willing accept the role of slave... the ones willing to give up their lives for others.
Jesus declares here again, that he will die and that his life will be given as a ransom for many. This is the ultimate example of how we are to live.
Do we ignore Jesus' teaching that as his followers, our goal is to be like slaves? How can we be slaves to each other? to our enemies? to those we don't like? to those who don't treat us well? Having a servant's heart furthers the Kingdom of God. Demanding our own preferences and well being harms the Kingdom of God.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Jesus taught he was the Messiah
Jesus taught that he was the Messiah. Jesus' teachings not only serve to teach us how to follow him, but he also taught us why it mattered. It mattered because he was the Son of Man, the Messiah, the one sent to reveal God to us. He was the one predicted - God's plan of reconciliation. He was God. AND he knew what was coming... a trial, a death sentence, torture, rejection, and death. He still went through with it. Because he knows this isn't the end of the story. Three days later he would be raised from the dead. And in his resurrection - our reconciliation - our relationship with God is made possible.
Matthew 20:17-19 17 While Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside by themselves, and said to them on the way, 18 "See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death; 19 then they will hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified; and on the third day he will be raised."
Do we ignore who Jesus claimed to be? Do we prefer to think of him as just a wise man and group him with all the other wise men? But how can someone be wise if they are deluded into thinking they are someone they are not? How can someone be wise if they dare to delude others into worshiping them? Especially if they are teaching that they are the Son of Man (God incarnate)? What does it matter if a crazy man gives us advice on living or on dying? It only makes sense to follow Jesus if one believes he was who he said he was!
I believe Jesus was who he said he was - not because I witnessed the story unfold first hand, but because I witness the Spirit of Jesus alive in my life every day. And I witness the Spirit alive in others who are struggling to follow Jesus. We are not perfect, we do not follow him gracefully, we do not understand all there is to know, we screw up in the worst of ways, we fail terribly, but the Spirit of God is present overcoming, transforming, making purpose out of chaos. Jesus was the Son of Man and his teachings are truth.
Matthew 20:17-19 17 While Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside by themselves, and said to them on the way, 18 "See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death; 19 then they will hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified; and on the third day he will be raised."
Do we ignore who Jesus claimed to be? Do we prefer to think of him as just a wise man and group him with all the other wise men? But how can someone be wise if they are deluded into thinking they are someone they are not? How can someone be wise if they dare to delude others into worshiping them? Especially if they are teaching that they are the Son of Man (God incarnate)? What does it matter if a crazy man gives us advice on living or on dying? It only makes sense to follow Jesus if one believes he was who he said he was!
I believe Jesus was who he said he was - not because I witnessed the story unfold first hand, but because I witness the Spirit of Jesus alive in my life every day. And I witness the Spirit alive in others who are struggling to follow Jesus. We are not perfect, we do not follow him gracefully, we do not understand all there is to know, we screw up in the worst of ways, we fail terribly, but the Spirit of God is present overcoming, transforming, making purpose out of chaos. Jesus was the Son of Man and his teachings are truth.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
God is not fair
Do we ignore Jesus' teaching that in his community, God does not give us what we earn?
How can society exist where the hardest working people don't get the biggest pay off? Would you want to live in such a community where you work 8 hours and get paid the same as someone who only works 1 hour? This just isn't fair. Right? Well... such is the community of God...
Matthew 19:30 - 20:16 30 But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first. "For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. 2 After agreeing with the laborers for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard. 3 When he went out about nine o'clock, he saw others standing idle in the marketplace; 4 and he said to them, 'You also go into the vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.' So they went. 5 When he went out again about noon and about three o'clock, he did the same. 6 And about five o'clock he went out and found others standing around; and he said to them, 'Why are you standing here idle all day?' 7 They said to him, 'Because no one has hired us.' He said to them, 'You also go into the vineyard.' 8 When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his manager, 'Call the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and then going to the first.' 9 When those hired about five o'clock came, each of them received the usual daily wage. 10 Now when the first came, they thought they would receive more; but each of them also received the usual daily wage. 11 And when they received it, they grumbled against the landowner, 12 saying, 'These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.' 13 But he replied to one of them, 'Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? 14 Take what belongs to you and go; I choose to give to this last the same as I give to you. 15 Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?' 16 So the last will be first, and the first will be last."
Do we ignore Jesus' teaching that God is not fair - that God does not give us what we deserve - that God is generous? Do we ignore Jesus' warning that God is going to be generous to those who show up last? Are we okay with that? How does this affect how we live? Should we be more generous to the newcomer in our church community than the old timer who has worked hard and earned their place in our community?
How can society exist where the hardest working people don't get the biggest pay off? Would you want to live in such a community where you work 8 hours and get paid the same as someone who only works 1 hour? This just isn't fair. Right? Well... such is the community of God...
Matthew 19:30 - 20:16 30 But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first. "For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. 2 After agreeing with the laborers for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard. 3 When he went out about nine o'clock, he saw others standing idle in the marketplace; 4 and he said to them, 'You also go into the vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.' So they went. 5 When he went out again about noon and about three o'clock, he did the same. 6 And about five o'clock he went out and found others standing around; and he said to them, 'Why are you standing here idle all day?' 7 They said to him, 'Because no one has hired us.' He said to them, 'You also go into the vineyard.' 8 When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his manager, 'Call the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and then going to the first.' 9 When those hired about five o'clock came, each of them received the usual daily wage. 10 Now when the first came, they thought they would receive more; but each of them also received the usual daily wage. 11 And when they received it, they grumbled against the landowner, 12 saying, 'These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.' 13 But he replied to one of them, 'Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? 14 Take what belongs to you and go; I choose to give to this last the same as I give to you. 15 Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?' 16 So the last will be first, and the first will be last."
Do we ignore Jesus' teaching that God is not fair - that God does not give us what we deserve - that God is generous? Do we ignore Jesus' warning that God is going to be generous to those who show up last? Are we okay with that? How does this affect how we live? Should we be more generous to the newcomer in our church community than the old timer who has worked hard and earned their place in our community?
Friday, August 27, 2010
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?
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?
Thursday, August 26, 2010
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?
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?
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
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.
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.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
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?
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?
Monday, August 23, 2010
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.
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.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
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?
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?
Friday, August 20, 2010
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?
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?
Thursday, August 19, 2010
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?
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?
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
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?
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?
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
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?
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?
Friday, August 13, 2010
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?
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?
Thursday, August 12, 2010
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?
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?
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
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?
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?
Monday, August 9, 2010
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?
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?
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