Matthew 20

Good day yesterday- and at least the rain held off until the evening! I was getting worried- our lawn was getting dry! I tried to do some weeding in the big garden yesterday and was pulling up lots of soil with the weeds- so I guess I need to wait until it dries out some more. We certainly have had our share of rain this summer- and the storms have been quite intense!

Jesus begins this chapter with a parable- it seems to be an extension of the response to the question had ion the previous chapter, "We have followed you- what do we get?" Many of Jesus' parable are about employees and employers- this one is no different. The story is about finding workers to work in the vineyard. The employer finds some early in the morning, some later, and some even later. The vineyard owner seemed to have an inexhaustible amount of work to do as he kept going back to the town square for more people. He told the people hired first they would receive a denarius for their work- a fair rate.  The others workers were told they would get "whatever was right" for their salary. At the end of the day though, they all get the same pay- a denarius. The ones hired first were upset that they didn't get more than the people hired at the end. Jealousy rears its ugly head! Did they have the right to be angry? Do we have the right to feel angry when people get something we don't think they deserve? "Those who are in last place shall have the first place in the future and those that are first now shall be last." (v 16) God may not reward as people expect- and it is God's prerogative to "reward" as God sees fit. Some people come to God early in life, some later, and some later still. We are all rewarded the same kingdom though! Should we be upset at that? Does it seem fair? The essence of God's grace is that we are all equal! We may look at some people and think they are not worthy of God's grace- but are we either? The "fault" I see is that it seems like we are "paid" for the work we do- God's grace doesn't require actions! Faith before works is what Paul taught us! Agree or disagree?

Jesus then takes his disciples to Jerusalem (v 17)- not too surprising as it was approaching the time of Passover. Jesus then tells them (again) that the Son of Man will be betrayed and condemned and crucified and will then be resurrected (vv 17- 19). The blame falls on both the Jews (Pharisees and Sadducees) and the gentiles.  No response from the disciples- that Matthew tells us. How would we have responded? Is there and appropriate response to this story from Jesus?

The mother of James and John was a regular traveler with the group. Her request would make her a proud mama and the sons very prestigious! Can they drink of the same cup as Jesus- YEs! is the immediate response (too immediate, they obviously didn't understand what Jesus was talking about). What would we say if Jesus asked us if we could drink of the same cup? James was the first disciple to be martyred; John survived martyrdom- although not for lack of trying! Jesus submits to God's wisdom and doesn't offer them anything (v 23). The conversation must have been somewhat private since the other disciples are furious (v 24)! They must have assumed there was some position of fame offered to James and John. Jesus sets them straight and says that you are all equal and humble and servant to all (vv 25- 28). Do you believe that we are all equal?

As they leave Jericho (v 29- 30), two blind beggars call out "Lord, Son of David..." They knew about Jesus and were asking for help. They gave Jesus his full accolades- all he was worth. Jesus asks the most simple question that God continues to ask us, "What do you want?" How do you answer that? Even though God knows, God wants us to know what we want! The crowd tries to quiet the men. Who do we try to quiet when Jesus passes through? They are healed and the immediately follow. How many really do that- follow Jesus immediately after they are healed? Have you been healed?

This was a great chapter with lots of good words. I hope you liked it!

Shalom+
Pastor Paul

Matthew 19

Good morning! What a great day yesterday! Sherri and I took the day off (after a morning of work). I finally had a chance to buy a riding mower. I have been push mowing our lawn (about 3 acres) for the last few months! And Sherri got a new dishwasher! After 17 years, ours decided to quit on us! Happy day in the Reed home!! Today looks like a great day! Enjoy!!

Today's reading begins with Jesus teaching about divorce. These are always tough passages to talk about!

Although the gospels tend to focus on Jesus' Galilean ministry- we see here (and should assume) that Jesus would often travel out of the area and go to Judea and Jerusalem for things other than the crucifixion and resurrection. Great crowds follow- an indication of Jesus' success and popularity. He healed- but did they believe? Why did they follow? Why do we follow? Conflict with the Pharisees continues as they try to trick him! Divorce was a hotly contested debate (as it still is at times!).  Tradition says that if a man was unmarried at the age of 20 (unless he was dedicated to studying the  scriptures) he was in violation of the command- be fruitful and multiply and that by not having children- he killed his descendants! Even though they had a high view of marriage- they had a low view of women (as we have discussed in the  past). Is that much different today? How do women view women? Divorce is granted (Deuteronomy 24:1: "Suppose a man enters into marriage with a woman, but she does not please him because he finds something objectionable about her, and so he writes her a certificate of divorce, puts it in her hand, and sends her out of his house; she then leaves his house." (NRSV)). But what constitutes "something objectional"? Was Jesus going to take the conservative approach or the liberal approach to divorce? Rather than talk about divorce, Jesus talks about marriage (vv 5-6)! Bringing the covenant of marriage back to scripture- Jesus promotes the idea that when couples marry (in my eyes- any couples, but I know some would disagree with me- and that is ok to disagree), they forsake their individuality and become one unit.

There comes a touché from the Pharisees (v 7), "Yah, but, what about Moses' decree for divorce?" One rabbinic statement was that it was a man's religious duty to divorce a "bad" wife based on this decree from Moses! Jesus comes back with God would rather not have divorce happen, but there may be some circumstances where divorce would be better (v 9): sexual inappropriateness (and some translations include "hardness of heart" which could translate to abuse). Later (or prior since the epistles were written before the gospels) Paul added "an unbelieving spouse" is also grounds for divorce! The idea of adultery (v 9) comes from the idea of an "illegal in the eyes of God" divorce (i.e. other than the reasons listed). I am not sure of all your ideas of divorce- but I agree that in some cases, divorce is better than staying together. A huge issue I struggle with is when there are children involved. Divorce has a huge impact on the children. I can remember Morgan asking me many years ago (she was probably 14 or 15), "Dad, why are you and mom still married?" I didn't really understand the questions, so she went on to explain that most of her friends had parents that were divorced!

The disciples then say (v 10), "Maybe it is better not to marry." Jesus agrees that in some cases, not being married is an OK thing: infertility and devoted to the scriptures (celibacy for God).

Jesus then turns to the little children (vv 13- 15), as he did a few verses ago. This emphasizes the importance and focus of children!

The next story is found in all three synoptic Gospels. There aren't too many stories that are in all three- so it must be important! Like many, the young man wants to inherit the kingdom of God. Jesus responds (v 17), "Obviously (my words), follow the commandments!" All of them?! Do we struggle with following all of God's commands? Jesus then emphasizes the human- human commandments. If you can be good to people, then you can probably do ok with the God commandments! "Yah, but, I have done them forever. What else do I have to do?" Don't you love those "Yah, but..." responses! Jesus responds (v 21) with a total commitment to Jesus and God. "Hmmm....um....ahhh.....yah, but..." is the response of the young man (v 22). How do we respond when God calls us to follow? Riches do become an obstacle for entering the kingdom of God (vv 23- 24). When we are rich in earthly things we tend to be satisfied with this life and don't think about what is next. True or not?

Then Peter- the rock- asks the question (v 27), "We have given up everything- what do we get?" The twelve will be judges of the twelve tribes (v 28). What about God? I have to do more work on this part! In fact, all people that follow will be rewarded a "hundred fold" (v 29)-- not in a literal sense, but in a kingdom sense. God gives us back more than we can ever give to God- if we allow that to happen! Following Jesus will be tough though (v 30). We will loose family, friends, social status; we will be humbled and turned into servant; we will be lower than the lowest in this life- but our rewards will be great in the kingdom. When put this way- is following Jesus an "exciting" offer? Do people think of the future?

Some great words in these stories! I like the divorce discussion, as it opens the door to further discussion!

Have a great day. Stay out of the smoke from the wildfires!

Shalom+
Pastor Paul

Matthew 18

 Good morning- what a beautiful one so far!

Great weekend. Morgan and Bobbi-Jo got home later Friday night. The entire family spent the day in Ithaca Saturday (I had funeral to officiate).  Morgan and Bobbi-Jo came to church Sunday and it was good to see them. It is good to be together. We are going to Vermont to help them move the weekend of August 1, so we will see them again soon!

The disciples seem to be always concerned about "the greatest" (aren't we all?). The disciples were looking at the kingdom in an earthly manner, and wanted to know who would be "top dog" with Jesus! Who would get top honors and who would be second in command? Why are we so concerned about position? Jesus could have just come right out and said, "Me!" but instead, Jesus gathers the children together (a familiar story for us) and talks about the faith of the children. The fact that there were kids there and that they came when Jesus calls says something about the nature of Jesus! The words were probably disconcerting for the disciples though, children held a status similar to women in Judaic culture! The idea is though, we are to be humble, innocent, pure, happy, trusting, peaceful- like the children. Can we be that way? What has happened to our innocence- the innocence of the children? Jesus continues (v 5), "The way you treat children is how you are treating me." Do we accept Jesus' humbleness, innocence, purity etc.? Sin is bad- but causing someone else to sin is far worse (v 6). Jesus continues wit this theme- woe to the one... (v 7). We live in a corrupt and evil world, know the choices you make will have consequences- some good, some not so good- you decide how you want to act. It is especially bad when you cause others to do bad. The "treatment" for sin (vv 8-9) seem harsh; Jesus doesn't literally mean this- but the point is that if we do cut off our right hand, we can still sin with our left. We need to change/ transform from the inside. True sinlessness comes from a change in heart, not physical mutilation! It is our mind and heart that we have to fix to solve the problem of sin. 

Be careful how we treat the humble (v 10). We all have these guardian angles that God has assigned to us. I think of Clarence in "It's a Wonderful Life" when I think of guardian angels! Are we guardians angels for others? God cares for the individual (vv 12- 14). Do we go and look after the one that has strayed away or are we more concerned about the group? What do we do when we find one of the sheep straying? What does God do?

The next set of verses (vv 15- 17) are important lessons for us! Essentially- the message is- don't be gossiping and spreading mistrust among the community. Someone offends you- say something to them0 in private and solve the issue. We just had a small incident at my church. I said something that got someone angry. I knew they were upset, but when I asked why- they said nothing- just let is stew away. They were certain to say something to someone else though! Maybe I should preach this verse some time soon! If you solve the problem- that's a win, but if not, then begin to involve a few people. The circle gets bigger as the person becomes more "stubborn". The idea here is about reconciliation and building torn relationships. Is this how we act or do we just let things fester and stew in our gut? I like the next few lines (vv 19- 20). There is power in agreement in groups. It is easier to accomplish tasks that are mutually agreed upon. The more people working together and agreeing, the easier and faster the work gets accomplished. Church committees are  like this; if one person wants to begin a program or do something- it is hard- but of there is a small group on the "same side", great things can be accomplished. 

The parable of the unforgiving servant comes next. When Peter mentions forgiving seven times, he is referencing a rabbinical guideline that you only have to forgive three times. Peter's desire to forgive seven times is over gracious and expounding love for the offender! Jesus comes back with- forgiveness must be unlimited (v 22). How often can you forgive someone?

The first servant had a huge debt that could never be repaid (v 24). After some "negotiating" and discussion, the master, showing compassion and love, forgives the debt (v 27). The first servant went away and found servant #2 that owed servant #1 some money (v 28)- a much smaller amount than the first one. Negotiations, similar to the first scene occurred, and we would expect grace and compassion from servant #1- as that is how he was treated. Not so, and servant #2 was thrown in jail. No compassion, no grace, no guilt, no thoughts from servant #1. The other servants found out and realized how bad servant #2 had been treated; the others saw the evil and injustice of servant #2. They tell the master and servant #1was thrown in jail after being yelled at for lack on compassion and love. The parable ends with Jesus saying- God has forgiven such a great debt in your life- that any debt owed to you is insignificant! We are to treat others with respect and compassion. Forgiveness comes from our heart and soul. Are you able to forgive and have compassion for Brothers and Sisters? As forgiven sinners, we should also forgive! Can we?

Some really hard points in the stories today. Some things to struggle with!

Have a great day and enjoy the beauty of the day!

Shalom+
Pasto Paul

Matthew 17

 Good morning. What a nice day yesterday- I don't think we had any rain and the sun was out for most of the day! Great ice cream social at the church to end the day!!

I think you all commented about the weather forecasting red skies from Jesus in the last chapter. There are a few other "proverbs" (I think literally from Proverbs) about the weather- I will have to look them up!

Today we begin with  the transfiguration of Jesus. Peter, James, and John were invited to spend the day with Jesus. Not everyone will see all things! We don't know the exact mountain that they went to; there are some ideas: Mount Tabor (1900 feet), Mount Hermon (9300 feet), Mount Miron (3900 feet)- it is OK not to know! Jesus was "transfigured" and his shone brightly. One way to see this is a "new" miracle. Another way is to the the interruption of a constant miracle (Jesus always withholding his glory and majesty)! Moses (representing the Law) and Elijah (representing the prophets) appear. We often times pick on Peter for his statement, "We should build a tent!" (v 4), but what else would we have said? We then hear words from God (that we hear at Jesus' baptism in other Gospels), "This is my Son. Listen to Him!" Do we? Listen to Him? Did they-  the disciples- listen to Him? Some say this was God's way of rebuking Peter for putting Jesus on an equal level with Elijah and Moses (building them all the same tents). These words are what frightened them (v 6), not Jesus' transfiguration, not seeing Moses and Elijah- it was God's voice! It was the touch of Jesus that calmed them (v 8). Can you feel the calming touch of Jesus? Notice that when Jesus said this, they only saw Jesus- their entire focus was on him as opposed to Elijah and Moses. What happens to us as we focus on Jesus? The disciples are told not to say anything- to keep Jesus' messiahship and glory hidden until the resurrection. Jesus already had a crowd following- something like this may have had more people following- so as to interrupt the events coming.

Coming down from the mountain (v 14), Jesus is immediately swarmed by crowds again! A man brings his son, stating that the disciples couldn't heal him. We aren't always successful in our ministries! Failure is an important lesson for all of us! There is a sense that Jesus is frustrated with the lack of faith from his disciples (v 17) and those around. I wonder if Jesus says similar things today! Jesus instantly exorcises the demon- What is too difficult for us is easy for Jesus! He then turns to the disciples and comments on their disbelief- your faith is too small! What does Jesus say about our faith? Even a tiny bit of faith can do great things when God is involved (v 20). Do we believe that? We certainly cannot move mountains- even with complete trust in God, but this isn't exactly what Jesus was saying! We can do great things with trust and faith in God though.

Jesus then comments to his followers about his upcoming betrayal and death and resurrection. I wonder what Peter, James, and John are thinking when they hear this after experiencing the transfiguration?

The next story seems oddly placed. The temple tax was a tax levied on every Jewish male for maintenance and upkeep of the temple. Most men paid the taxes willingly; several tried to get away from those taxes. These yearly taxes were usually collected at the Passover (foreshadowing?!) Peter responds (v 25), "Of course He does!" Jesus then tells a short parable, essentially saying that the children of the king are not responsible for taxes, so therefore Jesus isn't obligated to pay taxes to the Kingdom. Big "twist" (in a positive sense) in words! Rabbis and priests were exempted from these taxes- would Jesus be claiming that exemption? 

Jesus, then to prevent more controversy over him and set a good example, essentially decides to pay the taxes. He and Peter go fishing with a hook (rather than a net) something very different to Peter! The fish they catch has a coin in its mouth! God provides! That's a crazy story and I don't ever remember hearing it before- or if I did I certainly don't remember it. Time to take up fishing!!

Some good words for us to think about form this chapter! I hope you have a great weekend. Morgan and Bobbi-Jo are coming home so the family will be together once again!

Shalom+
Pastor Paul

Matthew 16

 Surprise! I am early!!

Thursday's task is "process" chickens! Yahoo!! I have such an exciting life! That's going to take several hours, so I am posting Wednesday night.

If you are free Thursday night 6:30 until 89PM- stop by the  Little Meadows church for our first summer ice cream social!

Red sky at night- sailors delight; red sky in morning- sailors take warning! (vv 1-3). The fact that the Sadducees and Pharisees were working together was a bad sign, as they almost never got along! So when they both try to "trick" Jesus, you know something is going on. Jesus was a serious threat that needed to be taken care of. The positive point is that Jesus brought these two groups together- even if they were together against Jesus. What can Jesus do to bring us closer to our "enemy"? When they ask for a sign, Jesus calls them hypocrites; they can interpret the meteorological signs, but that can't see what's in front of them! For years there were "signs" from the prophets, but they didn't catch the messiahship of Jesus. Do we always catch the signs?

We come back to a previous statement from Jesus- beware of the yeast (leaven), in this case of the Pharisees and Sadducees (v 6). Remember from that- leaven/yeast is associated with evil. So watch out for those guys! The irony is in the statement from the disciples (v 7), "It is because we forgot the bread!" Didn't they remember the feeding of the 5000 and the feeding of the 4000?! Jesus responds (v 8) "What are you guys talking about!?" Then he blatantly says- the Pharisees and Sadducees are bad guys! I think I asked before- but who is the "yeast" around us?

Jesus and the disciples "retreat" to Caesarea Philippi, a mostly gentile region. Away from the masses of Jewish people, Jesus would have some quiet time with his disciples. Do you take quiet time with your "disciples"? Jesus then asks the question (v 15)! "Who do people say that I am?" We know the answers: John, Elijah, Jeremiah. Obviously couldn't be John since they were in ministry at the same time! Elijah and Jeremiah were compliments- they stood up against the opposing powers, so the people wanted a messiah that would do something like that. The tables turn when Jesus asks- who do you say that I am? Peter, speaking for the group, responds, as we know. Jesus then heaps compliments on Peter, acknowledging that this revelation was God- delivered (v 17). Recognizing the  connection Peter has, Jesus says that the church will be built on Peter's faith. Some controversy exists though. When Jesus says, "this rock", was he pointing to Peter or to himself?! Also, this is the first time in the New Testament the word church has been used! The comfort comes when Jesus says that the powers of Hell and evil have no power over the church. Do we believe that? Peter is given the keys to heaven, St. Peter at the pearly gates! So does Peter allow us entry through the pearly gates or does God? Some people also believe that this indicates that Peter was the first Pope and that all of his successors have those same keys handed down to them. In fact, the insignia of the pope includes two  prominent keys. Jesus was pleased that his disciples were beginning to understand, but now wasn't the time to let others know (v 20).

Jesus then tells the disciples about the end of Jesus' life- something that must happen. Imagine the shock and disbelief of the men. As Jesus is talking, what must have been going through their heads? We know some, because Peter chimes in with  God will save you (v 22)! Peter rebukes Jesus?! Harsh words from Jesus follow, "Get behind me Satan! (v 23). Just a few verses before, Jesus was full of positives for Peter, now he is calling him Satan? Anything that was intended to prevent Jesus form doing his ministry was considered from Satan, so Jesus is saying that these words that Peter said were from Satan, so that they would try to convince Jesus to not "go through with the plan". I am sure Peter didn't know he was using words from Satan!

Jesus then declares his expectations of his disciples- if they continue to follow Jesus (vv 24- 26). Reading the list of expectations- would you willingly follow Jesus? Remember that 2000 years ago the cross is an instrument of execution- not life! So to take up your cross was a death sentence. Taking up your cross was a one-way street with a dead end. The paradox of the cross comes out in Vv 25-27- giving up your life meant living and saving your life meant dying. Do you think the disciples understood? Do we?

The last sentence (v 28)  is something I haven't really noticed before. "Some people standing here will see the Son of Man coming with his kingdom before they die." Jesus promised a glimpse of power and glory in God's kingdom. Did they see it? What did they see?

This chapter was very prophetic and theologically dense. We could probably spend hours talking about it! I hope you like these words from Jesus.

Enjoy the day! And don't forget...ICE CREAM!!

Shalom+
Pastor Paul

Matthew 15

 Rain, rain, go away...

We did have some fun at Hickories Park yesterday. It was good to get out and see something different!

Up until this point, most of Jesus' ministry has been unchallenged by the religious authority. I'm sure they know what is going on and I am sure they are aware of his teachings through the grape-vine. In the beginning of this chapter we read about an official delegation coming from Jerusalem to investigate and assess the "validity" of Jesus (v 1). They begin to ask Jesus questions, but their questions are more about man's traditions rather than God's commands and scriptural traditions (v 2). Jesus fires back with a comment about the religious leaders being too tied up with man-laws that they don't even pay attention to God-laws. How does that speak to us in the the church-are we too caught up in man-laws that we forget about God-laws? Can there be a peaceful co-existence between the two? Much of the religious authority was caught up in ceremony and regalia rather than scripture!

Jesus brings up two points- honor your parents and resources from God. The point about resources- many of the church elders commented that they have dedicated their loves and resources to God, therefore they cannot use it to help their parents. The point that Jesus is making is that they could by-pass the "honor parents" command by dedicating everything to God. So, they could be "religious" by giving to God and then not be condemned for not honoring parents. Confusing, but I kind of see what Jesus is talking about.

I think the really important words for us to hear are in the next verses (vv 8-9)- which are addressed to the crowd rather than the religious authority. Showing honor yet hearts are not in it! God is interested in the internal, the real, the feelings, the emotions. What we do doesn't always match those internal feelings. How many people do we know say one thing but do another? How many times have we seen something that goes against what the person says? Are we included? Our actions are what people notice- do our actions match our words and internal feelings (our heart)?

The disciples then come running saying, "Do you know you offended those guys?!" (v 12). Jesus definitely knew he offended them! That was the purpose of this short discourse! Jesus comments that God will take care of it (v 13). If they (or we) are not rooted deeply in God, then we will not make it through the judgement. Jesus essentially says ignore them, they are of no concern to us. With sadness, he says they are like the blind leading the blind (v 14). They will eventually fall into the "ditch" (Jesus' analogy for the after-life).

Peter asks for clarification of the parable (which it really isn't). Jesus then basically says what we have said before...our hearts are what God is looking at. How we act and how we respond and how we relate to others- our actions- are really a true indicator of our feelings and our heart. Our words are powerful, but our actions are more powerful. Anyone can say what hey want- but d they believe it? I am sure we know people "like that"!

The next scene (vv 21- 28) will be my focus text this coming Sunday! Tyre and Sidon were gentile cities about 50 miles away. Jesus went all this way to meet the needs of this one person! She address Jesus as, "Lord, Son of David" so she has an idea of who Jesus is. No response form Jesus and the response from the disciples is to send her away (v 23). Then Jesus makes the comment- "I have come to save the lost sheep." (v 24). The woman is persistent and Jesus replies back that food should not be wasted on the dogs. Dogs was a derogatory name for gentiles. I love the woman's perseverance- Yah, but even dogs get the scraps and crumbs! She is not looking for the full portion that is devoted to the Jews- she is just looking for a small piece of grace. Aren't we all! The faith that the woman has is encouraging for us; the ability to face Jesus and discuss grace with him! Jesus comments on her faith and her daughter is healed. A question I asked last week in the message- How great is your faith- could be asked again!

We come to another feeding story (vv 32- 39) that is very similar to the feeding of the 5000 with the big exception that this crowd was mostly gentiles not Jewish (as the 5000 were). Would Jesus use his divine powers for the gentiles? This story, combined with the woman in the prior story, show us that Jesus does have a heart for the Gentiles as well as the Jews. Jesus is open and accepting to all. Are we? Can we?

I hope the day goes well...it is going to be a good day!

Shalom+
Pastor Paul

Responses

 I went back and responded to your comments form the last few days. I think I have everything covered!

Thanks for showing me grace and allowing me to be in chaos this last week- its been tiough!

Peace+
Pastor Paul