Matthew 27

Good morning. What a rough weekend for the Reed home! We ended up not going to Vermont. Sherri had a high fever all day Friday and slept almost 24 hours! COVID negative (phew!) but really bad flu thing. No sleep. Now the last few days its been severe GI issues. She's lost 8 pounds in a just a few days! And after a week of stomach issues, Joseph seems to be better- but still quite cranky- I think its teeth! Hoping for some relief for Sherri soon!

I hope you all had a nice weekend. What a nice one! There seems to be a nice crisp in the air this morning!

In this chapter, we read some more very familiar stories- the trial before Pilate and Jesus' crucifixion. 

It is early Friday morning (v 1) and this "trial" will replace the illegal nighttime trial tat happened just prior to this. The decision to execute Jesus was made prior to hearing the case against Jesus! Pilate was the Roman governor assigned to Jerusalem; he could condemn execution- the Sanhedrin could not. Pilate was in Jerusalem for Passover to quell any uprising that may happen. He came to town on Palm Sunday- just as Jesus did. 

We turn now to Judas. Realizing (maybe) what he had done, he begins to feel sorry. He comments that Jesus is innocent (v 4)- but the priests have nothing to do with that. Judas almost seems like he wants to renege on his deal with them, but they turn him down (v 4), "its not our problem!" Throwing the money to the Temple implicates the religious authority. The priests comment that they cannot use the money as it paid for someone's death (v 6)- but they were willing to pay for someone's death with that same money! Judas hangs himself. What did God feel with the death of Judas? Did Judas got Hell or Heaven? Interesting side note- the quote attributed to Jeremiah (v 9) is actually found in Zechariah 11:12-13!

Jesus is presented to Pilate. Pilate was a ruthless, angry, power-hungry man, but seemed to be different ion this story.  Were the words he said (v 11), "Are you the king of the Jews?" sarcasm, irony, compassion? No majestic defense from Jesus- just the words, "Those are your words" (v 11). Pilate may be sensing come innocence in Jesus, so offers to release Him. The crowd wants Barabbas released; Barabbas was a revolutionary insurrectionist! He was guilty of murder in one of the insurrections against Rome that he led, yet people still wanted him released. What did Barabbas think upon his release? The voice of the crowd is not always the voice of God! What happened in the week that turned the crowds against Jesus? Pilate could have done the right thing and overturned the crowds chant- yet he went with the crowd. He did what they wanted. Did he feel guilt? Was his hand washing an act or was there some feeling behind it?

The scouring begins. Long leather strips embedded with bone and stone were used to whip people condemned to execution. The purpose was to weaken the condemned enough that death would be more quick. Some people died from the scouring. Flesh reduced to bleeding ribbons of skin, blood loss, shock begins to set in, pain. Humiliation continues with stripping Jesus- a common practice used to humiliate prisoners while they are hanging on the cross; the robe to mock his kingship; the crown of thorns also to mock. Did any of the guards feel remorse? Did any of the guards feel pain as they did this?

Simon of Cyrene (about 800 miles away from Jerusalem) was probably in Jerusalem for Passover. Did he know Jesus? Probably not. Yet, he was forced to carry Jesus' cross. He really understood what it meant to carry the cross. Golgotha, Calvary, The Place of the Skull, was located outside the gates of Jerusalem, but on a well travelled road. Crucifixions were done for punishment, but also for advertising that this is what happens when you go against Rome. As in all gospel accounts, the authors just say, "And He was crucified (v 35)." People of the day knew what crucifixion was, they didn't need a story description of it. Jesus is crucified with two others that same day. The crowd shouted insults at Jesus- possibly hoping He would end the events and "save" them as He said he would. 

Jesus was likely crucified about 9AM; the darkness spread across Jerusalem (v 45) about noon and lasted until about 3PM when Jesus took his last breath. The darkness mimicked the agony and pain of Christ. The whole of creation felt that same darkness that Christ was facing.

Speaking in Hebrew, Jesus yells out, "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani." (V 46). My God, My God, why have you forsaken me." Did God hear? What was God "thinking" or feeling at that time?

Jesus gives up his spirit and dies (v 50). No words can be said here.

The curtain in the temple, separating God from humanity, tears in half (v 51). The tear happened from top to bottom- God did the tearing, God stopped the separation between God and humanity. 

The next brief passage about the saints being resurrected is found only in Matthew (vv 52- 53). Commentaries are all over the place on this passage!

Think of who was at the cross that day: men, women, rich, poor, Jews, Gentiles, upper class, lower class, haters of Jesus, lovers of Jesus, religious, non-religious, educated, uneducated. All different types of people were brought together.

Jesus' body was removed from the cross. Usually bodies were left to rot and be eaten by scavengers, but the Jews wanted to stop the horror during the Passover festival. Jesus was laid in a new tomb. He was born from a virgin womb and born again from a virgin tomb. 

The religious authority didn't believe anything Jesus had said, yet they were somewhat cautious about the resurrection thought, so requested an army guard at the tomb entrance. The tomb is sealed. And now we wait. 

It is good to read these stories again and really read them to try to understand and listen to the words that are said. How would we have reacted/ responded?

Have a good day.

Shalom+
Pastor Paul

Matthew 26

 Good morning everyone. I am so glad we had rain yesterday- I was getting worried that we hadn't had any in a few days!! (Just kidding!) I did manage to get the lawn cut and some trimming done- and was promptly stung 6 times from some friendly yellow jackets! At least I am able to get up and do things and be happy!

This chapter is quite lengthy. We are in Holy Week and this chapter is Thursday of the week.  Last chapter was Wednesday and Jesus was on the Mount of Olives- he is still there today as we begin. The last few days, Jesus has been talking of the corruption of the religious leaders and today he warns the disciples (again) of his upcoming betrayal and crucifixion. I assume that the disciples were determined that nothing bad could happen to Jesus, but Jesus reminds them (vv 1-2) that this is not true. How must they have felt hearing these words? Not the same thing, but how do you respond when a good friend tells you they have terminal cancer or some other life threatening disease?

Meanwhile, back in Jerusalem, the conflict between Jesus and the religious authority had come to a head and they begin plotting Jesus' death. A very calculated and planned event. They knew the following that Jesus had, so they didn't want it to happen during the Passover festival- yet this is how it happened. 

Mary (Lazarus and Martha's sister) anoint Jesus. We have heard that story many times- it is an integral part of our understanding of the events of the week. The biggest concern from the disciples is the waste! Mary was expressing love and devotion to Jesus- how could that be a waste?! Do we love Jesus enough for people to call it a waste? I don't think Mary really knew what she was doing- especially when Jesus says that she is preparing him for burial (v 12). It was common for priests and kings to be anointed before they began their term of "office"; this would have been appropriate for Jesus too- but he comments that it is for his burial. Her motive was pure love. How many people have that as their motive?

Judas (vv 14-16). Why? What happened? Was he angry at the power that the others had in the group? Was he recognizing the fight between the religious authority and Jesus and wanted to cut ties with Jesus? Did he sense that Jesus might be losing and wanted to be gone? Did he want Jesus to reveal his Messiahship and this was they way for him to do that? There is no indication why Judas did what he did; we do see some regret later when he eventually commits suicide, but nothing here. Thirty pieces of silver would have been about $25; thirty piece of silver was the base price for a "basic slave". Have we betrayed Jesus? Was it for less that thirty silver pieces?

Jesus sits down to a meal with is friends. This brings some confusion to the timeline. Matthew, Mark, and Luke have the meal on Passover; John has it before Passover. How do we reconcile that? Do we need to? Maybe Jesus knew that he would be dead before the right time for the meal, so he ate it earlier? There was also to be a lamb )remember the Exodus story?), but there is no indication in any of the Gospel texts that a lams was slaughtered. Possibly it was before the traditional time- so therefore no lambs had been slaughtered yet. We do call Jesus the Paschal lamb- and his death may have been the "slaughter" of the Passover lamb for the group of disciples. 

Jesus comments about the betrayer will dip at the same time as Jesus does (v 23).  Each of the disciples denied it- including Judas. Judas, knowing he was the one, asked the same question as the others. How did Judas feel at that moment? Did the others catch on? How did Jesus feel? Jesus responds (in my translation, v 25), "Yes, it is you." Did he say it with love? Compassion? Mercy? Grace? Hate?

Typically at the Passover meal, the head of the household holds up all the foods that are eaten and explains their symbology for the Exodus; Jesus reinterprets the foods (bread and wine) for the new covenant. There is no place in the Passover liturgy where the words "This is my body... This is my blood..." com up- so imagine the thoughts of the disciples and others gathered together! Jesus establishes a new covenant- something only God could do! Did the group see Jesus as God at this point?

After dinner, they leave singing hymns. The traditional hymn at the end of the Passover meal was the Hallel: Psalm 116:3-4, 8-9, 14-15; 117:1; 118:13-14, 17-19, 22-23, 27-28. Jesus warns the followers that hey will falter and stumble- to s how that he was in control of the situation. Peter returns with, "Well, they may stumble, but not me!" Then Jesus tells the rooster crowing event (v 34) that will come back to haunt Peter in a short while. Do we stumble in our faith?

Jesus goes out to pray with Peter, James, and John. Jesus was obviously distressed and anxious. He needed prayer to calm him and converse with God. How could one knowingly face execution (especially via crucifixion) and not be anxious. In his prayer- he does ask God to remove the suffering, but then adds in "I know it is your will." Did God hear? What was God thinking at that moment? What was going through the minds of the men with Jesus? What about those that weren't there?

Judas comes with the Roman guard- dressed for battle with swords and clubs. Judas greets Jesus in typical fashion, "Greetings Rabbi" and a kiss. But this was the kiss of death. The arrest happens quite uneventfully (except for the soldiers ear being cut off). Jesus' follower flee. What would we have done? Flee? Fight? Stand in surprise?

Th e "trial" (if it can be called that?!) happens. The Sanhedrin had already been assembled so the trial could proceed quickly! The trial was illegal (according to Jewish Law) as all trials had to start in the day time and end before night time. This first trial had no legal standing, that is why there was a second "trial" in the morning. Also, there could be no trails during the Passover (Jewish law). Guilty verdicts had to be handed out a day after the trial (only acquittals could happen on the day of trial). There was no evidence of innocence (as required by Jewish law). So many things were wrong wit this "trial" (but we all knew that!). Where would we have followed? What would we have done?

Caiaphas allows Jesus to speak, but He says nothing. Angrily, Caiaphas asks if Jesus was the Son of God (v 63). Instead of mounting a defense, Jesus just agrees, "Those are your words" essentially saying that the high priest Caiaphas just proved that Jesus was the Son of God. Now, accused of blasphemy (not really since Jesus is God), the high priest's anger is evident (v 65).

Now to Peter. Peter followed all of this, but at a distance, possibly to prove Jesus wrong about the rooster crowing.  When confronted, Peter does deny knowing Christ. Why? What would we have done? Peter wept (my translation says he dried bitterly). You can feel the agony and pain in Peter- but he still denied Jesus!

his was a heavy chapter to end the week on! Lots in here to think about and reflect on. Next week we begin with the trial before Pilate and Jesus' crucifixion (not the best way to start the week either!). It is an intense journey that we are on!

I hope you get to enjoy the weekend. We are planning on going to Vermont to see Morgan and Bobbi-Jo, but Sherri woke up with a high fever and chills and aches. Joseph has been sick the last week, so it is starting to move through the house! Looks like maybe our trip may be cancelled.

Shalom+
Pastor Paul

Matthew 25

Good morning. Sorry for falling behind yesterday and not posting! I got busy doing some things in the morning and then completely forgot! Ugh!

Jesus continues to teach in parables about the future Kingdom of God. This first one is a "follow-up" tp the servants from the last chapter. To understand it, we need to know a little about Jewish weddings. Traditionally, there are three stages to a Jewish wedding: engagement- a formal agreement made by the fathers; betrothal- a ceremony where promises are made between the two people; marriage- approximately one year later the bridegroom comes at an unannounced time for his bride. When the groom arrived, the wedding attendants (brides maids) would greet him with lamps to guide him to his bride. Ten was a customary number of attendants to have at a wedding. Jesus is the bridegroom (In Hebrew scriptures God is the groom, not the Messiah!). Some were wise (lamps full of oil), some were foolish (no oil in their lamps)-- they all fell asleep because the groom was delayed (we don't know the hour). The announcement is made that the groom is coming and they begin preparing their lamps; however- some don't have oil (often symbolic of the Holy Spirit). Those without oil were locked out of the wedding feast. All ten were expecting to be at the feast- but only those that were prepared were allowed in. This is a warning to the professing church- your future is not unconditionally assured. How many people do we know that are like the unprepared brides maids? They seem "ready" yet are not prepared!

The next parable focuses on the "readiness" addressed in the previous one. It was common for a wealthy person to give servants various responsibilities when they left for an extended trip. Here the responsibility is watching over the master's money. A talent is a measure of weight- so value would be dependent upon the actual coins- value around $1200 or so. Talent was not an ability- however, we cold extend that to this parable too. The first two servants immediately go out and trade and deal and make more money for their servant (although they started with different amounts- that doesn't matter). They were rewarded with "joy in your lord" (obvious echoes of the Kingdom)., The third servant- although he did what the master asked- watch the money- didn't gain anything: he didn't put forth any effort, he didn't try to better himself (or the money); he didn't work. The master wasn't too happy! The excuse the servant gave was that the master was all powerful. God is all powerful, yet God expects us to continue to work, to continue to harvest, to continue to go out and make disciples. Do we?

This last piece is a story of the future rather than a parable. A description of what is to come. When Christ returns, there will be judgment of all nations! Sheep and goats would comingle all day in the fields, but at night they would be separated into two groups. Sheep could tolerate the cool temperatures and stay outside, goats needed to be kept in a small group for warmth. In this story- the sheep are the good nations and receive the kingdom. They were judged on their actions (vv 35-36). The goats, on the other hand, were punished-- again being judged on their lack of works! To rekindle a discussion that comes up often in this group-- is it faith or is it works?!

These stories have lots of judgement and warnings in them. They are all strongly worded and can be quite frightening! Although they were directed at the people gathered, I am sure that the religious authority had their spies and knew what Jesus was saying. I can't imagine they were too happy- as evidenced by the next chapter- the plot to kill Jesus. Time is running short.

I hope you all have a great day. 

Shalom+
Pastor Paul

Matthew 24

 Another nice day yesterday! We have been blessed with so many nice ones in a row! I did notice the hazy appearance of the sky yesterday- probably from the smoke from the wildfires in the west and possibly even Canada!

Jesus leaves the Temple (v 1)- the last time he will be there in his earthly ministry. He had had enough and said what needed to be said! The disciples want to stop Jesus so as to admire the Temple buildings. The temple was the center of Jewish life for over 1000 years and was greatly enlarged and "improved" by Herod the Great. Historians say that he employed10,000 men for eight years to rebuild the temple. It was about 500 yards long and 400 yards wide- a great accomplishment. Covered in gold plates, it shined in the light. About 40 years after Jesus (around 70AD), there was  Jewish revolt against Rome; the temple was destroyed by Rome. This was prophesied by Jesus (v 2). There was also some analogy and foreshadowing as Jesus may have also been referring to himself.

A short while later, the disciples needed more information (v 3). Naturally, they would want to know when the destruction would take place. They had assumed this would be the end of ages and Jesus would come in victorious to save them (v 3). Little did they know that Jesus' return would be a while later!

Jesus begins to describe the "end times" with a caution to be watchful for false prophets and false teachers (v 4+). He has talked many times about this, but now the warning seems more urgent. Do we know of the false prophets? Are we able to pick them out? Jesus is sure to tell them that natural events will always be part of man's history: wars, pestilence, famine, natural disasters, etc. These always have happened and they will continue to happen.  People will sometimes say (about the bad and crazy weather we have been having), "Is this a sign of the end times?" I should point them to this passage- its just part of our weather patterns!

Jesus then describes what will happen to the disciples after Jesus' ascension: they will hate you, hurt you, and maybe even kill you (v 9). What were the disciples thinking? Did I sign up for this? We have read about and know about the persecution of Christians during early Rome. It still continues in some places. False prophets will abound (and we have had our share the last few decades!). Inequality and injustices will rule. Hate will attempt to win. How does that sound? Even with all this, we need to continue to preach and teach the Good News; we need to resist all the worldly things; we need to strive to be the people God desires us to be. Jesus talks about a sign from Daniel, "the desolation and terror" describes the destruction of the Temple (both the structure and Jesus).  Jesus continues to describe the desolation and terror that will happen. All sound quite disastrous. Jesus tells the people to flee as quickly as they can (vv16- 18). Get away and go into isolation. 

We have had some awful times (even in my life) and these are no comparison to what the tribulation will be like. The end times will be truly horrible and terrible. I really truly hope this does not happen in my lifetime when I read these words! Even the cosmos will be shifted and affected by the wrath of God on a Godless world (v 29). The sign of the "Son of Man" will appear in the sky (v 30). It is unknown what that exactly means. Some believe it will be a vision of a cross (as Emperor Constantine saw in 312AD); some say banners will fall from the sky. I guess we aren't there yet!

Using a fig tree as an example, Jesus says that the signs will be as obvious as the leaves of a fig tree announcing fruits (vv 32- 35). Some people refer to the destruction of the Temple in 70AD as the sign of the end times- but (obviously?) it hasn't happened? Will we know the signs when we see them?

Jesus then says nobody will actually know when all this will happen (vv 36+). Life will be normal (vv 37-39). Things will be going along just fine, everybody will be doing what they are supposed to be doing, working as usual (v 40-41), doing their daily chores- and then poof- some will be gone and some will stay! If you knew what time your house was going to be broken into (vv 42- 44)- you would live your life getting ready and being ready- but we don't. Same with the second coming of Christ...always be ready! We are to maintain our work ethic, our Christian ethos- even if we don't know when Christ will return (vv 45- 51). Just because the master (God) is absent, it doesn't give us the right to just do whatever. We need to be diligent and always doing the work God wants of us.  Do we? Are we always doing God's work?

This chapter was full of some very difficult words! The end of the world sounds so terrible! Is it enough to "scare" people into goodness? Some things to think about!

Thank you for all the work and dedication that you are all putting in to this. I am learning much and really enjoy digging in to the stories and the ideas behind them!

Shalom+
Pastor Paul

Matthew 23

 Good morning- what a great weekend!! I hope you all had a chance to get out and enjoy the beauty that we were gifted with!

The tensions between Jesus and the Pharisees/ Sadducees is really beginning to build. We are getting close to the end of the Passover week. Jesus is slowly chipping away at the control of the religious establishment, beginning to really push the envelope even more and show His divinity and mission to earth. This entire chapter is devoted to Jesus slamming the Pharisees and Sadducees and how they look like good people- but they really aren't that good! The target audience for this chapter is the crowds and the disciples. I'm sure the Pharisees and Sadducees were listening and I am sure they were getting angrier by the minute!

Jesus begins with a compliment and does give them authority since they are holding an office of God (vv 1-3). These men do have an important job and they should be given respect for the office they hold. However, Jesus continues, they are poor examples as they demand more form others than they demand from themselves (v 4). They tell you what to do, yet they don't do it themselves. Know any "religious authorities" like that?! They created the burdens, Jesus relieved the burdens.

These religious authorities liked to show off and would so things so people could see them (v 5). They were advertising their good works so people would think highly of them. The "boxes" described in v 5 are the phylacteries-- small leather boxes with tiny scrolls in them that were tied to their left arm and head with leather straps, usually only at morning prayer. These are still worn by Conservative and Orthodox Jews. They are worn based on Deuteronomy 6:8: " You shall also tie them as a sign to your  hand, and they shall be as frontlets on your forehead." The Pharisees assumed that the bigger they were- the more religious they were!

Jesus then warns the people and says not to imitate the Pharisees- they think they are more important than they really are! Jesus reminds the people that they are all equal- no one is higher than anyone else. The only real teacher is Jesus/God (v 8). Do we sometimes place religious authority on a pedestal? Do they think they are better than others? We all have teachers and fathers/mothers in an earthly sense, but don't forget that God is the ultimate Father/Mother/ Teacher (v 10). Jesus then reminds us of the servant- master relationship- that we are to be servants to all and all are servants. Rank is often determined by how many people serve you or are "under you" (as in a company), but Jesus says that our "worth" is determined by how many we serve! McDonalds must be the most humble company I know- they have served over one billion! Jesus gave us a model of humble servantship, yet I think many religious authority people today use the Pharisee model of leadership! Why is that so?

Jesus now really digs into the Pharisees and scribes with the "eight woes" (that contrast the beatitudes). It is typical for Hebrew prophets to list the "woes" to a certain group of people. Jesus lists them and then tells why they are "wrong" in their actions. Shutting the doors to the kingdom because their man made rules are "greater" than the God's rules (v 13). My Bible does not have a v 14! Many translations have omitted it! It should say something like "devouring widow's homes and making pretentious long prayers..." (dishonesty with widows and falsely spiritual prayers asking for large donations!). Their religious zeal brought in many people (v 15)- but the people were to give large donations and serve the temple- definitely not God oriented! They would construct elaborate oaths (v 16) committing people to extensive "gift giving" and servanthood to the priests. The religious authority was more interested in the trivial aspects of life and not paying attention to the larger issues (v 23). The gnat- camel reference is a joke about a man so following the kosher laws that he would pick a gnat out of his wine because it wasn't bled properly, but yet would consume a whole camel. Its about proportions and paying attention to the small things and not the big things. Do we sometimes only see the small things and not see the big things? Jesus then accuses them of being unclean both on the outside and the inside (v 25). They appear righteous (washing the outside of the cup) yet are filthy inside. It was Jewish custom to clean the tombs and whitewash them prior to Passover so that they could be clean. That way, if someone were to accidentally touch one- they will still be considered "clean" The Pharisees and scribes look like the nice and clean tombs that everyone is proud of yet they have the rotting remains of bodies in them (v 27+)! They appear righteous, yet they are far from it. They say that they venerated the old prophets, but they don't pay attention to the living ones (Jesus). Saying that means that they are like the son of the people that murdered those old prophets since they don't really believe (v 30). We say similar things- "I wouldn't have denied Jesus like the people of the time did." These were some really harsh words from Jesus and I can imagine the Pharisees and scribes just fuming mad! I wonder what the people were thinking? Were they on the side of Jesus of the side of the religious authority? Jesus was the "whistle blower" of the day. Someone has to do it!

Jesus closes this discourse with lament for Jerusalem. Jesus has the desire to protect the city and its inhabitants. He wants to give them comfort, peace, warmth and security (like a mother hen does for her chicks), yet "they" are refusing. Do we reject Jesus' offers today? Does Jesus lament over us and our churches?

Tensions continue to tighten and rise. Tomorrow we hear about the destruction of the temple (both literally and figuratively). The end of Jesus' life and ministry is drawing to a close and he begins to really be honest and truthful. We will see that more tomorrow and the next day.

I hope you have a good day and enjoy the time we are blessed with.

Shalom+
Pastor Paul

Matthew 22

Another great day- and again- no rain so far!!

Busy day here. Lauren and Chris went to State College to visit some friends; Sherri is at work-- so it is just grandpa and Joseph today! We've been grocery shopping already and have done some cleaning-- he loves to vacuum! Now it is nap time for him so blog time for Grandpa!

Jesus opens with a parable about a wedding feast- symbolic of the kingdom of God. A wedding, especially of a prince, is a very significant and spectacular social event. Who would ever turn down an invitation to a wedding (v 3)? There is also no logical reason to turn down God's invitation! The king send out a second round of invites (could you imagine doing that?!) saying everything is ready (v 4). Just as in God's kingdom- everything is prepared for us ahead of time! The people still refused- making up lame excuses (v 5). Do people make lame excuses for not following God still today? The king judges harshly and extracts revenge on the people that turned down the king (v7). Prophecy of what may happen to Jerusalem if they continue to deny Christ. A third round of invites goes out- this time to the rest of the town folk- good and bad (vv 8- 10). Talk about grace! Symbolic of God reaching out to all people. However, the  grace ends there when a man comes not dressed properly (vv 11- 12). Greek tradition shows that the king would offer appropriate clothing if someone showed up underdressed, however there doesn't seem to be that in fluence in the Roman cultures. The man was thrown into the outer darkness (v 13). This isn't about clothing- it is about honoring the king. We are free to dress the way we want for worship- just give God honor and thanksgiving. How do we give honor to God?

The question of taxes comes next from the Pharisees (vv 15+). They combine forces with the Herodians (a group of people that worshipped Herod the Great), who were not well liked by the Pharisees. These two groups combining means Jesus has really upset many "religious" people! Both groups are on the counter attack. After they say positive things and "butter him up", they ask, "Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar (v 17)?" Say yes and the Jews get upset; say no and the Romans get upset! A carefully calculated question! Jesus certainly catches on. His response- give unto Caesar what is his, give unto God what is God's. If we are made in God's image (Genesis 1:26-27), then we are to God back ourselves! Are we made in God's image? DO you feel made in God's image? Stymied at Jesus' response, the Pharisees hang their tails between their legs and retreat!

The Sadducees now try to get in on it by asking about resurrection- which they do not believe in (that is why they are "sad, you see") Sadducees were not great in number but they were very wealthy and maintained power and control through their wealth. The practice of a brother-in-law marrying a widow is called levirate marriage (Latin lavir  means brother-in -law). Jesus ridicules them by saying the don't know Scripture and they don't know God's power (v 29). If you knew the power of God- you would believe in resurrection and if you knew the Scriptures you would know about resurrection! Jesus tells them that life after resurrection is different than life now (v 30). "Life" doesn't just continue as it did here on earth. Presumably, since we will be like the angles- there will be no need for marriage- since we will all be married to God (vv 30- 31). We have no idea what resurrection life will be like- we can hope that it will happen though!

The Pharisees come back to the table ready to challenge again (v 34)! Which is the greatest law? There are over 600 laws! There has to be one that is most important. Likely Jesus would answer this one wrong! Jesus' response- Love God and love your neighbor (vv 37-38). Foiled again! This is the essence of all the laws combined! Do you love God with all your heart, all your mind, and all your soul? Do you love your neighbors?

Jesus' turn! "Who is the Christ?" (v 42) The Son of David, of course (v42)- did they forget that Jesus was of the lineage of David?! But if he is son of David, then how can he be divine also (vv 43- 44). Jesus is getting at the divine nature of the Messiah- the divine nature of himself. Some more "trickery" from Jesus and the Pharisees run away and hide- devising a new plan (v 46).

Jesus is getting more bold at questioning the Pharisees and Sadducees; he is getting more bold at pushing his mission. The religious authority is trying to push back and feeling the pressure that their kingdom is in jeopardy! You can almost feel the tensions beginning to rise!

These are some great readings today! Hope you liked them and heard what theysaid!

Enjoy the weekend!

Shalom+
Pastor Paul

Matthew 21

 Good morning. What a relatively beautiful day yesterday! No rain!!

I picked up my riding mower yesterday and got to use it. Some tire marks in the lawn from the wetness, but I did my whole lawn in a few hours. I have been using a push mower for the last few months-- about an hour or two a day!

Sherri has off today- so maybe a trip to the zoo with the kid!!

Several of you had questions about v 16 from yesterday, "So the last shall be first and the first shall be last." (NASB, NRSV, NCV); some translations add in "many will be called but few will be chosen" (KJV, NKJV). Interesting that that line isn't in all translations! "The last shall be first" refers to the Gentiles eventually being chosen while the Jews reject the message of Jesus ("the first shall be last"). "Many called...few chosen" can be interpreted as many will hear the message ("called by the Word"), yet not everyone will obey that message ("chosen"). Another interpretation is that many will come to the kingdom ('be called") yet only a few will be given positions of authority or be upper level based on their specific skill set (preacher, administrator, deacon, etc...). There is always work to do (many called) but there also has to be some oversight (the chosen). I hope that helps some!

Chapter 21 begins with Jesus entering Jerusalem for his final time- so we are entering Holy Week in this chapter. Jesus knew what was going to happen this final week, yet he came to Jerusalem anyway! How do we like facing things we know are going to turn out bad? Jesus, contrary to his last several requests and conversations, is planning on entering Jerusalem humbly yet very publicly- it was Passover and Jerusalem was packed with locals and travelers; prior to this he would tell everyone to not say a word- yet now he plans a triumphant entry (although on a donkey). The disciples go and get the colt as instructed by Jesus. I wonder what they were thinking?

As Jesus enters, the people lie branches on the ground and wave them in the air. Palm branches were symbolic of victory and success; the people shouted "Hosanna" (translated as "save us") was used as kings went into battle and as they returned victoriously.t The people were looking for a victory of a different fashion. Do we get as excited as these people did when we are in the presence of Christ? 

Upon entry to Jerusalem, the whole city was filled with excitement (v 10), yet earlier when the magi came to see the child Jesus, the whole city was terrified (Matthew 2:3)! However, in a few days, they will be shouting, "Crucify him!" What happened?

Jesus' first "event" is the temple "cleansing" (vv 12- 17). Interesting to note that this happens early in Jesus' ministry in john (2:13-22). The merchants were kicked out as they were cheating the visitors and selling them overpriced animals for sacrifice and "temple coins" (with approval by the Pharisees). Jesus even drove out the buyers- they were just as guilty for making the Temple into a place of business (v 13), This place was located in the outer court, where the Gentiles were allowed to come and pray, so they were limited in their ability to worship their god. How do we prevent "others" from coming to worship?

Even with all this going on, Jesus continues to show compassion and others still seek Him (vv 14). He continues to be Jesus the healer, the Messiah. The religious authority, however, wasn't too pleased (v 15).  All the more reason to get rid of this guy Jesus! Children have a special place in Jesus' heart- and they are still present here with Him. 

They leave to go to Bethany (possibly Martha and Mary's home). End of Day 1 of Holy week.

Day 2 begins with a very hard thing for us- Jesus curses the fig tree because it had no fruits for him to eat (vv 18- 22)?! We know of at least two "destructive" miracles (the herd of pigs and the fig tree) in Jesus' adult ministry. The tree was full of leaves and therefore should have had fruits. False advertising! How many "false advertisers" do you know? Charles Spurgeon (theologian) writes, "The first Adam came to the  fig tree for leave; the Second Adam came to the fig tree for food." This parable points to the upcoming judgement of "unfruitful" Israel (and others!) Do you bear fruit?

Jesus goes back to the temple (v 23) and is asked by the authorities "Who gives you the right to teach here?" Jesus answers their question with a question! Great teacher! If they answer the John baptism question correctly- then they will have answered their own question to Jesus; wrong answer and the crowd gets upset at their uneducated response! No answer form the Pharisees, no answer from Jesus!

Two sons, each called individually to do work for the father (vv 28- 30). One refuses, but then decides to go later; one accepts immediately, but then doesn't do the work. Who obeyed Dad? The first son- not so sure about the outside- but they have a hear for God on the inside; the second son- they look good on the outside, but! We know people that fit the descriptions of both of these sons! What matters is living right for God, not saying the right words!

The next parable is about a vineyard and its owner (although the sub-title says "A Story About God's Son" in my Bible). Jesus tells about the vineyard owner preparing the vineyard and then hiring people to manage it (the vinedressers). When harvest time came, the man's servants went, but were killed by the vinedressers! When the son was sent, the vinedressers killed him also- thinking that they would inherit the yard. However, the owner judged them harshly! The Hebrew scriptures often used a vineyard to symbolize Israel, set up by the owner (God) and "cared for" by the religious authorities (the vinedressers). The servants were symbolic of the prophets and the others that came before Jesus, and Jesus was the son that was sent- yet was also killed. The priests and leaders said tat the land owner had the right to kill the vinedressers (v 41)-- but they didn't understand that the parable was about them! The leadership had become so corrupt that there would be new vinedressers (v 41)- the Gentiles.

Then Jesus takes their rejection of the son (the Son) one more step (vv 42- 46). Jesus flatly and bluntly tells them- reject me (the cornerstone) and the kingdom will be taken away. How much more "in your face" could Jesus get?! They had fair warning. Did they change? Would you have changed? We can be broken in humbleness or broken in judgement (v 44). The Pharisees and Sadducees had that choice. We have that choice. Rather than listening and repenting and changing- they become more determined to destroy Jesus. How could hate/mistrust/anger be that strong against a person?

Some tough readings and some tough words from Jesus. Remember- we are in the last week of his life and time is short. Jesus becomes more blunt and more vocal- inciting the Pharisees and Sadducees even more!

I hope you have a great day.

Shalom+
Pastor Paul