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Stained Glass Window

Work in progress — Sep 8, 2017

 

I’m just a stained glass window

some colors bright, some dim

just broken bits and pieces

held together with wire and tin.

 

I am a stained glass window

random pieces of glass that

create a tapestry of splendor

when the sun shines through.

 

Don’t get too close, you’ll see the scars

I’m best held out of reach

where no one can feel

the broken bitterness

I refuse to reveal.

 

Don’t look so close, watch from afar

somewhat discouraged

I’d rather be alone

than risk the pain

deep in my bones.

 

Truth is, I’m a lonely soul

cast in an iron frame

displayed out of reach

and useless without the sun

useless without the sun.

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Matthew: Fourth Discourse — Family Matters

Read: Matthew 18-20

The fourth discourse recorded by Matthew provides a wide array of teaching points that continue Jesus’ counter culture concept. It’s interesting that children are mentioned twice, though we may skim over that from our cultural perspective. There is much to learn here. May God speak to you this morning as Jesus teaches through His words.

Who Is Greatest?

And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:2-4

The disciples rebuked the people, but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 19:13-14

Playing with young children is great fun! Hearing the word, “Again!” with such enthusiasm and joy just makes me smile as I toss Brennan on the sofa “when the bow breaks” or when Cali is dancing as we sing a song. They have no particular cares in the world. Their moms and dads tend to every need and they trust them completely. It’s a beautiful thing. Surrounded by love, disciplined as necessary, Brennan and Cali are growing quickly. When I read the scripture above, I see their smiles and it reminds me of precious time with our own four girls, each having their moments of great innocence and unstoppable laughter, each reminding Zoë and I what it means to be a child in the presence of the King. I don’t want to forget that–ever.

But oh how it goes by so quickly! Four year olds turn into teenagers and young adults far too quickly. Lord, help us to treasure the moments and remember Your words when we become too grown up in our own minds, make the Gospel too complicated and lose our innocence. Forgive me in those times and remind me what it’s like to have complete faith and trust.

Don’t miss the next two passages that continue to point back to Jesus’ regard for children:

“If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. Matthew 18:6

“See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven Matthew 18:10

From children to brothers and sisters, Jesus seems to make the point that we should be acting like a family. What a concept! Chapter 19 expands the audience to include husband and wife in discussing divorce. Jesus is pretty clear here:

So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” Matthew 19:6

Marriage is a sacred covenant between one man and one woman, it was designed that way from the beginning. Our society doesn’t see it that way, but clearly we should. Don’t forget, this lesson is long after Jesus said:

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Matthew 5:27-28

This is directed at men because it’s the men who are trying to skirt around the issue at hand. Husband: keep your eyes on your wife! I wish I could say I wasn’t guilty, but that simply wouldn’t be truthful. I’m so glad Jesus forgives me seventy times seven times!

Continuing the theme of family, Jesus addresses those who refuse to let go of the wealth they’ve been given in the parable of the Rich Young Man. Family matters to Jesus, it should matter to us. That’s often easier said than done, especially as children become adults, but it is something we need to take seriously. Peter gets it, but wonders how it works out in the end. Jesus assures Peter, and all of those who are truly willing to be followers:

And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. Matthew 19:29

The key phrase in the passage above is, “for my sake.” It’s not about walking away from something, it’s about being called to something. I believe Jesus is pleased when we honor our marriage and follow His ways, when we love our children and offer them to God with open arms, and when we try our best to model His words with our extended family.

That’s a lot to consider this morning. I hope you have coffee!

 

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Matthew: Tough Words as the Third Discourse Concludes

Read: Matthew 16-17

I don’t claim to have a scholarly approach to extensive Bible study, more of an inquisitive Christ-follower method. Every once in awhile I look at the detailed notes in the study Bible of choice for clues and context. Today it seemed fitting. The NIV Study Bible describes the book of Matthew as an artistically crafted work with five discourses to mirror the Pentateuch in a particular effort to appeal to the large Jewish audience. The third discourse contains parables and miracles and leads us to Jesus’ prediction of his death as the tension mounts between established Jewish authority and the growing followers of Jesus and his disciples.

I have no desire to write posts for the purpose of writing posts! Yes, I want to read through the Bible carefully, but not for the sake of checking off my list. You should know that by now! These chapters portray tension in the middle of Jesus’ ministry and, I believe, they help us appreciate the tension we feel in our ministry (even though it pales in comparison).

Stern words from Jesus:

A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.” Jesus then left them and went away. When they went across the lake, the disciples forgot to take bread. “Be careful,” Jesus said to them. “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” Matthew 16:4-6

I wonder how many people turned and walked away from the Pharisees? The sentence stuck out this morning, in between Jesus warning about these lost leaders of Israel. They came to Jesus to ask a question, at least that was the reported intention in order to gain an audience. Jesus’ answer left them scratching their heads and before they knew it, he walked away. I have to think the answer plus the action was powerfully significant.

The funny thing is that the disciples didn’t get it! It appears they were as confused as the Pharisees and Sadducees:

Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked, “You of little faith, why are you talking among yourselves about having no bread? Do you still not understand? Matthew 16:8-9

Hard words for the select few, yet I feel like this most of the time! Talking amongst friends, trying to understand, piecing clues together to make sense of what is going on in this crazy life on earth.

Following this interaction, Jesus asked His disciples who the people say He is? Peter is quick to offer the right answer–perhaps the others were simply afraid to say outloud:

Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Matthew 16:16

Here we are, practically the center point in Matthew and we read the definitive words: Jesus IS the Messiah. For those of us raised in church, this is far from an “aha” moment. But for those in A.D. 30, these were world-changing words. Question: why are these not world-changing words in 2017? Shouldn’t they be just as significant today as 2,000 years ago?

Matthew quickly walks us through Jesus’ prediction of his death and then an astounding episode where Jesus is seen with Moses and Elijah, the Transfiguration experience. Talk about a churchy word! Jesus’s physical appearance was momentarily changed into his glorified state. Mind blown, the hand-picked disciples, Peter, James and John, stumble around trying to piece together the overload of information that just erupted before them.

When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus. Matthew 17:6-8

They are really trying to understand, but it’s easy to appreciate their confusion. Matthew writes his gospel account well after the events, but preserves the mystery as it unfolds.

The next story Matthew chooses to include is a fantastic failure on the part of the disciples and a strong rebuke from Jesus as a result.

Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:19-20

If the disciples have so little faith, having watch miracles firsthand, I wonder what excuse I have given the entire story in my hands.

I hope we can learn to appreciate just a touch of what it was like to witness the truth of Jesus’ identity revealing itself to those who are far from Christ as the Spirit breaks down walls. Lord, help us to learn from these words and paint the picture that begs the questions which show who you are to this dying world.

 

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Matthew: Faith and Feeding the Masses

Read: Matthew 14-15

TheBibleProject.com revealed an important truth in Matthew that I either forgot or failed to pay attention to previously. It’s rather embarrassing when this happens, but I’m trying to be transparent here in this blog. Each day, sitting here reading and wondering, it’s fascinating to learn something practical while listening to hear from God. I’m so thankful to have somewhat carefully read through the Old Testament beginning this year, it really helps to have that recent knowledge in reading the Gospels, though it’s hard to pinpoint examples, it just makes more sense.

As we read through these two chapters of Matthew we learn that John the Baptist is beheaded on a whim as part of a birthday celebration for Herod. It’s a sad occasion for sure.

Herod wanted to kill John, but he was afraid of the people, because they considered John a prophet. Matthew 14:5

Herod was afraid of John, so it seems he chose to point the finger at his wife and dancing step-daughter as some bizarre rationale for finally executing John. The adulterous relationship that John exposed wasn’t news to the aristocratic elite, but was embarrassing enough to get him arrested. At some point, Herod was going to execute John–this seemed to play well into his script. Sad. Jesus’ reaction:

When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Matthew 14:13

Jesus wasn’t surprised by the turn of events, but he wasn’t going to ignore them either. By the time Jesus landed his boat, large crowds had gathered. John the Baptist is dead, what will Jesus say? Eager to hear, thousands of faithful Jews assemble in “a remote place.”

Miracles in Feeding the Multitudes

Matthew and Mark’s account of this event point to a remote place, but Luke identifies the area as Bethsaida (Luke 9:10) — basically a Jewish community. However, here’s the part I’ve missed in the past, the second miracle happens near the Decapolis, a predominantly non-Jewish population.

Why is this significant? Several reasons to be sure, but the one that jumped out at me this morning was the idea of Jesus moving his ministry from the Israelites to the world. When he released the twelve to spread the Gospel, he told them to first present it to the Israelites, the Chosen people. Even here, in between the miraculous feeding of the multitudes, Jesus points out:

He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.” Matthew 15:24

The Canaanite woman presses Jesus for help, and Matthew records the interaction with fascinating results:

Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment. Matthew 15:28

It doesn’t take long before news spreads and the rest of the world is listening and being moved by the amazing, great news of the Gospel.

Faith

What an amazing gift of the Spirit. It seems the disciples struggled with faith during this early stage of Jesus’ ministry, but they are unashamed to report accounts of others who had faith where their’s lacked. I wish I could have seen the look on the disciples’ faces when Jesus instructed them to feed the massive group of men, women and children. “Did he just say feed them?” How many times have I heard a clear voice telling me to do something, but I pause and seek a second opinion, “did He really say that?” “Are you sure, Lord? Did you mean to use me in this way?”

Lord, you know me so well, all my miserable failures and weaknesses. How could you use me? Help me to have more faith today than yesterday, to believe with all my heart that you came that we would have life to the fullest today (John 10:10). Put your beauty in mine and let that shine so others can see the wonder of the Creator God who desires all to come to Him.

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Matthew: Some Parables to Consider

Read: Matthew 13

Jesus loved to teach using parables, short stories that invite us to step back and learn from seemingly everyday experiences. We learn a lot through this kind of lesson because it’s more like teaching someone to fish than simply supplying a fish dinner when asked. The funny thing I’ve found is how the application of the simple narrative changes over time. I wish I had kept journals from my youth to compare with thoughts today, but I am completely certain these parables are much more vividly colored today than they were 20 years ago.

I should probably write a post on each of the above, it seems somewhat trite to gloss over the lessons embodied in each. Or perhaps you should read them yourself and hear what God is speaking to you this morning.

Matthew 13:10-17 provides Jesus’ explanation for the use of parables. I pray we are those who can read and learn, see and hear, that our hearts would be transformed by His words. Amen!

Matthew chooses to end this chapter with an observation: a prophet is not honored in his own town. People that saw Jesus growing up, walking with Joseph and Mary to the market, looking like a simple child, and doing normal everyday tasks had a hard time accepting Him for who He was. Something we have to expect in our own lives. I think of this like stained glass windows.

Parable of the Stained Glass Window

Consider the beauty of a stained glass window. The patterns of broken glass, careful selection of lead borders, and the choice of colors provide a wonderful depiction of the image portrayed. It’s especially wonderful when the sun hits the window and filtered light fills the room with a rainbow of colors.

We appreciate a stained glass window because, well, the glass is not clear. The glass is in fragments, held together with gray, rather ugly, lead. Yet somehow, when it is put together properly it becomes a work of art, something we put in a place of honor and gaze upon with wonder.

We are each a stained glass window. Each of us has broken pieces of our lives in the past, all held together by lead. Jesus takes our brokenness, our sin, our mistakes and creates an image much more beautiful than we could ever imagine. The Spirit is the lead, not seen, not the focal point of the window, but without which the window would never hold together.

While there is some desire to be a clear pane of glass once again, I rather think the beauty found in a stained glass window creates a tapestry that reveals a work of art my more authentically.

Thank you Lord for stained glass windows. May I always remember you are the ultimate artist that pieces together the oddly broken shapes of my life and give You the honor and glory You deserve.

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Matthew: Jesus’ Identity

Read: Matthew 11-12

Matthew wants to make sure we are clear on this: Jesus is The Messiah. The blind see, the lame walk, the sick are healed, the dead rise, and the gospel is proclaimed! This is the great news they’ve been waiting to hear, but some can’t understand because Jesus’ yoke is light, He didn’t provide hundreds of rules for people to follow. It’s in this simplicity that we find complexity. It is easy to understand, but challenging to accept. Yet here it is, plain and simple:

“Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.” Matthew 11:4-6

Yes, John, your life has not been in vain, though Herod is about to take it. Yes, disciples of John, Jesus is the real deal, the one your ministry team has been longing for. Honor John for his incredible character, accept the endorsement Jesus himself provides in Matthew 11:7-14, but let’s keep moving forward!

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

Very few of us have any real appreciation for the quote above, unless you’re part of a megachurch…then the yoke of rules is crazy. Still, I doubt we have anything that compares to that of the 613 laws the Pharisees developed in an effort to keep Israel on track*. The concept was valid since the Israelites were notoriously bad at staying focused. They wandered far from God for any excuse, so it makes sense that the Levites would develop rules to help. Jesus, however, reveals that they have lost their way in trying not to lose their way. His way is much simpler, even if it’s hard to understand because of its simplicity.

Our world of super intelligent, over-educated masses, has a similar problem. We, the college-educated (and therefore super intelligent), want scientific answers, proofs and intellectually stimulating evidence. The concept of faith seems lost, but is it really? I think not! We must not buy into Satan’s scheme here. Faith definitely wins and intelligent arguments do exist. It’s just difficult to explain faith and therefore we tend to shy away from the discussion.

In Mark Mittleberg’s book, The Ten Questions Christians Hope No One Will Ask, he begins by telling a story that explains how we actually have more faith in the secular world than many believe. From the very beginning of the book, Mittleberg provides the story of how he met his wife and their loving relationship over the course of 20+ years. I wasn’t sure where he was going with that until he provided this insight: “But can I prove it to you? Can I show you our love for each other in a tangible way – one that you can see, hear, or touch? No, the love itself is invisible.” You don’t have to be a Christ follower to get it.

We should not place the yoke of faith on someone who has yet to accept Christ, but we should not shy away from the concept of faith — everyone has faith!

The Pharisees remain unconvinced, wrapped in their own warped world of wanting rules and recognition for their sacrifices. I get it. If I memorized the entire Pentateuch and could recite any passage on a whim, I would want some appreciation for the difficulty of the task and my amazing commitment to the Word. Right? It’s great to have knowledge, but better to have love. That simple truth is more than our modern culture can swallow all at once. Be patient.

Jesus is the Lord of the Sabbath, though the Pharisees don’t get it (Matthew 12:1-14).

But the Pharisees went out and plotted how they might kill Jesus. Matthew 12:14

But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, “It is only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, that this fellow drives out demons.” Matthew 12:24

These two “but” verses should get our attention. Lord, help us to avoid being “but” people. Pour into our conscious minds the present reality of the Holy Spirit living inside of us — we have the capability of overcoming these obstacles.

Toward the end of chapter 12, I’m reminded of a song I wrote some years ago.

“When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation.” Matthew 12:43-45

Put Your Beauty In Mine is all primarily about the indwelling of the Spirit–a rather difficult concept for those who are far from Christ. When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, when our beauty is replaced by the beauty of Christ, we are perfect in his eyes. We have the capacity, but do we have the faith?

So much to consider this morning. Lord, help us to keep it simple and love you fully! Let this love pour out of our thoughts and deeds so we may be Your effective witnesses working to expand the harvest in the ripe fields directly in front of us today.

 

 

 

See: *https://bible.org/illustration/pharisaic-laws

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Matthew: Jesus Sends Out His Disciples; Working Within Your Gifts

Read: Matthew 10

In this incredible chapter we read about Jesus sending out his fledgling followers we revere as His amazing disciples. They weren’t so amazing when they started, but they had one major advantage: they knew. They knew Jesus was the Messiah because they walked and talk and watched Him do things beyond their wildest imaginations. Here’s the thing: we know that at well! We might be beaten down by the world in which we live, but we know beyond a doubt that Jesus is the Messiah and He has given us the same Spirit — “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us” (Romans 12:6).

Truly Called

Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give. Matthew 10:6-8

One of the first and most important steps in church planting is to affirm the calling of the pastor. It’s significant for obvious reasons because the level of responsibility is incredible and the cost of failure is devastating for the pastor and everyone associated with the church plant.

In this incredible passage in Matthew, Jesus himself sends out the disciples He has called. Including Judas. Let that sink in for a while. He sends them out with power and authority, with words and capability far beyond their training as fishermen, tax collectors, etc. Even though The Pentecost event has yet to occur, Jesus provides assurance that the Spirit is there:

But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Matthew 10:19-20

I’d rather only give you verse 20 above, for it will not be…, but look what Jesus tells them before letting them know the Spirit will provide the right words: when they arrest you… Hold on! How am I supposed to hear the rest of the sentence when it starts with arrest, flogging, and humiliation? Are you sure you want to be called to pastor a church? Really?

Jesus continues His own special form of encouragement:

You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. Matthew 10:22

Yes! Sign me up! Really?

Many times we encourage someone to enter ministry, anything from teaching a class to starting a church, by painting this wonderful picture of service with a pat on the back from Jesus. The lesson I take from these words would suggest the opposite is more appropriate, but don’t overdo it! Here’s what I mean. In church planting circles, you hear over and over again, “church planting is hard…” It goes deeper than that, but that’s the tagline for any church planting discussion.

While it’s true, it is incredibly rewarding to be working in a field that is commensurate with your gifts and abilities. This past Sunday we spent the afternoon at Hope Fellowship talking about this very subject. I would contend that working within your gifts is always a joy–even when it sucks!

Greg Wiens would call this your A-Game.

“The challenge with most of us in ministry is that we are not really clear about what our A-game is and what venues of ministry capitalize on our strengths. Too many of us fulfill roles which are either based on someone’s expectations or that simply don’t align with our strengths. Every leader has a venue for their leadership to extend the Kingdom.”HGC Assessments

Find your A-Game through assessments, introspective times surrounded by prayer, and working with a mentor or coach — the counsel of those who have gone before. You might feel like a pioneer, but you are not the only one who has had to step out in faith and do that which God has called them to do!

Here some words of encouragement from Jesus:

Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Matthew 10:28

We are not in this alone, far from it, we go to battle with the Holy Spirit indwelling within us. Lord, help us to find our A-Game, to go into the world with confidence that You are there with us, that You are for us and that You have a unique plan for our lives to grow Your kingdom on earth — today!

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Matthew: A Collection of Miracles and Some Ministry Notes

Read: Matthew 8-9

Matthew provides an incredible list of miracles by Jesus throughout the area and some unique ministry challenges in these two chapters. It’s hard to imagine how this news spread around the region, how it was received, etc. I’m sure they were skeptical of the fake-news of their day and I’m confident I would have been with the group that wanted to see proof. At the same time, loyalties are being tested: will you follow Jesus or John? Pharisees or this One they are calling the Messiah? Matthew quickly stirs the pot by introducing a wide range of characters and concerns. May God speak to you through one of these many examples.

In chapter 4, Matthew reports that Jesus’ ministry began and briefly said He was healing those with diseases, those who were sick, suffering, in pain, paralyzed, demon-possessed, and more (Matthew 4:23-24).  Matthew provides specific examples of miracles that demonstrate the breadth of Jesus’ reach in these chapters.

Miracles

Matthew wants us to know that Jesus was no ordinary prophet, rather, He was the one proclaimed by the prophets who would “took on our infirmities and bore our diseases” (Matthew 8:17; Isaiah 53:4). Here’s a quick list for reference:

A quick scan of the outline above leaves us with the simple conclusion: there is no limit of Jesus’ authority. Men, women, servants, Romans, even children are considered important enough to Jesus that they would be healed of diseases and more. He even controls nature by rebuking the storm as if disciplining a child, “now stop that tantrum!” And it was calm.

It’s interesting that the example of one who has great faith is taken from a Roman Centurion, one who would have been seen as oppressive authority, yet he is the one that Jesus points out:

When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. Matthew 8:10

For just a moment look back at Matthew 2:16 where Herod gives orders to kill all of the males two and younger. Those orders were no doubt flawlessly executed by men who were under the rule of centurions, the military authority. What they represented was synonymous with the Gestapo in Hitler’s regime, brutally following orders. Somehow Jesus sees what no other person can see: he sees the heart. Lord, may we have eyes to see beyond that which the world honors or hates. You called us to love. Help us to do your will when it’s as difficult as this must have been for the disciples to witness.

Jesus is not bound by titles or positions. When a synagogue leader approached Jesus, He went and raised his daughter from death. Faith is rewarded in realtime in these stories. We know that’s not always the case, but it is heart-warming to read such stories and know that Jesus can heal anyone at any time. Lord, help us to have such faith!

The narrative on the demon-possessed men and the reaction of the town is somewhat strange and remarkable. These two men are completely out of their minds because of the demons that have taken residence within them–that alone is a lot to consider. I must confess that this is a difficult concept to appreciate, but I do believe we fight an enormous battle in the spiritual realm, it’s just impossible to explain in words. Jesus is confronted by the spirits through these men and a herd of pigs is lost as a result. Weird. Even stranger, the town tells Jesus to leave! As if to suggest they could deal with two crazed men, but the loss of their pigs was too much to handle, they plead with Jesus to leave their town.

Ministry Notes

Matthew seems to say, “It’s not all about miracles!” as he intersperses some important ministry topics in his narrative:

It’s interesting how Matthew weaves these topics into the narrative, the cost to be a disciple is more than most were willing to consider, too much for the Pharisee here or the man who is more concerned about following procedures for burying a family member who has died. Jesus has no patience for people who simply refuse to look beyond the letter of the laws they have created, those trapped by their own misplaced loyalties. The call is far greater than such earthly matters.

Matthew’s own calling is somewhat of a footnote with an emphasis on his sinful nature rather than his qualifications to become a disciple. In contrast to the previous thought, Matthew heard the call and simple, “got up and followed” Jesus. Period.

The question about fasting is somewhat fascinating. John the Baptist’s disciples have to make a decision on who to follow–it must have been so confusing. They went out to the wilderness, heard John proclaim the gospel and were moved to the point that they become his disciples. John is in prison, so they’re fasting and praying, but Jesus has a whole different perspective. Can’t they see they are confronted with the One about whom he was preaching?

The narrative in today’s reading ends with a call to work:

Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” Matthew 9:37-38

Jesus had compassion on the people because they were like sheep without a shepherd: defenseless, unprotected, destined for death. Through His eyes there is so much pain, so many lost. I often speak about those who don’t even know they are lost, the guy who has a great job, happy wife and kids, discretionary income–success by worldly standards. All the trappings of success, but no sign of Jesus in his life. Perhaps he shows up on Sunday at a church. Check. Takes his family to Christmas Eve service or the special show during the Advent season. Check. Maybe even attends a special event and watches his children get baptized. Check. All the while, the Spirit is not within his heart.

Like sheep without a shepherd, this man will not be saved unless someone reaches him. How can we reach him if we are inwardly focused? How will we see him if we define the lost in terms of financially poor or destitute? Lord, help us to get beyond the exterior. There is so much work to do. Help us to be disciple makers that desire to enter the fields and harvest what others miss!

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Matthew: Sermon on the Mount

Read: Matthew 5-7

There is no way that this simple post can adequately cover the vast material in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Seriously.

I have to point back to the primary purpose of this blog at this time: read through the Bible and post thoughts that stick out as significant.

With that disclaimer, let’s fly through this profound discourse of 111 verses in red letters — Jesus’ words — as captured by Matthew. Prepare to be amazed:

When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching,
because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.
Matthew 7:28-29

Each section of this narrative invites us to get lost in the words of the greatest teacher the world has ever known. Jesus was much more than a great teacher, but from this perspective alone we have much to learn. Here’s an outline with links:

  1. The Beatitudes: Matthew 5:3-12
  2. Salt and Light: Matthew 5:13-16
  3. Christ Came to Fulfill the Law: Matthew 5:17-20
  4. Anger === Murder: Matthew 5:21-26
  5. Lust === Adultery: Matthew 5:27-30
  6. Divorce: Matthew 5:31-32
  7. Oaths: Matthew 5:33-37
  8. Retaliation, Eye for Eye: Matthew 5:38-42
  9. Love Your Enemies: Matthew 5:43-48
  10. Give to the Needy: Matthew 6:1-4
  11. The Lord’s Prayer: Matthew 6:5-15
  12. Fasting: Matthew 6:16-18
  13. Lay up Treasures in Heaven: Matthew 6:19-24
  14. Do Not Be Anxious: Matthew 6:25-34
  15. Judging Others: Matthew 7:1-6
  16. Ask, Seek, Knock: Matthew 7:7-11
  17. The Golden Rule: Matthew 7:12
  18. The Narrow and Wide Gates: Matthew 7:13-14
  19. True and False Prophets: Matthew 7:15-20
  20. True and False Disciples: Matthew 7:21-23
  21. Wise and Foolish Builders: Matthew 7:24-27

The outline alone is overwhelming! How can we begin to talk about this today? The simple answer: pick one of the 21 items above and listen to the words of Jesus for your life at this moment. A quick search on Amazon.com revealed: 3,599 results for “sermon on the mount.”

Here are some thoughts to consider:

Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:11-12

During the Servant Leadership class yesterday, one of the Spiritual Gifts we discussed was that of prophecy. While it may be wonderful to be given the gift of prophecy, it comes with a price. Reading through the prophets in the Old Testament, we certainly walk away with the appreciation for the difficulty that surrounded their ministry. The prophet’s reward is not one received on earth.

For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:20

That’s a verse that preaches well — not! In the Bible-belt south, where tracts are handed out and evangelists put notches in their belts for leading someone to say a prayer, the idea that “you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven” is completely lost. Bonhoeffer’s idea of Cheap Grace comes to mind. On the other hand, Jesus didn’t think much of the Pharisees, so perhaps the bar really isn’t that high after all.

All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’;
anything beyond this comes from the evil one.
Matthew 5:37

Wouldn’t life be much simpler if we would learn to just say ‘yes’ or ‘no’? No complicated oaths or legal documents, just speak the truth.

If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5:46-48

Loving our enemies is hard enough most of the time, but Jesus tags this hard lesson with “Be perfect.” Put that on a meme and post it! I wonder if He said this just before lunch, right after talking about loving enemies and walking the extra mile, oh, by the way, be perfect and pass the salad please. Forgive me for heretical thoughts, but seriously? We’ll have to unpack that section for sure!

But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Matthew 6:3-4

I long for the day when I can be so attuned to the Spirit that giving to the needy is so second nature that I don’t even notice. The concept of helping those in need is discussed so many times throughout the Bible! This morning’s Our Daily Bread covered the concept from Psalm 41:1-3. Lord, help us to consider those in need and do something about it.

No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. Matthew 6:24

Lord Jesus, help us to keep this in mind as we know we need funds to eat, to pay bills, to survive in this world. I earnestly pray that people will simply give to ministry without me asking for a dime. If my thoughts are so focused on building the kingdom, it seems like that would work out, yet we often ask for funding and donations, etc. How else can we survive? May we remain devoted to You, Lord, trusting You will take care of the details as You promised in the very next section: Do Not Worry.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:33-34

That is my overwhelming prayer each day: Seek First. Thank you Jesus for that reassurance!

Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! Matthew 7:9-11

Lord, help us to seek You first and ask for that which is truly important today. May our hearts be driven by the Spirit that our desires naturally ask for things that matter most.

So many thoughts to ponder as we read some highlights from the Sermon on the Mount. Sometimes I wish you had waited to come at a time when we could have recorded your sermons, broadcast them live, etc., but then again, Your timing and Your plans are so much better than the least of my thoughts.

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Matthew: John Prepares the Way; Jesus’ Ministry Begins

Read: Matthew 3-4

TheBibleProject.org’s video introduction to Matthew helps provide context and a framework within which we gain his perspective on the life of Jesus. Matthew choice of stories depend on some knowledge of what we call the Old Testament, common knowledge for those in his time. Today we read about John the Baptist’s preaching and baptizing many in the wilderness, most notably Jesus himself! Then the earthly ministry of Jesus begins following his own wilderness experience where He is confronted by Satan. In these two short chapters we move from preparation to call of disciples to news about Jesus healing the sick. Matthew uses few words to cover much territory.

John the Baptist Prepares the Way

Why would people come out and confess their sins to a wild man in the wilderness? Did he look like one of the prophets of old? Were the people tired of the weight of rules and regulations created by the Pharisees and Sadducees? Lots of questions come to mind. Matthew’s account of John the Baptist is succinct, highlighting several important aspects of his ministry that impacted the entire region–that alone is truly impressive.

People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. Matthew 3:5-6

It’s been some 400 years since Malachi preached to those who returned from exile. John’s message must have been incredibly compelling since his reach is well beyond the local community. The time is right and the people were drawn to hear from this man who challenged the established religious leaders. When the Pharisees and Sadducees come to check him out, he dismisses them with blunt words of rebuke, “you brood of vipers” is bold to say the least.

One point I would like to learn from this is simply that John’s message, like the prophets before him, has nothing to do with promoting himself. He has nothing to gain personally from his preaching. He doesn’t say, “look at me…” In fact, it’s completely the opposite. John’s message is, “look to the one who is coming,” though he didn’t know it was his cousin!

Jesus is Baptized by John

Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented. Matthew 3:13-15

The anointing of the Holy Spirit must have radically changed the relationship between John the Baptist and Jesus of Nazareth. They grew up together as cousins. Elizabeth and Mary certainly knew each other as family ties in those days were significant. I suspect they gathered consistently over the 30 years prior to this point, but now everything has changed.

See how the Spirit moves in the lives of those who love God above all else. There is nothing like feeling the very presence of the Spirit move inside my chest. Just a few days ago, Beth and I were reading through Scripture and out of nowhere tears began to form as we were writing a song that would compel people to think about loving God with all their heart, mind, soul and strength. As we dwelled on this theme, it was clear that the Spirit wants us to pray with people as the body of Christ, to lay hands on those who are desperately looking for answers, who hear the message of hope and want to know how that works today. Music has a way of opening hearts. We know we’re just messengers. The memory comes to mind, but it is insignificant compared to the story here in Matthew.

The proclamation of Jesus’ ministry is awesome and brief from Matthew’s perspective. He moves the story along quite quickly to the next foundational phase.

Temptation in the Wilderness

Jesus fasted for 40 days and nights as He prepared to begin his ministry. Though I haven’t really thought about this before, I can’t imagine this was a secret to those around him. Can you imagine any of your friends or family fasting for an extended period without being noticed? Much less in a day when families lived in close community. Something was happening, but I’m sure no one really knew just what was going on between the cousins.

After this extended fast, Jesus was hungry and the devil was ready with his 3-pronged attack:

  1. “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”
  2. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down…”
  3. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”

Jesus replies, “it is written…” all three times and dismisses Satan. The scene evokes all kinds of thoughts, but one that prevails is the idea that Jesus, the Son of God, allowed Satan to confront Him. He allowed time and space for the interaction, for the words of deception to be spoken and the words of correction to be heard. We must know that when the Spirit moves deep within, Satan will be present. Our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the spiritual forces of evil (Ephesians 6:12). Jesus shows us how to win these battles and has given us more tools than those in Matthew’s day–we have the entire Bible!

Jesus Begins to Preach

John the Baptist gets tossed in prison as a result of his harsh, though accurate, words. Now Jesus begins to preach to the people that John has stirred into action. People are prepared to hear, not everyone, but crowds are ready to listen.

From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” Matthew 4:17

Notice that Jesus didn’t tell people to grab their lambs and head to the temple for sacrificial cleansing. His message is much more personal: Repent yourself! The focus is changing from following a system to one of personal transformation.

Matthew briefly covers the call of Jesus’ first disciples: Peter, Andrew, James and John (Zebedee brothers), each immediately left their boats and followed Jesus.

Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. Matthew 4:23

Jesus teaches in the synagogues, the very heart of the Israelites’ religious community. The chosen people hear first from the Chosen One–and it’s good news people! Jesus shows up to preach repentance for the good of all. On top of spiritual healing, Jesus is concerned about physical illness and goes about healing disease and sickness.

This must have been an incredible change in the lives of those in Jesus’ day. They’ve been waiting for the Messiah with all kinds of hopes for what that might mean, but no idea that their generation would be the generation that would see Him.

Lord Jesus, please let us be a people that hear your voice and act like it! Let us be those who follow you completely, wherever that would lead, for Your purpose and not our hidden agendas. You alone are worthy to be praised.

 

 

A few interesting links from research and reading this morning:

  • http://www.seekfind.org/
  • https://bible.org/seriespage/4-john-baptist-and-jesus-matthew-31-17
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