have you responded? – april 8

Reading Matthew 22, Highlighted Passage: 22:1-14

Jesus seems to revel in telling parables that defy explanation – but maybe that is the point it makes us think. The people in Jesus day thought they earned their rights to the kingdom as a birthright or for keeping the rules. Jesus shatters that idea by suggesting that those at the feast will be good and bad alike who have been brought along unexpectedly.

Do I fall into the same trap? Either being overconfident of my own position or condemning of others? Do I judge others by the same criteria?

live the story – april 7

Reading Matthew 21 23-46, Highlighted Passage: 21:33-45

Jesus’ use of story is entirely in keeping with his culture. He uses the story today to point the finger at the rulers of the people – and they know it.

We live in a world full of stories too!. They may be more sophisticated but Hollywood trades in stories. As we think about sharing the good news with the world we need to rediscover the power of God’s story and equip people to be storytellers in their generation. After all that’s what God has invited us to do – join him in living out the story of the gospel just as Jesus did.

Will you take up the challenge?

upsetting the status quo – april 6

Reading Matthew 21:1-22, Highlighted passage 21:1-17

Two of the best known stories in the Bible. Jesus arrives in apparent triumph on a colt in fulfillment of the prophecy and then he turns over the money changers tables in the temple.

Jesus always seems to be what we don’t expect. I wonder would I be in the crowd or in the temple? Both have something in common – their expectations of Jesus are way off the mark.

Is it any different today? What has our experience of church become like? How much is it a house of prayer?

the grace economy – april 5

Reading Matthew 20, Highlighted Passage: 20:1-16

Another confusing parable from Jesus! Everything within us cries ‘It’s not fair!’. But Jesus wants u sto know that the kingdom of God does not operate on human economics. It operates on God’s economics of grace. After all we don’t get what we deserve – we get what God chooses to give us. None of us can claim the credit or suggest we have earned God’s favour.

So let’s remember to treat everyone else the same regardless of their status or their failure.

god and money – april 4

Reading: Matthew 19, Highlighted Passage: 19:16-26

O how I wish there was more room for maneouvre in this story! As far as the world today is concerned the rich man is me. I have so much stuff. Its very easy to justify why i need it but how do I make sure it doesn’t get in the way of my relationship with God.

I can sanitise Jesus’ words and not obey – tell myself that I am not like the rich young man in the story – but in the end I have to ask myself – am I just unwilling to be that radical?

I am reminded of two things

1. My visit to the slums in Nairobi – see previous blog post here

2. A comment from Brian McLaren: ‘What do you give to the person with everything? You teach them who to thank!…. and that their riuches and comfort are at the expense of others who do not have the basic necessities of life’

Who can you not forgive? – april 2

Reading: Matthew 18, Highlighted passage, Matthew 18:21-35

Forgiveness – easy to say, hard to do! As we look back many of us keep a list of the things that people do to us – it comes out when we argue – we are reminded of the ways we have been hurt and we lash out.

But God’s call is to forgive and to keep on forgiving. Then we will be dealing with others in the same way that God deals with us. I can’t do this alone so I need God’s help to live this way.

Who is it that you need to forgive? Ask God to help you to treat themj as he treats you.

mustard seed faith – april 1

Apologies for the silence – internet not working

Reading: Matthew 17, Highlighted passage Mathew 17:14-20

Another tricky passage but again a reminder og our need to rely upon God. The disciples were unable to heal the boy. Why was that? Well Jesus berates them for their lack of faith. However the clue is in the image he uses. It’s not the amount of faith they have simply who they put their faith in

Who am I putting my faith in?

upside down world – march 31

Reading Matthew 16, Highlighted Passage: 16: 21-28

Jesus again seems to turn expectations upside down. What do we do to gain success? Give up our rights. What do we do to live worthwhile lives? Be willing to lose them.

That is in sharp contrast to the world’s values: ‘Look after number 1′, ‘Put yourself first’, ‘You deserve it’. The contrast is the opposite and yet that’s where the real reward is!

the gospel for all! – march 30

Matthew 15.21-38, Highlighted Passage: 15:21-28

This is a strange passage and I have to confess to finding it a little difficult. But it is clear that one of the underlying messages that Matthew wants to make is that Jesus’ message of the kingdom is for all – not just the Jews. This Canaanite women represents the enemies of Israel and although at first Jesus seems to ignore her, in the end her daughter is healed.

So I need to remember the gospel is for everyone – not just the nice people – but even the people I consider to be my enemies – or even the enemies of God’s people. How will I demonstrate to them in my actions, that the gospel is for them?

rules or life? – march 29

Reading Matthew 15:1-20, Highlighted Passage: 15:1-9

Reading today reminded me of this fabulous book I read last year. A man trying to live literally by the Bible’s rules – its at the same time, very funny and very moving. If you haven’t read it then get a copy its fab

But why do we find it so important to reduce faith to a set of rules. God’s call on our life is to live – making the most of every day. If we learn to love God first then we will want to please him and that will affect how we treat others. How had the pharisees got it so wrong and what is to stop me doing the same?