If the gospel narrative attributed to Matthew is the most “political” in nature we might compare Jesus’ monumental Sermon on the Mountain with that of a politician’s inaugural speech. This Lent, let’s spend time reflecting on these fundamental teachings of Jesus.
Tag: Jesus
On Joining a Movement
When Jesus discovered his first friends and followers along the shore, I doubt the five of them (Jesus, Peter, Andrew, John, and James) knew what they were beginning. What joys and sorrows were ahead of them. What miracles and horrors. What great number of disciples and deserters. What life and death waited for them. We […]
On Finding Your People
The gospel narrative attributed to Matthew boldly begins by proclaiming Jesus as a newborn future king, attesting to an earthly and heavenly birthright. As would be the case, those already with regional and religious authority conspire together to confront this would-be threat to their reign. Even Satan makes an early appearance to thwart the Savior’s […]
On the Opposition
While wise, foreign magi rejoice with great joy at the arrival of Jesus—who they clearly identify as a divinely destined king—others who have benefited from the preexisting power structures quickly respond to the newborn threat. The gospel narrative attributed to Matthew wastes no time in letting us know what forces Jesus will be up against. […]
On Outside Wisdom
The birth of Jesus as told in the gospel attributed to Matthew focuses on a family fleeing a horribly oppressive political regime that is threatening to kill their newborn. Matthew’s murderous telling of events makes the birth narrative in Luke look merely pastoral—which is saying a lot since Luke’s version of events is also quite […]
On Jesus’ Birthright
Only two of the four gospel narratives share stories of Jesus’ birth: Luke and Matthew. Each book gives us a decidedly different perspective on our Savior’s birth. Many of us, knowing the stories so well, have come to overlay the two narratives together. In so doing, we have muddied the payload intended by each gospel […]
On the Gospel’s Agenda
If we were to ask “what is the political agenda of the gospel” we might examine the gospel narrative attributed to Matthew. Indeed many squirm at the thought of the gospel having a political agenda. Those claiming a Christian identity might say the gospel is above politics, while those of a more secular-mind might say […]
On Christ the King
The Church Year comes to a close with the final Sunday being dedicated to Christ the King. It is one of the newest holy days on the calendar, having been added after World War I as a way to remind us that the kingdoms of this world are temporal and that the only Kingdom we […]
On Biblical Aspirations
Some churches and their congregants strive to “live biblically”, and while this is perhaps a noble sounding mantra, it can also lead us down a dangerous path far from the Christ-following faith towards which we are called. The concept of living biblically is one where Christians reestablish a rule structure in-line with specific commands in […]
On Church Worship
During this year in which I have been pondering the Church Calendar and its seasons, I’ve also been thinking a bit about church worship services in general. How do we keep our worship practices rooted in the Universal Church, which receives direct nourishment from the Holy Spirit of God? One of the arguments against the […]
Relevant Reformation 