89 chapter project: Matthew
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One needs plenty of nutcakes to prod Christians along the way to discover how little we know without the light of humor in the dark ... a form of rite!
The thought of this resides as wisdom in the deepest parts of the dark crevasses ... by cracky down under even ... those shadowy ancient folk ...
To forget hard times enlightened folk try and forget these people in the second step ... after failing the first step of sleep ...
After that step 3 craziness of awakening to life ... tis enough for the forth jump ... into the eternal out there mode ... even ST Niche can't stand the knocks ... left right after Eve ... that dark lass 've the night ...
That third step is useful ... look what it has done for the empire of the US! We learn sanity by contrast if you get right into it ... insanity --- the Mad Hat Eire!
Hard missals (word) even move essences ... like the min' E type obscured in the inkiness! That's the word I've encountered ... strange in deed ... virtual und unne!
Dunne is anon to ocre ... OH Crow? This also goes round ...
The thought of this resides as wisdom in the deepest parts of the dark crevasses ... by cracky down under even ... those shadowy ancient folk ...
To forget hard times enlightened folk try and forget these people in the second step ... after failing the first step of sleep ...
After that step 3 craziness of awakening to life ... tis enough for the forth jump ... into the eternal out there mode ... even ST Niche can't stand the knocks ... left right after Eve ... that dark lass 've the night ...
That third step is useful ... look what it has done for the empire of the US! We learn sanity by contrast if you get right into it ... insanity --- the Mad Hat Eire!
Hard missals (word) even move essences ... like the min' E type obscured in the inkiness! That's the word I've encountered ... strange in deed ... virtual und unne!
Dunne is anon to ocre ... OH Crow? This also goes round ...
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unsafe
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Jae ------the word Christian was a man made term -------The Gentiles used it to mock the people who had been Baptised in the Holy Spirit --Paul kept the name and applied it to those who were Baptised in the Holy Spirit -----
The word Christian in my view shouldn't have ever been kept -----the word Christian has lost its real meaning today and is abused and misused -----Jesus in His Human form never used the word Christian in my Bible ------He said Follow my way ------
SO for me personally ----if a person has not received Jesus as their Lord and Saviour which baptises us in the Holy Spirit who dwells in us then they are not a Christian as it was meant to be known to be ------Christ--ian
Water Baptism either by a Baby's standard or an Adult standard will not take away anyone's sins and it can not save you -----so water baptism will not make you be called a True Christian -----
A True Christian has a personal relationship with Christ who dwells in them --------Christianity in my view is not a Religion --it is a personal relationship with God in us ------
Why anyone would want to call themselves a Christian without Christ indwelling in them is beyond me -------they are misusing and abusing the word Christ which means the Anointed One and the Anointed One only dwells in us when we accept God's Grace offer of Salvation by and through the right kind of Faith -----not all Faith saves ---there is Saving Grace which comes through Saving Faith ---
This is my view on this
The word Christian in my view shouldn't have ever been kept -----the word Christian has lost its real meaning today and is abused and misused -----Jesus in His Human form never used the word Christian in my Bible ------He said Follow my way ------
SO for me personally ----if a person has not received Jesus as their Lord and Saviour which baptises us in the Holy Spirit who dwells in us then they are not a Christian as it was meant to be known to be ------Christ--ian
Water Baptism either by a Baby's standard or an Adult standard will not take away anyone's sins and it can not save you -----so water baptism will not make you be called a True Christian -----
A True Christian has a personal relationship with Christ who dwells in them --------Christianity in my view is not a Religion --it is a personal relationship with God in us ------
Why anyone would want to call themselves a Christian without Christ indwelling in them is beyond me -------they are misusing and abusing the word Christ which means the Anointed One and the Anointed One only dwells in us when we accept God's Grace offer of Salvation by and through the right kind of Faith -----not all Faith saves ---there is Saving Grace which comes through Saving Faith ---
This is my view on this
blackbelt1961
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Merry Christmas to all and all your families
paradox3
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Yes, blessings to all!
dreamerman
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Merry Christmas and a Happy Festivus for the rest of us.
paradox3
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Summary: Matthew 22:1-46
1. The parable of the wedding feast. The king has arranged a wedding for his son and prepared a feast. When his servants are sent out to call those who were invited, they all decline to come. Some of these go on their way but others kill the servants. The king sends out his armies to destroy the murderers and burn their city. The servants are then instructed to invite all people they can find, both good and bad. One guest arrives without a wedding garment and is cast into outer darkness where there is wailing and gnashing of teeth. "For many are called but few are chosen." (22:14 NKJ)
2. The pharisees attempt to trick Jesus and ask him about paying taxes. He replies by saying give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's.
3. The Sadducees, who do not believe in resurrection, attempt to trick Jesus as well. He replies that in the resurrection all will be like angels of God in heaven. And he states that God is the God of the living, not the dead.
4. The greatest commandment. "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets."" (22:37-40 NKJ)
5. Jesus asks the pharisees what they think about the Christ. They respond that he is the son of David and Jesus notes that David calls Him Lord.
1. The parable of the wedding feast. The king has arranged a wedding for his son and prepared a feast. When his servants are sent out to call those who were invited, they all decline to come. Some of these go on their way but others kill the servants. The king sends out his armies to destroy the murderers and burn their city. The servants are then instructed to invite all people they can find, both good and bad. One guest arrives without a wedding garment and is cast into outer darkness where there is wailing and gnashing of teeth. "For many are called but few are chosen." (22:14 NKJ)
2. The pharisees attempt to trick Jesus and ask him about paying taxes. He replies by saying give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's.
3. The Sadducees, who do not believe in resurrection, attempt to trick Jesus as well. He replies that in the resurrection all will be like angels of God in heaven. And he states that God is the God of the living, not the dead.
4. The greatest commandment. "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets."" (22:37-40 NKJ)
5. Jesus asks the pharisees what they think about the Christ. They respond that he is the son of David and Jesus notes that David calls Him Lord.
paradox3
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Reflection: Matthew 22:1-46
What appeals to me here? The Greatest Commandment and the second.
What puzzles me? The parable of the wedding feast. It reads like a warning about end times but I have heard it interpreted differently. We had a sermon about it a couple of years ago and it was taught as a parable about radical inclusion.
I find myself feeling compassion for the guest who showed up inappropriately attired. What if he was poor? What if he did his best and it was just not good enough for the king? I wonder about this individual's story. But I have been told on a few occasions it is a mistake to make a parable into an allegory of all things that it mentions.
Many are called but few are chosen, scripture tells us here and elsewhere. If this parable is about end times, it certainly does not support a universalist view of salvation.
Just my ponderings here on Boxing Day morning.
What appeals to me here? The Greatest Commandment and the second.
What puzzles me? The parable of the wedding feast. It reads like a warning about end times but I have heard it interpreted differently. We had a sermon about it a couple of years ago and it was taught as a parable about radical inclusion.
I find myself feeling compassion for the guest who showed up inappropriately attired. What if he was poor? What if he did his best and it was just not good enough for the king? I wonder about this individual's story. But I have been told on a few occasions it is a mistake to make a parable into an allegory of all things that it mentions.
Many are called but few are chosen, scripture tells us here and elsewhere. If this parable is about end times, it certainly does not support a universalist view of salvation.
Just my ponderings here on Boxing Day morning.
paradox3
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For sure. In Matthew's gospel we have the fisherman who were simply willing to put down their nets and follow Him. The multitudes gathered to hear the sermon on the mount but they were most often seeking healing and His power to cast out demons.
Why do we follow Jesus today? We have discussed this many times on WC and WC2 but it is still a good question. And interesting to consider through the lens of Matthew 22.
GeoFee
I am who I am becoming...
Jesus is using parables to make insight possible. The parable of the wedding banquet resonates with the parable of the sower. Some are completely unresponsive to the invitation to attend. Some are preoccupied with other matters and decline the invitation. Some are invited and respond by attending.
And then there is the guest in the wrong clothing. What do we make of this? Jesus is teaching an assortment of persons gathered in from the streets. Could it be that Jerusalem or Rome has a spy in the crowd?
George
And then there is the guest in the wrong clothing. What do we make of this? Jesus is teaching an assortment of persons gathered in from the streets. Could it be that Jerusalem or Rome has a spy in the crowd?
George
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Prince in the transparent suite? Virtual unseens ...
paradox3
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Summary: Matthew 23:1-39
1. Jesus speaks to the multitudes and the disciples about the Pharisees. He describes them several times as hypocrites and says they do not practice what they teach. He also refers to them as blind guides, snakes, a brood of vipers and whitewashed tombs. They look righteous on the outside but neglect the weightier aspects of the law: justice, mercy and faith.
2. Jesus laments over Jerusalem.
1. Jesus speaks to the multitudes and the disciples about the Pharisees. He describes them several times as hypocrites and says they do not practice what they teach. He also refers to them as blind guides, snakes, a brood of vipers and whitewashed tombs. They look righteous on the outside but neglect the weightier aspects of the law: justice, mercy and faith.
2. Jesus laments over Jerusalem.
paradox3
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Reflection: Matthew 23:1-39
Why does Jesus say He will send prophets, sages and scribes whom the Pharisees will kill & crucify? Why does He say the Pharisees will be responsible for all the righteous blood shed on earth? Why will all this come upon the present generation?
A confusing passage.
Agreeing with @Redbaron we have an angry Jesus here.
Why does Jesus say He will send prophets, sages and scribes whom the Pharisees will kill & crucify? Why does He say the Pharisees will be responsible for all the righteous blood shed on earth? Why will all this come upon the present generation?
A confusing passage.
Agreeing with @Redbaron we have an angry Jesus here.
chansen
Had a point all along
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If you want a judgmental hero, or one that validates your judgmental impulses toward others, you've got him. This is the Jesus of the Jesus freaks who will tell you how Jesus hates the same people they do. And they have a plain, straightforward reading of scripture to back it up.
The judgment of the Jewish nation for their not accepting the Messiah comes first upon their leaders.
The present generation is about to fill up sin's measure to the brim. They'd be hardened against God's message and messengers. Their idolatry wouldn't let them worship in spirit and in truth. They'd persecute and kill Christ's messengers.
People shouldn't vent their spite against missionaries.
The Jews, in being punished for Christ's murder, would receive punishment for the Old Testament's prophets' murders. They have the same hatred for the truth as their ancestors did; and so their ancestors' sins will be visited upon the children.
Abel was the first one to die, a martyr of his faith. And the hatred of God's children continued down throughout the ages. All God's accumulated wrath was visited upon the Jews of Jesus' generation, because they rejected the Messiah.
paradox3
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So, after reading @Jae's post I decided to see if I could find a more "liberal" commentary on Matthew 23.
I began by searching for its place in the revised common lectionary. And guess what? The lectionary only includes the first 12 verses of the chapter! Year A Proper 26.
Reading just the first 12 verses gives me a different sense of the passage altogether. Is this an example of the lectionary omitting the more troublesome text?
The lectionary text (which was already familiar to me) is as follows:
Matthew 23:1-12 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
Jesus Denounces Scribes and Pharisees
23 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, 2 “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat; 3 therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach. 4 They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on the shoulders of others; but they themselves are unwilling to lift a finger to move them. 5 They do all their deeds to be seen by others; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long. 6 They love to have the place of honor at banquets and the best seats in the synagogues, 7 and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have people call them rabbi. 8 But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all students. 9 And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father—the one in heaven. 10 Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Messiah. 11 The greatest among you will be your servant. 12 All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.
Gotta say this bible reading project is creating more questions than it is giving me answers. Not saying that's a bad thing.
I began by searching for its place in the revised common lectionary. And guess what? The lectionary only includes the first 12 verses of the chapter! Year A Proper 26.
Reading just the first 12 verses gives me a different sense of the passage altogether. Is this an example of the lectionary omitting the more troublesome text?
The lectionary text (which was already familiar to me) is as follows:
Matthew 23:1-12 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
Jesus Denounces Scribes and Pharisees
23 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, 2 “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat; 3 therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach. 4 They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on the shoulders of others; but they themselves are unwilling to lift a finger to move them. 5 They do all their deeds to be seen by others; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long. 6 They love to have the place of honor at banquets and the best seats in the synagogues, 7 and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have people call them rabbi. 8 But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all students. 9 And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father—the one in heaven. 10 Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Messiah. 11 The greatest among you will be your servant. 12 All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.
Gotta say this bible reading project is creating more questions than it is giving me answers. Not saying that's a bad thing.
Redbaron
Pirate fan since the dark ages
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Yes, the Lectionary is less than perfect, and sometimes seems to go out of its way top avoid conflict/ controversy. However, there is nothing to prevent people from reading the parts of the Bible that don't appear there. That said, it still is a decent system.
There is a certain tension between 'worship' and 'teaching'. They are not incompatible, but they are different. The Lectionary is about worship, rather than teaching.
There is a certain tension between 'worship' and 'teaching'. They are not incompatible, but they are different. The Lectionary is about worship, rather than teaching.
So, after reading @Jae's post I decided to see if I could find a more "liberal" commentary on Matthew 23.
I began by searching for its place in the revised common lectionary. And guess what? The lectionary only includes the first 12 verses of the chapter! Year A Proper 26.
Reading just the first 12 verses gives me a different sense of the passage altogether. Is this an example of the lectionary omitting the more troublesome text?
The lectionary text (which was already familiar to me) is as follows:
Matthew 23:1-12 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
Jesus Denounces Scribes and Pharisees
23 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, 2 “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat; 3 therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach. 4 They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on the shoulders of others; but they themselves are unwilling to lift a finger to move them. 5 They do all their deeds to be seen by others; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long. 6 They love to have the place of honor at banquets and the best seats in the synagogues, 7 and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have people call them rabbi. 8 But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all students. 9 And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father—the one in heaven. 10 Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Messiah. 11 The greatest among you will be your servant. 12 All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.
Gotta say this bible reading project is creating more questions than it is giving me answers. Not saying that's a bad thing.
Matthew has recorded in 23:1-4 the harshest condemnation from Jesus that we know about. It's a charge of spiritual wickedness in high places, a discourse on the Law, which is unparalleled in the gospels.
Jesus addressed this discourse to the people and to his missionaries. He defines his enemies' position. The scribes and Pharisees formerly sat in Moses' seat by God's appointment; they now sat as people's teachers by God's permission.
They held their office as teachers for the time being. If in this sense they instructed and told the people things which are stated in God's word.
Said Jesus, the people should beware of following their leaders' example, though, of patterning themselves after them. This is because the leaders didn't practice what they preached. They had no desire to keep the Law when it was hard to do so.
The leaders were too lenient with themselves. The commands which they added to the Law were a burden which they carefully omitted from their own lives.