Matthew 14:22-36
The key phrase in this passage is "Take courage. It is I! Don't be afraid." This takes place just after Jesus had fed the 5000. He finally gets the alone time that he originally went out into the country to get but he does it over night. Finally, at about dawn, he catches up to his disciples. The catch in the whole story is that he sent his disciples out on a lake by boat and he catches up to them by walking out to them on the water. The phrase is so matter of fact! No emotion attached to as if this was an every day occurrence: "Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake."
I always wonder what it would be like to be Peter - to take that first step out of the boat and find my weight fully supported by the water. It's freaky enough for me to walk out onto a frozen lake but this lake was not frozen over! I know that the goat of the story is often Peter - he took his eyes off Jesus and focused on the impossibility of what he was doing and we should never do that. But the dude stepped out of the boat! None of the other disciples did that. I don't think I would have done that. Peter's certainly not the hero of this story (because everyone knows that the hero of any story involving Jesus is Jesus) but his initial courage is heroic to me.
None of the other disciples would ever experience what it was like to walk on water except for Peter. I imagine that they asked him all about it. I imagine that they tried to live vicariously through his experience. I wonder if any of them ever tried to do it when they thought no one was looking. May I never have live vicariously through another person's faith experience. Lord, grant me the courage to get out of the boat!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
people vs task
Matthew 14:13-21
The key word in this passage is compassion. This takes place just after news of John's death reaches Jesus. Jesus, looking for some time alone, withdraws but the crowds find him. Rather than dismissing them, Jesus is moved by compassion for them and heals their sick. This is subtly contrasted to the disciple's reaction. Although they claim compassionate reasons, as the time for supper draws near, the logistics of feeding such a crowd overwhelm the disicples and they tell Jesus to dismiss the crowds so that they can go back home to eat.
This story really has it all: Jesus' authourity over illness, his compassion for people and his ability to do miraculous things like feed over 5000 people from a few loaves and fish. This story further supports Matthew's point that Jesus is the promised Messiah.
This story also supports the verse that the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many. Jesus' whole agenda was to serve others - even when he wanted some time alone he allowed his compassion for the crowds to move him toward service. I'm more like the disciples - when I see a crowd I don't always see people because I am distracted by the logistics of feeding and entertaining and accomodating them. I pray that I would have the heart of Jesus. I pray that I would respond out of compassion more often.
The key word in this passage is compassion. This takes place just after news of John's death reaches Jesus. Jesus, looking for some time alone, withdraws but the crowds find him. Rather than dismissing them, Jesus is moved by compassion for them and heals their sick. This is subtly contrasted to the disciple's reaction. Although they claim compassionate reasons, as the time for supper draws near, the logistics of feeding such a crowd overwhelm the disicples and they tell Jesus to dismiss the crowds so that they can go back home to eat.
This story really has it all: Jesus' authourity over illness, his compassion for people and his ability to do miraculous things like feed over 5000 people from a few loaves and fish. This story further supports Matthew's point that Jesus is the promised Messiah.
This story also supports the verse that the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many. Jesus' whole agenda was to serve others - even when he wanted some time alone he allowed his compassion for the crowds to move him toward service. I'm more like the disciples - when I see a crowd I don't always see people because I am distracted by the logistics of feeding and entertaining and accomodating them. I pray that I would have the heart of Jesus. I pray that I would respond out of compassion more often.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
An Insecure King
Matthew 14:1-12
Matthew uses a flashback to inform his readers of what happened to John the Baptist. It is actually a very smooth transition: Herod hears what Jesus has been doing and thinks that John has risen from the dead. This, of course, begs the question, how did John die? Matthew takes us back to John's death.
This story contrasts the confidence and influence of Jesus Christ with the insecurity of Herod. Herod feels threatened because Jesus reminds him of John. Herod was first threatened by John because he was so adamant that Herod should not have married Herod's brother's wife while Herod's brother was still alive (which is pretty sick when you think of it). Herod wanted to kill John but was threatened by John's popularity with the common people. Herod was threatened by his guests' opinion of him and so he gave into his step-daughter's demand to bring John's head to her on a silver platter (which is another pretty sick story - unless my mind is just too depraved it would seem like Herod was so turned on by his step-daughter's dancing that he made a rash promise).
This story proves the parables of the kingdom that Jesus was sharing in the previous chapter. What started out as a mustard seed - a country preacher and his small group of unpolished disciples - has started to have influence in the throne rooms of the region. The leavened dough is starting to have an affect on society and those who currently have the power are threatened by it. The story also sets up Jesus' show down with the authourities in the region - the have been threatened by his influence.
There are a few lessons I take away from this. First, that I should have the boldness of John to speak up for what I know is right even if it means that I take on the powers of the land. Second, that the kingdom is not about seizing and holding on to power. It is about a quiet influence that shakes the very foundations of the power structures and the pyramid charts that our commerce and governments are built on. The Church has to stop trying to be a power broker and act more like a mustard seed and leavened bread.
Matthew uses a flashback to inform his readers of what happened to John the Baptist. It is actually a very smooth transition: Herod hears what Jesus has been doing and thinks that John has risen from the dead. This, of course, begs the question, how did John die? Matthew takes us back to John's death.
This story contrasts the confidence and influence of Jesus Christ with the insecurity of Herod. Herod feels threatened because Jesus reminds him of John. Herod was first threatened by John because he was so adamant that Herod should not have married Herod's brother's wife while Herod's brother was still alive (which is pretty sick when you think of it). Herod wanted to kill John but was threatened by John's popularity with the common people. Herod was threatened by his guests' opinion of him and so he gave into his step-daughter's demand to bring John's head to her on a silver platter (which is another pretty sick story - unless my mind is just too depraved it would seem like Herod was so turned on by his step-daughter's dancing that he made a rash promise).
This story proves the parables of the kingdom that Jesus was sharing in the previous chapter. What started out as a mustard seed - a country preacher and his small group of unpolished disciples - has started to have influence in the throne rooms of the region. The leavened dough is starting to have an affect on society and those who currently have the power are threatened by it. The story also sets up Jesus' show down with the authourities in the region - the have been threatened by his influence.
There are a few lessons I take away from this. First, that I should have the boldness of John to speak up for what I know is right even if it means that I take on the powers of the land. Second, that the kingdom is not about seizing and holding on to power. It is about a quiet influence that shakes the very foundations of the power structures and the pyramid charts that our commerce and governments are built on. The Church has to stop trying to be a power broker and act more like a mustard seed and leavened bread.
Monday, April 27, 2009
hometown hero?
Matthew 13:53-58
Jesus finishes all these folksy yet inspiring parables about the kingdom and then he goes home. The reaction of his neighbours is a bit puzzling: they are excited by his power to perform miracles and yet suspicious because they know his roots. There is no family history of performing miracles. In fact, Joseph was a carpenter - he wasn't even a teacher or expert of the law. I wonder if the people were subtly reminding Jesus that he was an "illigitemate child" as in, "Isn't this Joseph's son? Or at least, don't we all pretend that this is Joseph's son?"
Whatever the case, the people take offense that Jesus, an illigitemate son of the village, would dare to speak and act with such authourity when they know where he came from and who his family is. The sense of the passage is, "Who does he think he is?"
The result is that Jesus doesn't peform many miracles in their town because of their lack of faith. This is the phrase that hits me the hardest. I wonder what miracles Jesus would have performed if I had more faith. I wonder if I am a bottle neck in the work of God in my life and my ministry. I wonder if I limit the work of Jesus because I know who he is, how he would act and what he would say. I make Jesus according to my image and don't allow him the freedom to act as he really would and, in so doing, miss out on his blessing. Don't get me wrong. I know that God is sovreign and it is hard for me to think of the work of Jesus as being limited by my faith. I know that God is bigger than that. However, there is a cause/effect in this verse: because of their lack of faith - because they thought they had Jesus figured out, Jesus did not do many miracles there. I often have to pray the prayer of the father in Mark 9 "Lord, I believe. Help me overcome my unbelief!"
Jesus finishes all these folksy yet inspiring parables about the kingdom and then he goes home. The reaction of his neighbours is a bit puzzling: they are excited by his power to perform miracles and yet suspicious because they know his roots. There is no family history of performing miracles. In fact, Joseph was a carpenter - he wasn't even a teacher or expert of the law. I wonder if the people were subtly reminding Jesus that he was an "illigitemate child" as in, "Isn't this Joseph's son? Or at least, don't we all pretend that this is Joseph's son?"
Whatever the case, the people take offense that Jesus, an illigitemate son of the village, would dare to speak and act with such authourity when they know where he came from and who his family is. The sense of the passage is, "Who does he think he is?"
The result is that Jesus doesn't peform many miracles in their town because of their lack of faith. This is the phrase that hits me the hardest. I wonder what miracles Jesus would have performed if I had more faith. I wonder if I am a bottle neck in the work of God in my life and my ministry. I wonder if I limit the work of Jesus because I know who he is, how he would act and what he would say. I make Jesus according to my image and don't allow him the freedom to act as he really would and, in so doing, miss out on his blessing. Don't get me wrong. I know that God is sovreign and it is hard for me to think of the work of Jesus as being limited by my faith. I know that God is bigger than that. However, there is a cause/effect in this verse: because of their lack of faith - because they thought they had Jesus figured out, Jesus did not do many miracles there. I often have to pray the prayer of the father in Mark 9 "Lord, I believe. Help me overcome my unbelief!"
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Gone Fishing
Matthew 13:47-50
The key words: kingdom of heaven, good, bad, righteous, wicked, end of the age. Jesus contrasts good fish with bad fish and makes a comparison between fishermen sorting their catch and the angels sorting the righteous from the wicked at the end of the age. The whole thing is a simile or parable (the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down...).
Again, the point of this parable, much like the parable of the weeds, is that the righteous and wicked will co-exist but in the end, the judge will do what is right and the wicked will be condemned. Again, it is remarkable that both the righteous and the wicked are fish. Sometimes we see the wicked as sharks, as the enemy but they are just like me except for the grace of God.
I think Jesus is recognizing his disciples' tendency towards judgement and he is reminding them (and me) that it is his judge and not mine.
The key words: kingdom of heaven, good, bad, righteous, wicked, end of the age. Jesus contrasts good fish with bad fish and makes a comparison between fishermen sorting their catch and the angels sorting the righteous from the wicked at the end of the age. The whole thing is a simile or parable (the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down...).
Again, the point of this parable, much like the parable of the weeds, is that the righteous and wicked will co-exist but in the end, the judge will do what is right and the wicked will be condemned. Again, it is remarkable that both the righteous and the wicked are fish. Sometimes we see the wicked as sharks, as the enemy but they are just like me except for the grace of God.
I think Jesus is recognizing his disciples' tendency towards judgement and he is reminding them (and me) that it is his judge and not mine.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
treasure hunter
Matthew 13:44-16
The key words: kingdom of heaven, joy, everything/all he had, bought. Jesus tells two stories about treasure. One man stumbles across a treasure, another man has been seeking treasure his whole life. The end result is the same: when they sell all they have in order to obtain that which is worth more than everything.
The key for me is that the man who found the treasure in the field responded in joy. Sometimes I mourn the loss of those things that I have given up for the sake of the kingdom. Sometimes when I read the other passages where Jesus talks about the things a person will have to give up in order to follow him, all I can see is the pain and the cost: take up your cross, deny yourself, face persecution and loss of reputation and loss of possessions and loss of relationship and loss, loss, loss. This tells me that I do not value the kingdom highly enough for what can compare to the infinite joy and value of the kingdom of heaven. Everything that I have given up is a cheap imitation of the treasure that is the kingdom. The things of earth grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace!
The key words: kingdom of heaven, joy, everything/all he had, bought. Jesus tells two stories about treasure. One man stumbles across a treasure, another man has been seeking treasure his whole life. The end result is the same: when they sell all they have in order to obtain that which is worth more than everything.
The key for me is that the man who found the treasure in the field responded in joy. Sometimes I mourn the loss of those things that I have given up for the sake of the kingdom. Sometimes when I read the other passages where Jesus talks about the things a person will have to give up in order to follow him, all I can see is the pain and the cost: take up your cross, deny yourself, face persecution and loss of reputation and loss of possessions and loss of relationship and loss, loss, loss. This tells me that I do not value the kingdom highly enough for what can compare to the infinite joy and value of the kingdom of heaven. Everything that I have given up is a cheap imitation of the treasure that is the kingdom. The things of earth grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Uncovering What Is Hidden
Matthew 13:34-35
The key words are: parables and fulfilled. This is another classic example of Matthew's familiarity with the Old Testament. He sees fore-shadows of Jesus everywhere and almost anything that Jesus does brings to mind a verse from the OT. This time, Jesus' use of parables reminds Matthew of Psalm 78:2. Probably not strictly prophecy: Asaph is not commonly known as a prophet but as a worship and choir leader and, in the context of the original, the psalm was speaking of the singer (not of a Messianic figure) and the fulfillment of his "prophecy" begins in the next verses as he recounts the "parable" of Israel's history.
However, because of Matthew's intimate familiarity with both Jesus and the OT, and because of his burdern to prove to his audience that Jesus is the fulfillment of the OT prophecies about the Messiah, Matthew can't help but draw this comparison between what Asaph said in Psalm 78 and what Jesus did in his ministry on earth.
I am challenged by Matthew's familiarity with Scripture. How many times in the course of my normal day do I see or experience something and have it remind me of something that I read in Scripture? Not often enough! Matthew knew his Scripture so well that no matter what Jesus did, he saw some connection to the words of the OT. I pray that I would come to know and love the Bible as much - not just for the sake of knowing the Bible but motivated by my love for Christ. If these truly are the Words of God and if Christ truly is most fully revealed in Scripture then I should be motivated to study, memorize, meditate, read, remember those words.
I am also challenged by Christ's methods of uncovering that which is hidden. He didn't use charts. He didn't provide all the answers. He mostly asked questions and told stories. In our quest to make our faith reasonable and prove-able we may be guilty of robbing it of the mystery that surrounds it. I pray that my faith would always have room for mystery.
The key words are: parables and fulfilled. This is another classic example of Matthew's familiarity with the Old Testament. He sees fore-shadows of Jesus everywhere and almost anything that Jesus does brings to mind a verse from the OT. This time, Jesus' use of parables reminds Matthew of Psalm 78:2. Probably not strictly prophecy: Asaph is not commonly known as a prophet but as a worship and choir leader and, in the context of the original, the psalm was speaking of the singer (not of a Messianic figure) and the fulfillment of his "prophecy" begins in the next verses as he recounts the "parable" of Israel's history.
However, because of Matthew's intimate familiarity with both Jesus and the OT, and because of his burdern to prove to his audience that Jesus is the fulfillment of the OT prophecies about the Messiah, Matthew can't help but draw this comparison between what Asaph said in Psalm 78 and what Jesus did in his ministry on earth.
I am challenged by Matthew's familiarity with Scripture. How many times in the course of my normal day do I see or experience something and have it remind me of something that I read in Scripture? Not often enough! Matthew knew his Scripture so well that no matter what Jesus did, he saw some connection to the words of the OT. I pray that I would come to know and love the Bible as much - not just for the sake of knowing the Bible but motivated by my love for Christ. If these truly are the Words of God and if Christ truly is most fully revealed in Scripture then I should be motivated to study, memorize, meditate, read, remember those words.
I am also challenged by Christ's methods of uncovering that which is hidden. He didn't use charts. He didn't provide all the answers. He mostly asked questions and told stories. In our quest to make our faith reasonable and prove-able we may be guilty of robbing it of the mystery that surrounds it. I pray that my faith would always have room for mystery.
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