Matthew 19-20
Matthew 19:1-12: Perhaps continuing with the theme of life in the new Christian community, Matthew places here a teaching of Jesus on divorce. The text is also a part of the on-going dispute between Jesus and some of the religious leaders. Jesus seems clear that God’s intent is for life-long covenanted relationships. Divorce
… View MoreMatthew 18
Further thoughts: I ended my reflection on Matthew 17 with these words. One does not capriciously withdraw support from a government or culture, but one can undermine those elements of culture which stand in the way of God’s dream for the world by spiritually disengaging from them, and by building alternative relationships
… View MoreMatthew 16-17
Matthew 16:1-4: This is almost an exact repeat of 12:38-40. Matthew may repeat it to show just how recalcitrant some of the Pharisees and Sadducees were being. These two groups often differed on key points of understanding the Jewish faith, but significant members of each group seem united in their opposition to Jesus’
… View MoreMatthew 14-15
Outer darkness and weeping and gnashing of teeth: Good day – thought I would begin with a light image to consider. As I have been reading and grappling with the gospel, I have wondered what to do with some of the language Matthew uses, language that Jesus may have used. Almost alone among
… View MoreMatthew 13 (Parables of the Kingdom)
Note on Parables: Teaching using parables was a signature method for Jesus. That Matthew has a long discourse precede Jesus speaking in parables reflects more his own editorial work than the mixture of teaching using parables and aphorisms that probably characterized Jesus teaching ministry. Here are a couple of
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