Jul 26, 2023 | EXPLORING THE BIBLE, NEWS
The kingdom of heaven is like… Mustard seed: “from little things big things grow”. Yeast: unseen as it spreads its effect far and wide. Hidden treasure: bringing great joy and worth giving up a lot to obtain. A fine pearl: worth all that we have. A fishing net:...
Jul 20, 2023 | EXPLORING THE BIBLE, NEWS
This reading begins with another parable plus explanation. Matthew inserts two short word pictures between the parable and the explanation (we’ll read them next week). The interpretation is a bit uncomfortable. The seed represents people, not the word as in last...
Jul 12, 2023 | EXPLORING THE BIBLE, NEWS
Looking at what the lectionary leaves in, we find the rare parable that includes the backstage discussion from after the show. I think it is only this parable of the sower and the somewhat less famous parable of the wheat and the weeds where Jesus actually explains to...
Jul 6, 2023 | EXPLORING THE BIBLE, NEWS
Jesus challenges our view of what it means to follow. John’s “wowser” approach wasn’t to everyone’s liking, and the way Jesus joined in meals and celebrations with “undesirables” left people “tut-tutting”. But for those open to seeing it, something new was happening....
Jun 28, 2023 | EXPLORING THE BIBLE, NEWS
What is this passage about? Is it about the disciples, the twelve? Yes, of course it is. These are the final words of instruction to them. Whoever welcomes you guys welcomes me says Jesus and whoever welcomes me welcomes the Father who sent me [10:40]. Their...
Jun 20, 2023 | EXPLORING THE BIBLE, NEWS
A prayer of David. 1 Hear me, Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. 2 Guard my life, for I am faithful to you; save your servant who trusts in you. You are my God; 3 have mercy on me, Lord, for I call to you all day long. 4 Bring joy to your...
Jun 15, 2023 | EXPLORING THE BIBLE, NEWS
Matthew 9:35-38 Jesus is in ministry, and talking with his disciples about the need of the people and in Matthew 10:1-8 Jesus sends his disciples out on a mission trip to address that need, telling them how to focus their labors. Then there is a transition away from...
Jun 7, 2023 | EXPLORING THE BIBLE, NEWS
Matthew was an unlikely disciple; he was a tax collector. Tax collectors were among the most despised group of people in Jewish society of the time they were collecting taxes for the hated and pagan colonial ruler. As such they were seen as collaborators and traitors...
Jun 1, 2023 | EXPLORING THE BIBLE, NEWS
Today we celebrate the Ascension and the Holy Trinity. This lesson does not speak of the Lord’s ascension but it gives clues to its significance – the great commission to make disciples of all nations and its relationship to the Trinity. Do you think that the...
