Palm Sunday, March 24, 2012 “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” What kind of blessing is that? What does it mean to be blessed, and when we are blessed, what do we do with it? The answer to that question takes us into the Old Testament and straight … Read more
Disciple (n./v.): The Gospel of Matthew Matthew 5:13-20 Jesus speaks to his disciples about what it means to be a part of His kingdom, the kingdom of heaven. These words challenge us to live a different life, a life where we make a difference. Monday, March 25 Read Matthew 5:13-20. Be salty. Be bright. Do … Read more
Sunday, March 17, 2012 “Do what I say, not what I do.” No, we learn best by watching someone who knows what they are doing and then mimicking them. That’s how children learn, and it’s how the children of God learn too. Jesus knows what he’s doing and where he’s going. He goes first, we … Read more
Disciple (n./v.): The Gospel of Matthew Matthew 5:1-12 Jesus sits down on a mountain, gathers his disciples and teaches them. It’s time to sit on that mountain with Jesus, with attentive ears and open hearts. Put everything else aside. Listen. Monday, March 18 Read Matthew 5:1-12. What do we usually associate with being blessed? How … Read more
Disciple (n./v.): The Gospel of Matthew Matthew 4 From a baptism in the Jordan river to the wilderness for 40 days, Jesus is still walking in the footsteps of Israel. Only after that we hear the first commands of Jesus, “Repent… Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Monday, March 11 Read … Read more
Sunday, March 10, 2012 When we think of being bold, we don’t often think of being humble at the same time. When we think of being humble, we often don’t think of being bold at the same time. Yet, that is exactly what God has called his people to be. Look at Elijah! Look at … Read more
Sunday, March 3, 2012 What do we do when we know someone is living a lie? They don’t know they’re living a lie, but they are, and we see the truth. The compassionate thing to do is to tell them the truth, whether or not they accept it. Readings: Isaiah 42:1-10, Philippians 2:1-11, Matthew 2:1-12 … Read more
Disciple (n./v.): The Gospel of Matthew Matthew 3 The voice of one crying in the wilderness gets rather loud and harsh! The voice of the Father comes from heaven to declare his pleasure in his Son. What are these voices telling us? Monday, March 4 Read Matthew 3:1-12. Try to imagine being a Jew who … Read more
Disciple (n./v.): The Gospel of Matthew Matthew 2 Dignified Gentiles travel hundreds of miles guided by a star to greet a foretold king. A paranoid king plays the Magi for information, and once disappointed, takes it out on the boys of Bethlehem. Something big is happening. Monday, February 25 Read Matthew 2:1-12. What is the … Read more
Sunday, February 24, 2012 Have you ever wondered why Christmas is largely void of more than a passing mention of Joseph? This is especially fascinating when Matthew’s account of Jesus’ birth focuses almost exclusively on Joseph! What’s happening here? Why focus on Joseph? Is there a message here for us as disciples of Jesus? Readings: … Read more