Week of January 30, 2012

Week of January 30, 2012

 Monday, January 30  Matthew 21
 Tuesday, January 31  Matthew 22
 Wednesday, February 1  Matthew 23
 Thursday, February 2  Matthew 24
 Friday, February 3  Matthew 25
 Saturday, February 4  Reflection
 Sunday, February 5  Worship

Questions for the Week

This week's chapters are a clear and vital portion of Jesus' story according to Matthew, from Jesus' Triumphant entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, to Jesus' final parable before the plot to have Him executed is formulated.

  • In the Palm Sunday story Matthew is so focused on how Jesus fulfilled the many Old Testament prophecies, that in the story he creates an "impossible image" (well, maybe it was possible for Jesus--but not for any other human!). In 21:5 Matthew tells of Jesus riding on both a donkey and a colt. Or do you picture Matthew's imagery differently? What else do you see in this passage that is of most importance to you?
  • I used to wonder how it was that the authorities would be so angry with Jesus that they would want to have Him put to death. But as I read this week's passages I can see how Jesus did many things that would anger those who were (and wanted to remain) in control. Take note of the actions and teachings of Jesus that would have had this effect (cleansing the temple, denouncing the scribes and pharisees, saying what He did about the temple tax, and more). Was Jesus trying to anger the religious and civil authorities to the point of having them unify in arresting and convicting Him?
  • These chapters contain several of Jesus' longest and most controversial parables. Why would this have been the time that Jesus chose to teach these specific parables? What are some of the lessons that come to you from these parables in your reading of them at this time?
  • In the midst of these chapters--the high drama unfolding and strong parables being taught--Jesus also teaches what we may remember and quote most of all, the Greatest Commandment. Again, in his concern about and admiration for the Old Testament, Jewish teachings, and Jesus' fulfillment of them, Matthew goes so far as to quote Jesus in saying that this Greatest (combination of two) Commandment fulfills all the law and prophets of the Old Testament teachings. (Note that Luke will place this story earlier and next to Jesus' parable of the Good Samaritan, who was not a pure Jew, and will not mention the "law and prophets" as part of it.) Reading this teaching of loving God and neighbor as self as the Greatest Commandment at this point in Matthew's account, how are you moved right now to hear and respond?
  • The final teaching of Jesus before the Passion Story will begin to unfold in chapter 26 is the parable of the Great Judgment in Matthew 25. While many Christians focus on the "words of salvation" that must be said or "the prayer that must be prayed" to be saved and enter heaven, note that in this parable Jesus welcomes all who have done the work of His Kingdom, and that no specific words or prayers are required. Is Jesus saying that only the good works of caring for Jesus' family are necessary? Does He stress this aspect at this time for another reason? How do you read the message of this parable in light of the concern (and sometimes controversy) there is in our society today over how much should be done to help those who are hungry, in prison, and more?
Posted on Mon, January 30, 2012 by Mary-Anne Demme

3 comments (Add your own)

1. Anne Kennedy wrote:
Jack and I enjoyed the discussion and film last night, and found it interesting to learn about the origins and timeline of the writings. We are impressed with the scholars in the group and hope the wisdom rubs off a little on us! :) Throughout this rather tough Book of Matthew, I can't help wondering what Jesus would have to say about the "scribes and pharisees" of today, and how the name of the church is used to divide and alienate people. I think it's up to us to bring the teachings back into the proper light whenever and however (gently) we can.

Loved the belt, Harold.

Thu, February 2, 2012 @ 11:49 AM

2. Harold Steindam wrote:
Anne,

Excellent comments. I am finding the reading of Matthew through this daily plan more challenging than I ever have before.

And PS to everyone. The belt was actually one I had been wearing, not one(s) we imbibed!

Thu, February 2, 2012 @ 12:35 PM

3. Anne Kennedy wrote:
hahaha!!!

Sun, February 5, 2012 @ 1:07 PM

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