Sunday, December 21, 2008

December 23, 2008 (Matthew 9:1-13)

The story of Jesus healing the paralytic is powerful (to make a gross understatement). However, the power in this story runs much deeper than I realized for many years.

Matthew says that when Jesus told the man, “Your sins are forgiven…” (9:2) some teachers of the Law began saying to themselves: “Does He think He’s God?” (9:3) In a dramatic move, Jesus calls them out for their evil thoughts, by saying “…I will prove to you that the son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins…” He then turns to the paralytic and says, “Stand up. Pick up your mat and go home.” (9:6)

It’s pretty easy to see how this establishes Jesus’ power and authority. There is, however, a much subtler point being made that often gets lost. Part of the problem comes from the fact that we are not reading Matthew’s original writing (which was in Greek), but an English translation. In virtually all English bibles, the phrase “son of man” is capitalized. We translate this because we know that Jesus often used the phrase “son of man” to speak about Himself. In ancient Semitic culture, however, “son of man” was a common way of speaking about any human being. (e.g., Ps. 8:4; 144:3) No one standing in the crowd would’ve understood Jesus to be speaking ONLY about Himself. Notice the crowd’s reaction to His words: “…they praised God [for giving such authority to human beings].” (9:7)

So…am I saying that mere humans have the power to forgive sins? Absolutely! Not only am I saying that we can, I am saying that we must. Had Jesus not already warned the people that “…if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins”(6:14)? We sometimes shy away from the full implications of this verse by saying that to take upon ourselves the right to forgive sins is “presumptuous.” I can appreciate the humility that is being expressed…however, to forgive others is not to take on a right God has forbidden you…but to exercise a ministry and a calling that He has specifically given to you; And in the final analysis, which is really more presumptuous: to grant forgiveness…or (2) to deny it?

-- Justin

Casting Crowns' Does Anybody Hear Her?

December 22, 2008 (Matthew 8:28-34)

In today’s reading, we find that Jesus has just crossed the Sea of Galilee and come ashore in the land of Gadara. Gadara was a Gentile place…an unclean place. Can you imagine what the apostles must have been thinking at this point: “Why have You brought us here?!” All of a sudden, demon-possessed guys come running out of a cemetery (double…TRIPLE UNCLEANNESS!). They demand to know, “Why are You interfering with us?” (8:29)

We might cut these guys a little slack for their apparent rudeness—they were, after all, possessed by demons; But notice what happens when word gets out about Jesus’ exorcism of the two demoniacs. “The entire town…begged Him to go away and leave them alone.” (8:34) What?! No worship? No praise? Not even a ‘thank you’?

Had it been me, I probably would’ve called the demons back, and said something like, “Fine! If you prefer them so much, then keep them!” But that’s not what Christ did. Humbly, He got back into the boat and went home.

What do we learn from this? Jesus was willing to “intrude” into the lives of others. In fact, He was willing to do so in a powerful way. (When you think about it, the only way a relationship between humans and God can ever start is if He “intrudes” into our world.) Jesus didn’t wait for an invitation to Gadara. He took the initiative to go where His apostles did not want to go, and where he was not wanted. However, when asked to leave, He did not refuse the request. This reminds me of the passage in Revelation where the Risen Christ says: “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.” (Rev. 3:20)

Christ was ready to bless the land of Gadara…but the Gadarenes were not ready to receive Him. Perhaps there are “Gadarenes” in your life…people with whom you have tried to share Christ’s blessing, but who show no interest. They may, in fact, ask you to stop “interfering with us.” What is a Christian to do in such a situation? All I can say is, follow the example of your Lord. Be ready to bless their lives at any time…but if you are not wanted, then leave humbly and quietly and go to those who will receive you.

-- Justin

MercyMe's Go

Saturday, December 20, 2008

December 21, 2008 (Matthew 8:18-27)

In re-reading a book by Craig Blomberg, Jesus and the Gospels, I was enlightened on today’s reading. Blomberg pointed out that the story of Jesus stilling the storm is often preached as a sort of promise: Come to Jesus and He will still all the storms of your life.
The problem, of course, is that nowhere does Jesus say that. In fact, He makes a point to say just the opposite elsewhere.

It’s easier to say “Jesus is God,” when we’re not in the boat with Him. Notice how this reading begins. Two different people come to Jesus and claim they want to follow Him. However, as He reveals what following Him will mean…what it will require (e.g., going homeless; leaving one’s father to be buried by someone else and suffering the family/communal shame that would follow such a decision), they drop out. Thus, as we arrive at verse 23, you would think that the only people in the boat with Jesus are those who were willing to make the sacrifices…who understood and accepted the risks. Yet as soon as the storm arises, they become fearful. Jesus rebukes them for having “so little faith!” (8:26) I think I would have laid it on a bit thicker: “Why did you even get into the boat if you weren’t going to trust Me?! Didn’t you hear what I told those two other guys back on the shore? Did you think I was kidding?!”

Most anyone who’s tried to follow God for very long can testify that simply being in the boat with Jesus DOES NOT calm all of life’s storms. Christian spouses sometimes cheat…children of Christians sometimes die…Christians are told the cancer is inoperable…etc. What, then, is the point of this story? I think its basic purpose is to make us face the question the apostles had to ask: “Who is this man?” (8:27) Any good Jew of the first century knew that only God could triumph over a storm. What we see in Jesus is a Man Who—on His own authority—told the wind and waves what to do. He didn’t pray to God to stop the storm. He ordered it so…and it happened.

It’s popular to say that this is about challenging us to a “radical faith.” I’m beginning to wonder, however, if that isn’t a terrible misnomer. The Bible does not speak of “radical faith,” only “faith.” It seems that faith, by its very nature, is radical. If we aren’t prepared to be a bit radical as well…then perhaps it is not faith that we have at all. As you go through this week, ask yourself: “Am I willing to get into the boat with Jesus and sail through the storm…or merely wave from the dock as He sails away?”

-- Justin

Brave by Nicole Nordeman

Friday, December 19, 2008

December 20, 2008 (Matthew 8:5-17)

The story of the Roman officer (8:5-13) is another illustration of a theme we’ve repeatedly seen in Matthew—the unexpectedly righteous Gentile. We read in chapter two how Herod, the king of the Jews, tried to kill Jesus as a child; While the pagan wise men from the East shower Him with gifts and worship. In a strange reversal, we saw how the Messiah of Israel actually had to flee Israel to be safe; And where did His family find sanctuary? Egypt, of all places! So it should, perhaps, be no great surprise to find Jesus in today’s reading saying of a Roman, “I have not seen faith like this in all Israel.”

Like the earlier stories, the tale of the Roman officer warns us against judging others prematurely. Yet there may be more than merely praise for the officer. It seems to me that Jesus is also subtly criticizing His own disciples! Notice the context of 8:10, “When Jesus heard this, He was amazed. Turning to those who were following Him, He said, ‘I tell you the truth, I haven’t seen faith like this in all Israel.”

I wonder how I would have reacted to that if I had been one of the apostles. Would I have been humble enough to receive the rebuke, and learn from the example of someone I secretly considered “beneath” me? This is a dilemma that faces Christ’s followers even today. I know of an elderly Christian—a preacher, in fact—who attended a special function at a nearby church. Despite his decades-long ministry of preaching, this gentleman became enraged when he was not asked to offer a public prayer during the service…but a local black preacher was. Yes, this man’s behavior was deplorable…but how many times has mine been like it…or at least similar? If Christ were to walk through your town or neighborhood today, where would He find the greatest faith? Would He point you out to others…or would He invite you to come and learn from them?

-- Justin

O, For a Faith That Will Not Shrink (sheet music)

Thursday, December 18, 2008

December 19, 2008 (Matthew 7:24-8:4)

The first four verses of today’s reading should be familiar to anyone who grew up going to Vacation Bible School. Though I sang The Wise Man Built His House Upon the Rock over and over as a child, I never saw any spiritual meaning or significance to the story. It was just a good opportunity to sing loud, bang your fists together, and drink a lot of Kool-Aid. Today, as I read from the vantage point of a 31-year-old husband and father, I see much more here. Specifically, I notice not how different the wise and foolish builders were…and yet, how much they had in common.

First, they both built houses. They both gave themselves to a cause that was greater than they were. Second, both endured storms. The wise person was not promised—nor did he expect—to be spared the experience of life’s storms. On the contrary, he anticipated them. That’s why he was willing to go to the trouble of building on rock…even though it would’ve been more labor intensive, time-consuming, and expensive to do so. The foolish person was impatient…seeing only the reality of the moment and living as if that moment would last forever; But, as is the nature of life, that moment never lasts.

Perhaps a storm is raging in your life at this moment. If not, I assure you that one is brewing just beyond the horizon. It will break over your life someday. Will you be prepared? What are you building your life upon? What are you teaching your children to build theirs upon?

-- Justin

Praise You in This Storm

The Wise Man Built His House Upon the Rock (a thought-provoking photograph)

Wise? or Foolish? (a coloring page for the kids)

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

December 18, 2008 (Matthew 7:13-23)

This passage evidences Jesus’ heart as our Shepherd. He cares for us. He cares so much, that He fears our being mislead. Specifically, Christ warns us against false prophets—those who would lead us down the easy path. Those who would say to us, “you’re perfect just the way you are.” Those who would encourage us to sit, shade, and take our rest for all is well and the city is at peace. Those whom we perceive as gentle, harmless men and women; But who are, in fact, (whether intentionally or not) sowing the seeds of both their, and our destruction.

How could anyone be so blind, as to confuse a wolf for a lamb?! Jesus gives us a measure. It’s a common sense one. One that, if we look into the deepest parts of our heart, we knew all along. Our actions betray us…whether good or bad. Jesus says, “A good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit.” (7:17) If someone were to look at the fruit of your life, what would they find? Would it nourish their lives and spirits, transforming more and more into the image of Christ…or would it bear more resemblance to the fruit of Adam & Eve?

-- Justin

Click here for some activities for the kids related to today's reading.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

December 17, 2008 (Matthew 7:1-12)

Today’s reading is a gold mine of devotional thoughts. Fortunately, time and attention-span conspire to restrict me to one topic—that of judging.

Let me say at the outset that I believe this to be a complicated (and therefore, easily misunderstood) topic. This is made worse by the fact that far too many self-serving people take isolated passages of the Bible and use them as though they were the only things God ever said on the topic of judgment.

Jesus opens by saying, rather simply, “Do not judge others...” If you’ve been caught with your hand in the proverbial cookie jar, this is the verse you throw out. Often, it’s what we say when we have been called out and we have absolutely no way to deny or evade responsibility for our sins. (I would imagine it is particularly popular around the Illinois governor’s mansion these days) The problem is that as we read on, Jesus says not only that we should “get rid of the log in your own eye,” but that we should do this so that, “you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.” (7:5)

What often goes unsaid in our commentary on these verses, is that Jesus nowhere advocates leaving the speck in your friend’s eye. He just said to get the log out of your own first. To our shame, some of us tacitly agree to act like we don’t see the blatant sin in each others’ lives. We go about our business with a polite nudge and a wink, and excuse our behavior because “we’re not to be the judging business.” Whatever Jesus meant, I find it impossible to believe He meant that! Otherwise, why did He go into such detail about how we ought to deal with sin in each others’ lives? (Matt. 18:15-17)

As you go through this week, I encourage you to do two things: First, take some time each day—preferably before bed at night—to honestly review your actions that day. If you sinned (and if you’re a human being, then you did) don’t make rationalizations. Offer repentance up to God. If you sinned against another person that day, do everything in your power to go and make it right with them tomorrow. Only after you’ve put yourself under the microscope, ask God to give you the vision to see the sins in your brothers and sisters. Ask Him to give you the mercy to use that vision as a way to help them…not a way for you to feel haughty or exercise power over them through guilt. Ask Him to give you the courage to confront your brother or sister with their sin, and the wisdom to know how to do so. Ask Him to give you the patient love that will allow you to bear with them even if they respond to you with threats, curses, and cold-shoulders. I know it isn’t easy. It isn’t what any of us want to do; But as Christians, we must put away our excuses and honestly answer this question: Am I avoiding dealing with the sin in my brother’s (or sister’s) life because I love them, or because I love me?

-- Justin

Monday, December 15, 2008

December 16, 2008 (Matthew 6:19-34)

Only two days ago, I was blessed to sit down and have lunch with a childhood friend. I had not seen this man in 12 years. Needless to say, we’d both changed quite a bit in the interim. It was, in many ways, one of the most encouraging and spiritually-uplifting experiences I’ve had in quite a long time. Yet, I was profoundly disappointed in myself because even in the midst of our reminiscing and catching up, I was conscious of another emotion present in my heart. Alongside the spirit of joy, I felt the cold, creeping hand of envy…and I hated myself for it. I hated myself for not acquiring all that he had…for being unable to give my family the things he had given his…for feeling as if I’ve wasted my life.

The next day, I read the blog of another dear friend who spoke of the struggle to keep his desire centered on God, rather than on the yellow SUV parked across the street. I knew I had found a kindred spirit, and I posted the following comment to his blog:

…Thank you for “being real.” I find this is a recurring struggle in my life as well. Recently, it has returned with a vengeance. It’s very difficult for me to look at others who have more, and not be envious. I hate this about myself. It makes me feel like a failure…


And today, I heard the voice of Jesus say:

Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure it, there the desires of your heart will be also…

No one can serve two masters. For you will hate the one and love the other; you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money…

So don’t worry about these things, saying “What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?” These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.
(Matt. 6:19-21, 24, 31-33)

-- Justin

Nicole Nordeman's Legacy

Sunday, December 14, 2008

December 15, 2008 (Matthew 6:5-18)

Today’s readings round out a section (beginning in 6:1) in which Jesus addressed three of the most basic acts of worship in first-century Judaism (i.e., giving to the needy, prayer to God, and fasting). The one theme that I see connecting across all of these acts is the idea of secrecy. This is worthy of some reflection.

Many of us have grown up in churches which urged us not to be secretive about these things, but to do them openly…publicly…perhaps, even a bit belligerently. As church bodies many of us put up signs on our buildings and buses. When we hand out food at the holidays, we make sure to include slips of paper advertising for our church, “just so these people will know where it comes from.” Is it really important that they know that? If so, how does that jive with Jesus’ words here in Matthew?

I certainly agree that we should not be ashamed of Christ. Yet, is there not quite a bit of difference between being unashamed, and simply seeking to shove your confession in the face of others? Since when has standing for Jesus necessarily obligated us to disregard both the direct command of Christ and the example of the One who “[did] not shout or raise His voice in public” (Is. 42:2)?

I propose that we all engage in a little spiritual experiment this week. Let’s do as much giving, fasting, and praying as we can for the next seven days…but let us do so in secret. Let’s simply sit back and see what the result is. After a week, if you should choose to break your public silence, I invite you to share your experience with the rest of us so we may grow in our faith.

-- Justin

Saturday, December 13, 2008

December 14, 2008 (Matthew 5:43-6:4)

I’ve been making a big deal out of the fact that Matthew has a high view of the Mosaic Law. Consequently, I feel I should address a potential misunderstanding in today’s reading.

In 5:43-44a, Jesus says: You have heard that the Law of Moses says, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say, love your enemies!” What the heck does this mean? Doesn’t this sound like Jesus is saying, “Moses taught one thing…but I’m here to teach something else”? Perhaps not. Here are a couple of points to consider.

First, notice how Jesus prefaced the Sermon on the Mount in 5:17-19,
Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until its purpose is achieved. So if you ignore the least commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys God’s laws and teaches them will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Whatever He meant in 5:44, it’s hard for me to believe that Jesus is doing exactly what He said He wasn’t going to do!

Second, Jesus didn’t say, “The Law of Moses says ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy,” but rather “You have heard that the Law of Moses says…” When we actually turn to Leviticus 19:18, however, we find that all Moses said was, “Love your neighbor.” It was later people (i.e., the Pharisees and “teachers of religious law”) who had added what they felt was “surely implied” by the command (i.e., “hate your enemy.”) I maintain that this wasn’t really a case of Jesus vs. Moses. It was Jesus vs. the Pharisees. He was saying, “You have been taught that the Law of Moses meant one thing; but I’m here to tell you that the ‘experts’ are wrong. Here’s what Moses’ Law is really all about…”

So what are 21st century Christians to take away from this? At least two things occur to me. First, we need to be cautious about over-playing the “Jesus-came-to-obliterate-the-Law-of-Moses-and-replace-it-with-something-completely-and-totally-different” card. That is NOT what Christ said (look at 5:17-19 again). Second, we should take warning from the Pharisees’ error, and be VERY cautious about binding on others whatever we think is implied by some particular passage. I don’t doubt that many Pharisees did so with pure intentions; But their pure intentions did not stop them from being wrong. Nor did it stop them from causing a lot of other people to sin, or be given over to heartache and despair. We should all think for ourselves when studying God’s Word…and we should let Him speak for Himself. If He left something unsaid…sometimes we just need to listen to the silence.

-- Justin

MercyMe's Word of God, Speak
For the Kids: Love Your Enemies printable jigsaw puzzle
Love Your Enemies Coloring Page

Friday, December 12, 2008

December 13, 2008 (Matthew 5:33-42)

Today’s reading features some famous “hard sayings” of Jesus: I say, don’t resist an evil person! If you are slapped on the right cheek, turn the other too…Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow. (Matt. 5:39, 42)

It’s been my experience that after reading such passages in the Sunday assembly, almost immediately someone will pipe up and say, “Well…we can’t take those verses literally…” Is it that we can’t, or simply that we don’t want to?

Lest I be accused of hypocrisy, let me confess that I do not now—nor have I ever—practiced these commands literally. Furthermore, I have yet to meet a Christian who does so. However, what does that prove? Just because my form of disobedience is popular…that doesn’t make it any less disobedient, does it?

Why are so many so certain that Jesus didn’t mean what He said? I tend to think it’s because we’re afraid that practicing this in its entirety would result in Christians being permanently poor (at least, materially) and persecuted.

For the sake of argument, let’s assume this dire prediction is right. So what? Have we read some passage where Jesus said, “Hey guys, follow Me and everything will be great all the time. You’ll make lots of money. You’ll never get sick. People in the world will love you and say nothing but nice things about you”?

I suggest to you that Jesus was being 100% literal when He gave these commands. I suggest to you that trying to dodge the demands of this passage by saying, “That was under the Old Covenant…” is nothing more than a cop out. I suggest to you that Jesus meant exactly what He said in 5:20, …unless you obey God better than the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees do, you can’t enter the Kingdom of Heaven at all!
I suggest that a proper response to Matt. 5:39 & 42 is not to act as if these verses don’t exist. Rather, we ought to:

(1) Face up squarely to their plain meaning.
(2) Strive, each day, to move a bit closer to the standard of righteousness
practiced by Jesus
(3) Fall on our knees in repentance and gratitude that God accepts us in spite of
our failure to meet the true standard of righteousness
(4) Get comfortable with Julian of Norwich’s prayer: “I do not love Thee as I
ought. I do not even want to love Thee as I ought. But I want, to want to love
Thee as I ought.”

At least, that’s what I think. What will you do with Matt. 5:39, 42?

-- Justin

This song really sums up my struggle with verses like the above (and with discipleship in general). I STRONGLY encourage you to listen to it and give some time to meditate on its meaning. Somewhere in the Middle

For the Kids: Peace coloring page

Thursday, December 11, 2008

December 12, 2008 (Matthew 5:21-32)

It has long been recognized that Western Culture (and American culture in particular) places a premium on the individual. In many instances this has been a good thing. However, our love affair with the individual has not proven an unqualified blessing. Increasingly, it seems to be little more than a rationale for good old-fashioned selfishness. I would call this “perverted individualism.” What’s the difference? Good individualism asks, “What are my moral responsibilities before God and others?” Perverted individualism asks, “How can I get the most from God and others, while contributing the least?”

Perverted individualism has even infiltrated our understanding of salvation. Many people have come to believe in a Christ Who is nothing more than a “Personal Savior.” They speak of “my Jesus,” “my Savior,” etc. In fairness, such language is sometimes nothing more than a way of speaking with affection about the One who has saved us from sin. At other times, however, it simply masks—even tacitly encourages—the idea that what’s really important in life is “Jesus and me” and—quite literally—“to hell with the rest of the world.”

Such an attitude is not in keeping with the example of Jesus. His relationship with God was second to none. Yet He did not spend all His time in the wilderness or on the mountaintop communing with the Father. Rather, He went to the mountain top for the purpose of strengthening Himself for work in the valley.

You and I are called (and expected) to participate in that “valley work” as well. We are to follow the example of Jesus in being sacrificial, gracious, merciful, etc. Simply meeting on Sunday and lifting our voice in perfect pitch in praise of God, will not secure our pardon on the Judgment Day.

Jesus said: “…if you are presenting [your] sacrifice…and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice…Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God.” (5:23-24) He is saying that unless and until we can get along with our brothers and sisters, He doesn’t really want our worship!

What is the status of your sacrifice today? Can you offer it…or is there someone with whom you need to be reconciled? Things like reconciliation and repentance are rarely easy, but they are absolutely necessary. If you can sacrifice in integrity, God bless you! I ask only that you take pity on we who are weaker and help us to reconcile so that we may join you in God’s presence on the Day of Glory.

-- Justin

The Altar and the Door music video

Am I My Brother's Keeper jigsaw puzzle

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

December 11, 2008 (Matthew 5:13-20)

You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? – Jesus (Matt. 5:13)

Have you ever considered that? What would you do with salt if it wasn’t salty? You couldn’t plant anything in it. You couldn’t build anything from it. You couldn’t burn it for energy. It would be just what Jesus said: worthless!

As followers of the Christ, we’re called to be the salt of the earth; But do we live up to that calling? Recently, I read a review of Michael Horton’s new book Christless Christianity: The Alternative Gospel of the American Church. It said that Horton argues a fundamental change has come upon many American churches, and it has nothing to do with whether a church is left, right, or center, part of a denomination or not. Across the board our churches in different ways are adopting a therapeutic, utilitarian, even narcissistic “all about me” Christian message. Reflecting the predominant culture in the United States…we have come to believe that we need, not a “Redeemer,” but a “Life Coach.” We no longer ask “what does God require of me,” but rather, “what can God do for me?”

Do any of these criticisms strike home? Is there an annoying voice in the back of your mind whispering that perhaps the reason our churches seem to have so little impact on society is not because we don’t have enough people…but because we aren’t salty enough? Have we become worthless? Sadly, even when we hear these voices, many of us move quickly to silence them. After all, they sound rather “negative”…and a good Life Coach is never negative. (Just ask Tony Robbins!)

Maybe we don’t need what we think we need. Maybe we need less psychologizing and self-esteem and a little more repentance and holiness. Perhaps we have enough kettle-corn Christians…perhaps it’s time to be a little less sweet, and a little more salty?

-- Justin

Here's a neat activity to do with your kids. For similar ideas visit the ChildFun Family website here.

Salt of the Earth
Supplies: 2 cups salt, 1 cup cornstarch, 1 1/4 cups cold water, paper clips. Mix the salt, cornstarch and cold water in a saucepan. Ask an adult to heat the mixture until it is very thick.
Let the dough cool a little. Then squish it between your fingers until it's smooth. Use the dough to form the letters of your name. Press the paper clips into the backs of the letters to make hooks. Let the dough dry until it's hard. Then hang the letters in your room as a reminder to be the "salt of the earth."

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

December 10, 2008 (Matthew 5:1-12)

If you grew up in church, I suspect you’ve heard the Beatitudes many times. As a kid, I generally heard sermons from them that were titled something like “the Be-Attitudes”—because Jesus was telling us what we should strive to be like. For the most part, that made sense to me. “Okay, God wants us to be peaceful, merciful, etc.” I was always a bit confused, however, by 5:3. A fairly literal translation of the Greek is: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.” (NASB) I had a very difficult time understanding how being “poor in spirit” could be a good thing. Then during graduate school, I was introduced to a new way of understanding the Beatitudes. Maybe they weren’t so much intended to tell people what to be, as they were intended to encourage them in what they already were.

Remember, Jesus was teaching in the “backwaters” of Judea. His apostles were the guys who couldn’t cut it with any other rabbi. He’s got people following Him from Gentile lands. In short, His entourage was what many of the day would have considered “the dregs of humanity.” There was a popular teaching in the first-century that good things happened to good people, and bad things happened to bad people. Therefore, you could simply look at a person’s life circumstances and know where they stood with God. (And excellent example of this was when the apostles saw the man born blind and asked Jesus: Rabbi, why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents’ sins? John 9:1-3)

Bearing in mind that many people thought this way, the words of Jesus can take on a slightly different meaning. Perhaps He is not only telling people what they must do to be accepted by God, but also assuring them that—despite appearances—they are not abandoned by God! In essence:
“God blesses even those of you who are poor in spirit. He doesn’t expect you be a superman/superwoman. It may feel like you’ve been abandoned, or as if God has forgotten you. You may even have Temple officials and teachers who tell you the same, but don’t believe it! They aren’t calling the shots. My Father is…and He has declared that the Kingdom of Heaven is for you.”


As you go through today, be mindful not only of the obedience you owe God…but also of His unconditional love for you in spite of your disobedience. Blessed are we who are poor in spirit, for the Kingdom of Heaven is ours!

-- Justin

The Beatitudes
Beatitudes Coloring Sheet

Monday, December 8, 2008

December 9, 2008 (Matthew 4:23-25)

Yesterday we saw how Jesus specifically chose apostles who were rejected by other rabbis. In today’s reading, we see the circle of Jesus’ acceptance expand even more. Matthew has already told us that Jesus grew up in the town of Nazareth (2:23). After His baptism and wilderness temptation, He briefly returned to Nazareth (perhaps to pack?) and then moved to Capernaum “in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali.” Matthew goes on to cite Isaiah in saying this was “where so many Gentiles live…[and]…where the people sit in darkness.” (4:13-16). Once Jesus’ public ministry begins, Matthew reports that He had followers from (among other places) “the Ten Towns” and “from east of the Jordan.” (4:25)

Though lost to us, the idea that the Messiah of God would grow up in a place like Nazareth…and then spend most of His ministry travelling around a “backwater” place like Galilee would’ve been unthinkable to most Jews of the first century. (see John 1:45-46) No rabbi worth his salt stayed in places like that. If a man was really talented, then he’d be in Jerusalem, where the real action was.

Jesus was really going out on a limb. Not content to fraternize with dumb-jock disciples, and live among low-class Jews, now He actually has people following Him who aren’t even Jews at all! (The Ten Towns were Gentile territory…as was the eastern side of the Jordan River).

Matthew paints a picture of a Messiah who would not be play by the normal rules. He wouldn’t do what rabbis were “supposed” to do. In fact, it seems that Jesus thought many of Israel’s problems were tied to the corrupt class power and religious structures of Jerusalem. When He finally did go to Jerusalem, it wasn’t to participate in that structure…but to tear it down.

“So what does any of this have to do with me?” you may be asking. Simple. If you’re a Christian, I’m guessing that you want to grow. You want your youth group…your church…your small group to grow. Most of us do. What sometimes goes unexamined, however, is how we want to grow. Many desire only growth of a certain type. We desire to grow by adding pretty people…wealthy people…people who look like us…or maybe people that we desperately want to be. That, however, is not the example of Jesus. He went where no one wanted to go and hung out with people who couldn’t help Him or His career one bit. Jesus didn’t try to make His Church “look respectable.” In fact, Jesus and His followers were repeatedly slandered for associating with “the wrong sort.” Jesus taught us that it isn’t a certain type of person that makes a church respectable, but rather the presence of a holy God Who is the only One Who can make anyone respectable.

-- Justin

Brandon Heath's Give Me Your Eyes

December 8, 2008 (Matthew 4:12-22)

Today’s reading tells how Simon, Andrew, James, & John became apostles. Well…actually it tells the latter half of the story. What I’d like to do now is fill in the first part.

According to my fellow minister, Chris Buxton, becoming the disciple of a first-century rabbi was a bit like trying to get into college today. There were the “Ivy League” rabbis (that EVERYONE wanted to study under) as well as various other grades of rabbis. The young men of Judea would study hard in their synagogue schools and when they reached the appropriate age, head off to Jerusalem to “try out” for discipleship. As you might expect, the best and the brightest were picked up by the Ivy League, the next best went to the second tier, and so on. After all the rabbis filled their disciple rosters, the leftover applicants were essentially told:

Thank you very much for your interest in the position as my disciple. While your qualifications are very impressive, I simply don’t feel that you’re a good fit for my needs at this time. I’m sure that you have a very bright future in discipleship ahead of you. Best wishes in your search.

Sincerely,

The Rabbi You Always Wanted

Once he got this letter, the wannabe disciple had to face facts. He just wasn’t cut out for a life of following a great spiritual teacher. Consequently, he had no choice but to return home to take up any number of “lesser” occupations, like fishing, for example. Buxton’s suggestion was that Jesus’ apostles were basically the leftovers! They were the guys who couldn’t cut it for the other rabbis. They were the ones who got a polite “Thanks for applying” letter.

What does that mean for you and I? I suspect most of us have received been rejected at some time in our lives. How does that make a person feel? Disappointed? Angry? Depressed? Isn’t it good to know that, as Christians, we follow a Master Who never says: “Come back when you have more experience…It’s not you. It’s Me…You’re just not what I need right now.”

Regardless of what the world may think of us, you and I are not “leftovers”. We have been—each one of us—specifically crafted by God, called by Him, and chosen to fulfill His purposes in a unique way that no one else in all of history will ever be able to do. Let us leave the nets of our pain and our past behind. We have better things to do. Remember, for a follower of Christ, the best is always yet to come.

-- Justin

For Mom & Dad: The Best is Yet to Come
For Anyone: On-Line Jigsaw Puzzle

Saturday, December 6, 2008

December 7, 2008 (Matthew 4:1-11)

The story of Jesus’ temptation teaches many lessons. Often, we use it to illustrate that He endured all the same things we do, yet was without sin. If we’re not careful, however, we can cross the line into teaching a sort of “Jesus-did-it-so-you-can-too” heresy; And this, in turn, leads either to self-righteousness (because we actually believe we’re “all that”) or self-hatred (because we fear we’re outside the tent of God’s grace for failing to live up to the standard of perfection.)

In light of this, it’s useful to step back and take a look at what Matthew was trying to communicate. As I’ve mentioned before, Matthew was writing for Jewish Christians. Because of that, he set up some comparisons between Jesus and various heroes of the Old Testament (e.g., Moses, David, Elijah, et al.) Perhaps the most important comparison, however, is between Jesus and the nation of Israel itself.

Immediately after His baptism (like Israel’s “baptism” in the Red Sea – 1 Cor. 10:1-2) Jesus is sent into the wilderness where He fasts for 40 days. (Like the Israelites wandered for 40 years in the wilderness.) During His time in the wilderness, Jesus is confronted not so much with the temptations that plague all humans…but with specific ones that plagued Israel in the wilderness. They complained against God because of the food they did (or didn’t) receive. (Numbers 11:1-10, 31-35). They put Him to the test (Exodus 17:1-7; Numbers 14:21-23; Deuteronomy 6:16). They repeatedly fell down and worshipped other gods in the attempt to secure temporary blessings for themselves (Exodus 32:1-3; Leviticus 17:1-7; Deuteronomy 32:9-18). In every instance Jesus—in contrast to Israel—rose to the challenge. He didn’t give in to sin. He was the Israel that Israel was always supposed to be.

So, if you read the temptation story and think: “This Jesus guy is nothing like me!” you’re actually getting the right message. He isn’t like Moses…or David…or Israel…or even you and I. He’s infinitely better! He has succeeded where we have failed; And by so doing, He has finally made real success possible for us.

-- Justin

Temptation of Jesus coloring sheet

Friday, December 5, 2008

December 6, 2008 (Matthew 3:13-17)

As someone who grew up in Churches of Christ, it should come as no surprise that baptism is pretty important to me. I have often wondered, though, why our “go to passage” is Acts 2:38. It seems to me that if we call ourselves “Christians”—if we say that following the example of Jesus is the most important thing we will ever do—then shouldn’t our main baptism text come from the life of Jesus?

In today’s reading, Matthew recounts the story of Jesus’ baptism by John. Notice that two things immediately follow Jesus’ baptism. First, the Spirit of God descends upon Him in the form of a dove (sound a bit like “receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit” doesn’t it?). Second, God publicly announces for the first time (at least in Matthew’s Gospel) that, “this is My Son, Who brings Me great joy.”

The next time you watch a baptism, remember the announcement of Matt. 3:17. I’d be willing to bet that somewhere in Heaven, God is saying it again.

-- Justin

For those with young children: Baptism of Jesus coloring sheet

Thursday, December 4, 2008

December 5, 2008 (Matthew 3:1-12)

Sometimes the path of being God’s servant is just down right difficult. There’s no way around it. We find the pattern repeated over and over in the Bible…and yet, whenever I am called to suffer, you know what usually happens? I get upset with God…as though He had somehow reneged on a promise He never actually made in the first place.

Consider John the Baptist. Here’s a guy who’s totally devoted in his service to God. (In fact, Jesus would later say that there was never a greater person born than -- Matt. 11:11) And yet, God let His man eat bugs and wear camel’s hair for clothing. What?! No Armani? I thought God was love.

And consider the kind of preaching that John did. When the Pharisees & Sadducees (i.e., the super-religious folks of their day) came to hear John, what did he say?

You brood of snakes! Who warned you to flee God’s coming wrath? Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.’ That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones. Even now the ax of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire. – Matt. 3:7-10


I’ve got to figure that sort of thing made John a bit unpopular, and earned him more than a few enemies. The bottom line is that it’s never been easy to be God’s servant. If we’re not making any snakes angry, that may be because they see us as just another snake. It will be a tragedy if they turn out to be right.

-- Justin

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

December 4, 2008 (Matthew 2:13-23)

Matthew does more than any other Gospel writer to show how Jesus fulfilled prophecy. Many speculate this is because Matthew was writing to Jewish Christians who were being tempted to abandon their faith, so he had to take every opportunity to illustrate how Christ fulfilled the Law of Moses. Jesus’ life was lived—quite literally—by the book.

We all take “marching orders” from somewhere.
• Popular culture
• The expectations of others
• Our personal desires

Though in these early years, Jesus wasn’t yet old enough to make the conscious choice to fulfill the word of God (e.g., Joseph is the one who led the family down to Egypt) as He grew, however, the Bible makes clear that He was committed to the Scriptures and to prayer. He was devoted to living up to all that His Father had called Him to be and do.

What about you and I? If someone were to look at our lives and try to find parallels in the Bible…would there be any?

-- Justin

December 3, 2008 (Matthew 2:1-12)

Do you ever make unfair assumptions about people and their motives? Yeah…I do too. Today’s reading should caution against such judgments. It is the story of a baby, some foreigners, and a king.

The wise men (magoi in Greek) were most probably Persian astrologers. Given that, it is equally-likely that these men would have been Zoroastrians (i.e., a pagan religion which was the official faith of the Persian Empire). In short, they were NOT the sort of people that any good Jew of the first century would have expected to seek the will of God—they didn’t even worship the right God!

And yet…there they were…travelling miles upon miles, at great personal cost, simply to seek out “the one born King of the Jews.”

Herod, by contrast, was the reigning king of the Jews. He was the official head of God’s “chosen people.” He was, theoretically, one of the principal leaders responsible for calling the nation of Israel to faithfulness.

And yet…he did not. Rather, he sought simply to secure his own power base. He was so devoted to this, in fact, that he was willing to lie to the wise men, and order the deaths of every male child in the region—just to make sure that he took care of his “baby Jesus problem” (2:16)

As you go through your week, remember that each and every person you encounter is created in the image of God. As C.S. Lewis said:
It is a serious thing to live in a society of possible gods and goddesses, to remember that the dullest and most uninteresting person you can talk to may one day be a creature which, if you saw it now, you would be strongly tempted to worship, or else a horror and a corruption such as you now meet, if at all, only in a nightmare. All day long we are, in some degree, helping each other to one or other of these destinations.

People are still seeking the One born King of the Jews, and He is still ready to receive the worship of anyone who will come. So…Are you journeying to Bethlehem to worship, or simply to wipe out the competition? Are you encouraging all who will to come to the King, or only those you think are “worthy”?

-- Justin

We Three Kings

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

December 2, 2008 (Matthew 1:18-25)

Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, is a man we don’t know much about. Many Bible scholars assume that Joseph died during Jesus’ teenage or young adult years (since the last mention of him is during the pilgrimage to Jerusalem when Jesus was twelve. – Lk. 2:41-51)

Though the bible doesn’t tell us a lot about Joseph, what it does provide is the picture of an unusually good man. When Joseph found out his young fiancée Mary was already pregnant, “he decided to break the engagement quietly” because “he was a good man and did not want to disgrace her publicly.”

In a culture that considered engagement the first-stage of marriage, Joseph may well have been within his legal rights to have Mary stoned to death. (Lev. 20:10; Deut. 22:22) At the very least, he would’ve been considered justified in “making an example” of her. To have your fiancée pregnant with another man’s baby would have been terribly humiliating. (Remember, angels told Mary and Joseph of their son’s Divine origins…but no one else. The rest of the community was bound to view Jesus as the illegitimate child of a promiscuous young woman, and Joseph as a poor cuckolded husband.) It was an embarrassment that would—quite literally—last a lifetime!

By far the easiest thing would’ve been for Joseph to cut his losses and walk away. We live in a day when far too many fathers take the easy way…the coward’s way out. We need more Josephs—real men who are willing to swallow their pride and suffer indignity rather than pass it on to innocents.

(If you have time, listen to this song. It's a powerful message about the type of man Joseph was...and the sacrifices he made) It Wasn't His Child

Monday, December 1, 2008

December 1, 2008 (Matthew 1:1-17)

So, did you actually read the entire genealogy? Though this stuff may be horrendously boring us, it was of great importance to the Jewish Christians for whom Matthew was writing. You may notice some differences between the genealogy of Jesus that you find in Matthew, and the one found in Luke (Luke 3:23-38). Though there are some comments to be made on these differences…we’re not going to go there in this post.

Rather, I want to focus upon this weird thing Matthew does in grouping the ancestors of Jesus in “fourteens.” What the heck is that all about? Well…our best guess is that it has to do with Hebrew numerology (i.e., The study of the meanings of numbers and their supposed influence on human life). There’s pretty solid historical evidence that Jews of the first century saw a lot of significance in numbers. In part, this was because each letter of the Hebrew alphabet was assigned a corresponding number. In English we’d say: A = 1, B = 2, C = 3, etc. Because of this, you could add up the numerical value of a person’s name to get their “number.” (Probably the most famous instance of this in the Bible is the reference in Revelation to the man with the number 666)

Anyway, when you add up the numerical value of the name David you end up with the number 14. Since “Son of David” is one of the titles of Jesus that Matthew uses most frequently in his gospel (and the other Gospel writers use very little if at all) most scholars are agreed that the 14 generations thing was primarily about proving that Jesus was THE legitimate Messiah and King of Israel…the bona fide Son of David.

If someone doubted that Jesus was the Messiah sent to save the world, how would you convince them? Probably not with a genealogical list, right? Matthew’s pattern doesn’t necessarily show us the most effective way to evangelize…but it does offer an example of using whatever we can to bring glory to God. Did Matthew believe in numerology? Who knows? What I do know is that he most definitely believed that Jesus of Nazareth was the Son of God and he would use any opportunity…any avenue…to persuade others of that fact as well. What about you and I…are we as passionate about bringing others to faith in Christ?

-- Justin

If only we'd had this song when I was a kid: The Ballad of Matthew's Begats