I.We’re still in Matthew 13 this week and have one of Jesus’ parables that is clearly linked to us understanding the Kingdom of God. Yes, Matthew writes “kingdom of heaven,” but that is Matthew’s characteristic way of referring to the … Continue reading
VII.This week we are listening to Jesus’ “Parable of the Sower.” While he does not say, “The Kingdom of God is like a sower who ….” He does suggest the hearing of the parable is about “anyone who hears the … Continue reading
IV.Do you agree with Jesus that calling this story “the parable of the sower” a good description? As you spend time today considering the parable, pay attention to the sower, the seeds and the soils. What stands out to you … Continue reading
I.Our passage for this week is a very familiar parable of Jesus. The parable of the seeds? Or is it the parable of the soils? Or maybe even the parable of the sower? Take some time to read (and reread) … Continue reading
VII.As we started our reflections on this passage, I asked – “How is it possible for two groups (or two persons) to see the same thing, and yet be in such disagreement about what has happened right in front of … Continue reading
IV.What do we have in our passage this week? A man healed; an amazed crowd; accusations from the Pharisees; “the ruler of the demons” given credit for healing a man; a claim by Jesus that “the kingdom of God has … Continue reading
I.This week we turn to the Gospel of Matthew as we continue to consider the Kingdom of God. We hear from the crowd and from the Pharisees as both see Jesus heal a man, and both apparently agree the man … Continue reading
I.After a filling breakfast of fried fish and bread Peter and Jesus have a conversation. You might want to contrast this conversation with the earlier conversation Jesus has with Peter as presented in Matthew 4:18-22. II.John 21:15-19 (NRSVue) When they … Continue reading
VII. “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? What do you find out about “greatness” and the “kingdom of heaven” in your reading of these three paragraphs? Let me encourage you to spend time with this passage again, … Continue reading
IV.As we return to these paragraphs today, take some time to slowly and meditatively read them. Then pause for a moment and rest in that reading and hearing the words of Jesus. Now, let’s reread the first two paragraphs again … Continue reading