Matthew 13:24-30 and 36-43. Wow! I don't even know where to begin with this one. Somebody help me! Some interesting facts that we learned today include:
1. There are approximately 40 parables in the Bible. Only two of them are
explained and this is one of them.
2. Eight of the 40 parables talk about judgment - seven of the eight are in Matthew.
3. Eleven of the parables in Matthew talk about weeping and gnashing of teeth.
It seems to me that Matthew was really concerned with people keeping the faith in the face of persecution, questions about the perceived "failures" of Jesus, and a wait for the Second Coming that was going to be much longer than they had originally anticipated.
Perhaps the most striking idea, and the one that jumped out at us first, is that good and bad are allowed to coexist for a time. If you take that to be us, then good and bad, believers and nonbelievers all live together and it is up to the landowner (God) to decide at the harvest which to keep and which to toss and burn. That can be reassuring, and in some ways very pleasing, to think that the "bad" people are going to get their comeuppance. In other words, I will get the last laugh. On the other hand, it also tells me that only God can and will decide who is good wheat and who is bad weed. What if I am deemed weed? As our Fearless Leader said today, "There is a little bad in the "best" of us, and a little good in the "worst" of us." So how can I be sure about where I fall on the continuum? And what about my family?
At the end of the day we can only take care of ourselves and trust and leave the rest to God, embrace the mystery, believe that God's plan for us is better than anything we can imagine...sigh...Again, easier said than done...!
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Persistence
This week we studied the Parable of the Persistent Widow from Luke 18:1-8. While the focus of much of our discussion today was on the act and purpose of prayer, it seems to me that after mulling this one over the message is as much about persistent faith as it is about prayer, or persistence in and of itself.
There are only two characters in this parable - a widow and an arrogant judge who doesn't care about what men or God think of him. We assume the widow has no male relative to speak for her or else they would be there, and as a widow she as no legal standing. And yet, she keeps coming to see the judge time and time and time again. She believes the judge will not only listen to her, but will eventually give her the justice she seeks. She knows that in the end justice will prevail. God's justice.
The judge realizes that the woman is not going to stop pleading her case until she receives justice. It is important to note that it is not about getting her way, or getting something she doesn't deserve. It is about justice. But it is also about someone who doesn't care one whit for men or God being able to recognize the strength of the widow's relationship with God. Remember, Luke is really concerned that Jesus hasn't yet returned and is trying to convince the early Christians (and maybe himself) that they need to stay the course, to wait, to remain faithful, that God will return in God's own time.
And that brings us back to prayer. Do the answers we want come just because we pray? Do they come when we want them? Do they come in the quiet time? Can God speak to us in the midst of the chaos of our daily lives? And are there any universal answers to these questions, or are they unique as each one of us? Prayer is about being conscious and purposeful about our relationship with God. Persistent prayer is about being in constant relationship with God.
There are only two characters in this parable - a widow and an arrogant judge who doesn't care about what men or God think of him. We assume the widow has no male relative to speak for her or else they would be there, and as a widow she as no legal standing. And yet, she keeps coming to see the judge time and time and time again. She believes the judge will not only listen to her, but will eventually give her the justice she seeks. She knows that in the end justice will prevail. God's justice.
The judge realizes that the woman is not going to stop pleading her case until she receives justice. It is important to note that it is not about getting her way, or getting something she doesn't deserve. It is about justice. But it is also about someone who doesn't care one whit for men or God being able to recognize the strength of the widow's relationship with God. Remember, Luke is really concerned that Jesus hasn't yet returned and is trying to convince the early Christians (and maybe himself) that they need to stay the course, to wait, to remain faithful, that God will return in God's own time.
And that brings us back to prayer. Do the answers we want come just because we pray? Do they come when we want them? Do they come in the quiet time? Can God speak to us in the midst of the chaos of our daily lives? And are there any universal answers to these questions, or are they unique as each one of us? Prayer is about being conscious and purposeful about our relationship with God. Persistent prayer is about being in constant relationship with God.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Investing In... The Future
I have to confess that I was very unfocused this week, so the notes and this post will probably leave a lot to be desired. We studied the parable of The Talents. I have always struggled with this parable, but today I found a little different perspective, using some of the study techniques we have been applying in the past few sessions. I repeatedly found my mind wandering to consider what this parable reveals about the nature and kingdom of God.
I feel pretty certain you are familiar with the story of the master who gives three servants a sum of money to care for while he is gone. When he returns he calls them to account for the money, and while two of them have risked the money they have also doubled the amount through their investment. The third, out of fear, hid the money and returned the exact same amount he was given. At that the master throws him out as lazy and wicked. Really? In this economy I should be making risky investments? What happens if I lose it all? Clearly I identify more with the third servant than the master, how about you?
There are some pretty easy lessons to draw from this parable, but what does it tell us about the kingdom of God. For me the message this week is about relationships. The master knows his servants, gives to each according to his abilities and expects that they do their best. The first two servants work hard and take risks to further the interests of their master because why...? Do you work harder for someone you respect and trust? I know I do. But the third servant, in his preface, clearly shows that not only does he not trust his master to be just, he does not respect him.
If you read the version in Matthew 25:14-30 the master asks the first two servants to be his partner in The Message. The master invites them into a more intimate relationship. But the third servant, who fears and does not trust, is cast out. The master gave him a chance, but he did not respond.
The version in Luke 19:11-27 is similar but a little different in the details. The master is seeking to be made king, and despite the protest of the people he still becomes king. And then he puts the first two servants in charge of cities as rulers. I can't help wondering if that isn't a parallel to the Mustard Seed, implying that the kingdom of God will come no matter what. And when it does you better be ready, taking risks, working to further the kingdom, but most importantly trusting God to be just, not fair, just.
I feel pretty certain you are familiar with the story of the master who gives three servants a sum of money to care for while he is gone. When he returns he calls them to account for the money, and while two of them have risked the money they have also doubled the amount through their investment. The third, out of fear, hid the money and returned the exact same amount he was given. At that the master throws him out as lazy and wicked. Really? In this economy I should be making risky investments? What happens if I lose it all? Clearly I identify more with the third servant than the master, how about you?
There are some pretty easy lessons to draw from this parable, but what does it tell us about the kingdom of God. For me the message this week is about relationships. The master knows his servants, gives to each according to his abilities and expects that they do their best. The first two servants work hard and take risks to further the interests of their master because why...? Do you work harder for someone you respect and trust? I know I do. But the third servant, in his preface, clearly shows that not only does he not trust his master to be just, he does not respect him.
If you read the version in Matthew 25:14-30 the master asks the first two servants to be his partner in The Message. The master invites them into a more intimate relationship. But the third servant, who fears and does not trust, is cast out. The master gave him a chance, but he did not respond.
The version in Luke 19:11-27 is similar but a little different in the details. The master is seeking to be made king, and despite the protest of the people he still becomes king. And then he puts the first two servants in charge of cities as rulers. I can't help wondering if that isn't a parallel to the Mustard Seed, implying that the kingdom of God will come no matter what. And when it does you better be ready, taking risks, working to further the kingdom, but most importantly trusting God to be just, not fair, just.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire!
Yep, you heard me, Fearless Leader! After the past four sessions you had us all going along with you, on the same page about the purpose of the parables - to describe and reveal the Kingdom of God. Then this week not only did you stomp on the brakes, you threw the whole train into reverse with the parable of The Wicked Tenants and said THIS IS NOT THE EMPIRE OF GOD!
This parable is found in Matthew(21:33-43), Luke(20:9-18), Mark12:1-11), and even Thomas. I am going to copy your "the facts and only the facts, ma'am" summary for those who may not be familiar:
"There once was a man who owned a vineyard, who leased it out to tenants. When the time came, he sent one of his servants to collect what was due him from the vineyard. But the tenants seized him and beat him up and sent him away empty-handed. So he sent another servant, and this one, too, they beat up and sent away empty-handed. So the owner decided to send his son, saying, "Perhaps they will respect my son." But when the tenants saw that it was the son they said, "This is the heir to the vineyard! If we kill him, the vineyard will be ours!" So they seized him and killed him."
Yuck! Not a pretty story! How greedy! If you read the versions in the Gospels you will find that each writer added his own touches in order to better reach his intended audience - for Matthew, the Jews; Mark sought to reach both Jew and Gentile; and Luke addressed himself mainly to the Gentiles. Considering the societal context we came to understand how the people who had been given this land by God himself, who were displaced by the Romans, who still considered the land they lived on and worked, albeit as tenants, belonged to them. It was rightfully theirs! We could identify with both the tenants and the landowner, but why did Jesus tell this parable like this? What does this parable tell us about the Kingdom of God?
It really doesn't tell us about the Kingdom of God, it tells us about the reality of life at that time. As with all of the other parables, there are many different layers, allegories, and places where the mind can be drawn to better understand the nature of God. But there were a couple of things that really stuck with me today. For one, in this parable - in all three Gospel versions - the listeners are asked to come to a conclusion as to what the landowner will do, and when they venture a guess that is just (even thought it is harsh) their guess is affirmed! That hasn't happened in the other parables we have studied, they have been really open-ended and forced the listener to draw his or her own conclusion as to what they meant. Secondly, in the end, no one wins but death. And finally, we accept it as an honest assessment of the reality of the day, not the parable-based picture of what could/will be in the Kingdom of God.
Those three points lead me to believe that Jesus told the parable, and the Apostles used it, to build their credibility with their audiences. They were talking all this time with the "disposable" people of society: tax collectors, prostitutes, unskilled and skilled tradesmen, women... Jesus and the disciples spoke of the glorious life to come, building God's kingdom here on Earth. And yet their listeners lived in abject poverty without any respect. So this story tells us that God DOES know what our lives are like, God DOES care for us. And there ARE consequences, so come on along and follow. But the Kingdom WILL be different. Integrity and credibility... well... maybe this one does does describe the Kingdom of God... after all...
This parable is found in Matthew(21:33-43), Luke(20:9-18), Mark12:1-11), and even Thomas. I am going to copy your "the facts and only the facts, ma'am" summary for those who may not be familiar:
"There once was a man who owned a vineyard, who leased it out to tenants. When the time came, he sent one of his servants to collect what was due him from the vineyard. But the tenants seized him and beat him up and sent him away empty-handed. So he sent another servant, and this one, too, they beat up and sent away empty-handed. So the owner decided to send his son, saying, "Perhaps they will respect my son." But when the tenants saw that it was the son they said, "This is the heir to the vineyard! If we kill him, the vineyard will be ours!" So they seized him and killed him."
Yuck! Not a pretty story! How greedy! If you read the versions in the Gospels you will find that each writer added his own touches in order to better reach his intended audience - for Matthew, the Jews; Mark sought to reach both Jew and Gentile; and Luke addressed himself mainly to the Gentiles. Considering the societal context we came to understand how the people who had been given this land by God himself, who were displaced by the Romans, who still considered the land they lived on and worked, albeit as tenants, belonged to them. It was rightfully theirs! We could identify with both the tenants and the landowner, but why did Jesus tell this parable like this? What does this parable tell us about the Kingdom of God?
It really doesn't tell us about the Kingdom of God, it tells us about the reality of life at that time. As with all of the other parables, there are many different layers, allegories, and places where the mind can be drawn to better understand the nature of God. But there were a couple of things that really stuck with me today. For one, in this parable - in all three Gospel versions - the listeners are asked to come to a conclusion as to what the landowner will do, and when they venture a guess that is just (even thought it is harsh) their guess is affirmed! That hasn't happened in the other parables we have studied, they have been really open-ended and forced the listener to draw his or her own conclusion as to what they meant. Secondly, in the end, no one wins but death. And finally, we accept it as an honest assessment of the reality of the day, not the parable-based picture of what could/will be in the Kingdom of God.
Those three points lead me to believe that Jesus told the parable, and the Apostles used it, to build their credibility with their audiences. They were talking all this time with the "disposable" people of society: tax collectors, prostitutes, unskilled and skilled tradesmen, women... Jesus and the disciples spoke of the glorious life to come, building God's kingdom here on Earth. And yet their listeners lived in abject poverty without any respect. So this story tells us that God DOES know what our lives are like, God DOES care for us. And there ARE consequences, so come on along and follow. But the Kingdom WILL be different. Integrity and credibility... well... maybe this one does does describe the Kingdom of God... after all...
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Weeds in the Garden
This week's parable was the mustard seed and the yeast for Matthew 13:31-35. Of course almost all of ys have heard the comparison of the size of our faith to the size of a mustard seed and how God grows both. Haven't you seen those pendants, the small globes with an embedded mustard seed? But thanks to our fearless leader we looked at this in the context of the society and the geography of the time, and it took on a new meaning for us.
If any of you are gardeners, or even if you aren't, then you can appreciate the obnoxious, pervasive and invasive habit of weeds. You must be ever vigilant in removing them from the garden. Think of "plants" like multiflora rose, honeysuckle, mint, and bamboo... kudzu. That is what mustard is - a weed that will overtake the entire garden in no time flat. And that is what Jesus compares the kingdom of God to, a weed that you cannot stop. Understanding that frame of reference, if I were in political power and someone told me that there was new sheriff in town whose power would spread like mustard in the garden, I would not be happy to say the least. Now I understand the political implications of this parable. Wow! As our leader said this is one of the most radical of Jesus' descriptions of the kingdom of God.
Then there is the idea that a man deliberately planted this weed in his garden. now why on earth would he do that? We decided that it must be because there is room for everyone in the kingdom of God, whether weed or valued crop. It also turns upside down the Laws of the Jews, showing that the New Covenant supersedes the Old Covenant, the Covenant of the Law.
Finally we looked at it as a metaphor for the way God works. He provides the seed (invitation), we plant it (respond to the invitation), and then the grace of God grows the seed (our relationship). There are so very many layers to these parable, we could discus and write on and on and on... Instead we ended this week with a challenge to consider what seed we plant and then allowing the grace of God to work on the seeds after we have planted them.
If any of you are gardeners, or even if you aren't, then you can appreciate the obnoxious, pervasive and invasive habit of weeds. You must be ever vigilant in removing them from the garden. Think of "plants" like multiflora rose, honeysuckle, mint, and bamboo... kudzu. That is what mustard is - a weed that will overtake the entire garden in no time flat. And that is what Jesus compares the kingdom of God to, a weed that you cannot stop. Understanding that frame of reference, if I were in political power and someone told me that there was new sheriff in town whose power would spread like mustard in the garden, I would not be happy to say the least. Now I understand the political implications of this parable. Wow! As our leader said this is one of the most radical of Jesus' descriptions of the kingdom of God.
Then there is the idea that a man deliberately planted this weed in his garden. now why on earth would he do that? We decided that it must be because there is room for everyone in the kingdom of God, whether weed or valued crop. It also turns upside down the Laws of the Jews, showing that the New Covenant supersedes the Old Covenant, the Covenant of the Law.
Finally we looked at it as a metaphor for the way God works. He provides the seed (invitation), we plant it (respond to the invitation), and then the grace of God grows the seed (our relationship). There are so very many layers to these parable, we could discus and write on and on and on... Instead we ended this week with a challenge to consider what seed we plant and then allowing the grace of God to work on the seeds after we have planted them.
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