A Jewish Messiah for All Nations

Two topics are often off-limits when meeting new people: politics and religion. People have their own opinion, and true exchanges of ideas are quite rare. After all, religions only divide people, right?

In today’s text, a Samaritan woman comes by herself to draw water at the well, much later than other women.

Read More Jews, Samaritans, Unity, Messiah

This One Is the Saviour of the World

Badges, tags, titles. CEO, President, Commander, Officer, Honorable, Prime Minister, Professor, Doctor; societies lack no titles. Used improperly, titles pretend, deceive, abuse. But in the best case scenario, titles identity, testify, certify.

A Bold Affirmation

Jesus was the master teacher. Having invited his disciples to see what the rule of God looks like through the parables in chapter 13, Matthew brings this next section of the gospel to a climax with some pointed questions. Throughout this section (13:54–16:12) as we have seen, Jesus has been interpreted by the likes of Herod, the Canaanite woman and the crowds. He has been rejected by religious leaders and his fellow citizens in Nazareth.

Say Yes to the Invitation

God desires relationship with mankind. Jesus’ parable about the wedding feast illustrates this spiritual truth.

The nation of Israel comprised the initial guest list. The king – God – sent messengers to deliver the invitation to the banquet, but the Jews ignored the request to come. Complacency or daily responsibilities consumed some. Hatred for the messengers consumed others.

Quite the Contrast

One thing about Jesus, nobody has ever ignored him. Even in our day, it seems, everybody has an opinion about him. Some think he’s a fine example, others that he is great prophet, others a great figure of history. Yet others only know his name, which they use to curse the people and events that bother them.

Then there’s another group, in which, I pray, you count yourself.

Clues to a Treasure

Have you ever been on a treasure hunt? You are given a clue which will direct you to the next clue, which directs you to the next clue until finally, you put it all together and you have discovered a treasure!

This is what we see Jesus doing throughout the Gospels. He gave clues to his identity. Jesus knew his disciples were well acquainted with the Old Testament.

“Triumphal” Entry?

This event in the life of Jesus is often referred to as the Triumphal Entry. A quick reading of the passage seems to confirm the appropriateness of that title. Nevertheless, such an interpretation raises some difficult questions. How can Jesus be received so positively at the beginning of the week, when at the end of the week the crowds will call for his blood? This festival took place every year, with the same songs, the shouts of “Hosanna,” and the waving of palm branches.

Read More kingdom, Messiah, deliverance, Hosanna

Saviour, Messiah and Lord

Shepherds. Have you ever wondered why the first people beyond the family to hear about Jesus’ birth were shepherds? It’s all part of the great reversal that Jesus brings. As Mary had said, “He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.”

False Expectations

In our pluralistic culture there are many who do not know the true identity of Jesus. This problem of recognition is not greatly different from how it was at the time of Jesus. Recognizing and acknowledging Jesus is at the heart of our faith. Luke is intent on telling the story of Jesus so we will know who he is – the Messiah, the Promised One of Israel. There is much that can prevent even those of us within the faith from seeing as we ought.

Promise of a King greater than David

Can you imagine what a difference it would make in our nation if our leaders acted as God’s representatives – spiritual leaders who inspire us to pray, seek justice and live lives dedicated to God! This was God’s intention for the leaders of his people.

Moses began leading as God’s representative when he went to Pharaoh with the message: “Let my people go!”