Matthew 13-18
Savannah (my daughter) put a comment on yesterday's entry that said she will be glad to get out of Matthew! I think I feel that way today! I just kept wondering why the disciples never seemed to get it! Why can't they be more like me and understand everything fully!
Really??? I was often confused listening to these chapters. (I am trying to resist "reading" along, but sometimes....) Are there people who will never get it because God has closed up their ears? Are there people who can't hear the gospel? Does that mean that God plays favorites--or is that the way we see ourselves? "If everyone was just like me, the world would be so much better off! I feel sorry for those who don't!"
And what is it with food in these chapters? We have wheat growing, leaven and yeast, loaves of bread and fish--not once but twice--and lessons about washing your hands before meals! Made me hear my mother all over again!
What kept hitting me time and time again is how often what I was hearing ran up against what I remember from the stories! "No , wait, that isn't how the story goes!" I wonder how often I have done that--substituted my memory, the way I want the story to be, with THE story. This Jesus isn't meek and mild. He takes on any and all comers--including the forces of nature. I am not always sure that I want to hear him (especially working as a 'religious leader') or run up against him. Which makes me wonder, "Is this someone I really want to follow, especially knowing where it is leading?"
But then, isn't that the point of Lent?
Others have entered the conversation. Join in! What are you hearing?
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