Go
therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the
Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey
everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to
the end of the age. --- Alex’s pick
What
a great passage to draw a close to the Pointed Texts series.
The
Gospel of Matthew ends with these words; words put in the mouth of Jesus as his
bodily form departs from the disciples. The disciples are left with the final
words resonating in their ears – and hearts--- remember, I am with you
always, to the end of the age.
·
Have
you said final words to a group or a person? What was the occasion? What thought/feeling
did you wish to leave with the hearer?
·
How
do the final words of the Gospel of Matthew sit with you?
Matthew
28: 19-20 has been called, “the Great Commission,’ summarizing the action for
the Matthean community moving forward. The pointed text is used by the church
today, pointing to its task and mission. Go make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them, teaching them…
·
What
do you see as the mission of Jesus’ followers today?
·
What
is the mission of the church?
·
For
you, what are the key points of telling the story of Jesus?
The
pointed text mentions ‘all nations,’ at the time meaning Jews and non-Jews.
Matthew’s Gospel was written in the instability of first century Palestine and
in the milieu of inter-Jewish conflict. The Temple has been destroyed and the
First Jewish Revolt has taken place. Rabbinic Judaism is emerging. Jesus’
followers have parted ways from the synagogue. Ordinary life is marked by
instability and conflict. People and place have been forced into transition.
·
In
times of instability, conflict, and transition, where do you find hope?
·
What
words do you offer a church in transition?
·
Write
a prayer for the faith community to use during this time of transition.
At
the beginning of the week, I will post a devotion on a pointed text from
scripture. I will include commentary and questions for reflection. Answers and
other questions and comments can be sent to me at halifaxlutherchurch@gmail.com ,put in the comment section of this
blog, or on FB where the link to this devotion was shared. Fridays I will share
the messages (conversation) received via the church email list.
This passage of Matthew’s is full of hope and for this reason I love it. I am grateful for biblical messages of ACCEPTANCE and HOPE for all people. I imagine something like this for the disciples. The Holy Spirit visited and enabled the disciples to receive the message they longed for; Jesus was alive beyond His earthly form, that He was with them in spirit, and that His Spirit would enable them to accomplish things otherwise not possible.
ReplyDeleteThe Christian Church in its various denominations often divides people. The disciples were imperfect, yet they were ACCEPTED by Christ as they were and were thereby given HOPE, the acceptance and hope we all need if we are to embark on a mission. Words are often times interpreted in various Christian faiths and used in ways which enable truly unchristian standpoints, accepting of some, but not of others.
For faith to “happen” I think most people need a strong measure of acceptance and hope, those tangibles Jesus offered his disciples. With these I think belief can move beyond belief, to a faith that becomes our experience. So, the mission of The Christian Church from my perspective, is to meet and accept people wherever they are in their life journey. To welcome all, despite their beliefs and practices. For the young it might be to accept them in their nonconformity and disbelief and to welcome them as part of a loving whole. Many want to live the message and mission of loving (God) & Neighbor, but in accordance with the light they see. I have hope, because it is the stance I see us taking over and over again in the church community at Resurrection.
ReplyDeleteOur Father in heaven, help us to see and hear and do Your vision to bring about Your kingdom in our world. Cause us to know You are with us and cause us to be with You allowing You into our midst as community so Your vision can be fulfilled and Your kingdom can grow in Your .love. Thank you for Your love, forgiveness, and grace. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen