Month: August 2020

Our scripture this week is Matthew 16:13-20.

When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Then he ordered his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.

Who do we say that Jesus is? If we claim to know Him, our lives must reflect the things He taught – loving God, loving neighbor and making disciples. Sadly, we are often a poor likeness of the Messiah and don’t represent the values He instilled in us.

In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus warns “And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell” (Matthew 5:22). He teaches that loving one another means not insulting each other when we disagree. Our differing opinions must not be cause for verbal harm, much less physical violence.

We’ve done a lot of insult and injury to each other over time, and it is often difficult to forgive those who who have hurt us, but Jesus calls us to do that as well. Seeing others insulted or injured should spur us to action to help stop the hurting we cause each other and begin healing our relationship with each other and our Savior.

Loving Lord, we are Your brothers and sisters, often acting like spoiled and unruly children toward each other. Help us to be more like You in our words and actions, loving all Your creation. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 16:13-20.

When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Then he ordered his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.

Jesus wants His disciples to be certain of His authority, not so they would worship Him but that they would be certain of their belief in Him. There have been faithful prophets through the ages who have obeyed God. John the Baptist told everyone “I am not the Messiah”.

We often seek one who will save us in the wrong places. Many false prophets have sought to advance their own agenda and their own good, ignoring the guidance from God to love one another. We can tell true prophets by their devotion to God’s call and their honest desire for all to know Him.

Jesus came as the greatest prophet and teacher ever sent, but more than that, He came to save us from the awful mess we have made in God’s creation. Through Him, we can know the Living God. We must listen and learn that we too may be His disciples, sharing the Good News to all His children.

Gracious God, we are thankful for those who have come in faith to help us know You better. May we be inspired by their witness and go to share Your love to all the world. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 16:13-20.

When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Then he ordered his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.

Jesus warns us that “whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven” (Matthew 16:19). This is an awesome responsibility, but we need to understand the full meaning – it’s not our decision but our duty from God. Many people see this as license to approve behavior that is not in line with God’s plan for us. That is not what Jesus intended.

This responsibility enables us to carry out God’s instructions in order to help bring His kingdom “on earth as it is in heaven”. Jesus isn’t saying what we do here will change what is done in heaven, just the other way around – what is sent from heaven will change what we do here. Those who hear His call in their lives and accept the connection He offers will be the ones to implement God’s plan for all the earth.

Somehow this seems an even more awesome responsibility than making our own rules. God invites us to be His representatives to all the world, to carry the Good News to everyone. Binding evil and loosing goodness is not easy, but it is the task given us by Christ Himself.

Loving Lord, we are humbled that You call us to be part of the coming of Your kingdom. Help us to share Your love and grace with all Your children everywhere. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 16:13-20.

When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Then he ordered his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.

“You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” With this statement Peter shows the character that Jesus saw when He chose him as a disciple. When Peter gets it right, he gets it really right!

However, we know from the scriptures that Peter could also get it really wrong! Near the end of the Gospel of Matthew we hear “And Peter remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” So he went out and wept bitterly.” (Matthew 26:75). Peter, the rock on whom Jesus would build His church, swears not to even know Him.

Thanks be to God, that’s not the end of the story. Peter asks and receives forgiveness from the risen Christ, and does go on to be the strong leader Jesus saw he could be. When we fail to love others as we have been taught, we fail just as Peter did, but we too can ask and receive Christ’s forgiveness and go to do as He commands us.

Loving Lord, help us to see the mistakes in our lives and truly repent of our failings. Grant us the pardon only You can give and guide us back to the way You have shown us. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 16:13-20.

When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Then he ordered his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.

People recognized Jesus as a prophet because of the lessons He taught. He spoke as the prophets of history did, warning them to repent. However, there was something different about Jesus – he was gentle and forgiving, He taught not only changing our lives but living out God’s love for all people.

Jesus wants us to see that following our own desires can’t lead us to salvation or even lasting happiness. The things we chase so fervently are only temporary. He offers us an eternal relationship with God the Father, a connection that can’t be broken.

Do we hear the prophecy that Jesus brings? Do we heed His call to “repent for the kingdom of heaven has come near” (Matthew 4:17)? Jesus calls us all to hear and follow Him. God’s grace is there for all of us if we accept His love and share it with the world.

Loving Lord, our lives are difficult due to the things around us, but we often make it harder by the poor choices we make. Help us to hear Your word and Your call, to live in connection to You. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 16:13-20.

When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Then he ordered his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.

When Jesus asks His disciples who people say He is, it is for their understanding, that they might share their experiences with each other to better see how people are reacting to Him. Jesus didn’t care about His reputation or whether He angered some of the political and religious leaders, His only concern was for people to know God’s love for them and to deepen their connection with their Creator. Only by discovering our need for God and changing our lives can we become part of His kingdom work.

Jesus continues to challenge us to know who He is, who we are and what is required of us. He wants us to see both the blessings prepared for us and the tasks we face. He warns that it will not always be an easy path.

When we accept the relationship and the responsibility He offers, we become the disciples of today, representing Christ Himself to the world. Are you ready to lay down your own desires and do as He commands? Jesus calls each one of us to use our gifts to make the world as it was always intended.

Loving Lord, we hear the call You place on our lives. Help us to be strong in Your love and share the blessings of salvation with all the world. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 15:21-28.

Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is demon-possessed and suffering terribly.” Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.” The woman came and knelt before him. “Lord, help me!” she said. He replied, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.” “Yes it is, Lord,” she said. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.” Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment.

We hear Jesus proclaim “Woman, you have great faith” and that her daughter was immediately healed. Her faith in Jesus was the important part, but also important was her persistence. She was willing to do what ever it took to receive healing for her child.

Others have gone to great lengths to get Jesus’ attention and plead for His help. In Mark 10 we read of Bartimaeus, the blind beggar who called out to Jesus over the crowd’s attempt to silence him. Mark 2 tells of a paralyzed man lowered through the roof of a house so Jesus could heal him. A woman who suffered for years risks being trampled by the crowd to touch His robe and is healed, as told in Mark 5.

All of these teach us to persist in our faith, that it is essential we are steadfast in our belief in the Lord. Jesus said that there would be obstacles and it would not be easy, but He promised to be with us always. Through persistent faith we can make a difference in the world.

Loving Lord, we are weak but You are strong. Help us to live in persistent faith, standing with You to heal creation. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 15:21-28.

Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is demon-possessed and suffering terribly.” Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.” The woman came and knelt before him. “Lord, help me!” she said. He replied, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.” “Yes it is, Lord,” she said. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.” Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment.

How hard is it for us to ask for help? We have been raised to believe we are self-sufficient, to care for our own needs and help others in need, but what about when we need help? Are we able to reach out in faith to ask as well as to give?

Our situation with the COVID pandemic has caused great social upheaval. Many have been out of work, through no fault of their own, and for the first time in their lives, need to ask for assistance. I have heard from people who are ashamed to apply for unemployment benefits or visit the local food pantry. I have talked to business owners who grieve not being able to pay their employees or keep their operations going.

Jesus tells us that our faith is essential in times like this and like the Canaanite woman in our scripture lesson, we are allowed to ask for help. Matthew 7:7 tells us “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you”. Don’t give up trying, especially in troubled times. Trust in God and don’t be afraid to ask for what you need.

Gracious God, all good gifts are from You and we are thankful for Your care. Help us to care for others, sharing what You give and asking for what we need in faith. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 15:21-28.

Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is demon-possessed and suffering terribly.” Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.” The woman came and knelt before him. “Lord, help me!” she said. He replied, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.” “Yes it is, Lord,” she said. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.” Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment.

This passage contains one of the most problematic exchanges (for me) in all of scripture. It sounds like Jesus is going to discriminate against this woman because of her background. Would Christ really do that?

I prefer to think He was telling her that He was there for those who believed, not just those who wanted something. Through their conversation she expresses her belief in Him and the fact that “a little Jesus goes a long way” ( according to one of my Sunday School kids). Jesus is pleased with her response because it proves her faith.

Christ the Lord doesn’t need our help for anything, all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him (Matthew 28:18). However, Jesus wants us to be part of His work and part of His kingdom. Through our faith we join with Jesus to heal the world.

Gracious God, we are grateful for the gift of Your Son who came to love and heal and save us. Help us to have a faith that answers the call You place on our lives and be part of Your plan for creation. Amen.