In this conversation, Pastors Erik, Cody, and Gavin discuss the Gospel of Matthew, chapters 14-20 – from the death of John the Baptist right up to Jesus journey to Jerusalem. Read the chapters, listen to the audio of the conversation, and chip in on the comments section below with your own thoughts on the Scripture and to these three questions:
- What word, phrase, or story most resonated with you personally as you read this section of Scripture?
- What does this swath of text invite us to as a community of disciples?
- If you’re sitting down to read these chapters, what drink or snack would pair best with the reading?
For next week’s Bible Convo we will be discussing Matthew 21-28 – that’s Jesus’ whole Jerusalem experience including the death and resurrection texts; you’re invited to read that section of text and come up with your own thoughts on the the same three questions we used today.
Winnipeg Covenant 
You guys are hilarious. Not sure about the drink choices. I don’t even know what a fire ball is. The question about how we can care for our neighbor, reach out when we can’t “go” out? I have been thinking about our tendency to look at what we don’t have or what we can’t do…maybe much like the disciples at times. Our friends in the Middle East often remind us to think about what we have and use it. ..we all have something we can offer another…listening ear, encouragement, knowledge, money, food, humor etc.
For me, I am challenged to minimize my inward focus and fear of deficits and focus on what God has provided today and use it…don’t hoard it!
LikeLike
I also thought about the diversity of the people our “cranky” Jesus encountered (and I do believe he was cranky because he couldn’t get away to regenerate in prayer, he couldn’t mourn his coming death, his disciples could not get IT, and the people just kept coming…..). I pray that our small faith will help us learn what Jesus is trying to teach us, and that we will reach out with what we do have, what we have been blessed with, to touch the diverse group of people around us; to be “Light”.
I’d suggest a nice wine and fresh warm multigrain bread (representing diversity) with a balsamic vinegar and oil dip for a snack.
LikeLike
Always good to get our weekly fix of the Three pastors! Always lots to think about and digest with a great dose of humour! For me, Vern, the first thing that struck me was that King Herod told his officials that Jesus was John back from the dead…How is that better than a new prophet? But there is no suggestion that his word was questioned. Seems that posturing is still popular. Also it seems Jesus was running out of patience, maybe was rethinking calling those “normal” blue collar guys. Becky was struck by the fact that Jesus was God and yet practiced and preached humility, the last shall be first, children are the Kingdom. We are not sure what message there is for the faithful. Maybe to practice the faith of a mustard seed. Maybe we need to remember the letter of the law doesn’t save us but the spirit of the law and the fulfillment of law in Jesus does save us.
Food pairing? Snickers, of coarse, because Jesus you are just not yourself when you are hungry. Jesus seems a bit “hangry” through these chapters.
LikeLike