Reflection on Matthew 22:15-22
As you may recall, Jesus previously put the chief priests and elders in a rather precarious position by asking them a question in front of a mixed crowd (Matthew 21:23-27). The religious leaders knew that one answer would upset one group while a different answer would upset a different group—so they said, “We don’t know.”…
Worship Pieces: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 and Matthew 22:15-22
Call to Worship from 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 Grace and peace to you.And also to you.Let us receive the message of God’s good news this morning with powerAnd in the Holy Spirit.Let us receive the word with joy,And let us proclaim the word with conviction.Let us receive all who have gathered with whole-hearted welcomeAs we worship a…
Some Thoughts toward preaching Matthew 22:1-14
The violence in this parable is startling. We can understand why people might decline an invitation, but to beat and murder the servants who extend the banquet invitation seems inexplicable. Likewise, we can understand the king being disappointed that those invited refused to come and angry about the mistreatment of his slaves—but to send his…
Worship Pieces from Philippians 4
Call to Worship from Philippians 4:4-7 Dear friends,rejoicein God always. Let’s say it again:rejoice.May our gentleness be known,for God is near.Let us not worry about anything,for God is near.We will ask for what we needin prayer,and offer thanks to Godin prayer.We rejoice and give thanks thatthe peace of Godwill guard our hearts;the peace of Godwill…
Lectionary Reflections: Exodus 20:1-17; Matthew 21:33-46
Reflection on Exodus 20:1-17 How then shall we live? That’s a question that the ancient Israelites surely had as they wandered around in the wilderness after being freed from slavery in Egypt. How then shall we live? If you are feeling disoriented lately, confused and exhausted and unsure of where to plant your feet—just imagine…
Worship Pieces: Exodus 20 and Psalm 19
Prayer from Exodus 20:1-20 God, we long to follow your teachings and live by your guidance.We know we will live our best lives if we tend not merely to our own desires,but to our relationship with you and our relationships with others.We find, though, that the path of faith is not always easy to figure…
Worship Pieces: Philippians 2, Matthew 21:28-32
Call to Worship (from Philippians 2) We have come to seekEncouragement in Christ,Consolation from love,Sharing in the Spirit.God receives us with compassion.We receive each other with sympathy.May our joy be complete as we gather together in worship. Prayer of Confession and Assurance of Pardon from Matthew 21:28-32 When we care more about looking good than…
Call to worship from Psalm 105
We gather in worship to give thanks to God,To call on the Holy name,To sing praises to God,To remember God’s wonderful works.We gather in worship because our hearts seek the Holy One.We watch for signs of God’s presence.As our ancestors were led with the cloud by day and fire by night,God guides us with the…
A Prayer Upon Reading About Jesus with the Canaanite Woman
(Matthew 15:21-28) God, This story is not the one I have in mind when I pray to be more like Jesus.I am already good at ignoring things that threaten to throw off my carefully laid plans.I need no encouragement to try to control the focus of my work according to my vision—which I conveniently claim is yours.In…
Spacious Faith 