What kind of king was Jesus?
A king who is also a shepherd who knows us, loves and forgives us.
A king who walked dusty roads, served with a towel and a bowl.
A ruler who sees us as his children and walks with us in joys and sorrows.
St Francis of Assisi talked about “always living at the bottom of society, as only there can we really experience the truth.
If we love the poor – the poor one around us and within us – we will increase our compassion for, and act against, injustice”.
Being wise – as opposed to being foolish. Being prepared – as opposed to trusting our luck.
Macro view is having everything in order and just waiting for the time of the return of Christ;
Micro view is being prepared for the daily coming of the Spirit into our lives, drawing closer to God;
and those around us, focusing on the here and now to prepare for the future.
Journeying in our world today requires humility.
The falseness of those who do not ‘practice what they preach’ is not tolerated.
Jesus requires us to love mercy and to walk humbly with God as His followers.
For Antoni Gaudi, the visionary who designed the La Sagrada Familia, in Barcelona, love is not enough.
Technique alone was insufficient, to do things right, he needed love and technique. We are called not just to love but understand the work in which we engage. Cultivate intentional practices that cultivate love for God and love for God’s people.
Paying taxes to Caesar is thought to be a perfect trap for Jesus. The Jews had their own money but for taxes, they had to pay in Roman money – effaced with Caesar’s image. Here Matthew provides insight into the nature and brilliance of Jesus and His purpose.
Jesus calls us to look beyond what our human concerns expect….
We hear some uncomfortable messages this week. Aaron built a golden calf when he replied to the demands of the people. When the church gets anxious, it creates golden calves. It looses celebration and festivity, trying to save itself. Paul encourages us to not be anxious but with prayer and thanksgiving make our requests known.
Navigating life is tough work at times. All the things that burden us down, should not hold us back if we realise God’s mighty power, grace and forgiveness can be ours.
Live life doing the things Jesus calls us to do, love and serve him and others to the Glory of God
William Barclay refers to this story as: ‘The Better of Two Bad Sons’, neither brings gratitude to the father – at first! Our religious knowledge and practice is not always consistent with our actions and attitudes. God looks for performance, “Show me what you can do in my vineyard” Despite all our failures, God’s offer of Grace is for everyone
The ‘Upside Down Kingdom of God’ tells us something about ourselves and that our day to day way of operating, is not the same as the way God operates.
Greatness in his followers is about serving. Leaders are the servants of all and God’s Grace is there for everyone.
