A Lenten Reading of Matthew - Day Fourteen

Scripture Reading: Matthew 10:1-42 (NRSVUE)

Jesus appears to be talking directly to the disciples of his day as his ministry and message were not without controversy.  But he also appears to be talking to future disciples through Matthew's voice.  In Jesus' time, his followers didn't go before governors and kings, but they would by the time Matthew put pen to paper.

When Jesus tells them not to go to gentiles, we may be taken aback.  We do see that their testimony will come later in verse 18.  Of course, the Jewish disciples of Jesus go to Jewish towns because these places should know the example of Abraham's hospitality.  The story of Sodom and Gomorrah occurs just following Abraham and Sarah hosting the three strangers.

What is Jesus really about?

We are to bring peace to a household when we enter it.

But Jesus also tells them that he isn't about peace but the sword.

This is a rather dramatic way of reminding the disciples that we must stay in our lane.  There will be those who seek to sway you from your course - to stay in unhealthy patterns of behavior.  We must remember what we are about and who Jesus is for us.  

Not everyone will agree with you
when you seek to bless with peace.

We return to righteousness and we remember that Jesus is talking about being as a parent or advocate for those who are outsiders in society.

As we continue our journey, who do you know who might need a cup of cold water?  How might you provide it?  Further, how do we bring peace upon the places we enter?  Do we wait until we have this peace in our own lives?  Sometimes, it is easier to model peace than to feel it.  Maybe the feeling comes after we model it on a regular basis.

Prayer for today:

O God, grant calmness and control of thought to those who are facing uncertainty and anxiety: let their hearts stand fast, believing in the Lord.  God, be all things to all people, knowing each one and each petition, each house and its need, for the sake of Jesus Christ.  Amen.

Prayer from 6th Century Russian Liturgy

Photo by Luca Perino via Flickr.com.  Used under the Creative Commons license.