Blog

Traditionally Matthews gospel chapter 2 focuses in on the rightful worship of the three wise men from the East at Christmas, but there is much more to the story. Reading Matthews gospel in August allows us to look at what else Matthew wants us to see. This week we contrast the Biblical theme of Kingdom of God with that of Empire. Join us live on the lawn at 10 or online.

In the latter half of chapter 1 we are shocked by the words “i’m pregnant.” Matthew speaking to his fellow Jews is trying to convince them that Jesus is the Messiah they have all been waiting for. As such, he reminds them of a prophecy deferred and a sign given, pointing to the promise of God’s presence with us.

It doesn’t matter where your story begins, it how it finishes that matters. Matthew is the only gospel writer to begin with a genealogy; and you can tell a lot about a story by how the author begins. So what story is Matthew telling?

After Jesus introduces his disciples to the Lords Prayer he continues to provide more instruction by telling a story about a man who asks his friend for three loaves of bread to feed an unexpected guest who arrives in the night.

This sermon is a continuation of a previous sermon on praying through the psalms (what do King David and Bob Dylan have in common), focused this week and next on the Lords Prayer.