Lent: Week 7 - Matthew 27 + 28
As we enter into the last two chapters of Matthew, I think that we will find it to be as shocking of an ending as was the rest of Jesus' life. Who was this man? Was he the king we've been hoping for? Where is this restored kingdom that was promised? Wait, this is how the story ends? Take a minute and try and imagine that you are Jewish and living in the time of Jesus' ministry and crucifixion. Imagine that you don't have all of the frameworks theologically that we have now as readers of the New Testament. Wouldn't you be asking all these questions?
Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote, "A king who dies on the cross must be the king of a rather strange kingdom. Only those who understand the profound paradox of the cross can also understand the whole meaning of Jesus' assertion: my kingdom is not of this world." To be crucified would naturally be seen as a swift defeat. How in the world is this the road to victory?
In the Gospels, we are challenged to rethink what a powerful king should be like? What does true victory consist of? How do we live life, be human, and get along with others in the process? Especially when the correct answers are so counter-cultural to the ebbs and flows of our day-to-day experiences in this world.
It's no wonder many theologians refer to God's rule and reign as an upside-down kingdom. If you stop and think about it, the world in which we've grown acclimated to is really what has become upside-down. From that vantage point, Jesus was actually restoring the world through the establishment of a right-side-up kingdom. But that is hard to understand as people immersed in the things and ways of this world. Also, perhaps that is our task as we read through the gospels and seek to live lives as Jesus' disciples. That our minds would be renewed by God's word so we can see clearly what God thinks is good (cross reference Romans 12:2). That our hearts would be reformed into men and women who love God and love others deeply. That our eyes would be cleansed so we can see people through non-judgmental, compassionate lenses. These are things Jesus modeled during his life and through his ministry.
One last thing that is interesting in Matthew's gospel account. Pay close attention to the way it ends. It ends in a way that reminds us; it is actually just beginning. We are commissioned along with the original group of disciples to, Go, make disciples, baptize them, and teach them how to follow this king. We are reminded, that Jesus established a kingdom that was like a mustard seed. It’s small at first, but will grow big as time goes on. One person at a time. One day at a time. That is the life we are all invited into. This is the Kingdom that God invites us into.
WEEKLY CHECK-IN
How is my fast going?
Do I need to start over and receive grace?
How will I practice generosity this week? Choose one practical way.
What is my area of focus for prayer this week?
Daily Readings
◻ MONDAY : Matthew 27:1-10
◻ TUESDAY : Matthew 27:11-26
◻ WEDNESDAY : Matthew 27:27-44
◻ THURSDAY : Matthew 27:45-56
◻ FRIDAY : Matthew 27:57-66
◻ SATURDAY : Matthew 28:1-15
◻ SUNDAY : Matthew 28:16-20
Daily Practice
Rest
Sit for one minute in silence & stillness before God. Offer a simple prayer of presence such as, "Here I am, Lord."
Read
Read the daily passage.
Reflect
Re-read the passage and reflect on what stands out to you. What do you notice? What questions or emotions does it bring up?
Respond
Bring what you noticed in the reading or in your reflecting to the Lord. Ask him to continue to illuminate what you've read throughout your day. End with a minute of resting in his presence in silence & stillness.