Psalm 22 is relived in Matthew 27 as Jesus is betrayed, handed over to the authorities, and cries out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

This week we explored this passage and its’ significance in what Jesus was accomplishing for all of creation.

In the month of July we took a break (sort of) from our journey through the book of Matthew to look at some of the Psalms mentioned in Matthew. Psalm 2 is a coronation song for a true and better king.

From Jesus' first model of prayer to his final recorded prayer alone with his Father, we see the heart of the kingdom continue even to the very end. Jesus lives out the prayer "Your Kingdom come, Your will be done" and "Not my will, but Yours" as he faces his final moments on earth. And he invites his friends to join him.

When Jesus taught his followers how to pray, he included how essential forgiveness is. If you withhold forgiveness of another, you do not experience the forgiveness of the Father. What does this mean? What order does this happen in? How can we experience true forgiveness in a way where we both receive and give it?

This week we had a guest speaker, Jerome Parker, one of the pastors of First Christian Church in Phoenix. Jerome took us through the passage of Matthew 19:16-30, where Jesus confronts the identity, possessions, and power that keep us from following him.

Jesus didn’t market to people or invite them in with empty promises, good vibes, and exciting experiences. In fact, when people said they wanted to follow him he responded with how difficult it would be. And when he displayed his power and authority, people wanted even less to do with him. And yet, if they were willing to lay down their control and comforts in life, they found that Jesus’ power and authority brought the wholeness of life they had truly been searching for.

Jesus not only called people to follow him as disciples, but he also sent them out to bring good news to others. This was a group of people who would otherwise not have much to do with one another, if it weren’t for Jesus. It was also a group of people who would otherwise not have much authority or presence in the places they went. But with Jesus, they were formed into a community and sent with the power and authority of Jesus, for the sake of others.

Jesus called out to a couple fishermen to drop their nets and follow him. Their nets were their livelihood. Their security. Their way of life. Are we willing to drop our nets and follow after Jesus into every area of life he may be calling us?

For Easter Sunday 2024 we gathered together with two other congregations to share in the joy and celebration of the newness of life, only because of the resurrection of Jesus. The tomb is empty. He is risen. He is risen indeed.

What is your life built upon? What is at the foundation of all you do and how you view the world? Can it withstand the storms and waves that life will inevitably throw at it?

Jesus offers an invitation to come and build your life on a solid foundation that can weather any storm.