Spark Cast

The Jesus movement emerges on the scene with a significant backdrop, the Roman Empire. In the midst of this powerful and authoritative presence, the Jesus Way confronts and overturns Roman influence, but not in ways expected. Rather than a military uprising, or a coup, Jesus calls us to "lay down our lives," "take up our cross," and "follow Him." Subversively, this way calls and empowers us to live lives that exemplify the Kingdom of God, in the midst of imperialism, not just in spite of it.

Insignificant. Mediocre. Small. Little. These are not words that usually cause inspiration or empowerment. Yet, this "mustard seed faith," is what Jesus seems to be advocating in Matthew 13. Not only will we be encouraged, welcomed, and invited into this Kingdom movement, we will actually be astonished at what becomes of our seemingly paltry contributions. The Kingdom of God is like a mustard seed.

In this teaching, we discover two main truths that can help inspire us to embrace one of the most difficult ethics that exist, forgiveness. The first is that forgiveness transforms the forgiver. The second is that forgiveness is a reflection of our understanding of God's love and grace to us. Thus, if we were to embrace the fullness of forgiveness, we would bring healing to our understanding of God's relationship with us, and our relationship with this world.

Not only does the Kingdom movement of Jesus invite all to enter, especially the marginalized, but we see this ethic exemplified in the very life of Jesus, as he too was one who came marginalized. Why is this ethic important? Because "those on the margins speak a truth that must be heard by us all and we all need to hear that cry." And, the love of God is on display to those on the margins.

Jesus's harshest teachings are directed at the religious, the hypocrites who turn beautiful teachings and traditions into heavy burdens. If you've ever experienced this kind of religion, Jesus's approach will offer solace and solidarity, but more importantly, a model for how to effectively transform abusive religion into something beautiful for this world.

The "kingdom of God" is often spoken of in terms of the afterlife, or what happens when you die. Digging deeper, we discover that the "Kingdom of God" is actually about here and now, the very presence and closeness of God's rule and reign.

There are two possible interpretations of Jesus's welcoming of children in Matthew 18, both are profound and important for followers of Jesus. The first is to actually recapture the characteristics and values of the young, not to be childish, but to regain the wonder, awe, and enlivened sense of wonder that is found in children. The second, according to cultural backdrops, is to eliminate any status that may hinder anyone from full validation and welcome into the Kingdom of God.

Jesus's use of parables is a powerful way of sharing multiple layers of meaning in one story. In Matthew 20, we find the parable of the workers in the vineyard and the wildly lavish generosity of the vineyard owner. Through this parable we come to understand God's grace in new and grand ways, but also discover the poor attitudes of those who feel they ought to be treated differently. In other words, true lavish grace is quite amazing; it can also be infuriating.

The short question and answer time at the end of this week's message.

Jesus's teaching on "greater and lesser" commandments is a brilliant framework for shifting our thinking and believing in multiple ways. First, it equalizes the value of my neighbor and myself, and it equates loving my neighbor with loving God. Second, it provides a central driving ethic that informs all other commandments and interpretive applications of those commands. Embracing "greater & lesser" will help us live better with these brilliant teachings, and ensure that we avoid a moral rigidity that is incapable of true love.