Day 7: Matthew 20-22. Parables, Predictions, and a Parade
There are more parables and miracles now, though still some of each. The parable of the workers in the vineyard is, depending on your point of view, either troubling or comforting. Do you imagine yourself as one who has been working all day? Or are you one of the last hired? Is Jesus unfair or is he merciful? I have heard both capitalists and socialists use this parable to their own ends. (The landowners is a capitalist because he is free to hire whoever he wants and pay whatever he wants; he's a socialist because he is concerned not that anyone get rich, but that everyone gets enough.) But I think this parable challenges all of our views of economics. What do you think?
Just now I am thinking about Matthew's use of the term, "the kingdom of heaven." Matthew uses the word "heaven" not because he is primarily concerned with the hereafter, but because, as a good Jewish man, he doesn't want to over-use the name of God. So the kingdom of heaven refers to the reign of God, which exists not just in the future, but also has an impact on how we live our lives right now.
In the meantime, Jesus predicts his death and resurrection a third time, James and John ask for good seats when Jesus comes into his kingdom, Jesus heals two blind men, and then -- he rides into Jerusalem, to cheering crowds.
Is it a surprise to you that Jesus curses a fig tree here?
The parables begin to get more and more ominous. The tenant farmers reject the son, the original wedding guests turn down the invitation to the party.
Jesus gets into altercations with both Saducees and Pharisees about the interpretation of scripture.
But there is more to come.
Just now I am thinking about Matthew's use of the term, "the kingdom of heaven." Matthew uses the word "heaven" not because he is primarily concerned with the hereafter, but because, as a good Jewish man, he doesn't want to over-use the name of God. So the kingdom of heaven refers to the reign of God, which exists not just in the future, but also has an impact on how we live our lives right now.
In the meantime, Jesus predicts his death and resurrection a third time, James and John ask for good seats when Jesus comes into his kingdom, Jesus heals two blind men, and then -- he rides into Jerusalem, to cheering crowds.
Is it a surprise to you that Jesus curses a fig tree here?
The parables begin to get more and more ominous. The tenant farmers reject the son, the original wedding guests turn down the invitation to the party.
Jesus gets into altercations with both Saducees and Pharisees about the interpretation of scripture.
But there is more to come.
I believe the parable of the workers in the vineyard means that it doesn’t matter who does more works. We all will receive the same reward. If so then I find this passage comforting as I feel like I would be the last hired. There are so many Christians out there that have been fighting the good fight for so much longer that I. I don’t believe jesus is unfair. I believe he is merciful. Jesus was quick to curse the fig tree. The lesson of the fig tree says it has to do with faith and doubt, but I first took it to mean that those who bear no fruit will be cursed. I like the parable of the wedding. I’m not sure if I understand it, but I thought it was referencing those who turn down the Message. And perhaps the guest not in proper garments represents the people like the Saducees and Pharisees who worship God in vain and are not truly believers.
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