Ankeny Gospel Church 1n5h28

As we conclude chapter 22, we find Jesus getting confronted by an expert of the law, demanding an answer to the greatest law in the entire Torah. Jesus' response both clarifies and confuses the religious leads, and then he asks them a question. In all this back and forth, we're confronted with a similar question: how have we been so immersed in our paradigms that we fail to see the bigger picture?

As we enter into our new building, it's a good opportunity to reflect on the Goodness of the Lord, and commit ourselves to seeking Him wholeheartedly.

Jesus came to give us joy, but why is it so difficult? How can we live into the joy God has for us?

We live our vision of the future, and as followers of Jesus we say yes to Hope. In a world of chaos and despair, we are given a vision of our future with God that casts out all fear.

Our lives are aimed at something, and sometimes we can hit the bullseye only to realize later that we are aimed at the wrong target! When the Pharisees and Sadducees approach Jesus to test him, Jesus shows them how their lives are aimed at the wrong target, because they know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God. Do we?

The King has prepared the wedding feast - how will you respond?

Jesus confronts the Chief Priests and elders of the people with more parables. What do they mean? What can they teach us today?

In one age, Jesus curses a fig tree, makes bold claims about prayer, and silences those challenging his authority. What does this do to our hearts?

The temple itself is not bad; what the leader of Israel did with it was bad. Generation after generation, God was calling Israel into His presence, reminding them of who they were! Yet, generation after generation, Israel traded in God's plans and purposes for a cheap substitute. Who are we, as the new temple of the living God? What might God be calling us into as a people?

As we near the end of Jesus' earthly ministry, we are confronted with a question: Who Is This? The best communication always has multiple layers of meaning, and communicates with a story. Todays text in Matthew 20-21 is no different. We see Jesus presented as the Son of David, Zion's Gentle King, and the Blessed Coming One. Along with the city of Jerusalem, we are asking ourselves, Who Is This?

Immediately after Jesus predicts his persecution and death, the disciples argue about who will be the greatest in the coming Kingdom. Jesus takes this opportunity not to scold, but to explain: the last are first, and the first are last. If you want to be great, you must become least; if you with to be first, you must become a slave. Jesus continues to overturn our expectations about status, reputation, and the Good life.

In the parable of the workers in the vineyard, we learn that God's love defies our categories and logic. Just like the landowner in the parable, God's generosity is beyond reason: He loves being generous. The question then becomes, how will you respond to the generosity of the Father?

Mammon is deceptive; it deceived the ambitious, morally good, rich young man, and it can deceive us today. Jesus wants to free us from the yoke of slavery to Mammon and release in us the spirit of freedom: freedom to follow Jesus with everything we have.

Living Into God's Ideal

The natural result of staying close to the presence of God, and being formed into His image is, simply, fruit. When we stay connected to the root, and we allow ourselves to be pruned by the Good Gardener, the fruit of His Spirit abounds in our lives!

The beginning of formation is beholding - we look like what we look at. What are you beholding?

We long to become disciples who seek the presence of God in all things.

Praying this final line of the Lord's Prayer forces us to realize that we are in a battle, a war for our minds, hearts, and souls. What does this line in the prayer mean? Why such a haunting way to end a prayer?

The Lord's Prayer invites us to forgive as we have been forgiven. What does it mean to forgive? How do we pray for forgiveness?

After getting ourselves into God's reality, this half of the prayer gets God into our reality. Jesus teaches us to ask. All throughout the Gospels, Jesus' imperative to ask is clear. Do you ask God for what you need?