Matthew is thought to have been written for Jewish converts to the faith and the writing and structure reflect that. My background reading tells me that’s why any customs are not explained, that Matthew uses Son of David to emphasize Jesus heritage and that Matthew divided his account into 5 clear sections to reflect the Old Testament Torah, showing that Jesus is the fulfilment of the Law. Today’s portion contains No.3 of these teaching sections as Jesus completes his time in Galilee as Herod (who ruled there) kills his cousin John the Baptist.
Jesus’ teaching is located right in the middle of His miracle-working, action-packed, resistance-filled day to day. There is a connection between miracles, opposition and teaching which we may miss in our compartmentalized lives. Lord, help us make the connections between our daily walk, your words to us and our actions as your people!
I hate weeding, but I don’t follow the farmer in the parable and a plant is often destroyed in my patch along with the pesky weeds. I’m after a tidy flower garden, not a bumper harvest but this parable (13:24-9) speaks to me about life in fellowship as church. God doesn’t want a single soul wasted or discouraged by careless words or choices around stuff that’s really a matter of taste or culture or sometimes even more knotty issues. I’m challenged about unity, I’m not sure I value it enough. We need His wisdom about when to challenge and when to wait.
There seems to be a link between the teaching (new treasure from Jesus 13:52) around what we sort out (bad fish are going to ruin the whole catch, but it’s more efficient to leave the weeds until later) and what happens next. Matthew seems to create the sense that we need to watch for and celebrate the way that the tiny stuff (yeast and mustard seeds) filled by the Spirit of God changes the world (a lot of bread and a forest!). The rejection/ blindness of Jesus’ nearest and dearest that means few are healed and saved, the devastating execution of his cousin on a whim (the little, a favour granted in lust after a few drinks resulting in John’s death) followed by Jesus demonstrating the power of the little through the mass picnic for 5000! All points to Jesus is Lord of All!
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The death of John always strikes me in its random brutality, yet today thousands are killed on a whim – particularly on the Syrian border just now. Have mercy, Lord Jesus, on those who will meet a violent and senseless death today. Strengthen and use your people in this situation to carry your light and love. Amen