The Surprising God

This post exegetes Matthew 25:1-13 to provide context for the RCL Gospel reading for 11/12/2023 (24th Sunday after Pentecost). It draws on commentary from Robert Capon ("Kingdom, Grace, Judgment"), RT France ("New Bible Commentary") and Louis Barbieri ("Bible Knowledge Commentary"). "The Wise and Foolish Virgins" by Schadow (public domain via Wikimedia Commons) Introduction In Matthew 24:36-25:46 Jesus addresses the part of the last days that began in AD 70 and stretch to his appearing ( parousia )   at the end of the age. Jesus makes his points using parables that focus on the salvation and judgment that result from his presence—now in the Spirit, and yet to come in the Great Consummation that occurs when he appears bodily in glory.  In the parable of the faithful and bad servants (Matt. 24:36-51), Jesus addresses the long stretch of time between the destruction of Jerusalem and his parousia at the end of the age. The only thing which may be sai

This post exegetes Matthew 22:15-23:39, providing context for the RCL Gospel readings on Oct. 22, 29 and Nov. 5 in 2023 (21st, 22nd and 23rd Sundays after Pentecost). This exegesis draws on commentary from Robert F Capon ("Kingdom, Grace, Judgment"), RT France ("New Bible Commentary"), and Louis Barbieri ("Bible Knowledge Commentary"). Introduction Last time  we looked at the first part of the Holy Week confrontations between Jesus and the Jewish religious establishment. We’ll now look at additional ones. Throughout, Jesus uses these confrontations to reveal more about his identity as the Messiah, the Son of God; and about the radical nature of the grace and judgment that comes in and through him. "Woe Unto You Scribes and Pharisees" by Tissot (public domain via Wikimedia Commons) Confronting the Jewish religious establishment (22:15-22:46) The Jewish religious leaders continue to try to entrap and thus condemn Jesus. Jesus turns their attempts b

This post exegetes Matthew 21:18-22:14, providing context for the RCL Gospel readings on Oct. 1, 8 and 15 in 2023 (18th, 19th and 20th Sundays after Pentecost). This exegesis draws on commentary from Robert Capon ("Kingdom, Grace, Judgment"), RT France ("New Bible Commentary"), and Louis Barbieri ("Bible Knowledge Commentary"). Introduction In Matthew chapter 21, Jesus enters Jerusalem and the events during ‘Holy Week’ unfold. In Jerusalaem, Jesus ramps up his teaching, using enacted and spoken parables to reveal more about his identity and authority. This precipitates an intense confrontation with the Jewish religious establishment. Jesus’ arrest, death and resurrection are now just a few days away. "The Entrance of Jesus Into Jerusalem" by Gerome (public domain via Wikimedia Commons) The Gospel reading for 10/1/23 starts at Matthew 21:23. But let's back up to get the context. In vv 1-11, Jesus rides into Jerusalem. Then in vv12-17, he enter