Today, the lectionary thrust us into the book of Matthew. The scripture that we were looking at is not the kind of stuff we typically talk about or think about when we think about Jesus. You’ll never find Matthew 23:1-12 on a inspirational poster – but you might see the implications of it: stop trying to outdo one another for the sake of being the best – you’re completely missing the point!
Have a listen:
Thoughts on our Time of Quiet Reflection Picture
For our time of quiet reflection, we had this strange piece of art on the screen. There were a lot of whispers in the church, so I thought I might let you in on my thoughts thoughts about why I chose it. First, here’s the piece (more can be found here):
I think it looks a little bit like a modern sanctuary. And yet the whole rooms seems to being in a state of dissolution. The strings extending to the ceiling seem to be disbanding the furniture of the place. Ultimately, Jesus is doing the same thing – but not to a building – but instead to a certain school of thought that has been distorting the theology of the law. Seems fitting to me. What did you think?
A Little Bonus from Research
Finally, I thought I’d add a little bonus piece. In my research for the sermon this week, I came across a passage from a writer around the time of Jesus named Josephus. His writings are interesting because Josephus was Jewish. When he chronicles things, he is chronicling it from a different standpoint. Which is great for research and interpretation.
The writers of the gospel stories often modified their accounts to make their story tell a point so if we have multiple accounts from different worldviews, that is very helpful. Sometimes, Josephus writes about something that we might think strange but actually points to something very interesting in the story.
So, in my reading I came across this little bit of writing:
“And raise up many disciples”:
The school of Shammai says:
–“Do not teach a man unless he is wise and meek and the son of wealthy parents!”
The school of Hillel says:
–“Teach every man! For there were many sinners in Israel who were led to studyTorah, from whom came righteous and pious and worthy men.”
— Babylonian Talmud (supplement) Aboth de R. Nathan A 3
Interesting, isn’t it?
In our story, Jesus says that no one should be called Rabbi, for everyone is to be a disciple. That is radical because only certain people were considered worthy of being taught.
Could it be that Jesus is siding with one of the teachers of time?
Or maybe, Jesus is offering a third way of being, one where everyone has access to God.
I for one, think it is interesting.