This week I have been considering a passage in Matthew’s gospel that follows the conclusion of the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus offers a series of four scenes which accent the importance of a real-world response to what has been heard in the Sermon – and then warns of the consequences of failing to respond. This post addresses the fourth of the scenes: Two House Builders – Hearing and Doing. Continue reading
In today’s gospel we have a simple story of an encounter between Jesus and a leper. The leper did him homage and said: “Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.” Jesus indeed desired to cure the leper and the man was made clean. Then Jesus said: “See that you tell no one, but go show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them.” Continue reading
41 Whoever receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever receives a righteous man because he is righteous will receive a righteous man’s reward.
In this verse, Jesus outlines the significance and benefits of receiving and supporting individuals who are considered prophets and righteous men. The term “prophet” refers to someone who receives divine revelations and communicates God’s messages to the people. In 5:11-12, Jesus has already connected the disciples in their suffering and persecution to “the prophets who were before you.” Continue reading
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