| Matthew

Walk Into the Text

December 30, 2013 | by The Hardest Question

When the Rabbi’s read they walk into the text. They bring themselves to it and step across the edge of the scroll, jump up onto its body, bouncing a little, believing it will hold their weight. And...

In Uncategorized, new testament, russell rathbun, Numbers, 2 Thessalonians, oral tradition, Old Testament, 2 Kings, Wisdom, the hardest question, 2 Corinthians, 1 Corinthians, question the text, Colossians, Psalms, Ephesians, Rabbi, Hosea, 1 Timothy, Leviticus, torah, Isaiah, Exodus, Romans, midrash, Malachi, questions, Featured, 1 John, 1 Thessalonians, Hebrews, John, 1 Samuel, Philemon, 1 Peter, Philippians, 1 Kings, Jonah, Joel, 2 Timothy, James, Deuteronomy, Ruth, YearC, YearB, Mark, YearA, 2 Samuel, Revelation, Luke, Micah, Talmud, Job, Jeremiah, Amos, Acts, Matthew, Genesis, Proverbs, Galatians

Not Ready for the Darkness

December 23, 2013 | by The Hardest Question

by Russell Rathbun

Gospel Reading: Matthew 2:13-23

For Sunday, December 29, 2013—Year A: Christmas 1

This is a weird scripture to read a few days after Christmas, it is appropriate in that it deals...

In new testament, russell rathbun, question the text, evil, Wise Men, creche, goodness, love wins, YearA, Herod, Matthew

Joseph Models the Embrace of a Child Who is Radically Unlike Him

December 16, 2013 | by The Hardest Question

by Lauren F. Winner

Gospel Reading: Matthew 1:18-25

For Sunday, December 22, 2013: Year A—Advent 4

My colleague Stanley Hauerwas is always saying something like “if you want to learn how to welcome...

In Advent, children, Hospitality, new testament, Andrew Solomon, Lauren Winner, Joseph, Featured, incarnation, Far from the Tree, YearA, transgender, welcome, Matthew, Down Syndrome, stranger

Merry Christmas?

December 2, 2013 | by The Hardest Question

by Mike Stavlund

Gospel Reading: Matthew 3:1-12

For Sunday, December 8, 2013: Year C—Advent 2

Most of us wouldn’t let J to the B into our sanctuaries, that’s for sure. He is more than a little...

In Advent, new testament, Mike Stavlund, revolution, YearA, vipers, john the baptist, Matthew, waiting

Let’s All Get Left Behind

November 25, 2013 | by The Hardest Question

by Danielle Shroyer

Gospel Reading: Matthew 24:36-44

For Sunday, December 1, 2013: Year A—Advent 1

When I was a teenager, I saw this video from the 1970’s that depicted the “rapture.” It had all of...

In Advent, new testament, rapture, left behind, Danielle Shroyer, YearA, eschatology, Matthew

The Madness of King Herod

December 30, 2012 | by The Hardest Question

by MaryAnn McKibben Dana

Gospel Reading: Matthew 2:1-12

For Sunday, January 6, 2013—Epiphany of the Lord

In contrast to our beloved manger scenes—newly put away or, perhaps, still sitting on the...

In new testament, kairos, leadership, king, power, Christ, YearC, magi, Herod, MaryAnn McKibben Dana, Matthew

Drawing Lines Between // "The Other"

November 13, 2011 | by The Hardest Question

Is our tendency toward selfishness and judgment by nature, or by design?

by Mike Stavlund

Gospel Reading: Matthew 25:31-46

For Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011: Year A—Christ the King Sunday

This passage...

In new testament, sheep goats, Mike Stavlund, Featured, eternal, judgment, surprise, YearA, other, throne, Matthew

Reading the Text Abundantly or Protectively

November 6, 2011 | by The Hardest Question

What is the difference?

by Russell Rathbun

Gospel Reading: Matthew 25:14-30

For Sunday, Nov. 13 , 2011: Year A—Ordinary 33

Jesus never comes right out and says “The Kingdom of Heaven is…” He says...

In new testament, russell rathbun, kingdom of heaven, kingdom, money, law, torah, talents, Featured, YearA, Kingdom of God, Matthew

The Parable of Five Catty, Hard-Hearted, Virgins?

October 30, 2011 | by The Hardest Question

We’re supposed to be thinking about the bridegroom.

by Lauren F. Winner

Gospel Reading: Matthew 25:1-13

For Sunday, November 6, 2011: Year A - Ordinary 32

If my biblical commentaries are any guide, I...

In new testament, Featured, YearA, Matthew

The Yoke of the Law

October 23, 2011 | by The Hardest Question

What burden is it that the Pharisees refuse to lift a finger to move?

by Russell Rathbun

Gospel Reading: Matthew 23:1-12

For Sunday, Oct.30 , 2011: Year A—Ordinary 31

Things are about to get ugly,...

In new testament, russell rathbun, Pharisees, kingdom, burden, Featured, power, woe, YearA, Matthew

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