Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-

 

The Day of St. Matthew

Bible Reading:  Matthew 13: 44-52

Key verse 51

“Have you understood all these things?” Jesus asked.


DEVOTION

In today’s portion, the writer writes about four parables discussed by Jesus used to teach the people about the Kingdom of Heaven. Although brief and concise, the author depicts important lessons of faith, commitment, endurance and joy.
Parable of the Hidden treasure and the Pearl: Jesus shows us that the kingdom of heaven, is “like a treasure hidden in a field.” In the same way, Jesus explains to the crowds: how a merchant searches for fine pearls. In both of the above parables, we hear of the great joy each feels once they had ‘found’ their treasure. They relinquished all their earthly possessions to surrender to the ‘treasure’ they had found.  This comparison is how each person may have a different experience when finding Christ as their treasure. Once we surrender our life unto Christ, He is our greatest treasure. In Romans 8:18, it states,” I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
Parable of the Net: (Matthew 13:47-50) Jesus tells us that a fishing boat captures both all kinds of fish, thus at then end of time, the righteous and the wicked will be separated, just as the good & bad fish were parted. The wicked will be “thrown into fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and the gnashing of teeth,” (vs 50). By asking if the audience understood these things, Jesus ensures that they grasped the reality of the coming of the Kingdom of Heaven. 
Parable of the Homeowner: In this last story, Jesus explains that a scribe of the law was like a homeowner, who brings out of the storeroom, the old and the new. This quick comparison is small, but full of meaning. Jesus reminds his disciples not only of the duty given them, but also the importance of the Old Testament (prophets/Law) vs the New Testament (death/resurrection). 

PRAYER

Thank you for your promise of the coming of the Kingdom. Teach us to cling to your words of truth. Help us to hold to our role as your children. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

He has shown you O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
Micah 6:8

 

Teena Abraham

                                                                   Mar Thoma church Farmers Branch, Dallas
 

Popular posts from this blog

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
  Constant, patient and welcoming love of God   St. Luke 15: 11-32  V.21: And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ The parable of the ‘Prodigal son’ is one of the most frequently quoted parables that Jesus told His disciples. The parable contains the rich mine of human virtues and emotions. This parable is lived and re-lived in progressing civilizations from time immemorial and continuing. It brings out in vivid detail the pathetic depth of human sinfulness and the glorious heights of God’s forgiveness.      As a story of human nature, fathers are generally merciful to their children in any circumstance. They are very protective and are eager to provide for and secure the lives of their offspring. Jesus is telling this parable to underscore the superlative love of God to His children. The nature of such love is reiterated by Jesus in Matthew 7:11. Humankind wh...
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
Revelation for Liberation Acts 27:18-26 Sherine Thomas Long Island MTC, NY 20  When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest raged, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned. “After winter comes the summer.  After night comes the dawn.  And after every storm, there comes clear open skies” so said a Scottish clergyman from the 1600s. It’s been said, that hope can sometimes be the most dangerous weapon.  However, it’s sometimes the hardest weapon to carry when you’re living with the loss of a loved one, something that almost feels like a terrible nightmare that’ll never go away.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry when day in and day out no one seems to hear or see those tears that are shed or silent cries that are made during a heartfelt prayer. It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you see your loved one lying on that hospital bed.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you search and seek out answers to tel...
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
PRIESTHOOD: THE ANOINTED MINISTRY Exodus 40:12-16 Bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting... wash them with water. Then dress Aaron in the sacred garments, anoint him and consecrate him so he may serve me as priest (Exodus 40: 12-13). Priesthood among the people of God was a divine command and initiation. God wanted some people to be separated for the special ministry among his people. God appointed Aaron and his descendants to take up this kind of ministry among the people of God. Priests are always separated and appointed as channels that connect God with his people. All throughout the history of Israel, priests played an important role in connecting people with God and to lead and guide them in the statutes of God. But there are incidents in the Bible where the priests failed in their duties and that led the people to go away from God. So the priests have a special and significant ministry to perform in this world among his people. Two important things...
Read more