Matthew 8:5-13 I think in the story of the centurion of Capernaum, there are a couple main points to note. First is the centurion’s faith. I used to be confused by the part when he goes on about being “also a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one ‘go’ and he … More Red-Letter Journey: Matthew 8:5-13
Matthew 8:1-4 The Sermon on the Mount has wrapped up, and we begin to see the practical rather than the [exclusively] teaching side of Jesus’ ministry. As Jesus comes down from the mountainside after his sermon, he immediately demonstrates the spirit and actions of the Kingdom– healing the hurting world around him. “Lord, if you … More Red-Letter Journey: Matthew 8:1-4
Matthew 7:24-29 This passage about the man who built his house on the rock follows this idea of the narrow way, of the good tree with good fruit and the bad tree with bad fruit, of entering the Kingdom of Heaven. Again, this passage has often been referred to in the context of building a … More Red-Letter Journey: Matthew 7:24-29
Matthew 7:13-23 This passage has traditionally been explained to me as a salvation passage. “The way to heaven is narrow; a lot of people will try to go to heaven, but only a few who enter this narrow gate will.” The verses a few sentences later (“Not everyone who says, ‘Lord, Lord’”) always terrified me. … More Red-Letter Journey: Matthew 7:13-23
Note: This post was written just a few days after the earthquake in Nepal that killed over 9,000 people. In the days following the earthquake, I read many comments by Christian friends, attributing the earthquake to God’s punishment of the nation or as an amazing display of his glory or power. I was so angry about … More Red-Letter Journey: Matthew 7:7-11
Matthew 7:1-6 “Do not judge.” It is perhaps on of the most common phrases and favorite verses being batted around in Christianity (and outside of it) these days, and yet it may be the single most difficult command to follow. Even as our position shifts from one strongly-held idea to the next, we judge those … More Red-Letter Journey: Matthew 7:1-6
Matthew 6:19-34 Once again, Jesus draws attention to the fact that His kingdom is a heavenly one. He encourages his listeners to not place their dependence on and allegiance in material things. Things of earth– money, possessions, even cities and nations– eventually grow old and disintegrate into memories captured in old photographs and history books, or are … More Red-Letter Journey: Matthew 6:19-34
Matthew 6:1-18 Charity, tithing, prayer, fasting. Jesus tells his listeners that these are not a show, not a performance for all to see. The Christian life is not a display to show off what a great person you are. And yet these things so often become an occasion for boasting. I knew a person once … More Red-Letter Journey: Matthew 6:1-18
Matthew 5:38-48 Jesus’ teachings against violence are perhaps the most difficult for people to grasp, the most contrary to our human and cultural bent. Perhaps no teaching of Jesus’ gets as much excuses as this one does. It makes sense though. Jesus knew that revenge is a cycle. It does not solve the core problem … More Red-Letter Journey: Matthew 5:38-48
Matthew 5:17-37 I spent some time wondering about this passage in verses 17-20. Jesus said he didn’t come to abolish the law, but to fulfill it, and then says those who keep these commandments will be great in his kingdom, and those who break and discourage them will be least. The most puzzling part is … More Red-Letter Journey: Matthew 5:17-37
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Melanie Anderson, Pilgrim 