Reading Plan for June 7 - 13
June 7, 2026 | Matthew 21:23-32
Reflection:
There is a lot about the temple life in Jerusalem which might be hard for us to relate to. There were religious and social codes, centuries old, that directed people on how to act in such a space. Maybe you’ve travelled to Europe, and, as a tourist, you’ve entered a major cathedral. If you’re not familiar with all the codes of conduct in such a place, you may feel lost. “I have to cover my arms, my head, my legs? Am I allowed to take pictures?” In Jesus’ day, there were parts of the temple complex where only priests could go, and there were other areas where a lot of socializing could take place. Notice that Jesus' primary action in the temple is teaching. This is what he is doing when the chief priests and elders come to talk with him. They ask him a pertinent question, “On whose authority are you here teaching?” Notice how Jesus redirects them. He knows how politically conscious they are, that is, how aware of the polis they are. They gage their response on how they think the crowds will respond. Today’s readers of this text would likely answer, “Jesus’ authority comes from God.” What did Jesus gain by not answering the question directly? How does Jesus, having skirted a difficult question, provoke the religious leaders in the parable he tells? Whom might Jesus hold up today as folks who’ll enter the kingdom of God ahead of us, good and righteous folks?
June 8, 2026 | Matthew 21:33-46
Reflection:
In the line, “The kingdom will be given to people who produce its fruits,” what do you suppose are the fruits of the kingdom? The Apostle Paul tells us in Galatians that the fruit that the Spirit of God produces through us is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. With what you know of Jesus’ teachings, what would you add to the list of the fruit of the kingdom? And, if we have the fruit of the kingdom, what more of the kingdom is there to experience and inherit?
June 9, 2026 | Matthew 22:1-14
Reflection:
Many of Jesus’ parables are short and to the point. This one today is longer, and the ending adds a major shift in how we view the inclusive nature of God’s invitation to the banquet. We get how Jesus telling this parable in the temple might have upset those who thought of themselves as righteous and well-deserving of the kingdom. Others who heard Jesus’ parable might have felt marginalized from the inner circle of the religious elite. To them, the message of the inclusive kingdom is good news. Then we get to the end. There is a man who is criticized for not having the correct clothes for the wedding banquet. There is no explanation of why this man is thrown out. What is the criterion by which this decision is made? Because this text is not explicit, interpreters through the centuries have proposed reasons: this guest was clearly a hypocrite, not “clothed with Christ” as others were. This is plausible; Jesus often criticizes those who appear hypocritical. The end of this parable remains troubling nonetheless. It leaves us questioning, “Am I good enough for the kingdom?” Remember that God’s grace is sufficient for us all and transforms us into the image of his Son, worthy of all God has to offer us.
June 10, 2026 | Matthew 22:15-22
Reflection:
Human beings have remained pretty consistent over the last 2000 years, revealing their pettiness more often than their generosity of spirit. Jesus recognizes human hypocrisy when he sees it. These disciples of the Pharisees seek to flatter Jesus, even as they try to entrap him in his words. Notice how Jesus redirects them, astounding them, so that they had nothing more to say. Is this a lesson on paying taxes? No. But it has been used for such an end. Even though taxes are present, the real question is, “Jesus, who are you to stand so confidently opposed to the ruling religious and societal authorities?” Jesus’ reply refocuses the issue. “You will have obligations to civil authorities in this life, but never forget whose you are. You belong to God. Live your life as God’s own. Fulfill your earthly obligations in ways that do not violate your true homestead in God’s kingdom.” What is most challenging to you about living with civil obligations in light of your faith?
June 11, 2026 | Matthew 22:23-33
Reflection:
Jesus is pretty savvy. He knows the intent of those who ask him questions. Sometimes, when people ask Jesus tough questions, they just want to have an answer they can live with, or that will help them live. Other times, and quite often, people ask Jesus questions to trip him up, to ensnare him, and discredit him. These particular Sadducees were known for not believing in “the resurrection,” and it also sounds like they didn’t believe in heaven either, even though they ask Jesus, “Who will this woman be married to in the next life?” It’s like they’re asking, “So, tell us, Jesus, who is this woman going to be married to in this ‘so-called’ resurrection?” They’re trying to get him caught up in an argument they’ve been having with other religious leaders for a long time. Jesus addresses them directly. “You are wrong because you fail to see what is right in front of your eyes. You’ve got the wrong impression of heaven. Heaven doesn’t conform to any human structure or system. Humble yourself and live with the mystery, and stop trying to run other people’s lives based on your limited view. God is greater. Deal with it.”
June 12, 2026 | Matthew 22:34-46
Reflection:
It is interesting that when asked, “What is God’s Law?”, people sometimes jump right to the Ten Commandments. Jesus is pretty clear here when asked what the greatest of the commandments is, and remember, the only scriptures Jesus had were the Hebrews writings. Jesus doesn’t go to the Ten Commandments and try to justify picking one over the others in importance. He points to scriptures that summarize the entirety of what the Old Testament teaches: love God and love your neighbor. How would you summarize all the teachings of Jesus in a single statement? With the second question in our passage today, it is clear that Jesus knows his scripture, and so do his questioners. Jesus is able to demonstrate that even those who think they know scripture really well can be surprised by a new interpretation. What new understanding of scripture has been most surprising to you recently?
June 13, 2026 | Matthew 23:1-12
Reflection:
There was a poem in a children’s book of poetry about naughty, misbehaving children. It went like this:
The Goops they lick their fingers,
And the Goops they lick their knives;
They spill their broth on the tablecloth--
Oh, they lead disgusting lives!
The Goops they talk while eating,
And loud and fast they chew;
And that is why I'm glad that I
Am not a Goop--are you?
[Table Manners - Gelett Burgess]
This is what came to mind when I read Jesus’ criticism of the Pharisees. The Goop poem, however, is a straightforward moralizing rhyme, aimed at shaping children’s behavior. Jesus, on the other hand, again returns to the theme of hypocrisy. There seems to be nothing that frustrates Jesus more than people acting falsely, all the while proclaiming to be righteous. Jesus’ calling to not be the greatest, but to be a servant of all. In what ways have you sought to be a servant to another, without need for acknowledgment?