03-26-24

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
March 26, 2024
In Matthew’s Gospel, a short time after Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, there are a number of teaching moments. Many of them come from conversations and conflict, including a debate over resurrection (Matthew 22). Of course, it came in a roundabout way, as some of the religious were trying to stir an argument with Jesus. I find it interesting that Jesus, though offering some broad thoughts on the resurrection, really doesn’t take the opportunity for a grand treatise on the subject. You would think that just days before his death, he might offer a bit more detail. But what follows is quite interesting, as Jesus then turns to the Great Commandment, that we are to love God and love our neighbor. Jesus describes it as the greatest commandment, in a sense, overshadowing his teaching on the resurrection. It is interesting to me how some folks want a heated debate on what we can’t fully know while avoiding deeper conversations on what we can know and should be doing. It’s as if they were wanting to fight over the finer points of the afterlife and ignore the most basic expectations that Jesus put before his followers.

Though it can be engaging and enlightening to ponder the vastness of heaven, I pray for your help, Lord God, in putting most of my energy toward the single most important purpose you put before me—to love. Amen.