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Stories of the Kingdom

Stories of the Kingdom. The Kingdom Deeds of Jesus (Matt 8-9). Lepers are cleansed (inclusion) Foreigners are healed Storms are stilled Demons are confronted Sins are forgiven Sight is restored Speech is given Disciples are called and sent

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Stories of the Kingdom

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  1. Stories of the Kingdom

  2. The Kingdom Deeds of Jesus (Matt 8-9) • Lepers are cleansed (inclusion) • Foreigners are healed • Storms are stilled • Demons are confronted • Sins are forgiven • Sight is restored • Speech is given • Disciples are called and sent “He took our infirmities and bore our diseases” (Mt 8:17/ Is 53)

  3. Parables of the Kingdom • A feature of the teaching of Jesus • 33 examples in the Gospels • Not simply records of Jesus’ teaching • Examples of how the early Church assimilated his teaching • In Matthew the parables that are unique to him illustrate the Kingdom values of his Gospel.

  4. Parables unique to Matthew • The Weeds and the Wheat 13:24-30 • The Treasure 13:44 • The Pearl 13:45-46 • The Fishnet 13:47-50 • The Unmerciful Servant 18:23-35 • The Vineyard 20:1-16 • The Two Sons 21:28-32 • The Wedding Garment 22:11-14 • The Bridesmaids 25:1-13

  5. Matthew 13 and the Parables • Context: disputes with those who reject him (11:2 -12:50 )following on the mission of the twelve (10:1-11:1). • Thus the kingdom is both gift and challenge – it requires more than adherence to the chosen people or even the family of Jesus to enter it (12:46-50)

  6. Weeds and Wheat • The parable and its explanation highlight two different aspects of the story • The parable emphasizes patience and restraint (13:24-30) • The explanation stresses the judgment that awaits those who give scandal and do evil (13:36-43) • The community that strives for perfection must learn to live with its absence!

  7. The Treasure and the Pearl • These images address the value of the kingdom and what must be done in order to acquire it. • Nothing can be of greater importance nor can anything compare with the joy it brings. • Context: a community on the margins vis a vis both the synagogue and the empire must take its place in the world yet resist the temptation to compromise.

  8. The Unmerciful Servant • Context: Chapter 18 – On the life of the community • Look after the weakest ones (18:6-14) • The need for reconciliation • The need for forgiveness • The parable that illustrates forgiveness as central to the life of the community.

  9. The Two Sons 21:28-32 • Context of arrival in Jerusalem and final struggle • The call to do the will of the Father has been ignored by those who imagine they are obedient (“those who say Lord, Lord”) • The outsiders are showing authentic repentance and even this sign is ignored.

  10. The Wedding Garment 22:11-14 • Context: parable of the wedding banquet (Lk 14:14-24) and destruction of Jerusalem. Also has links with parable of the Tenants. • While the invitation to the kingdom is universal authentic repentance remains a condition of entry and is true for both Jew and Gentile.

  11. The Bridesmaids • Context: last chapter of narrative which finishes with one more parable (Talents) and story of Last Judgement and follows on calls for vigilance. • Link with 7:21-27 where the wise and the foolish are also compared and “Lord, Lord” is the cry from those who seek admittance and are refused.

  12. The True Disciple Bears Fruit • 3:8 “Produce good fruit as evidence of your repentance” • 7:15-20 “By your fruits you will know them.” • 13:23 “The seed sown on rich soil is the one who hears the word and understands it and indeed bears fruit…” • 21:43 “The Kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a people that will produce its fruit.”

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