In the biblical narrative, we often see God use the unexpected and unimportant to bring about change in the world. The story of Jesus, his birth, life, death, and resurrection, is no different. Our new conversation, Started from the Bottom, is an exploration of the good news according to Matthew. Over the next few weeks, we will look at snapshots from the book of Matthew that exemplify the good news found in the story of Jesus.

This week we join Christ between two armies. When Jesus comes into the world joining the people of Israel, there was already a story that needed an ending. Like many underdog stories, this one could only imagine an end that makes all enemies pay for their injustices. With Rome, that would be an incomprehensible sum. However, Jesus wanted to change the script by exposing the “needed” enemy and bringing both parties to a table between two mountains, between the empires of Rome and Jerusalem. Jesus couldn’t be the violent warrior they wanted because he created uncomfortable space for all people to be present at the same table while exposing injustice. It is in this uncomfortable space that the kingdom becomes tangible. 

Jesus couldn’t be the conquer the Romans could recognize, and Israel desired. He offered a more revolutionary idea by claiming Roman and Jewish people would be at the feast of Abraham. 

Formational Learning:

(Head)

What kind of messiah, savior, are we, or our traditions, looking for? 

How does sitting at a table between Rome and Jerusalem challenge or change that image?

(Heart)

What idea of Jesus did you first say yes to?

How has this influenced the way you understood faith or lives? 

(Hands)

What steps can we take to invite people into a better and more expansive story?