Day 14: Matthew 11
Today's evening devotion is Matthew 11, which captures Jesus's teachings as he went from city to city after sending off his disciples. What may be important to note here is that at this point John the Baptist had already been imprisoned.
What exactly is the "kingdom of heaven"? And how did it suffer violence as Jesus described?
One explanation from the United Church of God is that the "kingdom of heaven" is synonymous with "kingdom of God", and the Good News, a publication by the same church goes on to explain that the kingdom of God is what will come following the events prophesied in the book of Revelation.
But the question remains for me: If the kingdom of heaven is a future state, how did it suffer violence at the time when Jesus was preaching?
I discussed the use of the word "woe" in the Bible with a couple of other Citylife churchgoers on Sunday, I adopted the conclusion that saying "woe to someone" was effectively wishing extremely bad things on to that person.
Bible Gateway defines "woe" a bit more softly in the context of Jesus's ministry, saying that by "woe" Jesus meant sadness over those who fail to recognise the true misery of their condition.
In any case, I guess "woe" is a negative term that is not to be used lightly. However, I would also add that "woe to you" is not necessarily a pronounced condemnation but rather a very strong call for repentance. At least that's how I interpret the phrase.
I thought it was interesting that Jesus asks people who are already heavily burdened with labor to take an additional yoke, Jesus's yoke, upon them. And more surprisingly, Jesus promises that in doing so the laborers will find rest for their souls.
Perhaps the point here is that doing the will of God is indeed extra "work" requiring significant change on the part of each individual, but ultimately the person will find fulfillment and peace that is well worth the effort.
Violence in the kingdom of heaven
What exactly is the "kingdom of heaven"? And how did it suffer violence as Jesus described?
From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. (Matthew 11:12 ESV)
One explanation from the United Church of God is that the "kingdom of heaven" is synonymous with "kingdom of God", and the Good News, a publication by the same church goes on to explain that the kingdom of God is what will come following the events prophesied in the book of Revelation.
But the question remains for me: If the kingdom of heaven is a future state, how did it suffer violence at the time when Jesus was preaching?
"Woe to you"
I discussed the use of the word "woe" in the Bible with a couple of other Citylife churchgoers on Sunday, I adopted the conclusion that saying "woe to someone" was effectively wishing extremely bad things on to that person.
Bible Gateway defines "woe" a bit more softly in the context of Jesus's ministry, saying that by "woe" Jesus meant sadness over those who fail to recognise the true misery of their condition.
In any case, I guess "woe" is a negative term that is not to be used lightly. However, I would also add that "woe to you" is not necessarily a pronounced condemnation but rather a very strong call for repentance. At least that's how I interpret the phrase.
The paradox of rest through labor
I thought it was interesting that Jesus asks people who are already heavily burdened with labor to take an additional yoke, Jesus's yoke, upon them. And more surprisingly, Jesus promises that in doing so the laborers will find rest for their souls.
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Matthew 11:28-29 ESV)
Perhaps the point here is that doing the will of God is indeed extra "work" requiring significant change on the part of each individual, but ultimately the person will find fulfillment and peace that is well worth the effort.