The Unexpected Evangelist

week13

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I know many of you know your Bible very well. For those faithful followers of the Home Bible Study, you hopefully will have learned a great deal about the Bible these last six years. The Biblical well is deep and it is wide, and the words of Holy Scripture help to satisfy "fully" the hunger and thirst that lies deep within.
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Wells in Old Testament culture were of the highest importance. Without your own well, you got not live there. Water, precious water, was needed not only for human need, drinking, washing, etc., but for sheep, cattle, camels, oxen or any other kinds of domesticated animals one might happen to have around.
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Bishop Hockin, in one of his Lenten talks, once described the local well in Old Testament times as having the same purpose in a community as Tim Horten’s or the Irving Big Stop might have in our culture today. Wells then were places where people gathered - a sort of community meeting place - as they drew water.

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Now an Old Testament well was not how we might view a well today. Then it was just a hole in the ground. One was considered ‘blessed’ if they had a well that flowed with water - but again it was just a hole in the ground, usually with a great stone over the entrance to stop animals from falling in and polluting the precious water in the well. A well that had a steady source, flowing from an underground aquifer was always a popular place for people to meet.
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When Abraham sent his servant ‘back home" to find a wife for his son Isaac, the servant went with instructions to go to the local well. There God would show him a woman who would be a wife for Isaac. It is a wonderful story - even though it is about an arranged marriage - it is about love at first sight, It also seeks to show God’s hand in such a small thing like match-making and marriage.
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Then there is the complicated story of the even more complicated Jacob, who because of his deceiving ways is estranged from his twin brother and his father. It seems that Jacob got very little right. He had a gift for alienating people - especially his family. However his parents must take responsibility for this trait.
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Again, the community well is the place for people to meet, and it is here that Jacob meets the love of his life - but not before a bit of a soap opera unfolds. If you wish to read this great story again - you’ll find it in Genesis, chapters 25 - 35. When we understand the importance of these wells as community gathering places, then we can more appreciate the story of the woman at the well in a much clearer way and why she came to the well when so few people would be there. There was also many conflicts over and around these wells, as well.
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M. GENESIS 21

THE TRAGIC STORY OF HAGAR AND ISHMAEL
T. GENESIS 24

THE LOVE STORY OF ISAAC & REBEKAH
W. GENESIS 26

ISAAC & ABIMELECH - WELL CONFLICT
T. GENESIS 29

COMPLICATED JACOB & THE BEAUTIFUL RACHAEL
F. 2 KINGS 10

AHAB'S FAMILY KILLED BY THE WELL OF BETH -EKED
S. JOHN 4

JESUS AND THE NOTORIOUS WOMAN AT THE WELL.

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We turn this week to the Gospel of Saint John for the Gospel Reading during the rest of Lent. In our Gospel Reading for John’s Gospel, Chapter Three, we have the encounter of Nicodemus, to came to Jesus by night - he had some questions.
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Listening closely to this story, there is a orderly rhythm. Listen: "Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. He came to Jesus by night and said to him, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do apart from the presence of God."
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Jesus doesn’t miss a beat. Gracefully he answers Nicodemus, "Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above." It is not the answer Nicodemus is expecting or can even begin to understand.
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Now baffled, Nicodemus said to Jesus, "How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother's womb and be born?"
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Elegantly, almost now like a dance routine Jesus answered, "Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be astonished that I said to you, 'You must be born from above.' The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit."

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Nicodemus is truly baffled. He is totally uncomprehending and says to Jesus, "How can these things be?" Perhaps the look on Nicodemus’ face says it all.
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Again, Jesus side-steps as he answered him, "Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things? "Very truly, I tell you, we speak of what we know and testify to what we have seen; yet you do not receive our testimony.
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"If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him."
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Ah, the rhythm, the beat of the story. Eventually Nicodemus would understand. Along with Joseph of Arimethia, Nicodemus asked for the body of the crucified Christ and preparing it for burial, they laid our Lord’s lifeless body in a tomb.
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M. JOHN 3:1-17

NICODEMUS CAME TO JESUS ONE NIGHT LONG AGO

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T. JOHN 7:1-13

JESUS GOES TO THE FEAST OF TABERNACLES

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W. JOHN 7:14-24

JESUS IS ACCUSED OF BEING DEMON-POSSESSED.

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T. JOHN 7:25-44

ANOTHER DANCE - WHO IS THIS CHRIST ANYWAY?

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F. JOHN 7:45-52

NICODEMUS COURAGEOUSLY DEFENDS JESUS

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S. JOHN 19:38-42

NICODEMUS HELPS TO BURY CHRIST IN A TOMB

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Another Walk with Jesus

week 12

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After Jesus was baptized, he was led by the Spirit into the wilderness and for 40 days he was tempted by the devil. Jesus fasted during those 40 days ( which is the Bible’s way of describing a long time)That means he didn't eat anything during that time, and of course, at the end of the time he was very hungry.
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Satan saw this as an opportunity to tempt him again. He said to Jesus, "If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread." Jesus answered, quoting from the book of Deuteronomy; "It is written, ' Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God'".
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You will remember that when the children of Israel were in the wilderness, they became hungry, and God fed them with food called "manna" which fell from heaven. He showed them that they were dependent upon him for all their needs. .
Next the devil took Jesus up on a high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in just a moment. Then he told him that he had been given the authority to give those kingdoms to anyone he wished. Had he really been given that authority? Satan told Jesus that if he would worship him, he would give him all those kingdoms. Remember, the devil is a deceiving liar. It is who God rules and gives power. Satan lied. It was not his to give to Jesus.
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Jesus replied, "Get behind Me, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve'." Again Jesus is quoting from the writings of Moses in Deuteronomy.
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Satan tries a third time. He brought Jesus to Jerusalem and took him up to the highest part of the temple and told him to jump off. He said that angels would come and lift him up so that he wouldn't be hurt. The devil even starts misquoting scripture now. He quoted from Psalm 11, "For He shall give His angels charge over you to keep you in all your ways. In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone."
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Jesus answered him, "It has been said, 'You shall not tempt the Lord your God'."

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Satan gave up and left him, but he would return later when he thought he had an opportunity to get Jesus to sin. Of course, we know that he never succeeded.
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After Satan left, angels came and helped Jesus. We are told by the writer of the book of Hebrews that there are 'ministering angels' who are sent to help those who are saved. What a comforting thought! God sent us help to withstand temptation.
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M. MATTHEW 3:1-12
ADVENT: JOHN THE BAPTIST PREPARES THE WAY
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T. MATTHEW 1
CHRISTMAS: THE BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST
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W. MATTHEW 3
EPIPHANY: THE VISIT OF THE WISE MEN
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T. MATTHEW 3:13-17
EPIPNAHY: THE BAPTISM OF JESUS CHRIST
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F. MATTHEW 17
EPIPHANY: TRANSFIGURATION OF JESUS CHRIST
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S. MATTHEW 4:1-11 LENT 1:
THE TEMPTATION OF JESUS CHRIST

Another walk with Jesus

week 11

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Jesus spent most of his ministry travelling throughout Galilee, preaching, teaching and healing the multitude of people that came to him, or were brought to him. Jesus moved from Nazareth to Capernaum. He had just heard that John the Baptist had been imprisoned. He was not safe in his home town of Nazareth.It is here, as Jesus walked along the shores of the Sea of Galilee that he called Andrew, Peter, James and John to be his disciples. They were mostly likely disciples of John the Baptist, as it is unlikely Jesus just walked up to total strangers who immediately left hearth and home, family and jobs to follow him.
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Matthew informs us of how Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed, and he healed them. Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him.
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In Matthew’s Meticulous Gospel, we see the orderly working of an accountant. He was a collector of taxes, making him among the most hated people of his day, even hated, and probably rejected by family and friends who would view Matthew as a collaborator with the occupying foreign force of Rome. In Chapters 5-7 we have the great Sermon on the Mount - which most probably is a collection of teaching by our Lord - and Matthew arranges this material into one great teaching discourse - often referred to as the Platform of the Kingdom of Heaven here on earth. The Sermon on the Mount certainly gives instruction on the Christian life - and it is not for the faint-hearted or fair-weather Christian.
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We know that Jesus often withdrew to lonely places to pray and renew his spirit, and on this occasion came down from the mountain he was met by a leper who sought healing for his terrible condition. Next Jesus encounters a Roman Centurion who asks for healing for his servant.

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In fact, 18 of 33 miracles were performed in the area referred to as "the evangelical triangle" the villages of Korazin, about which nothing much is known, and the town of Bethsaida, where Andrew, James and John lives, and Capernaum, where Simon Peter lived and where Jesus moved to live with him. And 25 of the 33 miracles recorded occurred around the Galilee circle.

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So as we walk again with Jesus, we will encounter those who came seeking healing. However, later in Matthew’s Gospel Jesus will denounce Korazin, Bethsaida and Capernaumk for their lack of faith.
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M. MATTHEW 4:23

JESUS BEGINS HIS MINISTRY IN AND AROUND GALILEE.
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T. MATTHEW 5
JESUS PREACHES A SERMON ON THE MOUNT
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W. MATTHEW 8:5
ROMAN CENTURION’S SERVANT HEALED
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T. MATTHEW 9: 2
PARALYZED MAN IS HEALED
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F. MATTHEW 9:9
JESUS CALLS MATTHEW
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S. MATTHEW 10:
JESUS CHOSES HIS TWELVE DISCIPLES
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S. MATTHEW 12:9-15
MAN WITH SHRIVELLED HAND HEALED

Another Walk with Jesus

week 10

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It has been said by an ancient writer that even though God created the seven seas, that God has chosen for himself the Sea of Galilee, as His special delight.

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Matthew’s Gospel calls this body of water the Sea of Galilee. John in his precious Gospel calls it the Sea of Tiberias. In Luke’s Gospel, and Luke has travelled widely, he calls it a lake - not a sea - the Lake of Gennesaret. The ‘lake’ is shaped like a harp. King David played the harp - and God liked David’s heart. The Lake is about 700 feet below sea level, is 13 miles long and 7 miles wide. It is fed by the waters of the upper River Jordan. It was in the Jordan River that Jesus came to be baptized by John the Baptist. Our Gospel reading begins again with John the Baptist. This is the year of Matthew’s Gospel, however, we have begun this year with referring to John the Baptist on many occasions. On his occasion, today’s Gospel fleetingly mentions that John has been arrested. It is not until the 14th chapter of Matthew (14:1-12) do we hear ‘the rest of the story’.
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The Gospel today also fleetingly mentions that Jesus left Nazareth. Matthew doesn’t give us anything but the bare bones. Luke informs us that the reason Jesus left Nazareth was because when he preached in his home town synagogue, the people there, his friends & neighbours, ran him out of town. (Luke 4:14-30).
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Having left Nazareth, Jesus went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali. Here Matthew finds an Old Testament verse of scripture from Isaiah to suit his need. Now we must pass over this as it is too complicated to explain here in these few lines - suffice to say that the land of Zebulun and Naphtali has great significance for the Jewish reader of Matthew’s Gospel and Jesus would spend a large part of his ministry in and around ‘the land of Zebulun and Naphtali’ which encompassed the area of Galilee
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We must note however, that not only did Jesus ‘move’ to Capernaum, he also appears to have taken up residence in Peter’s house, which would serve as the base of operations for his ministry in and around the Sea of Galilee.
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Now Matthew’s quote from Isaiah is very fascinating indeed. He alludes to ‘Galilee of the Gentiles’. From the Jewish perspective it was a region that was in ‘darkness’ and ‘the land of the shadow of death’. Perhaps it was because it was far removed from the religious influences of Jerusalem and because large numbers of Gentiles ( non-Jews) lived there. We are told by the historian Josephus "that there were 204 villages, none with a population of fewer than 15,000 people. It was a prosperous and densely populated area and what better place for Jesus to begin to preach to the people. Jesus went to where the people were at - and they came flocking to hear Him.
M. Matthew 4

Jesus Begins His ministry in and around Galilee.

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T. Matthew 11

The Evangelical Triangle - Korozin, Bethsaida, Capernaum.

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W. Mark 8:22-26

Blind man healed at Bethsaida

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T. Matthew 17:22-27

Fishy Goings on in Capernaum

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F. Matthew 15

The pagans of Tyre & Sidon Receive Jesus’ Ministry

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Walking with Jesus for a week

Week 9

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Today we take a bit of a detour. We leave Matthew’s Gospel, just for this Sunday, and turn to the precious Gospel of Saint John. You could say that we are going on a kind of Retreat. Through John’s precious Gospel we will spend a week with Jesus Christ. In John’s Gospel, we find an abundance of names and titles for Jesus. However, in my eagerness, let me first tell you about St. John.
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The Gospel according to Saint John, the beloved disciple of Jesus Christ, is known as the precious Gospel. For seventy years John had thought of Jesus.
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Day by day the Holy Spirit had opened out to him the meaning of what Jesus said. So when John was near the century of life and his days were numbered, he and his friends sat down to remember. Perhaps someone held the pen to write for his master, John the apostle; and the last of the apostles set down, not only what he had heard Jesus say, but also what he now knew Jesus had meant.
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He remembered how Jesus had said: "I have yet many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of Truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth" There were many things which seventy years before he had not understood; there were many things which
in these seventy years the Spirit of Truth had revealed to him.
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These things John set down even as the eternal glory was dawning upon him. When we read this gospel let us remember that we are reading the gospel which of all the gospels is most the work of the Holy Spirit, speaking to us of the things which Jesus meant, speaking through the mind and memory of John the apostle. Behind this gospel is the whole church at Ephesus, the whole company of the saints, the last of the apostles, the Holy Spirit, and the Risen Lord Jesus Christ.
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In the very first chapter of John we find titles galore or glorious titles for Jesus. Jesus is the Word of God, He is God, He is Lord, He is the Light of the World, He is the True Light, the Only Begotten of the Father, He is the Christ, Lord, Rabbi, Master. He is Jesus of Nazaerth; Jesus, Son of Joseph; Jesus, Son of God; King of Israel, Son of Man, Messiah. Throughout John’s precious Gospel, Jesus is the Bread of Life, He is the Light of the World; He is Gate to Eternity; The Good Shepherd, The Resurrection, and the Life. The Way, the Truth and the Life. He is the Vine and we are the branches. Oh, that we see as John saw. May our hearts and minds and souls and bodies be set on fire by the Holy Spirit.
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Day by day the Holy Spirit had opened to John meaning of what Jesus said. May the Holy Spirit open to you, day by day, as you read God’s Word, and reveal to you, in the same way, as the Spirit did for Saint John - the ‘beloved’ disciple..
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M. JOHN 1:1-19 THE WORD OF GOD BECOME FLESH.
T. JOHN 1:19-34 THE FIRST & SECOND DAYS OF A WEEK WITH JESUS
W. JOHN 1:29-42 THE THIRD, FOURTH & FIFTH DAYS WITH JESUS
T. JOHN 12:1-11 JESUS SPENT A LOT OF TIME HERE IN BETHANY
F. JOHN 2:1-11 THE SEVENTH DAY - A DAY OF CELEBRATION.

From a Cradle to a Cross to a Crown

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The Season is Epiphany, and right from the start
I thank You My Saviour, from deep down in my heart.
You were sent here to earth as a newborn child
on a cold winter's night; You were so tender and mild.
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The cattle were lowing; a star brightly shone
in skies o'er the field on the night You were born.
The wisemen had heard of the forthcoming birth
that would offer salvation to each soul upon earth.
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So the wisemen, they followed that bright star that night
and soon came upon a most wonderous sight.
There lay in a manger, so precious and sweet,
the Christ of salvation.....they knelt at Your feet.
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Now the shepherds, they heard the angel’s sing
Of the birth in Bethlehem....of a newborn King!
So they rushed to the manger with hearts full of joy
and fell to their knees to worship the Boy.
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Your Father was sobbing, His heart broken in two,
for He knew of forthcoming great suffering for You.
He knew of Your crown that would be of sharp thorns
and He knew that Your flesh would be bleeding and torn.

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Today, we get down to business. The angels, shepherds, wise men and mangers have been put back in their boxes waiting silently and patiently until next year to be brought out and dusted off as we celebrate the birth of the Christ Child and yet another crazy Christmas spending extravaganza unfolds. Following the Christmas Celebration, the very next day we remember St. Stephen who was martyred for his faith. A few days later we remember the innocent children slaughtered by the jealously insane King Herod. The true story of Christmas is of how people, even Jesus’ own people, would not accept his message.
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Today, we begin the journey that will take us from the cradle to the cross. It will take us from Christmas to the celebration of Easter. That journey begins with the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist. Shortly thereafter John would be arrested and later beheaded to satisfy the anger and bitterness of one who did not like it when John told her what she was doing was wrong and needed to repent. That’s the story of Christmas - warm and fuzzy - until God gets too close.
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M. MATTHEW 3:1-11 JOHN PREACHES REPENTANCE.
T. MATTHEW 3:12-17 JOHN BAPTIZES JESUS AT THE JORDAN.
W. MATTHEW 4:1-17 JESUS IS TEMPTED WHILE IN THE DESERT
T. MATTHEW 11:1-19 JOHN THE BAPTIST HAS SOME DOUBTS.
F. MATTHEW 14:1-11 JOHN THE BAPTIST IS BEHEADED.

Following a Star

- Finding a Smelly Stable -

- week 7 -

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There are many legends about this story of the wise men from the east. For instance, how many wise men were there? In the old days in the east, they believed that there were 12 who made the journey, but now most everyone agrees there were three. One old legend even tells us their names: Melchior, He gave the baby the gift of gold. Balthasar, he presented the gift of myrrh. The youngest of the three was Casper, presented the gift of frankincense to the baby. Yet another legend goes on to tell us that after seeing the baby, the three continued traveling to Spain, telling the world the good news about Christ. These stories bring the wise men a little more to life, but they can also get in the way.
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Think of the disappointment these wise men "Magi" must have experienced who through days and nights had traveled many miles by camel to discover that the star had come to rest over a stable. They had followed a star and found a stable. Surely they were expecting a palace or perhaps a stately mansion. Think how they must have felt. Their vast disappointment as they look down from some nearby Judean hill and came to the realization that their destination was a stable.
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Following stars and finding stables is a common occurrence in human experience. Who among us has not at some time in our life fixed our gaze on some high and lofty star only to find it leads to a stable.
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Hundreds of examples could be given. A young woman graduates from high school full of great dreams and expectations about the future only to wake up one day and discover herself enmeshed in the very drudgery that she had promised herself she would avoid.
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A man comes to retirement age. He thinks of all the good things he's going to be able to do. After a few weeks, however, he begins to discover that retirement is not exactly what he thought it would be. The day starts growing longer. The hours become more oppressive.
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All of us at some time in our life follow a shining star only to discover a smelly stable. The problem is how to turn that stable into a moment of salvation. What is it that enables the wise of every age to turn the stables of life into victory?
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1. For one thing, they understand God is to be found anywhere.
.2. For another, they always offer their best to God.
.3. Because of what happened in the stable, they intend to lead the new life.
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M. MATTHEW 2:1-12 JOURNEY TO FIND A BABY IN BETHLEHEM .
T. MATTHEW 4:12-17 JOHN THE BAPTIST ENDS UP IN PRISON.
W. MATTHEW 4:18-20 SIMOM AND HIS BROTHER ANDREW.
T. MATTHEW 4:21-22 JAMES AND JOHN - SONS OF ZEBEDEE.
F. MATTHEW 8:18-27 THE COST OF FOLLOWING JESUS.

Matthew's Messiah

Dreaming of a Christ Filled Christmas

- week 5 -

Last Night I lay a sleeping, there came a dream so fair,
I stood in old Jerusalem beside the temple there.
I heard the children singing, and ever as they sang,
methought the voice of angels from Heav’n in answer rang
Jerusalem! Jerusalem, Lift up your gates and sing,
Hosanna in the highest, Hosanna to you King.

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Although the first Gospel is anonymous, early church fathers were unimanious in holding that St. Matthew, one of the twelve apostles, was its author. Matthew, whose name means, "Gift of the Lord’ was a tax-collector who left his work to follow Jesus. In Mark and Luke’s Gospels, Matthew is called "Levi".
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We must also remember that Matthew would have been among the most hated people of his day, as his fellow Jews would view him as collaborator - partner in crime - helping the Roman authorities collect taxes. Yet Jesus immediately saw Matthew’s potential and called him to be among his first disciples.
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Matthew gathered not only taxes, but also the teachings and events of Jesus’ life. We will remember that Matthew was an organizer, systematizer, the arranger par excellence of the events concerning our Lord’s brief ministry. How Matthew arranges his material reveals both an organized and creative system.
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The whole of Matthew’s Gospel is built around 5 great pillars often referred to as the "discourses of Jesus which are Matthew’s way of arranging the speeches of Jesus. Chapters 5-7 is the most famous discourse - The Sermon on the Mount.
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Chapters 8-9 contain the miracles of Jesus and chapter 10 contains Jesus’ teaching on the cost of discipleship. Chapter 13 contains parables of Jesus and chapters 24-25, the most difficult to understand, gathers material concerning the end of the world and the return of Jesus as Judge of all humankind.
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Matthew writes primarily for a Jewish audience and his purpose is to prove that Jesus is the long awaited and expected Messiah. He does this by showing how Jesus in his life, ministry and teaching fulfills the Old Testament Scriptures. In the very first verse of chapter one, Matthew attaches to Jesus the Messianic title. Jesus not only fulfilles this title of Messiah, but he is also the fulfillment of the covenant made between God and Abraham, found in the first book of the Old Testament - the Book of Genesis - or the book of beginnings.
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This is the year of Matthew’s Gospel. With the Advent Season comes the beginning of a new church year and a new selections of Readings from Holy Scripture. As we celebrate the Christmas celebration of the birth of our Lord Jesus - Immanuel - God with us - let us listen anew to the work and words of Saint Matthew as he describes to those who call themselves Christians the story of the one born to be king, the long awaited Messiah, the Saviour of the world.
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I personally believe that the Christmas story is about God being with us; how God only sees our potential and through God’s Holy Spirit enables us to achieve hopes and dreams beyond anything we could ask or imagine.

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The First Lesson is taken from the Gospel according
to Saint Matthew, chapter one, reading verses 18_25
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The Birth of Jesus Christ

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This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
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But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."
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All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" — which means, "God with us."
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When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

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- Here Ends the First Lesson -
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HYMN 82 - O Little Town of Bethlehem
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The Second Lesson is taken from the Gospel according
to Saint Matthew, chapter two, reading verses 1-12
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- The Visit of the Magi -

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After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi[a] from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."
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When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. "In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied, "for this is what the prophet has written: "'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.'"
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. Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him."

After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.
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On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.
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And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

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- Here Ends the Second Lesson -
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Hymn 705 - Wise Men Seeking Jesus
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The Third Lesson is taken from the Gospel according
to Saint Matthew, chapter two, reading verses 13-18
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- The Escape to Egypt -

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..When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. "Get up," he said, "take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him."
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..So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: "Out of Egypt I called my son."
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When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi.
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Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled: "A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more."

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..- Here Ends The Third Lesson -
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.493 - Jesu - the very thought of thee

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The Fourth Lesson is taken from the Gospel according
to Saint Matthew, chapter two, reading verses 19-23

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- The Return to Nazareth -

After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, "Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child's life are dead." So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there.

Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, 23and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets: "He will be called a Nazarene."

- Here Ends the Fourth Lesson -

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O Sing a Song of Bethlehem - by the Choir

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The Fifth Lesson is taken from the Gospel according
to Saint Matthew, chapter three, reading verses 1-13
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- John The Baptist Prepares the Way -

In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: "A voice of one calling in the desert, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.' "

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John's clothes were made of camel's hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.

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But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.

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And do not think you can say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.

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"I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire."

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- Here Ends the Fifth Lesson -

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Hymn 67 - On Jordan’s Bank.

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The Sixth Lesson is taken from the Gospel according
to Saint Matthew, chapter three, reading verses 13-18
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- The Baptism of Jesus by John -

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Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?"
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Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." Then John consented.
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As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased."

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Here Ends the Sixth Lesson
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Hymn 751 - I cannot Tell Why He Whom Angels Worship.
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The Seventh Lesson is taken from the Gospel according
to Saint Matthew, chapter Four , reading verses 1-11
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- The Temptation of Jesus -
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Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread."
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Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"
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Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down. For it is written: " 'He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'"
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Jesus answered him, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'"
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Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. "All this I will give you," he said, "if you will bow down and worship me."
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Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'" Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

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Here Ends the Seventh Lesson
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81 - Angels from the realms of Glory

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The Eighth Lesson is taken from the Gospel according
to Saint Matthew, chapter Four , reading verses 12-17
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- Jesus Begins to preach -

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When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he returned to Galilee. Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali - to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah:
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"Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, along the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles - the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned." From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near."

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- Here Ends the Eighth Lesson
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- 733 - Once in Royal David’s City
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The Ninth Lesson is taken from the Gospel according
to Saint Matthew, chapter 27, reading verses 11-23
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Jesus Stands Before Pilate

Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, "Are you the king of the Jews?" "Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied.

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When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer. Then Pilate asked him, "Don't you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?" But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge — to the great amazement of the governor.

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Now it was the governor's custom at the Feast to release a prisoner chosen by the crowd. At that time they had a notorious prisoner, called Barabbas.

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So when the crowd had gathered, Pilate asked them, "Which one do you want me to release to you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?"

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For he knew it was out of envy that they had handed Jesus over to him.

While Pilate was sitting on the judge's seat, his wife sent him this message: "Don't have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him."
But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed. "Which of the two do you want me to release to you?" asked the governor. "Barabbas," they answered.
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"What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called Christ?" Pilate asked.

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They all answered, "Crucify him!"

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Here ends the Ninth Lesson

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Hymn 490 - How Sweet the Name of Jesus

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The Prayers & Intercessions of the People of God

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Priest: Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth ...
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People: Set up your kingdom in our midst
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Priest: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God
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People: Have mercy on us, Sinners
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Priest: Holy Spirit, Breath of the Living God
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People; Renew us and all the world. Amen.
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Priest: Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
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Priest: O God, you make us glad by the yearly festival of the birth of your only Son Jesus Christ:
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People: Grant that we, who joyfully receive him as our Redeemer, may with sure confidence behold him when he comes to be our Judge; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
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PRIEST: O Eternal God and Sovereign ruler of all that is! You have given us the grace of living another day and of singing your praises as another night is about to descend on us. As we embark on a new church year ...
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People: Purify our souls of every stain of flesh or spirit, and enable me to sleep peacefully through out this night. Then rising from our beds, let us do everything in a manner that will please your most holy name, tomorrow and every day of our lives life. Deliver us From all evil, whether of body or soul, and from useless and foolish thoughts, and enable us to be victorious over every temptation. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.

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Closing Hymn 463 - I Love Thy Kingdom Lord.

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May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace

as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with

hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13

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Hymn 490 - How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds

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A CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

FROM BISHOP CLAUDE MILLER

week 4 -
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When did the cheerful hustle and bustle of the Christmas season become a fight to the finish? Who raised the Christmas food and decorating bar to the dizzying heights of glossy magazine layouts? When did high definition televisions and 160 gig iPods replace pretty combs and golden watch fobs as gifts of love and sacrifice? When did Christmas get so wrapped up in excess and tied up with angst that we are physically (and financially) exhausted and in danger of missing the point entirely?
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The answer to those questions might incriminate some of us, so let’s not bother. Instead, let’s take a deep breath, relax and rest a while. Even Jesus took time to rest. He needed time alone for reflection and renewal. So do we.
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The world doesn’t make it easy to rest and retreat. In the last couple of years even the Sabbath has disappeared from our little corner of the world. Our Judeo-Christian understanding includes a time for rest and restoration. It’s not just about giving people time to go to church and worship, it’s about giving people time to restore their energy and their souls.
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The unrepentant Ebenezer Scrooge might ask: "Are there no vacations?" But alas, with exciting tour packages crossing continents and time zones, many of the people I know return from holiday more exhausted than when they left.
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For the sake of our selves, our souls and bodies, we must break this cycle of excess at Christmas and throughout the year. We must step out of the fast lane and take the road less travelled –– the road marked by a discipline of Bible reading, prayer and reflection.
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This Christmas and throughout the coming year, I truly hope you enjoy your family and friends, your gifts and feasts, the twinkling lights on your tree and in your windows –– even if they don’t measure up to the high standards you think you must sustain. Our efforts will not make Christmas perfect; it is and always has been. The babe born in the manger "offered, a full, perfect and sufficient sacrifice, oblation and satisfaction for the sins of the whole world."

Claude +
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So, during this busy and hectic season, step out of the fast lane, walk the road less travelled, read and reflect on the story of the Birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. We focus on the dreams of Saint Joseph. I’m dreaming of a Christ filled Christmas Season.
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M. MATTHEW 1 :18-25

THE NIGHTMARE THAT IS A DREAM COME TRUE

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T. MATTHEW 2:1-12

THE THREE WISE MEN - THE FIRST DREAM TEAM?

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W. MATTHEW 2:15-18

JOSEPH WARNED IN A DREAM TO ESCAPE TO EGYPT.

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T. MATTHEW 2:19-23

JOSEPH TOLD IN A DREAM TO GO TO NAZARETH

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F. LUKE 2: 21-51

MARY, JOSEPH, JESUS AND A CITY CALLED JERUSALEM

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Grasping the Grace

of the Advent Season

- week 3 -

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Well, here we are. It is the mid-point of th Advent Season. Today is the Third Sunday of Advent and we are focusing on the ministry and preaching of John the Baptist who has been appointed by God, from birth, to be the one who prepares the way for the ministry, miracles and preaching of our Lord Jesus Christ. Next Sunday, the Fourth Sunday of Advent IS THE Sunday before Christmas Day. Throughout the four Sundays of Advent we hear again from the Gospel Readings about our need to be spiritually ready for the return of Christ, not as Saviour, he has already come as Saviour. The next time He comes as Judge of all people.
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The Gospel for the First Sunday of Advent focuses our hearts and thoughts firmly on the Lord Jesus Christ. Advent is a time for preparation for the true worship of the birth of Christ. We are reminded by the Gospel that we are to be ready - as Jesus may return at anytime - therefore be on your guard. Advent begins by issuing an invitation to the "hope" of eternal life.
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On the Second Sunday of Advent, we are introduced to the strange character we know as John the Baptist. The Gospel reading for this day is about preparing a highway - a highway fit for a king - for the one who is to come. John the Baptist preached a message of repentance and for his outspoken ways was imprisoned, then later beheaded. The powers thought they had silenced him. Advent reminds us that "truth" cannot be silenced - no matter who has power, and we are to greet with joyful hearts the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
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On the Third Sunday of Advent, which is today, we remember how John the Baptist, fearless in his preaching, proclaiming the good news and calling sinners to repent and return to God. John is now in prison. Soon he will be dead. Murdered to satisfy a capricious whim of a woman angered by John’s preaching.
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The Fourth Sunday of Advent - we read in the Gospel the story of the promised Messiah. It is a "love" story as we hear how God chose Mary to be the means through whom God, who so loved the world would send his Son to be the Saviour of the world. Matthew’s Gospel is one full of promise. As we come to the mid-point of the Advent Season, we reflect on the hope, joy, peace and love of this season, as we prepare our hearts for Christmas.
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The Reading this week tell the story of Jesus from the persepctive of Matthew. In Matthew’s Gospel, Joseph, not Mary is the principal actor. Notice Joseph’s dreams. I am dreaming of a Christ filled Christmas. I trust you are too. You might want to read this story at one sitting - the reread again slowly.
M. MATTHEW 1 :18-25 THE BIRTH OF JESUS THE CHRIST.
T. MATTHEW 2:1-12 THE VISIT OF THE WISE MEN -MAGI.
W. MATTHEW 2:15-18 THE HOLY FAMILY ESCAPES TO EGYPT.
T. MATTHEW 2:19-23 RETURNING HOME TO NAZARETH
F. MATTHEW 3;1-12 THE MESSAGE OF JOHN THE BAPTIST
S. MATTHEW 3:13-18 THE BAPTISM OF JESUS AT THE JORDAN
S. MATTHEW 4:1-17 JESUS’ TEMPTATION - MINISTRY BEGINS

Contemplating the King

and His Kingdom

- week 2 -

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Perhaps the greatest characteristics of Matthew’s Gospel is that this Gospel is supremely the teaching Gospel. As a systemizer and organizer, Matthew great gift is to be able to put things together in a orderly fashion. It was his custom and habit to gather together all of the teachings of Jesus on any given subject.
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The result of all of this orderly system of collecting and collating the teachings of Jesus resulted in five great blocks of Jesus’ teachings. All of these sections have to do with the Kingdom of God. We looked at these five "pillars" last week.
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We are going to look at them again this week, there is one difference - see if you can notice that difference. For those who follow the Home Bible Study, and wish to understand what they are studying, know that we often need to take a closer look at a particular topic or subject as it can be fairly challenging to understand on the first reading. This is one of those occasions and that will become apparent as you "redo" the readings. A second or even third reading produces clarity.
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Matthew does more that collect & systematize. Remembering that Matthew was writing in a time when printing had not been invented, books were scarce and those that existed were hand-written. In an age like that, and something we’re not used to anymore, if you wished to know and use the teaching and story of Jesus then you would have had to memorize it and carry it around in your head.

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Matthew understood this necessity and so arranged things in such a way that it was easy for the reader to memorize. Matthew arranges things in threes and sevens. There are three messages to Joseph; there are three denials of Peter; There are three questions of Pilate. There are seven parables of the Kingdom in chapter 13; there are seven woes to the Pharisees and scribes in Chapter 23.
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There is one great characteristic of Matthew’s Gospel. The dominating idea of this Gospel is the idea of Jesus as King. The Genealogy of Jesus, which most people never read, is to prove that Jesus is the Son of David, Israel’s greatest King. For Matthew, the Jews are his main interest. For Matthew, Jesus did not come to destroy the Jewish Laws of Moses, but to fulfill the Law.
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The wise men (Magi) came looking for a king. Jesus entry in Jerusalem, riding on a donkey is a deliberately dramatized claim to be king. When before Pilate, Jesus deliberately accepts the name of King. Even on the Cross the title of King is affixed, even if it be in mockery, over his head. Matthew’s picture of Jesus is the picture of a man born to be king. So once again, reread the Reading for last week, however this week, read them from the point of view of memorization and the idea that Matthew is presenting to you "A King and His Kingdom.
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M. MATTHEW 5-7 -- THE LAW OF THE KINGDOM
T. MATTHEW 10- -- DUTIES OF KINGDOM LEADERS
W. MATTHEW 13 -- PARABLES OF THE KINGDOM
F. MATTHEW 18 -- KINGDOM GREATNESS & FORGIVENESS
S. MATTHEW 24-25 -- THE COMING OF THE KING.

Matthew's Messiah

- week 1 -

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With the Season of Advent unfolding, we also celebrate the beginning of a new Church Year, with a new selection of Reading from Holy Scripture. This is ‘Year A" is the Revised Common Lectionary and so begins a year of reflecting on Matthew’s Gospel, which is the frist book of the New Testament.
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Although the first Gospel is anonymous, the early church fathers were unanimous in holding that Matthew, one of the twelve apostles, was its author. However, the results of modern critical studies - in particular those that stress Matthew’s alleged dependence of Mark for a substantial part of his Gospel - have caused some Biblical scholars to abandon Matthean authorship. Why, they ask, would Matthew, an eyewitness to the events of our Lord’s life, depend so heavenly on Mark’s Gospel account? The best answer seems to be that he simply agreed with it and wanted to show that the apostolic testimony to Christ was not divided.
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Matthew, whose name means "gift of the Lord" was a tax-collector who left his work to follow Jesus. In Mark and Luke’s Gospel Matthew is called by another name "Levi". (from the NIV Bible - introductory notes on Matthew’s Gospel.}
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Matthew gathered not only taxes but the teachings and events of Jesus’ life. We remember that Matthew was the organizer, the systematizer, the arranger of the stories about the life of Jesus. The way Matthew arranges his material reveals a system, which is both organized and artistic. The whole Gospel is built around five great pillars often referred to as "the discourses of Jesus" which are Matthew’s arranged versions of the speeches of Jesus. Chapters 5-7 contain the Sermon on the Mount.

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Chapters 8-9 contain the miracles of Jesus. Chapters 10-12 contain "teaching’ on discipleship, John the Baptist, and against the Pharisees. Chapter 13 contains Parables of Jesus. Chapters 24-25 gathers material about the End of the World. Each of this "discourses" conclude with ‘When Jesus had finished saying these things ....." or very similar words.
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Matthew’s main purpose is to prove to his Jewish readers that Jesus was their Messiah. He does this primarily by showing how Jesus in his life and ministry fulfilled the Old Testament Scriptures. In the very first verse of chapter one, Matthew attaches to Jesus the Messianic title. Jesus not only fulfills this title of Messiah, but he is also the fulfillment of the covenant between Abraham and God, found in the first book of the Old Testament, the Book of Genesis.
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The five fold division of Matthew’s Gospel may suggest that the author has modelled his book on the structure of the Pentateuch - which contain the first five books of the Old Testament. Matthew may even be presenting the Gospel as a new Torah and Jesus as a new and greater Moses.
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M. MATTHEW 5-7 - THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT
T. MATTHEW 8-9 - MIRACLES OF JESUS
W. MATTHEW 10-12 - TEACHINGS OF JESUS
T. MATTHEW 13 - PARABLES OF JESUS
F. MATTHEW 24-25 - THE END TIMES.