Today’s chapter is Matthew 17

Tom writes:

More stuff on the Now and the Not Yet of the Kingdom (see notes from yesterday). Jesus’ Kingdom is coming and remaining in the midst of a generation that is unbelieving and perverse. No instant gratification, no easy wins. No bowing of every knee and confessing of every tongue. Not yet. So what do we do? What would Jesus have his people do who live in the choppy waters of these two contradictory currents? We’ve already seen “perfect obedience in the midst of opposition” is our new definition of faith. We nurture the mustard seed that is growing within us. We trust the yeast to do its work, over time. We listen to Jesus and we see incredible things happen like a demon-possessed boy being delivered. But there is another aspect to living in this age that is less often spoken about; what do we do with the Other Lot? The “unbelieving” and “perverse” ones? How should we treat them? Here’s the shock; The Kingdom of Jesus does 3 things to unbelievers in this Age; 1) it puts up with (v17) 2) it tries not to offend them (v27) and 3) it does miracles for them to rescue them into the Glorious Kingdom of Life (v18).

This task of Jesus’ people is, by faith, to grasp hold of the transformative power of Our Kingdom and then use it to exorcise people from the Other Kingdom. That’s the focus of our interactions with people who do not believe. Jesus wants us to take our lot and use it to serve and rescue the Other Lot. And that’s the context in which the fascinating parable about mustard seeds and faith must be understood. Mustard seed faith believes Jesus has the desire to rescue perverse people out of unbelief. Mustard seed faith believes Jesus has the power to rescue unbelieving people out of unbelief. Mustard seed faith gives Jesus the chance to rescue this unbelieving person right now. I wonder if you are using that kind of mustard seed faith? I wonder whether you even see the two kingdoms at play? The bible itself tells us this perspective takes time to develop. But it also tells us that Jesus is determined to get us there - he will accept nothing less. She who has ears, let her hear.

Question for reflection

Jesus did miracles for people who he described as perverse and unbelieving. What do you make of that?

Matthew 17 - Tuesday 27th August