Today’s reading is Matthew 21

Tom writes:

You know the story of Jehu - the wild-riding maniac who Elisha anointed to destroy the house of Ahab (2 Kings 9)? Think of him times seven. You can discuss Jehu over the dinner table, you can even nod approvingly at his zeal… until he comes at you with a whip. And that is exactly what Jesus does in this chapter. Jesus’s prophetic actions (donkey-riding, temple-sacking and tree-withering) and his prophetic parables (two sons, tenants and wedding banquet) are his Jehu-like assault on the House of Religion. Jesus tosses over the ramparts any idea that he can just be the prophet of “those people over there”. He curses any suggestion that vague religious conformity is to his taste. Instead he approaches every human on this planet and he says “fall in behind me”; do what I say or be thrown into the sea. I wonder if we really do this justice?

We teach our children about Jesus on a donkey. We even teach them about the sacking of the temple (although we often make it about his anger at commercialism in the church). But when do we present Jesus as a zealous jealous King riding hard in our direction, demanding allegiance and obedience? When do we ask ourselves which son we really are - the one who actually does the work, or the one who does not? Hear this - and you need to really listen to this - Jesus wants you. He wants all of you. Jesus isn’t just a rabbi wanting to warm you with his wisdom. Jesus isn’t just a healer wanting to coddle you with his kisses. Jesus isn’t just a prophet wanting to inspire you with his insight. Jesus is King. Your King. And as Your King he wants you - all of you - to fall in behind him, to work his vineyard, to invest his talents, to dress in his wedding clothes. Will you bow the knee? Will you march to his beat doing his work on his terms for his glory? It’s not an easy request. But an easier request would take us away from this faith where we find joy, and fruit and a share in the beautiful banquet of the King who has come.

Question for reflection

In what ways has Jesus demanded your allegiance? How are you getting on with responding to his demands?

Matthew 21 - Monday 2nd September