Julie
You know it's interesting to see how Matthew tells the stories. It's like he is trying to get in as much information as possible as succinctly as possible. He covers so much. It will be interesting to compare with the way that the others write theirs. What stood out in this reading was the part about the rich young man. This should be a good reminder for us that it's not about the money but about following God and making the most out of what he has provided for us. Yes, we need enough to do our works, but we should not have an excessive amount. It should be something that makes us rethink our priorities in life.
Deliver us Lord from the evil around us. I think that this is a good prayer for the times that we are experiencing.
Michelle
It does seem like he is trying to share alot of info in a short amount of time. This book so far seems very full and like I should focus on smaller bits to really get more understanding, as I feel like I am missing things. The beginning of this chapter talks about divorce, and it's asked why Moses allowed men to divorce their wives. When reading the response, it sounds like there is only one acceptable reason that someone should divorce and that is for adultery, or sexual immorality as its stated. And then Jesus speaks of the Eunuchs and that some choose that life for the sake of God's kingdom. I am not quite understanding this part. Later on, Jesus tells of the commands we are to keep to. And it seems the young rich man is struggling to give it all up for God. It's understandable, to be asked to give it all up, your whole life. But then I thought of you and the fact that you have given up your entire life to be where you are, and that it seems that God has called you to that. It's been a difficult road for you and seems to still be at times, and it's very hard to watch you go through it not knowing how to help you or be there for you. I do not know why God has called this upon you and constantly ask that it be shown to you. I struggle to understand the why's and am constantly asking for them, knowing I will never get an answer. I supposed I have come to terms with that in a way, but the questions still come. I worry about you on this journey and pray for you as much as possible. The vineyard parable has me scratching my head. The end stands out when he says, "Don't I have a right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?" Jesus then talks about his death again. The last line of the next section is powerful and very popular, "just as the son of man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many". It seems a call to have a servant's heart no matter you position in life.
There are few lines in this that seem like a prayer, but they are good when we feel evil taking over. Most of this psalm sounds like the person is asking for bad things to happen to others. I am not sure why I am reading it this way.
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