Matthew 21: 33-43
I confess that this passage was very difficult for me to comprehend. But after several readings, the way I understand it is that Jesus is the son sent by the landowner that is killed by the tenants. And Jesus explains that God (the landowner) doesn’t kill the tenants, but instead he says “the kingdom of God will be taken away from you”.
I believe that living in the kingdom of God is an everyday choice; a choice to love God and my neighbor, to forgive, to respond in humility and love towards everyone. And in return, we experience hope, joy and love; the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). So, when Jesus says “the kingdom will be taken from you,” in my mind, it’s more of a consequence than a punishment. When I don’t follow Jesus’ words in thought word or deed or when I don’t trust him, should I be surprised if I’m worried, fearful, frustrated, or experience real consequences? Probably not. But because God is so good, I also believe that with my next choice, I can change my own trajectory, again. Furthermore, I also believe that God honors our trying, our desire to pursue Kingdom living. And it all starts with a choice.
Reflection by Becky Hansell
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