Faith @ Home Daily- Monday, June 29, 2020

Scripture: Matthew 21:12-22

All of this week’s New Testament readings from Matthew Chapters 21 and 22 in the Daily Lectionary should come with a word of caution. The events take place after Jesus has arrived in Jerusalem on a colt as the crowd shouts “Hosanna!� These sometimes difficult passages raise questions of power and authority. At a time when cries for racial justice continue on our streets, at our workplaces, and in our churches, these texts challenge us to consider both the systemic and personal implications of Jesus’ teaching. Our team has done our best to point to hope and justice in complex readings while being mindful of the space constraints of a daily devotional.

Jesus' actions and demeanor during the cleansing of the temple contrast sharply with familiar images of the caring good shepherd and the gentle teacher who welcomed children. Here we see Jesus disrupting business as usual speaking out against injustices happening in the temple courtyard. Here we know Jesus who hears the cries of the oppressed and overturns entrenched systems of power counter to God’s kingdom.

Watch- June 29, 2020

Scripture: Matthew 21:12-22 Watch the below video, "Systemic Racism Explained." The temple, a place of worship, was being used as a place to store money and take advantage of people who needed loans. Children often have a strong connection...

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Read- June 29, 2020

Scripture: Matthew 21:12-22 Read Shaking Things Up: 14 Young Women Who Changed the World by Susan Hood. (Or, follow along with the read-aloud video below.) After reading the book, discuss these questions: Do you think that mo...

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Listen- June 29, 2020

Scripture: Matthew 21:12-22 Listen to the song "Pray at all Times" by Nick and Becky Drake. After listening to the song, discuss these questions: We can create a house of prayer wherever we are in our day. Do you have a preferred...

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Do- June 29, 2020

Scripture: Matthew 21:12-22 Not only did Jesus overturn the tables in the temple in his anger and frustration, Jesus challenged those in power and turned the world upside down with his radical actions of love, justice and mercy. Together a...

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Pray- June 29, 2020

Scripture: Matthew 21:12-22 Pray this prayer together: Jesus, you are our teacher and friend. You show us how to be as gentle as the sheep you shepherd and you model how to use our anger and outrage towards systemic change and establishm...

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