Tag: jesus

  • Sunday, 1st November 2026

    Matthew 23:1-1223:1 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, 23:2 “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat; 23:3 therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach. 23:4 They tie up heavy burdens, hard to…

  • Preaching Paths 1 November 2026

    Sally A. Brown, Professor Emerita, Princeton Theological Seminary Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem amid much popular acclaim (Mt 21) provoked a series of sharp confrontations with different cohorts of the Jerusalem leadership (Mt 22). Now, as chapter 23 opens,  Jesus’ detractors have left the scene. He speaks to his disciples and other followers—and, of course, by…

  • Preaching Paths 25 October 2026

    Sally A. Brown, Professor Emerita, Princeton Theological Seminary Today’s gospel reading, Mt 22:43-46, is a drama in two scenes. In the wake of Jesus’ acclaimed entry into Jerusalem and his bold clearing of the Temple court, the hostile verbal assaults of the Pharisees and Temple leaders (whom Jesus has criticized) have intensified. In scene 1…

  • Sunday, 18th October 2026

    Matthew 22:15-22 22:15 Then the Pharisees went and plotted to entrap him in what he said. 22:16 So they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and teach the way of God in accordance with truth, and show deference to no one; for you do…

  • Preaching Paths 18 October 2026

    Sally A. Brown, Professor Emerita, Princeton Theological Seminary A good place to begin work on Mt 22:15-22, a debate between Jesus and a strange coalition of Pharisee disciples and Herodians, is to take careful note of its historical and cultural context. This helps us to avoid pursuing an anachronistic interpretation of the text. Understanding the…

  • Preaching Paths 11 October 2026

    Sally A. Brown, Professor Emerita, Princeton Theological Seminary Matthew scholars generally agree that Matthew presents Jesus in the mode of “apocalyptic prophet.” In the tradition of Amos, Isaiah, and his cousin John the Baptist, Jesus announces the approach of God’s day of reckoning, taking to task religious leaders. He calls for a return to the…

  • Preaching Paths 4 October 2026

    Sally A. Brown, Professor Emerita, Princeton Theological Seminary The Second NT reading for this date, Philippians 3:4b-14, has often been misinterpreted as Paul’s blunt repudiation of his Jewish faith in exchange for Christian beliefs. After a quick review of his credentials as a pure-blooded, law-keeping Jew and zealous Pharisee, Paul seems to sweep it all…

  • Sunday, 27th September 2026

    Matthew 21:23-3221:23 When he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching, and said, “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?” 21:24 Jesus said to them, “I will also ask you one question; if you tell me…

  • Preaching Paths 27 September 2026

    Sally A. Brown, Professor Emerita, Princeton Theological Seminary The context of the dialogue and parable in today’s text, Mt 21:23-32, guides our interpretation. Jesus’ triumphal entry has taken place amid shouts of the Messianic cry, “Hosanna to the Son of David!”—much to the dismay of the Jewish Temple leadership. Jesus has overturned the tables in…

  • Sunday, 20th September 2026

    Matthew 20:1-1620:1 “For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. 20:2 After agreeing with the laborers for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard. 20:3 When he went out about nine o’clock, he saw others standing idle in…