It took a year to read the Bible, then almost 9 months to read the Apocrypha. Now, I'm going to try to offer reflections on the Narrative Lectionary. But, I won't be posting daily--at least, for a while.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Messiah Questions, Reflection on Matthew 22:41-46

Now Jesus questions the Pharisees. He asks them directly to describe the meaning and the source of the Messiah. They know the answer because they know the psalms. They respond, "The Messiah is the son of David."

Note: the Greek word translated here as Messiah is christos, which meant "the Anointed One," and is the source of the English word, Christ.

Some examples from the Psalms that the Pharisees could be using: from Psalm 2. The anointed of the Lord is the King of Zion and the son of the Lord; from Psalm 89, David is my anointed one. I will make him the firstborn; from Psalm 132: One of David's sons will be set on the throne. The Lord will reside in ion forever. David is the anointed one.

Jesus then quotes Psalm 110 and asks them, "How can David both be Lord and be son to the Lord?"

They couldn't answer his question. They wouldn't dare to ask him anymore.

We, by our lives, are continuing to answer Jesus question, "Who do you think is the Anointed One of God?"

Lectio Divina: Psalm 1:1-2

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