Greetings St. John’s Lutheran Church!
Jesus said, “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” –Matthew 13:44
Mysterious Stories
This month, we hear Jesus teaching in parables. This may seem like a weird teaching technique, since parables are often difficult to understand. But, strangely, this is kind of the point. Parables are supposed to be a little mysterious, because Jesus is teaching us about mysterious things! Why do some people readily receive God’s Word while others do not? What will happen at the end of time? What is God’s kingdom really like?
Buried Treasure
Jesus does not answer these questions with long explanations but instead tells stories with images from the daily lives of his audience. But – there’s a twist! Often, the images that Jesus describes have some unexpected element. For example, why would someone who has found treasure in a field promptly bury it again? And what does this have to do with the kingdom of heaven?
Faithful Questions
A life of faith is often beset by unanswered questions and persistent mysteries. This month, I invite you to step into the unknown with me! Wonder how God works through us despite our shortcomings in the words of Paul in Romans. Weekly musical meditations will be posted on Facebook on Thursdays. Puzzle over the parables as Jesus teaches the disciples. Weekly worship videos are posted on our website and Facebook on Sundays. See page 5. Submit your faithful questions to Pastor Kat for mutual reflection. Questions will be posted online Monday and discussed Wednesday starting July 8th. See page 4.
We Make Way for God
God is mysterious and sometimes confusing, but God continues to work in and through us to do God’s work in the world. Let us explore together the mysteries of faith!
In Christ, Pastor Kat