Gods Mission in Matthew

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Gods Mission in Matthew
A Service of Lenten Preparation Walking to the
Cross with Jesus Lent is historically a time of
deep reflection upon Jesus resolute journey to
the Cross. Since we are in him, we participate
in his obedient journey, which includes suffering
and death. Suffering and death force us to face
our humanness We are at once frail and
glorious creatures.
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Gods Mission in Matthew
We are frail creatures dust you are, and to
dust you will return (Gen 319) all have
sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Rom
323) We are glorious creatures What is man
that you are mindful of him,        the son of
man that you care for him?  You made him a
little lower than the heavenly beings        and
crowned him with glory and honor (Ps 85)
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Gods Mission in Matthew
The author of Hebrews summarizes the focus of
Lent But we see Jesus, who was made a little
lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and
honor because he suffered death, so that by the
grace of God he might taste death for everyone.
In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting
that God, for whom and through whom everything
exists, should make the author of their salvation
perfect through suffering. Heb 29-10
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Gods Mission in Matthew
Since the children have flesh and blood, he too
shared in their humanity so that by his death he
might destroy him who holds the power of
deaththat is, the devil and free those who all
their lives were held in slavery by their fear of
death. For this reason he had to be made like
his brothers in every way, in order that he might
become a merciful and faithful high priest in
service to God, and that he might make atonement
for the sins of the people. Because he himself
suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help
those who are being tempted. Heb 214-15, 17-18
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Gods Mission in Matthew
Thus we begin the Lenten journey with a dual
focus 1. On the reality of human frailty, which
confronts us with our need for Gods
help. 2. On the reality of Gods provision in
his son, Jesus Christ, who not only experienced
our human frailty but overcame it once and for
all. We are set free from fear and slavery only
in Christ.
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Gods Mission in Matthew

• Today, in anticipation of Ash Wednesday, which
  marks the beginning of the Lenten journey, we
  share publicly examples of
• our human frailty
• our dependence on and hope in Jesus Christ, who
  is Gods perfect answer to our dilemma.

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Gods Mission in Matthew
"Even now," declares the LORD, "return to me
with all your heart,  with fasting and weeping
and mourning."   Rend your heart and not your
garments. Return to the LORD your God, for he
is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and
abounding in love, and he relents from sending
calamity. Joel 212-13