Tuesday of the Second Week in Lent

Read Matthew 5:1–12

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Rabbi Jesus passed through our area today. Word has spread that he’s unlike other rabbis; he teaches differently, and he’s even been said to heal people. We couldn’t resist the opportunity to hear him. But we didn’t realize how quickly word had gotten around — huge crowds beat us to the hillside. I strained my eyes and made out an unassuming man sitting at the top of the ridge. This was Jesus, the one who spoke and healed with such authority? He looked so . . . normal!

The crowd settled down, and Jesus started teaching. He spoke of God’s “blessed”: the poor, the mourners, those seeking after God’s righteousness, those being persecuted. This didn’t sound like any moral code I’d heard before. I thought to myself, “Great, this is easy!” Then I realized it’s actually harder; he’s telling us that God is concerned about who we are, not just how we behave.

Jesus, thank you for blessing us. Help us to be your righteous people.

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Lenten Symbol: Bread and Cup

Jesus offered bread and cup to his disciples at the Last Supper. Today we use bread and cup that are common to the culture of those participating in Communion.

Text by Jodi Craiglow

Video from First United Presbyterian Church of Belleville, IL

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAaA7_BeAkI