Breaking the Word

GOSPEL READING: LUKE 9:7-9

Everyone was imagining Jesus to be someone very important. They thought of him to be someone of the past. People could not see or visualise greatness in the present times. They always linked greatness to the past. Good things and great things happened only in the past. They could not see greatness in Jesus as a present reality.

Jesus activities and preaching identified him to be one of the prophets of old. They thought that he would be Elijah. Elijah was supposed to come back at the end of times also he had no origin etc. He was also a prophet who proclaimed the truth about one true God. John was also like Elijah that is why he was also considered to be Elijah. Life of Jesus was like that of anyone prophets of the old. They could not see Jesus differently.

இயேசுவின் வாழ்வும் பணியும் முந்தைய இறைவாக்கினர்களைப் போல் இருந்தது. இது யாராக இருக்கக்கூடும் என்பது அவரவரது அனுபத்தைப் பொருத்திருந்தது. ஏரோது தன் அனுபவத்தை வைத்து இயேசுவை யோவான் என்றான்.

GOSPEL READING: MATTHEW 9:9-13

Following Jesus called for a celebration. As soon as Jesus called Matthew he threw a party to celebrate this calling. This celebration included mostly his own old friends. Definitely Jesus was there with his disciples. Here again his past life was not forgotten nor his friends of the past were ignored. This raised few questions among the Pharisees.

This situation became an opportunity for Jesus to teach a lesson to the Pharisees and all. Taking Matthew out the context (sinful) would have helped Matthew but it would not have helped the situation. Jesus wanted to heal the past situation of Matthew. Jesus attitude to the past situation of Matthew was one of showing mercy. Mercy shown to the situation brings followers.

இயேசுவை பின்பற்றுதல் ஒரு கொண்டாட்டம். பழைய நண்பர்கள் இருக்கிறார்கள். பழைய சூழலை இயேசு மறைக்கவில்லை. மாறாக பழைய சூழலை மாற்ற வழிவகுக்கின்றார்.