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In this special episode, I interview Dr. Timothy Lewis, creator of the Podcast Matthewlinity, and author of the upcoming book, The Poetics of Matthew One. Through poetic/literary analysis of the Gospel of Matthew, Dr. Lewis has found a pattern in which the narrative consistently undermines patriarchal structures and customs, challenging men to put aside male privilege. This pattern may be a major interpretive key to understanding the story told in the Gospel of Matthew. Support the show

I've often thought about what I would say were I to be invited to participate in an on stage "debate" with an atheist. Well, here is my opening statement.Support the show

Why does Matthew divide up the genealogy into 3 sets of 14 generations? What does this signify?Link to Dr. Timothy Lewis' podcast, Matthewlinity: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/matthewlinity/id1398795694Support the show

Revisiting the theme of Jonah in Matthew. The "big fish" ain't just a big fish!Support the show

The text is Matthew 4:23-25. This special episode is mostly a recording of me, Bert, doing a workshop (as the sermon!) at Pasadena Mennonite Church, but I added a 10 minute introduction.Support the show

Jesus' resurrection brings the victory of the future into the present, and Jesus gives his disciples a nonviolent commission to counter the imperial violent domination of the powers and authorities of this present age.Support the show

Jesus experiences abandonment by God, but the apocalyptic signs reveal the victory of the cross.Support the show

We look at two important passages, the suicide of Judas and the release of Barabbas.Support the show

Jesus goes on trial before the Sanhedrin, but who is really on trial? Those with eyes to see can see as through the vision of Daniel 7.Support the show

In these passages, Jesus is more human than we have seen him; he is afraid and doesn't want to go to the cross, yet he still rejects violent resistance, even by angels.Support the show

A woman anoints Jesus, and Jesus becomes the liberating sacrifice for the nation (and all nations or people).Support the show

I did the whole series on The Little Apocalypse in Matthew and did not comment on the use of the term "the elect." So I did this little addendum to give my thoughts on the matterSupport the show

Jesus tells two parables that demonstrate what "staying awake" or "keeping watch" looks like.Support the show

In this second section of Matthew's "Little Apocalypse," Jesus starts talking parabolically, calling for his audience to "Stay Awake" for the "Coming of the Son of Man." But what does he mean by "Stay Awake," and what is the "Coming of the Son of Man."Support the show

I thought I'd address an issue that might come up for some listeners regarding the accuracy of the prediction of the destruction of the temple/Jerusalem, and also express some additional thoughts I had, after recording the episode, about Jesus' statement, "This generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place." This is not a polished recording and was not scripted; it's just me thinking aloud.Support the show

This is the first in a three part series on Matthew's "Little Apocalypse" in chapters 24-25. This first episode is considerably on the long side because there is so much imagery to unpack!Support the show

In chapter 5, Jesus gave 9 blessings. In chapter 23, he gives 7 woes.Support the show

The Pharisees join forces with the Herodians and Sadducees to try to stop Jesus from plundering the house. They engage him in public debate...but that never ends well for them.Support the show

In chapter 12, Jesus talked about binding the strong man and plundering his house. In this episode, Jesus does that.Please consider making a donation to the Immigrant Worker Safety Net Fund.Support the show

My good friend, Susan Cameron, who is a lawyer as well as a seminary graduate, gives us insights into the divorce text in Mark, which is different from but similar enough to the two divorce texts in Matthew that her work gives greater depth to the work that I did on the Matthew passages.Support the show