Advent 2 with Matthew

8 December Matt. 3:1-12
Matthew has a long introduction to his story of Jesus. It is well into the third chapter before his gospel tells us of the baptism of the adult Jesus. However the preaching begins with the words of John, 'Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.' (Ch 3:2) Matthew's introduction then moves on into the main part of his gospel with the very same words, 'Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand' However, this time those words are on the lips of the now baptised Jesus (Ch 4:17). The same words, but does Jesus have a different emphasis when spoken by Jesus rather than John?

Joachim Jeremias seems to suggest that John called for repentance as a requirement before bad people could be counted fit to enter God's kingdom. He had withering words for the religious elite of his day (Ch 3:7-10). Jesus on the other hand seems to have welcomed sinners as they were, even before they showed fruits of repentance. For example, he was critisised for eating with sinners, not former sinners.

Could it be that rather than condemn people for what they were and what they had done, our Lord accepted them as they were and showed them something better? The story of Zacchaeus in Luke's gospel is a classic example of this.

Possible preaching points

• Classic twentieth century evangelism aimed to draw people from 'the world' into the church. For example large gospel rallies often measured success by the number of people who had made a commitment to Christ, and evidenced conversion by then turning up at church each week, leaving behind their old ways and haunts. Current approaches aim at accepting people for who they are and where they are and showing them, in a nonjudgmental way what Christ has to offer. Which of these models of evangelism are we working on in our situation?

• Four examples of growing churches in traditional denominations in 2013:

1. An inner city immigrant congregation, made up of people far from home and not rich in this world's goods, celebrates packed congregations and multiple baptisms and confirmations.

2. A former industrial village where low employment, poor transport, and social problems are daily issues for the residents. The local church befriends people and ministers to their material, emotional and social needs, and then find that people become interested in the message and join Sunday worship.

3. A mission hall on an estate of terraced houses. The church ministers to the local people after an accident which has affected the entire neighbourhood. Suddenly local people notice this church and begin to appreciate it. The congregation ask 'Now that we have ministered to material and emotional need, how can we begin to speak of the love of Christ?'

4. An inner city area with a history of violence. A group of folk begin a 'daughter church' in a public building and the message is appreciated, drawing in people untouched by traditional churches.

• These stories illustrate that once more, the Gospel is effective when it is presented as 'Good news to the poor' and in a nonjudgmental way. Indeed it is good news for body, spirit, soul, and in community.