27 September - 3 October 2008
Worship Together27 September - 3 October 2008
Proper 21
Matthew 21.23-32Context
In Matthew’s Gospel, today’s reading is to be found immediately after Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem and the cleansing of the Temple. In exploring the passage, we need to remind ourselves of a setting where passions are running high and there is, perhaps, an atmosphere that could be cut with a knife. The placing of this text alongside the well-known and eirenic passage from Philippians describing Jesus as a slave offers a creative tension through which to explore.
Common thread: Authority and obedience (Matthew 21.23-32)
The ROOTS resources – for adults, all ages together, children and young people – draw on the Gospel to explore the relationships and interplays between the notions of authority and obedience. The parable appears deceptively simple – it reflects ordinary human experience: but the teaching with which Jesus follows it is challenging. The need to nurture self-control, this week’s Fruit of the Spirit, has a bearing on it all.
An alternative thread for adults draws on the Philippians passage and explores humility.
These resources were first published in 2008.
Lectionary Bible readings for RCL Proper 21 Year A
Ezekiel 18.1-4,25-32
Psalm 25.1-9
Philippians 2.1-13
Matthew 21.23-32
This week's session plans
Ready-to-go complete sessions
27 September - 3 October 2008
Children & YouthFind more resources on these readings
- Proper 21 focused on Exodus 17:1-7 (2026)
- Proper 21 focused on Matthew 21.23-32 (2023)
- Proper 21 focused on Matthew 21.23-32 (2020)
- Proper 21 focused on Matthew 21.23-32 (2017)
- Proper 21 focused on Matthew 21.23-32 (2014)
- Proper 21 focused on Matthew 21.23-32 (2011)
- Proper 21 focused on Matthew 21.23-32 (2008)
- Proper 21 focused on Philippians 2.1-13 (2005)
- Proper 21 focused on Matthew 21.23-32 (2002)