Pastor's sermon is based on the gospel reading. At this pivotal moment in Matthew’s story about Jesus, and through this apparently simple parable, the Lord is inviting his adversaries into an open future, one not dominated by the arguments and opposition of the past, but one that is open to the movement of God’s spirit to heal, revive, restore, and make all things new. The chief priests and elders refuse this invitation. They’ve got way too much at stake in the past. After all, the past has created for them their primary identity and, whatever its limitations, they’ve become dependent on that identity. As a result, they reject Jesus and refuse to trade their past for an open future. On the other hand, the people who are down and out are the ones who latch onto the gracious invitation of Jesus with both hands. And here’s the good news: Jesus also invites us into an open future. Thanks be to God. Amen!
