Daily Lectionary | Exodus 23 & Matthew 22:1-33

Exodus 23

Summary 

The beginning of chapter 23 begins with an application of the ninth commandment, “You shall not bear false witness.” In this case, there is a prohibition against spreading rumors or “fake news.” The concern for justice is paramount and requires a commitment to truth-telling. Partiality should not be given to the poor in matters of justice, but at the same time, the poor should not be denied justice in a lawsuit. Corrupt systems invite bribes which favor the rich and disfavor the poor, so bribery is forbidden: “a bribe blinds the clear-sighted and subverts the cause of those who are in the right.”

The principle of sabbath applies to the land, which should lay fallow after six years. The festivals might also be viewed in relation to the sabbath. The Lord requires Israel to participate in the three feasts each year: the Feast of the Unleavened Bread, the Feast of the Harvest, and the Feast of the Ingathering. 

The Lord is forming his people through law and liturgy, government and worship. So when they come into the land of Canaan, they will be a distinct people. They are to make no covenants with the people of the land they are coming to: “for if you serve their gods, it will surely be a snare to you.” They can keep away from such snares by keeping the law. 

Reflection

In what ways does the law against bearing false testimony apply today?

Matthew 22:1-33

Summary

Jesus has just told a parable aimed at the chief priests and pharisees. He continues his critique. The kingdom of heaven is like a big wedding party a king is throwing for his son. Those who were invited wouldn’t come. In fact, they seized the messengers, abused and killed them (as they did the master’s servants in the previous parable). The king sent troops to destroy their city. Careful listeners will hear a threat to Jerusalem, which indeed will be destroyed in AD 70. 

The invited guests refuse, but the king sends out messengers to invite everyone who would come “both bad and good.” Israel’s rejection of the King’s son makes room at the feast for the Gentiles.

Again a question is put to Jesus about paying taxes, this time to Caesar. Jesus asks whose likeness is on the coin? The answer of course is Caesar. So then, Jesus says, give to Caesar what is his. But we are to render to God what belongs to God. The image of God is stamped on us, so we belong to him. 

The Pharisees and Sadducees differed on their beliefs about the resurrection even if they were united in their opposition to Jesus. The Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection while the Pharisees did. So the question about marriage in heaven is already disingenuous. But Jesus makes a point that in the resurrection marriage no longer exists. 

Reflection

How is the kingdom of heaven like a wedding feast? Why is that marriage will not be part of the resurrection, that it is a temporary institution?