Not Just Saying Master, Master
by Herb Montgomery “Why do you call me: Master, Master, and do not do what I say?” (Q 6:46) Companion Texts: Luke 6:46, 47: “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? As for…
The Tree Is Known by its Fruit
BY HERB MONTGOMERY “No healthy tree bears rotten fruit, nor, on the other hand‚ does a decayed tree bear healthy fruit. For from the fruit the tree is known. Are figs picked from thorns, or grapes from thistles? The good…
The Speck and the Beam
BY HERB MONTGOMERY “And why do you see the speck in your brother’s eye, but the beam in your own eye you overlook? How can you say to your brother: Let me throw out the speck from your eye, and…
The Blind Leading the Blind
by Herb Montgomery Can a blind person show the way to a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit? (Q 6:39) Luke 6:39: “He also told them this parable: ‘Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not…
The Golden Rule
by Herb Montgomery “And the way you want people to treat you, that is how you treat them.” (Q 6:31) Luke 6:31: “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” Matthew 7:12: “So in everything, do to…
Renouncing One’s Rights
by Herb Montgomery “The one who slaps you on the cheek, offer him the other as well; and to the person wanting to take you to court and get your shirt, turn over to him the coat as well. And…
The Beatitudes for the Poor, Hungry, and Mourning
by Herb Montgomery And raising his eyes to his disciples he said: Blessed are you poor, for God’s reign is for you. Blessed are you who hunger, for you will eat your fill. Blessed are you who mourn, for you…
The Sayings of Jesus
by Herb Montgomery Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them. (Matthew 5.1-2, emphasis added.) From each of us here at…
Two Visions [or Versions] of Peace (Part 3 of 3)
The Subversive Narratives of Advent: Part 3 of 3 by Herb Montgomery “The angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of…
The Subversive Narratives of Advent (Part 1 of 3)
BY HERB MONTGOMERY “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all people.” (Luke 2.10) Advent season has begun! Over the next two weeks I want to look at the birth narratives of Jesus from first century…