A Year with Matthew 25
"A Year with Matthew 25" connects readings from the Scripture with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s Matthew 25 vision of building congregational vitality, dismantling structural racism, and eradicating systemic poverty. This weekly podcast is designed for devotional use, formation for service, and preparation for worship for church members and leaders.
Becoming a Matthew 25 Church: Matthew 25:31-46
Revised Common Lectionary, Reign of Christ, Year A. This vision focuses on service. In your congregation, how might you love and serve Christ as you love and serve your neighbors in need — living into the Matthew 25 vision of eradicating systemic poverty, dismantling structural racism, and building congregational vitality? Reader: Becky Purcell. Musicians: David Gambrell and Phillip Morgan. Music: “Jesus, Be with Us.”
pcusa.org/matthew25, tinyurl.com/ywm2223
Becoming a Matthew 25 Church: Matthew 25:14-30
Revised Common Lectionary, Proper 28, Year A. This parable focuses on treasure. In your congregation, how can you be good stewards of the gifts of God as you await Christ’s return— sharing in the Matthew 25 vision of eradicating systemic poverty, dismantling structural racism, and building congregational vitality? Reader: Derek Wadlington. Musicians: David Gambrell and Phillip Morgan. Music: “Jesus, Be with Us.”
pcusa.org/matthew25, tinyurl.com/ywm2223
Becoming a Matthew 25 Church: Matthew 25:1-13
Proper 27, Revised Common Lectionary, Year A. This parable focuses on time. In your congregation, how will you use the resource of time as you watch for the coming of God’s realm — advancing the Matthew 25 vision of eradicating systemic poverty, dismantling structural racism, and building congregational vitality? Reader: Kelly Abraham. Musicians: David Gambrell and Phillip Morgan. Music: “Jesus, Be with Us.”
pcusa.org/matthew25, tinyurl.com/ywm2223
Glimpses of God's Realm: Matthew 5:1-12 and Matthew 23:1-12
Proper 26, Revised Common Lectionary, Year A. [vitality] In the realm of God, the humble are exalted. The “five books” of Matthew’s Gospel begin (Matthew 5:1–12) and end (Matthew 25:31–46) with an emphasis on humble service in Jesus’ name. Why is this kind of leadership so important for building congregational vitality? Readers: Derek Wadlington and Kim Wadlington. Musicians: David Gambrell and Phillip Morgan. Music: “Abide with Me” and “Jesus, Be with Us.”
pcusa.org/matthew25, tinyurl.com/ywm2223
Glimpses of God's Realm: Matthew 22:34-46
Proper 25, Revised Common Lectionary, Year A. [racism] In the realm of God, we live by love. Jesus teaches that all of Scripture can be summarized in two commandments: loving God (Deuteronomy 6:5) and loving neighbors (Leviticus 19:18). How does this “rule of love” support and stand behind the work of dismantling racism? Reader: Andy James. Musicians: David Gambrell and Phillip Morgan. Music: “Abide with Me” and “Jesus, Be with Us.”
pcusa.org/matthew25, tinyurl.com/ywm2223
Glimpses of God's Realm: Matthew 22:15-22
Proper 24, Revised Common Lectionary, Year A. [poverty] In the realm of God, we honor God’s image. The coin used to pay the tax was marked with the likeness of the emperor; each human being is made in the image of God. Jesus’ words in this parable present us with a critical decision: What or whom do we value most? Reader: Phillip Morgan. Musicians: David Gambrell and Phillip Morgan. Music: “Abide with Me” and “Jesus, Be with Us.”
pcusa.org/matthew25, tinyurl.com/ywm2223
Glimpses of God's Realm: Matthew 22:1-14
Proper 23, Revised Common Lectionary, Year A. [poverty] In the realm of God, a table is set. Many are called to the “marriage supper of the Lamb” (see Revelation 19:9). God’s gracious invitation upsets our expectations, overturning the tables of power and privilege and disrupting the systems that perpetuate poverty. Reader: Barry Ensign-George. Musicians: David Gambrell and Phillip Morgan. Music: “Abide with Me” and “Jesus, Be with Us.”
pcusa.org/matthew25, tinyurl.com/ywm2223
Glimpses of God's Realm: Matthew 21:33-46
Proper 22, Revised Common Lectionary, Year A. [racism] In the realm of God, the crucified one is the cornerstone. Structural racism is built on hatred and fear. But the beloved community is built on God’s beloved Son—the very one who was betrayed, denied, rejected, despised, and put to death on a cross. Reader: Nikki Collins. Musicians: David Gambrell and Phillip Morgan. Music: “Abide with Me” and “Jesus, Be with Us.”
pcusa.org/matthew25, tinyurl.com/ywm2223
Glimpses of God's Realm: Matthew 21:23-32
Proper 21, Revised Common Lectionary, Year A. [vitality] In the realm of God, Jesus is Lord. Jesus asks us only “one question” (Matthew 21:24): Will you follow me? We respond by doing God’s will. A vital congregation must answer to Jesus’ authority and seek to follow him faithfully, trusting in his transforming power. Reader: Becky Purcell. Musicians: David Gambrell and Phillip Morgan. Music: “Abide with Me” and “Jesus, Be with Us.”
pcusa.org/matthew25, tinyurl.com/ywm2223
Glimpses of God's Realm: Matthew 20:1-16
Proper 20, Revised Common Lectionary, Year A. [poverty] In the realm of God, the last will be first. God’s grace is extended to all. This is the scandal of the gospel—that by the grace of God, we don’t just get what we deserve. How might this view of God’s grace influence our work to eradicate systemic poverty? Reader: Lisa Schrott. Musicians: David Gambrell and Phillip Morgan. Music: “Abide with Me” and “Jesus, Be with Us.”
pcusa.org/matthew25, tinyurl.com/ywm2223
Glimpses of God's Realm: Matthew 18:21-35
Proper 19, Revised Common Lectionary, Year A. [vitality] In the realm of God, debts are forgiven. In this parable, Jesus uses astronomical numbers—seventy-seven, ten thousand—to underscore the imperative of forgiving others as God forgives us. Why is forgiveness so important for building congregational vitality? Reader: Martha Moore-Keish. Musicians: David Gambrell and Phillip Morgan. Music: “Abide with Me” and “Jesus, Be with Us.”
pcusa.org/matthew25, tinyurl.com/ywm2223
Glimpses of God's Realm: Matthew 18:15-20
Proper 18, Revised Common Lectionary, Year A. [racism] In the realm of God, all will be reconciled. The work of dismantling structural racism begins with confessing sin, lamenting evil, and seeking justice; only then can right relationships be restored. This will require the participation of the whole people of God. Reader: Vilmarie Cintrón-Olivieri. Musicians: David Gambrell and Phillip Morgan. Music: “Abide with Me” and “Jesus, Be with Us.”
pcusa.org/matthew25, tinyurl.com/ywm2223
The Challenge of the Gospel: Matthew 16:21-28
Proper 17, Revised Common Lectionary, Year A. [poverty] Jesus again presents the paradox of “God’s economy." Those who seek to save their own lives will lose them. Those who want to acquire the world will lose what truly matters. How does this challenge conventional wisdom about wealth and poverty? Reader: Carlton David Johnson. Musician: Phillip Morgan. Music: “Were You There” and “Jesus, Be with Us.”
pcusa.org/matthew25, tinyurl.com/ywm2223
The Challenge of the Gospel: Matthew 16:13–20
Proper 16, Revised Common Lectionary, Year A. [vitality] Jesus gives Simon a new name and identity: Peter, the rock on whom the church is built. Similarly, the challenge of building congregational vitality depends on our confession of who Jesus is. What difference does it make that Jesus is the Messiah, Son of God? Reader: Rachel Sutphin. Musician: Phillip Morgan. Music: “Were You There” and “Jesus, Be with Us.”
pcusa.org/matthew25, tinyurl.com/ywm2223
The Challenge of the Gospel: Matthew 15:21-28
Proper 15, Revised Common Lectionary, Year A. [racism] A courageous and persistent Canaanite woman speaks out with great faith to challenge the ethnic divisions and purity restrictions of Jesus’ time. Where do we find similar situations in our society? How does our faith call us to confront these problems? Reader: Barry Ensign-George. Musician: Phillip Morgan. Music: “Were You There” and “Jesus, Be with Us.”
pcusa.org/matthew25, tinyurl.com/ywm2223
The Challenge of the Gospel: Matthew 14:22-33
Proper 14, Revised Common Lectionary, Year A. [vitality] In Christian imagination, the symbol of a boat has been an important metaphor for the church. How is your congregation like a boat? What storms have you weathered? What tempests are you experiencing now? How is Jesus challenging you to step out in faith? Reader: Linda Lovins. Musician: Phillip Morgan. Music: “Were You There” and “Jesus, Be with Us.”
pcusa.org/matthew25, tinyurl.com/ywm2223
The Challenge of the Gospel: Matthew 14:13-21
Proper 13, Revised Common Lectionary, Year A. [poverty] In “God’s economy,” abundance comes from sharing. The story of Jesus feeding the multitude is a perfect illustration. How might this insight inform our ministry with people who are poor? How might it challenge our anxieties and encourage our generosity? Reader: Carlton David Johnson. Musician: Phillip Morgan. Music: “Were You There” and “Jesus, Be with Us.”
pcusa.org/matthew25, tinyurl.com/ywm2223
The Challenge of the Gospel: Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52
Proper 12, Revised Common Lectionary, Year A. [racism] Small moments and subtle actions sometimes make a big difference in the struggle to challenge structural racism and white supremacy. Can you think of people who have been a mustard seed, a measure of leaven, a hidden treasure, or a pearl of great price? Reader: Kim Long. Musician: Phillip Morgan. Music: “Were You There” and “Jesus, Be with Us.”
pcusa.org/matthew25, tinyurl.com/ywm2223
The Challenge of the Gospel: Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
Proper 11, Revised Common Lectionary, Year A. [racism] This parable may be applied to the hidden dimensions of racism—secret prejudice, implicit bias, and unconscious patterns of privilege. One challenge of dismantling structural racism is learning to recognize these “weeds,” yet continuing to love and serve all. Reader: Derek Wadlington. Musician: Phillip Morgan. Music: “Were You There” and “Jesus, Be with Us.”
pcusa.org/matthew25, tinyurl.com/ywm2223
The Challenge of the Gospel: Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
Proper 10, Revised Common Lectionary, Year A. [poverty] The parable of the sower and the seeds illustrates God’s extravagant generosity, scattering out grace and truth in abundance. But this parable also challenges us to be good soil, so that God’s will for the world—and care for the poor—may flourish among us. Reader: Kim Wadlington. Musician: Phillip Morgan. Music: “Were You There” and “Jesus, Be with Us.”
pcusa.org/matthew25, tinyurl.com/ywm2223
The Challenge of the Gospel: Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30
Proper 9, Revised Common Lectionary, Year A. [vitality] Jesus’ call to discipleship involves constancy and change. In the changing contexts of each generation, vital congregations are challenged to discern how best to respond to Christ’s call. Yet Christ’s faithfulness is constant: inviting us to come, learn, serve, and rest. Reader: Derek Wadlington. Musician: Phillip Morgan. Music: “Were You There” and “Jesus, Be with Us.”
pcusa.org/matthew25, tinyurl.com/ywm2223
The Great Commission: Matthew 10:40-42
Proper 8, Revised Common Lectionary, Year A. [vitality] Real welcome involves real work. Authentic and effective evangelism requires something deeper and more difficult than accepting those who happen to enter our doors. It means going out to the margins and recognizing Christ in the faces of our neighbors. Reader: Karl Heimbuck. Musicians: Chi Yi Chen Wolbrink, Tony Lu, Katie Wesley, and Phillip Morgan. Music: “Take Me to the Water” and “Jesus, Be with Us.”
pcusa.org/matthew25, tinyurl.com/ywm2223
The Great Commission: Matthew 10:24-39
Proper 7, Revised Common Lectionary, Year A. [racism] The struggle against racism is fraught with danger. History tells us of prophets and martyrs who accepted this cost of discipleship and took up their cross to follow Christ. For people of privilege, this may mean disrupting family systems and building new communities. Reader: Kelly Abraham. Musicians: Chi Yi Chen Wolbrink, Tony Lu, Katie Wesley, and Phillip Morgan. Music: “Take Me to the Water” and “Jesus, Be with Us.”
pcusa.org/matthew25, tinyurl.com/ywm2223
The Great Commission: Matthew 9:35-10:8
Proper 6, Revised Common Lectionary, Year A. [poverty] The fundamental problem of poverty is not one of scarcity, but of the willingness to share God’s gifts. Moved with compassion for people in need, Jesus sends the apostles out to share in God’s mission. He emphasizes abundance: “the harvest is plentiful.” Reader: Vilmarie Cintrón-Olivieri. Musicians: Chi Yi Chen Wolbrink, Tony Lu, Katie Wesley, and Phillip Morgan. Music: “Take Me to the Water” and “Jesus, Be with Us.”
pcusa.org/matthew25, tinyurl.com/ywm2223
The Great Commission: Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26
Proper 5, Revised Common Lectionary, Year A. The reading for today begins with Jesus’ call to Matthew, a tax collector, and then concludes with demonstrations of Jesus’ healing, life-giving power. How does the call to discipleship surprise our expectations and lead us into scandalous company? How does it bring new life and healing to the world? Reader: Linda Lovins. Musicians: Chi Yi Chen Wolbrink, Tony Lu, Katie Wesley, and Phillip Morgan. Music: “Take Me to the Water” and “Jesus, Be with Us.”
pcusa.org/matthew25, tinyurl.com/ywm2223
The Great Commission: Matthew 28:16-20
Trinity Sunday, Revised Common Lectionary, Year A. How can the church’s mission of baptism and teaching help to make disciples who will address poverty, racism, and congregational vitality? What does the doctrine of the Trinity have to do with these priorities for the PC(USA)? Where must we “go” to do this work? Reader: Carlton Johnson. Musicians: Chi Yi Chen Wolbrink, Tony Lu, Katie Wesley, and Phillip Morgan. Music: “Take Me to the Water” and “Jesus, Be with Us.”
pcusa.org/matthew25, tinyurl.com/ywm2223
Called to Live: Matthew 12:22-27 and John 20:19-23
Day of Pentecost, Revised Common Lectionary, Year A. Got Spirit? In the church’s witness and work toward eradicating systemic poverty, dismantling structural racism, and building congregational vitality, we utterly depend on the work of the Holy Spirit. But here is the good news of the gospel: It is the Spirit who “has” us. Readers: Derek Wadlington and Rachel Sutphin. Musicians: Westminster Presbyterian Church, Greenville, South Carolina, and Phillip Morgan. Music: “The Day of Resurrection” and “Jesus, Be with Us.”
pcusa.org/matthew25, tinyurl.com/ywm2223
Called to Live: Matthew 22:23-33 and John 17:1-11
Seventh Sunday of Easter, Revised Common Lectionary, Year A. [racism] Where do we see love in action? (Part Two.) John 17 describes how Jesus has given the mission of God’s reconciling love to the church. Matthew 22 indicates that, “in the resurrection,” former relationships will be transformed by the power of the living God. Readers: Lisa Schrott and Becky Purcell. Musicians: Westminster Presbyterian Church, Greenville, South Carolina, and Phillip Morgan. Music: "The Day of Resurrection" and "Jesus, Be with Us."
pcusa.org/matthew25, tinyurl.com/ywm2223
Called to Live: Matthew 24:1-35 and Luke 24:44-53
Ascension of the Lord, Revised Common Lectionary, Year A. Where is Jesus now? The story of Christ’s ascension is sometimes misunderstood as his absence; the point is that Christ is sovereign, interceding for us. Especially in Easter, we celebrate the power and presence of the risen Christ with the church at work in the world. Readers: Barry Ensign-George and Sarah Walker Cleaveland. Musicians: Westminster Presbyterian Church, Greenville, South Carolina, and Phillip Morgan. Music: "The Day of Resurrection" and "Jesus, Be with Us."
pcusa.org/matthew25, tinyurl.com/ywm2223
Called to Live: Matthew 21:12-22 and John 14:15-21
Sixth Sunday of Easter, Revised Common Lectionary, Year A. [racism] Where do we see love in action? (Part One.) John 14 underscores Jesus’ new commandment to love one another in the name and image of the triune God. Matthew 21 demonstrates that love in action means rooting out corruption and bearing good fruit. Readers: Kim Wadlington and Derek Wadlington. Musicians: Westminster Presbyterian Church, Greenville, South Carolina, and Phillip Morgan. Music: "The Day of Resurrection" and "Jesus, Be with Us."
pcusa.org/matthew25, tinyurl.com/ywm2223
Called to Live: Matthew 12:1-21 and John 14:1-14
Fifth Sunday of Easter, Revised Common Lectionary, Year A. [poverty] What does abundant life look like? (Part Two.) John 14 promises that there are many dwelling places in the house of God, where Jesus makes room. Matthew 12 shows how Jesus came to provide for human flourishing — feeding, healing, and serving others. Readers: Derek Wadlington and Martha Moore-Keish. Musicians: Westminster Presbyterian Church, Greenville, South Carolina, and Phillip Morgan. Music: "The Day of Resurrection" and "Jesus, Be with Us."
pcusa.org/matthew25, tinyurl.com/ywm2223
Called to Live: John 10:1-10 and Matthew 18:1-14
Fourth Sunday of Easter, Revised Common Lectionary, Year A. [poverty] What does abundant life look like? (Part One.) John 10 says that it means trusting the shepherd’s voice, rather than thieves and bandits who kill and destroy. Matthew 18 connects heavenly life with welcoming all, eliminating stumbling blocks, and seeking out the lost. Readers: Karl Heimbuck and Kimberly Long. Musicians: Westminster Presbyterian Church, Greenville, South Carolina, and Phillip Morgan. Music: "The Day of Resurrection" and "Jesus, Be with Us."
pcusa.org/matthew25, tinyurl.com/ywm2223
Called to Live: Matthew 16:1-12 and Luke 24:13-35
Third Sunday of Easter, Revised Common Lectionary, Year A. [vitality] What are the marks of a vital congregation? (Part Two.) Luke 24 teaches us that vitality involves recognizing the presence and action of Christ among strangers. Matthew 16 invites us to consider the “sign of Jonah” — a call to repentance, death, and resurrection. Readers: Jane Rose and Tom Trinidad. Musicians: Westminster Presbyterian Church, Greenville, South Carolina, and Phillip Morgan. Music: "The Day of Resurrection" and "Jesus, Be with Us."
pcusa.org/matthew25, tinyurl.com/ywm2223
Called to Live: Matthew 15:29-39 and John 20:19-31
Second Sunday of Easter, Revised Common Lectionary, Year A. [vitality] What are the marks of a vital congregation? (Part One.) John 20 reveals that vitality involves the work of the Holy Spirit, forgiveness and trust in Christ. Matthew 15 suggests that vitality means a ministry of healing and sharing God’s abundant grace. Readers: David Gambrell and Emily Krause Corzine. Musicians: Westminster Presbyterian Church, Greenville, South Carolina, and Phillip Morgan. Music: "The Day of Resurrection" and "Jesus, Be with Us."
pcusa.org/matthew25, tinyurl.com/ywm2223
Called to Live: Matthew 28:1-10
Resurrection of the Lord, Revised Common Lectionary, Year A. What does it mean to believe in resurrection? For Christians, this is our joyful affirmation that Jesus is risen from the dead. But it is also our call to a new way of life, a new orientation for the people of God. We believe that God is still working to bring new life to the world. Reader: Byron Wade. Musicians: Westminster Presbyterian Church, Greenville, South Carolina, and Phillip Morgan. Music: "The Day of Resurrection" and "Jesus, Be with Us."
pcusa.org/matthew25, tinyurl.com/ywm2223
Called to Die: Matthew 27:11-54
Palm/Passion Sunday, Revised Common Lectionary, Year A. On Palm/Passion Sunday the Scriptures speak for themselves. The irony of the Lenten season culminates in Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. The call to die leads to Gethsemane and Golgotha. Reader: David Gambrell. Musicians: David Gambrell and Phillip Morgan. Music: "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" and "Jesus, Be with Us."
pcusa.org/matthew25, tinyurl.com/ywm2223
Called to Die: Matthew 26:1-13 and John 11:1-45
Fifth Sunday in Lent, Revised Common Lectionary, Year A. The anointing at Bethany (Matthew 26) and the raising of Lazarus (John 11) strongly foreshadow the great mystery of faith we are preparing to commemorate at Holy Week. How does the church’s work around poverty, racism, and congregational vitality lead us to Christ’s cross? Readers: Andy James and Emily Krause Corzine. Musicians: David Gambrell and Phillip Morgan. Music: "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" and "Jesus, Be with Us."
pcusa.org/matthew25, tinyurl.com/ywm2223
Called to Die: Matthew 20:17-34 and John 9:1-41
Fourth Sunday in Lent, Revised Common Lectionary, Year A. [vitality] Who can really claim to see what God is doing? In each of these Gospel stories, those who are dismissed as blind seem to have more insight. What assumptions do we make about people outside the church? How have we failed to see what God is doing with them? Readers: Lisa Schrott and Martha Moore-Keish. Musicians: David Gambrell and Phillip Morgan. Music: "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" and "Jesus, Be with Us."
pcusa.org/matthew25, tinyurl.com/ywm2223
Called to Die: Matthew 19:16-30 and John 4:5-42
Third Sunday in Lent, Revised Common Lectionary, Year A. [poverty] Ironically, the rich young ruler asks Jesus, “What do still I lack?” (Matthew 19:20). The problem, of course, is that he has too much. In the realm of God, the first will be last and the last will be first. We must learn to depend on the overflowing grace of God (cf. John 4:14). Readers: Linda Lovins and Marcella Glass. Musicians: David Gambrell and Phillip Morgan. Music: "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" and "Jesus, Be with Us."
pcusa.org/matthew25, tinyurl.com/ywm2223
Called to Die: Matthew 12:38-50 and John 3:1-17
Second Sunday in Lent, Revised Common Lectionary, Year A. [racism] Jesus challenges us to rethink our ideas about birthright and family allegiances. Whether in his conversation with Nicodemus (John 3) or the crowds (Matthew 12), Jesus describes new relationships in God. What does this suggest about dismantling structural racism? Readers: Tom Trinidad and Becky Purcell. Musicians: David Gambrell and Phillip Morgan. Music: "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" and "Jesus, Be with Us."
pcusa.org/matthew25, tinyurl.com/ywm2223
