This June we are inviting Missio to learn to pray by walking with Jesus in the gospel of Matthew. Each of these passages has been picked as part of the mosaic we are beginning to see emerge as Jesus, the Messiah, sets up his kingdom, forms a people who have been saved by his power, and releases them for the sake of the world!
Three Ways To Steward God's Money With Missio
Here Are Three Ways To Steward God’s Money With Missio.
This is not the only priority, but we are putting it first. All throughout the Story of God there has been a place for the people of God to put their financial resources together to care for the household of God and the community they’ve been placed in. If you are a part of our MC network and aren’t yet giving regularly and sacrificially we encourage you to start here. CLICK HERE TO START GIVING.
Here’s a second way to invest your money into equipping the body of Christ. Each year we host soma school, which is a 5 day discipleship immersion here in the valley. This year we are hoping to scholarship 4 people from less affluent contexts by scholarshipping all or most of their costs. If you want to invest in the global church by helping disciplemaking sisters and brothers come to Soma School CLICK HERE.
And rounding out this top three is a chance to build a school. We are hoping to fund one of our church planting teams in the Eastern Sahara with the resources needed to build a school for local villages to educate their kids. If you want to be a part of this endeavor in prayer- that’s free and you can start doing that now! If you want to give financially, HERES THE LINK FOR THAT.
As always if you have any questions or complications with the giving process you can reach out directly to finances@missiodeicommunities.com and we’d love to help!
A Few More Words On The Miracles
As you reflect on Matthew 8 consider this a bit ….
This chapter doesn’t just highlight these miracles, but draws a center stage spotlight to God’s redemptive work in this act of the True Story. These aren’t just sideshow acts, but the main event as creation is healed by the Creator.
Think about it…
Just as God displayed his power over nature and oppressive forces during the Exodus, freeing the Israelites from slavery and leading them through the Red Sea, Jesus' miracles in Matthew 8 signify a new Exodus, where he liberates humanity from the bondage of sin and inaugurates a new era of salvation and freedom. There is no force- natural or spiritual that is stronger than the Redeemer himself.
But, just like the Israelites had to choose to follow YHWH so we must also decide we will trust and follow the Messiah.
Can you see the parallel? What other ones are you seeing?
24 Hours of Prayer and Fasting
You Are Invited
We are inviting our entire network of Missio Communities and friends to a time of collective fasting on May 18th-19th. We are setting aside the 24 hours prior to our Pentecost gathering to purposefully pray for our church, our city, and our world. We long to see a movement of Jesus take place across our neighborhoods and networks of friends and don’t believe this happens without prayer. If you are a part of Missio we hope you’ll seriously consider joining us in this time we are setting aside to intercede, lament, discern, and listen to the voice of the Spirit. We are desperate for him to heal, guide, convict, empower, and restore- so we are setting aside time to meet with him.
If you want to be a part of the 24 hours of prayer you can sign up on the link below. We will break the fast together on May 19th at 10am for a meal to start off our Sunday gathering.
An Opportunity
If you want to put together some prayer prompts or a prayer guide to offer for your sisters and brothers to use if they want- feel free to send it to us!
Don’t Be Surprised…
Real Quick… Here’s a reminder.
Don’t be surprised that our faith may cost us.
That cost may be in the form of comfort, jobs, relationships, finances, preferred zip codes, or even personal safety- but suffering and sacrifice are part of following Jesus. That’s not just a public service announcement for remote corners of the globe, but it is for us as we follow Jesus in the East Valley and wherever else Jesus may send us.
We are meditating on the words in Matthew 10 and I can’t help but see how they remind all disciples of Jesus that suffering, injustice, and personal risk are all factors to be considered as they are being sent out. Yes disciples are sent with the power and presence of God himself, but that doesn’t mitigate that suffering is part of the journey.
I heard from a friend that the way he equips his church for these realities in his part of Africa is that “In everything they may lose for the gospel, they have one more opportunity to learn their need for God and dependence on his power and grace. I want my church to know that whatever threatens to destroy them, instead gives them more good news to share. God never leaves or forgets. I have experienced this, and I want them to be prepared as well- I don’t want them to be surprised.”
We may really like a God of worship services whose meetings we attend semi-regularly, but the calling and commissioning of Jesus into everyday discipleship reads much different the longer we continue to sit in the book of Matthew. We started the gospel seeing the power struggle between the kingdom of God and the corrupt powers of the first century political world and the religion of the day. Five months into this journey, I continue to see a daily encounter with Jesus, experiences with his community on the journey, rest in his presence, and commissioning into some really messy, painful, and costly places for the sake of the kingdom.
What are you noticing as you journey with Jesus through the gospel of Matthew?
May Reading Plan: The Spirit
During the month of May, we will be looking at the work of the Holy Spirit within the Gospel account of Matthew. Jesus entered the world through the Holy Spirit, performed miracles through the Holy Spirit, conquered death through the Holy Spirit, and empowered his followers with the Holy Spirit. For us to clearly see the work of Jesus, we must look at how he depended upon and partnered with the Holy Spirit in all he did. Of course, Jesus is one with the Holy Spirit and with the Father — but what does it mean for us that we have been given the Holy Spirit as well?
May 19th, 2024 is the day we remember the Day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit came upon the first disciples. This seems a fitting time for us to examine His work not only in the book of Matthew, but also in our own lives today. Stay tuned for the 24 hour prayer sign up!
WEEKLY READINGS
The 31 days of May span across 5 weeks, even though the first and last weeks are not a full seven days. We will utilize those partial weeks for 5 reading plans, but you may break this reading up differently for your own schedule.
Week 1 (May 1-5) — Matthew 1:18-20, Matthew 3:11-4:1
Week 2 (May 6-12) — Matthew 10:16-20
Week 3 (May 13-19) — Matthew 12:15-32
Week 4 (May 20-26) — Matthew 22:41-46
Week 5 (May 27-31) — Matthew 28:16-20, Acts 1:1-5, Acts 2:1-21
APPROACH
This month’s reading plan will follow a simple 3-part process:
Read. Reflect. Respond.
We will read the text, take some time to reflect on the story (this section will include some questions and thoughts to guide you), and we will utilize our BLESS rhythms to respond. The goal here is not to create some call-to-action to perform, but to respond to the prompting of the Holy Spirit.
Thank you Chris Priebe of Missio PHX for putting this reading plan together!
The Beauty of Serving
I want to take a minute and dive into something truly beautiful: serving others because of Jesus’ sacrificial service of us. This activity of service flows right out of our identity as servants of Jesus. Let’s take it back a step.
The heart of the gospel is love— God’s love, once experienced then moves us to reach out and care for those around us, just as we've been cared for ourselves.Extending grace, even as it’s been extended to us. Selflessly serving even as we have been served- by Jesus himself! When his love grips us- we serve.
As disciples of Jesus, the selfless servant king has served us, giving us an identity as a servant and empowering us to serve others. I know that’s a mouthful. But it’s true.
Don’t miss this though- When we serve others, we're not just doing random good deeds; we're embodying the very essence of Christ's love for the world. We're walking in His footsteps, extending grace and compassion to those we meet. It’s true when you serve others in your MC and it’s true when you are serving strangers. Whether at a neighborhood block party, a coffee shop, a Sunday gathering, or on the streets it’s for Jesus and because of Jesus
Yes there’s a cost, but there’s also a profound joy in serving out of the overflow we’ve received. A joy that comes from knowing we're living out the gospel story in tangible ways.
It's like we're co-creating with God, a sign that His kingdom is here with each act of kindness. And also serving as a preview or foretaste of his kingdom arriving in fullness one day
And let's not forget the transformative power of service. When we serve others, we're not just meeting their immediate needs; we're also planting seeds of hope and healing that can grow and flourish over time. We are not just changing others but also seeing our own hearts change. It’s a beautiful thing.
So Missio, let's lean into the beauty of the gospel and let it spark imaginative and compassionate ways for us to serve others with all our hearts and our hands. Let's together be the hands and feet of Christ in a world that desperately needs His love. Because when we serve others, we're not just making a difference in their lives—we're shining a light that points straight back to the beauty of the gospel and the King who served us so generously.
April Week 4- Matthew 11
Matthew 11
After Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in the towns of Galilee. When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”
Keep Reading
As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces. Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written: “ ‘I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’ Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence, and violent people have been raiding it. For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. Whoever has ears, let them hear. “To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others: “ ‘We played the pipe for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’ For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is proved right by her deeds.” Then Jesus began to denounce the towns in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent. “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted to the heavens? No, you will go down to Hades. For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.”
At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do. “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
me to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
If you haven’t read what we are doing yet, CHECK THIS OUT FIRST.
Now, over the next four days here is the invitation for you and your MC. Slowly meditate on this story using the following prompts. Read the text, but also let it read you. Spend unhurried time with Jesus letting him work this story down into your heart and see what he may be inviting you into as his disciple today. This is not an exhaustive list, but a few prompts to help you get started as you sit with this story throughout the week.
READ
The first things we want to encourage you to do is to Read the text. Spend time with the words of God and let them work their way into your heart.
Read the text daily. Maybe even mix up reading and listening to it.
A great practice is to write it in your own handwriting as the act of writing helps you remember!
Imagine Jesus speaking these words to you- what would make your eyebrows raise or excite your imagination?
EXAMINE
Spend time with the text and work through it. If it’s a story notice the characters, tension and the plot. If it’s a verse notice the words. If it’s a chapter or passage, notice the themes, follow the logic. If it’s poetry, what are the metaphors, stanzas, and imagery?
What words, phrases, or characters stand out to you?
What do you see about this story and the other callings God gives to other in the Bible?
How would you retell this story in your own words?
Do you have any lingering questions that come to mind when you meditate on this text?
Are there any terms, phrases, or concepts that seem difficult for you to process or understand?
Who can you ask for clarity or resources to better grasp what is happening?
APPLY
The text was written to people who are very different than us, but it was written for us as well. How does this part of Scripture have implications for your life or context?
Is there a behavior you sense Jesus wants you to stop or start?
When you think about sin in your life, how do you feel? How does this story speak to that?
What are implications for your business, family, roommates, or private life?
Is Jesus speaking something for you to do as you follow him this week?
Who else can you share this story with?
DO
So that thing that you feel called to do- do it. Actually follow through on the invitations or calls to repentance that Jesus is offering you through the kindness of his Spirit. We encourage you to make this a community project and invite others to hold you accountable to what the Spirit is inviting you into!
Who will help you stay accountable to doing what Jesus invited you into?
What does repentance and realignment with Jesus and his kingdom story look like for you?
Is there anyone you need to speak to about these next steps?
Further Study:
A Silent Practice
Yesterday in our gathering we talked with all our MC’s about the two callings of every disciple of Jesus. We are called to Jesus and have a calling in the world where we are sent with Jesus. We simply stated it like this:
Every follower of Jesus is called to continually respond to his grace and called to follow Him on mission.
So why sit in silence and meditate?
Here’s some thoughts for you.
In solitude and silence, disciples intentionally withdraw from the noise and busyness of life to spend time alone with God, seeking His presence, guidance, and experience transformation free from the noise and activity that accompany so much of life. This practice allows us to cultivate a deeper awareness of God's grace and to discern His calling as we navigate life in his world.
During times of solitude and silence, we as disciples can reflect on the grace we have received from God and meditate on Jesus' radical love, grace, and the mystery of the work we’ve been called into from Matthew 9-10. They can also seek clarity and direction from God regarding how they can actively participate in His mission of reconciliation and light in the world.
This isn’t just a one time deal though. By regularly engaging in the spiritual practice of solitude and silence, you can create space to experience intimacy with God, strengthen your understanding of His grace, and align yourself more closely with His mission. This pattern of slowing or ceasing activity often enables us to hear and experience the presence of God in different ways.
Weekly Practice
The invitation for this week is to spend 60 minutes in prayerful contemplation of the Callings Jesus has given you. This may sound counterintuitive but our encouragement is not to do it with your Bible open but be attentive to God’s voice as you reflect on your life, his grace, and the work you’ve been called to in His world.
If you want to process what you hear with someone- reach out to a trusted friend / MC co-laborer!
So set the timer for 60 minutes and enjoy some time with the Father, Son, and Spirit this week.
Praying For Your City
Our Downtown Mesa MC is modeling a way of being in and for the city! They begin and continue on in prayer. Check out this set of prayers they shaped for their time together this week. (And maybe even take a version of them to pray over your neighborhood, network, business, or justice initiative!
April Week Three Reading
The Text:
Matthew 10:1-42 NIV
… Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. As you go, proclaim this message: 'The kingdom of heaven has come near.' Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.
“Do not get any gold or silver or copper to take with you in your belts--- no bag for the journey or extra shirt or sandals or a staff, for the worker is worth his keep. Whatever town or village you enter, search there for some worthy person and stay at their house until you leave. As you enter the home, give it your greeting. If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you. If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet.
Keep Reading if you want more!
Truly I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town. “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. Be on your guard; you will be handed over to the local councils and be flogged in the synagogues. On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. Truly I tell you, you will not finish going through the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes. “The student is not above the teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for students to be like their teachers, and servants like their masters. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebul, how much more the members of his household! “So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father's care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
“Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven. “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn “ 'a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law--- a man's enemies will be the members of his own household.' “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it. “Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. Whoever welcomes a prophet as a prophet will receive a prophet's reward, and whoever welcomes a righteous person as a righteous person will receive a righteous person's reward. And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward .”
If you haven’t read what we are doing yet, CHECK THIS OUT FIRST.
Now, over the next four days here is the invitation for you and your MC. Slowly meditate on this story using the following prompts. Read the text, but also let it read you. Spend unhurried time with Jesus letting him work this story down into your heart and see what he may be inviting you into as his disciple today. This is not an exhaustive list, but a few prompts to help you get started as you sit with this story throughout the week.
READ
The first things we want to encourage you to do is to Read the text. Spend time with the words of God and let them work their way into your heart.
Read the text daily. Maybe even mix up reading and listening to it.
A great practice is to write it in your own handwriting as the act of writing helps you remember!
Imagine Jesus speaking these words to you- what would make your eyebrows raise or excite your imagination?
EXAMINE
Spend time with the text and work through it. If it’s a story notice the characters, tension and the plot. If it’s a verse notice the words. If it’s a chapter or passage, notice the themes, follow the logic. If it’s poetry, what are the metaphors, stanzas, and imagery?
What words, phrases, or characters stand out to you?
What do you see about this story and the other callings God gives to other in the Bible?
How would you retell this story in your own words?
Do you have any lingering questions that come to mind when you meditate on this text?
Are there any terms, phrases, or concepts that seem difficult for you to process or understand?
Who can you ask for clarity or resources to better grasp what is happening?
APPLY
The text was written to people who are very different than us, but it was written for us as well. How does this part of Scripture have implications for your life or context?
Is there a behavior you sense Jesus wants you to stop or start?
When you think about sin in your life, how do you feel? How does this story speak to that?
What are implications for your business, family, roommates, or private life?
Is Jesus speaking something for you to do as you follow him this week?
Who else can you share this story with?
DO
So that thing that you feel called to do- do it. Actually follow through on the invitations or calls to repentance that Jesus is offering you through the kindness of his Spirit. We encourage you to make this a community project and invite others to hold you accountable to what the Spirit is inviting you into!
Who will help you stay accountable to doing what Jesus invited you into?
What does repentance and realignment with Jesus and his kingdom story look like for you?
Is there anyone you need to speak to about these next steps?
April Reading: Week 2
Matthew 9:1-13 NIV
Jesus stepped into a boat, crossed over and came to his own town. Some men brought to him a paralyzed man, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.” At this, some of the teachers of the law said to themselves, “This fellow is blaspheming!” Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, “Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts? Which is easier: to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up and walk'? But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the paralyzed man, “Get up, take your mat and go home.” Then the man got up and went home. When the crowd saw this, they were filled with awe; and they praised God, who had given such authority to man. As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector's booth. “Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him. [10] While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. [13] But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice .’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners .”
If you haven’t read what we are doing yet, CHECK THIS OUT FIRST.
Now, over the next four days here is the invitation for you and your MC. Slowly meditate on this story using the following prompts. Read the text, but also let it read you. Spend unhurried time with Jesus letting him work this story down into your heart and see what he may be inviting you into as his disciple today. This is not an exhaustive list, but a few prompts to help you get started as you sit with this story throughout the week.
READ
The first things we want to encourage you to do is to Read the text. Spend time with the words of God and let them work their way into your heart.
Read the text daily. Maybe even mix up reading and listening to it.
A great practice is to write it in your own handwriting as the act of writing helps you remember!
EXAMINE
Spend time with the text and work through it. If it’s a story notice the characters, tension and the plot. If it’s a verse notice the words. If it’s a chapter or passage, notice the themes, follow the logic. If it’s poetry, what are the metaphors, stanzas, and imagery?
What words, phrases, or characters stand out to you?
What do you see about this story and the other callings God gives to other in the Bible?
How would you retell this story in your own words?
Do you have any lingering questions that come to mind when you meditate on this text?
Are there any terms, phrases, or concepts that seem difficult for you to process or understand?
Who can you ask for clarity or resources to better grasp what is happening?
APPLY
The text was written to people who are very different than us, but it was written for us as well. How does this part of Scripture have implications for your life or context?
Is there a behavior you sense Jesus wants you to stop or start?
When you think about sin in your life, how do you feel? How does this story speak to that?
What are implications for your business, family, roommates, or private life?
Is Jesus speaking something for you to do as you follow him this week?
Who else can you share this story with?
DO
So that thing that you feel called to do- do it. Actually follow through on the invitations or calls to repentance that Jesus is offering you through the kindness of his Spirit. We encourage you to make this a community project and invite others to hold you accountable to what the Spirit is inviting you into!
Who will help you stay accountable to doing what Jesus invited you into?
What does repentance and realignment with Jesus and his kingdom story look like for you?
Is there anyone you need to speak to about these next steps?
Further Study:
Watch: Bible Project: Sin involves more than you might think
Planting Seeds of Beauty, Truth, and Justice
April Reading: Week 1
As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him.
Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.
Matthew 4.18-22
Extended Reading Matthew 4: 12-25
If you haven’t read what we are doing yet, CHECK THIS OUT FIRST.
Now, over the next four days here is the invitation for you and your MC. Slowly meditate on this story using the following prompts. Read the text, but also let it read you. Spend unhurried time with Jesus letting him work this story down into your heart and see what he may be inviting you into as his disciple today. This is not an exhaustive list, but a few prompts to help you get started as you sit with this story throughout the week.
READ
The first things we want to encourage you to do is to Read the text. Spend time with the words of God and let them work their way into your heart.
Read the text daily. Maybe even mix up reading and listening to it.
A great practice is to write it in your own handwriting as the act of writing helps you remember!
EXAMINE
Spend time with the text and work through it. If it’s a story notice the characters, tension and the plot. If it’s a verse notice the words. If it’s a chapter or passage, notice the themes, follow the logic. If it’s poetry, what are the metaphors, stanzas, and imagery?
What words, phrases, or characters stand out to you?
What do you see about this story and the other callings God gives to other in the Bible?
How would you retell this story in your own words?
Do you have any lingering questions that come to mind when you meditate on this text?
APPLY
The text was written to people who are very different than us, but it was written for us as well. How does this part of Scripture have implications for your life or context?
Is there a behavior you sense Jesus wants you to stop or start?
An implication for your business, family, roommates, or private life?
Is Jesus speaking something for you to do as you follow him this week?
Who else can you share this story with?
DO
So that thing that you feel called to do- do it. Actually follow through on the invitations or calls to repentance that Jesus is offering you through the kindness of his Spirit. We encourage you to make this a community project and invite others to hold you accountable to what the Spirit is inviting you into!
Who will help you stay accountable to doing what Jesus invited you into?
Further Study:
Read: Fishers of Men and the New Exodus by Dr. Scott Osborne
April Reading Plan: An Overview
If you've been journeying alongside Missio in exploring the Gospel of Matthew thus far in 2024, congratulations are in order! You’ve made it a quarter of the year and are still embarking on an exciting expedition through the gospel with your fellow disciple makers! We are continuing to delve deep into the life, mission, and teachings of Jesus Christ and are so glad you are here for the journey.
Our prayer continues to be that this gospel would shape both the present reality and future trajectory of Missio Dei Communities. - Kevin Platt
In our ongoing apprenticeship to Jesus, we've traveled the terrain of this Gospel, immersing ourselves in its narratives. From a comprehensive overview of the Gospel to slow contemplation of the Sermon on the Mount, we've marveled at the richness of Matthew's gospel, discovering profound connections and multiple implications for our lives along the way. In March we connected the many different scenes in Matthews gospel that point back to the life and ministry of Moses- highlighting Jesus as the true and greater prophet who would deliver God’s people from slavery!
In April, we are diving deeper into some of the the stories that shape our understanding of Jesus and His kingdom. Each Sunday, we'll delve into a specific passage, inviting the Missio family to engage in reflective meditation and collaborative learning. But before we get to Sunday, you’ll be invited to spend the week meditating and marinating on the same text. using the READ method, That’s right. It’s one story each week. Slow down and linger with Jesus in each of these stories and see what he may be inviting you into .
Remember: The Season of Easter serves as a poignant reminder of our apprenticeship to Jesus. This year, amidst the celebrations, we're calling our family to re-examine our commitment to following Christ. Within the stories of Matthew's gospel, we will encounter challenging discipleship questions that compel us to evaluate our walk with Jesus and ask afresh: Are we truly following Him?
As we embark on this next leg of our journey, we urge you to share your experiences and insights with others. Whether it's within the proximity of your home, or in collaboration with your Missional Community, or maybe within the network of friends, let the transformative life and work of Jesus resonate through your conversations.
Remember, the journey of discipleship isn't solitary; it's a communal process where we're called to both receive and bless others with the grace we've received.
Stay tuned for our weekly posts as we embark on this stage of our expedition through Matthew's gospel. The first story awaits, inviting us to explore, reflect, repent and grow together as a family of servant ambassadors, sent as disciples to make disciples.
March Reading Plan (2024)
arch 2024
We’ve talked about how Matthew writes his gospel to equip a community in crisis on how to follow Jesus together and then disciple others to do the same.
Matthew purposefully uses the life and actions of Moses as a backdrop to tell the story of Jesus showing how Jesus is the True and Greater prophet who leads God’s people into freedom and a flourishing life for the sake of the world. This month we will look at comparisons from the life of Jesus and the life of Moses to see some of these comparisons.
This is not an exhaustive list but should serve you well to help you see the beauty of God’s activity in history and even find yourself drawn deeper into this Divine Drama.
Note: You can jump into this reading plan whether or not you’ve been following along so far- but if you have been reading you already have an overview of the book and have drilled down deep into the sermon on the mount. Let those serve as a backdrop to these readings!
Lent Prayer Rhythms
Hey Missio Family!
As Lent begins today (Wednesday, February 14th) We would love to lead our community in prayer and fasting on Fridays from 12-1 during the lunch hour beginning on February 16th.
We will be shifting the Prayer Room from Thursday mornings to Friday afternoons for the next 7 weeks as this will lead up to our Good Friday service on March 29th. This opportunity will also be available for other church communities in the Valley who wish to participate with us in this season. The hope is as we join together we would fall deeply in love with Jesus and grow in deep love for the context God has placed us in.
May every square inch of the Valley be saturated with His presence.
Creative ways you can fast and pray with us:
Join us in person in the prayer room from 12-1 on Fridays
Continue the reading plan through the book of Matthew
Slowly read through and pray the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13)
Go on a prayer walk
Fast from lunch
Download the Lectio 365 App
Go through the acronym P.R.A.Y.
Pause
Rejoice/Repent
Ask
Yield
READ- A simple way to spend time in the Bible.
The Bible is a big book. We get it. It can be intimidating. How do we know where to start? The sheer volume of words is astounding, let alone the mystery and reality of this being the Word of God passed down from generation to generation. Sometimes we need to study deeply, and can’t avoid the fact that it can be hard work. Other times we may be looking for a simpler technique for being in the Word. If that’s what you are looking for, here’s a tool for that! This is great for new disciples of Jesus AND the longtime apprentice!
Spend some time in prayer. Be aware of God’s presence and posture towards you, then start to READ.
R.E.A.D. The Bible
Read
The first things we want to encourage you to do is to Read the text. Spend time with the words of God and let them work their way into your heart. This may be a story, a chapter, or even a verse.
Examine
Spend time with the text and work through it. If it’s a story notice the characters, tension and the plot. If it’s a verse notice the words. If it’s a chapter or passage, notice the themes, follow the logic. If it’s poetry, what are the metaphors, stanzas, and imagery?
Apply
The text was written to people who are very different than us, but it was written for us as well. How does this part of Scripture have implications for your life or context? Is there a behavior you sense Jesus wants you to stop or start? An implication for your business, family, roommates, or private life?
Do
So that thing that you feel called to do- do it. Actually follow through on the invitations or calls to repentance that Jesus is offering you through the kindness of his Spirit. We encourage you to make this a community project and invite others to hold you accountable to what the Spirit is inviting you into!
Moving Slowly (Reading the Sermon on the Mount Together)
Friends,
So glad you are here. If you've been following along with us since January, you've gained an overview of the entire gospel of Matthew. You've read every word, witnessed every activity, and encountered every conflict that Matthew penned down.
You've seen Jesus' priority of the kingdom, his call to repentance, and his invitation to follow Him. You've also experienced His life, death, and resurrection - and subsequent commissioning. And we pray that you've heard the Spirit's voice as you've sat with these stories, contemplating the mystery and beauty of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection - the events of the gospel.
This month, we are going to delve into the collection of teachings known as the "Sermon on the Mount."
Some Notes:
Be.
Some of us are accustomed to spending time with Jesus focused solely on consuming content. This month, we invite you to meditate slowly on a few verses at a time and discern what the Spirit may want to communicate to us. As you read just one beatitude a day, this intentional practice is meant to slow us down and draw us closer to Jesus through His word. Do you feel at rest in God's presence, or do you feel like you should be 'doing more'?
How long can you linger, meditating on these words of Jesus for His disciples, of whom you are one?
Be honest.
As you reflect, let the Spirit use the Word as a living and active surgical scalpel to do the work He needs to do in our hearts. As you read about reconciliation, take enough time to marinate and see if you need to work through that. As you reflect on the consequences of lust in your heart, take inventory of your Netflix queue and your browsing history. As he talks about kingdom generosity, let your budget and spending priorities come under review. As you read about anger, anxiety, fasting, and the mystery of Jesus completing the old covenant, linger honestly in front of Jesus, and let Him affirm your identity and invite you into the life-giving ways of the kingdom.
Be Together.
This journey is best undertaken with peers committed to making disciples. Friends who are also being formed by God, alongside you, for the sake of others. Are there a few people in your Missional Community who can commit to reading together this month? What about people outside of Missio who are a part of your discipleship journey? Perhaps even those who are not yet disciples but are curious about what Jesus taught and why it should matter to them? Or even within your household? (We listen to the Streetlights app for longer passages, but the kids will read these short verses in the Platt household.) The invitation is for everyone to read and then collectively share what the Spirit has been doing as they read, meditate, pray, and listen.
Be obedient.
How is Jesus inviting you to respond to His Word as you live in His world? How is He inviting not only you into His presence but also to take His kingdom way of life into the world? If you take each day and ask, "How do you want me to respond?" you'll be taking at least 27 steps closer to following the Messiah as a disciple who makes disciples!
As always if you want some help, or need a little more guidance, please don’t hesitate to reach out!
following Jesus with you-
Kevin
February 2024 Reading Plan
February is going to be a slow go through the sermon on the mount. Enjoy savoring each section as you slowly make your way through this compilation of the teachings of the Messiah.
We will start by spending a day on each of the beatitudes. As you sit with each statement let the Spirit guide your thoughts, prayers, and convictions as you consider what they mean for you!
Day 1: Matthew 5:1-2
Day 2: Matthew 5:3
Day 3: Matthew 5:4
Day 4: Matthew 5:5
Day 5: Matthew 5:6
Day 6: Matthew 5:7
Day 7: Matthew 5:8
Day 8: Matthew 5:9
Day 9: Matthew 5:10-12
Day 10: Matthew 5:13-16
Day 11: Matthew 5:17-20
Day 12: Matthew 5:21-26
Day 13: Matthew 5:27-30
Day 14: Matthew 5:31-32
Day 15: Matthew 5:33-37
Day 16: Matthew 5:38-42
Day 17: Matthew 5:43-48
Day 18: Matthew 6:1-4
Day 19: Matthew 6:5-15
Day 20: Matthew 6:16-18
Day 21: Matthew 6:19-24
Day 22: Matthew 6:25-34
Day 23: Matthew 7:1-6
Day 24: Matthew 7:7-11
Day 25: Matthew 7:12
Day 26: Matthew 7:13-14
Day 27: Matthew 7:15-29
Feel free to adapt the plan based on your preferences or desired pace of reflection- but here’s what we recommend for February!