Sunday 21 June 2026

Psalm 69:7-18

Background
This chapter starts as Jesus chooses and commissions his 12 disciples, sending them out to share the good news. The whole chapter is teaching about how to do mission, Jesus-style, and it’s not all encouragement for the disciples.

Jesus has already spoken positively of peace-makers (Matthew 5:9), and the Old Testament presents peace as a longed-for goal (Micah 4:1-5). But why does Jesus here turn away from peace to speak of a weapon?

A sword divides in two, and for that reason it becomes a symbol of judgment for the Old Testament (Ezekiel 21:9-11). Is Jesus also speaking of judgment here? He goes on to paint a picture of division, even in the close-knit family unit. (vs 34-39) His mission demands choice. Some will be willing to accept him, others won’t. Judgment is God’s response to that choice. At this point Jesus is quoting Micah 7:6, a verse which is followed by a profound statement of faith: "As for me, I will wait for the God of my salvation". (v. 7)

Echoes from the Old Testament matter hugely in helping us make sense of the stories of Jesus. Perhaps the point of this resonance is to remind the disciples – and us – that we do not know how anyone responds to the good news of justice and love in the depth of their heart. Disagreement can emerge for many reasons, but it is only God who fully understands someone’s inner thoughts. Therefore we must not take Jesus’ sword of judgment into our own hands but must wait for the God of our salvation.

And yet Jesus calls us, as his disciples, to share his invitation to follow him. We are commissioned to tell others of the choice they can make, the choice for justice and love in Jesus. We are entrusted with truth to share, and then we must leave the outcome in God’s hands.

To Ponder:

• We live in a time of increased violence between and within nations. How can our churches speak of a Lord who comes to judge with justice?
• ‘We pray for peace, but not the easy peace built on complacency" (StF 719). How does this reading help us pray for peace?
• Think back to the time when you first heard Jesus’ invitation to follow him. Give thanks for the disciples who shared the good news with you. Are there folk who would be blessed by hearing the good news from you?

Prayer
God of grace, your son Jesus calls us to follow him. Even when this choice is unpopular and difficult, help us to stay committed to the path we have chosen, living in love and faithfulness to you and to your son, in whose name we pray. Amen.

Bible notes author: The Revd Dr Caroline Wickens
The Revd Dr Caroline Wickens is the Superintendent of the West Hertfordshire & Borders Methodist Circuit and Deputy Chair of the Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Essex Methodist District.