Grace Notes 2026-02

This year's Sunday Gospel Readings will be mostly from Matthew's Gospel. One thing you might notice is that there is a lot of preaching and teaching going on in Matthew. The preaching is either by Jesus or about Him.

And it is quite a contrast from Mark's Gospel that will be featured next year. In Mark's account, Jesus is revealed more by His actions than by His words. Accordingly, Mark is a shorter account than Matthew. An example of this contrast is Jesus' Sermon on the Mount found in chapters five through seven of Matthew. That is three full chapters! You find no similar lengthy sermon in Mark. Of course, Mark records words and teachings of Jesus, but not as much as in Matthew. And as has been said, Mark lets Jesus' actions do a lot of the talking.

So, why do I bring this up? You might imagine that I especially like Matthew's Gospel. No surprise there. I mention this because both words and actions are important in our Christian witness as we go about Christ's evangelistic mission. We can't simply opt for one or the other. Some of us may be more inclined to use words, but if our actions betray our words, they will be less effective. On the other hand, some of us may be more inclined to action. Well and good. But without some words, folks will not learn of the source of your action.

This month, in our challenge as a congregation to be renewed in our dedication to witness to Christ, I want us to focus on Jesus as a preacher and teacher. Through words He gathered disciples and called people to faith in Him. And as it is given to His followers to continue Christ's mission in His name, the core of doing so will involve words, especially preaching and teaching.

Not all are called to preach or teach in public spaces. But in less formal ways, we can all share with others the basic content of the Gospel, with who Jesus is and how by His death and resurrection He rescues us from sin, death, and the devil. This He did so that we might belong to Him. It is also the case that we all can invite and bring others with us to where the Gospel is preached and taught.