Reminder: Matthew can be considered a “survey course” for NTI. Each one of the themes will be explored more deeply and in greater detail in the following books. So know that we are not skipping over anything nor are we assuming a limited meaning behind such topics as Oneness, forgiveness, non-judgment, etc.
Please note also that all this teaching is a continual reminder of who you really are--the One Son of God. All these lessons, no matter what the specific topic, are ways of either reminding you of who you really are or an offering of help to let go of any falsehoods that are getting in the way of the Truth.
Matthew 21
(from p. 6 of the text “The New Testament is a symbol, just as you are a symbol, and the words I share through you are a symbol. What they point to is the Truth.”)
By this we are encouraged to continually be open to the guidance of the Spirit to tell us what something (anything) means. When we start putting meaning on ideas, we are limiting them.
These next few chapters of Mathew are commentaries on the Old New Testament. I would encourage you to read these chapters in the original to give yourself a feel for the old message and its new interpretation.
OK now for Chapter 21
“The donkey is a symbol.” This is a great example of symbol. You think you know what it means; you think you know what other people think it means, yet it is suggested we let go of what we think it means, and open to completely letting go of expectations. (Who would have expected the “savior of the world” enter the capitol of his country riding on a donkey?)
How do your expectations ambush you; set you up?
We are both the money changers and the temple. How can you learn from each of those symbols?
Notice when you are right on purpose (recognizing and reinforcing your Oneness), and when you are distracted and off purpose?
Much of the rest of this chapter focuses on the theme of “differences.” Differences are simply another way of saying, judgment or thoughts of separateness. (Notice too, how our expectations can and do produce thoughts of separateness and judgment.)
Chapter 22 is one of those chapters that contains the WHOLE STORY in one concise piece. Here the story of grace/salvation/and return to Oneness (which you never really left) is detailed in the metaphor/symbol of the wedding feast.
COMING UP Matthew 23 “Being in the world and not of it.”
Matthew 24 “How the world sees and how the Spirit sees.”
These themes will continue. To avoid repetition, I would encourage you to be open to any questions or comments that might come up around these ideas.
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