Journey to Bethlehem
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Read Matthew 2:1
This is one of many journeys to Bethlehem found in the bible. Each person is seeking a need on a dangerous journey. This session examines these journeys to find sustenance in Bethlehem.
In the Center of the gathering, cloth was used to create a map of Israel and Moab. This map identifies Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Nazareth and Adullam. Bethlehem was located on a lime stone ridge, as can be seen on map, of around 760 meters high overlooking Moab. It is also refered to in the bible as Ephrath/Ephratah which means House of Bread. This fertile land was around 180km from Nazareth (aprox. the distance between Geelong and Port Fairy) and around 13km from Jerusalem.
Read Ruth 1:1-7, 16-22
-Naomi and Ruth were seeking food and shelter.
- The cloth people recieved represents the fabric Naomi and Ruth may have had to barter for food on the journey.
-The journey was a long and dangerous journey for two unaccompanied women.
-In Bethlehem they found food and shelter.
Read 1 Samuel 16:1-4
-Samuel was seeking a king for Israel.
-Samuel worried Saul would hear about him anointing another king and kill him.
-The heifer people recieved is to remind us of Gods faithfulness.
-Samuel found David who later became king.
Read 2 Samuel 23:14,15
-David was seeking water from Bethlehem while he was in hiding in a Adullam cave.
-David was in a stronghold and Bethlehem was invaded by the Philistines.
-Three of his men risked their lives to bring the Bethlehem water to David.
- The cup people received represents David’s desire for water.
- The three men found water in Bethlehem and gave it to David.
Read 2 Chronicals 11:6
-Later Rehoboam Bethlehem becomes a place of strength and safety.
Re-read Matthew 2:1
- Each of these stories showed people seeking sustenance of some kind in Bethlehem.
- In Matthew we see the birth of Jesus who provides a deeper sustenance for us all.
-Using the blanket for warmth and the cup to fill people journeyed through the prayer labyrinth.
-The centre of the labyrinth represents Bethlehem with water to fill the cups.
On this journey consider:
-What sustains you?
-What are you thirsty for?
-When everyone has completed their journey discuss things noticed by people.
All of these people were outcasts in some way but all were provided for by God as does Jesus for us all.
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Joseph’s Discovery
Read Matthew 1:18-20
The stressed point in this passage is not Mary as a virgin according to William Barclay but rather the birth of Jesus is the work of the Holy Spirit
The Jewish concept of the spirit was quite different to ours.
This session explores the concept of the spirit to better understand Joseph’s experience in this passage and the child about to be born.
Creation – Gen 1:1-2
Re-creation- Ezekiel 37
Note the bones on the cloth representing the desert. Barclay suggests ” When men are dead in sin and in lethargy, and in the death of the mind and soul and heart, it is the Spirit of God which can waken them to life anew.”
Truth/ Direction (what to say and do) – Isaiah 48:16b-17
People collect wrapped presents, they open these and examine the wrapping paper advertisement.
What society tells us to say and do.
Discuss what sorts of things our society is instructing us to say and do.
Directions/ Truth Revealed – 2 Samuel 23:2-4
This is an example of one of the things the Spirit revealed in the Old Testament. Using textas people colour in the paper found in their opened parcel. This reveals a direction Love God and people.
Reread and reflect on Matthew 1:18-20
Hand out photo with image of Creation/ Re-creation/ Instruction/ Revealed. Encourage discussion of Matthew 1:18-20
In Jesus there came to this world the power which can re-make and re-create life. He can bring to life again the soul which is dead in sin; He can revive again the ideals which have died; He can make strong again the will to goodness which has perished. He can renew and re-create life, when men have lost all that life means.(Barclay)
People take a bone to hold and write on a prayer for re-creation.
Finish with the song from Psalm 51:10-12 ‘Create In Me a Clean Heart’
matthew 9:9
As Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man called Matthew seated at the tax-collection’s table. “Follow me,” He said to him; and he arose and followed Him.
CONTEXT
Before Jesus day in Palestine tax collectors were employed by the Roman Government to collect a particular amount of tax. Anything extra was commision. People didn’t know how much they ought to pay. There was no right to appeal against tax collectors. A new system saw a decrease in corruption. However tax collectors didn’t suddenly get a good name for themselves they remained disrespected.
As staunch nationalists Jews resented paying taxes to anyone other than God.
CONSIDER A CHARACTER
a money bag for Matthew
glases for Jesus
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Hand around a bowl with a list on paper of things Matthew and we lose when following Jesus
Security
Peace
Comfort
People encouraged to give these things to God by lighting a candle and collecting another list with the things they gain as did Matthew
Security
Peace
Comfort
Matthew left the tax collection table and took his pen the ability to write and record.
Read The Curly Pyjama Letters page 29 by Michael Leunig
Maybe Matthew chose to hold rather than grasp
Welcome to Labyrinth Journey
My name is Sarah and I am part of Seeds Norlane. I live in the Norlane area with my husband Tony (who manages Urban Bean in Labuan square) and two children Xander and Astrid. Many of my friends who live in the area struggle from day to day with the effects of generational unemployment. We are part of Monday night meals run at Norlane Baptist Church and for the last six years our community has run A public service on Sundays. The beginning of this year the services stopped and half way through the year became private services. Starting Advent the services will become public on Sunday nights 7pm. This blog outlines the contents of gatherings and will continue to outline the services at Norlane Baptist church.
