September 2, 2020 - The passage today is Matthew 15:29-39. Please read that text and then read this article so that you can better understand what I am writing about. We see in the passage that Christ is still traversing Gentile territory. What would that mean to the original predominantly Jewish audience of this Gospel narrative? Jesus was in outsider territory. These were people that were not part of the people of God.

They were not the chosen people. They must have been wondering why Jesus was doing this. I mean, was not Jesus suppose to be their Messiah, freeing them from their occupiers, sit on the throne and be the king of Israel.

What we are reading today shows a much bigger plan. We see Christ healing and teaching Gentiles. We see also that they are glorifying him. Christ is not laying waste to the outsiders but shows compassion towards them. Verses 32-39 depicts Christ feeding another large crowd despite the unbelief of the disciples. The differences again are that this is a big Gentile crowd and instead of twelve baskets left over (possibly hinting at the Apostles) there was Seven. Seven in the ancient context was meant to convey completion. This is where the goods are delivered. Brothers and Sisters, the outsiders are welcomed into the fold. That is good news for us because we were all outsiders that Christ has brought into the fold. Both Jew and Gentile are brothers and sisters together in the family of God. Together we take comfort in the words that by the power of Christ we are forgiven.

Wynter is an Elder at Mariposa Reformed Baptist Church. Find out more at MariposaChurch.org or email him at wynter@mariposachurch.org. Visit Mariposa Reformed Baptist Church on Facebook.

Pastor’s Corner is a column from Pastor Wynter Sturtevant III of the Mariposa Reformed Baptist Church.

The Church has moved locations, services are now held at the Bootjack Stompers Hall (located at 4662 Morman Bar Crossing) across from the Mariposa County Fairgrounds.

Time of service is at 10:00 A.M. on Sunday.

I am happy to announce that MRBC has its own sermon podcast. Please check it out by clicking on the link below or searching MRBC Sermons on iTunes. New sermons will be posted every Wednesday. 

https://mariposachurch.transistor.fm/episodes

Note: Area churches interested in submitting Articles of Faith are welcome to contact us. 

Please email the Sierra Sun Times at sst@goldrushcam.com for more information.