Yet the reader must not stop with judgment. In almost the same breath Jeremiah brings God’s promise of hope, restoration, and redemption. God will “bring them [the people of Judah] back to their pasture” (v. 3). In other words, God promises land, protection, food, and water – basic necessities of life. There will be no reason to fear. And that is because of the Messianic promise of a new king who will be all about righteousness.   

 

So what does this look like? The Jeremiah passage points to the new Messianic kingdom proclaimed and promised by God through Jesus. And in the Matthew text, Jesus teaches his own disciples that it’s not a kingdom of power and prestige. The restoration and redemption is not for the higher-ups. This new kingdom is not about success and being “in the know.” Rather it involves humility, suffering, and complete emptying of self. The cup of the vine is the cup of suffering. And two of Jesus’ disciples would taste that cup. It’s a cup that counters Western culture and practice: greatness comes from submission, power from weakness. May the Son of Man who was raised to life forgive us when we have sought selfish gain and help us to be content in his pasture, a land of grace, forgiveness, and restoration. -- Blessings, Pastor Bob