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Persistence (Matthew 15
Jesus is on the way to the cross. And He knows it. He realizes that His time is short. Therefore it is incredibly important that He prepare, not so much Himself, but His disciples for what is to come. So, he leaves the familiar surroundings of Galilee and goes into Gentile territory. He needs some time and space where He can be free of the crowds … of the intense pushing and testing by the Pharisees. I think He wanted some time with His disciples … time away … quiet … no pressing crowds … no critics. However, His reputation More >
The Crux of the Matter (Matthew 15
In our reading today, we will observe the Pharisees and the scribes approach Jesus with more questions. However, this time seems to be a bit different. Matthew does not indicate that they are coming to entrap or to test Jesus … they are coming with an honest question … one that has them mightily perplexed. And the question cuts to the core of “What is religion?”. Read …
The Pharisees ask about hand washings. Why such a seemingly inane question? We have to explore a bit of the Jewish mindset at the time. Approaching God was everything. And approaching God More >
Listen and Believe (Matthew 14
As we finish Matthew 14 … before you read today’s verses … glance back through the chapter to remember the flow of events. Then, slow down and read
In life, the wind is often contrary. There are times when we are up against it and life is a desperate struggle with ourselves, with our circumstances, with our temptations, with our sorrows and with our decisions. At such a time, no one need struggle alone, for Jesus comes to us across the storms of life, with hand stretched out to save, and with his calm, clear voice …”
- Take courage
- It is I
- Don’t More >
Use Me (Matthew 14
Remember we have just learned the circumstances surrounding John the Baptist’s death. In fact, Jesus had just been told at the beginning of chapter 14. The reader of Matthew can feel Jesus’ deep grieve when he records: “When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place.” He needed time away from the crowds … he needed time to grieve this loss. However, his solitude did not last long …
In this familiar story, three things stand out to me.
First, Jesus desires to do His work through His disciples. Could He have fed that More >
Reactions (Matthew 14
From Matthew 10 to our reading for today we have been listening to Jesus as he taught those around him. He has commissioned his disciples, he has confronted the toxic religionists of his day, and he has taught about the kingdom of heaven. Then he goes home … to Nazareth. Read …
I see a warning here for those of us who grew up in Christian homes. What a blessing that is! However, if we are not careful, we allow the familiarity of Christ talk to dim our eyes. We fail to notice fresh glimpses of Jesus’ person in our More >
The Robbers (Matthew 13
What makes a stellar teacher? Is the best teacher the one with the most information? Or is it the one who is most creative and clever? Or perhaps the one who is most entertaining and engaging? We all have our own opinions on the traits that signify a good teacher. But history bears out the fact that Jesus is considered one of the stellar teachers of all times. I believe that one of the reasons he carries such accolades is because of the way he presented truth … never spoon-fed … always challenging … always forcing his ‘hearers’ to wrestle More >
The Impermanence of Failure
I love Jesus’ apostle, Peter. I love his enthusiasm … his passion … his willingness to step up and step out.
Watch the pattern …
Matthew 4: 18 – 20 “As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. ‘Come, follow Me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will make you fishers of men.’ At once they left their nets and followed Him.”
Matthew 14: 25 – 29 (In the midst of a storm on the Sea of Galilee) “During the fourth More >
Blindness (Matthew 12
Our reading in scripture today is Matthew 12: 15 – 50. As you read, remember the Pharisees have begun to plot against Jesus. They are the people in power in that society … they were the ones with influence and importance … and they had turned against Jesus. See what God tells you as you read … then return.
Jesus is accused in our reading today of being in league with Satan. Jesus refutes the accusations with impeccable logic. Here’s what intrigues me … when you have already made up your mind about something … no amount of logic or reason or More >
When Religion Becomes Toxic (Matthew 12
Our reading today is Matthew 12: 1 – 14. Remember that the opposition to Jesus is intensifying. He is still extremely popular with the crowds … but the religious leaders are no longer just observing … they are beginning to openly confront. After you read these verses … join me again.
Religion is not a dirty word. It can be beautiful. It can be affirming. It can be faith-building. It can be supportive. It can help focus. It can be calming. It can challenge … encourage … teach … correct … train. It can be so good. But then, it can also More >
