Afleveringen
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Mark 2This chapter strings together events that seem unrelated, but they all have something in common: Jewish accusers. Jesus heals the paralytic who is lowered down to Him through a roof by his friends. The scribes quickly accuse Jesus of blasphemy for forgiving the lame man’s sins. Following this, Jesus calls Matthew, a tax collector, to follow Him. A dinner is held at Matthew’s house and many sinners are invited to see Jesus. The Pharisees stand outside and accuse Jesus of ungodly behavior. After a brief conversation with John the Baptist’s disciples, Jesus and His disciples pass through a grainfield. The disciples eat from the field, and the Pharisees show up and accuse them of violating the Law. Jesus silences them with these words: “The Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”
Amid the Pharisees’ fault-finding mission is a series of beautiful moments with Jesus. The lame man had friends willing to work to get him to Jesus, resulting in Jesus rewarding their faith with forgiveness of sins. Matthew is called to Christ and organizes a dinner so that others may know Him. Jesus is willing and says, “I did not come to call the righteous, but the sinners.” This is a time of celebration, as He points out to John’s followers. We live in a time like this, amplified by the resurrection of Jesus. He heals and forgives and seeks to save sinners. Surround yourself with friends who pull you nearer to Him. And be that friend for someone else.
Omnipotent Father, no one can stand against You or Your Son. The Pharisees failed every time to discredit Him, as unbelievers do today. Lord God, soften their hearts to know the Savior. We pray to hear Him through all the noise and understand that all help and healing are found when we are closer to Him. Help us be wise in choosing people in our lives who help us draw near to Jesus. And Father, create opportunities for us to bring others to Him. Use us bountifully during this time of feasting and joy in Jesus.
Thought Questions:
- The Pharisees asked, “Who can forgive sins but God alone?” A great question. Do you understand that Jesus is God and can forgive your sins?
- If Jesus came to call sinners, even those cast aside by others, did Jesus come to call you? Who else do you know who needs to hear that?
- The Jews thought they controlled the Sabbath. But Jesus is the Lord of the Sabbath. Is Jesus also the Lord over your daily life and worship?
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Mark 1Mark’s gospel is the shortest of the four and packs lots of information in each chapter. For instance, this opening chapter begins with John the Baptist preaching and Jesus coming to him to be baptized. Immediately following this, Jesus is led by the Spirit into the wilderness and tempted by Satan. The text moves to Jesus selecting His first four followers: Peter, Andrew, James, and John. The rest of the chapter documents miracles and Jesus’ works in Galilee: casting out a demon, healing Peter’s mother-in-law, moved by compassion to heal a leper, as well as references to other miraculous works. Mark is interested in getting to Jesus’ ministry quickly and spending a great deal of time there. The word “immediately” is used throughout, as the stories move at a rapid pace.
The key to applying fuller chapters is to find the theme or thread. In today’s reading, the words about Jesus tie the events together. John the Baptist said, “After me One is coming who is mightier than I…” The Father said, “You are My beloved Son, in You I am well pleased.” Even the demon said, “I know who You are – the Holy One of God!” God, men, and even demons know who Jesus is. Do we? Following this testimony, more proofs are seen in His miracles. Jesus, filled with compassion, heals a leper who pleads for help. Though instructed to stay quiet, the leper demonstrates thankfulness by sharing the glory of Jesus with everyone. We should do the same!
Kind Father, who spoke for ages about the coming of Your Son, praise be to You for sending Him to be our Healer and Savior. He came to live in the flesh, subjected Himself to Your will, refused the devil’s temptations, and devoted His life to teaching and helping others. Help us to love Him as He deserves to be loved. May we see His miracles and know who He is and what He can do. Like the leper pleading for help, may Jesus see us and be moved with compassion to make us clean and new in Him.
Thought Questions:
- If John the Baptist, God from heaven, and even demons confessed the name of Jesus, should you be doing so openly and boldly?
- The disciples “immediately” left their nets to follow Jesus. That word connotes urgency. In what ways should your faith involve urgency?
- The leper, once healed, was told not to speak of Jesus, but he too proclaimed Him openly. What has Jesus done for you that must be shared?
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Matthew 28This is the brightest moment in human history. Women approach the tomb early Sunday morning, and the stone is rolled away. An angel appears to them and says the most triumphant thing about Jesus: “He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said.” Jesus then appears to the women, and they are amazed and worship Him. He sends them to the disciples to report the news. At the same time, the guards report what happened, but they are paid to lie and say the body was stolen. That story spreads in their day, though Matthew exposes it in this letter. The eleven disciples go to Galilee to meet Him. They see Jesus and worship Him. Jesus tells them to proclaim His authority and to preach baptism and faithfulness.
The four Gospels add different elements to Christ’s resurrection story. Matthew’s account focuses heavily on proof that Jesus is risen. The first report comes from a shining angel. Then Jesus Himself appears to the women. Any attempt to cover this up is false and hollow. He met with the apostles and told them exactly what to share with others. This means we can put full confidence in their teachings in the book of Acts and the epistles. Matthew’s testimony is substantiated by multiple witnesses. The tomb was empty and will always be empty. Jesus is risen and ruling. We must observe all He has commanded us, and He will be with us until the end of the age.
Great Lord, with Your victorious and exalted Son, all glory be given to You and to Christ. Your Son defeated our greatest enemies: Satan, sin, and death. No grave could hold Him, no lies could diminish Him, and no force of darkness could stop Him. He is our King, and we love Him. Father, guide us and help us understand what that means. All authority over our lives belongs to Him. We seek to love Him, obey Him, and live in full confidence that He is with us. Help us develop a faith that will live in His honor today.
Thought Questions:
- Why do you believe that Jesus Christ was raised from the dead? And how is your life different because your King defeated death?
- The women saw Jesus and bowed down to worship Him. You would have done the same. How are you bowing before Him in your life?
- Will you allow Jesus to rule your life? Have you been baptized? If that is His command, will you submit to Him and obey His will today?
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Matthew 27Jesus is taken to Pilate, the Roman governor who sees no guilt in Him. Even Pilate’s wife has a dream about His innocence. But the Jewish crowd is insistent that Jesus be crucified. One criminal is to be released, and they choose to release a murderer, Barabbas, instead of Christ. Jesus is mocked, beaten, and crucified between two criminals. When Judas sees all this taking place, he throws away the money he received and runs off to hang himself. After six hours of suffering, Jesus dies on the cross. At that moment the veil of the temple is ripped in two, and the earth quakes. A centurion remarks: “Truly this was the Son of God!” A rich man named Joseph asks for the body and buries Jesus in a new tomb.
This is the darkest moment in human history. The Jewish people put to death the very Messiah for which they had been waiting. They were angry and adamant and said, “His blood shall be on us and our children!” He was their Creator, their Savior, and the entire purpose of their law, and their envy and pride had blinded them to the truth. In all of this, Jesus was silent before His murderers. He knew His blood had to be shed to bring about a new covenant and cleansing to the world. We must never let pride blind us to the worthiness of Jesus. And we must always be grateful He was willing to endure suffering and death for our redemption.
Gracious Lord, it is shameful the way Your Son was treated and put to death by sinful men. It is sorrowful to realize that we too are sinners, and because of our sins, He had to die. Please forgive us of sins against You and against our Savior. Help us to be thankful for His sacrifice and live to honor it. As the earth shook at His death, we know the earth will shake again at His return. May we not wait until then to proclaim Him as Your Son. We will do so now and forever.
Thought Questions:
- Have you ever felt despair like Judas, having sinned against Jesus? How is it vital to respond like Peter in those moments and not like Judas?
- Why are envy and greed so powerful and dangerous? Are you willing to give Jesus total control of your life, or do you guard it jealously?
- Joseph showed great courage in requesting the body of Jesus. Can you find a moment today to be the one who steps up on Jesus’ behalf?
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Phone: 813-380-8487We must obey the commandments of Jesus and the principles taught by Him and by His apostles and prophets. We answer to Him, and our salvation and hope is found IN HIM. It is not found anywhere else, not within us, not in men, churches, or movements. Therefore, none of those have the right to make the salvation rule for your life: only Jesus. Colossians 2 warns against Judaizing teachers, and gnostics, trying to implement sectarian and legalistic rules upon the people, teaching extreme conservatism as some form of holiness. But they had no right. Many decisions are yours to weigh, build a conscience around, and make. But, this freedom must be wielded with care. There are a couple of important laws that should govern you, even when you have the biblical right to do something, even when others cannot tell you not to. What are they? Let's dig in on one, the most vital one, today, and come back next week for the second.
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Matthew 26As the Jewish leaders plot to kill Jesus, events take place in Jerusalem between Christ and His followers. A woman anoints His head with oil for burial, though the apostles do not understand why. Judas responds by heading off to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. Jesus then gathers with the twelve at the Passover and institutes His memorial supper. He points out that He knows the betrayer. Afterward, Jesus goes to the garden to spend time in prayer and is then arrested and put before a corrupt Jewish council. At the same time, the chapter tracks Peter’s journey and faith crisis from dismissing that he would ever reject Jesus, to sleeping in the garden while Jesus prayed, to ultimately denying Jesus openly after His arrest.
It is valuable to focus on the three main characters. First, there is Jesus. He is preparing His disciples for what is coming. He is leaning upon God in prayer as death approaches. He is faithful in times of trial. Jesus is the great example for us all. Second, there is Judas. Beneath his weak faith are greed and self-focus. He shows these by trading Jesus for money, and eventually by betraying Christ to His face. He is the man we must not be. Thirdly, there is Peter. He battles pride and ignorance. But his heart is good, and he is crushed by his failure. Soon Christ will help him rebuild stronger than ever. He exemplifies hope, even after failure.
Loving Father, thank You for submitting Your Son to death to give us restoration and life. It is difficult to see those closest to Jesus fail Him in unbelief. But it is powerful to witness Him give His life in hopes that His sacrifice and resurrection would fortify faith and change lives. Father may that be our story. We fail. And we call upon Your mercy. Help us to be like Peter in our failings: crushed and seeking Christ’s help to grow stronger. We will be humble and attentive this week to glorify Him for all He endured for us.
Thought Questions:
- Jesus said the woman who anointed Him would always be remembered. Why? And how can you be more like her in your relationship with Jesus?
- If greed was seeded in Judas’s heart, someone who traveled with Jesus, how vital is it to check your heart and address worldliness?
- Peter was overconfident and underprepared. He remedied this after Christ was raised. How can you learn from him and be stronger in Christ?
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Matthew 25Jesus tells three stories to drive home one crucial point: “Be on the alert then, for you do not know the day nor the hour.” Whether addressing Jerusalem’s destruction or the final day, this message is needful. Whenever Christ comes in judgment, we must be prepared. The first story is about ten virgins waiting to enter a wedding feast. The groom delays and the five who brought extra oil stay ready and enter in, while the five foolish virgins run out. The second parable describes three men given talents and time to develop them. The first two immediately gain more. The third man does nothing and is unprepared when the master returns. Lastly, Jesus describes the judgment day scene. Those who serve others are saved. And those who do not are lost.
The kingdom of heaven includes a unique kind of people. While many would take enough oil to get into an important event, disciples over-prepare to make sure they can wait patiently for the Master. The world may have talents and do just enough to keep from losing them. But kingdom citizens want to use the time they have to cultivate the Father’s gifts and return to Him as much profit as possible. The world may serve those who serve them and most look out for themselves. But those preparing for Christ’s return will fill their lives with serving fellow believers and all people in any way they can! Jesus is showing us who He will save. We must listen carefully.
Dear Lord, we are not worthy to be saved in the judgment. We are entirely dependent upon Your grace to be saved on the last day. But Father, we know You have called us to make a great effort to glorify You every day. Help us to get prepared and strive to stay ready. May we be driven to grow in our gifts and use the time we have to do more for You. And Father, make us servants of others. Help us remember that eternity will be decided by how we help those around us in need.
Thought Questions:
- Spiritually speaking, what does it mean to have your lamp burning and extra oil with you? How do you stay that prepared to see Jesus?
- What is a talent God has given you, and how are you presently developing it? What can you do immediately to help it grow for God?
- If eternity is determined by how you help fellow disciples in their time of need, how much time and effort should you devote to them?
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Matthew 24The temple in Jerusalem was the religious center of the Jewish faith. When Jesus walks out of it and states that it will be destroyed, this brings immediate questions from His disciples. He explains that the destruction is coming, but that there will be a lot of false claims and confusion about when and how it will happen. When He came in judgment on Jerusalem, which happened by Rome’s attack in 70 A.D., the believers knew to flee the city and escape desolation. It was important for Christians not to get distracted by false claims, and to stay ready to go. Jesus tells a parable about the difference between being prepared and being lazy. For them, it meant life and death. This will also be true in the final judgment on the last day.
It is debated among believers how much of this chapter is about Jerusalem’s first-century destruction and how much of it points to the final day of Christ’s coming. Verse 34 serves as an important guide: “…this generation will not pass away until all these things take place.” It is likely that all that comes before that verse pertains to judgment on Jerusalem and the need to be wise and prepared. But the later teachings: “Be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will” stands as powerful instruction for us today. If we think it will not happen soon, we can lose focus and become negligent. Always be ready for Jesus!
Loving, gracious, patient Father, thank you for bearing with us in our struggles and our efforts to grow in faith. If you lacked mercy, we would have all been destroyed ages ago. We pray that Your love will produce in us the desire to be servants of You. May we build our diligent obedience to You and not be distracted by false ideas about You and Your coming. We know You alone know when the judgment day will be. Help us to build hearts of urgency, readiness, and daily expectation for the return of Your glorious Son.
Thought Questions:
- Would you have believed Jesus if He said your city would soon be destroyed and you must be ready to leave? Do you carry that focus now?
- Jesus expected Daniel’s prophecy to be dominant in the disciples’ minds. Is Christ’s 1st-century promise to return a factor in your mind?
- How do you go about getting ready and staying ready to meet the Lord? Why is it important to always expect it could be today?
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Matthew 23In the final week before Christ’s crucifixion, He tells His disciples about the dangers of the scribes and Pharisees. After three years of patiently teaching these men, it is time to tell the world about them. Jesus first tells disciples to observe what the scribes teach if it is from God. But Christ warns them not to do what the Pharisees do. They seek to be noticed by men and to have places of honor because they lack humility. Jesus calls them hypocrites repeatedly, speaking about their lack of mercy and the underlying desire of their hearts to serve themselves. He addresses them openly and directly as “serpents”! And yet, as Jesus looks at them and all of Jerusalem, He is sorrowful that they will not repent and be gathered to Him and saved.
It is easy to read this chapter and think about other people. But it is wiser to use this list of the Pharisees’ failures as a test for our own lives. In Matthew 5, Jesus told His disciples their righteousness must exceed the Pharisees if they are to be in His kingdom. These men were self-righteous. Jesus calls us to be humble servants. They were hypocritical. Jesus asks us to live out our faith. They were legalistic. We must be led to obey from a God-like heart of mercy. They were superficial. We must be honest about what’s happening in our hearts. They became obstacles for others. We must live and speak to draw people to Christ.
Dear Father, we call upon Your help today, to be honest with ourselves and willing to evaluate our motives. Jesus taught so diligently to soften the hearts of the Pharisees, and they fought Him at every turn. Glorious Lord, help us to listen and to learn. May we be humble servants. Empower us to live out our faith with integrity. Build in us compassion and mercy for others. Will You create opportunities for us to help people and show them the way to Jesus? Most of all, reveal to us how much Jesus loves and yearns to save everyone.
Thought Questions:
- Will you do the hard thing today of looking for Pharisaical tendencies in your own life? How can this be incredibly healthy and needful?
- How would you define “legalism”? Can you see how some focus so intensely on the letter of the law that they miss the love that encircles it?
- What does it feel like to realize that Jesus is always yearning to gather you to Him, no matter what you have done? How will you respond?
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Matthew 22Jesus presents the parable of the wedding feast. A king holds a banquet for his son. They invite many who are unwilling to come. Many excuses are given. The king sends armies to destroy them! He then invites people off the street until the room is filled. One man comes unprepared and is sent out. “For many will be called, but few chosen.” This indicates that the kingdom requires responsiveness and faithfulness. The rest of the chapter consists of Jewish leaders trying to trap Jesus and diminish His influence. They ask about paying taxes. They ask about marriage in heaven. They question Him about the greatest law. On every occasion, He answers with integrity and righteousness. Jesus then asks them a single question about David and the Psalms, and they cannot answer Him.
Jesus’ question about David was a loaded one. They knew from prophecy the Messiah would be David’s son. And yet David refers to Him as Lord. How can that be? The answer is that Christ is eternal and divine. The Messiah is Jesus! We would do well to embrace that truth. Instead of questioning Him, we can learn from Him. His answers here about paying taxes, eternal life, and loving God first, are powerful truths in our lives. In the end, we must realize the Father is calling us all to the feast for His Son. We must choose to attend the feast, give proper homage to the Son, and be faithful to Him. The alternative is God’s wrath.
God of limitless might, we know You will execute judgment on those who reject Your Son. You have called and invited and opened the door, and judgment is coming for all who make excuses. Lord God, help us to cast away all doubt and every temptation to turn from Your Son. Give us the wisdom to hear Him. His teachings on difficult topics like taxes and government, marriage and eternity, and loving You and others are exactly the beautiful truths You have provided for our good. Strengthen us to not just be the called, but the chosen.
Thought Questions:
- Do you ever make excuses when called to obey God and honor His Son? Will you resolve to cast those aside and answer the invitations of God?
- You may be tested by questions like the Jews did with Jesus. Are you prepared to be like Him and always answer with humility and integrity?
- Do you believe Jesus when He said the greatest two commandments are to love God fully and love your neighbor? How do you show that?
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RECOVERY (What people in recovery look like.)
No current secrets; resolving problems; identifying fears and feelings; keeping commitments to meetings, prayer, family, church, people, goals, and self; being open; being honest; mak- ing eye contact; reaching out to others; increasing in relationships with God and others; accountability.
“F” = FORGET PRIORITIES (Denial; flight; a change in what’s important)
Secrets; bored; less time/energy for God, meetings, and church; avoiding support and ac- countability towards people; superficial conversations; sarcasm; isolating yourself; changes in goals; flirting; obsessed with relationships; breaking promises/commitments; neglecting family;
“A” = ANXIETY (Getting energy from emotions.)
Worry; using profanity; being fearful; being resentful; replaying old, negative thoughts; per- fectionism; judging others’ motives; making goals and lists you can’t complete; poor planning; mind reading; fantasy; masturbation; pornography; co-dependent rescuing; sleep problems; trouble concentrating; seeking/creating drama; gossip;
“S” = SPEEDING UP (Out-running depression.)
Super busy; workaholic; can’t relax; driving too fast; avoiding slowing down; feeling driven; in a hurry; can’t turn off thoughts; skipping meals; binge eating (usually at night); overspend- ing; can’t identify own feelings/needs; repetitive, negative thoughts; irritable; making excuses for ”having to do it all”; dramatic mood swings; lust;
“T” = TICKED-OFF (Getting high on anger; aggression.)
Procrastination causing crises in money, work, or relationships; sarcasm; black and white, all or nothing thinking; feeling alone; feeling that no one understands; overreacting; road rage; constant resentments; pushing others away; increased isolation; blaming; self pity; arguing; irrationality, can’t handle criticism; defensive;
“E” = EXHAUSTED (Out of gas; depression.)
Depressed; panicked; confused; hopeless; sleeping too much or too little; can’t cope; over- whelmed; crying for “no reason”; can’t think; forgetful; pessimistic; helpless; tired; numb; wanting to run; constant cravings for old coping behaviors; thinking of using drugs and alcohol; seeking out old unhealthy people and places; really isolated; people are angry with you; self-abuse; suicidal thoughts
“R” = RELAPSEReturning to the place you swore you would never go again. Giving up; giving in; out of control; lost in your addiction; lying to yourself and others; feeling you just can’t manage without your coping behavior, at least for now. The result is usually shame, condemnation, guilt, and aloneness.
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Matthew 21Jesus makes His final trip to Jerusalem before His death. He is honored and praised by many as He fulfills prophecy by riding in on a colt. Jesus goes into the temple and upsets the Jewish leaders by overturning the money tables and healing the lame and blind. The next day the leaders question Him, but they are silenced by His wisdom. He goes on to tell them two parables. The first is about two sons, one of whom said he would do good and then did not do it. This was an indictment of these chief priests and scribes. The second story is about vine growers who decide to kill the owner’s son to seize his inheritance. This is a prophecy of what the Jews are planning to do to God’s Son.
The contrast in this chapter is striking. So many followers worship Jesus as He enters the city. He heals many in the temple and they rejoice in Him. They believe in Him, and they will enjoy life in His kingdom. At the same time, the men in the temple are disrespecting the Father and have a fervent hatred for the Son. They question Him and seek to accuse Him. This same Jesus invokes two very different reactions. Sadly, Jesus knows they will not repent. He tells parables and quotes Scripture to indicate that the kingdom will be removed from them. Christ would be a rock of foundation for some and would crush others. They made their choice. Have you?
All powerful God, Creator, and Sustainer, thank you for sending Jesus to be our Savior and King. His message is strong and demanding. But Father, He is also the source of all grace and peace. So many in this world fight His teaching and seek to eliminate Him and seize their inheritance. Great God, may we forever forsake a life apart from Jesus. Help us to always stand upon the Rock and never be crushed by it. Father, will you lead us today to tell someone about the two paths of life and show them and teach them to choose Jesus?
Thought Questions:
- If you were alive in Jesus’ day, would you have laid your coat on the road and praised Him as He entered? How can that spirit be shown today?
- Jesus said His disciples could move mountains “if you have faith and do not doubt.” How can your prayer life show God you believe that?
- How can you avoid a hard heart that sees the evidence but simply will not believe it? Has Jesus convinced you of His Lordship?
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Matthew 20“So the last shall be first, and the first last.” Jesus explains this teaching with a parable. Workers are hired throughout the day, each agreeing to a day’s wage. At the end of the day, every worker is paid the same amount. Those who were there first were angry. The point here is about God’s willingness to save anyone, and our need to be humble and grateful. The disciples struggled with this at times. Later in this chapter, even after Jesus describes His coming death, the mother of James and John asks for her sons to have exalted positions. All the disciples get upset with this. Jesus informs them that the kingdom is about service, mercy, and selflessness. Jesus then demonstrates this by healing two blind men who begged for help.
Those who pridefully yearn to be first in the kingdom may miss it altogether. If Jesus had been that way, He would not have died for us, and we would be lost. The parable of the workers is designed to humble the Jews because many would later be upset by Gentiles being added to the kingdom. But it is also important for us. Maybe we are like the disciples, hoping to be rewarded for our labor. If our focus is on ourselves and what we deserve, then we miss the whole point of the kingdom. We might miss that compassion for others and service to others, even those who come after us, is what Christ and His kingdom are all about.
Kind and caring heavenly Father, thank You for being so patient with us. We sometimes get caught up in our accomplishments and our efforts and can lose sight of the fact that we are saved only by Your grace. Give us humble hearts to be grateful to be in Your vineyard and to never compare ourselves to others. Your Son died for each one of us. He took the low place to raise us up. Give us hearts and opportunities to do the same for someone in need today in honor of our humble Savior.
Thought Questions:
- If you had worked all day, would you accept latecomers getting paid the same as you? How does this parable challenge you to check your heart?
- What does this phrase look like in your life, your home, and your relationships: “Whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant”?
- If Jesus can stop mid-mission and heal two blind men out of compassion, how might you be able to do something like that today?
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Matthew 19The Pharisees again seek to test and discredit Jesus. Here they ask Him about divorce: “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason at all”? Jesus answers by going straight to God’s word in the beginning. He then explains that the kingdom of heaven will be open to those who treasure marriage in a holy and righteous way. Following this, a rich man comes to ask about eternal life. While he is willing to keep the law, the man is not willing to give up his riches. Jesus responds by saying that it will be very hard for the rich to enter heaven. Jesus gives powerful instruction: treasure your spouse and be charitable with your money! For those who do such, they will inherit eternal life.
The greatest impact of this chapter is the dual concepts of marriage and money. Both still dominate the landscape of life today. They each have the potential to be very good for us and to honor God. But they have also been abused and twisted to dishonor God’s will. Jesus’ teaching on marriage goes back to the very beginning when God united a man and woman for life. May we always enter and continue in marriage with that goal in mind. Money, on the other hand, is often kept selfishly when it should be given to help others. The rich need to hear Christ’s call to generosity. Those who sacrifice to honor His teachings will reap blessings now and eternally.
Wonderful Creator, give us the humility to live Your way, even when it is difficult. Your Son has beautifully answered life’s most challenging questions and we pray for ears to hear. Please help us to approach marriage in a way that honors You. We pray for committed hearts, even in challenging situations, so far as it depends on us. And Lord, as rich and prosperous people, we pray for help in being generous and kingdom focused. Give us strength to trust in You, and to demonstrate that trust in our homes, with our wallets, and in every possible way.
Thought Questions:
- How is the new law of Christ more difficult than the law of Moses? Is it easier to fight for a marriage or to divorce your spouse and leave?
- What are ways you can show God’s love in your marriage? And among the world, how do you show a charitable heart to others in need?
- If you make great personal sacrifices to honor the will of Christ, what will be the rewards you can enjoy now, and what is coming later?
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Matthew 18If the previous chapter called for greater faith, then today’s content serves as a potent way to develop it. The chapter opens with Jesus teaching humility to His disciples by having a child come sit on His knee. He instructs them to do whatever it takes to avoid causing such little ones to stumble. They are of tremendous value to God. Christ instructs disciples to go to great lengths to restore those who are caught in sin. Sinners should be disciplined if they continue in sin, but disciples will need forgiving hearts for restoration efforts to work. To help with this, Jesus tells a parable of a man forgiven nearly infinite debt, but who will not forgive his brother of much less. Judgment is swift upon such a one.
Growing in our trust in Jesus can be cultivated by embracing four words: humble, careful, useful, and merciful. Four sections in this chapter illuminate each one. To be like a child is to be dependent on Christ, leaning upon Him for all we need. Be humble. But we also must see our fellow believers as God’s children. God will respond dramatically if we hurt His little ones. Be careful. Sometimes disciples get caught in sin and need help seeing their way out. We are called to go to them. Be useful. This means limitless forgiveness and compassion for others, as we reflect on God’s patience in our lives. Be merciful. In these four ways, we honor our Savior.
Gracious Lord, we praise You for Your qualities that bring us great hope. You are humble, serving when You have the right to be served. You are careful, and patiently help us develop. You are useful, in that You never stop trying to draw us close and help us turn to You. And You are incredibly merciful and forgiving, restoring us every time we make a request. Thank You for Your incredible goodness. Today, will You help us and encourage us to demonstrate these same qualities toward others? May we do so to others to show gratitude to You.
Thought Questions:
- What does it mean for you to be “converted and become like children”? Why do you think the kingdom requires people like this?
- How do you balance the need to be careful with others with the command of Jesus to go show fault to a brother in sin? How can you do both?
- Why did the man seize his neighbor who owed him little, even though he had been forgiven so much? What do we learn from this?
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Matthew 17Jesus takes His closest three disciples on a high mountain and is transfigured right before their eyes. Peter, James, and John are amazed at Jesus’ face shining like the sun. The Father then speaks and says, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!” Following this incredible event, Matthew records something unfortunate. A boy has a demon that the disciples cannot cast out. Jesus is frustrated at their unbelief, stating this as the reason they fail to help the boy. Jesus strongly advises prayer and fasting! Faith would be crucial very soon, as Jesus again describes that He must die and be raised on the third day. The chapter ends with Jesus casually fetching poll-tax money from a fish’s mouth, indicating how little such things are of concern to Him.
We have every reason to believe in the power of Christ. He is God’s Son and is testified as such by the Father Himself. We must live by faith in Him. This does not mean we always understand everything about Him. The disciples had questions about what to do on the mountain and the significance of Elijah’s appearance. A lack of understanding is not a lack of faith. But later, the disciples did not trust in Christ’s power to cast out demons through them, and Jesus was extremely upset by their doubt. They needed more prayer and fasting to fortify their trust, especially with great trials coming. We may not always understand, but we must always believe!
Glorious Father of Light, thank You for announcing and proving the name of Jesus. By Your proclamation, and by Jesus’ miracles and life, we believe! Help our unbelief, wherever it may be found. Father, will you hear our questions and continue to be patient with our lack of understanding? We pray this will not be counted as a lack of faith. But Lord, strengthen us to never doubt what Christ can do with us, around us, and through us. Help us to do great things in the name of the One who died and was raised again.
Thought Questions:
- What would it have been like to see Jesus shine as the Father spoke of Him from heaven? What does it look like to live today as if you had seen it?
- How would prayer and fasting have made all the difference in the disciples being able to cast out demons? What can those practices do for you?
- If Jesus casually paid poll taxes even though He had every right not to, what does that teach us about where our focus and attention should be?
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I'd like to include the text from Philippians 2:1-5 - Think about the changes Jesus made and why He did so. What if He hadn't done that? What if He waited for us to get to Him? What if He wasn't willing to take the hit since none of this was His fault? Jesus was humble, loving, and exhibited the perfect attitude. Let's learn about that and put it into practice in our lives and relationships.
2:5 Have this attitude [e]in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, as He already existed in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be [f]grasped, 7 but [g]emptied Himself by taking the form of a bond-servant and [h]being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death: death [i]on a cross. 9 For this reason also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. -
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Matthew 16As Jesus begins to expand His ministry toward Jerusalem, He lays out some strong and needful teaching for His disciples. Firstly, the Pharisees and scribes are false teachers. They always seek signs because their hearts are not open to the truth. Their teachings are unkind, unlawfully binding, and must be avoided. Jesus then turns attention to “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” His point is that He is the only way, truth, and life. His church is built upon the confession of Jesus as Christ, the Son of God. He follows by explaining that the road to glory would require His suffering, death, and resurrection. The disciples struggle with this, but eternal life requires His sacrifice as well as sacrifices by all who follow Him.
There comes a time when things need to be plainly spoken. Christ was patient with the Pharisees, but it was time to warn the disciples away from their form of teaching. His church would welcome all but would only be enjoyed by those who confess Him as Christ and the Son of God. The path of faith would lead to heaven but would require extreme and total submission to God’s will, perhaps even suffering or death. In the judgment, people will be willing to do anything to get to heaven, but the saved will have made that commitment during their lives here on earth. Jesus has extensively spoken to us about discipleship. Are we willing to submit and follow Him?
Great Creator and all-powerful God, teach us a form of belief that is willing to make hard choices. There are teachings around us that are false. Help us to reject them. There is a single truth that dominates the Christian: Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Give us the boldness to stand upon it in every part of our lives. Jesus gave everything to become our Savior. Guide us to be thankful and to put forth our lives as sacrificial offerings to You in gratitude and allegiance. Forgive our failures and strengthen us to be ready when Your Son returns.
Thought Questions:
- The Pharisees demanded signs, even after Jesus had shown them so much. Has Christ done enough for you to be faithful to Him?
- If the church is built upon the confession that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, what should that statement look like and mean in your life?
- “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (16:26)
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Matthew 15The scribes and Pharisees are back on the scene, renewing their accusations against Jesus and His disciples, this time about the washing of hands before eating. Jesus points out how these teachers violate the actual commandments of God for the sake of their traditions. Their interpretation of the law has taken precedence over the actual teachings of God’s law! Jesus reveals this is happening because of their hearts. They should be less concerned about others’ dirty hands, and more concerned with their unholy hearts. This is set in contrast to the great miracles that follow. A Canaanite woman begs for healing for her daughter, and Christ commends her faith. Jesus heals many by the sea, as they glorify God. He then feeds another group of over 4,000 people, demonstrating His compassion once again.
This chapter features two very different categories of people. On the one hand, the Pharisees are supposed to be the most knowledgeable and righteous people in Israel. However, they prove to be harsh and hypocritical and ultimately miss out on the immense blessings of Christ. Set in contrast, a Gentile woman, who knows she is unworthy of Jesus, begs for His help in faith. All those who pursue Jesus are healed, fed, and blessed. We must be careful because knowledge is good, but only from pure, humble, and holy hearts. We must never let knowledge make us judges of others. May we always humbly bow before Christ, side by side, begging for His help and showing mercy to others.
Kind and Loving Father, will you seed in us Your heart of compassion and consideration of others? We thank you for the Scripture, for knowledge, and for wisdom. But Lord, we pray those things do not foster within us hearts that are hard or filled with pride. Help us to never elevate ourselves and bind things on others we have no right to bind. Open our eyes to know Your Truth, and never a truth of our own will and design. And Father, keep us humble, always placing all our expectations and hope in the grace of Your beloved Son.
Thought Questions:
- How can you grow in knowledge without becoming like a Pharisee? Why is your heart such a powerful factor in that process?
- Can you have convictions and “traditions” you interpret in Scripture without weaponizing them to judge others? What does this require?
- Why is Jesus always saving and blessing people who know so little? How can you be like these people, even as you grow in knowledge?
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Matthew 14King Herod hears of Jesus’ works and believes John the Baptist has risen from the dead. Sadly, John was beheaded by Herod, not many days before. Matthew records the details of that event. John was bold and faithful at the cost of his life. The rest of this chapter records Jesus’ actions after hearing of this. He seeks seclusion but He is also drawn by compassion to keep healing the people. Jesus feeds the 5,000 with five loaves and two fish. Jesus then sends the disciples out in a boat, as He goes to the mountains to pray. Coming to them walking on water, He commands Peter to come out of the boat. Peter becomes frightened and Jesus asks him and all of them why they continue to doubt Him!
Jesus loved John the Baptist. He was no doubt deeply grieved by John’s death. John gave his life to preach the truth, even though he opposed powerful people. This chapter reads as if Jesus has some expectation of His disciples. He is effectively saying: “My cousin just died for this cause. Is this resulting in deeper faith among My disciples?” He challenged His disciples to feed the 5,000 before doing it Himself. Jesus called Peter upon the water, before having to reach out and save him in his doubt. Jesus is looking for results. God’s Son expects followers, including you and me, to grow in faith, move past doubt, and be changed by His power and His sacrifices on our behalf.
Devoted God and Father, thank you for Your willingness to endure loss for our sake. It must have been painful to watch John die, knowing that soon after Your only begotten Son would give His own life. And it must have been frustrating to see disciples still stumble in unbelief. Thank You for your patience in our weakness and thank You for continuing to demand we deepen our trust in You. Lord, help our unbelief. Train us to carry out Christ’s work in faith and to walk on water through any storm, with our eyes on Jesus.
Thought Questions:
- What kind of faith must John have had to preach morality to one who had the power to end his life? Do you and I have that kind of courage?
- Are you comfortable with Christ expecting deeper trust from you? Why is that important for the benefit of the people in your life?
- Would you have asked to walk to Jesus on the water? And more crucially, what does that faith look like in the storms of life today?
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