January 25, 2022
WHO IS JESUS TO YOU? Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” Jesus often used the Messianic title, “Son of Man,” in referring to Himself. The disciples answered, “Some say John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, or one of the other prophets.” Then Jesus asked them the most important
January 24, 2022
THE SIGN OF JONAH The Pharisees and the Sadducees came to Jesus asking for a sign to prove His authority. He wondered aloud that they could read the signs in the sky to predict the weather, but were not able to read the signs of the times. In other words, they could tell when it
January 23, 2022
YOUR WORDS REVEAL YOUR HEART The Pharisees asked Jesus why His disciples didn’t follow the tradition of the elders by washing their hands before eating. He replied that it isn’t what goes into the mouth that defiles a man, but what comes out. The word “defile,” means to make unclean or impure. Jesus pointed
January 22, 2022
THE COMPASSIONATE CHRIST After Jesus heard about the beheading of His relative, John the Baptist, He withdrew by boat to a remote place to be alone. However, as soon as He stepped ashore, He saw a huge crowd waiting for Him. Can you imagine His grief? Can you understand His desire for solitude and
January 21, 2022
FAMILIARITY CAN BREED CONTEMPT The people of Nazareth were offended at the authority of Jesus’ teachings because of their familiarity with him. They knew his family. They had seen him grow up. “Who does he think he is coming back home preaching to us?” They thought. Two ways we might relate to this passage:
January 20, 2022
GIVING ALL, GAINING EVERYTHING! One of Christ’s many kingdom parables, this one emphasizes the willingness of one to give up everything in this world in order to have the kingdom of heaven. The value of the kingdom is “hidden” to most, yet revealed to those who discover its treasure. Others probably thought the man foolish
January 17, 2022
THE GENTLE KING WHO WON A BETTER VICTORY The Spirit inspired Matthew to quote the Messianic prophecy from Isaiah 42:3 as being fulfilled in Jesus. For the type of justice and victory that Christ would bring was not as worldly kings would. For Christ’s kingdom did not come with violence and destruction. King Jesus was
January 15, 2022
WHO GETS YOUR PRIORITY LOVE? This statement from Jesus to His disciples is very disconcerting, until you understand its meaning. Jesus is claiming the priority love that belongs to God alone. He is not saying you cannot love your family and be His follower too. No, far from it. He is saying that we must
January 13, 2022
SEEING OTHERS THROUGH CHRIST’S EYES When Jesus looks at us, what does He see? He sees a world of people who are “confused and helpless.” What is His response? He has “compassion” for us because we are “like sheep without a shepherd.” Do you see what Jesus sees? Have you ever asked the Lord
January 12, 2022
GO AND LEARN The Pharisees asked why Jesus ate with sinners and He answered with a rabbinic response: “Go and learn.” For rabbis were known for sending their students back to the Scriptures to discover the answers to their own questions. Jesus quoted from the prophet Hosea where God had said, “For I desire mercy