Matthew 17 "Jesus Predicts His Death"

And while they stayed in Galilee, Jesus said to them, "The Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of men: And they shall kill him, and the third day he shall be raised again." And they were exceeding sorry. (vv. 22-23)

Knowing the future, Jesus Christ was willing to accept what was to come, to suffer and die on the cross for the sins of the world, many of whom would reject His deity even though He defeated death through His resurrection. Sad then, and just as sad over 2000 years later.

While none of us will probably ever face such a death, we will one day face it. And during that moment, or other difficult seasons in life, may we learn to; endure the path we must walk, endure the pain that comes our way, and to be content with His will in our lives. For a New Heaven and a New Earth awaits those who believe on Him.

The Truth: “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:4)

Matthew 16 "Who is Jesus?"

Here in chapter 16 Jesus asks two questions of His disciples; 1) Whom do men say that I am? and 2) Whom do you say that I am? One could ask the first question of people today and get a similar variety of answers His disciples reported over 2000 years ago; a teacher, a prophet, a healer, even a good man.

Simon Peter answered the second question correctly when he responded, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God” (v.16). Typical of Peter, straight and to the point. Anything short of that would have been the wrong answer. Today the eternal question remains the same, who do you believe Jesus is? Is He a teacher? A prophet? A good man? Or, is He the Christ, the Son of the living God. Your answer will determine your eternal future.

As we enter the Christmas season, a holiday set aside to recognize the Savior's birth, a time when everywhere you go some will say, "Happy Holidays" but others "Merry CHRISTmas." Do yourself an eternal favor and recognize the One we sing about this time of year; the "King of kings", the "LORD of lords", Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God.

The Truth: “Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.” (1 John 4:15)

Matthew 15 "Matters of the Heart"

 “It is not what goes into your mouth that defiles a man; but what comes out of it.” (v. 18)

Here in chapter 15 Jesus teaches on matters of the heart. While doing so He completely disregards some oral Jewish traditions, infuriating the Scribes and Pharisees who stand more on tradition than scripture. Here in our text He is teaching it is more important to wash your heart than your hands. Why? “Because the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked” (Jeremiah 17:9).

The solution to defilement then is to cleans the heart not the hands. As King David wrote in the Psalms we should, "hide God’s word in our hearts, that we might not sin against Him” (Psalm 119:11). How is defilement avoided? By God’s Word, purifying our hearts, certainly not by ceremonially washing our hands.

May we be more concerned with what goes into our hearts and eventurally comes out of our mouths.

The Truth: “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night.” (Psalm 1:1-2)

Matthew 14 “Keep Our Eyes On Jesus”

Peter said, Lord, if it is you, bid me to come to you on the water. And Jesus said, “Come." But when Peter saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and he began to sink, and he cried, saying, Oh, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth His hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, why did you doubt?” (vv. 28-31)

The lesson for all of us here is to keep our eyes upon Jesus and not on our circumstances. When we start looking around at our problems we can begin to sink. Every one of us faces daily situations that could sink us, if we allow ourselves to get caught up into our circumstances. We just need to keep our eyes on the Lord, the Master over the wind and the waves of our daily lives. Then, like Peter, who when looking at Jesus was able to walk on water, so shall we conquer our our daily trials in like manner.

Yes we can all become distracted by the wind and waves around us. But, even in our moments of "little faith” God is there, ready to comfort and help His children - Even when we are doubting Him.

The Truth: "If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.” (2 Timothy 2:13)

Matthew 13 "The Wheat and the Tares"

"The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field; but while he slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way." (vv. 24-25)

The parable of “The Wheat and the Tares” (vv. 24-30), is a story many in an Agrarian society could identify with. The good wheat coexisting along side with the bad tares sowed by an enemy. And the wisdom of the master in allowing them both to grow together until harvest time, at which point the difference would be manifested. The tares then would be gathered into bundles and burned, but the wheat would be gathered and placed into the barn.

In this parable the field is the world, the wheat the sons of the kingdom, and the tears are the sons of the wicked one. This world was created (planted) by God and for His good pleasure, and He (the master) has allowed the good to flourish along with the bad in it. However, like all creation, this world will have an end. Then, at the end of days, there will be a great harvest-day, a day of judgment. During that harvest, all is ripe and ready to be cut down. Some to be burned with fire, while others will be gathered and placed into His Kingdom.

At that time, better to be the wheat than the tares.

The Truth: And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to Him who sat on the cloud, “Thrust in Your sickle and reap, for the time has come for You to reap, for the harvest of the earth is ripe.” (Revelation 14:15)

Matthew 12 “The Unpardonable Sin"

"Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit shall not be forgiven men. If you speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven: but whosoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come." ( vv. 31-32 ).

Basically, the unpardonable sin is the refusal to adhere to the work of the Spirit in your life. The work of the Holy Spirit is to convict men of their sin, by revealing to man the answer for his sin, Jesus Christ. God has made only one provision for our forgiveness, one provision for the putting away of our sin, and that provision is in and through His Son. The Spirit of God then comes to bear witness of this fact to us. If one continually refuses that work of the Holy Spirit in their heart, there is no forgiveness.

The Truth: “There is no other name (Jesus Christ) given among men, whereby we must be saved."     ( Acts 4:12 ).

Matthew 11 "Jesus Gives True Rest"

“Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (vv. 28-30)

Here in chapter 11, Jesus is chiefly addressing the poor, lost, ruined sinner: the man "burdened" with a consciousness of his transgressions, and seeking deliverance. For such who truly repent, there is relief. Jesus tells them to come to Him, to believe in Him, and to trust Him, and Him only, for salvation. Doing this, He will bring them rest for their souls, from their sins, from the terrors of the law, and from the fears of eternal death.

Today, you too can find rest from your fears, from the terrors of the past, and have victory over your sin. Simply come unto Him, accept Him, give Him Lordship over your life, and you shall find "rest" for you soul. (See connect with God to the right on this page)

The Truth: “These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

Matthew 10 “Confess Christ Before Men“

"Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.” (vv. 32-33)

One day we will all stand before God, but those who have stood for Christ here on earth, will not stand alone before God in heaven. Those who have confessed Jesus Christ before men, when their name is called to stand before God, Jesus will step forth and confess them before the Father. As Jude said of Jesus, "To Him (give glory) who is able to keep us from stumbling, and to present us "faultless" before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy" (Jude 1:24).

However, if a person denied Jesus Christ before men, they will stand alone before God. And in that sobering moment may even turn to Him and say, "Lord, Lord," but He will shake His head and say, "I never knew you.” Wow! what a fearful thing to stand before the living God with no advocate. Better to confess Him now, willingly, and save your soul, than to confess later, on your knees, before the living God, and have no advocate to save you from eternal judgment.

The Truth:  "'As surely as I live,' says the Lord, 'every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.’” (Romans 14:11)

Matthew 9 “The Laborers Are Few”

"Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore, pray the LORD of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” (vv. 37-38)

God has a purpose and a plan for every single person He has ever created. He wants to use all of us to reach out and touch the peoples lives that we come in contact with every day, so we can help point them to Jesus. There are so many people in this world who are hurting and they are searching for answers in all the wrong places.

If we are listening carefully, we might just hear God asking us to be the one who brings the Truth to them. Let’s choose today to start saying, “Here I am Lord, send me!” and allow Him to use us however He sees fit. So let’s be ready when He calls us.

The Truth: "In a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and earthenware, and some for honorable use, some for dishonor. If any one purifies himself from what is dishonorable, then he will be a vessel for noble use, consecrated and useful to the master of the house, ready for any good work.” (2 Timothy 2:21-22)

Matthew 8 “Rejection of Jesus”

"When they saw Him, they begged Him to depart from their coast.” (v.34)

By way of recap, after Jesus was baptized He heard that John was in prison, so He departed for Galilee. He stayed in Capernaum, in the regions of Zebulum and Naphtali, and began to preach on the kingdom of heaven. Great multitudes followed Him from Galilee to beyond the Jordan. Seeing the multitudes, He went up to a mountain above the crowds and began to speak to them. When He had ended His teaching the people were astonished, for He taught them as one having great authority.

Chapter 8 now picks up His story after He came down from the mountain. Having just proclaimed the kingdom of God was at hand to many through the sermon on the mount, He begins to show what it will be like during the kingdom age through a series of miracles. Jesus, through the power of His spoken word cleanses a man of leprosy (vv.1-4), healed a paralyzed servant of a centurion (vv. 5-13), healed Peter’s mother of a feverish sickness (vv.14-15), healed many who were demon possessed (vv. 16-17), and calmed the wind and the waves by His command, while He and His disciples were in a boat during a great tempest at sea (vv. 23-26).

Now once they had safely crossed the sea of Galilee, they landed at the Country of the Gergesenes, a place on the eastern side of the Sea. There, two men (probably greeks) came out of the tombs who were demon possessed, and came face to face with Jesus. The men were so exceedingly fierce, that no one from the local area dared pass by those tombs. Then suddenly they cried out, “What have we to do with You, Jesus, You Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before “the time” (vv.28-29)?

Wow! The multitudes did not recognize who He was, those He helped saw Him as a healer or a teacher. His own disciples wondered what manner of man He was that the wind and the waves obeyed His voice. But the demons who possessed the two men (greeks) from Gergesenes, knew exactly who He was, and feared what He might do to them before "their time.” So wrather than being unembodied spirits, the demons begged Jesus saying, “If you cast us out, permit us to go into the heard of swine" (near by). And He said to them, “Go” (vv. 28-32). Then suddenly, "the whole heard of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the water" (v.32).

Scripture does not record the two liberated men’s reaction to this event. But, it does record what those who were tending the swine did. They went into the city and told everything they saw, including what happened to the two demon possessed men. Then the whole city came out to meet Jesus, and "when they saw Him, they begged Him to depart from their coast” (v. 34). I guess they cared more about their business of pig farming (most likely illegal in that area of the world), than what Jesus had done for their countrymen.

So sad when people, companies, bureaucracies, and even churches, care more about their bottom line than one of their own. However, just as the liberation of two lives from demon possession is a far greater to God than a heard of swine, so too is the liberation of your soul greater to God than anything else to Him, and gives cause for much celebration in heaven.

The Truth: "I say unto you, that joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repents, more than over ninety-nine just persons, which need no repentance."

Matthew 7 “Avoid Hypocrisy”

"You hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of your own eye; and then shall you see clearly to cast out the speck out of your brother's eye."

Why is it always easier to find fault with others, than it is with ourselves? Why do we clearly see the short comings of others, and not our own? Some might say human nature, others sin nature, still others may say, that's just how I'm built. But Jesus calls that, “Hypocrisy.” Why? Because we should first begin with ourselves.

As Christians, we are to take notice of our own sins, and do away with them. Then we will be better qualified to correct the faults of others. Jesus said earlier, "Judge not, that you be not judged" (v.1). While there is a need to correct faults, we should not point out the faults of others unless we ourselves are committed to restoration and not condemnation. Keeping in mind the manner in which we judge others, is the way we too shall be judged.

Therefore, love your bothers and sisters in Christ enough to correct their faults in love, without condemnation, keeping in mind how you would want to be corrected in love as well. In this we can avoid division and hypocrisy in the church.

The Truth: "Brethren, if a man (or woman) be overtaken in a fault, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering yourself, lest you also be tempted." (Galatians 6:1)

Matthew 6 “Do Not Worry”

“Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (v. 34)

Here in chapter 6, Jesus continues with His sermon on the mount, expounding great wisdom to all who listened on many subjects; Prayer, fasting, material wealth, pleasing God, the lamp of the body, our service to God, and the subject of worry. As a type “A” personality, I have always had the tendency to, over plan, over think, and just plain over worry. Sometimes I would get so far down the road that I would freak myself out (not to mention others), especially when it came to financial matters.

This scripture has done a lot to liberate me from the obsession of financial worry. Yes, I will be the first to admit it is a good idea to have a plan, and I still do, but taking this scripture to heart has lifted a great weight off my mind, and has enabled me to live in the present and not worry (so much) about the future.

As Christians we must “seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness,” then everything else will take care of itself, both now and later.

The Truth: “Godliness is profitable for all things, having the promise of life that now is, and of that which is to come.” (1 Timothy 4:8)

Matthew 5 “The Heart”

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (v.8)

There is certainly a lot to think about and meditate on in this chapter. For me though, all the lessons here come back to the condition of our heart. If our heart is pure, so will our witness be, our attitudes towards others, our wives, our children, even our advisories. Our word will be our bond, out oaths true, our friendships unconditional, even going the extra mile to love the unloveable, and to find common ground with the constant antagonist.

Yes it is easy to fall into the trap of eye for an eye, and tooth for a tooth, but leave all that to God. Remain pure in heart, let your light shine before men. And it will not only glorify your Father in heaven, but you will give light to all those around you, that they may see His Spirit at work in you.

The Truth: “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10)

Matthew 4 "The Temptation of Christ"

“Then was Jesus led up of the spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.” (v:1)

Here in chapter 4 Satan had but one goal, to bring Jesus to sin against God. Three times Satan tempts Jesus with the desires of the physical and material realm, all within his power to provide. And, three times Jesus answered with, “it is written.”

What made Satan give up (that day) on his tempting of Christ, it was not just the verbal quoting of scripture, but the commitment to living it out as well. You see, Satan himself could quote scripture but he had no intention of living by it. However, Jesus did!

Today Satan’s goal remains the same, to get people to compromise on their beliefs and sin against God. We are all in a constant battle against his deliberate and subtle attacks and can’t win in our own strength. But, He has not left use powerless. The true power in overcoming temptation lies in the submission to God’s Word and the commitment to live by it through the power of His Spirit.

So, "armor up," and move forward to meet all battles in His name.

The Truth: “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:15-16)

Matthew 3 “Jesus Baptized for our Example”

“So when Jesus was baptized, he came up out of the water: the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him. And a voice from heaven declared, ‘This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.”’ (vv.16-17)

While Jesus is being baptized, the Holy Spirit descended upon Him and the voice of the Father spoke from heaven testifying, "This is My beloved Son." In this we have an interesting look at the Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Jesus who came to John (the Baptist) to be baptized, set an example for us to follow. His baptism declared the superiority of the spiritual over the material: The life of the Spirit over the life of the flesh. In essence, Jesus was declaring His superiority over the material, fleshly life, and  marked the beginning of His public ministry. Now, led and empowered by the Holy Spirit, He could face all that was to come.

When we follow His example, buried under the water is the old life, the old desires: dead. Then, rising up out of the water, washed clean, is the new life, the life of the Spirit - superior to the life of the flesh. As a result, we are no longer alone in this earthly battle any longer, we have His Spirit in our lives to guide and protect our steps.

Thank you Lord for this beautiful picture of Your saving grace in our lives.

The Truth: “And He that sent Me is with Me: the Father hath not left Me alone; for I do always those things that please Him.” (John 8:29)

Matthew 2 “The Coming King”

“Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we (Magi) saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.”When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.” (vv.2-3)

Chapter 2 presents us with three alternative responses to the birth of Jesus: King Herod’s, the chief priests and teachers, and the Magi. Herod heard the word about the coming shepherd of Israel, and he reacted angrily because his plans might be upset. The chief priests and teachers of the law also heard, but they did nothing. The Magi heard this word, and they acted on it—they made the trip (from the far east) to Bethlehem, where they found Jesus and bowed down and worshipped Him.

The indifference of the nation to the coming King is stunning. The chief priests and teachers of the law knew exactly what the Magi were talking about in verse two, but apparently had made no effort to search out the truth for themselves. Even the wicked King Herod was more curious than those who should have been at the head of the line in Bethlehem, worshiping their Messiah. But the Magi got to share in the birth of the Savior. They were the first to offer Jesus gifts that not only represented the best that they had, but spoke of His kingship and His eventual death.

Unfortunately not much has changed today in terms of man’s responses to Jesus. When confronted with "the coming King” they remain the same; indifference, hatred, or faith.  I pray you choose faith!

The Truth: “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets, I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.” (Matthew 5:17)

Matthew 1 “Why Jesus Was Born”

“She (Mary) will bear a Son; and you (Joseph) shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” (v. 21)

As we approach Christmas, it’s good to remember "why Jesus was born." The Son of God did not come to establish a nostalgic, family-oriented, commercially successful holiday. The angel told Joseph: “[Mary] will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins” (v. 21), to later become the sacrificial, spotless lamb, who's blood was shed for the sins of the world.

He truly was a "gift" from God to a sin-damaged world: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 6:23). The best gift ever given, was wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger.

Now, that’s something to celebrate at Christmas!

The Truth: “Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” (Isaiah 7:14)

Psalm 125 “We Will Not Be Shaken”

"Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever,” (v.1)

"Mount Zion" is used in God's Word many times to mean "the dwelling place of God." And because God dwells in it, it cannot be shaken, it can never be defeated, and will never perish. In Mount Zion, there is perpetual hope, peace and joy.

Similarly, if we have God dwelling with us and are truly trusting in Him, then we will never be moved from Him. Our faith will remain strong, solid, fixed, and stable. And like Mt. Zion, we shall not be shaken, but abide in Him forever.

The Truth: "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. I and my Father are one.” (John 10:27-30)

Psalm 124 “The LORD Is Our Defense”

“Our help is in the name of the LORD, Who made heaven and earth.” (v.8)

Where would we be without God’s help, His sustaining power? If it had not been for the LORD (like the psalmist indicates), we too would be “swallowed alive” by our enemies; hatred, anger, drugs, alcohol, sexual lusts, and all sorts of abominations. But, "blessed be the LORD, who has made an escape for our souls as a bird from the snare of the fowlers; for the snare is broken and we have escaped” (v.7).

We are all just one bad decision away from destruction. But thank God for His Son, who through His sacrificial death on the cross made it possible for us to be, one good decision away from eternal life. For "our help is in the LORD, Who made heaven and earth.” Therefore, choose life - for there is power in the name of Jesus!

The Truth: "You shall ask anything in My name, I will do it, that the Father might be glorified in the Son.” (John 14:13)

Psalm 123 “Keep Your Eyes On God”

"Unto You I lift up mine eyes, O You that dwell in the heavens. Behold, as the eyes of a servant look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes look to the LORD our God, until He has mercy on us.” (vv.1-2)

This psalm tells us that we are to pay close attention to the Lord. David uses the picture of a servant, or slave, waiting on and carefully watching the banquet table of his master to illustrate this truth. Whenever the master glances at the servant and gestures toward something, the good servant is watching and responds accordingly. But if the servant is looking around at others and not focusing on the master, he would miss the signs and not accomplished what he was intended to do.

Therefore, we need to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus so as not to miss what He has in store for us today and every day.

The Truth: "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2)