Monthly Archives: July 2011
serving and heaven’s king
Matthew 20:17-21:11. Zechariah’s prophecy that predicted the triumphal entry on a donkey’s colt goes on to say “because of the blood of my covenant with you, I will set your prisoners free” (Zech. 9:11). This deliverance would only come when … Continue reading
grace, equality, and heaven’s king
Matthew 19:1-20:16. In each of the stories Matthew records here, there is someone who considers himself better than someone else. The lesson is about God’s grace – how it levels the playing field and makes us all equal. The Pharisees … Continue reading
Posted in discipleship, equality, eternal life, grace, judgment, second coming
Tagged Matthew 19, Matthew 20
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humility and heaven’s king
Matthew 18. The disciples had just asked a stupid question. They wanted to know who was the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Jesus called a child, and presented him as an example to the disciples. He told them that … Continue reading
Posted in dependence upon God, fear, forgiveness, humility, kingdom of God, witness
Tagged Matthew 18
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death, taxes, and heaven’s king
Matthew 17. A few disciples got a preview of Christ in his coming glory on the mount of transfiguration. They heard the voice of the Father himself say “this is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased. Listen … Continue reading
Posted in commitment, discipleship, faithfulness, genuineness, gospel, integrity, witness
Tagged Matthew 17
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revelation about heaven’s king
Matthew 16. Jesus warned his disciples to stay away from the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. They seemed like experts in the things of God, but they were not privy to a real understanding of what God was doing … Continue reading
Posted in church, commitment, confidence, gospel, judgment, missions
Tagged Matthew 16
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Israel and heaven’s king
Matthew 15. Jesus and his disciples were in the middle of a concerted campaign to reach “the lost sheep of the house of Israel” with the gospel. They are proclaiming his message, and he is backing up their words with … Continue reading
Posted in discernment, ethnic Israel, faith, genuineness, integrity
Tagged Matthew 15
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a day in the life of heaven’s king
Matthew 14. Herod celebrated his birthday by murdering John the Baptist. It was a tragedy for the kingdom of heaven brought about by the lust and fear of one of earth’s kings. Later, when Herod learned of the success … Continue reading
Posted in courage, deliverance, dependence upon God, discipleship, faith, grace, ministry
Tagged Matthew 14
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the future and heaven’s king
Matthew 13. This chapter consists mostly of parables and is directed towards the crowds – not the disciples. The disciples were privy to insider information that served as a key to interpreting the parables (10-17). In two passages, Matthew records … Continue reading
Posted in commitment, destruction in hell, discipleship, future, kingdom of God, plan of God, preparation, second coming
Tagged Matthew 13
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blasphemy and heaven’s king
Matthew 12. The scribes and Pharisees condemn Jesus for what he is doing. They do not realize it, but they are committing the unpardonable sin. They are attacking the work that God is doing through his chosen servant (15-21), empowered … Continue reading
Posted in church, discernment, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, kingdom of God, witness
Tagged Matthew 12
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disappointment and heaven’s king
Matthew 11. The tone of Jesus’ preaching ministry changes a bit in this chapter, as he adjusts to a time of disappointment. John the Baptist had been violently taken by force. Even John was beginning to question whether … Continue reading
Posted in confidence, conflict, Jesus Christ, kingdom of God, perseverance, sovereignty of God
Tagged Matthew 11
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Devotions 