Author Archives: Jefferson Vann
three questions for heaven’s king
Matthew 24. In verse 3, the disciples asked Jesus three questions about the future. Each section of the eschatological discourse answers one of those questions. Matthew 24:3 As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him … Continue reading
Posted in discipleship, faithfulness, perseverance, preparation, second coming
Tagged Matthew 24
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children of hell and heaven’s king
Matthew 23. Jesus pronounces judgment upon the religious professionals in Jerusalem and warns his disciples not to follow their hypocrisy. With seven prophetic woes, he condemns them for seven sins: They shut the kingdom of heaven in … Continue reading
Posted in courage, destruction in hell, discernment, future, genuineness, hypocrisy, kingdom of God
Tagged Matthew 23
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hard questions and heaven’s king
Matthew 22:15-46. The various religious and political parties in Jerusalem had decided to get rid of Jesus by publically humiliating him. They each chose a hard question to ask him “to entangle him in his words.” Jesus shows the … Continue reading
the source of heaven’s king
Matthew 21:28-22:14. Jesus had been confronted by the chief priests and elders at Jerusalem. While he was teaching in the temple courts they demanded that he reveal the source of his ministry. He would not tell them outright, but he … Continue reading
Posted in angels, destruction in hell, eternal life, forgiveness, future, Jesus Christ, kingdom of God, repentance, worship
Tagged Matthew 21, Matthew 22
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prayer and heaven’s king
Matthew 21:12-27. Three stories from Jesus’ time at the Jerusalem temple highlight the ministry of prayer. In each story, an obstacle must be overcome. Jesus cleansed the temple by overturning the tables of commerce that had been set up. … Continue reading
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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