Author Archives: Jefferson Vann
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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mission and heaven’s king
Matthew 10. Chapter 9 had concluded with Jesus commanding his disciples to pray for more harvesters. Chapter ten begins with commencement day. Jesus calls his twelve disciples and tells them “You know those apostles you have been praying for? – … Continue reading
Posted in church, commitment, destruction in hell, enemies, gospel, ministry, missions, witness
Tagged Matthew 10
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expectations and heaven’s king
Matthew 9. In this chapter, Matthew reveals how much Jesus challenged the status quo as he ministered in Capernaum. He was not what people expected of the Messiah. Questions emerged everywhere he went – some out of opposition, but … Continue reading
Posted in discipleship, enemies, faith, humility, kingdom of God, ministry, pride
Tagged Matthew 9
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the authority of heaven’s king
Matthew 8. At the conclusion of his sermon on the mount, the crowds were astonished at the authority with which Jesus had taught (7:28-29). Authority is the right to decide things. It is the ability to make commands in a … Continue reading
Posted in dependence upon God, discipleship, faith, Jesus Christ, kingdom of God, submission
Tagged Matthew 8
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the easy way and heaven’s king
Matthew 7:13-29. Jesus concludes his instructions to his disciples in his sermon on the mount with four figures of speech – all having to do with the dangers of counterfeit Christianity. He talks about two ways of trying to … Continue reading
Posted in commitment, conditional immortality, destruction in hell, discernment, genuineness, kingdom of God, leadership
Tagged Matthew 7
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others and heaven’s king
Matthew 7:1-12. The theme that ties together the varied instructions in this section of the sermon on the mount is others. The disciples will be tempted to look around at others and see their need for correction. Jesus warns them … Continue reading
Posted in compassion, discipleship, grace, love, ministry, missions, witness
Tagged Matthew 7
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