Category Archives: discipleship
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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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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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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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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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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religion and heaven’s king
Matthew 6:1-18. Jesus did not oppose practicing acts of religious piety, but he warned his disciples not to practice them to gain a present “reward” (1,2,4,5,6,16,18). There will be rewards in the future, but disciples should focus their attention on … Continue reading
Posted in commitment, dependence upon God, discipleship, forgiveness, giving, kingdom of God, prayer, witness
Tagged Matthew 6
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the scriptures and heaven’s king
Matthew 5:17-48. Jesus taught his disciples to have a different attitude toward the Law and the Prophets (that is, the Old Testament scriptures) (17). He particularly warned them not to follow the path established by the scribes and Pharisees (20). … Continue reading
Posted in adoption, church, commitment, discipleship, faithfulness, Jesus Christ, kingdom of God
Tagged Matthew 5
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Devotions 