We read these words in Matthew 6: 14 “For if you forgive others their sins, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others, your Father will not forgive you your sins. Matthew 6:14, 15 In this chapter, Jesus tells a parable that explains that teaching in verse 23-35. I would add to … Continue reading Matthew 18. →

Straight from God's mouth, this says it all, doesn't it? 5 While he was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed[m] them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my one dear Son, in whom I take great delight. Listen to him!” Matthew 17:5 Listen to him!

So many things we could talk about in this chapter. Well, that's been true of all the chapters. One of those, which you likely already understand is how this is a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry. Peter recognizes Jesus as the Christ, the son of the living God. Matthew continues, 21 From that time on Jesus began … Continue reading Matthew 16. →

10Then he called the crowd to him and said, “Listen and understand. 11 What defiles a person is not what goes into the mouth; it is what comes out of the mouth that defiles a person.”  Matthew 15:10, 11 This verse connects me to James' teaching on the tongue. I remain convicted every day of the things that slip … Continue reading Matthew 15. →

I want to comment on two things from this chapter. First, so much has been said, written, and preached about Jesus' walking on the water and Peter's step out of the boat to come to him and then getting distracted and sinking. Something that's pretty amazing about that is that for a time Peter did … Continue reading Matthew 14. →

My take on the parables is basically this. Jesus wants followers. Followers will pursue the meaning of a parable. In the disciples' case, they could ask Jesus. In our case, we have the text to see those answers, and when they aren't there we must pursue the meaning as fiercely as we can. Others can … Continue reading Matthew 13. →

Somehow, I missed my reading on Friday. Probably because I wasn't working and ran a lot of errands. While there's a lot to choose from in this chapter, this saying of Jesus at the end of the chapter cries for attention. 47  Someone told him, “Look, your mother and your brothers are standing outside wanting to speak to … Continue reading Matthew 12. →

In this chapter we learn of John's doubts. "Are you the one who is to come?" This question from the man who said, “Look, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29). Many have wrestled with this incident. Especially since John sends them after hearing about Jesus' deeds. Some have said that John did it … Continue reading Matthew 11. →

I was struck by this: 7 As you go, preach this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven is near!’ 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give. 9 Do not take gold, silver, or copper in your belts, 10 no bag for the journey, or an extra tunic, or sandals or staff, for the worker deserves his provisions.. Matthew 10:9, … Continue reading Matthew 10. →

At the beginning of the chapter, Jesus says this, "When Jesus saw their faith ...." In several reported incidents in this chapter, he refers to the faith of the ones who are healed. But we have many examples of people healed where faith isn't mentioned or that perhaps the people didn't even particularly have faith. How … Continue reading Matthew 9. →