For many years, many years ago, Beaverton Christian regularly performed a "passion play". It was pretty extensive, usually included music, and naturally a lot of members played the various parts in the play. I remember one particular year, when Harold Smith was playing Caiaphas, who showed up in several scenes. One was the moment when … Continue reading Matthew 21.
Matthew 20.
Let's be servants of one another!
Matthew 19.
23 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “I tell you the truth, it will be hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven! 24 Again I say, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter into the kingdom of God.” 25 The disciples were greatly astonished when they heard … Continue reading Matthew 19.
Matthew 18.
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.
Week 17.
We're finished with week 17, which means we are more than one-third through our read-through. How about that? I hope most of you are sticking with it, but if you've missed a bit, just pick with where we are now. Maybe you have something to say about this past week. Maybe you have something to … Continue reading Week 17.
Matthew 17.
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!
Matthew 16.
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.
Matthew 15.
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.
Matthew 14.
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.
Matthew 13.
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.