The teachings of Jesus have had vast historical influence, and the Sermon on the Mount may be the most influential. But the scripture we are covering today (Matthew 5:1-20) isn’t just nice platitudes; it is shocking. The audience was ‘astonished.’ We must be careful to not read this sermon with preconceived ideas and cast our Western understanding into it. We need to see it as Matthew wrote it, in the context of the Messiah King and His Kingdom. To understand…
The synoptic gospels present Jesus’ temptation immediately following His baptism. We can expect challenges after spiritual peaks. The wilderness motif is common in scripture. It represents a dry and discouraging time that grows and matures us. It is a time that we must be dependent on God (1 Peter 1:6-7). Today in Matthew 3:13-4:11, we look at the temptations of Christ. We must understand that temptation is not a sin. Jesus was tempted, just like we are (Hebrews 4:15). Temptation…
Isaiah chapters 40-55 are called the ‘comfort poems.’ They are a backdrop to the Gospel of Matthew. They tell of the Messiah’s return and hope of the promised Kingdom of God (Isaiah 52:1-10). Matthew is diligent to make clear that fulfillment of the entire story of the Hebrew Bible is found in Jesus. He begins the Gospel with the genealogy from the promise to Abraham (Matthew 1:1-17). Immerse ourselves in the story because we still have a part to play…
In this conclusion to the “Walk Wisely” sermon series, we explore the timeless metaphor of life as a journey. Reflecting on Proverbs 4:10-19 and Ephesians 5:15-16, this message examines the two paths we can walk — the way of wisdom or the way of folly. It highlights the choices, challenges, and direction of our lives and emphasizes Jesus as the ultimate “Way” to life. Jesus not only rescues us but also walks with us, guiding us daily as we follow…