God reveals. The question is: what does God show us, and what should our response be? In Matthew 16:13-20. Jesus asks Peter, “Who do you say I am?” He responded, “You are the Christ.” But Peter’s expectation of what that meant was a bit inaccurate. Jesus teaches that He was to suffer and die. We need to take up our cross and die to ourselves (Matthew 16:21-28). Then, Jesus presented Himself transformed, in glory and wonder (Matthew 17:1-8). What is…
Jesus described how people receive the word of God like soil receiving a seed. Our hearts respond to Christ’s message by being — hard, shallow, crowded, or receptive. The Parable of the Sower is a well-known story found in Matthew 13:1-23 that is asking us how we hear God’s word. Do we have a tinge of resistance, or are we distracted? What does it look like to be receptive to the message of God’s kingdom? The seed sprouts in good…
When John the Baptist was in prison, he sent some of his disciples to ask Jesus if he truly was the Messiah (Matt 11:1-11). Jesus honored John — then He pointed to the signs that were prophesied in Isaiah. Jesus has grace for those who wrestle with doubt. He knows that there will be a day where faith becomes sight, hope is fulfilled, and love is eternal (1 Cor 13:12-13). Then, there will be no doubt. But, while we are…
Jesus called His disciples and sent them into a world full of need. Matthew 10:1–20 reminds us that ministry is not just for a few; it’s for all of us. Wherever we are at—work, home, or in our neighborhoods—we are in ministry. We walk through Jesus’ instructions for the mission: for who (the lost sheep of Israel), the method (preaching and healing), and the mindset (traveling light, trusting God’s provision). Jesus also sets realistic expectations: this work involves real opposition.…