Category: Gospels
The Capstone
Scripture reading for January 30th: Matthew 21:28-46, Psalm 19:7-17, Proverbs 5:19-20
Jesus was well aware of the religious leaders plans to have Him killed. He told a parable about a landowner who had a vineyard that he rented to some farmers. At harvest time he sent servants to collect his share of the fruit as the rent due. When the servants came, the tenants seized them and beat them and killed some. Others were sent and were mistreated too. Finally, the owner sent his only son to collect the rent. When the tenants saw the son, they plotted to kill him and take his inheritance for themselves. Jesus asked the question: “Therefore, when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?” “He will bring those wretches to a wretched end,” they replied, “and he will rent the vineyard to other tenants, who will give him his share of the crop at harvest time.” (Matthew 21:40-41) This parable should have revealed truth to the religious leaders, if they had been wanting to hear.
Jesus then quoted for them a familiar messianic passage: “‘The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes.'” (Psalm 118:22-23) An alternate translation renders ‘capstone’ as ‘cornerstone’. Jesus is the cornerstone of the new temple. He was telling them that they would loose out on the kingdom and it would be given to those who would produce the fruit of the kingdom. They must humble themselves and fall on Him for mercy or He would fall on them and shatter them in judgment! (Matthew 21:43-44)
This teaching was hard for the proud religious leaders to swallow. They knew that Jesus was talking about them and wanted to silence Him rather than listen and obey. They wanted to arrest Him then and there, but were afraid of the people. Proper response to Jesus through humble brokenness and obedient faith would have brought cleansing and their addition into the new temple that had Jesus as the capstone (cornerstone). Have you cast yourself on the Stone of Jesus? Do you know that you are anchored to the Rock that is the cornerstone? Take time today to reaffirm your faith and love for Jesus! Religious people are in the most danger!
Your King Comes!
Scripture reading for January 29th: Matthew 21:1-27, Psalm 19:1-6, Proverbs 5:15-18
Jesus gave instructions to his disciples before entering Jerusalem. They were to go into the village and find a donkey with her colt tied there and bring them to Jesus. Jesus was in need of a special ride into town, because this would fulfill prophesy written by Zechariah nearly 600 years earlier. “Say to the Daughter of Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a colt, the foal of a donkey.'” (Zechariah 9:9) God has everything planned and for our faith and benefit, it is written down.
Jesus entered Jerusalem as their King and a large crowd followed Him and welcomed Him shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is He that comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest!” (Matthew 21:9) The whole city was stirred and began to question whether or not this was Messiah. Most considered Jesus to be a prophet of some sort. However, the chants of the crowd seemed to indicate that this might be the long-awaited Messiah.
” Jesus entered the temple and began to drive out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. “It is written,” he said to them, ‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it a ‘den of robbers.'” (Matthew 21:12-13) What Jesus did next was shocking to the religious leaders of Jesus’ day. He was angry as He turned over the tables and drove those who were changing money out of the temple. This King took control over the temple and those in authority wondered where He got that authority! His words were those spoken by Jeremiah as he addressed the religious leaders for their hypocrisy right before the captivity! (Jeremiah 7:9-11)
It is easy to cry “Hosanna” and welcome the King. It is not so easy to have the King come showing anger over our sins! Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit now. Are you allowing things in your body or spirit that will arouse the anger of a Holy King should He visit? It is better to do housecleaning now and be ready to welcome Him! Jesus came riding on a donkey to Jerusalem, but next time will come riding on a white horse as “King of Kings!” (Revelation 19:11-16)
Can you drink this cup?
Scripture reading for January 28th: Matthew 20, Psalm 18:43-50, Proverbs 5:7-14
Jesus spoke plainly to His disciples about His coming death by crucifixion. He did not want them to be unprepared for the fiery trial that He would go through and that they would experience themselves. “We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priest and the teachers of the law. They will condemn Him to death and will turn Him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day He will be raised to life!” (Matthew 20:18-19) Jesus did not head for Jerusalem unaware of what awaited Him. It was a cup of suffering and a horrible death by crucifixion.
After this revelation to His disciples, the mother of James and John came to Jesus and knelt down to ask a favor of Him. “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.” “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said to them. “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?” (Matthew 20:21–22) What this mother thought was a favor would involve a cup of suffering beyond what anyone could imagine!
The brothers answered in the affirmative! They could drink the cup, whatever that was. This was their own human estimate of their strength. Jesus assured them that they would drink from His cup, but that the places that they desired were not His to grant, but that honor was for those that the Father prepared it for. (Matthew 20:22-23) This jostling for position caused jealousy among the disciples; Jesus called them together and warned them not to jostle for position. The way to become great was not by lording it over one another, but by becoming the greatest servant. He, Himself, had set them the example and they should follow Him!
As we ponder this passage, Jesus’ question, “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?” stands out to me. I am thankful that He drank the cup of God’s wrath for my sin! I don’t have to drink that cup! But I am called to be His servant and that will involve suffering and carrying a cross! I must die to myself and live fully for Him. Will I drink from that cup?
God’s design for marriage!
Scripture reading for January 27th: Matthew 19, Psalm 18:30-42, Proverbs 5:1-6
Marriage is an institution that God created with a purpose. A marriage between a man and a woman was to provide companionship for both the man and woman throughout their lives. God determined that it was not good for Adam to be alone and that he needed a suitable helpmate. (Genesis 2:18-25) Marriage was also for procreation and the raising of godly children who would know and serve God. (Malachi 2:15-16) God knew that this could best be done by a man and a woman in a covenant relationship. Their love for each other and God would provide an environment that the children could learn about His love for them.
But sin entered the world through the first couple, Adam and Eve. They decided that they could do life by being like God themselves and disobeying His one command to them. This brought death to their relationship with God and strife to their own relationship. Work had sweat and toil and childbirth had pain. There was tension between them because they both wanted to be in control and God had set an order in the home. The man was to be a priest and protector but sin marred his ability to do that right. The result was broken families, multiple marriages, fighting and bickering and children who were not raised to fear God! God’s heart was broken for the children that should be His and take His glory to the world!
Jesus was asked a question to trap Him concerning divorce! “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any and every reason?” “Haven’t you read,” He replied, “that God made them male and female,” and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore, what God has joined together, let not man separate.” (Matthew 19:3-6)
Jesus Christ strongly advocated marriage between a man and woman (not two men or two women!) as God’s plan. God joined them together and man should not separate what He has joined. Jesus went on to teach that Moses allowed divorce because of hard hearts, not God’s design. The only exception where divorce was allowed was adultery. If we desire God’s blessing, we must pay attention to God’s design!
Dealing with offense!
Scripture reading for January 26th: Matthew 18, Psalm 18:20-29, Proverbs 4:24-27
One of the major disruptions in our relationship with others and with God comes from human conflict. We get offended when someone says or does something that violates us or one we love. Instead of dealing with it in the biblical way outlined in Matthew 18, we often take matters into our own hands and either ignore that person, speak evil of them to others, or get revenge in some way. Today we want to remind ourselves of God’s way of resolving offenses.
“If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ But if he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuse to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.” (Matthew 18:15-17)
Jesus taught His followers the proper way to resolve sin issues with another person. The first step anyone should take is to pray and examine one’s own heart. Jesus had just gotten through dealing with the disciples on who was going to be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Pride and lording it over others often causes conflict and offense. He told them that to offend one of the little children by our actions was a very dangerous thing for us and them! (Matthew 18:5-9) The next step was to go to the brother who had sinned against you and show him his fault. This matter was to be settled with as few people involved as possible. Going in a humble attitude and appealing to the person should bring a resolution.
If this did not work, then we should enlist the help of two or three others of mature character. Another discrete meeting with these witnesses and the offenders was to establish the facts and appeal for resolution. If this did not work, the church should be brought together and the offender again appealed to. Refusal here would result in expulsion from membership. God’s desire in all this was forgiveness and restoration. The ultimate goal of expulsion would be restoration and healing! Let’s follow the Bible!
“This is My Son, Whom I Love!”
Scripture reading for January 25th: Matthew 17, Psalm 18:7-19, Proverbs 4:20-23
Six days after the confession of Peter that Jesus was the Christ, Son of the living God, Jesus took Peter, James and John up on a high mountain. He then was transfigured before them and His face began to shine like the sun. Moses and Elijah appeared there as well and talked to Jesus. Peter was overcome and told Jesus that he would build three shelters for them. While Peter was still speaking, a cloud enveloped them all and a voice spoke from the cloud,”This is My Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased. Listen to Him!” (Matthew 17:5)
God the Father spoke a word of confirmation that caused the disciples to fall face down on the ground in terror! This whole experience was like being involved in heaven’s business and they did not know how to react. Jesus touched them and calmed their fears. (Matthew 17:6-8) As they looked up, Jesus was there alone. They must have wondered if they were seeing things!
Jesus was and is indeed the Son of God. As He stood on the mountain to meet with Moses and Elijah, God allowed the disciples to see the glory surrounding His Son and to see two famous figures from Israel’s history alive in glory as well. Moses represented the law and old covenant and was one of the greatest men of the Old Testament. Elijah was a famous prophet and miracle worker who called the nation of Israel to choose whom they would serve. Moses died and God buried him but Elijah was taken to heaven by a whirlwind. (Deuteronomy 34:5-6) (2nd Kings 2:11-12) But the Father’s voice spoke confirming that this was Jesus Christ, His Son. We can confidently believe His witness and listen to Him! He is greater than Moses and greater than Elijah!
Peter quotes the Father’s statement in 2nd Peter 1:16-18 in writing his final letter to the believers of his day. “We were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For He received honor and glory from the God the Father when the voice came to Him from the Majestic Glory saying, “This is My Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased.” Peter’s confession of Christ was so certain that he died a martyr’s death rather than deny Jesus! Are you listening to Him?
Who do you say I am?
Scripture reading for January 24th: Matthew 16, Psalm 18:1-6, Proverbs 4:18-19
The religious leaders were continually looking for ways to trap Jesus. In today’s reading, they ask Him for a sign or a miracle to prove to them who He was. He had been healing the sick and ministering in the miraculous and these “signs” were not sufficient because their hard hearts. His response to their request was sharp, “A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a miraculous sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.”(Matthew 16:4) His death, burial and resurrection after three days would be the final and greatest “sign” that the world would have that He was from heaven.
When the disciples and Jesus visited Cesarea Philippi, Jesus had a serious discussion with them about who they thought He was. They had been with him for some time now and seen many “signs” in the miracles and healing that took place whenever Jesus went among the people. They had even done some of these miracles themselves. Jesus questioned them, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” He asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:13-16)
People had different opinions but Jesus wanted His disciples to know the truth. He called them to be with Him and learn who He and His Father were. Peter’s response was dead on! Jesus noted that Peter did not get this from his own fleshly understanding, but His Father in heaven had revealed this truth. It was this truth that Jesus would use to build His Church upon! Jesus was the Messiah and long awaited Savior. He came from His Father, the only Living God. Knowing Jesus as the Son of God was only possible by revelation.
This basic truth is so important for us today. Jesus is building His Church on this truth. It is part of the Gospel message of the kingdom that is revealed to those with humble and teachable hearts. Confession of sin and repentance through faith in Jesus Christ, Son of the living God is the only way to the Father. Who is Jesus to you? Can you confess Him as the Christ?
Jesus and compassion!
Scripture reading for January 23rd: Matthew 15:29-39, Psalm 17:8-15, Proverbs 4:10-17
Compassion ministries are making a comeback in many evangelical churches. Many churches are visiting the sick and helpless, feeding the hungry, housing the homeless, and clothing those who are needy. These ministries have their source in the heart of Jesus Christ, Himself. Jesus was known for His compassion on hurting and hungry people. Compassion might be defined as love in action. We demonstrate true love by acting in faith to meet needs as God directs!
“Great crowds came to Him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute and many others, and laid them at His feet: and He healed them. The people were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled made well, and the lame walking and blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel.” (Matthew 15:30-31) Jesus showed compassion and great love by healing all who came to Him. The miracles were drawing crowds of people that all needed the message of repentance! His heart’s desire was to see them made whole so He also preached the good news of the kingdom, calling them to repent. The result was worship of God!
“Jesus called His disciples to Him and said, ‘I have compassion for these people: they have already been with Me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way.’ “ (Matthew 15:32) The heart of Jesus is clear here in His words and following actions. He was concerned about their need for food to sustain them on their journey. He cared for them enough to do something. He asked what was available: seven loaves of bread and a few fish. He took this and blessed it and broke it, giving it to the disciples to distribute. When all the people had eaten, seven baskets full of bread were collected! This crowd was numbered at 4000 men plus the women and children!
Compassion for the hungry and hurting is the heart of God! His greater compassion is for the souls of the lost and their eternal salvation. Compassion ministries must always be coupled with preaching the gospel of faith in Jesus Christ and repentance from sins. It’s the reason Jesus came and the mission that He gave His disciples and us! (Luke 19:10) (Matthew 28:18-20)
Lip service!
Scripture reading for January 22nd: Matthew 15:1-28, Psalm 17:1-7, Proverbs 4:5-9
Religious people often bothered Jesus. They were following Him around and looking with a magnifying glass at His actions to find out if He was keeping their laws. They were so focused on His actions, that they missed who He was and entry into the kingdom of heaven. Today, we have opportunity to see how Jesus dealt with religious people and to check our own hearts for traces of this kind of hypocrisy!
“You Hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you: “‘These people honor me with their lips; but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teaching are but rules taught by men.'” (Matthew 15:7) The Pharisees and teachers of the law had come to Jesus questioning why He and His disciples did not wash their hands before they ate, as was the tradition of the elders. Jesus turned the tables on them and questioned as to why they broke God’s commands to satisfy the traditions of the elders! He confronted their hypocrisy by quoting Isaiah the prophet. Hypocrisy is play-acting. It is saying we stand for truth and obedience to God’s commands but fail to live correctly ourselves.
These religious leaders were saying that they honored and worshiped God, but Jesus said their worship was in vain. It was empty and useless because it did not come from a heart that was sold out to God and dependent on His mercy. Their worship was based on tradition, not humble obedience to God’s commands! True worship in it’s essence is complete obedience and lip service is not true worship!
Jesus called the crowd to Him and said, “‘Listen and understand. What goes into a man’s mouth does not make him ‘unclean,’ but what comes out of his mouth, that is what makes him ‘unclean.'” (Matthew 15:11) Washing hands cannot cleanse a heart that is unclean! Only repentance and faith in Jesus can do that! Jesus had offended the religious Pharisees with his strong statements. But Jesus had acted in love, hoping to wake them up and save them and their followers from sin and death. We must check out our own hearts and actions. Do we give lip service to following Jesus, or have we repented and put our trust in God’s mercy? Religion is bondage but faith brings liberty!
A walk on water!
Scripture reading for January 21st: Matthew 14:22-36, Psalm 16, Proverbs 4:1-4
Right after the 5000 were fed, Jesus sent His disciples across the Sea of Galilee by boat. He dismissed the crowd and then went up on the mountainside to spend time in prayer alone. It was this time alone with His Father that Jesus always made time for. Despite the joy of seeing people healed and delivered and preaching to crowds of people that flocked to see Him, Jesus felt it necessary to maintain close contact with the Father. He wanted to fully obey Him and complete the mission that they had designed before the foundation of the world!
About three in the morning, Jesus decided to catch up with the disciples by taking a direct route across the lake. He walked on the water towards where they were rowing against the wind and waves. “When the disciples saw Him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage, It is I. Don’t be afraid.” (Matthew 14:26-27)
These disciples weren’t sure that it was Jesus even though Jesus spoke to them over the wind to encourage them. “Lord, if it is You,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” He said. Then Peter got out of the boat , walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” (Matthew 14:28-30) Peter’s bold request and quick obedience brought him the distinction of having walked on water. All things are possible when we obey the Lord and act in faith! It’s when we get our eyes off Jesus and His word that we all begin to sink! Jesus scolded Peter for his little faith and lifted him out of the water as He helped him into the boat!
As you contemplate this story, how do you think you would have responded to Jesus’ call to “come”? Do you find yourself giving the “wind and waves” more attention than the Lord and His simple commands? Are you living a life of faith or fear of potential failure? Jesus always honors faith and this story encourages us to obey the Lord’s commands no matter what the circumstances confronting us! Who knows, you may be known for “walking on water!”