Category: Gospels
“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 instruction and blessing to the disciples that caused them 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 went and touched them, telling them to get up and not be afraid. (Matthew 17:6-8) As they looked up, Jesus was there alone and they must have wondered if they were seeing things.
Jesus 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 represents 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 must believe the 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.” This event confirms again that Jesus was and is the Son of God! 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 was and who His Father was. 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 to Peter. 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 to 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: 7 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 always bothered Jesus. They were always 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. As we read today’s passage, 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.'” 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 and then correct others 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. 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.'” 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 just 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!”
Miraculous Multiplication!
Scripture reading for January 20th: Matthew14:1-21, Psalms 15, Proverbs 3:29-35
God has an amazing ability to multiply the things that are His. Every seed has an amazing ability to grow and reproduce itself! Corn is a miraculous seed that can multiply at over 1000 fold! Most wheat seeds multiply from 50-100 times what is planted. Soybeans bring back a 40-70 fold return. But God can multiply other things as well as we see in today’s reading!
Jesus’ ministry of compassion began to draw large crowds. He would heal the sick and cast out demons as people were brought to Him. One day, it was getting late and the disciples wanted to send the people home because they were in a remote place. (Matthew 14:15-21) Jesus had compassion on them and told the disciples to feed them. All that was available in the way of food was five loaves of bread and two fish, not much for such a big crowd! Jesus asked that these loaves and fish be brought to Him. He blessed them and broke them, giving them to the disciples to give to the people. When these disciples had finished giving out the broken bread, all the people had eaten and were satisfied! There were over 5000 men in this crowd, plus many more women and children! Not only that, but when these disciples gathered the left-0vers, there were twelve basket’s full!
When we give the little we have to God, we are never losers! God can multiply what was given just as He makes seeds multiply when we plant them in the earth! As the seed dies, it springs back to life with potential to grow and multiply! The same is true when we give money or possessions to the Lord. He can take that which we give and multiply it for His glory and our blessing! (2nd Corinthians 9:8-11)
Jesus was compassionate and cared for the physical needs of the people as well as their spiritual needs. He models for the Church the proper behavior and attitude for giving and receiving. Even a small gift given to God can be multiplied to meet the need! Where do you have or see a need today? Take time to pray and ask God to show you what you can give that God can bless and multiply! It is truly more blessed to give than receive! (Acts 20:35)
The Final Catch!
Scripture reading for January 19th: Matthew 13:44-58, Psalm 14, Proverbs 3:27-28
As we read these parables, it seems that Jesus used different stories but the message that was within them was the same truth. This is a technique of a good teacher who is trying to impart truth to their students. These parables contained truth that if grasped and understood would enable a person to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven. Different stories would help people of different backgrounds and culture to relate to the simple message they contained. (Matthew 13:10-11) Let’s look at another parable used by the Master Teacher, Jesus.
“Once again,the Kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. When it was full,the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away. This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Matthew 13:47-50)
Jesus had several disciples who were fishermen and He taught extensively around the Sea of Galilee where fishing would be easily understood. Fish was a staple food of that culture. This simple story about the kingdom being like a net would have resonated with those who caught fish or ate them. The preaching of the message of repentance and faith in Jesus is like casting a net and bringing in a catch of precious souls. The visible kingdom will contain those who are “good” fish and others that are “bad”. The only difference between them is whether they truly have saving faith.
As fishermen would sort out their catch after catching them, Jesus taught that angels would separate the wicked from the righteous. The wicked would be cast into hell where there would be eternal torment. This was a simple truth that Jesus as a Master Teacher was trying to impress upon those who would listen. Disciples are called to be “fishers of men” and cast the “Gospel net”. Angels will separate the wicked and righteous at the end of the age. It pays to be in the company of the righteous! Are you ready for the final catch? Are you casting the Gospel net?
The Final Harvest
Scripture reading for January 18th: Matthew 13:24-43
Jesus continued His teaching using other parables. Jesus had told them that He was the farmer who was sowing the message of the kingdom of heaven. Those who received the seed of this message and acted on it would produce a crop that He would harvest one day. His followers were still wondering what this kingdom of heaven would look like so Jesus gave them another parable.
“The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared. The owner’s servants came to him and said, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?’ “An enemy did this,’ he replied.” “The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?'” “‘No,’ he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may root up the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.'” Matthew 13:24-30
Jesus gave an explanation to those who asked. The enemy was Satan and he sowed his followers into the same field that God had sowed with the good seed. As the harvest ripened, the weeds became evident. Some servants came to God and asked about removing these weeds. God said that He would take care of that at the end of the age. At that time the angels would pull the weeds and bundle them for burning in the fiery furnace. There would be weeping and gnashing of teeth because the weeds were really lost souls under the control of Satan. The righteous would enjoy the kingdom of light in the presence of the Father for ever. Those with ears were encouraged to hear! (Matthew 13:32-43)
Jesus’ message was simple: there are only “wheat” and “weeds”! There will be a final harvest! Angels will gather the “weeds” for burning and take the “wheat” into the kingdom. We who follow Jesus must be busy sowing the message of eternal life, not trying to weed the field! If you have ears, listen!
The Seed and the Soil!
Scripture reading for January 17th: Matthew 13:1-23, Psalm 12, Proverbs 3:19-20
Jesus loved to tell stories. These stories are known as parables, because the stories have another story hidden inside of them for those who take the time to investigate. Jesus taught in parables because He wanted to communicate deeper truth to those who were willing to listen but hide that truth from those who were unwilling or would mock at the truth. He wanted all to be able to understand but knew that a humble and teachable heart was required.
The parable of the seed and soil is found in three of the Gospels. Jesus explained this parable when his disciples asked Him about the meaning of the story. (Mark 4:10-11) Jesus told them that they were blessed to be able to see and hear what He taught them. The seed was the message about the kingdom of heaven and the sower was Jesus and later His disciples. The ground was the hearts of those who heard the message. When someone heard the message and did not seek to understand it, that man was like seed sown by the path. The birds, representing Satan, would come and snatch away the seed that was sown. (Matthew 13:18-23) Others would hear and respond, but last only a short time. Their hearts had only shallow soil and no room for the message to take deeper root. Still others would hear and respond, but allow the cares and worries of life to choke out the message. They were like the weedy ground that choked the crop. The last group of hearers mentioned received the seed into their hearts and understood the message. They acted on it in faith and produced an abundant crop.
This famous parable has helped believers for many years. It helps us personally to examine the state of our own hearts so we can ask God for help where we need it. It helps us to understand how the state of a person’s heart affects their ability to hear and understand. We need to pray for the hearts of those we share the Word with. Only the Holy Spirit can draw a person to understand. (John 6:44) We can also have confidence that the Word (Seed) has power to bring growth and understanding in the right kind of hearts. Praise the Lord for opening our hearts! May we produce a bountiful crop by sowing the word!
Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit!
Scripture reading for January 16th: Matthew 12:22-50, Psalm 11, Proverbs 3:13-18
Jesus healed a man who was both blind and mute so that the man could both see and talk again. This miracle brought the charge from the Pharisees that He cast out devils by the prince of devils, Beelzebub. Now this great miracle was an act of compassion and Jesus knew what they were thinking. He spoke to these Pharisees, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand. If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then can his kingdom stand? And if I drive out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your people drive them out? But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.” (Matthew 12:25-28)
His miraculous deliverance of this man came not by using Satan’s power, but by the Spirit of God. If Satan was casting out Satan, his kingdom could not last! There would be rebellion in the kingdom that would tear it apart from within. This principle would apply to God’s rule as well, but God rules His kingdom and no rebellion will be allowed! He has both the power and wisdom to deal with it and His team of “Father, Son and Holy Spirit” are always in unity! Satan, himself, was cast down to earth because of this kind of selfish rebellion. (Isaiah14:12-15)
Jesus went on to give further truth and warning. “He who is not with Me is against Me and he who does not gather with Me scatters. And so I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.” (Matthew 12:30-32) This warning states that falsely charging the Holy Spirit with doing Satan’s work was very dangerous ground. This sin will not be forgiven now or in the coming age! This warning should cause us to think twice about our words and heart attitude toward the works of the Holy Spirit. Let’s join with Jesus and gather souls!