Matthew 20:17- 34

Jesus tells His disciples plainly that He will be heading to Jerusalem where He will die.  His disciples are so distraught, that they immediately begin to argue over who will be the greatest beneficiary when He is gone!  Two blind men along the road have the right idea, however.  They cry out for Jesus to show them mercy and give them sight.  Jesus readiliy answers this request; and lovingly refuses to permit the squabbling followers the pleasure of knowing what position they might hold in the coming kingdom.

Matthew 20:1 - 16

Jesus instructs His followers with a parable about some day laborers.  Throughout the day, a wealtlhy man hires laborers to work his fields.  All agree to work; all are promised they will receive "what is right" for their efforts.  At the end of the day, each worker receives a full day's wage.  Those who worked longer were upset at the seeming largesse of the owner, and voiced their opinion.  The owner's response is this:  "My goodness is not subject to your greed."  Jesus compares this story to the kingdom of heaven.  There will be those in God's kingdom who labored long difficult years; and there will also be others whose tenure is decidedly less.  Whatever the case, God will reward each one for their labors on a scale that only intensifies the magnitude of His greatness and benevolence.

Matthew 19

Jesus teaches on two very personal topics:  marriage and money.  In teaching on marriage, Jesus restates the Old Testament position that marriage is intended to be permanent, that man does not have the authority or 'pay grade' to dissolve what God has united.

In His teaching on money, Jesus warns that an excessive focus on money can hinder the effectiveness of one who seeks to follow Him.  The key is not to abandon all and follow in some nomadic lifestyle of a hermit!  Jesus states that anything that is truly forfeited for His sake will be liberally reimbursed in the coming kingdom of God.

Matthew 18:21 - 35

Jesus is asked an important question:  how often must forgiveness be granted?  Jesus' response was not the one expected.  Rather than focusing on the number of times (His answer is to keep forgiving and forgiving exponentially) Jesus states that the motivation to forgive is not to fulfill a required number of times but to reflect the gratitude with which the forgiving party has received forgiveness from others.

Matthew 18:1 - 20

Jesus teaches His disciples about the proper perspective they need in their lives and work.  It is vital to have the proper perspective on greatness.  Greatness does not look like mightiness and overwhelming strength or influence.  Greatness is found in childlike humility, wonder and trust.  

It is further necessary to have the proper perspective on influence.  It is far better, in Jesus' estimation of life, to be permanently damaged than to exert improper influence on someone. 

It is also necessary to have the proper perspective on individual value.  Jesus teaches that the needs of the one outweigh the needs of the many; and that He is interested not only in the many, but also in the individuals who make up that number.  

Finally, Jesus teaches the proper perspective on handling disagreements.  The proper method is to always handle the disagreement with as few people necessary to bring about an amenable solution.  Even when no amenable solution can be reached, there are still practices in place for handling these interpersonal disputes (i.e.  "Love your enemy").

Matthew 17

Jesus allows three of His followers the unique privilege of seeing Him metamorphosized into His true glory.  Peter, James and John are forever changed by this experience (read the New Testament books authored by them and see the themes of Christ's glory in them!) and are charged NOT to immediately speak of what they have seen.  Lessons are learned about faith - that without faith, it is impossible to accomplish the tasks given by God to be done.

Matthew 16

Who am I?  A very insightful question to ask; and one that Jesus asked of His disciples.  There were many opinions among His followers; but Peter accurately stated the correct answer, one that was not the product of human reasoning but Divine revelation.  Peter states that Jesus is the promised Messiah, the One the nation had anticipated to deliver them.  After this disclosure, Jesus begins teaching His followers about His mission to Jerusalem to suffer and die on behalf of sinners.

Matthew 15:21 - 39

Jesus continues to teach and heal those with whom He comes into contact.  The healings are immediate and permanent; the teachings are profound and life-changing.  Even those to whom He was not sent benefit from His teachings and power to heal.  After three days of teaching, Jesus again miraculously provides food for the crowd of almost 4,000 men plus women and children.

Matthew 15:1 - 20

Tradition!  If there is one thing folks like, it is "doing things the way we've always done them", although the current cultural climate may be the exact opposite.  One of my friends loves to put it this way "I'm all for change, as long as I don't have to!"

Jesus confronts those who want to pick the nits of tradition.  He points out that through tradition, many of the religious practices actually violate the laws God laid out to protect His people.  Their traditions allowed them to profess a relationship with God that was not borne out by their attitudes or actions.  A religion that only affects one's words without producing any substantive change in behavior and attitude is a poor religion.  Jesus illustrates it this way:  the things your life feeds upon (desires, thoughts, urges) is what makes you unclean before God, not the words that come out of your mouth.

Matthew 14:22 - 36

Having fed over 5,000 people, Jesus' next action was to send the disciples off in a boat to the other side of the Sea of Galilee while He went into the mountains to pray.  Late in the night, Jesus caught up with His disciples (who were still on the lake struggling against a storm) by walking on the water to meet them.  A wonderful lesson is taught them about faith and trust, and a magnificent display of power is given when Jesus makes the storm suddenly cease.  His power is further demonstrated as the people of the region bring their sick and diseased members to Him and He heals them all completely.

Matthew 14:1 - 21

The news of Jesus' ministry spread throughout the region.  The king, Herod, was convinced Jesus was the reincarnation of John whom he had beheaded.  But Jesus was not His cousin John!  Jesus continued teaching and demonstrating that He alone could provide when others were incapable of doing so.  Feeding a large group (5,000 men + women and childred) with nothing more than 5 dinner rolls and 2 small fish was certainly proof that He could provide.  AND there were even leftovers!  How did He do it?  Miraculously, of course.

Matthew 13:31 - 58

Jesus continues to teach His followers about the coming kingdom of God.  From seeming insignificant origins, it will spread to great dominance.  He then explains the teaching about the field with wheat and weeds growing in it.  Not everyone who claims to be in the kingdom will be proven to actually belong in the kingdom; their place is not secured due to their character as weeds not wheat.  The coming kingdom is of great value, a treasure that is fitting to be gained at any price.

In spite of His teachings, Jesus was rejected by those among whom He lived as a child.  As a result, the area of Nazareth was not allowed to receive the blessing of seeing His life and ministry.

Matthew 13:1 - 30

Jesus teaches about the kingdom of God by using two parables, stories that communicate deeper truth through simple language.  He uses the illustration of planting in different types of soil to demonstrate that people will have different responses to the news of the coming kingdom.  Even thought the enemy may try to duplicate the results, in the end all will be sorted out and identified for exactly what it is:  true or accurate fake.

Matthew 12:24 - 50

Jesus continues defending and defining the kingdom of God.  There are those who try to disprove His claims of personally representing God, yet Jesus' own words prove His deity and the lie of those who seek to discredit Him.  Jesus teaches that it is what proceeds from a person that makes him unclean, not what he puts into his body.  His family ties are defined by those who would follow Him; not merely by blood relationship.

Matthew 12:1 - 23

Jesus teaches His followers what it means to truly keep Sabbath.  The concept of rest was lost for generations and had degenerated into keeping rules and following procedures.  Jesus provided clarification about how the Sabbath was intended to provide rest, not rules, for the good of man.  His clear teachings amazed many.

Matthew 11

John, Jesus' cousin and the one who baptized many in the River Jordan, sends messengers to discover whether Jesus truly is the promised Deliverer.  John is already in prison, and wants his disciples to hear directly from Jesus' mouth exactly what he already knows - that Jesus is the Messiah.  Jesus' words of validation and instruction are pointed; only those who intentionally hide their eyes from the truth will deny His claims.  Those who willfully reject Him will find themselves on the receiving end of God's undiluted wrath and judgment.  In contrast, Jesus will provide rest and peace to those who follow after Him.  This is not a promise for an easy life; but the promise for a life that can be at peaceful calm even in the midst of turmoil.

Matthew 10:21 - 42

Jesus outlines for His followers the opposition they will face for identifying with Him.  Family ties will be broken in some instances, persecution in various forms will come, and this is a good thing.  The very opposition faced will serve as validation that they are serving One more powerful than even the strongest ties on earth.  Allegiance to His cause will bring reward and satisfaction.  Even the little tasks done in the manner by which He would do them will be greatly rewarded.  Jesus makes a very clear statement:  He has come to bring a division.  Because of Him, lines will be drawn, allegiances made clear and distinctions delineated.  On which side do you find yourself?

Matthew 10:1 - 20

Jesus sends out His disciples to preach and continue His ministry.  The message they are to carry is the same message He Himself has been giving:  God's kingdom is close; make preparation.  Much instruction is given to the way these representatives conduct themselves.  The emphasis is to be placed on the message and the appropriate responses to it, not on the comfort of the messenger, the suitability of the lodging, the provision for the messenger's well-being, etc.  Misunderstandings and hostility are expected; and Jesus prepares His followers for this by telling them not to prepare a defense ahead of time.  He will give them in their very hour of need exactly the words to communicate.  These disciples are sent out in total dependence on their teacher.

Matthew 9:18 - 38

Nothing is able to frustrate the power of Jesus of Nazareth.  He is confronted with many different physical maladies (death, long-term illness, blindness and demonic possession) and is able to not only confront but cure these illnesses and oppressions.  The overwhelming need of society prompts Jesus to command His disciples to pray for sufficient laborers in the work that faces them.

Matthew 9:1 - 17

Three difficult situations are presented to Jesus.  In the first, He heals a paralyzed man and forgives his sins.  In the second, He spends time deflecting criticism by the Pharisees for associating with those who are less then desirable in the community.  In the third, Jesus explains why His followers do not follow the social expectations of the day.  Each instance provides a glimpse into the mind and power of Jesus.  He is very wise, authoritative, powerful and willing to listen.  Tucked into the fabric of these stories is a short description of the calling of Matthew to be a follower of Christ.  How appropriate!  In the midst of so many "great" events, a seemingly insignificant occurrence takes place that will one day become of supreme significance.

Matthew 8:18 - 34

Jesus continues to demonstrate the unique and unlimited powers at His disposal.  He is unencumbered by natural elements or supernatural influences.  Demons and waves alike are at His command, and they unquestioningly obey His voice.  Those who seek to follow Him must do so without reservation and without delay.

Matthew 8:1 - 17

Jesus leaves His teaching place on the mountain side and begins to walk through the countryside.  Matthew recounts for us the people He encounters.  A leper, a servant and a mother-in-law are all healed.  They all had great needs, yet were quite varied in their neediness.  Jesus was not hindered by their nearness to Him (or lack thereof), their variety of illnesses or even their age or gender.  He is able to heal all whom He desires to heal.

Matthew 7

Fruit is the natural outgrowth of whatever bears it.  This is a normal phenomena; we even have truisms constructed on this premise (you can't get blood from a turnip; the apple doesn't fall far from the tree; a chip off the old block).  Jesus highlights this principle when He refers to the fact that the fruit of a man's life will either bear out the truth or reveal the lie of his words.  Not everyone who claims to love, honor and respect the Lord is actually doing so.  The life lived reveals the truth or lie of a man's words.  So, today, examine your life in light of the words you use on Sunday and other times you gather with God's people.  Be a fruit inspector; and start with your own life!

Speaking of God's Glory . . .

The post on Matthew 6:19 - 34 was not intended to lead into this post; but does anyway!  I found a book yesterday that piqued my interest.  The book To God Be The Glory:  is your church on target? by Michael R. Privett stood out to me as an interesting discussion on how one leads, organizes and presents the body of Christ to those outside its members.  As I read through the book and digest its premises, I will be sharing / discussing them with you.  Feel free to follow along and add your comments.  I am sure Dr. Privett wouldn't mind you buying a copy of his book, either.

Matthew 6:19 - 34

Jesus continues His teaching by reminding His followers of the abrupt and distinct change that is to be evident in the mind of the believer.  This change of mindset will work a renovation in the believer's character, resulting in their changed behavior.  This process is so central to the Christian life that to get the order incorrenct invites only disaster and failure.  The process is also where this blog gets its name (Know~Be~Do).

The mindset of the follower and student of Jesus will be markedly different in their priorities in life, their source of contentment and their life's authority.  The follower of Christ is to be distinctly different from the rest of the inhabitants of the planet.  A desire to see God's glory above all else is not innate to fallen man, yet is to be cultivated in the life of redeemed mankind.

Matthew 6:1 - 18

Jesus instructs His followers to do their charitable works in a manner that does not draw public attention.  The audience for these deeds is God and, since He sees everything, it is not necessary to invite the stares, comments or favor of others.  The same could be said for public displays of worship.  The flashy outward displays intended to impress others will only do that; they will not sway the Almighty.  Think about that!  Do you honestly think that the God Who is so creative and expressive that He can mold Yosemite National Park, forge Victoria Falls and hollow out the Grand Canyon would be impressed and overwhelmed with the way one of His creatures can string a few words together or flash a few lights in time to music?  Instead, the expressions of worship should be focused on acknowledging the status of that Audience of One - and humbly seeking His favor through admission of His status and ability to provide all that is needed.

Matthew 5:27 - 48

Jesus continues to elaborate on the true fulfillment of the law.  He outlines what God truly intends as regulations on adultery, divorce, promises, retaliation and the treatment of friends and enemies.  In each instance, God is more interested in the inner response to His laws than in the outer actions - though a right response will include right actions.

Matthew 5:1 - 26

Jesus begins teaching His followers.  He begins with a description of the people that are truly blessed - those who find favor with God.  Oddly enough, the descriptions He gives are far different from how society defines the life of the blessed.  Jesus highlights humility, brokenness, meekness, thirst for righteousness, mercy and peace-seeking as the qualities of the truly blessed person.

He then describes His followers as salt and light - strong influences on their surroundings.  He describes Himself as One who came to fulfill the law, not do away with it.  In Him one can find the perfect way to keep God's many laws.

Jesus concludes this section by elaborating on the laws regarding murder.  Instead of only limiting that crime to those who have actually shed the lifeblood of another, Jesus states that the person who displays unjustified anger and hateful speech towards another is just as guilty of murder as if they had taken that other person's life.

Matthew 4

Jesus begins His public ministry in a unique way, by going into seclusion.  During this 40-day period (Why 40 days?  Because He entered and exited at the discretion of the Holy Spirit, and that was how long the Holy Spirit directed.  Nothing magical about that.) He underwent severe temptation.  The temptations centered around using His divine nature ("since You are the Son of God...") to make His human existence easier.  Refusing to yield, Jesus faced every temptation fully as a man, yet without sin.

Jesus then begins to preach.  His message is the same as the prophets before Him "Repent!  The Kingdom of God is at hand!"  Many begin to follow Him and listen to His teachings concerning the coming kingdom in which God is the Sovereign.

Matthew 3

One of the promises God made to His people was that the Messiah would be preceded by one who would prepare the way for His arrival.  The last Old Testament prophet, John, declared through his life and testimony that this is exactly what God had called him to do.  His ministry declared the soon and close arrival of the Kingdom of God.  He encouraged his audience to not only declare themselves ready for God's Kingdom, but to act in such a way that their statements were evidenced through their own living.  John also pointed ahead to One, the coming Messiah, who would deliver all the world from their separation from God.

The day arrived when Jesus of Nazareth, John's cousin, came to the site where John was baptizing his followers.  He submitted to John's baptism, picturing that He was now ready to usher in that promised kingdom.  Many were ready for political deliverance.  Would this son of a Nazarene carpenter be a political messiah?  Only time would tell.

Matthew 2

Matthew cuts right to the chase - Jesus is born and immediately the landscape of the nation is changed.  The changes are not what one would expect today; but they were not unheard of in the reign of King Herod.  Herod, a jealous king, sought to eliminate all possible successors.  When the magi arrived searching for a newborn king, Herod immediately put into action the processes necessary to keep this young potential usurper from ever reaching the throne.  Yet God had other plans.  Jesus was not interested in occupying Herod's throne; yet Herod would not remain in the seat of authority either.  Soon Herod was dead and Jesus was living in the exact place God wanted Him to live, Nazareth by way of Egypt.

Matthew 1

What took us 24 hours to achieve (traveling from the Old Testament to the New) took over 400 years in "real time."  When the story of God's working among His creation resumes, the reader is given a brief synopsis of the story of mankind up to the present moment.  A genealogy is presented for Jesus of Nazareth, the One Whom Matthew will present as the promised Messiah.  Listed in this family tree are three people that seem unlikely candidates to be involved in the progeny of God's Promised Deliverer.  Rahab, Ruth and Bathsheba; three ladies that would have had no claim to greatness apart from a miraculous working of God.  By God's grace, Rahab was spared in Jericho's destruction; Ruth was spared the shame of being widowed and childless; Bathsheba was allowed the honor of giving birth to Solomon, a king in the line of David - her husband who acquired her in less than honorable circumstances.  What a testimony to God's gracious working!

And yet, the story gets even more incredible.  Joseph, a man in the line of this genealogy, receives word that his betrothed wife is pregnant - by the Holy Spirit.  This is not a common occurence; in fact, it has only happened once in history.  And yet, God graciously allows this man to humbly accept the situation and the scorn and misunderstandings that must have come with it, in order to fulfill a far greater plan.  That plan will continue to unfold in tomorrow's reading.