MATTHEW 1:1-17 - This may be the beginning of the New Testament, but it is not the beginning of God’s revelation. It is not the beginning of His redemption. The birth of Christ is the continuation of the history of salvation, recorded in the Old Testament. Matthew takes us back to Abraham (1-2; Genesis 12:1-3). …
Tag: Matthew
No one except Jesus
"When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus" (Matthew 17:8). Moses and Elijah had disappeared from view. The law and the prophets had done what they were intended to do. They pointed beyond themselves to Jesus, the Saviour. "As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, “Don’t tell anyone what you have …
Sent to every nation and gathered from every nation
"... Galilee of the Gentiles — the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” (Matthew 4:15-16). God's plan of salvation is reaching out beyond the nation of Israel. He's looking out to the other nations - the Gentiles. His light will shine …
Continue reading Sent to every nation and gathered from every nation
We are not to honour God with our lips, while our hearts remain far from Him. — Learning From God’s Word
The Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus with a question: “Why do your disciples break the traditions of our ancestors …?” (Matthew 15:2). Jesus answered them with another question: “Why do you break the commandments of God because of your traditions?” (Matthew 15:3). Their question was shallow. His question was deep. They were concerned with […]
Matthew 24:32-26:75
MATTHEW 24:32-25:13 - ‘The times they are-a-changing’. There is, however, one thing that remains constant. Jesus says, ‘My words will not pass away’ (35). In an age of unbelief, our faith is often under threat. We must stand upon this solid Rock: ‘The Word of the Lord stands forever’ (1 Peter 1:25). The scoffers will …
Matthew 23:1-24:31
MATTHEW 23:1-39 - As you read Jesus’ stinging words, remember this: there is a ‘Pharisee’' in every one of us! Jesus disturbs the ‘peace’ of ‘those who sit at ease in Zion’ (Amos 6:1). He invites us to see ourselves as God sees us: ‘before Him no creature is hidden, but all are open and …
Matthew 18:1-20:28
MATTHEW 18:1-14 - From Jesus’ reply to the question: ‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ (1), we learn much about the valued place children are to have among us. Our attitude to children is to be marked by humility, respect, responsibility and - above all - love. (a) humility: We teach the …
Matthew 15-17
MATTHEW 15:1-20 - The Pharisees were preoccupied with washing the hands (2), yet they missed out on the most important thing - the cleansing of the heart. They were obsessed with ‘correct’ religious ritual, yet they sent Christ to the Cross. They honoured God with their words, yet in their hearts they were far from …
Matthew 13-14
MATTHEW 13:1-23 - Jesus spoke in parables. He spoke of everyday things, teaching lessons concerning the Kingdom of God. He was a story-teller, and yet He was more than that. His stories had a message, a life-changing message, a message designed to lead His hearers into new life, the life of God’s Kingdom. The parable …
Matthew 12
MATTHEW 12:1-21 - Much of Jesus’ ministry was carried out under the watchful eye of the Pharisees. The controversy with the Pharisees was intensifying (2, 14). The Pharisees were out to get Jesus. For all their religion, they had no time for Jesus. Still, there are the critics, those who try to undermine our faith …
Praying Through God's Word 