Dec 21, 2022 | 01 Podcasts, Christmas, Matthew
The angel tells Joseph to take Mary as his wife because Mary is about to have a son through the power of the Holy Spirit. Then the angel also tells Joseph something about this son. Who does the angel say this child is?
Dec 14, 2022 | 01 Podcasts, Matthew
Each one of us must decide what to do with Jesus. Sitting on the fence is not an option. The stumbling block is not lack of evidence. The stumbling block is the stubbornness of our hearts. In the end, we do not believe, because we do not want to believe.
Dec 7, 2022 | 01 Podcasts, Matthew
For the second time, Matthew quotes an Old Testament prophecy as predictive prophecy. Isaiah says ‘Behold my servant’ and explains something about how the Servant will act. Matthew shows us this is out Jesus acted.
Nov 30, 2022 | 01 Podcasts, Matthew
The Sabbath played a big role in the worsening relationship between Jesus and the Pharisees. Matthew gives us only these two stories. By the end of the second story, we learn that Pharisees are planning to kill Jesus partly because of his views on the Sabbath.
Nov 16, 2022 | 01 Podcasts, Matthew
For people who are self-satisfied and indifferent to God, miracles change nothing. They believe they already have wisdom and they reject Jesus. But those who are know they are needy and weary understand the miracles and embrace the wisdom of Jesus teaching. To them Jesus promises rest.
Nov 9, 2022 | 01 Podcasts, Matthew
What Malachi predicted is finally happening. This generation finally stands in the presence of the herald and the Messiah. How does this generation receive that message? Jesus explains with an analogy: Jesus and John are like children sitting in the marketplace playing the flute and calling to their friends to dance, but their friends refuse
Nov 2, 2022 | 01 Podcasts, Matthew
Jesus was so different from the Messiah people expected, even John the Baptist had moments where he wondered if Jesus was the Messiah. If he’s really a prophet, how could John become confused? In this passage, Jesus answers that question.
Oct 26, 2022 | 01 Podcasts, Matthew
Matthew shifts his focus to the how people respond to Jesus. Most reject him. Even John the Baptist becomes confused, because Jesus is not acting like the Messiah he expected.
Oct 19, 2022 | 01 Podcasts, Matthew
Jesus ends this discourse by telling the Twelve their role is like the prophets. They are standing in the place of Jesus. How people respond to the apostles reveals how they respond to Jesus.
Oct 12, 2022 | 01 Podcasts, Matthew
Ultimately Jesus’ role is to bring peace and restoration to the earth, but not yet. Now he came to bring a sword because his message requires a choice and that choice divides even families. To follow Jesus, you must be willing to live with that rejection and hostility, even if it means losing your closest family members or your very life.
Oct 5, 2022 | 01 Podcasts, Matthew
All of us face the question: What am I going to believe so much that it changes the way I think, respond and make choices? I make those decisions based on what or who I fear most. Jesus says the wisest choice is to fear God.
Sep 21, 2022 | 01 Podcasts, Matthew
On this journey, Jesus deliberately makes his apostles dependent on the hospitality of the children of Israel by instructing them not to take provisions. The apostles might expect they are launching a victory tour, but they will learn first-hand how the children of Israel will reject the Messiah.