Category: Matthew

Jesus fulfills the law that we cannot.

These laws were common knowledge but this took a tough turn. Who can keep this? Jesus can, perfectly.

God is as concerned with the root of sin (heart/motive) as he is with the fruit of sin (actions).

Amplifying these common OT laws exposes our hearts, and turns out we are worse off than we thought.

Deal with the root of sin and the fruit will take care of itself.

This is a great conversation: God’s end game is not behavior modification. Rather, he wants to transform the deepest part of who we are!

Father, thank you for your law. And thank you for Jesus who fulfilled this law. Search my heart and change what needs changing for your glory.

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Jesus explains the backwards Kingdom of God.

Every one of these “blessed” statements were at odds with the culture of the day- particularly the religious culture of the day.

God values different character traits than people.

Being changed into salt and light will make a difference in the lives of others. When salty and lit we will represent the Kingdom on earth.

Be transformed. Be salty. Be lit.

Pointing out the true Kingdom of God is important because there are so many who have totally different preconceived notions. Some will recognize and glorify God.

Father, continue to constantly reorder my heart to look more like yours.

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Jesus call his first disciples and begins his public ministry of teaching, preaching, and healing.

The miracles of Jesus dramatically underlined his teaching ministry. His popularity great quickly.

Jesus’ message then was the same as his message now- repent.

Some needs of these people were external and some internal. Some were obvious and some subtile. Some were physical and some spiritual. Jesus met all of these needs.

Jesus is to be followed immediately.

Jesus gained a following quickly because no one had done what he was doing.

Jesus, enable me to be a leader who invests in upcoming leaders for their sake as well as for the overall health of the church. If it is your will help me prepare the next generation.

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Jesus has fasted & prayed for 40 days. Satan tempts Jesus to flex his God-power to bypass the work the Father sent him to do.

Jesus’ knowledge and use of the Old Testament verses was very very Jewish.

God is not manipulated. He does not take shortcuts.

Satan would have easily picked off a sinful man apart.

Know the Word & let the Word fight for you.

This passage illustrates how cunning Satan is- but not all powerful. He knows scripture and his very nature is to warp & misapply. The devil is a liar, so know Truth!

Jesus, thank you for being the Word! Help me continue to grow to know and love you more.

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The last of the old school prophets prepares the way for the Messiah. John the Baptist baptizes Jesus and a voice from Heaven affirms he is indeed the Son of God.

Jewish folks in this day would have likely known and respected the work of John the Baptist.

In verses 16-17 we directly experience the Holy Spirit (like a dove) & God the Father (voice from Heaven) affirming that Jesus is indeed the Son of God.

The Pharisees & Sadducees were jockeying for John the Baptist’s influence. Instead, they got publicly humiliated.

Imitate the faithfulness and boldness of John the Baptist.

Verses 16-17 is a great passage to study with anyone who is trying to understand the concept of the Trinity- particularly if they are struggling with modalism.

Lord Jesus, give me wisdom and endurance to continue following you on the straight path, for the glory of God.

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Drama unfolds as God reveals Herod’s wicked plans to try to murder this new king.

Herod’s murderous rampage was historical fact. This gives more weight to the story of Jesus.

God’s plan cannot be thwarted.

Power hungry people can be incredibly wicked.

Trust God to always protect his plan.

Just in this passage three prophecies were fulfilled.

God, nothing catches your by surprise. Help me rest in your sovereign power.

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Wise men came to worship Jesus.

The fact that foreign dignitaries would come pay royal tribute to Jesus shows this is no ordinary child.

God reveals himself to people all over the world in extraordinary ways.

Herod and many powerful people in Jerusalem were deeply troubled, probably because their own power could be a risk.

Live like Jesus is king because he is.

The wise men gave significant gifts that show a snapshot of the life of Jesus.

God, thank you for revealing truth- namely, Jesus.

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The Messiah is born!

The virgin birth from Isaiah being referenced would have certainly perked up the ears of faithful Jews who knew the Old Testament.

Jesus chose to be “with us” right where we are.

Joseph was a good man but even a good man needed supernatural convincing that this story was true.

Never forget that Jesus chose to be “with us”- even in this broken world.

The Christmas story is know widely. It is a great common ground starting point for Gospel conversations.

Jesus, thank you for coming on the rescue mission!

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The genealogy of Christ reminds us of the redemption thread running all the way from Abraham to Jesus.

For Jewish readers/hearers this genealogy will have very familiar and historic links.

God kept his promise to Abraham- and this list gives the play by play of how the promise was realized.

There is a lot of broken in this list. God often choses to use people flaws and all.

Remember God’s provision plan is very long and detailed.

This passage helps connect the dots between the Old Testament to Jesus.

All wise Father, your plan was perfect. Thank you for your faithfulness and for using imperfect people in your plan.

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