Archive for January, 2009
Week 3: Matthew 11 – 16
In Chapter 11, Jesus’ miracles are still center stage. But here, it is not the miracles themselves, but the greater truth that they point to. Because of the miracles, people were asking the question around the water coolers of the day, “Could Jesus be the Messiah, the Son of God?” Even John the Baptist wanted confirmation. In response to him, Jesus pointed to His miracles as proof that indeed He was. And then He said, “God blesses those who are not offended by Me.” Who would be offended by Jesus?
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Week 2: Matthew 6 – 10
Last week we read in Matthew 3 God’s pronouncement concerning His Son, “this is my Son in whom I am well pleased.” This week’s chapters continue exploring that theme with a slight twist. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus dissects the heart of man. With surgical precision, he lays our hearts bare and reveals to us that we do not have what it takes within us to please God. It is a painful reality, but it is truth. We lust, we get angry, we boast of our righteous acts, pray to be noticed, and judge others who aren’t behaving as we think they should. Plain and simple, we fall short, we miss the mark. Notice the mark Jesus sets – it’s not the Ten Commandments; He says we need to be as perfect as God the Father. Our ship is sunk. Who can live up to that? Believe or not, Jesus words are meant to lead us to this conclusion. Who will ever turn to a Savior unless they know they need to be saved? Read the rest of this entry »
Week 1: Matthew 1-5
Below are the things that struck me as I read through these chapters this week.
-I was taken by the courage Joseph displayed in taking Mary to be his wife. For any of us to say yes to the Lord takes the same courage. Walking by faith is not an easy task. It is the most courageous thing we will ever do. Read the rest of this entry »
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