'Matthew' Tagged Posts
Devotion – Sat. Mar. 2, 2019
(Jesus) pressed them. “And how about you? Who do you say I am?” Matthew 16:13-17 (verse 15 shown) By this time the disciples had seen many miracles. They had heard many sermons and had plenty of time to reflect on Christ’s words and works and process all of it against the reality of their own lives. People all around us listen to the claims of Christianity and try to process it against the realities of their own lives. Ultimately, it…
Devotion – Fri. Mar. 1, 2019
…I hurt for these people. For three days now they’ve been with me, and now they have nothing to eat. I can’t send them away without a meal—they’d probably collapse on the road. Matthew 15:32 The Message Christ’s ministry was holistic. He cared not only for the peoples’ spiritual needs but also for their practical needs. He cared about their hunger and their sicknesses. He knew these listeners had arranged their lives so they could hear Him teach for three…
Devotion – Thu. Feb. 28, 2019
Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed (Peter). “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” What happened to the faith that Peter initially felt as he began to walk on the water to Jesus? For a few steps he walked in a miracle; but when his focus shifted to the waves, fear caused him to begin to sink. Faith has much to do with sustained focus. Sometimes the object of focus can determine the strength of…
Devotion – Wed. Feb. 27, 2019
When Jesus got the news (about John the Baptist’s murder), He slipped away by boat to an out-of-the-way place by Himself. Matthew 14:6-14 (verse 13 shown) When Jesus heard of John’s beheading, He withdrew to be alone and process the grief. He lost a beloved partner in ministry. Did His heart sink at the injustice of it all: a drunken king, a lustful dance, a manipulative mother, and a murderous demand for the head of a prophet? Jesus would continue…
Devotion – Mon. Feb. 25, 2019
Then Jesus made it clear to his disciples that it was now necessary for Him to go to Jerusalem, submit to an ordeal of suffering at the hands of the religious leaders, be killed, and then on the third day be raised up alive. Matthew 16:21-26 (The Message) Clearly, Jesus was preparing His disciples for the rough road to the cross. His direct and honest conversations revealed a heart fully committed to fulfilling His call. As usual, Peter didn’t understand…