August 11, 2024 • Jason McNutt • Matthew 22, Matthew 21:23–46
People exercise authority selfishly, so we struggle accepting it. However, disciples of Jesus are called to unconditionally place our full trust in Jesus’ authority and submit to it. We can do that because we are confident, knowing He uses His authority for the good of His people to His glory.
Who is this?
August 4, 2024 • Jason McNutt • Matthew 21:1–22
While remaining humble, with Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, He s anything but modest. We now see Him publicly acknowledging the messianic title of “Son of David”. From this point forward, Matthew is showing us Jesus’ claim to Kingship over all humanity, beginning with the Jews.
Do you strive for first or last?
July 28, 2024 • Jason McNutt • Matthew 19:13–30, Matthew 20
Human measures of success, such as status and wealth, can keep us from following Jesus’ true calling. In God’s kingdom, humility, generosity and grace reign supreme. We are called to surrender and depend on God’s gift of divine mercy, given totally devoid of any merit we might think we have.
How do you view marriage and divorce?
July 21, 2024 • Jason McNutt • Matthew 19:1–12
God's created marriage, only He has the right to define it. Marriage's purpose is to reflect the relationship between Christ and His church. Therefore, divorce is at odds with God's plan. It is permitted, in some circumstances, due to hardness of heart. Yet even then, He redeems it.
Are you walking in humility?
July 14, 2024 • Jason McNutt • Matthew 18
Culturally, we are motivated to outdo each other, driven by individual pride. Not so in the kingdom of Heaven. To become a citizen of God’s Kingdom we must become His children, living with a recognition we are dependent on Him. That fosters a life of humility, love, and a wiliness to lavish forgiveness of others.
What do you behold?
July 7, 2024 • Jason McNutt • Matthew 17
To behold something or someone is more than a casual glance. It implies intense observation. Over time we will become what we behold, whether good or bad. As Jesus’ disciples our desire is to behold Him so that our character, our love and our lives becomes like His. This is sanctification.
Jesus on His Terms
June 30, 2024 • Jeff Collins • Matthew 16
Opposition to Jesus grows. The Pharisees, together with their rivals ,the Sadducees. ask for "one more sign" from Jesus to prove He is who He says He is. Rather than comply, He challenges their inclination. Once alone with His disciples, He asks "who am I?" Peter, responds "The Christ". Peter responses as he does, because God revealed that to him. We declare Jesus as Christ because the Lord is at work in our hearts today.
The Heart of the Problem is the Problem of the Heart
June 23, 2024 • Dave Edwards • Matthew 15
Isaiah warned of a people who honor God in words and deeds but worship in vain because their hearts are not in the right place. Jesus is interested in our hearts. He is teaching us that God’s word should never be nullified by human traditions and commandments.
Why do you worship God?
June 16, 2024 • Mark Cox • Matthew 13:53–58, Matthew 14
People see Jesus’ miracles, hear his teaching and are offended. However, there are two different types of responses to this offense. One group outright rejects Him. Others, like the disciples, respond in repentance and worship Him because they see in Him, Someone greater than themselves. Who do you see when you are confronted by Jesus?
Thank God for Ears
June 9, 2024 • Jim Spigelmire • Matthew 13
Jesus was a powerful storyteller. Using parables to describe the Kingdom of Heaven, He confronts us with the necessity of a heart change to be His follower. Only then do His parables show us His Kingdom as it is and as it will be. Otherwise, we only hear without understanding and see without perceiving.
Are you for or against Jesus?
June 2, 2024 • Jason McNutt • Matthew 12
Jesus never leaves room to accept Him only as a good moral teacher. When the Pharisees challenge His disciples’ rule-breaking, He questions their willingness to make rules that reject Scripture. Theirs is a self-righteous, self-driven moralism. Instead, Jesus shows us that accepting Him means we join in an intimate relationship inspired by inner transformation of our hearts. That is a work of the Holy Spirit.
Do you struggle with doubts?
May 26, 2024 • Jason McNutt • Matthew 11
Doubts arise when unmet expectations collide with current circumstances. John was in prison in the most difficult conditions, giving rise to his question whether Jesus was the Messiah. Rather than scold him, Jesus shares what He is doing that fulfills Messianic prophecies. Jesus invites us to come to Him for rest from our doubts.
Do you really want to be like Christ?
May 19, 2024 • Jason McNutt • Matthew 9:35—10:42
Jesus was driven by a compassion for the lost. When He sent twelve disciples to heal and spread the Good News, He told them it would be hard. We must, like Him, be willing to go so far as to sacrifice our lives carrying out the missions He gave us as His disciples today.
Do you trust in the authority of Jesus?
May 5, 2024 • Jason McNutt • Matthew 8
God’s presence on the mountaintop is undeniable. We see it in stories about Moses, Abraham, and Elijah. Jesus taught the Sermon on the Mount. We experience it during the high points of our lives. However, in a fallen world, we may wonder if God really is in the valleys. Matthew takes us from the words of Jesus to His works where He demonstrates His absolute authority everywhere. This merits our unwavering allegiance to Him.
