Earning Heavenly Wages

Matthew 20 Summary

Summary:

The chapter starts with the Lord telling a parable about the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus describes how a landowner went out early in the morning to hire some men to work in his fields for a specific wage. The landowner makes additional trips throughout the day to the market place and hires others, some late morning, others in the afternoon, and finally at the end of the day. To these the landowner says he will pay them what is right.

At the end of the day, everyone received the same pay. However, some of the workers complained because they worked longer and received the same pay as those who only worked for one hour. The landowner reminded them that they agreed to a certain amount and were paid that amount. He also points out that what he paid out belongs to him and he may do whatever he desires with his own money.

Matthew also records when Jesus told His disciples about His upcoming fate. He told them He will be betrayed, crucified and raised from the dead. Shortly after this, we see a power struggle among the disciples. Two of the disciples had their mother ask Jesus to give them prominent positions in His kingdom. Of course this made the others angry. The Lord explained how they have it upside down. To be great in the kingdom of heaven, you must be a great servant.

The chapter concludes with Jesus being moved with compassion and healing two blind men.

Read Matthew 20

Consideration

In the parable of the landowner, Jesus addressed the Old Covenant (set wage / law) between Israel and God and the New Covenant (God’s grace) between God and all of mankind. Like the men in the parable of the landowner, we need to be careful that we do not distort the goodness of God. It does not matter if God gives us a little or a lot, we need to be thankful for the grace He has shown us. Instead of being envious of the blessings He gives to others, we need to be grateful for what He has given us. “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others” Philippians 2:4.

Prayer

Lord, I thank you for making the payment for my sins. Enable me to humble myself before you so that I can be a walking gospel. Help me not to despise, but to reach out to the lost. Keep me from being self-seeking, striving or any other thing that takes the focus off of YOU. Amen.

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Right Side Up Living

Matthew 18 Summary

Summary:

The disciples asked, “Who then is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” The Lord brings before them a little child. He used the child to demonstrate that just as the child was in total obedience to His voice, we too should be obedient to Him.

He also made an important declaration when He said, “Assuredly, I say to you unless you are converted and become as a little child you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.” This is a picture of humility that leads to salvation.

Upon completion of this demonstration with the child, the Lord introduces examples of what humility looks like.

1. The cutting off of the old nature (Matthew 18: 6-11).
2. Seeking out the lost sheep (Matthew 18:12-14).
3. Restoring the offending brother (Matthew 18:15-19)
4. Forgiving as Christ forgave us (Matthew 18:20-34)
5. Remembering the forgiveness you received (Matthew 18:35).

Read Matthew 18

Consideration

It is important for us to be a child of God. Without being a child of God, we cannot enter into the kingdom of God. Once we become a child of God, we also need to be obedient as a little child who obeys his father. When He calls our name, do we step forward? When He places His hands on your shoulders, do you pull away? Commit to being obedient to God as a little child no matter what He asks.

Also, in this chapter, Jesus gave clear instructions on how to deal with a brother or sister who has offended us. Is there someone who has offended you? Have you followed the steps laid out in Matthew 18:15-18? If not, will you consider and pray about doing so today?

Prayer
Lord mold me into your image and help me to cut off the old man and to put on the new man. Give me a heart to be a humble servant. If there is any foolishness in me please bring it to my attention and give me the strength to cast it off. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

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Be transfigured with Jesus

Matthew 17 Summary

Summary:

Jesus was giving the disciples James, John, and Peter a glimpse into the past so they would know about the future. There is a rich exchange that takes place amongst Jesus’ closest disciples. Elijah and Moses were the prophets of old and here they were in person standing right in front of them. It had to be mind blowing! But yet even after this Peter totally blows it by denying the Savior of the world three times. God speaks of what will happen to God the Son. Then later in the chapter Jesus reiterates that He would be killed and rise on the third day.

Then at the end of this chapter it talks about giving to the church. They’re asking if Jesus is going to pay the temple tax. Jesus tells Peter who is a fishermen and who has caught thousands of fish in his lifetime to go catch another fish. When you catch that fish look into his mouth and take the coin out of his mouth. Then go and pay to the temple. The natural meets the supernatural!

Read Matthew 17

Consideration

I remember as a kid riding my bicycle about 12 miles to go see the Miami Dolphins practice. I was mesmerized as I would see these football players walk by. When I was a little boy I wanted to be a football player. Peter had to be in total awe as he witness God speaking with Moses and Elijah standing in front of him. Peter was wrong in his assessment to build 3 tabernacles and I believe that God showed him that. By taking away Elijah and Moses and focusing solely on Jesus His Son. So many times we will lift sports figures, movie stars and even pastors higher than Jesus. The Lord shows us that this should never happen. Your faith has to be about what Jesus did on the cross. Never put anyone or anything in the place that belongs to Jesus.

Peter had to be amazed that this random fish had a coin in his mouth. This never happened before to Peter. But now Peter was being transformed day by day as he sat at the feet of Jesus. Peter was learning that if you have faith in Jesus He will pay all of our debts. Peter would see this not only in the fact that Jesus paid the temple tax but also that He paid in full our debts on the cross.

Prayer
Lord we get to see that Elijah and Moses both made it into the promise land. The promise of heaven is there for all of us if we just put Jesus first. May I pick up my cross daily and look to Jesus for all my needs. Amen.

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The Leaven of Works and Self Righteousness

Matthew 16 Summary

Summary: 

Faith in Jesus is the opposite of looking for one emotional experience after another. In Matthew 16 we see the religious leaders trying to test Jesus like they’re the authority of the church. Then Jesus goes on to tell the Pharisee and Sadducees that they had no faith, that their faith was caught up in themselves and their works.

Jesus then goes back to teaching the disciples about faith. Jesus always asked questions to the people and especially the disciples.  He then tells them (not) to lose your way from false doctrines that were being taught by Prominent Religious Leaders of that day. Verses 13-20 are some of the most misrepresented verses in all the Bible. The Catholic Church would tell you that these verses speak of the church being built on Peter. Instead the true meaning is that the church was and always will be built on and of Jesus Christ. This is what Peter is telling Jesus in those verses.

Jesus goes on to predict His own death at the hands of the religious leaders. Jesus then tells the disciples that it will be by a daily faith walk.

Read Matthew 16

Consideration

There are so many false doctrines and false teachers in the world today. It is like trying to walk through a maze with land mines all over the place. We see pastors, preachers, and televangelist asking for money and guaranteeing you that your prayers will be answered for a price.

That’s why we need to KNOW the WORD of GOD. A bank teller knows what real money feels like; as soon as funny money touches their hands they know that it is a fake. We need to train our ears and minds to sniff out false doctrines. Jesus is all you need!

There will be some out there that will tell you that you need Jesus plus something else. Or they will tell you that Jesus wasn’t that important. RUN!!!  This is a sure sign of false doctrine.

That is why we as a church need to be in the word of God each day. In this chapter Jesus tells us,“ If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.”

Prayer

God, help me to die to my own selfish desires and put your will ahead of my own. Help me to have discernment of spiritual things and to do your will in my life. Amen.

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Can’t Be Right if I’m Wrong 

Matthew 15 Summary

Summary: 

39 rich verses in Matthew 15. The only one that Jesus really gave a hard word to or seemed to be disgusted with, was the religious hypocrites. Not like you and I who make  honest mistakes every now and then. But Jesus called these scribes and Pharisees out for worrying about, or majoring in the minors.  They were so right that they were wrong. They would worry about washing hands ceremonies while planning to kill Jesus. Jesus wasn’t so concerned with what they were eating but more with what their hearts and minds were thinking.

From there Jesus moves to another city in Israel where he heals a little girl that is demon possessed. Ever been shunned by someone because of the way your kids or even your spouse acted. Jesus understood the pain of being shunned and He had compassion for a mom who had a sick child. Jesus not only heals the child, but in many ways He healed the mother’s heart. He saw her faith and encouraged that mom that she was doing the right things to raise her child.

Read Matthew 15

Consideration

So many times we will call somebody out in their sin or maybe you don’t have the courage to call them out, but you secretly judge them. You hold them and their sins to a higher degree of judgment then you hold yourself to. Pharisees and scribes were doing this exact same thing. And as we do often, we ask questions with motives behind them. Motives to judge or trap them in their sin. The whole time we are doing the same or worse sins. Have you ever done this or are you currently doing this? Jesus would say knock it off and look circumspectly at your own wicked heart.

I see at the end of this chapter Jesus’ compassion and acceptance of people, no matter their situation. Can we look unto people who may not look like you or act like you through the eyes of Jesus? Can we  have the compassion it takes to help lead that person into the presence of Jesus?

Prayer

Dear God allow me to see people through your eyes. Help me to have discernment that it takes to know exactly what that person needs. Especially help me to have the love that it takes to cover a multitude of sin and not to judge with a harsh heart. Amen.

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Keep Your Eyes on Jesus

Matthew 14 Summary

Summary: 

Here we see the world acting like the fallen world that it is. We see Herod being tempted by the lure of lust, making him cut off John the Baptist’s head, even though he respected John The Baptist in some ways and knew that killing him could lead to riots in Jerusalem.

Then we see the chapter transition geographically to the Galilee region. We also see transition from tragedy to triumph into some of the greatest miracles and best known miracles that Christ ever carried out. Feeding of the 5000 and Peter walking on water.

Read Matthew 14

Consideration

There will be tragedies, challenges, and sickness in our lives. Even death to ones we love.  Our responsibility is to keep our eyes on Jesus constantly. He is our Salvation because He is our Savior. He is our provision because He is the Bread of Life. He is our protection because when we feel overwhelmed, He is there to lift us up from drowning. So cry out to Jesus; He hears you and loves you.

Prayer

God help me to be in the world but not of the world. Please allow me to immerse myself in you and your word . Help me to get out of the boat of mediocrity. Amen!

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More than a Story

Matthew 13 Summary

Summary:
Parables are stories that have a word picture that can go along with a principle that can be drawn out of them. Normally from a standard that anyone in that area or profession would immediately understand. In this chapter, Jesus shared several parables that offer an earthly perspective from a heavenly point of view. In the “Parable of the Sower,” Jesus spoke about 4 types of soil which represents 4 types of people and how each person respond to the Gospel differently.

The parables in Matthew 13 had specific meanings and principles hidden within the stories. These parables still have relevance 2000 years later as we see the wisdom and goodness of God.

Read Matthew 13

Consideration

Jesus shows us through these parables that there is always a spiritual battle going on. He shows us that we need to constantly look at our own soil and cultivate it through His word and prayer. He tells us that there will be weeds that live among us, in the form of a boss, co-worker, neighbor or even a non-believing spouse. May we help others walk through this cultivating process as we sow the Love of Christ and turn what looks like a weed into a fruitful tree of abundance.

Prayer

Lord direct my steps as I look towards the principle of sowing and reaping. May you cultivate your will in my life. I ask that you would prune where you see areas of decay or deadness. Graft new excitement into my walk with you. Amen!

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Relationship not Religion

Matthew 12 Summary

Jesus turned religion and the religious upside down. He challenged their customs and traditions. However, he did not take away any of the commandments that God had put in place. He offered the Love of a relationship with the Lord of the Sabbath. Instead of rules and regulations of the religious, He wanted us to worship Him everyday instead of just on the Sabbath.

Read Matthew 12

Consideration

When you follow Jesus with your whole heart, He will heal you of whatever worries you, provokes you, offends you and ails you. It is up to you and I to follow the Lord of the Sabbath and make Him Lord of every area of our lives. What part of your life are you still holding onto that you need to still give Him?

Prayer

Lord help me to follow you, not out of obligation, not out of tradition, but with a sincere love that is wrapped in Your Spirit to help me overcome. Amen!

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Greater is HE

Matthew 11 Summary

Having taught his disciples in the previous chapter that persecution was imminent, Jesus now is approached by John’s followers after John had been imprisoned for preaching righteousness.  John sent his followers to ask Jesus if he was really the messiah which was answered with a reassuring response. Upon the departure of John’s followers, Jesus declares that John was the greatest that had ever lived until that time.  Jesus contrasts that statement by declaring that the least person in the Kingdom of heaven is greater than he(John) is.  Jesus unfolds the truth that John was the last of the prophets to point to the messiah and that all the previous prophets looked forward to this time.

Unfortunately, although the Gospel was being presented by Jesus with supporting signs and wonders, many people in the cities they had taught (Korazin, Bethsaida, Tyre, Sidon, Capernaum, etc.) still refused to repent, similar to what the people did during the previous days of the prophets. Jesus concludes the chapter, by thanking God the father for hiding the truth of the gospel from the “wise and clever”.  Instead the weary and heavy laden received the truth and discovered how easy Jesus’ yoke was and how light his burden.

Read Matthew 11

Consideration

As we look at this chapter, John the baptist who was once powerfully proclaiming the Truth of who Jesus is, was now in prison questioning his Lord.  The reality of the prison cell discouraged him to the point of doubting what he knew was true.  Jesus’ subsequent response in stating “even the least person in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he is”reveals that like Moses, John had seen the promised land but had not entered in.  And so today I ask if this speaks of you? Were you once on fire for the Lord proclaiming the Gospel everywhere you went, and then the trials of life imprisoned you?

The apostle Paul pens his concerns about this very situation in 1 Cor 9:27 where he says that after preaching the gospel and doing the work of the ministry he did not want to be disqualified.  Beloved, we serve a God who forgives, restores and renews! Do not succumb to the lies of the enemy, but remember that Greater is HE that is in you than He that is in this world.

Prayer

God I thank you for sharing the glorious gospel with me and placing a fire in my soul to proclaim it to everyone.  I ask you to keep me from being ensnared by the prisonly trappings of my mind.  Help me to think on things that are pure and righteous and to remain focused on you and your Word.

In Jesus name I pray. Amen!

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Equipping the Called

Matthew 10 Summary

At the outset of Chapter 10, Jesus calls and identifies specifically HIS 12 disciples/apostles and endows them with spiritual power. He then gives them clear direction about their assignment and encourages that all their needs would be provided for as they go out to accomplish the assigned tasks. He promises that although persecution was unavoidable, that the spirit giving them power would also equip them with the words to respond to their persecutors. This would be essential, as Jesus warns that even those who are closest to them (mother, father, brother, friend, etc.) would turn against them. However, because of the power they would receive from HIS spirit, they should not fear, recognizing that the God who knows even the number of hairs on their head would be with them. Jesus concludes the chapter by revealing an essential element to accomplishing the task before them, loving HIM (God) above all else.

Read Matthew 10

Consideration

As Jesus hand picked his disciples/apostles, he has handpicked you…..what an amazing reality. YES, that means that of the millions of the people on planet earth, he knows your name individually and has prepared a specific assignment for you to accomplish while here. As HIS follower, he has equipped you with HIS spirit who will give you power (Acts 1:8) to fulfill your assignment on earth. As Jesus reveals in chapter 10 of Matthew, persecution for his sake is inevitable, however as we consider Jesus’ immense love for us we will be able to surmount any fear and boldly proclaim the gospel of our Lord! Love HIM, you disciple of Jesus Christ, and find that God has equipped you to accomplish mighty works for the Kingdom of our God!

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for your calling me to follow you. I thank you that you have given me your Holy Spirit, who gives me power to live a life pleasing to you. I pray that through your spirit, you will strengthen me to love you more than anything else, so that I may accomplish whatever you have called me do on this earth. I love you Lord and thank you for equipping me to serve you. In Jesus name I pray. Amen!

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Total Surrender

Matthew 9 Summary

In this chapter, we see Jesus ministry is challenged by the religious leaders as he exercised His authority.

They challenged Him when he forgave the sins of the paralytic. That was considered blasphemy (an offense worthy of death) because He was claiming to be God by this act. They challenged his decision to choose and associate himself with tax collectors and sinners. They challenged his decision not to fast.

Jesus then continued to demonstrate the Authority to heal by healing a woman with an incurable condition. He demonstrated his authority over death by raising a young girl back to life. And finally, He demonstrated He had authority over demons by casting out a demon from a man.

The chapter closes with a statement worth remembering. “But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd” (Matthew 9:36). Jesus entire ministry was done out of a heart of compassion and love.

Read Matthew 9

Consideration

This chapter clearly demonstrates the authority Jesus has over sin, sickness, disease, death and demons. Some people resisted His authority while others accepted it and their lives were changed. 

Maybe you are suffering from a sickness. Maybe from depression caused by unforgiveness. Maybe you are experiencing death or defeat. Maybe it’s time you surrender your life to the authority of Jesus and experience His transforming, sin forgiving, life changing resurrecting power in your life.

Prayer

Jesus, please forgive me for resisting your authority over my life. Give me a heart like Matthew to  follow you without question. In Jesus Name. Amen!

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Faith Filled vs. Fearful

Matthew 8 Summary

As we embark on a review of this chapter, we see that it begins with Jesus coming down from the mountainside after a powerful teaching. He is subsequently approached by two different individuals who display faith in their request for healing, and Jesus willingly answers their request.Jesus notably speaks about faith thereafter, and then goes on to perform another healing with Peter’s mother-in-law. Later that day, Jesus decided to embark on a voyage in a boat with his disciples and when a storm arose his disciples became fearful. Jesus addresses their fear which he reveals is actually a lack of faith. Setting an example for his disciples, Jesus rebukes the storm and it subsides immediately which awed his followers. The chapter culminates as Jesus personifies faith, when he confronts two demon possessed men and casts out the demons into a nearby group of swine revealing his authority. Jesus exemplifies amazing faith in this chapter, to heal the sick, calm the storms, and defeat the works of the enemy. Although his disciples were present and saw each miracle unfold before them, they struggled when faced with these challenges, causing Jesus to state “Yee of little faith”.

Read Matthew 8

Consideration

Faith is definitely important to God, as Hebrews 11:6 says that without faith it is impossible to please God. Do you often feel like the disciples did, being fearful rather than faith filled? If so, your answer is found in Romans 10:17 which states that faith comes by hearing the Word of God. God promises that each has been given a measure of faith in Romans 12:3, and so you can be assured that you are not exempt. If you desire to be faith filled, commit to spending time in God’s Word each day. You can be assured, that just as the disciples eventually grew in faith as they heard the WORD of God (Jesus), you too will grow in faith as you spend time in God’s Word (the Bible).

Prayer

Dear Lord, I know your Word says that without faith it is impossible to please you. I desire to please you and to be victorious in my daily battles in this life. Father please give me a passion for your Word and cause me to spend time in it each day so that my faith will grow and I will become more like Jesus.

In Jesus name I pray. Amen!

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A Heavenly Perspective

Matthew 6 Summary
In this chapter Jesus speaks profoundly about actions that are, or at least should be a part of every christian’s life…..doing good, praying, and fasting. Amazingly, Jesus also addresses “how” we are to do these actions and not just “what” actions we are to do. As we delve into the chapter, Jesus reminds his followers that although these actions are necessary for the christian, it is important to ensure that they are not doing them as a “performance” to be seen by people. Jesus warns that those who do these works to be seen by others, have received their reward here and will not receive any rewards from God for this behavior. On the contrary Jesus promises that when the believer’s actions are done “in secret”, to be seen by God the Father who they serve, the Father will reward them openly.

In the second half of the passage, Jesus further brings emphasis to the importance of recognizing who (God or people/riches) each person is serving and the reality that no one can serve two masters at the same time. He concludes by reassuring his followers, that those who serve God will be taken care of and have no need to worry about their life or daily sustenance as the Father takes care of HIS own.

Read Matthew 6

Consideration
Matthew 6 should strike a chord in the heart of every follower of Jesus Christ, as Jesus calls us to refocus and immerse ourselves in a heavenly perspective. Our society bombards us with messaging that focuses on ourselves and making our name great, while trying to assure us that the riches attained through these means will satisfy us. Colossians 3:2 tells us to set our minds on things above, not on earthly things and as we read through scripture our perfect example Jesus shows us exactly what that looks like. As you begin this new year, evaluate your life and make sure that whatever you do is unto the Lord and not for mankind to see (Ephesians 6:7, Colossians 3:23), and seek the rewards from our heavenly father and not from others. Allow a heavenly perspective to order your steps this year!

Prayer
Father God, my desire is to serve you only and please you with my life. Please enable me to keep my focus on you and not to be consumed with recognition of others and earthly rewards. Help me to do everything as unto you so that you alone are glorified in my life.
In Jesus name I pray. Amen!

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The Highest Virtue

Matthew 5 Summary
Now when Jesus saw the great crowd of people following Him, He sat down on a mountainside to teach them how to live. He begins this greatest sermon ever preached with a list of eight bless-able attitudes that believers should have.

He then focused on the Law of Moses. He demonstrated that no one can actually keep the law because the law is broken when we sin in our hearts. Murder, adultery and broken promises all begin in the heart. Jesus said, He did not come “to abolish the law but to fulfill it,” meaning, He was the only one that never sinned by breaking the commandments. His accomplishment allows Him to give a pass into heaven to anyone who will receive it.

Jesus ends the chapter by calling us to the highest virtue of the Christian faith — Love. We are to love not only the lovable people but also our enemies. We are called to walk in love because love shows we are God’s children.

Read Matthew 5

Consideration
Jesus calls us to love our enemies by blessing them, doing good to them and praying for them. Think about one or two people who you may consider to be your enemy (spouse, in-law, co-worker, neighbor). Pray about how God would have you show love to that person today.

Prayer
Jesus, you called me to be perfect like God is perfect by receiving the righteousness you offer and loving like you love. Give me the strength to do what may seem impossible, that I may be more like you. Amen!

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Preparing the Way

Matthew 3 Summary            
John the Baptist was Jesus’ cousin (See Luke 1). Based on how he was dressed and what he ate, people may have thought he was a bit odd (see Matthew 3:4). But despite his odd appearance, he had a special message and people traveled from all over to hear his message of repentance and baptism. According to the prophet Isaiah, he wrote about John eight hundred years earlier,  about how John would be the one to prepare the hearts of the people for the salvation that would come through Jesus.

One day while John was baptizing people, Jesus came to be baptized by John. He was reluctant at first but after Jesus explained why it was necessary, Jesus was baptized and God confirmed that Jesus is indeed the Savior that was to come by sending the Holy Spirit upon Jesus in the form of a dove.

Read Matthew 3

Consideration
Like John the Baptist, it is the calling and duty of every believer to prepare hearts of people for salvation by sharing the message of the Gospel of Jesus. But to avoid being odd and not fitting into society, ninety percent of Christans never share their faith. Are you one of the ninety? Why not change that by praying that God will give you the boldness to share the gospel with a friend, family member or co-worker today.

Prayer
Father God, your desire is that no one should perish. Give me boldness to share the glorious gospel so that many would come to salvation. In Jesus name I pray. Amen!

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