After the chief priests and the elders refused to answer Jesus concerning the source of John the Baptist’s ministry, Jesus presented them with a question centered around a parable. In this parable one son rebels and then repents while another son pretends to be an obedient son but doesn’t actually obey. Jesus then asks which […]
Matthew 21:23-27 The Nature & Origin of Jesus’ Authority
After Jesus’ triumphal entry and the cleansing of the temple the religious leader in Jerusalem were angry. So when He returned he was met with a huge group of chief priests and elders. This group asked Jesus two insincere questions. 1) By what authority are You doing these things, and 2) Who gave You this […]
Matthew 17:9-13 Clarifying the Transfiguration
On the way down the Mountain Jesus takes the opportunity to make sure they understand the implications of what they just saw in the transfiguration. First, He reiterates His prediction that His death and resurrection are unavoidable aspects of the Father’s plan. And secondly, Jesus answers a pivotal question for the disciples that clarifies the […]
Matthew 14:6-21 The Crony King vs. Christ the King
Matthew connects the narratives of Herod’s hedonistic birthday part and Jesus’ feeding of the 5,000 with the linchpin that holds them together being their response to John the Baptist. Listen as Pastor Matt explains the stark difference between the Crony King Herod and Christ the King Jesus, and how that difference established Jesus’ eternal Kingdom […]
Jesus, Herod, John the Baptist, and the Temple_ A Wowing Theme in Matthew
Matthew 14:3-12- John the Baptist: A Case Study in Speaking the Truth
How should a Christian think of cultural engagement? Should the church address political issues? Should Christians speak out against wicked rulers? The example of John the Baptist is instructive. 1) He knew what was going on 2) He knew what God’s law said 3) He spoke to Herod about his sin 4) He was undeterred […]
Matthew 14:1-2 Jesus’ Fame, John the Baptist’s Fate, and Herod’s Folly
Matthew 11:15-19 The Consequences of Refusing to Dance at a Wedding or Mourn at a Funeral
Matthew 11:11-15 Understanding the Suffering Kingdom
John the Baptist was as great a man as any who had ever been born before him, but the LEAST in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he. What a dramatic change! And beginning with the days of John the Baptist the Kingdom began suffering violence and violent men were taking it by force. […]
Matthew 11:7-11 Jesus’ Definition of a Great Man
Jesus said that of those who had been born of women none had been greater than John the Baptist. Now that is some high praise! John was not shakable, not soft, and was willing to speak God’s truth. Jesus identifies those qualities as greatness and says that even the least of the citizens of the […]
