The Gospel of Matthew: The Kingdom Ethic
In the closing verses of Matthew, we see the two commissions and dueling promises we face in a post-resurrection world.
Scripture: Matthew 28:11-20
Fear and Great Joy
April 21, 2019 | The Gospel of Matthew: The Kingdom EthicIn Matthew 27:62-28:10 we see two world views displayed in the two encounters with Jesus' tomb.
Scripture: Matthew 27:62-28:10
The Paradox of the Cross
April 19, 2019 | The Gospel of Matthew: The Kingdom EthicIn Matthew's account of the crucifixion we find three paradoxes which shape our understanding of the gospel and the Christian life. Scripture: Matthew 27:45-61
The King and His Glory
April 14, 2019 | The Gospel of Matthew: The Kingdom EthicIn Matthew 27:11-44 Matthew describes for us the somber story or Jesus' crucifixion and yet it is in this brokenness that we see the King in his glory.
Scripture: Matthew 27:11-44
Convicted
March 24, 2019 | The Gospel of Matthew: The Kingdom EthicIn Matthew 26:57-27:10 we see the false conviction of Jesus applied by an external court, but we also see three stories of internal conviction which need to be reconciled with the gospel.
Scripture: Matthew 26:57-27:10
Human Hope
March 10, 2019 | The Gospel of Matthew: The Kingdom EthicIn Matthew 26:36-46, Jesus' humanity is on full display. But it is in the sorrowful savior we find rich hope. Scripture: Matthew 26:36-46
In Matthew 26, Jesus reestablishes not only a new feast for his people, but a new center of time which has shaped the culture of Christianity for all time.
Scripture: Matthew 26:17-35
Treasure and Treason
February 24, 2019 | The Gospel of Matthew: The Kingdom EthicMatthew 26:1-16 is a unique pause in the pace of Jesus' life. But in this stillness God is anything but silent.
Scripture: Matthew 26:1-16
What's Going On? Part 3
February 17, 2019 | The Gospel of Matthew: The Kingdom EthicIn Matthew 25:14-46, we see two pictures of the final judgment and Jesus provides instructions and hope for all who will one day stand before him.
Scripture: Matthew 25:14-46
What's Going On? Part 2
February 10, 2019 | The Gospel of Matthew: The Kingdom EthicBe awake. Be ready. Be watchful. In Matthew 24:36-25:13, Jesus prepares our hearts for his second coming by calling us to actively wait for his return. Scripture: Matthew 24:36-25:13
What's Going On? Part 1
February 3, 2019 | The Gospel of Matthew: The Kingdom EthicWhat does the future hold? And what does it matter for our lives and ministries? Jesus frames the disciples' expectations and hope for what is to come in Matthew 24:1-35.
Scripture: Matthew 24:1-35
Hypocrites and the Hero
January 27, 2019 | The Gospel of Matthew: The Kingdom EthicJesus ends his public ministry by addressing the crowds, his disciples and the religious leaders, speaking to the heart of each group. Scripture: Matthew 23:1-39
The Lord of the Kingdom
January 20, 2019 | The Gospel of Matthew: The Kingdom EthicIn Matthew 22:15-46 the religious officials submit Jesus to three tests, but ultimately it is Jesus who tests the hearts and understandings of men.
Scripture: Matthew 22:14-46
Grace: Kingdom Invitation
December 9, 2018 | The Gospel of Matthew: The Kingdom EthicJesus helps us understand the value of his gospel invitation and the posture of those who respond.
Scripture: Matthew 22:1-14
Kingdom Authority
December 2, 2018 | The Gospel of Matthew: The Kingdom EthicWe see the relationship between Jesus as the authority and us, as those who are under an obligation to respond either through faith or in judgment. Scripture: Matthew 21:18-46
Kingdom Anticipation
November 25, 2018 | The Gospel of Matthew: The Kingdom EthicIn Matthew 21:1-17 we read Matthew's account of the "Triumphal Entrance." In this passage we see three ways in which our whole world is anticipating this Savior-King.
Scripture: Matthew 21:1-17
Kingdom Clarity
November 18, 2018 | The Gospel of Matthew: The Kingdom EthicOn the road to Jerusalem, Jesus provides three glimpses into the Kingdom shaped by the cross. Scripture: Matthew 20:17-34
Kingdom Economics
November 11, 2018 | The Gospel of Matthew: The Kingdom EthicJesus answers the equation of eternal life with a discussion on divine grace.
Scripture: Matthew 19:16-20:16
Kingdom Faithfulness
November 4, 2018 | The Gospel of Matthew: The Kingdom EthicIn Matthew 19:1-15, Jesus continues to stress the distinct values of those who are members of his kingdom, specifically in marriage. Scripture: Matthew 19:1-15
The Hard Work of Discipleship
October 28, 2018 | The Gospel of Matthew: The Kingdom EthicMatthew 18:15-35 reveals the often hard work of discipleship God has given his church and provides a model for the heart behind it.
Scripture: Matthew 18:15-35
The Commitments of Kingdom Greatness
September 2, 2018 | The Gospel of Matthew: The Kingdom EthicWhat does it take to be great in the Kingdom of Heaven? Jesus shows us with three postures of great disciples.
Scripture: Matthew 18:1-14
Because Jesus laid down his rights to save us, we are able to lay down our rights to serve others.
Scripture: Matthew 17:22-27
A Vision of Christ's Kingdom
August 12, 2018 | The Gospel of Matthew: The Kingdom EthicChristians need a vision of Christ's kingdom that opposes the kingdom of this world. In Matthew 17, Jesus shows us the glory of his kingdom that comes through suffering and calls us to exercise faith in God's Word that brings about his will …
Following Jesus will be the greatest cost you ever incur, because it is the greatest value you will ever possess. Following Jesus will cost you because the cross is so costly.
Scripture: Matthew 16:13-28