Our reading for this week picks up in the middle of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. We were introduced to the beatitudes last week and now we move into the challenges of living life with a new kingdom of God perspective. In Matthew 6, the Jesus prayer provides us words to recite often if not daily as we live this new life. If you have not committed to memory Matthew 6:9-13, now might be a good time. One way to do so is to voice this prayer daily for a month.
Matthew 7 concludes Jesus’ sermon by introducing the “golden rule” as well as other principles for life that “astonished” those who sat on the hillside listening to these words. In Matthew 8 & 9, Jesus encounters a variety of people and situations. His sermon in the earlier chapters is backed up by actions such as healing a leper, calming a storm and casting out demons.
Our last chapter for this week, Matthew 10, reveals Jesus plan for the Kingdom movement. Jesus is not about a one-man show. He intends to call and equip others to multiply his efforts. Read carefully Jesus’ instructions for his first disciples. These are not just words for 1st century Christ followers. The same calling and plans are voiced to us today.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I think I found my favorite book of the Bible! I am truly enjoying the readings in Matthew…what amazing life lessons!
ReplyDeleteWhat I hold in my heart:
1.6:15 “But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Enough said!! I can’t imagine one day facing my father in heaven and he says, “But Anne, remember that time you didn’t forgive so and so, because I do.” While forgiveness may be difficult to deliver, if we refuse it, we only hinder our relationship with God.
2.8:10-12 The Roman Centurion Demonstrates Faith
Wow! After reading this I ask myself if I had faith like the Centurion; do I turn to God and take Him at his word all the time or do I sometimes limit Him by my mind-set?
8:23-27 Jesus Calms the Storm
Sometimes I tell myself…”that’s just the way it’s going to be or that’s just life.” But now I picture Jesus looking at me saying, “You of little faith….” I need to remind myself that Jesus can calm any storm; I just need to ask Him. I should never discount His power!
Matthew 6:34
ReplyDelete"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
Such blatant, simple instructions....is it really that simple? I feel like a wind-up toy marching into a wall over and over just waiting for Jesus to pick me up, turn me around, and wind me up again so I can just march myself back into another wall. If only I could follow those very simple instructions.