DAY #31: January 31, 2009 - Matthew 19:3-22

Today, we see that the Pharisees had quoted Moses’ writings in Deuteronomy regarding divorce; Jesus also quoted from Moses’ writings but he went back to Genesis (Genesis 1:27; 2:24), the beginning, referring to the ideal state of creation and particularly of marriage. In creating male and female, God’s plan was that in marriage the husband and wife are united into one. The wife is not property, but a person created in God’s image. Jesus drew a distinction: God’s creation of marriage and his absolute command that it be a permanent union versus the provisions written hundreds of years later that tolerated divorce because of people’s utter sinfulness. The Pharisees regarded

Deuteronomy 24:1 as a proof text for divorce. But Jesus focused on marriage rather than divorce. The Pharisees regarded divorce as a legal issue rather than a spiritual one; marriage and divorce were merely transactions similar to buying and selling land (with women being treated as property). But Jesus condemned this attitude, clarifying God’s original intention; that marriage bring unity that no one should separate.

The Pharisees asked why Moses allowed divorce. They wondered if Jesus was saying that Moses had written laws contrary to God’s commands. In reality, Moses had instituted divorce laws to help its victims. Under Jewish law, only a husband could initiate and carry out a divorce. The civil laws protected the women, who, in that culture, were quite vulnerable when living alone. Because of Moses’ law, a man could no longer just throw his wife out—he had to write an official letter of divorce so she could remarry and reclaim her dowry. This was a major step toward civil rights for women, for it made a man think twice before sending his wife away. Moses’ words gave protection to the wife and limited abuses of divorce.

In Moses’ time, as well as in Jesus’ day and today, the practice of marriage fell far short of God’s intention. Jesus said that Moses permitted divorce only because of people’s hard-hearted wickedness, referring to a stubborn, willful attitude. Many refused to follow through with their marriages as God had intended, so God allowed divorce as a concession to their sinfulness. Jesus turned the Pharisees’ “test” question back on them by using it as an opportunity to review God’s intended purpose for marriage and to expose their spiteful motives in testing Jesus.

Jesus had clearly explained that divorce dissolves a divinely formed union. Some men were divorcing in order to get remarried. The rabbis’ interpretation of Moses’ law permitted remarriage after divorce, but Jesus explained that marriage after divorce is adultery. However, he gave one exception: unless the wife has been unfaithful. Scholars agree that Jesus’ words refer to both husbands and wives; that is, the unfaithfulness of one could be grounds for divorce by the other.

While the application of Jesus’ words requires interpretation to specific situations, one truth is inescapable: God created marriage to be a sacred, permanent union and partnership between husband and wife. When both husband and wife enter this union with that understanding and commitment, they can provide security for each other, a stable home for their children, and strength to weather any of life’s storms or stresses.

The disciples believed Jesus upheld such an impossible standard that it would be better for people not to marry than to enter into the covenant of marriage. It seemed better not to make the vow than to make the vow and not be able to keep it. The high ideal of marriage was not for everyone, but only those whom God helps. Those given that responsibility are expected to adhere to it. There are some to whom this gift of marriage is not given. A “eunuch” is an emasculated male—a man with no testicles. Some are born as eunuchs, who perhaps had physical limitations that prevented their marrying. Others were made that way by others, such as those servants who, in ancient cultures, were castrated in order to serve the master without sexual distractions. Some choose not to marry for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven, voluntarily remaining abstinent because, in their particular situation, they could serve God better as single people. Jesus himself would be in this category, as was the apostle Paul.

It was customary for people to bring their children to a rabbi for a blessing. Thus people were bringing children to Jesus so that he could lay his hands on them and pray for them. The disciples thought the children were unworthy of the Master’s time. In the first century, Jewish households were patriarchal—men came first, followed by women and children. The disciples apparently viewed these parents and children as an intrusion and a drain of time and energy. So they told the people not to bother Jesus with their children.

Jesus told his disciples to let the children come because the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these. The disciples must have forgotten what Jesus had said about children earlier. Anyone of any age who exhibits such faith and trust is promised access to Jesus and to the Kingdom.

We then read that a man ran up to Jesus who wanted to be sure he would receive eternal life. He asked what good things he should do to get it. He viewed eternal life as something that one achieves. At first, Jesus did not address the man’s question but, instead, challenged him to think about God. Goodness is not measured by one’s works; in fact, only God is good. Jesus wanted the man to turn his attention from himself and instead think about God’s absolute goodness. In response to the young man’s question about how to have eternal life, Jesus told him to keep the commandments, and then he listed five of the Ten Commandments (numbers five through nine) and added Leviticus 19:18 (love your neighbor as yourself)—all referring to relationships with others.

The man sincerely believed that he had obeyed all these commandments, yet he felt that something was lacking. The powerful lesson here is that even if a person could keep all these commandments perfectly, which this man claimed to have done, there would still be a lack of assurance of salvation. The answer was that keeping the commandments perfectly could not save anyone—for obedience is not a matter of law keeping, it is a matter of the heart. This was a mind-bending revelation to this young man and to all of Jesus’ listeners.


Jesus’ words, if you want to be perfect, can be translated, “if you want to be mature or full-grown.” The man said he had never once broken any of the laws Jesus mentioned, so he may have felt that he had attained a certain level of perfection. But the law was not the standard of perfection, God was. Jesus lovingly broke through the man’s pride by pointing out that despite his self-proclaimed obedience, he still had a long way to go in understanding what God desired. Jesus told him, “Sell all you have and give the money to the poor.” This challenge exposed the barrier that could keep this man out of the Kingdom: his love of money. Ironically, his attitude made him unable to keep the first commandment, one that Jesus did not quote: “Do not worship any other gods besides me” (Exodus 20:3). The young man did not love God with his whole heart as he had presumed. In reality, his many possessions were his god, his idol. If he could not give these up, he would be violating the first commandment.

The task of selling all his possessions would not, of itself, give the man eternal life. But such radical obedience would be the first step for this man to become a follower of Jesus. The man thought he needed to do more; Jesus explained that there was plenty more he could do, but not in order to obtain eternal life. Instead, he needed an attitude adjustment toward his wealth. By putting his treasure in heaven and following Jesus along the road of selflessness and service to others, the man could be assured of his eternal destiny.

This man’s many possessions made his life comfortable and gave him power and prestige. When Jesus told him to sell everything he owned, Jesus was touching the very basis of the man’s security and identity. He could not meet the one requirement that Jesus gave—to turn his whole heart and life over to God. The one assurance he wanted, eternal life, was unattainable because he deemed the price too high. The man came to Jesus wondering what he could do; he left seeing what he was unable to do. How tragic—to be possessed by possessions and miss the opportunity to be with Jesus.

SO WHAT? (what will I do with what I have read today?)

Several things stand out this morning: 1) Lord, help us build a church where marriages flourish. Lord, help us build LIFE groups where folks can be encouraged and built. God, help me carve out time to come alongside the LIFE group leaders and encourage them. Remind each LIFE group leader of the importance of their leadership and lifestyle. Give them a shepherds heart.

2) Lord, build the faith of people @ COV so they will begin to tithe in obedience. You know our needs and how we want to build a great Children's Ministry. Open up the flood gates, even in this economy, so we can hire a Children's Ministry leader. Lord, we have to save the kids of this next generation. We have to build kids character and teach them how to love You and live for You. Lord, work in the hearts of our people. 3) God, speak this Sunday to every heart and draw people into a personal relationship with You. So many people are searching and so many people need answers. Help COV be a lighthouse where folks can find You.

PRAYER

Lord, give couples today a greater love for one another. Help spouses serve each other. Protect marriages from temptation and attacks. Give husbands and wives a desire to do what it takes to build their marriage.

Day #30: January 30, 2009 - Matthew 18:21-19:2

Peter asked Jesus a question commonly discussed in rabbinic debates - "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" The common answer was that it was considered sufficient to forgive three times. Peter may have chosen the number seven not only to indicate generosity, but also because the number seven is commonly used in the Bible to communicate completeness. Jesus’ answer did not mean his followers ought to keep count up to seventy times seven; rather, this statement means not to keep track of numbers at all. There ought to be no limit to a believer’s willingness to forgive another believer (within the confines of the steps set out above in helping to restore straying believers, 18:15-20). All believers ought to willingly forgive, for all believers have already been forgiven far beyond their comprehension, as the following parable shows.

The parable of the unmerciful servant is recorded only in Matthew and illustrates the need for unlimited forgiveness in the body of Christ. A king decided that he wanted to go over the books with his accountant. This first man found himself in debt for a huge sum of money. The man couldn’t pay the king the millions that he owed, so the king ordered that he, his family, and his possessions be sold to pay the debt. The sale of family as well as possessions to pay debts was common in ancient times.


The man humbly fell down before the king and begged for patience. The merciful king was filled with pity, released him and forgave his debt. This highly unlikely turn of events would have surprised Jesus’ listeners. What an incredible load must have been taken from his shoulders! Unfortunately, the story doesn’t end here. The king had forgiven a debt of millions of dollars and had let his servant go free. But when that servant left, he went to a fellow servant who owed him a few thousand dollars. He grabbed him by the throat and demanded instant payment. The thousands he was owed was a significant amount, but compared to the millions, it was extremely small. The fellow servant also begged for patience but was refused, arrested, and jailed until the debt could be paid.

Compared to what the first servant had been forgiven, his refusal to forgive another was appalling. Apparently other servants (other court officials) thought his behavior was appalling as well, so they went to the king and told him what had happened. For some reason, the first servant just didn’t understand. After being forgiven millions of dollars, he threw into prison a fellow servant who owed him a few thousand. But before he continued too far on his merry way, he found himself summoned back to the king. The king, who had been so merciful, angrily reproved the servant for accepting forgiveness and then being unwilling to extend forgiveness to another. The servant should have had mercy on his fellow servant.


The king was so angry that he sent the man to prison. Because this man would not forgive another, the king decided not to forgive his debt either. Instead, the man would be imprisoned until he had paid every penny. This man effectively received a life sentence. The king in the parable represents the heavenly Father and pictures his role as judge.

In the context of interchurch discipline, the parable could underscore the corporate responsibility of the church to deal righteously with erring members. This includes harsh judgment on those who hurt the fellowship by refusing to forgive one another. But because God has forgiven all our sins, we should not withhold forgiveness from others. Realizing how completely Christ has forgiven us should produce a free and generous attitude of forgiveness toward others. When we don’t forgive others, we are saying that we appreciate God’s love and forgiveness but that we’re unwilling to give it to anyone else.


The Pharisees hoped to trap Jesus by getting him to choose sides in a theological controversy regarding divorce. The debate focused on Moses’ words about divorce in Deuteronomy 24:1-4. Some thought a man could divorce his wife for almost any reason. Others thought that a man could divorce his wife only if she had been unfaithful to him. If Jesus were to support divorce, he would be upholding the Pharisees’ procedures; they doubted that Jesus would do that. If Jesus were to choose sides in the controversy, some members of the crowd would dislike his position, for some may have used the law to their advantage to divorce their wives. Or, if he were to speak against divorce altogether, he would appear to be speaking against Moses. (we'll talk more about this tomorrow)

SO WHAT? (what will I do with what I have read today?)

I am reminded of the message this past Sunday. People sin, so we need to decide to forgive them. The truth is we all sin. 2 Corinthians 2:7 (CEV), is God’s encouragement to us. “When people sin you should forgive and comfort them, so they won’t give up in despair.”

Oftentimes I think, If I forgive and comfort them, that’s just going to give them an excuse to do it again. God says the exact opposite is true. If I don’t forgive them and I don’t comfort them they’re going to give up in despair. We all need someone in our lives who expresses to us the forgiveness of God.

PRAYER

Lord, I want to be a man of great compassion, mercy, grace and forgiveness. Help me be that man. Every day and every moment, remind me of what you have rescued me from. Remind me of what you have forgiven in my life. Remind me of where I would be without that forgiveness and love. God, give the people of COV a heart to be quick to forgive and extend mercy and grace and compassion. Help us have a reputation in our community for being that kind of church.

DAY #29: January 29, 2009 - Matthew 18:7-20

Jesus described two terrible situations in the verse. First, it will be terrible for anyone who causes others to sin. Second, it will be terrible for the person who does the tempting. Jesus’ followers face constant temptations from the world to do evil. Yet this does not excuse those individuals who are the cause of stumbling. This responsibility to lead people correctly applies to individuals, churches, and institutions. No person or organization should lead people astray into sin.

The action of surgically cutting sin out of their lives should be prompt and complete in order to keep them from sin. All who desire to follow Jesus must remove any stumbling blocks that cause sin. Jesus did not mean to literally cut off a part of the body; He meant that any relationship, practice, or activity that leads to sin should be stopped. As a person would submit to losing a diseased appendage (hands or feet) or a sense (sight) in order to save his or her life, so believers should be just as willing to “cut off” any temptation, habit, or part of their nature that could lead them to hold on to this world and turn away from Christ and into sin.

Just cutting off a limb that committed sin or gouging out an eye that looked lustfully would still not get rid of sin, for that must begin in the heart and mind. Jesus was saying that people need to take drastic action to keep from stumbling. The reason? Jesus explained that it would be better to have lost some worldly possession, attitude, or action than to keep it and be thrown into hell. This is true, radical discipleship.

Little ones can refer to both children and disciples. The words don’t despise pointed directly at the pious religious leaders who showed nothing but contempt for those below them on the “spiritual ladder” (Luke 18:9-14). The reason the “little ones” should not be despised is because in heaven their angels are always in the presence of my heavenly Father. Some have seen in these verses the concept of guardian angels. These words neither prove nor condemn the concept. Being in God’s presence means having access to God, so these angels are ministering angels (see Hebrews 1:14). The Old Testament does not speak about guardian angels assigned to God’s people, but it does speak of angelic intercession and help (Psalm 91:11).

Jesus was addressing his disciples, reminding them that God’s care extends to each of his “little ones” (here portrayed as sheep). If a sheep should go astray from the flock, God, like a protective shepherd, will go out into the hills to search for the lost one. God is concerned about every single believer and will actively go in search of those who have “gone astray” (meaning they have gotten out of a right relationship with him, are heading toward false teaching, are heading down a dangerous path in life, or are falling into sin).

The sheep went astray, but the shepherd sought after it. The Father does not want any of his flock to wander away. God so loves each of his followers that, should they go astray, he actively seeks and rejoices when they return to him. A sheep that is not “found” (that is, one that willingly refuses faith) will face a consequence—that sheep will perish. But God does not want that to happen. He will rejoice over a “lost” person who is “found!” And God wants faithful believers to be part of the rescue team. Our follow-through care of new Christians, our small group ministry, and our individual contact with fellow believers should demonstrate the Great Shepherd’s care for his sheep.

These are Jesus’ guidelines for dealing with those who sin against us. These guidelines were meant for Christians and for discipline and conflict resolution in the context of the church. These steps are designed to reconcile church members who disagree, so that the church body can live in harmony. Jesus explained that the person who has been offended must first go privately and point out the fault. A personal confrontation, carried out in love, will allow the sinning member the opportunity to correct himself. However, the person doing the confronting ought to be very certain of his accusation and that he is doing this out of true humility with a view to restoration of the other (Galatians 6:1-4). Many misunderstandings and hurt feelings can be solved at this stage, but this is not a license for a frontal attack on every person who hurts or slights us.

Personal action saves church leaders from getting involved in everyone’s personal concerns. Personal confrontation also keeps believers from gossiping with one another. Instead, believers are to be mature enough to go directly to the source and deal with the problem at that level.
If the personal confrontation yields nothing, then the confronter is to proceed to step two. In this step, he takes one or two others along. This is backed up by Old Testament Law (Deuteronomy 19:15). These “others” also ought to help in reconciliation at this second meeting, hoping to settle the matter privately. An erring person might be willing to listen to the wise counsel of these others. In addition, they serve as witnesses to this meeting.

If the additional witnesses can accomplish no reconciliation and the person still refuses to listen, then the third step is to take the case to the church. The objective at this point still is not disciplinary action but helping the sinning person to see his or her fault, repent, and be restored. But even the law of love has its limit. The fourth and last step is to disassociate with that person. The goal, even through this difficult act, is to help the person see his or her sin and repent. Paul recommended such action to the church in Corinth. The person should be treated as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector.

While all people in the church are “sinners saved by grace,” and while no church will ever be free of members who commit sin, the person described here has a huge blind spot to sin, and many people can see it. Yet this person refuses to listen to those whom God sends to help. In the church, believers are to teach, challenge, encourage, admonish, help, and love each other. But there can be no true fellowship with a believer who commits sin and refuses the loving guidance of his or her fellow church members.

SO WHAT? (what will I do with what I have read today?)

Sin is a big deal to God. In our culture and in our churches, we have minimized sin to the point we rarely even talk about it anymore. I recently had a fellow pastor tell me that in his church they haven't used the word "sin" in over two years - "people just don't relate to sin anymore", he said.

As I read this passage, I am reminded of what my sin cost and who had to pay the price for my sin. Sin cost Jesus His life. Jesus paid for my sin. How can I not be repulsed then, when I continue to do the very thing that Jesus came to eradicate?

"for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" Romans 3:23 (NIV)

"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8 (NIV)

"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:23 (NIV)

PRAYER

Lord, today, give me a great sensitivity to sin. Lord, today, I want every action and every word of mine to honor You - to glorify You. Help build a church where every person understands what sin is (missing the mark) and what the damaging effects of sin are. Lord, give me a heart to continue to go after those who have lost their way and been caught up in some sin. Give them a heart to return to you (repent).

Lord, thank you for Emily. Help us today on her birthday show her how You feel about her and Lord, help us to communicate to her the gifts and potential we see in her life. Give her a great day. Lord, thank you for the privilege it is to be her dad. protect her from being a church kid or a pastor's kid. Help her be a kid who loves you with all of her heart, soul, mind and strength.

DAY #28: January 28, 2009 - Matthew 17:14-18:6

Jesus, Peter, James, and John came down from the mountain and returned to the other nine disciples and a huge crowd. A man had asked for mercy on his son, who had seizures and was suffering terribly. Mark gives more detail, for the man explained that he had come looking for Jesus to heal his son who was possessed by an evil spirit, making him unable to utter any sound (Mark 9:25). This was not just a case of epilepsy; it was the work of an evil spirit. The demon’s destructive intent is seen in that the boy would often fall into the fire or water.

Having heard of Jesus’ power to cast out demons, the father had come to Jesus, hoping for a cure for his son. He brought his son to the disciples to drive out the spirit, an appropriate request since the disciples had been given this power. But the disciples could not drive out the demon. Jesus cried out in exasperation, fed up with unbelief and lack of faith. His unusual words carry a biting rebuke. The disciples had been given the authority to do the healing, but they had not yet learned how to appropriate God’s power. Jesus’ frustration was with the stubborn, faithless people, including the crowd, the teachers of religious law, the man, and the nine disciples. His disciples merely reflected that attitude of unbelief so prevalent in the society. Then Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy.

The disciples had been unable to drive out this demon, and they asked Jesus why. They had cast out demons before; why hadn’t this demon responded? Perhaps the disciples had tried to drive out the demon with their own ability rather than God’s. If so, their hearts and minds were not in tune with God, so their words had no power. Jesus pointed to the disciples’ lack of faith. Jesus wasn’t condemning the disciples for substandard faith; he was trying to show how important faith would be in their future ministry. It is the power of God, not our faith, that can move a mountain, but faith must be present to do so. As the mustard seed that grew into a large garden plant, even a small “seed” of faith is sufficient.

There is great power in even a little faith when God is with us. If we feel weak or powerless as Christians, we should examine our faith, making sure we are trusting not in our own abilities to produce results but in God’s. If we are facing problems that seem as big and immovable as mountains, we must turn our eyes from the mountain and look to Christ for more faith. Then, as Jesus promised, nothing will be impossible. (Verse 21 does not appear in most modern translations because the best Greek manuscripts do not have it.)

The disciples still resisted Jesus’ predictions of his suffering and death. This was the second time he clearly told the disciples that he (the Son of Man) would suffer. Whereas Jesus had spoken before about being rejected, this time he added the element of betrayal. He again said that he would be killed and be raised from the dead. There was again the assurance of victory, although the disciples always seemed to miss this point.

All Jewish males (age twenty and older) had to pay a Temple tax every year (Exodus 30:11-16). The amount was equivalent to about two days’ wages for the average worker. The money went for public sacrifices and then for the upkeep of the Temple. Tax collectors set up booths to collect these taxes. These tax collectors were probably the Temple commissioners who went through Palestine annually (these were not the same people who collected the Roman tax, such as Matthew). These collectors came to Peter. He may have been seen as a leader in this band of Jesus’ followers, or he may have been approached because he was “head of the household” and a homeowner in Capernaum. These men asked Peter if Jesus (your teacher) would be paying the Temple tax. To not pay the tax indicated a desire to separate from the religious community.

Peter answered a question without really knowing the answer, thereby putting Jesus and the disciples in an awkward position. Jesus used this situation, however, to emphasize his kingly role. Jesus’ question generalized the issue from the Jewish tax to all taxes. Kings collected taxes from foreigners, but never from their own people (referring to their family). If the tax is the Temple tax, then it belongs to God, and as a royal child of the king, there would be no need for Jesus to pay tax to his Father. By these words, Jesus once again established his identity as the Son of God.

Just as kings pay no taxes and collect none from their family, Jesus, the King, owed no Temple tax because he and his “children” belonged to another Kingdom. But Jesus supplied the tax payment for both himself and Peter rather than offend those who didn’t understand his kingship. Jesus taught his disciples that at times it would be important to submit for the sake of their witness. The opening phrase about that time ties this event to the previous teaching.

The disciples wondered about this coming Kingdom of which Jesus would be the king. In addition, Jesus’ talk of his coming death probably made them wonder how they were to run the Kingdom in his absence. The disciples were naturally curious about their position in the coming Kingdom. This question, “Which of us is greatest?” also may have been fueled by the special privileges given to Peter, James, and John at various times—most recently their trip with Jesus to the mountain and then their silence about what had happened there.

To answer the disciples’ question, Jesus called a small child over to him. The disciples needed to become as little children. Jesus wanted them to change their attitude toward greatness. The disciples had become preoccupied with the organization of an earthly kingdom and were seeking positions of advantage. Jesus used a child to help his self-centered disciples get the point. They were to have servant attitudes, not being “childish” (arguing over petty issues) but “childlike,” with humble and sincere hearts. God’s people are called to humility and unconcern for social status. Those who persist in pride and “ladder climbing” for the sake of status in this world will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. By contrast, those who, in humility, realize their need of a Savior, accept him, and move into the world to serve, not only enter the Kingdom but will be greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. True humility means to deny oneself, to accept a position of servanthood, and to completely follow the Master.

Jesus was also teaching the disciples to welcome children. This was a new approach in a society where children were usually treated as second-class citizens. Jesus equated the attitude of welcoming children with a willingness to receive him. An attitude that welcomes a little child like this readily welcomes and embraces believers of little worldly importance and low status. This shows an attitude that also welcomes the Savior, for he too was of little worldly importance and of low status. In God’s Kingdom, greatness lies in acceptance of and dependence upon the Savior. Together in the church, believers are to welcome and love one another, encourage one another, allow everyone a place to shine according to their gifts, and appreciate one another.

These little ones refers not just to children but to Jesus’ “little ones”—the disciples. Jesus warned that anyone who turns people away from him will receive severe punishment. A millstone was a heavy, flat stone used to grind grain. To have a millstone tied around one’s neck and then be thrown into the sea meant certain death by drowning. Even the horror of such a death was minor compared to what this person would face in eternity.

SO WHAT? (what will I do with what I have read today?)

I heard once that we all like to think of ourselves as servants - that is until we are treated like one. As I read today, I am convicted of the need for humility in my life. Lord, help me here. When the ugliness of pride rears it's head, give me a heart to lower myself and take the position of a servant. Remind me of the what Jesus came to do.

“The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28 (NIV)

Folks, the route to significance is paved with service. For Jesus, serving wasn’t just a good idea. It was the main idea. I ask myself -why is serving so hard? Why do I find it so difficult at times? Time. I'm selfish. I'm proud. It takes humility to serve. I'm lazy. I put myself first.

I’ll tell you why I have a hard time serving. It’s because it is so much nicer when others serve me. It really is. Serving others is so difficult because I’m so selfish. I remember what President Ronald Regan once said to his staff - "You won't believe how much we can get done and how much we can accomplish, if no one cares about who gets the credit."

PRAYER

Lord, give the people of COV a heart to serve. Give them a heart of humility. Raise up an army of humble, servant leaders. From the folks who are big shots in the corporate world and don’t have to serve in that arena to the mom who finds herself serving all the time, give them a heart to serve Your church and Your people. Raise up folks who are willing to clean toilets and take out the garbage and clean up the nursery - whatever it takes.

"...all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." 1 Peter 5:5 (NIV)

DAY #27: January 27, 2009 - Matthew 16:24-17:13

Jesus gets right to the heart of the issue. This passage starts by Jesus inviting every person to follow him. The caveat? They must have a willingness to die to self. Die to selfish ambition and self glorification and self gratification. A good picture of this is found in Philippians 2:2-4. Jesus calls every one of his disciples to shoulder their cross and to follow.

To “shoulder the cross” was a vivid illustration of the humility and submission that Jesus was asking of his followers. Death on a cross was a form of execution used by Rome for what they considered dangerous criminals. A prisoner carried his own cross to the place of execution, signifying submission to Rome’s power. Following Jesus, therefore, meant identifying with Jesus and his followers, facing social and political oppression and ostracism, and no turning back. For some, taking up the cross might indeed mean death. To “follow” Christ is also a moment-by-moment decision, requiring compassion and service. Following Jesus doesn’t mean walking behind him, but taking the same road of sacrifice and service that He took.

He follows this by reminding us that any attempt to keep your life means only to lose it. A person who “saves” his or her life in order to satisfy temporary desires and goals apart from God ultimately “loses” life. Not only does that person lose eternal life, but he or she also loses the fullness of earthly life promised to those who believe. By contrast, those who willingly give up their lives for the sake of Christ actually find true life. To be willing to put personal desires and life itself into God’s hands means to understand that nothing that we can gain on our own in our earthly lives can compare to what we gain with Christ. Jesus wants us to choose to follow him rather than to lead a life of sin and self-satisfaction. He wants us to stop trying to control our own destiny and to let him direct us. When we give our lives in service to Christ, however, we discover the real purpose of living.

Jesus asked his listeners a rhetorical question. What good would it be for a person to gain the whole world (power, popularity, pleasure, prestige), but lose his or her soul (that is, to lose eternal life with God)? Every person will die, even those most powerful or most wealthy. If they have not taken care to “save” their lives for eternity with God, then they gain nothing and lose everything. Many people spend all their energy seeking pleasure. Jesus said, however, that a world of pleasure centered on possessions, position, or power is ultimately worthless. Whatever a person has on earth is only temporary; it cannot be exchanged for his or her soul. Believers must be willing to make the pursuit of God more important than the selfish pursuit of pleasure. If we follow Jesus, we will know what it means to live abundantly now and to have eternal life as well.

While Jesus called his followers to deny themselves, take up their crosses, and follow, he also promised great reward. Their self-denial and discipleship would not be wasted. Their repayment would come in the glorious future Kingdom of God.

In chapter 17, we see that Jesus took the disciples up a high mountain—either Mount Hermon or Mount Tabor. A mountain was often associated with closeness to God and readiness to receive his words. God had appeared to both Moses (Exodus 24:12-18) and Elijah (1 Kings 19:8-18) on mountains. The Transfiguration was a glimpse of Jesus’ true glory, a special revelation of his divinity to Peter, James, and John. This was God’s affirmation of everything Jesus had done and was about to do. The Transfiguration clearly revealed not only that they were correct in believing Jesus to be the Messiah, but that their commitment was well placed and their eternity was secure. Jesus was truly the Messiah, the divine Son of God.

The Greek word translated “transfigured” is metamorphothe, from which we get our word “metamorphosis.” The verb refers to an outward change that comes from within. Jesus’ change was not a change merely in appearance; it was a complete change into another form.
Moses and Elijah were considered the two greatest prophets in the Old Testament. They were the primary figures associated with the Messiah (Moses was his predictor and Elijah was his precursor), and they both experienced theophanies—that is, special appearances of God (Exodus 24; 1 Kings 19). Moses represented the law, or the old covenant. He had written the Pentateuch and had predicted the coming of a great prophet (Deuteronomy 18:15-19). Elijah represented the prophets who had foretold the coming of the Messiah (Malachi 4:5-6). Moses’ and Elijah’s presence with Jesus confirmed Jesus’ messianic mission to fulfill God’s law and the words of God’s prophets. Their appearance also removed any thought that Jesus was a reincarnation of Elijah or Moses.

Peter suggested making three shrines, one for each of them. He may have thought that God’s Kingdom had come when he saw Jesus’ glory. Perhaps Peter had overlooked Jesus’ words that suffering and death would precede glory. He saw the fulfillment of Christ’s glory for a moment and wanted the experience to continue. Regardless of his motives, he had mistakenly made all three men equal. He had missed Jesus’ true identity as God himself. Just as God’s voice in the cloud over Mount Sinai gave authority to his law (Exodus 19:9), God’s voice at the Transfiguration gave authority to Jesus’ words. A bright cloud suddenly appeared and God’s voice spoke from the cloud, singling out Jesus from Moses and Elijah as the long-awaited Messiah who possessed divine authority. As he had done at Jesus’ baptism, the Father was identifying Jesus as his beloved Son and the promised Messiah.

When the disciples heard God’s voice speaking directly to them as they were enveloped by the luminous cloud, they were terrified. Throughout Scripture, the visible glory of deity creates fear (Daniel 10:7-9). But Jesus told them not to be afraid. Peter may have wanted to keep Jesus and Elijah and Moses there in shrines on the mountainside, but his desire was wrong. The event was merely a glimpse of what was to come. Thus, when they looked up, the cloud and the prophets were gone. The disciples had to look only to Jesus. He alone was qualified to be the Savior.

Jesus instructed Peter, James, and John not to tell anyone about what they had seen, presumably not even the other disciples, because they would not fully understand it, until Jesus would be raised from the dead. The appearance of Elijah on the mountain caused a question in the disciples’ minds. Based on Malachi 4:5-6, the Jewish teachers believed that Elijah had to return before the Messiah to usher in the messianic age. Elijah had appeared on the mountain, but he had not come in person to prepare the people for the Messiah’s arrival (especially in the area of repentance). The disciples fully believed that Jesus was the Messiah, but they wondered about the prophecy regarding Elijah.

Jesus explained to the disciples that the Jewish teachers correctly understood that Elijah would come before the Messiah and bring spiritual renewal. Elijah was supposed to come first, but Jesus explained that, in fact, Elijah had already come. Jesus was referring to John the Baptist, not to a reincarnation of the Old Testament prophet Elijah. John the Baptist had taken on Elijah’s prophetic role; he boldly confronted sin and pointed people to God.

SO WHAT? (what will I do with what I have read today?)

Here it is once more - a clear line to cross. Are you in or are you out? Real discipleship comes with a price. Praying a prayer to receive Jesus and then going back to business as usual is not discipleship. When one receives Jesus, everything changes. My priorities, my goals, my desires, my ambition. I am willing to follow Him and do His will. Anytime, anyplace with anyone at whatever cost. Lord, build these kind of true disciples at COV. I am reminded of what Jesus told those who were following Him one day....

"Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters--yes, even his own life--he cannot be my disciple. And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple." Luke 14:25-27 (NIV)

Obviously, Jesus want not advocating a hatred for your parents or siblings. He was merely pointing out that our love for Him must be a supreme love. A first love. Our love for Him must be our highest love. Today Lord, I reaffirm my love and devotion to you. You died for me. You love me. You saved me. I am Yours. I will follow - where ever and however You lead.

PRAYER

Lord, once again, help me live out Your words and Your truth. "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body." 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NIV)

Help me, help Sharon, help our kids - help the people of COV today and everyday remember that we are not our own. Instead of building our kingdom, help us be about the business of building Your kingdom. Help us, day by day - moment by moment die to ourselves. Help us put the needs of others before our own. God this is Your church. You know our needs. Lord, please work in your people and in their hearts to meet those needs.

"If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." Philippians 2:1-4 (NIV)

DAY #26: January 26, 2009 - Matthew 16:5-23

It was great to be in worship yesterday with so may of you. Several people indicated they prayed to receive Christ. I am so grateful for Pastor Dave and his leadership. For those of you with us Friday night to see FIREPROOF, how great was it to be together? The movie touched many hearts. Please join me in thanking Steve Luster and Matt Scanlon for making the night happen. I am also grateful for the folks who served by caring for the kids. I am humbled by the sacrifice of so many of you.

Now to the passage this morning - Jesus had left his confrontation with the Pharisees abruptly, and the disciples had gone with him. Apparently, at some point out on the sea, they realized that they had forgotten to bring any food. The disciples were worrying about bread, so Jesus used the opportunity to teach of the danger of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Jesus was teaching that just as only a small amount of yeast was needed to make a batch of bread rise, so the evil teachings and hypocrisy of the religious and political leaders could permeate and contaminate the entire society. The wrong teachings of the Pharisees were leading the entire nation astray.

After hearing Jesus’ warning against wrong teaching, the disciples quietly talked among themselves. They didn’t understand the warning. They interpreted Jesus so literally that they missed his point entirely. Jesus’ rebuke, “You have so little faith!” refers both to their lack of faith in realizing that he could supply bread as needed (as he had already done miraculously two separate times) and to their lack of understanding regarding his teachings. These men, closest to Jesus, would carry a huge responsibility after He was gone. Jesus wanted to be sure that they were getting the message.

Jesus’ question, “Won’t you ever understand?” emphasized that, at this point in his ministry, the disciples should have begun to understand and perceive who Jesus was. After all they had seen and heard, they should have understood. Jesus had shown compassion on people and had performed miracles to meet their needs. Thus, the disciples should have understood that Jesus would meet their needs as well—whether for bread or for spiritual insight regarding the religious leaders. Jesus wanted the disciples to think about what they had seen, especially in the two feeding miracles. If they considered what had happened, they would have to conclude that Jesus was their Messiah, the Son of God.

As Jesus and the disciples walked toward the city, Jesus asked his disciples what they had heard from the people regarding his identity: “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” The disciples answered Jesus’ question with the common view that Jesus was one of the great prophets who had come back to life. This belief may have stemmed from Deuteronomy 18:18, where God said he would raise up a prophet from among the people. Herod had thought that Jesus was John the Baptist come back to life, so apparently this rumor was widespread. The people considered Jesus to be Elijah because Elijah had been a great prophet, and one like him was expected to come before the Messiah arrived (Malachi 4:5). 

The people may have had various opinions and ideas about Jesus’ identity, but Jesus was concerned about what his chosen twelve believed about him. So he asked them, “Who do you say I am?” Peter, often the one to speak up when the others might be silent, declared what he had come to understand, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” In his declaration, Peter proclaimed Jesus to be the promised King and Deliverer. This is the core of the gospel message.

The disciples, however, still needed further understanding. Although it certainly had already crossed all of their minds that Jesus might be the Messiah, they still needed to learn about their role as agents of the promised Messiah and their role in his Kingdom. They did not yet fully understand the kind of king Jesus would be. Peter, and indeed all Israel, expected the Messiah to be a conqueror-liberator who would free the nation from Rome. Jesus would be a totally different kind of liberator, for he would conquer sin and death and free people from sin’s grasp.

All of the disciples may have had glimmers of understanding about who Jesus was, but Jesus perceived the depth of Peter’s confession of faith. Thus Jesus called him blessed, meaning especially favored by God’s gracious approval. Peter is pictured as the focus of divine revelation. No human being had showed Peter the truth he had just spoken; instead, Jesus’ Father in heaven had revealed it to him. Then, as now, true understanding of who Jesus is and the ability to confess that fact come not from our human nature or will, but from God alone.

The name Peter had already been given to Simon when Jesus first met him (John 1:42). Here Jesus gave the name new meaning. Jesus said, “You are Peter [Greek petros], and upon this rock [Greek petra] I will build my church.” The wordplay was evident. Jesus would use Peter, flaws and shortcomings all, to be the leader of leaders on which He would build his church.

Later, Peter reminded Christians that they were the church built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Jesus Christ as the cornerstone (1 Peter 2:4-8). All believers are joined into this church by faith in Jesus Christ as Savior, the same faith that Peter expressed here. The meaning of this verse has been a subject of debate for centuries. Some say the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven represents the authority to carry out church discipline, legislation, and administration; others say the keys give the authority to announce the forgiveness of sins. Most likely, the “keys” are the Kingdom authority given to the church, including the opportunity to bring people to the Kingdom of Heaven by presenting them with the message of salvation found in God’s word (Acts 15:7-9).

Jesus sternly warned his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah because at this point they didn’t fully understand the significance of Peter’s confession. Everyone still expected the Messiah to come as a conquering king. But even though Jesus was the Messiah, he still had to suffer, be rejected by the leaders, be killed, and rise from the dead. When the disciples saw all this happen to Jesus, they would understand what the Messiah had come to do. Only then would they be equipped to share the gospel around the world.

The phrase from then on marks a turning point. Jesus began teaching clearly and specifically what they could expect so that they would not be surprised when it happened. Contrary to what they thought, Jesus had not come to set up an earthly kingdom. He would not be the conquering Messiah because he first had to suffer and be killed. For any human king, death would be the end. Not so for Jesus. Death would only be the beginning, for he would be raised on the third day. Jesus knew from what quarters the rejection would come: the leaders and the leading priests and the teachers of religious law. These three groups made up the Jewish council, the Jewish supreme court that ultimately sentenced Jesus to be killed. Notice that opposition came not from the people at large, but from their leaders—the very people who should have been the first to recognize and rejoice in Messiah’s arrival.

This was too much for Peter. Having just confessed his heartfelt belief in Jesus, Peter certainly found it most unnerving that the king would soon be put to death. So he took Jesus aside and corrected him. Peter sought to protect Jesus from the suffering He prophesied. But if Jesus hadn’t suffered and died, Peter would have died in his sins. Great temptations can come from those who love us and seek to protect us. Be cautious of advice from a friend who says, “Surely God doesn’t want you to face this.” Often our most difficult temptations come from those who try to protect us from discomfort.

In his wilderness temptations, Jesus had been told that he could achieve greatness without dying. Peter, in his rebuke of Jesus’ words about dying, was saying the same thing. Trying to circumvent God’s plan had been one of Satan’s tools; Peter inadvertently used Satan’s tool in trying to protect his beloved Master. This would be a dangerous trap to Jesus, so Jesus rebuked Peter. God’s plan included suffering and death for the Messiah. Jesus would fulfill his mission exactly as planned.

SO WHAT? (what will I do with what I have read today?)

Lord, thank you for Peter. Thank you for the insight You gave him. Thank you for the boldness and leadership of Peter. Yet, while I am thankful for this man of God, I am cognitive of his short sightedness. Lord, help me to know when I am to step in and intervene for our kids and give me wisdom when I need to stand back and let You take them through stormy waters. Give the people of our church this same wisdom and insight with their kids. 

Also, Today Lord, help me be about Your business and Your work. Lord, build Emily and shape Emily into a woman of God. In my desire to make disciples, don't let me neglect her. Lord, Give her a heart for You and increase that heart day by day. Protect her purity and heart. She has so many leadership gifts - Lord, help her be a ROCK on her school campus and in the lives of her friends. Lord, put it on the hearts of every parent this morning at COV to see their children as their disciples as well. Help these parents build their kids and protect their hearts. Give our parents the desire to teach your commands and decrees in their home.

PRAYER

For everyone of the folks who raise their hand yesterday to indicate that they asked You into their heart, protect and preserve that decision. Speak to their hearts about the need to read their Bible and continue in worship and join a LIFE group. Build a church at COV where lives are being changed every week because they receive You and let You have a greater part of their life and heart.

DAY #25: January 25, 2009 - Matthew15:21-16:4

Happy Sunday. I am praying that God will speak to you in a mighty way in our worship service. Today this passage starts by telling of a woman who comes to Jesus. This woman had heard about Jesus’ miracle-working power and how he could cast out demons, so she wasn’t going to miss a chance to see him. The woman called Jesus Lord, Son of David, showing her acceptance of Jesus’ identity as the Jewish Messiah. She may have been a Greek convert. Sometimes Gentiles would convert to Judaism, attracted by its strong moral qualities. This woman came to Jesus on behalf of her daughter, who was tormented by a demon. The woman continued to follow after them, and she continued to shout. (you have to appreciate the persistence) Finally, the disciples urged Jesus to tell her to leave. Jesus, always compassionate, would heal the woman’s daughter, but not just to make her stop following them. He had a lesson about faith that he needed to teach this woman. In so doing, he would teach the disciples a lesson as well.

Jesus told the woman that Jews were to have the first opportunity to accept him as the Messiah because God wanted them to present the message of salvation to the rest of the world (see Genesis 12:3). Undaunted by Jesus’ apparent unwillingness to respond to her request, the woman came and worshiped him, pleading for help. Jesus’ answer comes in the language of a parable; therefore, we must not press the details too far. The simple parable meant that the children at the table should be fed before the pets; it would not be right to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs. By these words, Jesus may have meant that his first priority was to spend time feeding his children (teaching his disciples), not to take food away from them and throw it to the pets (just anyone). Jesus was not insulting the woman; instead, he was saying that she must not demand what God had ordained for the Jews. She should wait until God’s appointed time—when the Gentiles would receive the Good News of the gospel.

This Gentile woman understood Jesus’ parable. Her answer was wise, for she explained to Jesus, by extending his parable, that children often drop morsels of food to their dogs. Not all the Jews accepted Jesus, while some Gentiles chose to follow him. Why couldn’t she have some of those crumbs that the Jews didn’t want? She adroitly pointed out that even dogs ate with (not after) the children. She did not ask for the entire meal; she was perfectly willing to take second place behind the Jews. All she wanted right then was a few crumbs—or one “crumb” in particular—one miracle of healing for her daughter. Jesus was greatly encouraged by the faith of the woman. He granted her request because of her humility and persistence. She had made her request in faith that Jesus could perform the healing. She understood Christ’s lordship, and she understood the priorities of his mission. No wonder Jesus exclaimed, “Your faith is great.” On that basis, Jesus healed the woman’s daughter.

We then see a vast crowd had surrounded Jesus. They wanted to be healed, and he healed them all. The phrase and they praised the God of Israel indicates that this was a Gentile crowd. Matthew was showing his Jewish readers that the Gentiles would share with the Jews in the blessings of their Messiah. While Jesus came to the lost sheep of Israel, He did not restrict his ministry to the Jews alone.
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This next story sounds very much like the feeding of the five thousand recorded in 14:13-21, but it is a separate event. In this episode, the crowd had been following Jesus for three days, listening to his teaching and observing his miracles. Jesus took the initiative in His concern for their need for food, and he shared his concern with the disciples. The wording probably does not mean that the people hadn’t eaten for three days. Instead, whatever supplies they had brought along were depleted; so most of them had nothing left to eat. Thus, Jesus was concerned not to send them away hungry.

Although the disciples had already seen Jesus feed over five thousand people, they had no idea what He would do in this situation, and wondered where they would get enough food for everyone. Perhaps they didn’t expect Jesus to perform the same miracle when the crowd was Gentile and not Jewish (thus revealing their spiritual blindness). Jesus had already found the resources in a previous remote place for an even larger crowd, yet the disciples were completely perplexed as to how they should be expected to feed this crowd. People often give up when faced with difficult situations. Like the disciples, we often forget God’s provision for us in the past. When facing a difficult situation, remember what God has done for you and trust him to take care of you again. That is what we are exhorted, over and over throughout the bible to REMEMBER.

In the Bible, the number seven often signifies perfection or completeness, as in the seven days of creation (Genesis 1) and offering forgiveness seven times (Matthew 18:21). Thus, in this passage some have seen the number seven to have symbolic significance. It may hint at the worldwide scope of Jesus’ message. Jesus took the seven loaves and the fish and thanked God for the provision he was about to give. Next Jesus broke apart the loaves and had the disciples pass them out as before. As had happened before, each person in the crowd ate and was filled. No one went away hungry from this banquet. The seven loaves and few fish multiplied so that, again, even the leftovers were more than the food Jesus had started with. As before, the number of those who ate, four thousand men, meant that there were four thousand men in addition to all the women and children who were there.

Once Jesus knew the people had eaten their fill and would not faint from hunger on their journey home, he sent the people home. Jesus and the disciples crossed over to the region of Magadan (also called Dalmanutha), a town located on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. Magadan was Mary Magdalene’s hometown (Luke 8:2-3). This meant a return back to Jewish territory. There Jesus would face further conflict with the Pharisees and Sadducees (16:1-4).

The religious leaders weren’t going to give up in their relentless attempts to discredit Jesus before the crowds. So, upon Jesus’ return, the Pharisees and Sadducees came to test Jesus’ claims. The Pharisees and Sadducees were Jewish religious leaders of two different parties, and their views were diametrically opposed on many issues. The Pharisees carefully followed their religious rules and traditions, believing that this was the way to God. They also believed in the authority of all the books of Scripture that we now call the Old Testament and in the resurrection of the dead. The Sadducees accepted only the books of Moses as Scripture and did not believe in life after death. These two groups, however, had something in common: Jesus was their enemy.

They demanded that Jesus show them a miraculous sign from heaven. From their standpoint, this test would show that Jesus was a false prophet. A miraculous sign showed a prophet’s reliability—if a prophet said something would happen and it came to pass, this would demonstrate that in all his prophecies he was telling the truth from God. A sign also authenticated the power and authority of the prophet. But Jesus would not give them the sign they demanded. He had in mind an even greater evidence of his power.

The Pharisees and Sadducees had tried to explain away Jesus’ other miracles as sleight of hand, coincidence, or use of evil power, but they believed that only God could do a sign from heaven. This, they were sure, would be a feat beyond Jesus’ power. Although Jesus could have easily impressed them, he refused. He knew that even a miracle in the sky would not convince them that he was the Messiah because they had already decided not to believe in him. So, instead, he spoke to them in a parable. Jesus’ meaning was that while these leaders could discern the signs of the weather by watching the sky, they could not read the obvious signs of the times. They asked for a sign from heaven; they had the ultimate sign standing in front of them! They could not interpret the coming of God’s Kingdom with the appearance of God’s Messiah. Jesus explained that a sign would come—in his timing—and that this sign would be unmistakable. By using the sign of the prophet Jonah, who had been inside a great fish for three days, Jesus was predicting his death and resurrection. Jesus’ resurrection, of course, would be the most spectacular sign of all.

SO WHAT? (what will I do with what I have read today?)

Wow Lord, everyday you provide a feast from Your word to chew on and to digest. Today is no different. Lord, Give me, give Sharon, Give our kids and give our church the faith of the Canaanite woman. Help us to pray and step out and belive BEFORE You answer. Help us to not give up as some of us are so prone to do.

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9 (NIV)

Build up and mature the people of COV. Lord, give them the persistence to keep on keeping on. Lord, give them Your power to buck the trend of our valley - to be shallow and immature. Lord, out it on their hearts to be men and women of Your word and men and women of strength and women and women of faith. We need some mighty oak tress around here at COV. Build them, grow them and bring them.

PRAYER

Lord, help us not be like the dreaded Pharisees. Those dudes always needed proof. They always needed to be shown some sign or miracle. It seems like so many believers in our day need the same. They need their marriage healed first. they need their fiances healed first. They need a new job first. They need a miracle in the kids lives first. God teach all of us, we need you first. We need to follow you and out You first. Lord, move in power this morning. Help me get out of the way. Speak through me. Use Pastor Dave and the worship team in a mighty way this morning. Draw people here to hear Your message.

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:25-34 (NIV)

Day#24: January 24, 2009 - Matthew 14:34-15:20

We continue. In this passage today, we see Jesus in the region of Galilee, and his presence always created great excitement. Immediately upon getting out of the boat, people recognized Jesus, and a flurry of activity began. There still would be no rest for him. The news of Jesus’ arrival spread quickly through the area. As Jesus moved through the region, people brought all their sick to be healed. Perhaps the story had spread of the woman in Capernaum who had been healed by touching Jesus’ robe, for at this time the people begged him to let them touch even the fringe of his robe. No one missed out on Jesus’ loving compassion; all who touched it were healed.
But as the woman in Capernaum learned, healing came from faith in Jesus, not from his garment.

We then see a delegation of Pharisees coming from Jerusalem. (bad news seems to always travel in packs) As these religious leaders scrutinized Jesus and his disciples, they noticed that some of his disciples were eating without first performing the tradition of ceremonial hand washing. This referred not to washing for cleanliness, but to a particular kind of washing that made a person “ceremonially clean” before eating. The Pharisees called this a “tradition,” but they believed that it had the same authority as God’s law. Their underlying question was, “If you are really a rabbi, as holy, righteous, and versed in the law as we are, then you should know that we don’t eat without first ceremonially washing our hands.” Jesus didn’t answer their question right away, Instead, he dealt with the issue of authority—your traditions versus the direct commandments of God. Jesus would show that the religious leaders, who had supposedly devoted their lives to protecting the law, had become so zealous for their traditions that they had missed the point of God’s law entirely.

Jesus quoted one of the Ten Commandments: honor your father and mother (Exodus 20:12). The commandment did not apply just to young children but to anyone whose parents were living. “Honor” includes speaking respectfully and showing care and consideration. The same law is written negatively in Exodus 21:17, anyone who speaks evil of father or mother must be put to death. “Speaking evil” (also translated “cursing”) means to criticize, ridicule, or abuse verbally. Such action carried a severe penalty.

Jesus then went on to explain how some of the Pharisees had found a way to completely sidestep God’s command to honor parents: “But you say, ‘You don’t need to honor your parents by caring for their needs if you give the money to God instead.’” Jesus was referring to the vow of “Corban” which allowed a person to dedicate money or property for God’s exclusive use, but it could still be used by the donor. This vow was grossly misused. A man could use an article vowed to God indefinitely, but could not transfer it to anyone else. The Pharisees had allowed men to dedicate money to God’s Temple that otherwise would have gone to support their parents. But some found a way to keep from doing so and still use their money or property as they chose.


A man could simply take the vow of Corban, saying that all his money was dedicated to God. Although the action—dedicating money to God—seemed worthy and no doubt conferred prestige on the giver, these people were ignoring God’s clear command to honor their parents. Even worse, this was an irrevocable vow. If a son were to later decide that he needed to help his parents, the Pharisees would not permit it. Jesus rightly said that the Pharisees nullified the direct commandment of God by allowing their tradition to violate the fifth commandment.

Jesus blasted these self-righteous leaders with one word; he called them hypocrites. Jesus then quoted the Scripture that they claimed to know so well. The great prophet Isaiah had described these religious leaders: they gave honor with their lips, but their hearts were far away (Isaiah 29:13). They had replaced God’s commands with their own man-made teachings. Isaiah explained that their worship is a farce. Our actions and our attitudes must be sincere. If they are not, Isaiah’s words also describe us. The Pharisees knew a lot about God, but they didn’t know God.

The Pharisees thought that to eat with defiled hands meant to be defiled. Jesus explained that they were wrong in thinking they were acceptable to God just because they were “clean” on the outside. Defilement is not an external matter (keeping food laws, washing ceremonially, keeping Sabbath requirements), but an internal one. The phrase “You are not defiled by what you eat” refers directly to the Pharisees’ question about the disciples eating with “defiled” hands. A person does not become morally defiled by eating with hands that have not been ceremonially washed. Instead, “you are defiled by what you say and do.” The condition of a person’s heart will be revealed by his or her words and actions.

The concept that people were not defiled by “what goes into the mouth” was revolutionary to the Jews—and especially to the Pharisees, who had built a whole set of rules governing such matters. Mark added the parenthesis that by saying this Jesus had declared all foods clean (Mark 7:19). By so doing, he was establishing himself as the right interpreter of Scripture. Leviticus 11 contains many of the Jewish dietary laws, including a list of foods considered “clean” and “unclean.” Over the years, however, the laws had become more important than the reasons for them and the meanings behind them. As the Jews interpreted the dietary laws, they believed that they could be clean before God because of what they had refused to eat.
But Jesus explained that sin and defilement do not come from eating the forbidden foods. Rather, they come from the disobedience that begins in the heart. No wonder Jesus offended the Pharisees!

The Pharisees may have been offended, but Jesus would add more, explaining that they were being rejected as leaders of God’s people. They claimed to be God’s true people, but like a weed growing in a flowerbed, they would be rooted up. The Pharisees claimed to be leaders of the people (Romans 2:19), but Jesus turned this around to show that they themselves were blind guides leading the blind. They were very proud of their wisdom and enlightenment, so Jesus’ indictment would have stung. Their failure to understand God and his desires for people would prove to be disastrous for them and for those who followed them. Both fall into a ditch is probably a picture of judgment (Isaiah 24:18; Jeremiah 48:44).

Peter often would act as spokesman for the disciples, so he asked Jesus to explain what he meant. Later, Peter would be faced with the issue of clean and unclean food (Acts 10:9-15). Then he would learn that nothing should be a barrier to proclaiming the gospel to the Gentiles (non-Jews). Even more, he would learn that everything created by God is good. Jesus explained that what goes into a person cannot make that person unclean. Thus, to eat food with hands that may have touched a “defiled” person or article did not mean that the person was ingesting defilement. Logically, as Jesus explained, food passes through the stomach and then goes out of the body. It has no effect whatever on the moral condition of the heart. Sin in a person’s heart is what defiles that person, not the lack of ceremonial cleansing or the type of food eaten.

Defilement occurs because of sinful thoughts, attitudes, and actions. Sin begins in a person’s heart, and evil words come from an evil heart and defile the person who says them. All evil acts begin in the heart. Jesus made it clear why people sin—it’s a matter of the heart. Our hearts have been inclined toward sin from the time we were born. While many people work hard to keep their outward appearance attractive, what is in their hearts is even more important. When people become Christians, God makes them different on the inside, beginning with the heart.



SO WHAT? (what will I do with what I have read today?)

Some pretty tough words for the religious leaders - the Pharisees. Because they were "show" ponies, these rebukes by Christ infuriated them and embittered them even further. Lord, keep me humble. When I am confronted, when I am rebuked, give me a humble heart to hear the truth and a contrite spirit to change. I can be so full of pride and arrogance - it's actually pretty scary. Who am I after all? I am one chosen. I did nothing to be chosen. I am what I am by God's grace. Lord, strip me of my pride. Help me Lord, be a living example of Romans 12:1-2.

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)

PRAYER

Lord, build a church at COV where we worship in truth and with genuine hearts. Strip of all of us of any phoniness and pretense. Remind us, especially those of us who like to hang onto traditions, that we worship You and You alone. Lord, may we cling to you and not a formula of worship (hymns) or a way of doing ministry (my way or I'm outta here). Even now, on this Saturday, stir in people's heart of their need to be in church tomorrow. Put someone on their heart that they can invite or bring. Lord for every parent who may battle their kids to be at church, give them strength and power and fortitude to stand their ground and make worshipping you a priority in their lives and family. Give us a great day, a powerful day. May we lift you up and bring honor and glory to you in all we do and say.

"Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshiped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." Joshua 24:14-15 (NIV)

Day #23: January 23, 2009 - Matthew 14:13-33

Today, we see that news of John’s death resulted in Jesus’ desire to pull away and be alone for a while with his disciples. I am sure that Jesus knew this sobering news was a foreshadowing of what awaited Him. Jesus and the disciples got into a boat and withdrew to a remote area. Luke says they went to Bethsaida (Luke 9:10). But the crowds would not let them get away, so they followed by land. As soon as Jesus landed, the rest was over because a vast crowd waited on the shore.

Far from feeling impatience and frustration toward these needy people, Jesus had compassion on them and healed their sick. While Jesus had hoped to be alone with the disciples for a time of rest, he did not send away this needy crowd. He had compassion for the people and took it upon himself to meet their needs. Jesus knew that his time on earth was short, so he took advantage of every opportunity to teach the Good News of the Kingdom to those willing to listen. Would to God that the Lord would develop this kind of leadership and selflessness in me, my family and the people of COV.

Jesus had been teaching the people until evening. Sunset was approaching, and the disciples wondered what Jesus planned to do with this crowd that had come far from their homes to be with them in this desolate place. The disciples brought their suggestion to Jesus: “Send the crowds away so they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves.” The disciples were very concerned regarding the people’s needs. After all, the people would need to reach a nearby town before sunset if they were going to obtain food. Jesus’ answer both astounded and exasperated them: “That isn’t necessary—you feed them.” My sense is that Jesus directly involved his disciples in the miracle so that it would make a lasting impression on them.


There was nothing in the crowd but five loaves of bread and two fish—common staples for the poor of Jesus’ day. Apparently, in their hurry, no one else in the crowd had thought to bring along food to eat. A young boy offered his lunch to the disciples (John 6:8), but the disciples could see only the impossibility of the situation. Jesus had an entirely different approach, and he asked the disciples to bring the loaves and fish to him.

Jesus, acting as the host of the soon-to-be banquet, took the loaves and fish, looked up to heaven, and asked God’s blessing on the food. As Jesus broke the loaves, the miracle occurred. He broke the loaves and gave them to his disciples to then give to the people. The disciples acted as waiters to the groups of hungry people seated on the grass, taking bread and fish, distributing it, and then returning to Jesus to get more. They continued to serve the crowd until everyone had had enough to eat.


The five loaves and two fish multiplied so that all the people could eat as much as they wanted. Even the leftovers were more than they had begun with. The Greek word translated men is andres, meaning not “people” but “male individuals.” Therefore, there were five thousand men, in addition to the women and children. The total number of people Jesus fed could have been over ten-fifteen thousand. Jesus did what the disciples thought to be impossible. He multiplied five loaves and two fish to feed over five thousand people.

The miracles of Jesus walking on the water and calming the storm (8:23-27) were a double demonstration of Jesus’ power over nature. Matthew and Mark highlighted the effects of these miracles on those who witnessed them. As soon as the crowd had been fed and the disciples had picked up the scraps, Jesus immediately got his disciples and the crowd moving. His sudden desire to dismiss the crowd and send the disciples off in their boat is explained in John’s Gospel. Upon seeing (and participating in) the miracle of multiplied loaves and fish, the people wanted to take Jesus by force and make him king (John 6:15). Before the crowd could become an unruly mob, Jesus sent the disciples back into the boat and sent the people home.

Jesus wanted time to communicate with his Father. He often went off alone to pray, so this may not have surprised the disciples, who departed in the boat as instructed. The disciples had left sometime before sunset, so by the time night fell, they were far away from land. They got into trouble, however, facing strong wind and heavy waves. At least the last time this had happened, Jesus had been in the boat with them (8:23-27). This time, Jesus was alone on the land, and the disciples were left to fend for themselves (or so they thought) against another raging storm.


From evening until about three o’clock in the morning, the disciples had been out on the sea, much of that time fighting a strong headwind and high waves. Jesus came to them, walking on the water. The Old Testament often describes God’s control over the seas. Jesus’ walking on the sea was an unmistakable picture of his divine identity and power (see Job 9:8; 38:16; Psalm 77:19; Isaiah 43:16). The disciples were battling exhaustion even before they got into the boat to head back across the lake. Their anticipated rest in a solitary place had been interrupted by the crowds. They had been battling the buffeting waves for some time. Suddenly, in the predawn mist, Jesus came walking toward them on the water. They reacted in terror, imagining that they were seeing a ghost. Once again, Jesus was doing the unexpected - the impossible. And, once again the disciples were not ready to grasp what it meant.

Jesus called out to the disciples over the storm, telling them, “Don’t be afraid.” The literal reading for “It is I" (14:27 NIV) - is the same as saying “the I AM is here” or “I, Yahweh, am here” (see Exodus 3:14; Isaiah 41:4; 43:10; 52:6). Jesus, the “I AM,” came with unexpected help and encouragement during the disciples’ time of desperate need. Their need was real; their fear was real. But in the presence of Jesus, fear can be dismissed.

Peter was the only one in the boat who reacted in faith. His impulsive request to also walk on water led him to experience a rather unusual demonstration of God’s power. Jesus’ presence in the storm caused Peter to exercise a fearless faith. But notice that he did so only with Jesus’ command to come. Notice also that he asked only to do what Jesus was doing; that is, he wanted to share in Jesus’ power, some of which the disciples had already been experiencing.

Peter started to sink because he took his eyes off Jesus and focused on the high waves around him. His faith was strong enough to trust that he could walk on the water. But when he realized that he was in a terrifying storm, his faith wavered. How true this is of us - at times, we start out with good intentions, but sometimes our faith is weak. In Peter’s faltering faith we can see the path of discipleship. We have to exercise faith to have the power, but often we stumble and fail to grasp it fully. When Peter’s faith faltered, he reached out to Christ, the only one who could help. When you are apprehensive about the troubles around you and doubt Christ’s presence or ability to help, remember to fix your eyes on Jesus. (Hebrews 12:1-2)

After Jesus grabbed Peter, saving him from drowning in the waves, Jesus’ questioned Peter why he had allowed the wind and waves to overwhelm his faith. Peter's response is not recorded, but I imagine that question stayed with him the rest of his life. (why do the storms of life seem to overwhelm us?)

Jesus and Peter then climbed back into the boat with the rest of the disciples. Then, as had occurred once before when the disciples had experienced another storm, the wind stopped. Jesus had revealed to them his complete mastery over nature. The disciples’ declaration, “truly You are the Son of God!” indicates a progression in faith. While the disciples worshiped him, they still had much to learn about who Jesus was and what he had come to do.

SO WHAT? (what will I do with what I have read?)

There is so much to digest in this passage. The miracle of the multiplying of fish and loaves of bread. Lord, increase our faith. Teach me, teach us how you can multiply our gifts and talents and resources, if only we will come to You in Faith.

How awesome is it see how even though being exhausted physically, Jesus cared for the needs of people. He always put the needs of others first. Lord, continue to do that kind of work in me.
Everyday, strip me of me. Today, work through me to lead and love just like You did. You know I'm tired. You know I'm a bit weary. Give me Your power and Your sustenance.

PRAYER

Lord, day by day, teach me more about Your ability to do the miraculous. Raise people up here at COV who will, by faith, trust You to do the impossible in their lives nad families. Build our faith and grow our trust in you. Raise up leaders at COV who will love Your church and Your people. Raise up teachers of the Word at COV. Raise up people who will get out of the boats they are in, and with eyes fixed on You, follow You by faith.

Day #22: January 22, 2009 - Matthew 13:44-14:12

Jesus continues to teach about the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus described it as a treasure found hidden in a field. The man who discovered the treasure in the field stumbled upon it by accident but knew its value when he found it. Some have wondered about the morality of a man obtaining a treasure in this way, but Jesus was not teaching a moral lesson. He was merely showing the value of this treasure that is worth every sacrifice and commitment to obtain. The Kingdom of Heaven is more valuable than anything else we can have, and a person must be willing to give up everything to obtain it.

Next, Jesus teaches about the Parable of the Pearl Merchant. This parable and the previous parable of the hidden treasure are a pair and should be studied together. In the previous parable, Jesus described a man stumbling upon a treasure. In this parable, Jesus pictured a wealthy pearl merchant. Pearls were especially valued in the Near East. A pearl of great value could obviously set up this merchant for life. Knowing pearls, this merchant searched earnestly for one of great value. When he found it, he sold everything he had to buy it. Some may discover the Kingdom. Some may seek earnestly and finally obtain it. In both cases, the men recognized the value of what they had found and willingly invested everything to find it. The Kingdom of Heaven is so valuable that it calls for a total investment (radical discipleship) from those who find it. (as opposed to the half-hearted, lukewarm commitment seen in so many followers of this culture)

Next, Jesus Tells the Parable of the Fishing Net.The parable of the fishing net deals with the dividing of people much as the parable of the wheat and weeds does. This parable pictures a dragnet perhaps drawn between two boats and dragged through the waters. Fish of every kind are caught and the fishermen drag the net to the beach where they sort the fish. They put good fish into crates and throw the bad ones away. While the parable of the wheat and weeds highlighted the length of time during which good and evil people must coexist before the judgment, this parable focuses on that final judgment. As the net catches all kinds of fish, the gospel message will go out to all kinds of people. At the end of the world, the wicked will be separated from the godly. (those who have received Christ will be separated from those who rejected Christ) Like the fish that are thrown away, the wicked will be thrown into the fire (a metaphor for judgment.

The disciples understood God’s real purpose in the law as revealed in the Old Testament; therefore, they had a real treasure. The disciples would bring this treasure “out of the storehouse” in that their responsibility would be to share what they had learned with others. This by the same responsibility that each of His followers bear today. Don't keep to yourself the truth of the scriptures and the truth about Jesus and heaven and salvation - share it. Teach these truths to others.

In the rest of chapter 13, we see that the People of Nazareth Refuse to Believe in the deity of Jesus. While Jesus had been born in Bethlehem, but he had been reared in Nazareth (Matthew 2:19-23; Luke 2:39-40). This was not the first time he had spoken and taught in Nazareth (Luke 4:14-30). A previous visit to Nazareth by Jesus to teach had been given a less than positive response; in fact, the people had tried to kill him. This trip to Nazareth, therefore, is significant. The people of Nazareth were about to receive a second chance to believe; unfortunately, they again rejected the Lord. When He taught in the synagogue, the people were astonished at his wisdom and his miracles, but they wondered about the source, (the options were either God or Satan) and how Jesus could do them. Their unbelief is astonishing in itself, but then to take offense is mind boggling. Jesus had come to them as a prophet, but they saw only a hometown boy. Their rejection of him is really an example to us today of how our families and friends might possibly treat us when they see our commitment to Jesus. It is also a reminder that we need to proclaim the gospel. At times, however, we need to move on, to other towns and people.

Chapter 14 gives the story of a government leader’s misunderstanding of Jesus’ identity. Herod thought that Jesus was the resurrected John the Baptist, who had been arrested just prior to the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry. Because John had ministered in Perea (“east of the Jordan River,” John 1:28), he was under Herod’s jurisdiction. The arrest marked the end of John’s public ministry. He was imprisoned for some time prior to his death.

Herod Antipas ruled over the territories of Galilee and Perea. He was the son of Herod the Great, who had ordered the killing of the babies in Bethlehem. Eventually he would hear Jesus’ case before the crucifixion (Luke 23:6-12). Herod’s guilt over John’s death led him to think that his worst nightmares had come true: John the Baptist had come back to life again. John had done no miracles (John 10:41); he had simply preached and prepared the way for Jesus. But Herod identified Jesus with John.

Herod’s personal guilt was well placed, for he had ordered John to be arrested and imprisoned. Ironically, this “powerful” king did this in response to pressure from Herodias (the former wife of Herod’s brother Philip). Philip was Herod’s half brother. When Herod Antipas met Herodias, his brother’s wife, he divorced his first wife and married Herodias. Herodias was the daughter of Aristobulus, another half brother. Thus, Herodias was a half niece to both Philip and Herod (and they, in turn, were her half uncles). She married her half uncle Philip and then divorced him to marry another half uncle, Herod. Thus, in marrying, Herodias and Herod had committed adultery, as well as a type of incest. John the Baptist condemned Herod and Herodias for living immorally. It was illegal for Herod to be married to her.

Rebuking a tyrannical Roman official who could imprison and execute him was extremely dangerous, yet that is what John had done. In addition, there was political tension over Herod’s divorce of his first wife—the daughter of the king of a neighboring country. This was explosive enough without John bringing up the illegal marriage. John’s public denunciation of the incest and adultery of Herod and Herodias was too much for them to bear, especially Herodias, whose anger turned to hatred. Mark’s Gospel focuses on Herodias, who was both wicked and ruthless in her attempts to kill John the Baptist. While Matthew’s account seems to say that Herod would have executed John, we can combine the accounts to see a wicked yet weak ruler who was not in a hurry to kill John because he was afraid of the people, who believed John was a prophet. For Herod to put to death one of the Jews’ prophets could have caused a huge revolt in his territory and certainly would have created great discontent.

That Herod had imprisoned John the Baptist was not enough for the angry Herodias. She continued to nurse her grudge against John for speaking publicly about her sins, biding her time until she would get her way and have John killed. Then on Herod’s birthday, the opportunity arrived. Mark wrote that Herod gave a banquet for many notable men from governmental, military, and civil positions in Galilee (Mark 6:21). According to the Jewish historian Josephus, Herodias’s daughter (by her marriage with Herod Philip) was Salome, a young woman in her middle teens. Herodias sent Salome into the banquet hall to dance. Afterwards, the king promised with an oath to give her anything she wanted. Apparently, Salome had already been prompted by her mother, so she responded, “I want the head of John the Baptist on a tray!” Herod, faced by drunk and smirking officials who waited to see what he would do, was too weak to object. Herodias would have her way. Herod caved in under the social pressure and John’s death was sealed.

Herod was sorry because he had put himself in this position in front of his guests, and yet he considered John a holy man whom he both respected and feared (Mark 6:20). Herod had made a promise and had sealed it with an oath. Such words were considered irrevocable. To back out on the promise would show his important guests that Herod was not a man of his word or that he was afraid of this “unimportant” prisoner in a dungeon. So, John was beheaded. An executioner beheaded John and brought his head to the girl on a tray. Herod fulfilled his oath and saved face before his guests. But he had been manipulated by his wife and was left with great fear over what he had done in killing a holy man. Herod’s guilt could not be assuaged. Thus, when Jesus came on the scene, Herod thought that John had come back to life.

John the Baptist apparently still had disciples, even though many had left him to follow Jesus (which John was content for them to do, see John 1:35-37). When they heard that John had been beheaded, they came, took away his corpse, and gave it a proper burial. Then, they told Jesus.

SO WHAT? (what will I do with what I have read?)

There is so much to digest here in these passages. The value of my eternal life through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. How often do I not even give that great gift a second thought? How often do I take for granted my place in the Kingdom and what awaits me in heaven? Lord, forgive me. Today and all the days after, remind me of what awaits me after my life here is done. Further, remind me that I am living that eternal life right now. Teach me to live for the eternal and not the temporary. And Lord, once again, when I think of the destiny that awaits those who reject You (parable of the net) my heart is broken. Make me bolder than ever before to love people and speak to people and teach people and reach out to people. Help me die to myself today.

Finally, when I read about John the Baptist and his boldness to speak the truth, even though he had to know the consequences that awaited him - Lord give me that kind of boldness in my preaching/teaching.

PRAYER

Let me live for the approval of You and You alone. Build a great ministry here at COV, where Your people are challenged and where Your people are built. Give us a ministry where people don't get comfortable or lazy in their faith walk. Grow disciples here at COV. Grow men and women and students and children who will love you with all of their heart. Build people at our church who want to cross the line and pay the price to grow.

Day #21: January 21, 2009 - Matthew 13:24-43

In today's reading, we see Jesus continue teaching parables. This passage begins with the parable of the weeds. Jesus illustrates that the Kingdom of God grows quietly and abundantly, yet evil still exists in the world. The picture of weeds planted in the fields was a known practice in ancient warfare and feuds—destroy a nation’s (or person’s) agricultural base and his military power would also be destroyed. Because no one recognized the weeds, both weeds and wheat grew at the same time.

Who are these “weeds”? Jesus explain that “the weeds are the people who belong to the evil one” (13:38). They may be people in the church who appear to be believers but who never truly believe. Folks who show up to church week after week. Year after year, yet, no change takes place. No repentance. Our arch enemy, Satan (13:39), is always working to stop the growth of God’s Kingdom. In this parable, the enemy caused a problem, so the servants asked if they should pull out the weeds. The owner decided that the wheat and weeds should grow together until the harvest—a common metaphor for the final judgment (Jeremiah 51:33; Hosea 6:11; Revelation 14:14-16). Jesus was making the point that while His coming signaled the arrival of the Kingdom, its consummation would be delayed until His return. God will not eliminate all opposition until the end of the age. The children of God and children of Satan would grow together “until” the harvest; then, God would judge and sort out his children from Satan’s children.


Then, Jesus Tells the Parable of the Mustard Seed. No one parable can completely describe God’s Kingdom in all its aspects, so Jesus taught several parables. Through this parable, Jesus explained that his Kingdom of God would have a small beginning. Indeed, it began with Jesus alone and, upon his ascension, was left in the care of twelve apostles and just a few hundred other followers. Jesus compared this beginning to the mustard seed, which was the smallest seed that a farmer used. The mustard seed was so small that it would take almost twenty thousand seeds to make one ounce. No other seed so small produced such a large plant. Jesus’ point was that just as a tiny seed will grow into a large plant, so God’s Kingdom will produce many people who truly believe. (Lord, do that kind of work here at COV)


Next, Jesus Tells the Parable of the Yeast. Like the parable of the mustard seed, this parable stresses small beginnings with great growth. Yeast permeates and transforms; thus, we see another aspect of the Kingdom. In other Bible passages, yeast is used as a symbol of evil or uncleanness. Here it is a positive symbol of growth. Although yeast looks like a minor ingredient, it permeates every part of the dough. Although the Kingdom had small beginnings, it would grow to have a great impact on the world. (Lord, use our people here at COV to permeate every area of our valley)

Jesus reminds us of why he spoke in parables - He quotes Psalm 78:2. This Psalm reviews Israel’s history from the time of slavery in Egypt to David’s reign. This psalm was told over and over to each generation so they would not forget God and make the same mistakes as their ancestors. The mysteries hidden refers to God’s mighty acts in redeeming his people despite their sin and unfaithfulness.

Finally, in this last parable of this passage, Jesus Explains the Parable of the Weeds. The young weeds and the young blades of wheat look the same and can’t be distinguished until they are grown and ready for harvest. Weeds (unbelievers) and wheat (believers) must live side by side in the world. God allows unbelievers to remain for a while, just as a farmer allows weeds to remain in his field so that the surrounding wheat won’t be uprooted with them. At the harvest, however, the weeds will be thrown away. Jesus explained to his listening disciples that the good seed represents the people of the Kingdom, sown by the Son of Man in the field of the world. In this world also exist people who belong to the evil one, sown by him into this world. At the end of the world, the angels would come and the harvest would begin. At this harvest, God will separate his people from Satan’s people. As the harvesters collect the weeds into bundles to be destroyed, so Satan’s works and Satan’s people will be thrown into the furnace—a metaphor for final judgment (Daniel 3:6). Jesus often used the term weeping and gnashing of teeth to refer to judgement and hell. The “weeping” indicates sorrow or remorse, and “gnashing of teeth” shows extreme anxiety or pain. Hell is a place of great pain, loneliness and regret. Those who say they don’t care what happens to them after they die don’t realize what they are saying. We should be doing everything we can to share the Love of god with people and make clear to them the plan of salvation. God will punish them for living in selfishness and indifference to him. Reflecting words from Daniel 12:3, Jesus described the final glory of the godly. Those who receive God’s favor stand in bright contrast to those who receive his judgment. Heaven will be a glorious place!

SO WHAT? (what will I do with what I have read?)



I desire so much for the people of COV to grow and mature in their faith. I am praying big time that UCOV (every wed night from 7-8:30) will be a catalyst for this. Lord, take people deeper in the commitment to you than ever before. Take them deeper in their understanding of your word and truth than ever before. As I read this passage, my energy and spirit are reignited to grow true disciples at COV and to see that every disciple have a heart for the lost and a clear understanding of what hell is like. Lord break our hearts with the reality of hell.


PRAYER


Give me opportunities to share my story of faith today and give me a renewed heart to CARE about the spiritual condition of others. Lord, open the door of Akil's heart. Give Rob a open heart to grab lunch and give him a soft heart. Draw Mike back into a relationship with you. Bring people into the life of Lauren who will love her and share with her about you.