01 Podcasts
62 Matthew 11:25-30 Take my yoke

62 Matthew 11:25-30 Take my yoke

For people who are self-satisfied and indifferent to God, miracles change nothing. They believe they already have wisdom and they reject Jesus. But those who are know they are needy and weary understand the miracles and embrace the wisdom of Jesus teaching. To them Jesus promises rest.

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61 Matthew 11:16-24 Woe to unrepentant cities

61 Matthew 11:16-24 Woe to unrepentant cities

What Malachi predicted is finally happening.  This generation finally stands in the presence of the herald and the Messiah.  How does this generation receive that message?  Jesus explains with an analogy: Jesus and John are like children sitting in the marketplace playing the flute and calling to their friends to dance, but their friends refuse

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57 Matthew 10:34-39 Not peace, a sword

57 Matthew 10:34-39 Not peace, a sword

Ultimately Jesus’ role is to bring peace and restoration to the earth, but not yet.  Now he came to bring a sword because his message requires a choice and that choice divides even families. To follow Jesus, you must be willing to live with that rejection and hostility, even if it means losing your closest family members or your very life.

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56 Matthew 10:24-33 Fear only God

56 Matthew 10:24-33 Fear only God

All of us face the question: What am I going to believe so much that it changes the way I think, respond and make choices?  I make those decisions based on what or who I fear most. Jesus says the wisest choice is to fear God. 

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54 Matthew 10:8-23 Provisions & Persecution

54 Matthew 10:8-23 Provisions & Persecution

On this journey, Jesus deliberately makes his apostles dependent on the hospitality of the children of Israel by instructing them not to take provisions. The apostles might expect they are launching a victory tour, but they will learn first-hand how the children of Israel will reject the Messiah.

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52 Matthew 9:27-34 Blind and mute

52 Matthew 9:27-34 Blind and mute

In these last two miracles, Matthew foreshadows the growing conflict with the Pharisees. While the crowds are excited and amazed, the Pharisees reject Jesus as working with the devil. Ultimately the unbelief of the Jewish leadership will be a crucial part of the story.

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