Why Jesus came, a Christmas message
The angel tells Joseph something about this son Mary will have. Who does the angel say this child is?
65 Can You Accidentally Commit the Unforgivable Sin? (Matthew 12:22-50)
Each one of us must decide what to do with Jesus. Sitting on the fence is not an option. The stumbling block is not lack of evidence. The stumbling block is the stubbornness of our hearts. In the end, we do not believe, because we do not want to believe.
64 Why Jesus Withdrew When the Pharisees Plotted Against Him (Matthew 12:15-21)
For the second time, Matthew quotes an Old Testament prophecy as predictive prophecy. Isaiah says ‘Behold my servant’ and explains something about how the Servant will act. Matthew shows us this is out Jesus acted.
63 Why the Pharisees Wanted to Kill Jesus Over the Sabbath (Matthew 12:1-14)
The Sabbath played a big role in the worsening relationship between Jesus and the Pharisees. Matthew gives us only these two stories. By the end of the second story, we learn that Pharisees are planning to kill Jesus partly because of his views on the Sabbath.
62 How Jesus Brings Rest to the Weary (Matthew 11:25-30)
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.
61 Why the Most Religious People Rejected Jesus (Matthew 11:16-24)
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
60 Why John the Baptist’s Doubts Should Encourage You (Matthew 11:7-15)
Jesus was so different from the Messiah people expected, even John the Baptist had moments where he wondered if Jesus was the Messiah. If he’s really a prophet, how could John become confused? In this passage, Jesus answers that question.
59 Why Even John the Baptist Doubted And What That Means for You (Matthew 11:1-6)
Matthew shifts his focus to the how people respond to Jesus. Most reject him. Even John the Baptist becomes confused, because Jesus is not acting like the Messiah he expected.
58 Why Your Response to Christians Shows Your Response to God (Matthew 10:40-42)
Jesus ends this discourse by telling the Twelve their role is like the prophets. They are standing in the place of Jesus. How people respond to the apostles reveals how they respond to Jesus.
57 Why Jesus Brought a Sword (Matthew 10:34-39)
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.
56 How to Overcome Fear When Following Jesus Costs Everything (Matthew 10:24-33)
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.
54 Why Jesus Made Ministry Harder for His Disciples (Matthew 10:8-23)
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.
About the Author
Krisan Marotta is a Bible teacher and host of Wednesday in the Word, the podcast about what the Bible means and how we know.