Category: Matthew Devotionals

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Matthew Devotionals

In times of uncertainty

Waiting on the Lord

Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.

Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you.

And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)

Honestly speaking, as I was thinking about all the things going on in the world this morning, it was hard not to feel anxiety.

But Jesus was reminding me today, “Hey, all authority has been given to me by my Abba. I’m still in control and always will be.

“Yes, this world is falling apart and eventually will come to an end. But I will come back and make all things new (2 Peter 3:10-13). So until that time, don’t fret. I will be with you.”

That’s our hope no matter what craziness may happen going forward.

So let’s put aside any fear or anxiety we may have concerning the future and keep faithfully doing the work God’s given us to do: make disciples for his kingdom.

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Matthew Devotionals

This is my blood

communion

Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks, he gave it to them and said, “Drink from it, all of you. For this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” (Matthew 26:27-28)

Just thinking about how much those words must have meant to Peter every time he took communion after Jesus’ resurrection.

He had boasted that he would never fall away, that he would always be faithful to Jesus.

And yet not long after, he falls asleep when Jesus had asked him to watch and pray with him.

When Jesus woke him up, Peter was probably cursing himself, vowing to do better.

But then he falls asleep not only a second time, but also a third.

Then Judas comes to betray Jesus, and Peter attacks a servant, but instead of Jesus’ praise, he receives Jesus’ rebuke.

And then he denies three times that he even knew Jesus. He probably didn’t even realize what he was doing until that rooster crowed. And he weeps bitterly at his failure.

How much did Jesus’ words mean to him every time he took communion? Every time he felt the sting of his failures?

“This is my blood poured out for the sins of many. Poured out for your sins, Peter.”

I can’t count the times I’ve failed Jesus. Broken vows. Done the wrong thing despite my best intentions. Or denied Jesus if not by my words, by my actions.

And yet Jesus says to me, “This is my blood poured out for the sins of many. For your sins, Bruce.”

Remember those words every time you take communion. Remember them, every time you feel the sting of your sin, the bitterness of your failures. And as you remember them, rest in his grace.

This is my blood poured out for you…poured out for the forgiveness of your sins.

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Matthew Devotionals

Labor pains

Hope in a broken world

You are going to hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, because these things must take place, but the end is not yet.

For nation will rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines, and earthquakes in various places.

All these events are the beginning of labor pains. (Matthew 24:6-8)

As I read Jesus’ words, I thought about Paul’s words in Romans 8.

For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together with labor pains until now.

Not only that, but we ourselves who have the Spirit as the firstfruits—we also groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. (Romans 8:22-23)

It’s natural as look at the problems of this world and in our own lives to groan.

But we have a hope.

Our groans and the groans of creation are not the groans of despair, of death. Our groans are the groans of childbirth, of hope, of life.

Jesus is returning.

He will judge all evil.

He will save his people and make all things new. (Matthew 24:30-31)

That’s our hope.

And our hope is certain because Jesus’ words are certain.

He tells us,

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. (Matthew 24:35)

So whatever you see in this world, whatever you’re personally going through, don’t give in to despair.

Don’t let your love grow cold.

Instead be faithful in all he has given you to do.

And know in the meantime, you’re never alone.

In the same way the Spirit also helps us in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us, with inexpressible groanings.

And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because he intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:26-28)

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Matthew Devotionals

The disciples we’re raising

Blessed are the merciful

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to make one convert, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a child of hell as you are! (Matthew 23:15)

The Pharisees and scribes, needless to say, were terrible disciple-makers.

But Jesus’ words made me think, “What kind of disciples am I making? Of my daughter? Of the other people God has placed in my life?”

Do I ever put heavy loads on their shoulders that are hard to carry, and just tell them, “Good luck?”

Or are they people that know mercy as well as justice and faithfulness? (Matthew 23:23)

Do they see that mercy in me?

More importantly, do they know God’s mercy to them? Do they rest in that mercy? Do they rejoice in it?

And do they in turn show mercy to those around them?

Or are they constantly hard on themselves and just as hard on others?

Father, I want my daughter, my wife, and the people around me to see in me someone who is just and faithful.

But I also want them to see someone who is full of mercy. Who walks in your mercy and shows others that same mercy.

Help me to make disciples like that: disciples who know your mercy and show that same mercy to others.

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Matthew Devotionals

What do you want?

Receiving God's mercy and grace

“What do you want?”

That’s the question you essentially see three times in this chapter.

The landowner asked that question of the workers when they negotiated terms for working for him. (Matthew 20:2)

Jesus asked that of James, John, and their mother. (Matthew 20:20-21)

And Jesus asked that of the two blind men. (Matthew 20:31-33)

In the first two cases, people asked for what they thought they deserved. A denarius for a day’s work. To sit in places of power beside Jesus.

But the two blind men didn’t ask for what they thought they deserved. Instead, they asked for mercy. They asked for grace.

I’m sure James and John were disappointed when Jesus didn’t give them what they asked for. (Though they probably weren’t so disappointed when they weren’t the ones crucified on Jesus’ right and left. They truly didn’t know what they were asking).

The workers, ironically, were bitter that they got exactly what they asked for.

But the two blind men found the joy of God’s mercy and grace.

God’s kingdom isn’t about what we deserve. It’s all about God’s mercy and grace toward us.

When we focus on what we “deserve,” we often find ourselves disappointed, angry, or bitter.

But when we seek God’s grace and mercy, we realize just how good he is. Because he’ll always gives them to us in abundance.

What do you want?

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Matthew Devotionals

Get to? Have to?

God's gifts

“Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that he who created them in the beginning made them male and female, and he also said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’?

So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate”…

His disciples said to him, “If the relationship of a man with his wife is like this, it’s better not to marry.” (Matthew 19:4-6, 10)

It’s amazing how we Christians think a lot of times. God wants to give us something good. And all we focus on is the “have tos.”

God gives marriage to us as a gift, as a blessing. And all the disciples could think was, “Wait. I have to stay married to my wife all my life?”

Later, Jesus gave a young man the opportunity to follow him. To be his disciple. To find true life.

And all the man could think was, “Wait, I have to give all my possessions to the poor?” (Matthew 19:21-22)

Why do we so quickly think that way?

God says to us, “Don’t you understand how much joy I want to give you? Don’t you understand the good gift I’m giving you?”

Father, you are a good God. Forgive my stupid, hardened heart. Help me to throw away the “have to” mentality and joyfully embrace the good gifts you want to give me.

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Matthew Devotionals

Can’t forgive? Or not willing?

Forgiveness

At this, his fellow servant fell down and began begging him, “Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.”

But he wasn’t willing. (Matthew 18:29-30)

“But he was not willing.”

Those words struck me this morning.

Not willing to do what?

Not willing to be patient, certainly.

And most definitely not willing to forgive.

The picture behind verses 29-30 is that the fellow servant repeatedly asked for mercy. And the first servant repeatedly said, “I will not wait. I will not be patient. I will not forgive.”

Is that you?

Lots of people say, “I can’t forgive.”

But how often do they really mean, “I refuse to forgive”?

As God’s kids, that attitude is unacceptable. It’s unacceptable because God has forgiven us so much. To repeatedly say, “I will not forgive, I will not forgive, I will not forgive,” that is sin.

I’m not saying forgiveness is easy. Sometimes it’s downright hard. God understands that.

But there is a vast difference between stubbornly saying, “I refuse to forgive,” and humbly coming before God and saying, “I want to forgive, but I dont know how. Help me.”

Peter tells us,

All of you clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your cares on him, because he cares about you. (1 Peter 5:5-7)

Pride holds on to its hurt. “I’ve been hurt. I deserve to be treated better. He deserves to suffer for what he did to me.”

Humility recognizes that we ourselves have wounded others, that we have sinned against God himself.

Humility also recognizes how much we have needed the mercy of others and more importantly of God. And so we choose to let go of our hurt and forgive.

But again, forgiveness can be hard. The deeper the wound, the harder it is to forgive. But as Peter said, “God cares about you.”

God knows your wounds. And he wants to heal those wounds.

But he also knows that part of that healing can only come as you forgive. And he is willing to help you if you will humble yourself before him saying, “I don’t know how to forgive. But I am willing. Please show me how.”

How about you? Is there someone God is speaking to your heart about today?

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Matthew Devotionals

An amazing thought

Worship on a mountain

After six days Jesus took Peter, James, and his brother John and led them up on a high mountain by themselves. He was transfigured in front of them, and his face shone like the sun; his clothes became as white as the light. Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with him. (Matthew 17:1-3)

Jesus, you personally took Peter, James, and John apart from everyone else to be alone with them. Why? To reveal yourself more fully to them.

Can you truly want to do that with me? That’s an amazing thought.

So like the disciples, I joyfully go off to be alone with you.

Like Elijah, I come to you seeking your face. (I Kings 19:8-9, 11).

And like Moses, I pray, “Show me your glory.” (Exodus 33:18)

Reveal more of yourelf to me, Jesus. I want to know you more.

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Matthew Devotionals

“Following” Jesus, or truly following Jesus?

Following Jesus

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. (Matthew 16:24)

It’s not clear in the English, but the first “follow” and the second “follow” are two different words in the Greek. Both are often used in reference to discipleship.

The first “follow” literally has the idea of walking behind someone, going where they go.

The second “follow” has that idea, but includes the idea of responding to his voice and of learning from him as his disciple. (Matthew 4:20; John 10:4, 27)

Lots of people “followed” Jesus in that first sense. Some wanted healing. Some were interested in this new teaching he brought.

But few truly followed him in the second sense.

Even his disciples struggled with it at times. Jesus told them what was “necessary” for God’s plan to be accomplished.

At that point, Peter stopped following Jesus and instead tried to lead him in a different direction. In doing so, however, he actually became a hindrance to Jesus.

It made me think.

“Am I truly following Jesus? Or are there times when I’m trying to pull him in the direction I want to go?”

“Am I following Jesus’ agenda? Or am I trying to get him to follow mine?”

How about you? Are you “following” Jesus, going to church, maybe even reading your Bible and praying from time to time, but ultimately trying to get him to follow you and your plans?

Or are you truly following him, learning from him, and responding to his voice and leading, moment to moment, day to day?

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Matthew Devotionals

People-pleaser? God-pleaser?

God-pleaser

Then the disciples came up and told him, “Do you know that the Pharisees took offense when they heard what you said?”

He replied, “Every plant that my heavenly Father didn’t plant will be uprooted. Leave them alone! They are blind guides. And if the blind guide the blind, both will fall into a pit.” (Matthew 15:12-14)

It seems that the disciples were bothered by the fact that the Pharisees were offended by Jesus’ words.

Jesus, on the other hand, was not so bothered.

The truth is, we can never please everyone. As the saying goes, the one who tries to please everyone ends up pleasing no one.

More importantly, we’ll find it impossible to please God. And so the question is, “Who are we seeking to please?”

Now don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying that we go out of our way to offend people. But there are times we can’t avoid it either.

People will get offended whenever we say or do anything that goes against their way of thinking.

But if we try to please the blind, we’ll follow them right into the pit.

I don’t want to do that.

The thing I want more than anything else is to hear my Abba say, “Well done.”

How about you?

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Matthew Devotionals

I must tell Jesus

grave

For some reason, verse 12 really struck me today.

Then [John’s] disciples came, removed the corpse, buried it, and went and reported to Jesus. (Matthew 14:12)

After burying John, his disciples’ first thought was, “We must tell Jesus.”

Why?

I suppose one reason might be to warn Jesus about Herod. (Luke 9:9)

But just as importantly, they knew Jesus cared about John.

I wonder, though. Did they know Jesus cared about them? Not this general, “Jesus loves everybody.” But, “Jesus knows my grief, and he cares about me.”

What about you? Do you know Jesus really cares about you? Again, not this general, “Jesus loves everyone,” but “Jesus really does love me.”

When you go through trials and hard times, is your first response, “I must tell Jesus”?

I must tell Jesus all of my trials;
I cannot bear these burdens alone;
In my distress He kindly will help me;
He ever loves and cares for His own.

I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus!
I cannot bear my burdens alone;
I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus!
Jesus can help me, Jesus alone. — Elisha Hoffman

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Matthew Devotionals

Hard words?

Facing a hard challenge

And whoever doesn’t take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. (Matthew 10:38)

Those are hard words.

When you read them, how did you feel?

Uneasy? Fearful?

Even as a long-time Christian, one of my first thoughts was, “These are hard words. Jesus is asking a lot.”

And when I think of what this might mean practically in my life, of what specifically Jesus might be asking of me, it gets even harder.

And so the question I had to ask myself this morning was, “What do I do with these feelings?”

What do I do?

Remember the truth.

What’s the truth?

My Abba is good and he deeply loves me.

Aren’t two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s consent.

But even the hairs of your head have all been counted. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. (Matthew 10:29-31)

What is the truth?

If I take up my cross and follow Jesus, I don’t lose my life. I gain it.

Anyone who finds his life will lose it, and anyone who loses his life because of me will find it. (Matthew 10:39)

No, following Jesus isn’t always easy. Sometimes, it’s painful.

But because my Abba is good and he deeply loves me, because he is always faithful in keeping his promises, I have hope. And it is a certain hope.

I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace.

You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world. (John 16:33)

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Matthew Devotionals

A prayer to the Lord of the Harvest

Hopeless people

When he saw the crowds, he felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dejected, like sheep without a shepherd.

Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is abundant, but the workers are few. Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest.” (Matthew 9:36-38)

Lord of the Harvest, who are the distressed and dejected around me? Who are those living without hope?

Open my eyes. Help me to see beyond the surface to the need as you did. Give me your compassion. And send me out into the harvest.

May I be a giver of hope to those without hope, proclaiming your forgiveness, salvation, and your love. (Matthew 9:2, 22)

In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Matthew Devotionals

When we are “unclean”

Throne of grace

Right away a man with leprosy came up and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.”

Reaching out his hand, Jesus touched him, saying, “I am willing; be made clean.” (Matthew 8:2–3)

Leprosy was a terrible disease in Israel. It made people “unclean,” outcasts from society, and as such, they were banned from God’s temple. (Leviticus 13:45-46, Numbers 5:2-3).

In that way, leprosy is a picture of sin. It makes us spiritually unclean and breaks our relationships with God and others.

But the man in this story approached Jesus and said, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.”

And in his mercy and grace, Jesus touched him and said, “I am willing. Be clean.”

Often times after we sin, we wonder if God could possibly forgive us, if he could possibly accept us after what we’ve done.

And so we come before him trembling, saying, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.”

Jesus says the same thing to us as he said to that man.

“I am willing. Be clean.”

So, children of God, let us approach his throne with confidence, knowing that we will receive mercy and find grace in our time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)

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Matthew Devotionals

Praying to our Abba

Praying to Abba

When you pray, don’t babble like the Gentiles, since they imagine they’ll be heard for their many words…Therefore, you should pray like this: Our Father in heaven. (Matthew 6:7, 9)

As I read Jesus’ words, I thought about what Solomon said in Ecclesiastes.

Do not be hasty to speak, and do not be impulsive to make a speech before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few. (Ecclesiastes 5:2)

Solomon was mostly warning against making foolish vows to God. Sometimes, in our attempts to win his favor, or worse to manipulate God, we make all kinds of promises that we’re unable to keep.

Jesus on the other hand, seemed to be talking about people making flowery but ultimately empty prayers in order to impress God and those hearing their prayers.

In both cases, Jesus and Solomon say the same thing: Let your words be few. Do more listening than speaking.

But when you speak, Jesus gives us a model to follow.

Reflect on who God is and honor him as holy. Worship him. (Matthew 6:9; Revelation 4:8-11)

As you pray, set your heart on his kingdom. Ask him, “What’s important to you, today?” (Matthew 6:10a, 33)

And as you reflect on these things, ask that his will be done in your life, that you can participate in what he’s doing. (Matthew 6:10b)

But as much as he is God in heaven, remember he is also your Abba in heaven. And you are his beloved child. (Matthew 6:9)

So ask him for your needs. (Matthew 6:11, 25-32)

When you fall, don’t fear to approach him. Draw near and seek his forgiveness. (Matthew 6:12a)

Ask for his help concerning your broken relationships, especially when you’re struggling to forgive others. (Matthew 6:12b)

And ask your Abba for his leading and protection. (Matthew 6:13)

We have such an incredible privilege as God’s kids. We get to approach our Abba at any time. So let’s take advantage of that privilege and draw near.

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Matthew Devotionals

Disciple? Or just one of the crowd?

Sermon on the Mount

When he saw the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. (Matthew 5:1)

For some reason, I’ve always imagined that Jesus went up to the mountain to in order to preach to the crowd.

But actually, it seems he went to escape the crowds. Most times Jesus went up to the mountain, it was usually to pray.

If Matthew 5 and Luke 6 refer to the same event as some Bible scholars think, then that’s why he went this time too.

And after he finished praying, it wasn’t the crowd that came to him at first, though they would apparently come later (Matthew 7:28). It was his disciples.

The crowd had mostly come to Jesus for healing. (Matthew 4:24-25)

But the disciples came to learn from Jesus.

It made me think. “Why do I come to Jesus?”

Is it simply to get something from him? Help? Healing? Blessing?

Or is it to learn from him?

Am I just one of the crowd?

Or Jesus’ disciple?

I want to be a disciple, learning from my Lord.

I want to be like him. Pure in heart. Hungry and thirsty for righteousness. Gentle. A peacemaker. Light and salt to this world.

Not just having superficial righteousness, but true righteousness that comes from the heart.

Loving others as he does. Being perfect as my heavenly Father is perfect.

It made me think of a song I learned long ago, and it’s my prayer today.

Lord, I want to be your disciple,
an example, the way you were to me.

And as I see your humble perfection,
let me be a mirror of your heart.

I want to walk in the image of you,
like a child imitating what his Father would do.

A mirror of your heart. — Chris Christian

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Matthew Devotionals

The joy of following Jesus 

Jesus and his disciples

“Follow me,” [Jesus] told them, “and I will make you fish for people.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him.

Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They were in a boat with Zebedee their father, preparing their nets, and he called them.

Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.” (Matthew 4:19-22)

I wonder. How did Peter, Andrew, James, and John feel when Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people?”

Inadequate? Unqualified? Scared?

Perhaps. But somehow, I think they were mostly filled with overwhelming awe and joy.

“Me? Jesus would choose me?”

And so filled with awe and joy, they immediately dropped their nets, left their family business, and followed Jesus.

They weren’t thinking, “Follow Jesus? I’d have to give up so much!”

They were thinking, “I get to follow Jesus! I get to join in his work! This is awesome!”

Often times, though, when we think about following Jesus, about joining in with his work, we feel uneasy. “I’m inadequate. I’m unqualified.”

Or we feel burdened by the “have tos.”

I know I sometimes feel that way.

But Jesus deeply loves us. And knowing everything about us with all our weaknesses and failings, he still looks at us and says, “Follow me. Come. Join me in my work.”

That’s the joy of following Jesus. It’s an awesome privilege that he gives us.

Following Jesus and joining in his work isn’t about the burden of the “have tos.”

It’s the overwhelming joy of the “get tos.”

How about you? Do you know that joy?

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Matthew Devotionals

Memory Monday: Following Jesus’ example

child of God

Revisiting a blog from a few years ago, with a few minor revisions.

May we all follow Jesus’ example as we walk with the Father moment to moment, day to day.

Following Jesus’ example
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Matthew Devotionals

Hostile? Indifferent? Passionate?

wise men

Father, when Herod heard your Son was born, he was hostile and wanted to kill him.

The priests and the scribes, on the other hand, were indifferent and simply went home.

But when the wise men learned your Son was born, their hearts’ desire was to seek and worship him.

Father, give me the heart of the wise men, a heart passionate to seek and worship your Son.

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Matthew Devotionals

What God didn’t do

“I have sinned by betraying innocent blood,” he said.

“What’s that to us?” they said. “See to it yourself!” (Matthew 27:4)

The amazing thing to me about God is he did not respond to us as the priests responded to Judas.

When we came to God in our guilt and shame, he didn’t say, “What is that to me? See to it yourself.”

Had he done so, we would have been left in despair and death as Judas was.

But instead, God sent his Son.

…he was pierced because of our rebellion,
crushed because of our iniquities;
punishment for our peace was on him,
and we are healed by his wounds.

We all went astray like sheep;
we all have turned to our own way;
and the Lord has punished him
for the iniquity of us all. (Isaiah 53:5-6)

I’ll never know why you did what you did.
You didn’t have to die, but you did.

You hung on the cross so that I wouldn’t be lost.
You took my place, now you’re pleading my case.

You didn’t have to do it, but I’m glad you did.
You didn’t have to do it, but I’m glad you did.

Crystal Lewis
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Matthew Devotionals

Your will be done

Therefore, you should pray like this: Our Father in heaven…Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. (Matthew 6:9-10)

My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done. (Matthew 26:42)

Just thinking, Father, the exact words Jesus put in his “disciple’s prayer” is what he prayed the night before he was crucified.

It’s easy to teach others to pray that way.

It’s easy to pray that way as a general prayer to start the day.

It’s so much harder when I’m facing something I don’t want to face.

Can I say, “Your will be done” when it affects my life. When it means going through suffering or hard times? Can I still call you “My Father” during those times and not be bitter, questioning your goodness?

Jesus, I am so weak, as Peter was. As the disciples were.

So especially when I’m facing something bigger than me, something I can’t handle on my own, give me the grace, the strength, the faith, to say as you did, “Father, your will be done.”

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Matthew Devotionals

Merely pointing fingers?

They tie up heavy loads that are hard to carry and put them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves aren’t willing to lift a finger to move them. (Matthew 23:4)

The Pharisees and scribes had a habit of pointing out others’ sins.

But one thing they never did was reach out with compassion to those burdened with their sin.

And it made me think, “Am I as quick to help people who are struggling with their sin as I am to point our their sin?”

I believe Paul was thinking of Jesus’ words when he wrote,

Brothers and sisters, if someone is overtaken in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual, restore such a person with a gentle spirit, watching out for yourselves so that you also won’t be tempted.

Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:1-2)

Father, unlike the scribes and Pharisees, I don’t want to be a person who merely points out others’ sins. May I instead have Jesus’ heart toward those struggling with their sins. Give me his heart of mercy towards them. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Matthew Devotionals

Take me back Tuesday — Ignorant of the scriptures?

Words that always strike me: You are mistaken, because you don’t know the Scriptures or the power of God. 

Can that be said of us?

Ignorant of the scriptures
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Matthew Devotionals

The fruit God seeks

Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruit. (Matthew 21:43)

As I read today’s chapter and especially those words, I was reminded of John the Baptist’s words to the Pharisees and Sadducees in chapter 3.

Therefore produce fruit consistent with repentance…The ax is already at the root of the trees. Therefore, every tree that doesn’t produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. (Matthew 3:8-10)

What is the fruit God is seeking? It’s the fruit consistent with repentance.

It’s what the tax collectors and prostitutes showed and that’s why they would enter God’s kingdom and the religious leaders who refused to repent wouldn’t (Matthew 21:31-32).

That difference in attitude was also shown in the parable of the two sons. (28-30)

And the fig tree Jesus cursed and the parable of the vineyard he told is a warning to those who don’t show that fruit consistent with repentance. (18-19, 33-34)

Repentance is not just a change of mind, a mere mental assent to the things God teaches. Repentance leads to the fruit of a changed heart and a changed life.

As we say at my church, it’s a life of “head, heart, hands.”

God’s word enters our heads. It then transforms our hearts. And as a result, our lives change.

That’s the fruit God is looking for.

Is that the fruit you’re producing?

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Matthew Devotionals

When your words are hard

Jesus, sometimes your words are hard.

They were hard for the disciples when you talked about marriage.

They were hard for the rich young man when you told him to let go of what he held most dear in order to follow you.

Sometimes you say things that I don’t want to hear.

I don’t want to hear it because my heart is hard, and I would prefer to do things my way because my way is “easier.”

Or there are things in my life that I don’t want to let go of.

But when your words are hard, help me to remember that you are good.

When your words are hard, help me to remember your way is best.

And when your words are hard, help me to keep a soft heart, following you and your ways.

Because though your words may be hard, they are the words of life. (John 6:63, 68)

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Matthew Devotionals

Failing to hear

While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased. Listen to him!” …

As they were gathering together in Galilee, Jesus told them, “The Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men. They will kill him, and on the third day he will be raised up.”

And they were deeply distressed. (Matthew 17:5, 22-23)

How many times are we like Jesus’ disciples? God has plans. Good plans. But we don’t always see them because we’re not hearing all he’s saying.

All we’re hearing are the destruction of our own hopes, plans, and dreams. And we become deeply distressed.

But we fail to see what will rise from those ashes.

Joy. Peace. Life.

But most importantly, we’ll see Jesus.

So in those times when you’re distressed because God’s plans seem counter to your own, let’s remember the Father’s words.

“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased. Listen to him!”

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Matthew Devotionals

Short memories

You of little faith…Don’t you understand yet? Don’t you remember…? (Matthew 16:8-9)

How often is our lack of of faith, our inability to understand what God is trying to teach us due to our short memories?

We read his words in the Bible or hear them in the Sunday message. We’re encouraged and inspired by those words…and then we forget.

We see how God has worked in our lives. We marvel and rejoice in it…and then we forget.

How much would our faith increase if we would just remember.

Father, increase my faith. Help me to remember the things you’ve taught me and the things you’ve done for me. And as I remember, in the good times and bad, may I rejoice and trust in you. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Matthew Devotionals

Who we are following

The story of how John the Baptist’s life ended is really heartbreaking when you think about it.

But today, I thought about his disciples’ response. They came to take his body and bury it. And then they told Jesus.

But the thought came to me today, “What did they do after that?”

Did they follow Jesus?

Or did they just go home?

We don’t know.

I would hope they followed Jesus. After all, Jesus was the one John had pointed to.

It made me think, though. Who are we following?

Many people become Christians because of someone influential in their lives. It might be a a pastor. It might be a friend. It might be a family member.

But what happens when they leave us?

Some may literally pass away.

Others may move away.

Sadly, some may even fall into sin and walk away from God.

And the question is, what then?

Do we just “go home?”

Or do we turn our eyes to Jesus and follow him?

Because as Jesus proved through the miracle of the feeding of the 5000, he is the bread of life (John 6). He is the one imparts true life to us, filling our spiritual hunger and thirst.

And he is the one who will always be there for us, no matter what storms may hit.

People will leave us. People let us down.

Jesus will not.

So I ask again:

“Who are you following?”

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Matthew Devotionals

Deeply rooted faith?

And the one sown on rocky ground—this is one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy.

But he has no root and is short-lived. When distress or persecution comes because of the word, immediately he falls away. (Matthew 13:20-21)

The picture Jesus gives here is of a seed sown in a thin layer of soil over limestone. And because the limestone prevents the roots from growing deep, the plant quickly withers in the heat of the trials and persecution.

As I was reading, I thought about what that limestone was which kept the roots from growing deep.

Could it be the limestone of unbelief? Namely, doubt about God’s goodness and love toward us?

Some people hear about God’s love and goodness, and they’re immediately excited and joyous.

But then trials come. Persecution comes. And a deep-seeded doubt that lies beneath the surface of their hearts is revealed:

“Is God really good? Does God really love me? Then why are these bad things happening to me?”

The result? They quickly fall away.

How about you? When trials and persecutions come, is your first thought, “If God is good, if God really loves me, why is this happening to me?”

Or is your faith rooted deeply in your conviction of God’s love and goodness toward you?

How deep are your roots?

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Matthew Devotionals

Words of grace, words of judgment

What struck me today were the words of grace and judgment coming from Jesus’ mouth in this chapter.

The words of judgment were for the cities who had failed to respond to his call to repent, despite all the miracles he had shown them.

And ultimately, that was the line that Jesus always drew throughout his ministry. He called people to repentance.

It was the message he preached (Matthew 4:17), and when he sent out his disciples to preach, he gave them the same message (Mark 6:12).

And if people didn’t repent, he warned them of judgment. (Luke 13:1-8, John 5:14)

But at the same time, Jesus’ words were full of grace. To John, whose faith was shaken after being thrown into prison, Jesus gave words of encouragement.

And to people who were burdened by the guilt of their sin, to those weighed down by all the legalistic rules the religious leaders had put on them (Matthew 23:4), Jesus offered rest.

But it’s a rest that only comes with repentance and putting our trust in him.

It’s a message reminiscent of what Isaiah once told the Israelites.

In repentance and rest is your salvation,
in quietness and trust is your strength,
but you would have none of it. (Isaiah 30:15, NIV)

That was the problem with the people of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum. And Jesus judged them for it.

But to those with soft hearts, even though they may struggle with feelings of guilt or doubt, Jesus is full of grace.

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens—Jesus the Son of God—let us hold fast to our confession.

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin.

Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need. (Hebrews 4:14-16)

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Matthew Devotionals

Our heart, our message

[Jesus] said, ‘It is not those who are well who need a doctor, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means: I desire mercy and not sacrifice.

For I didn’t come to call the righteous, but sinners. (Matthew 9:12-13)

As I was reflecting on Jesus’ words, I thought about what our heart should be toward non-Christians who come to our churches.

We should have hearts of mercy towards them. They are like sheep without a shepherd, harassed and cast down by the Enemy.

We shouldn’t be avoiding them. We should be reaching out to them, showing Christ’s love to them.

At the same time, we have a message for them. Jesus came to call sinners. But what does he call them to do?

Luke is a little clearer about that in his account of this story. Jesus said,

I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. (Luke 5:32)

Love does not tell people, “It’s okay to stay in your sin.”

Love tells people, “Repent.”

It was Jesus’ message from the beginning. (Matthew 4:17)

It’s what Jesus told Matthew and the other tax collectors and sinners while he was talking with them over dinner.

It’s certainly what he told Zacchaeus and his friends. (Luke 19:1-10)

So as we encounter non-Christians in our church, let us take on Jesus’ attitude, welcoming them, and showing love and mercy to them.

But at the same time, with humility and gentleness, let us share with them the same message Jesus did with Matthew and his friends.

“God’s kingdom is near. There is a God who loves you and is inviting you to join his kingdom. So repent of your sins and turn to him. And you will find life.”

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Matthew Devotionals

Following Jesus

When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, because he was teaching them like one who had authority, and not like their scribes. (Matthew 7:28-29)

What does it mean to follow Jesus?

Part of it is recognizing Jesus’ authority.

Jesus certainly has it.

He commanded the wind and waves, and they obeyed.

He commanded the demons, and they obeyed.

Yes, Jesus has authority. But the question is, do we recognize his authority in our lives?

The centurion certainly did.

As for the two men who wanted to follow Jesus, we don’t know if they did or not.

And as for the crowds mentioned in the above verse, some did come to recognize Jesus’ authority, and others outright rejected it.

But it’s possible to recognize Jesus’ authority and still not follow him.

The demons recognized his authority and hated him for it.

The people of the Gadarenes were frightened of him and asked him to leave.

What about us?

Jesus is asking us, “Do you recognize my authority in your life? And do you love and trust me enough to obey?”

Do you want to follow Jesus?

Do you love him and truly want to know him?

Then remember his words:

The one who has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. And the one who loves me will be loved by my Father. I also will love him and will reveal myself to him. (John 14:21)

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Matthew Devotionals

Breaking off pieces of the bedrock

Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.

The rain fell, the rivers rose, and the winds blew and pounded that house. Yet it didn’t collapse, because its foundation was on the rock. (Matthew 7:24-25)

As I was reading Jesus’ words this morning, a picture came to mind that I’d never thought of before.

Jesus, of course, gives the picture of someone building their house on bedrock.

But the image that came to my mind this morning was of someone not building his house on bedrock, but instead breaking off pieces of that bedrock and trying to make it part of his house’s walls.

And though the bedrock was part of the house’s walls, because the house’s foundation was sand, it ultimately all collapsed.

There are many people like that today. They claim to follow Jesus, but they don’t build their lives on all of Jesus’ teaching. Instead, they “break off” the parts they like, and try to incorporate it into their way of thinking.

We can’t do that. We can’t just take the parts of Jesus’ teaching we like, add it to our own way of thinking, and reject the rest of Jesus’ words. To live that way is not following the Father’s will, but our own.

Our lives need to be built on all he Jesus taught, not just the parts we happen to like.

And of course, the first thing Jesus ever taught was “Repent!”

We cannot enter God’s kingdom if we don’t repent of our sins. (Matthew 4:17)

If we refuse to repent, if instead we cling to our sins, the day will come when we call out to him, “Lord, Lord,” and he says, “I never knew you. Depart from me, you lawbreakers.” (23)

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Matthew Devotionals

That my eyes may be healed

The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light.

But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. So if the light within you is darkness, how deep is that darkness! (Matthew 6:22-23)

Father, heal my spiritual eyes that I might see things as they really are.

To see that you are a good Father. That you really do care about me, and I don’t need to worry about anything.

To see that the things of this world will pass away.

To see what’s truly important: your kingdom, your righteousness.

Too often, my eyes are diseased. So heal my eyes.

Help me to value you above all else. And help me to value the people you love that you’ve placed in my life.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Matthew Devotionals

A mirror of Your heart

Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. (Matthew 5:48)

Father, I want to be more like you. You know all the ways that I fall short. You know all the ways that my righteousness falls short of your righteousness, all the ways my love for people falls short of your love for people.

But as I gaze upon your love and goodness to me, increase my desire to become more like you. As I gaze upon your beauty and perfection, increase my hunger to be like you.

I want to walk in the image of you,
Like a child imitating what his Father would do,
A mirror of your heart.

Chris Christian
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Matthew Devotionals

A prayer from a child of God

When Jesus was baptized, he went up immediately from the water.

The heavens suddenly opened for him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming down on him.

And a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased.” (Matthew 3:16-17)

Father, how is it that by your grace, you open up heaven to me, give me your Spirit, and say, “You are my beloved child. In you I am well pleased?”

How is it? That’s incredible to me!

So Father, let me bear the fruit of repentance. You know the sins that I still struggle with.

Father, don’t let me be like the Pharisees and Sadducees, merely pretending to be righteous. Let me truly bear the fruit of righteousness in my life

Jesus, you said I am already clean because of the Word you have spoken and I have believed. Now let your words abide in me.

Pruning me. Shaping me. Transforming me. Changing the way I think and act. Convicting me of sin.

Yet reminding me of your forgiveness and love. Encouraging me to take the next step forward with you, becoming more like you.

You are the vine. I am the branch. Teach me what it means to abide in you. Without you I can do nothing. But with you, I will bear much fruit. And I do want to bear fruit for you. (John 15:3-7)

Holy Spirit, as you filled and led Jesus throughout his earthly life, fill and lead me, moment to moment, day to day.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Matthew Devotionals

God with us

Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet:

See, the virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son,
and they will name him Immanuel, which is translated “God is with us.” (Matthew 1:22-23)

I was just meditating on those final words: God with us.

With us.

Not far from us.

With us.

Not keeping his distance from us because we’re not worthy of his love.

With us.

Not giving up on us because of sins and failures.

With us.

Not constantly accusing us, but rather defending us.

With us.

Not abandoning us when the enemy attacks, but fighting for us.

With us.

Our God is with us.

And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age. (Matthew 28:20)

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Matthew Devotionals

Christ’s blood upon us

Matthew

All the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!” (Matthew 27:25)

When the people said that, they were saying, “We take responsibility for Jesus’ death. Put the blame on us.”

Yet ironically, there on the cross, Jesus took the blame for all of our sin. He took the punishment for our sins.

And now, in a different sense from how the people meant it, Jesus’ blood is on us.

When God made the first covenant with the people, they were sprinkled with the blood of calves and goats, and Moses said, “This is the blood of the covenant that God has ordained for you.” (Hebrews 9:20)

Why were they sprinkled with blood? Because without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness. (Hebrews 9:22)

But the blood of bulls and goats could not truly take away sin. Those sacrifices only reminded people of their sin and pointed to what Jesus would later do on the cross. (Hebrews 10:1-4)

But now Jesus has entered the true tabernacle, the true temple which is heaven, with his own blood, and he has bought our salvation. (Hebrews 9:11-12)

That’s why the curtain was torn in the earthly temple when Jesus died. That curtain was a sign of the separation between God and his people.

But by tearing that curtain, God was saying, “You have now been sprinkled with the blood of the new covenant. Your sins are forgiven. And now you have free access to me.” (Matthew 26:28)

So let us remember the words of the author of Hebrews.

Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have boldness to enter the sanctuary through the blood of Jesus—he has inaugurated for us a new and living way through the curtain (that is, through his flesh)—and since we have a great high priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed in pure water. (Hebrews 10:19-22)

Christ’s blood is upon us. Let us rejoice, and draw near.

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Matthew Devotionals

Our place in the story

Matthew

“Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.”

Then one of the Twelve, the man called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?”

So they weighed out thirty pieces of silver for him. And from that time he started looking for a good opportunity to betray him. (Matthew 26:13-16)

As I read those words, it struck me that not only is Mary (sister of Lazarus and Martha, John 12:1-8) and her deed remembered, but so is Judas and his deeds.

Mary is remembered for her love for Jesus.

Judas is remembered for betraying him.

And it made me think, “What is my place in the gospel story? What is my place in this story that started in the garden of Eden and has stretched out until the present day?

“How will I be remembered when I’m gone? What stories will be told of me?”

And then I thought of Peter. He too is remembered.

He is often remembered for his great failure, for denying Jesus three times.

But he is also remembered as one who came to know God’s grace.

And really, that is what the gospel is all about. It’s all about God’s grace. It’s about the body that was broken and the blood that was poured out there on the cross so that our sins could be forgiven.

So many of us look at our own sin and brokenness and it depresses us.

But like Mary, like Peter, we are recipients of God’s great love and grace.

That’s our part in this gospel story God is writing.

Let us rejoice in it!

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Matthew Devotionals

I know you!

Matthew

Master, I know you. (Matthew 25:24)

So said the evil servant in Jesus’ second parable. And yet, this servant didn’t know his master at all. His view of his master was totally distorted and so he really wanted nothing to do with him.

In the same way, many people today have a distorted view of God.

In particular, for many, they look at his commands, they look at his judgment of sin, and instead of saying God is good and just, they say, “If that’s the kind of God he is, I want nothing to do with him.”

There are also those who say they know God, but by their actions prove they don’t.

A person who truly knows God loves his people, and you see that in the parable of the sheep and the goats.

Jesus says when we bless his people, we bless him. (See also Matthew 10:40-42).

But when we ignore or mistreat them, we ignore or mistreat him. (See also Acts 9:4-5)

Perhaps John thought of Jesus’ parable as he wrote:

If anyone has this world’s goods and sees a fellow believer in need but withholds compassion from him—how does God’s love reside in him? (1 John 3:17)

Do we truly know God?

Do we truly believe he is good?

And do we love his people?

Dear friends, let us love one another, because love is from God, and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.

The one who does not love does not know God, because God is love. (1 John 4:7-8)

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Matthew Devotionals

Helping the struggling

Matthew

They tie up heavy loads that are hard to carry and put them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves aren’t willing to lift a finger to move them. (Matthew 23:4)

It is so easy to condemn those who are struggling with sin. That’s true even when we aren’t adding a myriad of rules to God’s laws as the scribes and Pharisees did.

But God doesn’t call us to simply condemn those struggling with sin. Nor does he call us to simply ignore or downplay their sin.

Rather, he calls us to come alongside people and help them any way we can to overcome their sin. And as we do so, we are to show grace and mercy to them, the same grace and mercy we ourselves have received from Him.

So let us take on the heart of our Lord, who said,

Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Take up my yoke and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30)

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Matthew Devotionals

I am your God

Now concerning the resurrection of the dead, haven’t you read what was spoken to you by God:

I am the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob? He is not the God of the dead, but of the living.” (Matthew 22:31-32)

When I went back to Hawaii this past winter vacation, I visited the place where my dad’s ashes were scattered over 11 years ago.

As I read today’s passage, it reminded me of the hope we have in Christ.

For the God who said, “I am the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob,” now says this:

“I am the God of your father George. I am the God of Pastor Rob and all your other loved ones who knew me. And I am your God now and ever will be.

“Because now and forever, I am Immanuel, God with you.”

Thank you Lord, for the hope that I have in you. You are not the God of the dead, but of the living, of all who know you.

Lord help me pass on that hope to all who are now living in darkness, in despair. Let me bring the light of your hope that I have to them this year.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Matthew Devotionals

Being willing to admit you’re wrong

Matthew

I doubt anyone likes to admit they’re wrong. I certainly don’t.

Neither did the chief priests and the elders of the people.

They had misjudged John the Baptist and they had misjudged Jesus. And everything they saw, particularly the lives that were changed because of John and Jesus told them they were wrong.

But they were too proud to admit it and were eventually shattered as a result. (Matthew 21:44)

Meanwhile, the tax collectors (who were notorious for cheating people) and prostitutes heard John and Jesus and humbly repented. And because they did, they found God’s grace in their lives.

Lord, forgive me for the times I’ve been hard-hearted. For the times I’ve been too proud to admit I was wrong. I want to produce fruit for you and your kingdom.

So give me a heart that’s willing to admit when I’m wrong and change. Make me like you. In your name I pray, amen.

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Matthew Devotionals

Hardened hearts

Matthew

He told them, “Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because of the hardness of your hearts, but it was not like that from the beginning. (Matthew 19:8)

Jesus said, “Leave the little children alone, and don’t try to keep them from coming to me, because the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” (Matthew 19:14)

Father, as I head into this new year, I pray for a soft heart, the heart of a child. A heart that trusts you. A heart that believes your way is best. A heart that does not cling to or make excuses for its sins.

I don’t want to settle for second best, for what you “permit.”

I want your very best in my life. I want what you intended for me from the very beginning.

Show me the places where my heart is hardened and take your plow to my fallow ground. Let your blade dig down to the soil of my soul this year. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Matthew Devotionals

Causing people to fall

Matthew

But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to fall away—it would be better for him if a heavy millstone were hung around his neck and he were drowned in the depths of the sea.

Woe to the world because of offenses. For offenses will inevitably come, but woe to that person by whom the offense comes. (Matthew 18:6-7)

Lord, may I never cause one of your children to fall away.  I want to bring people closer to you, not drive them away from you.

Lord, guard my every action and word. Let every action and word be for the building up of your children, not their tearing down.

You valued them enough to die for them. Help me to value them the same way you do. Give me your heart for the people you love. In your name I pray, amen.

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Matthew Devotionals

Listen to Him!

Matthew

This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased. Listen to him! (Matthew 17:5)

Christmas is now past us, and for many people if they even thought of Jesus during the Christmas season, those thoughts are long past.

It’s so easy to do too. The Jesus most people think of at Christmas is the baby in the manger. A Jesus that makes no demands. Certainly not a Jesus that is to be obeyed.

But that is exactly what the Father commands. Jesus is not just a man of history born 2000 years ago.

He was and is God’s Son, his beloved Son with whom he is well-pleased.

And so though Christmas is past us, let us keep in mind each day the Father’s words and listen to his Son. And not only listen to him, but obey.

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Matthew Devotionals

Motivated by joy

Treasure

The kingdom of heaven is like treasure, buried in a field, that a man found and reburied. Then in his joy he goes and sells everything he has and buys that field. (Matthew 13:44)

As we live the Christian life, what motivates us?

When we see scriptures like, “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me (Matthew 16:24),” is our response reluctance?

Are we only thinking of what we are giving up?

Or is it joy?

Do we understand that what we give up is so much less valuable or important than what we’re gaining?

Lord, you are a good God. So let me give you all, holding nothing back, not out of some sense of obligation, but of joy.

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Matthew Devotionals

Offended by Jesus?

Matthew

Jesus replied to them, “Go and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive their sight, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor are told the good news, and blessed is the one who isn’t offended by me.” (Matthew 11:4-6)

I’m sure we’ve all experienced times of disappointment when Jesus didn’t do as we had hoped.

John certainly felt that way. He had expected Jesus to overthrow the Roman empire and establish God’s kingdom. But instead, he was stuck in a prison and would eventually be executed by Herod.

No, Jesus doesn’t always do for us what we hope.

But Jesus says to us the same thing he said to John.

“I am the one who is your hope. You may not be able to see it, but I am working. And ultimately, you will not be disappointed for putting your hope in me.”

So as we head into 2023, let’s keep that in view, and remember the words of the writer of Hebrews.

So don’t throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you need endurance, so that after you have done God’s will, you may receive what was promised.

For yet in a very little while,
the Coming One will come and not delay.

But my righteous one will live by faith;
and if he draws back,
I have no pleasure in him.

But we are not those who draw back and are destroyed, but those who have faith and are saved. (Hebrews 10:35-39)

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Matthew Devotionals

To be like Jesus

Matthew

A disciple is not above his teacher, or a slave above his master. It is enough for a disciple to become like his teacher and a slave like his master. (Matthew 10:24-25)

I think all Christians would say, “I want to be like Jesus.”

And certainly Jesus would be thrilled that his people have that kind of heart.

But to be like Jesus is not always easy.

The whole context of the above verse is that people will sometimes reject the gospel and treat us as badly as they did Jesus.

So I suppose the question is: Are we okay with that? Do we so want to be like Jesus that we are willing to accept the good with the bad?

Lord, I do want to be like you. And I recognize that being like you does not mean that life will always be fun and easy. Sometimes I may have to suffer as you did. There may be times that I will be rejected as you were.

But Jesus just having you in my life is enough. And if I can be like you, that will be enough for me.

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Matthew Devotionals

With a word

Matthew

But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. (Matthew 8:8)

This centurion understood authority and power. He lived under it and he wielded it.

With a word from his superior, he would quickly move to obey. With a word from his own mouth, his servants would quickly see that his will would be done.

And so this centurion was saying, “Jesus, I believe you have that kind of power and authority. Just say the word and my servant will be healed.”

Contrast that with the disciples who panicked during the storm, and were totally amazed that with a word Jesus could calm the wind and the waves.

This despite the fact that they had just seen Jesus heal the servant and cast out demons with a word (13 16).

Lord, how often because of my small faith I make you small in my own eyes. But you are not small.

With a word, you heal the sick, cast out demons, and calm storms.

With a word you created all things and will bring all things to an end, creating a new heavens and a new earth. (2 Peter 3:5-13)

So Lord, help me to trust you as the centurion did, no matter the problems I face, no matter the storms.

Thank you that you are truly a great and awesome God.

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Matthew Devotionals

Seeing our own sins

Matthew

Yesterday, I was reflecting on Matthew 6:22-23, thinking about how healthy my spiritual eyesight is.

Part of that is my ability to see my own sins and faults. It’s so easy to see other people’s sins and faults, and not see my own. (Matthew 7:1-5)

And as the old saying goes, there’s no worse deception than self-deception. When you’re self-deceived, as Jesus says, “how deep is that darkness.” (Matthew 6:23)

(O Lord.) Who perceives his unintentional sins?

Cleanse me from my hidden faults.

Moreover, keep your servant from willful sins;
do not let them rule me.

Then I will be blameless
and cleansed from blatant rebellion.

May the words of my mouth
and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable to you,
Lord, my rock and my Redeemer. (Psalm 19:12-14)

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Matthew Devotionals

Good eyes? Bad eyes?

Matthew

The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light.

But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. So if the light within you is darkness, how deep is that darkness. (Matthew 6:22-23)

Just reflecting on those words today and thinking, “How good is my eyesight?” Do I see things rightly in my life?

Do I see the praise of people as more important than the praise of God? Who am I really trying to please?

Do I see the things of this world rightly? Do I put the proper value on them? Namely, as less important than God and his kingdom?

Do I see God as he is? As a good Father? As one who truly cares for me?

And do I see that because he cares for me, I don’t have to excessively worry about my finances, food, health, or any of my daily necessities, trusting he will meet my needs?

Lord, give me spiritually healthy eyes. Help me see things as they really are. Help me to see you as you really are. Let me walk each day in your light.

“For the wellspring of life is with you. By means of your light we see light.” (Psalm 36:9)

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Matthew Devotionals

Obey, trust, worship

Matthew

[Jesus] answered, “It is written: Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4, Deuteronomy 8:3)

Father, there are times in my life you withhold things from me that I need or want. Not because they are not good. But to remind me that while these other things may be good or important, they are not enough to give me a life that is fulfilling.

What truly gives me life is living by every word that comes from your mouth.

So Father, help me to live in obedience to your good Word, just as Jesus did. (John 4:34)

Jesus told him, “It is also written: Do not test the Lord your God.” (7, Deuteronomy 6:16; Exodus 17:7)

Father, I do believe you love me. I do believe that you are with me.

So let me not be like the Israelites who questioned your love when times got hard. Instead, help me to trust you completely as Jesus did, as a little child trusts his good father.

Then Jesus told him, “Go away, Satan! For it is written: Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.” (10, Deuteronomy 6:13)

God, you alone are worthy of my worship. So let my words, my thoughts, my deeds, my life, be worship to you every moment of every day. Let me worship or serve no other.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Matthew Devotionals

A Christmas prayer

Wise men

Lord, let me never take you for granted or lose my wonder at you.

That’s what the priests and scribes seemed to have done.

They studied your scriptures. They did all their religious rituals.

But when they heard you had been born, they couldn’t be bothered to seek you out. They just went back to their studies and religious practices with hearts completely unchanged.

Lord, let me instead be like the wise men. Seeking you. Overwhelmed with joy at the sight of you. Falling to my knees. Worshiping you.

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Matthew Devotionals

The message of Christmas

Mary and Joseph

She will give birth to a son, and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21)

“He will save his people from their sins.”

How much did those words shock Joseph?

“My son will save his people from their sins? How is that possible? What does that mean?”

He certainly had no concept of the cross at that point.

Had the angel told him, “He will save his people from the Romans,” similar to what God had said concerning Samson (Judges 13:5), I’m sure Joseph would have had no problems understanding that.

But, “He will save his people from their sins?”

How many people today would be as confused as Joseph was?

If they think they need salvation at all, it might be salvation from government oppression. Or salvation from financial problems, health problems, or family problems.

They think joy and peace in their lives would come from having all those issues taken away.

And so if they ever ask God for anything, that’s what they pray for.

But it never occurs to them that the number one issue in their lives is their sin. They need salvation from their sin.

So many take their sin lightly. Many refuse to even admit their actions are sinful.

On the other hand, there are those completely burdened with guilt and regret because of their sin, but they can’t see what can be done about it.

To both, the message is the same: Jesus came to save his people from their sins.

So as we think about Christmas and how to share with the people we love its meaning, let us remember what is at the core of the Christmas message:

Jesus came to save his people from their sins.

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Matthew Devotionals

Though we live in crazy times

Matthew

I don’t know about you, but when I look at what’s going on in the world, and particularly in the United States, it seems this world is going mad.

But I took heart from the last few verses of this chapter.

Jesus said,

All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. (Matthew 28:18)

People sometimes abuse their power. Others try to tear down power structures.

But ultimately, all authority has been given to Jesus. He still rules, and no one can ever strip him of his power.

Jesus final words also bring me comfort.

And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age. (20)

Sometimes, it’s hard to see Jesus through the eyes of faith. But just because our faith falters at times and we can’t seem to find him doesn’t mean he has abandoned us.

He promised to be with us until the end of time. And he will keep that promise.

So what does this mean for us? Do we just relax then in the comfort of God’s love?

No. We do what Jesus told us to do.

Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. (19-20)

We’re living in a broken world, and there’s a lot of work to do.

Let’s get to it.

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Matthew Devotionals

When love grows cold

Matthew

In talking about the last days, Jesus says something pretty chilling.

Because lawlessness will multiply, the love of many will grow cold. (Matthew 24:12)

The scary thing is, he says this of those who profess to be God’s people.

When it says lawlessness will multiply, I wonder exactly what that means.

Does it mean that lawlessness will multiply in the world to such an extent that some among God’s people will start to despair. They lose faith that God is good and their cynicism towards him and others turns their love cold?

Or does it mean that they themselves will be swept into lawlessness, rejecting God’s word  and living for themselves, thus turning their love for God and others cold?

I don’t know. But either way, we need to guard our hearts.

Guard your hearts against sin. Don’t let yourself slip into sin by making excuses for it.

When you harden your heart by making excuses for your sin, your love for God and others will inevitably grow cold.

And when you see the evil around you and everything looks beyond hope, don’t lose your faith in God.

Keep believing he is good. Know in your heart that the day is coming when Jesus will return and make all things right.

Jesus promises us,

…the one who endures to the end will be saved. (13)

So remember your hope.

This good news of the kingdom will be proclaimed in all the world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. (14)

The evil we see in this world will not last forever.

So by God’s grace, let us endure with hearts overflowing with his love, and proclaiming his gospel to this dying world.

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Matthew Devotionals

Ignorant of the scriptures

When the Sadducees asked Jesus an asinine question, he responded,

You are mistaken, because you don’t know the Scriptures or the power of God. (Matthew 22:29)

Could Jesus say this of us?

How wrong is our worldview because we don’t really know the scriptures?

How often do we make foolish decisions because we really don’t know the scriptures?

And how often do we put God in a box, making him smaller than really is, because we don’t really know the scriptures?

May Jesus never say of us what he said of the Sadducees.

Instead, let us develop a love for God’s word, so that we may truly know him, and so that his way of thinking may shape ours.

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Matthew Devotionals

Your king is coming to you

Matthew

Say to the daughter of Zion,
Behold, your king is coming to you. (Matthew 21:5, ESV)

Those words struck me this morning.

“Behold, your king is coming to you.”

The first time Jesus came, he came humbly and mounted on a donkey, for the purpose of dying for our sins.

The next time he comes, it will be in power, to judge and to save. (Hebrews 9:27-28)

We see that throughout this chapter.

He brought judgment on those rejected him and his authority. But to the sinners who repented of their sins and believed in him, he gave salvation.

That is the message we need to preach.

“Your King is coming. He is coming to reap the fruit of faith, repentance, and righteousness. And if you do not produce that fruit, you will be judged.”

Lord, may we be people that bear your fruit each day, and preach your gospel to this lost and dying world.

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Matthew Devotionals

Making a difference in an unbelieving and perverse world

Matthew

I don’t know how we can look at the world today and not mourn.

As I write this, we have not only the Covid-19 virus still lingering, but in the U.S., we’ve also seen police brutality, violent protests, riots, and looting.

I can’t help but think Jesus would say the same thing to this world that he said while he walked this earth.

You unbelieving and perverse generation, how long will I be with you? How long must I put up with you? (Matthew 17:17)

The sad thing is that while Jesus no doubt was chiding a broken world which had turned its back on God, he was specifically addressing his disciples and their inability to make a difference in such a world.

Why were they so powerless? Because they had so little faith.

The ultimate solution to this unbelieving and perverse world?

Bring [them] here to me. (17b)

But how many of us truly trust in Jesus’ power to save the world through the gospel which he has entrusted to us?

We may say we believe the gospel is enough to save, but our actions often say we believe otherwise, either by watering it down or failing to preach it at all.

The result? We fail as miserably as the disciples did to make a difference.

Do we preach the message that Jesus gave us?

“Repent of your sins! Stop going your own way!

“The Kingdom of God is near! Submit yourself to your King! He gave his life for you that you might find life! You are only destroying yourselves by going your way! Stop choosing death! Choose life!”

Is this the message we’re preaching? Or are we preaching something else?

We are so quick to preach the love of God.

In times like these, we are also quick to preach the need for justice in the world.

But how quick are we to preach repentance?

Why do we fail to make a difference in this unbelieving and perverse world?

Because of your little faith…For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will tell this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move.

Nothing will be impossible for you. (20-21)

Lord, increase the faith of your people. And let us be faithful to your Word you have given us to preach and live out.

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Matthew Devotionals

Little faith, great faith

Matthew

A I read Jesus’ praise of the Canaanite woman, “Woman, your faith is great!” I wonder how the disciples felt.

Not just because they had asked Jesus to send her away, but because Jesus had said of them numerous times, “O you of little faith!”

In fact, the woman’s story is sandwiched by two stories of Jesus rebuking his disciples in this way. (Matthew 14:31, Matthew 16:8).

What was great about this woman’s faith?

Even when it seemed that Jesus was slow to respond, even though Jesus at first acted as though he didn’t care, she still believed in him. She believed in his goodness. And she believed that he would help.

It reminds me of the story Jesus told in Luke 18.

In Jesus’ story, a widow pleads with a judge who is corrupt and doesn’t want to help her, but because of her persistence, he helps her.

Jesus then contrasts that judge with our heavenly Father. Sometimes our Father seems slow to answer. Sometimes it seems as if he doesn’t care.

But he does care and he will help, if we’ll only be persistent in our faith and pray. But as Jesus said,

When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth? (Luke 18:8)

When we’re facing the storms of life, will he find faith?

When we’re facing Satanic attack, will Jesus find faith?

When we’re facing need, will he find faith?

When we’re facing injustice, will he find faith?

May Jesus say of us, “How great is your faith!”

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Matthew Devotionals

Closing our eyes and ears to God’s truth

Man with eyes shut to the Word

Let’s be honest. God’s truth is sometimes hard to hear. Sometimes it stings. The question is: what do we do with it?

Some people, as in today’s passage, close their eyes and ears to the truth. The result? Calloused hearts that can no longer hear from God.

That’s the danger with hearing truth. If you do nothing about it, your heart becomes calloused.

How about you? Have you read or heard something from God’s word recently that stung your heart? What did you do with it?

Did you say, “Yes, Lord. By your grace and strength, I will obey. Help me”?

Or did you close your eyes and ears to the truth?

God wants to heal your broken life. But you will never know that healing if you close your eyes and ears to his Word.

What will you do?

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Matthew Devotionals

True Sabbath worship

Matthew

Here in Japan and in the States, it looks like we’re all going to start returning to church soon.

But it would be well for us to remember what true Sabbath worship is.

It’s not just going to church. It’s not just singing praise songs, listening to the Bible message, and giving our offerings.

Jesus told the Pharisees, “I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.” (Matthew 12:7)

This did not mean that God didn’t want sacrifices. God had in fact commanded them. But God doesn’t merely want our religious rituals and actions.

He wants us to show mercy to people. How often do we go to church thinking, “Who can I show mercy to today?”

There are many people who are weary and burdened (Matthew 11:28).

Who are distressed and dejected, like sheep without a shepherd. (9:36).

Do we have compassion for them? Do we show mercy to them?

Let Jesus be the Lord of your Sabbath.

Don’t just go to church. Don’t just sing songs and listen to the message.

Look for who you can show mercy to.

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Matthew Devotionals

Kicked out of our comfort zones

Matthew

Today I read a passage very familiar to me.

When he saw the crowds, he felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dejected, like sheep without a shepherd.

Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is abundant, but the workers are few. Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest.” (Matthew 9:36-38)

Two things struck me that I had never thought of before. Matthew says that the people were distressed and dejected like sheep without a shepherd.

The words “distressed and dejected” have the idea of being torn and cast down.

As I thought of that image, I then recalled what Jesus had said to the Pharisees earlier in the chapter.

Go and learn what this means: I desire mercy and not sacrifice. (13)

Many of the sheep the shepherds raised in Israel were meant to be used as sacrifices. But in Jesus’ eyes, these torn and cast down sheep were not just meant for the sacrificial altar.

Jesus had a heart filled with compassion for these sheep and he longed to show mercy to them. To care for them. To heal their wounds.

And that’s what he did.

But living as a man on earth, there was a limit to what he could do.

And so he sent out his disciples to reach out to the mass of lost sheep scattered throughout Israel. And then he sent 72 more people out so that they could reach even more sheep.

But before doing so, he told his disciples to pray that God would send out more workers.

That word “send” is a very interesting one. It literally means, “drive out.” It’s the word that is often used for driving out demons.

Interestingly enough, it’s the same word that is used for the Holy Spirit driving Jesus out into the wilderness to be tempted.

And here, Jesus says, “Pray to the Lord of the harvest that he would drive more workers out into the harvest field.”

It’s what God did with the early church when they got too comfortable doing “church” in Jerusalem.

Jesus had told them to go out into the whole world and preach the gospel. They hadn’t even gotten as far as Samaria yet. Many of them were still stuck in Jerusalem.

So God used persecution to drive them out of Jerusalem. The result? They started sharing the gospel everywhere they went. (Acts 8:1-4).

Is it possible that God needs to do that to his people again?

How many of us, (and I include myself in this), are far too comfortable with our lives? How many of us lack the compassion for the torn and cast down as Jesus was?

Lord of the harvest, drive out more workers out of their comfort zones and into the harvest field. Give them your heart.

Give me your heart. Here am I. Send me.

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Matthew Devotionals

Following Jesus

Matthew

If there’s one word you see in this passage, it’s “follow.”

You see it five times in this chapter, but not all are used in the same sense.

The crowds literally followed Jesus, but not all of their hearts belonged to him.

One man said he would follow Jesus, but it seems he had never thought about how hard it could be.

Jesus called another man to follow him, but that man seemed unwilling to leave his old life behind.

One thing I noticed is when the word “follow” was not used. After Jesus healed the demon-possessed man, the people in his town didn’t want to follow Jesus. They in fact asked him to leave.

But perhaps the most encouraging use of “follow” was in regard to his disciples.

They had followed Jesus for some time. Yet even then, they didn’t truly understand who he was. And instead of living by faith, they sometimes were ruled by their fear.

And yet, Jesus didn’t chase them away. Even when they would later fail him, he did not chase them away. Instead, he still let them continue as his disciples.

In short, they were his disciples by grace.

Sometimes, we fail as Jesus’ disciples. Sometimes we have little faith. Sometimes our priorities get messed up. Sometimes we sin.

But Jesus doesn’t give up on us. All he asks us to do is to get up and keep following him.

We are saved by his grace. And we follow him by his grace.

May we live each day by that truth.

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Matthew Devotionals

If the church is ever to change the world

Matthew

I have often read the beatitudes as things applying to individual Christians.

As I read it today, though, I thought about the church? Can we say these things of the church today?

Are we a church of the poor in spirit, people living each day in humble dependence on the grace of God?

Are we a church of people who have known and do know mourning, but also know Christ’s comfort?

Are we a church of the humble and gentle? Or of the proud and combative?

Are we a church that hungers and thirsts for righteousness? That weeps at and repents of its sin and rejoices in what is good?

Are we a church that is merciful? Or simply a church that rails at the sin around it?

Are we a church that is pure in heart, wholly devoted to our Savior?

Are we a church of peacemakers? People who reconcile people with their God and people with each other?

Are we a church of those who are sometimes persecuted for righteousness’ sake? Or does the world love us all the time because we think just like them?

If not, consider the words of Jesus.

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt should lose its taste, how can it be made salty?

It’s no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. (Matthew 5:13)

How many churches have lost their taste and no longer flavor the world?

Is it any wonder that the world is in the shape it is in?

You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden.

No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house.

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. (14-16)

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Matthew Devotionals

Because of the cross

Matthew

According to Matthew, when Jesus was baptized,

The heavens suddenly opened for him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming down on him.

And a voice from heaven said: ‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased.’ (Matthew 3:16-17)

Three years later, Jesus underwent a different kind of baptism. Jesus compared his death on the cross to baptism. (Luke 12:50, Mark 10:38)

Unlike how it was at Jesus’ first baptism, however, heaven was shut to him as he hung on that cross, and all of God’s wrath toward us for our sin was poured out on him.

But three days later, Jesus rose again. What was the result of all this?

Heaven was opened up to us. That is, we who are Christians now have free access to God.

The Holy Spirit has descended upon us like a dove, and now when the Father looks at us, he says, “This is my beloved child with whom I am well-pleased.”

Recently, at my church, we’ve been hearing a series of messages from Hebrews 10:19-23.

I memorized it when I was in high school or university, and it’s always meant a lot to me. If you haven’t already, I recommend that you do so too.

Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have boldness to enter the sanctuary through the blood of Jesus— he has inaugurated for us a new and living way through the curtain (that is, through his flesh)— and since we have a great high priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed in pure water.

Let us hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, since he who promised is faithful. (Hebrews 10:19-23)

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Matthew Devotionals

A heart of worship

Matthew

“How passionate am I to come worship Jesus?”

That was my thought as I read this passage.

The wise men were definitely passionate about coming to worship Jesus. They left their country and left no stone unturned in order to find him.

And when they found the star of the Savior hovering over Bethlehem, “they were overwhelmed with joy.”  (Matthew 2:10)

Finding the Savior, they fell to their knees and worshiped him, offering him costly gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Contrast their response with that of the chief priests and scribes.

For whatever reason, their hearts were not stirred in the least to find and worship their Messiah. Instead, they went back to the temple to read their scrolls and perform their religious duties.

What about us? Do we daily have a passion to worship our Messiah? Are we overwhelmed with joy that he is near and that we have access to him?

Does that passion make us willing to sacrifice our time and our money simply for the privilege of coming before him and worshiping him?

Or are we…indifferent?

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Matthew Devotionals

The God who accomplishes his will

Matthew

In these difficult times, we often hear from pastors, “God is still in control.”

But do we believe it?

One thing I think we see from this passage is that God is in control, even when we can’t always see it.

He made his intentions clear from the very beginning, promising to Abraham that through him, all nations would be blessed.

He then promised to David that one of his descendants would reign forever.

How did this all happen? Through one unbroken line of blessing?

Actually no. When you look at the family line of the Messiah, you see a people corrupted and broken by sin.

You see Judah and his brothers who initially tried to kill their brother Joseph, before eventually sending him off into slavery in Egypt.

Yet God had not lost control. He used Joseph to save not only his family, but the Egyptians themselves, as well as the surrounding peoples.

You see times of God’s judgment in the form of famine, because of his people’s sin. Everyone did what was right in their own eyes, but in the process, they became utterly corrupt.

In the midst of that corruption, people like Naomi suffered great sorrow. Perhaps in her bitterness over losing her husband and sons, she wondered if God had lost control.

But instead, God used all this to bring a foreigner named Ruth into the family line of Jesus, showing that he already was keeping his promise to Abraham that all nations would be blessed through him.

You also see the good kings and the bad kings throughout Israel’s history.

David’s family threatened to tear itself apart because of his failures as a husband and a father.

Rehoboam actually did tear the nation apart because of his foolish decisions. The result was civil war, idolatry, the murder of innocent children, and all manner of atrocities ultimately leading to exile. Had God lost control?

No, even in all that, God had not lost control. He brought his people back.

Foreign nations opposed them, oppressed them, and even tried to annihilate them. But though all that, God kept that line of Messiah alive.

And then Jesus was born. His very name expresses God’s plan and purpose through all of history. “Yahweh saves.”

That’s our hope in the midst of all the chaos around us.

What God has promised, he will bring about. And nothing and no one can keep him from accomplishing his purpose.

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Matthew Devotionals

Receiving our King

Matthew

Today is the “Feast of Epiphany,” the day when many Christians remember the visit of the three wise men. (Though honestly, I have never been in a church that has celebrated this feast or thought about its significance).

But reading this story again, I think of the words of Simon who talked to Mary and Joseph on the day they brought Jesus to the temple to be circumcised.

Indeed, this child is destined to cause the fall and rise of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be opposed and a sword will pierce your own soul—that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. (Luke 2:34-35)

“That the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

The thoughts of the chief priests certainly were. You would think they had heard the rumors that the Messiah was born. (Matthew 2:3)

And yet it doesn’t seem to have occurred to them to seek him out. How that could be is beyond me.

King Herod, of course, wanted to kill this threat to the throne.

And the wise men came to worship him.

Even today, Jesus reveals the thoughts of people.

Most people feel unthreatened by thoughts of baby Jesus in a manger.

But when it comes to a Jesus who claims to be their king, that’s where their hearts are revealed.

Many dismiss the thought out of hand.

Others become hostile.

And others bow before him.

What response does Jesus spark in your heart?

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Matthew Devotionals

Why Jesus came

Matthew

As I was reading this passage today, I saw it in a slightly different way.

This man comes to Jesus and says, “What good must I do to have eternal life?”

Jesus answered, “Why do you ask me about what is good. There is only one who is good.”

What was Jesus’ point in saying that?

One point he was making is that only one person is truly qualified to be called “good,” and that’s God.

This makes your view of Jesus very important. If he is not truly God, you cannot say Jesus is truly good.

But more than that, perhaps what Jesus was saying was this: “You think it’s possible for you to become good? There is only One that can make the claim to be good. Do you really think you can become the second person who can make that claim?”

Jesus then challenges the man to keep the commandments if he thinks himself truly good. Amazingly, the man claims to have kept all of them. And yet, he still detects there is something lacking.

And so Jesus challenges him with the two most important commandments: to love his neighbor (sell all he has and give to the poor), and to love God (follow Jesus).

At this, the man walks away sadly because he was not willing to part with his riches.

Jesus’ words, like a double-edged sword pierced the man’s soul and showed him the truth that was there: that he was not as good as he had thought he was.

Why did Jesus come?

Unlike what the man may have thought, Jesus didn’t come simply to teach the commandments of God. If the commandments were all we needed to be saved, there would have been no need for the cross.

Rather Jesus came for one important reason: with man, woman, and child, salvation is impossible. We are all sinners. We all fall short of God’s goodness.

But with God, salvation is possible for us all, sinners though we are.

Jesus perfectly kept the law we were unable to keep. And then he paid the price for our sin on the cross.

Still, it seems Peter missed the point Jesus was making. Peter asked, “What about us? Look at what we have done for you.”

But if salvation were based on what we did for God, we’d all be doomed. Our salvation is based on what Jesus did. Peter would learn that later. (I Peter 1:1-5)

How about you? Do you think yourself good? Only one is good. And if you think you’re the second person who make that claim, you’re deceiving yourself. We all need a Savior. And that’s why Jesus came.

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Matthew Devotionals

A reason to rejoice

Matthew

Last Sunday, my pastor gave a message on Acts 16, in which Paul and Silas were worshiping in prison.

That’s a pretty remarkable thing to do when you think about it. Most people would be throwing a pity party. 

“God, here I am serving you, and what do I get for it? I get beaten and I get thrown in prison.”

That would be the natural reaction.

How could Paul and Silas rejoice? Perhaps because of what Jesus had told the apostles after his resurrection. (Paul and Silas weren’t there, but they had no doubt been told about Jesus’s words.)

All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.

Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you.

And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age. (Matthew 28:18-20)

“All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.”

No doubt, as the disciples reflected on those words, they remembered Daniel 7:13-14.

I continued watching in the night visions,
and suddenly one like a son of man
was coming with the clouds of heaven.

He approached the Ancient of Days
and was escorted before him.

He was given dominion,
and glory, and a kingdom;
so that those of every people,
nation, and language
should serve him.

His dominion is an everlasting dominion
that will not pass away,
and his kingdom is one
that will not be destroyed. (Daniel 7:13-14)

In interpreting the vision, an angel then told Daniel,

But the holy ones of the Most High will receive the kingdom and possess it forever, yes, forever and ever. (Daniel 7:18)

Why could Paul and Silas rejoice? Because they remembered two things.

First, the Father had given Jesus all authority. He had given Jesus a kingdom that will never be destroyed.

Second, we will receive that kingdom too and possess it forever.

How often do we reflect on that?

How good is God to us to make us a part of Jesus’ kingdom, a kingdom that will never end!

That’s why Paul and Silas didn’t focus on their troubles. Instead they rejoiced in God’s goodness toward them. And because of that, they continued to look at what God was doing around them, and made disciples, even of their jailer.

But there was one other thing they remembered. Jesus had said, “I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

We saw at the beginning of the book of Matthew that Jesus was called “Immanuel.” Here we see it again.

And that’s why Paul could write in another place,

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice…The Lord is near. (Philippians 4:4-5)

So whatever trial you’re facing now, rejoice! All authority has been given to Jesus. He has been given a kingdom and we are a part of it.

So let us do as Jesus said, joining in his work and making disciples of all nations.

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Matthew Devotionals

How will they remember me?

Mary of Bethany and Judas

In verses 6-16, we see two people that Christians remember.

We remember Mary for the great love she had for Jesus. In fact Jesus said of her,

Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her. (Matthew 26:13)

Then in the very next verse, we see another person Christians remember: Judas. But we remember him, not for his love of Jesus, but for his betrayal of Jesus.

When we are gone, what will people remember about us? What will they say about us? Will they remember the love we had for Jesus?

The good news is that our legacy can change.

Peter could have been remembered solely for denying Jesus three times. But while we do remember that, we also remember the grace Jesus poured into his life.

That’s what I pray people remember about me. That they remember my love for Jesus. And the great grace he has poured out on me.

How will they remember me?
I hope when they remember they see You.
–Kim Boyce

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Matthew Devotionals

Loving our brothers and sisters

Matthew

A lot of times, people use the end of this chapter to talk about how we are to be kind to all the hurting people in the world: the sick, the poor, the hungry, and those in prison.

Of course, this is true.

However, this passage is actually a little more focused than that.

Jesus said,

Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. (Matthew 25:40)

Question: Who are “these brothers and sisters of mine?”

Look at all the times that Jesus uses the terms of “my brothers” or “my brothers and sisters.”  (Matthew 12:50, Matthew 28:10, John 20:17).

Take a look also at verses like Luke 10:40, 42. Look at Acts 9:1, 4-5.

What you see is that when Jesus talks about his brothers and sisters, he’s talking about people who follow him.

One of tests of a true follower of Jesus is this: do we love our brothers and sisters? If we don’t there is something wrong.

That’s why John said this,

If anyone says, “I love God,” and yet hates his brother or sister, he is a liar.

For the person who does not love his brother or sister whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.

And we have this command from him: the one who loves God must also love his brother and sister. (1 John 4:20-21)

How do we treat our brothers and sisters in Christ? What does it say about our love for God?

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Matthew Devotionals

Living by grace

Matthew

To understand the parable at the beginning of Matthew 20, you really need to look at the end of chapter 19.

Peter had just seen a man walk away from the Lord because that man couldn’t let go of his riches. And so he asked Jesus,

“See, we have left everything and followed you. So what will there be for us?” (Matthew 19:27)

Jesus did reassure Peter that their sacrifice would be rewarded.

But he pointed out a major problem with Peter’s question: Peter was merely thinking about God’s kingdom as sacrifice. As duty. And it was extremely important to Peter to know what his “payment” would be for all his sacrifice and work.

Jesus’ parable about the workers in many ways parallels the parable of the prodigal son.

Great grace was shown to workers who had been idle most of the day. Who seemingly hadn’t even been looking for work.

And yet the master went out and brought them in and paid them generously for what little work they did. He in fact paid them the same wage as the workers who had come first thing in the morning.

And just as the older brother got upset at the grace shown to the prodigal son, the first workers got upset at the grace shown to the late coming workers.

Look at the similarity of their words. First the workers:

These last men put in one hour, and you made them equal to us who bore the burden of the day’s work and the burning heat. (Matthew 20:12)

Now the older brother:

‘Look, I have been slaving many years for you, and I have never disobeyed your orders, yet you never gave me a goat so that I could celebrate with my friends.

But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your assets with prostitutes, you slaughtered the fattened calf for him.’ (Luke 15:29-30)

What is the common complaint? “We have worked so hard for you. We slaved for you.”

There was no joy in their work. Just, “I’m sacrificing for you. I’m slaving away for you. Now give me what I deserve.”

That’s what Peter was saying.

More, in the two stories, there was a looking down on those who weren’t as “diligent.”

“Your worthless son did nothing but party while I was slaving away.”

“Those other guys were just standing around idle while I was working hard.”

And finally, there was a resentment shown when grace was shown to the “undeserving.”

How about you?

Is the kingdom of God all about “duty” and “sacrifice” to you?

Do you feel resentment because you feel you’re working so much harder than everyone else, and you’re not getting what you deserve?

Are you upset when God blesses people more than they deserve?

Or do you rejoice every day because of the grace that you have received?

Do you rejoice in the fact that God calls you “son” and “daughter.”

Do you rejoice that he has invited you to join in with his work?

Do you rejoice that God doesn’t give you what you deserve: hell?

Do you rejoice in the fact that he in fact gives you so much more?

That’s a life of grace.

Are you living a life of grace?

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Matthew Devotionals

The standard we follow

Matthew

We live in a world now where things that were once common sense are now openly questioned. More, you are condemned if you dare to question what the world now believes.

For example, according to the world’s standard, the ideas of “male” and “female” are just a social construct.

According to the world, these ideas of “male” and “female” have no objective basis in reality. As a result, we can define “male” and “female” however we want to.

People also are now questioning what marriage is. It used to be assumed by almost all that marriage is between one man and one woman. This is no longer the case.

But we do not follow the world’s standards. We follow Jesus’. What did Jesus say?

“Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that he who created them in the beginning made them male and female, and he also said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two will become one flesh?” (Matthew 19:3-5)

According to Jesus, how did he create us? As male and female. Gender is not something that humans thought up. It is something God created.

According to Jesus, what is marriage? It is a man leaving his father (male) and mother (female) and being joined to his wife (female).

And there is no arguing with Jesus. He will not compromise his standards. We see that when the disciples tried to argue about his standard for marriage, that it was to be for life. They said,

If the relationship of a man with his wife is like this, it’s better not to marry. (10)

Jesus’ answer?

Not everyone can accept this saying. (11)

When he says, “this saying,” Jesus is not talking about his teaching on marriage. He’s talking about about the idea that it’s better not to marry.

And he says, “Not everyone can be happy living single. Some choose to be single so they can serve God’s kingdom better. If they’re happy with being single, great!

“Others, because of physical problems, can’t get married.

“But whatever their situation, if they can accept what you said, and think it’s better to be single, that’s fine. But if they want to get married, they need to accept what I have taught. There is no middle ground.”

Those are hard words. And I believe Jesus has great compassion for those who love him and yet struggle with his words.

He has compassion for those who give up on the idea of marriage because they grew up in broken families and they worry that if they get married, it won’t go well.

He has compassion for those who struggle with homosexual feelings and feel they can’t get married as a result.

He has compassion on those who struggle with their gender identity.

And so as Christians, we too are to have great compassion on those who struggle in these ways.

But the answer is not to change Jesus’ standards. We are to hold to the standards that he has taught.

The struggles we have are not because his standards are wrong. The struggles we have are because we are people broken by sin.

The good news is that for those who belong to Christ, these struggles will not last forever. For as John said,

Dear friends, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet been revealed.

We know that when he appears, we will be like him because we will see him as he is. (1 John 3:2)

So let us never compromise our Lord’s standards. Rather, holding to the future hope we have, let us purify ourselves just as Jesus is pure. (1 John 3:3)

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Matthew Devotionals

Listen to him!

Matthew

It wasn’t long ago that I wrote on the parallel passage from Mark concerning Jesus’ transfiguration.

But the Father’s words, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased. Listen to him!” still ring in my heart.

The writer of Hebrews, perhaps recalling this story, said this:

Long ago God spoke to the fathers by the prophets (like Moses and Elijah) at different times and in different ways. In these last days, he has spoken to us by his Son. (Hebrews 1:1-2)

In chapter 2, he continues,

For this reason, we must pay attention all the more to what we have heard, so that we will not drift away.

For if the message spoken through angels was legally binding and every transgression and disobedience received a just punishment, how will we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?

This salvation had its beginning when it was spoken of by the Lord (Jesus), and it was confirmed to us by those who heard him (the apostles and other witnesses).

At the same time, God also testified by signs and wonders, various miracles, and distributions of gifts from the Holy Spirit according to his will. (Hebrews 2:1-4)

One of the main points of the letter to the Hebrews is that we are to hold tightly to this gospel we have received.

The problem was that people who had once claimed to believe it had fallen away from it. Why? Because the gospel had not truly taken root in their hearts. (Matthew 13:5-6).

Their understanding of the gospel was extremely shallow and they never truly understood what the gospel was and what it means to be a Christian.

As I mentioned a few weeks ago, we see that happening even today with famous pastors and worship leaders falling away.

So I really challenge you: pay attention to what you have heard. Truly think about the gospel you have heard, the gospel Jesus preached to his disciples after his resurrection. (Luke 24:25-27, 45-47).

Do you truly understand it? Do you truly understand what sin is? Why is it so bad?

Who was Jesus? How do we know he truly is God?

Why did Jesus have to die? Why is the resurrection so important?

What does it truly mean to be a Christian? Why do you believe what you believe?

Can you answer those things beyond the standard, shallow Christian replies?

If not, it’s time to start asking those questions. Listen to the answers Jesus gives. Listen to the answers that he gave through his apostles.

Listen!

For if the law God gave to Moses through angels condemned those who broke it, how can we escape if reject the gospel of salvation he has given through his Son?

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Matthew Devotionals

A hindrance to Christ

Matthew

Jesus’ harsh words to Peter really made me think.

Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me because you’re not thinking about God’s concerns but human concerns. (Matthew 16:23)

Just a few minutes earlier, he had told Peter,

I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will have been loosed in heaven. (19)

Like Peter, we have been given the keys to the kingdom of heaven. We have been given the gospel that can open heaven’s gate to people.

But how often do we fail to do that? How often do we instead hinder Jesus and his saving work because we are thinking, not about God’s concerns, but our own?

How often are we so concerned about our own life and what we want, that we fail to see what God is trying to do around us in the lives of others?

And because of that, not only do we fail to join in with what God is doing, we actually get in his way.

Lord, forgive me for the times I get so fixated on my own agenda, that I don’t see what you’re doing. Forgive me for even getting in your way.

Help me to see the needs of the people around me, the people you died for. Open my eyes. Change my heart. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Matthew Devotionals

A life of rest

Life of rest

Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Take up my yoke and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

These are among Jesus’ most famous words. And they contrast sharply with his rebuke of the experts of the law.

Then he said: “Woe also to you experts in the law! You load people with burdens that are hard to carry, and yet you yourselves don’t touch these burdens with one of your fingers. (Luke 11:46)

I suppose the question to ask ourselves is this: as we live this Christian life, are we feeling exhausted? Burdened?

Often times we suffer exhaustion because of the burdens of expectations.

The expectations people have of you.

Your own expectations of yourself.

The expectations (you think) God has of you.

And as we face these expectations, they all say the same thing, “You’re not good enough.”

We feel that from those around us.

We feel that about ourselves.

And worst of all, we think God is saying that of us as well.

But that is not a life of rest.

And so Jesus says, “Come to me. Don’t run from me. I don’t condemn you for your sins and failures. I died for those things.

“My Father already accepts you as his son, as his daughter. You don’t have to prove your worth to him. Rest in my grace. Rest in my love.”

Jesus says, “Take my yoke upon you. Don’t take the yoke of expectations that others put on you. That yoke is heavy. And most times, you won’t be able to bear it. To them, you are never good enough.

“Instead take on my yoke. It is a yoke that is full of grace, not condemnation. More, it is a yoke that you don’t carry alone. I am there right beside you, carrying it with you. So even if you stumble, its weight will not crush you.”

And he says, “Learn from me. You might be a slow learner, but that’s okay. I’m a gentle and patient teacher.

“I won’t give up on you like others might. Learn how I think. Learn how I do things. And just keep taking the next step forward. I’m in no hurry. Don’t worry if others are moving faster than you are. We have time. We have eternity.”

That’s a life of rest.

How about you? Are you completely burdened and exhausted by the Christian life? Or are you living a life of rest?

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Matthew Devotionals

Say the word

Matthew

“Say the word.”

Those words ring in my heart.

They are words that recognize the authority of Jesus.

An authority that the people marveled at, and even his own disciples marveled at. (Matthew 7:28-29; 8:27.)

It’s an authority that instantly brought healing (Matthew 8:13). An authority that caused demons to flee (8:16, 32).

And yet, it’s an authority that humans can choose to recognize or not recognize.

How did the priests respond when Jesus sent them that healed leper? (8:4)

How did those two would-be followers of Jesus respond when he challenged them? (8:19-22)

We don’t know.

We know how Matthew responded. Jesus said the word, and Matthew followed.

How about you? Do you recognize Jesus’ authority in your life? Do you say to him, “Say the word, and I will follow. I will do whatever you say?”

Will you say, as one song puts it, “I simply live for you”?

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Matthew Devotionals

Where our eyes are focused

Matthew

Here in Japan, we often talk about how 99% of the population don’t know Jesus. And in that environment, Jesus’ instructions on how we should pray becomes all the more urgent.

Your kingdom come. (Matthew 6:10)

But as I looked at verses 19-34, it seems to me that all of that is connected with that one prayer, “Your kingdom come.”

For what is our focus each and every day? Is it the comforts of life? Is it even merely the needs of life?

If that is our life focus, we lose sight of what’s really important: God’s kingdom. And the millions of people in Japan and throughout the world who don’t know him.

I know it’s easy for me to lose focus on what’s important.

And so as we pray, “Your kingdom come” today, let us also pray, “Lord, help me focus on what’s important. Use me today to touch people for your kingdom. Here am I. Send me.”

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Matthew Devotionals

Living by the Word of God

Matthew

Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. (Matthew 4:4)

Jesus’ words strike me on two levels.

We live in a world where the world is trying to impress its values upon us. And often times, those values are contrary to God’s Word.

The question is: do we know God’s Word well enough that we can test the things we hear?

When we hear the lies of the world, can we say with Jesus, “It is written” and give God’s perspective on things?

Or are we clueless because we are not feeding our minds and souls with the Word of God on a regular basis?

It’s also important to ask ourselves, “Do I really believe the Bible is God’s Word? Will I hold to it even when it contradicts the world’s way of thinking, or even my own?”

Too many people, even Christians, will say, “I accept what the Bible says here, but I don’t accept this.”

But Jesus certainly didn’t think that way. He lived his life based on every word that came out of the mouth of his Father. How can we do less?

But to live on every word that comes from the mouth of God does not simply mean knowing and believing it. It also means to obey it.

A large part of that is obeying what the Bible says. But it’s also listening to the guidance of the Spirit each day and following him. Honestly, I’m still learning to do that.

But let me be clear: The Spirit will never tell you something contrary to what God has revealed in the Bible.

So if you think the Spirit is saying something opposite to what the Bible teaches, then you’re hearing wrong. And that is another reason why we need to know the Bible well. It helps us know what is the Spirit’s voice and what is not.

How about you? Are you feeding on the Word of God daily? And are you following the leading of the Spirit?

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Matthew Devotionals

Following Jesus’ example

child of God

I can’t help but notice in this passage that Jesus sets us an example for how we should live as Christians.

In getting baptized, though he had no sin to repent of, Jesus showed that he was submitting himself to the Father’s will. The Spirit then came upon him and filled him, and the Father said,

This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased. (Matthew 3:17)

From there, Jesus lived his life each day led by the Spirit.

If Jesus needed to do that, how much more do we?

Paul actually talks about this in Romans 8. He says that when we became Christians, we died to a heart that was rebellious towards God. (Romans 8:4-11).

Now the Holy Spirit dwells in us, and when the Father looks at us, he says to us, “My beloved child.”

Hearing that, we cry out in response, “Abba! Father!” (Romans 8:14-17)

Not only that, the Holy Spirit is there to lead us moment to moment, day to day. (Romans 8:4-5)

So let us thank God every day that he calls us his beloved children.

And let us continually ask the Spirit, “What is my next step?”

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Matthew Devotionals

The one who saves his people

Matthew

I heard news today of a well-known former pastor who has now renounced his faith and is now going down a different path.

And the question that is often asked at this kind of time is, “What happened? How could this happen?”

I don’t know. But this I know: people falling away is not anything new, even among church leaders.

In 2 Timothy, Paul wrote this of two people, Hymenaeus and Philetus, who had at one time been church leaders:

They have departed from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and are ruining the faith of some. (2 Timothy 2:18).

But then Paul adds,

Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, bearing this inscription: The Lord knows those who are his… (2 Timothy 2:19)

In other words, Hymenaeus and Philetus may have proved to be false believers (1 John 2:19), but God was never fooled. He knows exactly who are his own.

Which brings me to today’s passage, to something that I had never noticed before.

In talking to Joseph about Mary, the angel said,

She will give birth to a son, and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21)

The key words: He will save his people.

We know from Ephesians 1 and Romans 8 that God knew from the beginning who his own were. That before the world was created, he had in love chosen people to be his own. Not because of any special qualifications they had, but because of his grace.

And having chosen them, he put his plan into action.

In doing so, he worked through former idolaters (Abraham), liars (Isaac), and connivers (Jacob).

He worked through outsiders (Ruth and Rahab), and he worked through adulterers (David) and backsliders (Solomon).

He worked through both good kings and bad kings.

He took one man and turned him into a nation. He led that nation out of slavery and made them a kingdom. He then sent them into exile for their sin, and by his grace brought them back out.

And this was all to what purpose? To save a people that he had chosen before the creation of the world.

And this he ultimately accomplished by coming himself into this world and taking on human flesh. He truly became God with us. And through the cross, he saved his people.

So what am I saying? Only God knows whether this pastor is truly His own or not. But if this pastor is, God will bring him back. That would be no great feat.

For when you look at that list I mentioned above, all of them had failed in one way or another. But because they were God’s people, he brought them back.

And that gives us hope. That no matter how far gone we may be, if we are God’s own, he will bring us back.

He will save his people from their sin.