Lessons

Matthew 22:1-6 – This is still another parable, with four aspects to it. He introduces this parable by saying that the parable had to do with the kingdom of heaven. The first part is the rejection of the invitation. Wedding feasts were huge affairs that lasted about a week. Imagine how much more splendid would be … Read more

Matt. 21:1-3 – Most of us in the United States are not oriented to the concept of royalty other than the periodic displays of English coronations, weddings and funerals. In this chapter we come to the display of God’s King being presented to His people. His entire earthly ministry has led to this significant point. … Read more

Matthew 20:1-16 – The last verse of Matthew 19 really belongs with Matthew 20 as we shall see. One of the sins that Israel was indicted for when she was brought into captivity was calling God unfair and unjust. Jesus deals with this issue in this parable. When men doubt the justice and fairness of God, it is always because they … Read more

Matthew 19:1-2 The connection between chaps. 18 and 19 may be a continuation on forgiveness, not only with others, but especially in marriage where unfaithfulness and divorce may occur. These first two verses of chapter 19 mark a significant transition in Jesus’ ministry. The focal point of ministry moves from the Galilee to Judea in the … Read more

Matthew 18:1-4 The disciples ask Jesus who would be the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. The question by the disciples was motivated by their selfish ambitions. We know this from Mark 9:33-37where they ask the question to settle the argument among themselves about who would be the greatest. Their question demonstrates that they still didn’t understand … Read more

Matthew 17:1-2. In Matthew 16:28 Jesus tells His disciples that some who were among them at that time would not die before seeing the Son of Man in His Kingdom. Peter made his confession of faith that Jesus was the Son of God in the region of Caesarea Philipi. Six days later Jesus takes Peter, James and … Read more

Mat. 16:1-4 – The arrogance that God is seeking to break is evident in this encounter with the Pharisees and Sadducees.  Here we see two groups that were traditionally at odds with each other united in their opposition to Jesus.  The Sadducees were the aristocrats, the elite.  They were of priestly descent from the tribe of Levi and … Read more

Matt. 15:1-2 To begin to understand Judaism we need to know how the Talmud is considered and integral part of the Torah. The Torah is understood in Jewish tradition to be a complementary part of God’s revelation. Just as we accept the Old & New Testaments as “Gods revelation” non-Messianic Jewish faith holds the Talmud … Read more

Matthew 14:1-2 – Herod was one of three rulers in the province under the Roman Emperor, hence the title tetrarch. This Herod was Herod Antipas a son of Herod the great. Following the death of Herod the Roman government split his kingdom in three ways the other two sections that had been ruled by Herod were … Read more