Having Ears to Hear

Scott Risley
Matthew 13:1-23

The parable of the farmer going out to sow seeds mark the beginning of Jesus only speaking to the crowds in parables. The Pharisees and spiritual leaders had begun to realize Jesus was often critiquing them when he addressed the crowds following Him. They became increasingly hostile to Jesus so He began speaking in parables so those with ears to hear would hear and those who did not desire to hear truth, would not hear.

Jesus Versus Religion

Dennis McCallum
Matthew 11:16-12:21

Jesus and his disciples break grain during the Sabbath, infuriating the Pharisees. Jesus goes to discuss the difference between the "religious" mentality of the Pharisees versus what God actually cares about. Jesus argues directly with the Pharisees about their hypocritical religious mentality. For the religious, the focus is following all sorts of external regulations to be seen as righteous before people and seeing this as the way to please God. Jesus came to point out that real righteousness comes from humbly recognizing our inability to meet all the regulations of God's law, but instead to admit our brokenness and ask for forgiveness in faith. God desires to show people compassion rather than needing sacrifices from them.

Old Testament Lessons for the New Testament Church

Jim Leffel
Exodus 11:1-12:51

The Bible claims divided loyalties have always been present in the human heart. Paul appeals to the Old Testament account of the Israelite's Exodus from Egypt to point the New Testament Church away from idols and back to Christ.

Grow or Groan

James Rochford
James 1:1-11

Troubles and suffering are an inevitable part of human existence. When faced with suffering we can either use it as an opportunity to grow and build character or become bitter. We are provided with sufficient knowledge to have faith that God has a plan for us and will grow us through Jesus' example on the cross and knowledge that he suffers with us and for us. James also warns of having divided loyalty between God and earthly riches because riches will eventually fade away.

The Parable of the 3 Managers

Gary DeLashmutt
Matthew 25:14-30

Jesus tells a parable of a master who goes away on a long journey and gives three managers the responsibility of taking care of his assets before he returns. The first two managers invested the assets wisely, while the third didn't invest. When the manager comes back, he rewards the faithful investment of the first two managers and exposes the wicked and lazy attitude of the third servant and casts him away from his presence. Through this parable, three lessons are communicated: 1) God is the owner and we are all managers; 2) God gives us both freedom and responsibility in our management; and 3) the key to a favorable verdict is faith in God. As Christians, we should handle God's resources not only faithfully, but in light of His return.

Jesus' Authority

Scott Risley
Matthew 8:1-17

Matthew's account of Jesus' first three miracles focused on outcasts. He healed a leper, a gentile servant girl and a woman, Peter's mother-in-law. These miracles authenticated him and His authority. They demonstrated his power is expressed in love.

Jesus Establishes His Authority

Dennis McCallum
Matthew 8:18-9:8

Through three separate eye-witness accounts, Jesus demonstrates his authority. He demonstrates his authority in four separate ways: 1)his power over prejudice; 2) his power over nature; 3) his power over Satan and the demons; and 4) his power over sin. In particular, Jesus gives special attention to his authority to forgive sins. Since Jesus was able to forgive the man's sins, he is also able to forgive ours as well. The way to get real forgiveness and restore a relationship with God is through Jesus Christ.

What About Miracles?

Dennis McCallum
Matthew 8:1-15

Jesus performs four miracles. He heals a man with leprosy, who would be seen as a total outcast at that time. He sees the faith of a gentile centurion and heals his slave servant and then goes on to heal a woman. All of these people were see as unimportant in society, but not to Jesus. Jesus miraculous power was used to authenticate his claims and demonstrated his love towards those who are deemed as unloved. Jesus wants to express his love to all people through his work on the cross.

The Parables of the Mustard Seed and the Yeast

Gary DeLashmutt
Colossians 1:5-6

Jesus tells a parable of a mustard seed and the yeast. The parable describes a small growth that eventually becomes large and widespread, something that fits in with the small, yet widespread growth in Christianity over the years. Today, Christians have the immense privilege in participating in God's work that is spreading throughout the world as we: pray for the nations to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ, give our financial resources to God's work, and even go ourselves to spread the message of the gospel. As Christians comprehend the love of Jesus, we can become more and more motivated to love those who do not know Jesus and to get engaged with God's global plan.