The New Testament in a Year

Matthew 23. Day 91 - The New Testament in an Year

Hypocrisy.  The "Woes".   Jesus' Emotional Response.
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which appear beautiful on the outside, but inside are full of the bones of the dead and every kind of impurity.  In the same way, on the outside you seem righteous to people, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness." -Matthew 23:27-28
In today's episode, we explore Matthew Chapter 23, a pivotal passage where Jesus exposes the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and religious leaders. As we navigate through this chapter, we're encouraged to look for crucial elements such as the focus on hypocrisy, the understanding of the "woes," and Jesus' emotional response to the spiritual state of His people. Each of these points reveals deeper layers of understanding about living a life that genuinely reflects our faith. We examine how Jesus criticizes the leaders for neglecting the more significant aspects of the law—justice, mercy, and faithfulness—while also challenging us to ensure our actions align with our words.
Our journey through this chapter brings forth several impactful takeaways that inspire us to enhance our walk with Christ. We explore the dangers of hypocrisy, emphasizing the need for authenticity in how we live out our faith both privately and publicly. The call to embrace humility stands out, urging us to find greatness not in recognition but in serving others quietly and diligently. Lastly, we reflect on the importance of embodying justice, mercy, and faithfulness in our everyday lives. These values, central to a robust Christian life, require our active engagement and a heartfelt commitment to practice them consistently, thereby shaping our actions and decisions in a way that honors God and serves others effectively

Matthew 22. Day 90 - The New Testament in an Year

The Wedding Feast.  The Greatest Commandment.  The Resurrection Affirmed. 
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important command.  The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself."  Matthew 22:38-39
In this episode, we explore Matthew Chapter 22, where critical parables and teachings of Jesus are highlighted. We begin by delving into the Parable of the Wedding Feast, which illustrates the inclusive nature of God’s invitation to His kingdom. We're encouraged to recognize the implications of rejecting this call and the importance of being properly prepared through righteousness. As we move further, our understanding deepens with Jesus’ profound summary of the law through the Greatest Commandment, emphasizing the essential role of love in our relationship with God and others. We also tackle the challenging question about the resurrection posed by the Sadducees, which allows us to appreciate the scriptural basis and the powerful affirmation of life beyond death.
The takeaways from this chapter provide practical guidance for living out the teachings of Jesus in our daily lives. We are reminded of the universality of God’s invitation and encouraged to reflect this inclusivity in our own lives, perhaps by welcoming those who feel marginalized. The episode also brings to light the central nature of love in our faith, urging us to actively seek the good of others and deepen our love for God. Lastly, by affirming the reality of the resurrection, we are motivated to adopt an eternal perspective in our actions and interactions, promoting a life that truly reflects the values of the kingdom of heaven. Each of these insights not only enriches our understanding but also challenges us to transform this knowledge into action within our communities and personal lives.

Matthew 21. Day 89 - The New Testament in an Year

Triumphal Entry.  Cleansing of the Temple.  Parables.
"Jesus went into the temple and threw out all those buying and selling. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves. He said to them, “It is written, my house will be called a house of prayer, but you are making it a den of thieves!”  Matthew 21:12-13
In this episode, we read Matthew Chapter 21 and focus on three key "look-fors" that illuminate the scripture’s teachings. First, we witness the Triumphal Entry, where Jesus fulfills ancient prophecy by riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, prompting us to reflect on the crowd’s response and the unease of the city's leaders. Then, we explore the Cleansing of the Temple, a powerful display of Jesus' authority and his zeal for spiritual purity, challenging us to consider the integrity of our own spiritual practices. Lastly, through Jesus’ teachings and parables, particularly the Parables of the Two Sons and the Tenants, we gain insights into obedience, authority, and the consequences of our responses to God's calling.
Our takeaways from this chapter are thought-provoking and encourage us to integrate the teachings into our daily lives. We discuss the importance of humble service, inspired by Jesus' modest entry into Jerusalem, which teaches us that true leadership in God's eyes is rooted in humility and service to others. We also consider the significance of maintaining spiritual integrity, spurred by Jesus’ cleansing of the temple, which calls us to align our actions with our beliefs. Lastly, we examine the value of obedience to God through the lens of Jesus' parables, encouraging us to be faithful stewards of what He has entrusted to us. These lessons not only enhance our understanding of the scripture but also inspire us to live out our faith more authentically and dynamically.

Matthew 20. Day 88 - The New Testament in an Year

Parable to the Workers.  Jesus Predicts His Death.  Healing of the Two Blind Men.
"whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,  and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave" - Matthew 20:26-27
In today's episode, we explore Matthew Chapter 20, where the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard takes center stage, teaching us about God’s boundless grace and fairness. We examine the landowner's generosity as he pays the late workers the same as those who worked all day, illustrating that the last will be first in the Kingdom of Heaven. As we explore further, Jesus' prediction of His death prepares us for understanding His ultimate sacrifice, while the request made by James and John's mother opens a discussion on true leadership as servanthood. Additionally, the healing of two blind men near Jericho reinforces the power of faith and Jesus' compassion towards those who believe in Him.
Our reflections lead us to three profound devotion takeaways: recognizing the vastness of God's grace, understanding the essence of leadership as servitude, and the importance of persistence in faith and prayer. We're reminded that God's grace is a gift, not earned by our deeds but given freely, encouraging us to extend the same grace to others. The episode challenges us to embrace our roles as servants in our communities, putting others first as Christ did. Lastly, the persistent faith of the blind men inspires us to maintain our prayers and faith, even when faced with discouragement. Each of these points not only deepens our understanding of the scriptures but also provides practical ways to enhance our daily walk with Christ.

Matthew 19. Day 87 - The New Testament in an Year

The Sanctity of Marriage.  Blessing the Children.  The Rich Young Ruler. 
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
In this episode, we explore Matthew Chapter 19, exploring critical teachings of Jesus on marriage, children, and wealth. We focus on key elements such as the sanctity and permanence of marriage as Jesus addresses the Pharisees' challenging questions on divorce, highlighting how our relationships should reflect God's original intention for unity and lifelong commitment. We also witness Jesus embracing little children, teaching us the importance of humility and openness in receiving the kingdom of heaven, and challenging our perceptions of value and worth. The encounter with the rich young ruler further probes the tension between earthly wealth and spiritual riches, urging us to consider what we might be holding onto that could hinder our full commitment to following Christ.
Through our reflections on these passages, we glean profound insights and encouragement for our spiritual journey. The unwavering truth of marriage calls us to honor and cherish our relationships more deeply, aligning them with divine principles. In embracing childlike faith, we're invited to renew our trust and wonder in our walk with God, stripping away cynicism. The discussion around the rich young ruler reminds us of the cost of discipleship, challenging us to evaluate our priorities and the place of material possessions in our lives. Each of these teachings encourages us to pursue a deeper, more meaningful relationship with Christ, reshaping our actions and decisions in the light of His teachings.

Matthew 18. Day 86 - The New Testament in an Year

Child-Like Faith. The Lost Sheep.  The Unforgiving Servant.
"What do you think? If someone has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, won’t he leave the ninety-nine on the hillside and go and search for the stray?"  Matthew 18:12
In this episode, we explore Matthew Chapter 18, where the emphasis on humility, forgiveness, and community shines through. We explore important "look-fors" such as Jesus’ profound teaching using a child to illustrate humility and the essential nature of innocence in faith. The parable of the lost sheep and the repeated call to forgive not just seven times but seventy-seven times are discussed in depth, providing us with a blueprint for understanding and practicing relentless forgiveness and unconditional love within our communities. These stories from Jesus not only teach us about the values that should govern our personal interactions but also about the persistent grace we must offer to one another.
The takeaways from this chapter offer us rich, actionable insights into how we can improve our walk with Christ. We are reminded of the importance of embracing humility, mirroring the trust and dependency of a child towards their parent. This episode encourages us to reflect on our own forgiveness practices, urging us to extend grace as abundantly as it is given to us by God. Additionally, by recognizing the unique value of every individual, we are called to actively engage in seeking out and nurturing those who are lost or sidelined. These reflections not only deepen our understanding of God’s kingdom but also challenge us to apply these truths in practical, everyday actions to enhance our communal and personal faith journeys.

Matthew 17. Day 85 - The New Testament in an Year

The Transfiguration.  The Power of Faith.   Embracing Discipleship. 
 “Because of your little faith,” he told them. “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.”  - Matthew 17:20
In this episode, we explore Matthew Chapter 17, where the divine nature of Jesus is vividly illustrated through the awe-inspiring Transfiguration. We witness Jesus transformed, His face shining like the sun and His clothes dazzling white, alongside the Old Testament figures of Elijah and Moses. This profound moment is accentuated by the voice of God from the clouds, reaffirming Jesus as His beloved Son. As we delve into this chapter, we look for signs of Jesus' authority and divinity, understand the critical role of faith—emphasized through the disciples' struggle with unbelief—and contemplate Jesus' foretelling of His own suffering and resurrection, which puzzles yet prepares His disciples for the challenges ahead.
Our journey through this scripture brings us several impactful takeaways to enhance our walk with Christ. We are reminded of the importance of growing in our understanding of Jesus’ true nature and His teachings, recognizing that even a faith as small as a mustard seed can lead to miraculous outcomes. The episode encourages us to nurture our faith and rely on God's power in our lives, especially in moments of doubt and difficulty. Lastly, we embrace the journey of discipleship, learning to carry our crosses with perseverance and hope, and to trust in God's plan through the challenges of life. These reflections not only deepen our faith but also inspire us to live out the values of commitment and trust in our daily lives

Matthew 16. Day 84 - The New Testament in an Year

Demand for a Sign.   Peter's Declaration.   The Cost of Discipleship.  
"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
In today's episode, we dive into Matthew Chapter 16, focusing on crucial moments that challenge and deepen our understanding of faith. We first encounter the demand for a sign from Jesus by the Pharisees and Sadducees, a scenario that highlights their skepticism and Jesus's response, pointing us to recognize the deeper signs of His messianic mission. As we progress, Peter’s declaration that Jesus is "the Christ, the Son of the living God" serves as a pivotal affirmation of faith, identified not through human wisdom but through divine revelation. This episode encourages us to look for the subtleties in Jesus’s teachings and the profound implications of acknowledging His true identity.
The takeaways from this chapter are both challenging and uplifting as they guide us in our spiritual journey. We explore the cost of discipleship, which calls for self-denial and bearing one's cross, inviting us to evaluate our daily choices through the lens of Jesus's teachings. The promise of eternal life further motivates us to focus on eternal rather than worldly gains, prompting us to live out the values of compassion, integrity, and humility. Through these reflections, we gain practical insights into applying these spiritual truths, encouraging us to live a life that truly reflects our commitment to following Christ.

Matthew 15. Day 83 - The New Testament in an Year

Heart vs Ritual.   What Defiles a Person.   Persistent Faith. 
"Then Jesus replied to her, “Woman, your faith is great. Let it be done for you as you want.” And from that moment her daughter was healed."   Matthew 15:28 
In Matthew Chapter 15 we encounter a series of profound interactions and teachings from Jesus that challenge and expand our understanding of faith and purity. We begin by exploring a debate between Jesus and the Pharisees regarding the importance of human traditions versus God's commandments. This discussion then pivots to a crucial teaching about what truly defiles a person, emphasizing that it's not external practices but the intentions and outputs of the heart that matter most in our spiritual lives.
We also witness the remarkable faith of a Canaanite woman, whose interaction with Jesus underscores the inclusivity of His ministry and the power of persistent faith. Through her story, we see Jesus' message of salvation extending beyond the Jews to all humanity, inviting us to reflect on the boundaries we might unconsciously uphold within our own communities of faith. This episode not only guides us through the scripture but also encourages us to examine the purity of our hearts and the inclusiveness of our actions as we continue to walk in our faith journey.

Matthew 14. Day 82 - The New Testament in an Year

John Beheaded.  Feeding 5000.  Walking on Water.
"When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. Then those in the boat worshiped him and said, “Truly you are the Son of God.”   Matthew 14 32-33
In this episode, we begin with the recount of John the Baptist's execution, a narrative that highlights the perils faced by those who boldly proclaim the truth.  This sets a reflective backdrop as we transition into witnessing the extraordinary compassion and power of Jesus through His miracles.
We explore the miraculous feeding of the 5,000, a testament to Jesus' ability to meet our needs abundantly, urging us to consider what little we might offer in faith for Him to multiply. Following this, we navigate the thrilling waters of Jesus walking on the sea, an event that not only displays His dominion over nature but also teaches us about the strength of faith and the immediacy of His rescue when we falter. Through these narratives, we are invited to reflect on the nature of faith, the certainty of divine provision, and the ever-present compassion of Jesus.