Matthew – Be Still…

Matthew 4:19 – Gone Fishing!

Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” (Matthew 4:19)

Can you imagine being on the shore that day when Jesus said these words? Following Jesus seems like the right thing to do for us today, but what about back then? Since we know how the story plays out, we know Jesus had twelve disciples who all listened and obeyed the request to follow Jesus. Now it’s our turn.

Context: This verse is found in Matthew’s gospel just as Jesus’ ministry is beginning. It was in this moment that Jesus chose his first disciples. Simon and Andrew, his brother, were fishermen, so this invitation would have given them reason to be curious. Up to this point, fish had been their livelihood. How in the world would they fish for people, they must have wondered. Continue reading “Matthew 4:19 – Gone Fishing!”

Matthew 18:20 – Jesus is Here

“For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.” (Matthew 18:20)

What a great promise Jesus makes for us in this verse. I don’t know how many times I’ve quoted this when in a small group, or attending a meeting when only a few people show up. How comforting to know Jesus is there. Have you ever set an empty seat out in his honor?

Context: This verse is nestled in a section of chapter 18 where Jesus is addressing conduct between believers. Jesus gave great counsel to what to do when we don’t see eye to eye with other believers. Earlier in the chapter Jesus uses the parable of the lost sheep and talks about becoming like children in terms of the purity of our faith. Continue reading “Matthew 18:20 – Jesus is Here”

Matthew 3:1-12 – Prepare the Way

Read Matthew 3:1-12

John the Baptist was an interesting fellow who took his job very seriously. Not many of us can claim that the prophet Isaiah spoke about us. John’s purpose in life was planned by God for many years. He was to prepare the way for Jesus first coming. What an honor!

Do you ever wonder who God is planning to use to prepare the way for Jesus’ second coming? You might want to look in the mirror. While we’ll find out one day if God has in mind just one individual to stand out like John did with his less than “normal” ways. For now, we can be sure God is counting on us to welcome people into his family by introduction and our loving example. Continue reading “Matthew 3:1-12 – Prepare the Way”

Christmas Matthew 2:1-12 – Wisdom

Read Matthew 2:1-12

These men were expecting a Jewish king to be born from prophecy. They must have been elated when they finally saw the star. We don’t know much about these men, other than they were wise. The text doesn’t say where they came from, how long they had traveled, or how many of them there were. Have we assumed three because there were three special gifts? (Fun fact: the Eastern church recognizes there were twelve wise men!)

Their wisdom had prepared them for this moment. You can imagine many people had seen that glorious star in the sky, but they had no idea what it meant. Somehow, these men knew it signified the birth of a future Jewish king, even greater than King Herod, the then current king on the throne.

Advent Matthew 24:42-44 – Watch

This Advent reading comes from Jesus’ teaching on the future found in Matthew 24:

“So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming. Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into. You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.”

Jesus is coming back. He said so himself. Even as we draw closer to the celebration of His first coming, I’m still excited for Jesus’ second coming. Jesus gives us a warning here we should to pay attention to. “Keep watch!” Since we’re not meant to know exactly when he’s coming, being on watch will assure we are not drifting away from God’s loving arms. The not knowing can also make the waiting and watching much harder.