Matthew 22:15–22: The Loyalties of a Pilgrim People
By telling us to return to Caesar what is Caesar’s, Jesus instructs us to conduct ourselves honorably as God’s pilgrim people in a foreign land. (Exposition of Matthew 22:15–22)
Matthew 22:1–14: Many Called; Few Chosen
In the parable of the wedding feast, Jesus shows us the lavish love of God and the foolish pride of unbelief. Come to the wedding feast! (Exposition of Matthew 22:1–14)
Matthew 21:33–46: The Rejected Cornerstone
Jesus confronts religious leaders that they cannot successfully reject his authority: “Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way.” (Exposition of Matthew 21:33–46)
Matthew 21:28–32: Doing the Will of the Father
God wants not only a “right away” agreement with him, but “all the way” obedience. True faith includes knowledge, assent, and trust. (Exposition of Matthew 21:28–32)
Matthew 21:23–27: By What Authority?
The only legitimate authority is the authority that is given from heaven. Even Jesus came to do the will of his Father in heaven. (Exposition of Matthew 21:23–27)
Matthew 21:18–22: “If You Have Faith”
When Jesus withers the fig tree, he does so to teach an important lesson: spiritual fruitfulness comes by faith, not by formalism. (Exposition of Matthew 21:18–22)
Matthew 21:10–17: The Messianic Prophet, Priest, and King
When he enters into Jerusalem and cleanses the temple, we see decisive proof that Jesus is the Messianic Son of David. (Exposition of Matthew 21:10–17)
Matthew 21:1–9: “Behold, Your King is Coming to You”
When Jesus enters triumphantly into Jerusalem, he defies all expectations. King Jesus came to save his people in unexpected ways. (Exposition of Matthew 21:1–9)
Matthew 20:29–34: “Lord, Have Mercy on Us, Son of David”
As Jesus heals two beggars, he reminds us of the call and promise from Psalm 131:3: “O Israel, hope in the Lord from this time forth and forevermore!” (Exposition of Matthew 20:29–34)
Matthew 20:20–28: A Ransom for Many
As Jesus approaches Jerusalem, he prepares to come into his kingdom. Those around him must prepare also to share in Christ’s sufferings. (Exposition of Matthew 20:20–28)
Matthew 20:17–19: Discipleship in Death and Resurrection
As Jesus approaches Jerusalem, he must address the ambitious, reward-seeking desires of his disciples. Seek Jesus’ resurrection reward. (Exposition of Matthew 20:17–19)
Matthew 20:1–16: The Last Will be First
In the parable of the laborers in the vineyard, Jesus teaches further about how he reverses positions. Not only does Jesus make the first last, but Jesus makes the last first. (Exposition of Matthew 20:1–16).
Matthew 19:23–30: With God All Things are Possible
How can we break free from the seemingly impossible temptation of measuring our security by our wealth? With God all things are possible. (Exposition of Matthew 19:23–30)
Matthew 19:16–22: Treasure in Heaven
The Law demands more than external obedience, but it even regulates our internal desires. Therefore, lay up for yourself treasure in heaven. (Exposition of Matthew 19:16–22)
Matthew 19:13–15: “Let the Little Children Come to Me”
Jesus insists that the new covenant will be more inclusive of children than under the old covenant. Therefore, bring the little children to Jesus. (Exposition of Matthew 19:13–15)
Matthew 19:1–12: Marriage from the Beginning
While hard-hearted people have always looked for loopholes to escape the obligations of marriage, Jesus sanctifies us through faithfulness in marriage. (Exposition of Matthew 19:1–12)
Matthew 18:21–35: Forgiving Your Brother
Jesus reminds us of God’s lavish forgiveness for us and then issues a pointed command: forgive your brother from your heart. (Exposition of Matthew 18:21–35)
Matthew 18:15–20: Gaining Back Your Brother
In Matthew 18, Jesus teaches us how to love back our brothers, since Jesus administers his kingdom through the ministry of the church. (Exposition of Matthew 18:15–20)
Matthew 18:10–14: Leaving the Ninety-Nine
Jesus explains the very reason why he himself came from the Father into the world: Jesus came to seek and to save the lost. (Exposition of Matthew 18:10–14)
Matthew 18:1–9: Humility like a Child
Jesus redefines greatness in the kingdom of heaven as humility, for our great King humbled himself even by death on a cross. (Exposition of Matthew 18:1–9)
Matthew 17:24–27: The Sons are Free
Whether Jesus pays the temple tax is a question of freedom vs. obligation. Jesus avoids every stumbling block to our salvation except the cross. (Exposition of Matthew 17:24–27)
Matthew 17:14–23: Nothing Will be Impossible for You
Jesus commends faith that can move mountains—especially the mountain of enduring suffering. Faith empowers believers to endure suffering. (Exposition of Matthew 17:14–23)
Matthew 17:9–13: Elijah Must Come
Elijah did come through the person of John the Baptist—and he suffered. We cannot see the glory of Jesus except through suffering. (Exposition of Matthew 17:9–13)
Matthew 17:1–8: “Listen to Him!”
The transfiguration of Jesus counter-intuitively emphasizes listening, rather than looking, at Jesus: Listen to Jesus as we await his appearing. (Exposition of Matthew 17:1–8)
Matthew 16:24–28: The Cross and the Kingdom
Not only must Jesus suffer, but his disciples must take up crosses to follow him. We enter Jesus’ kingdom through Jesus’ cross. (Exposition of Matthew 16:24–28)
Matthew 16:21–23: The Cross and the Things of God
While Peter rightly confessed Jesus’ identity, he fully misunderstand’s Jesus’ mission. Christ crucified is the wisdom of God. (Exposition of Matthew 16:21–23)
Matthew 16:13–20: “Who Do You Say that I Am?”
Our relationship with God requires more than words, but not less than words. Confess that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. (Exposition of Matthew 16:13–20)
Matthew 16:5–12: Beware the Leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees
As Jesus warns his disciples about the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees, they begin arguing about bread. Don’t miss the signs about Jesus! (Exposition of Matthew 16:5–12)
Matthew 16:1–4: Seeking for a Sign
When the Pharisees and Sadducees demand a sign from heaven, Jesus tells them to seek Christ in the signs that he has provided. (Exposition of Matthew 16:1–4)
Matthew 15:29–39: Crumbs to Feed Four Thousand
In the feeding of the four thousand, Jesus extends covenant blessings to Gentiles because the Son of David will fully bless the nations. (Exposition of Matthew 15:29–39)
Matthew 15:21–28: Crumbs from the Table of the Son of David
When a Canaanite woman confronts Jesus in the region of Tyre and Sidon, it signals the beginning of a new era, where the Son of David will reign over the nations. (Exposition of Matthew 15:21–28)
Matthew 15:10–20: The Defilement of Sin
Jesus teaches that we do not enter his kingdom through mechanical ceremonies, but by repentance and faith. Sin defiles the soul, not ceremony. (Exposition of Matthew 15:10–20)
Matthew 15:1–9: The Anatomy of Legalism
Jesus gives a devastating critique of legalism, showing that legalism looks for loopholes and creates counterfeit commandments. (Exposition of Matthew 15:1–9)
Matthew 14:22–36: Salvation from the Son of God
While we may sometimes feel that Jesus has left us alone, he is praying for us. Even more, Jesus saves us from storms. (Exposition of Matthew 14:22–36)
Matthew 14:13–21: Compassion for our Needs
While Jesus cares for his own needs to grieve the death of John the Baptist, Jesus has compassion for our needs. (Exposition of Matthew 14:13–21)
Matthew 14:1–12: Seeking a Good Conscience
In the contrast between Herod’s evil and John the Baptist’s faithfulness, we see an important principle: get and keep a good conscience. (Exposition of Matthew 14:1–12)
Matthew 13:51–58: Discipled for the Kingdom
As Jesus closes his parables of the kingdom, he draws a clear line: there is no neutrality between kingdom disciples and kingdom despisers. (Exposition of Matthew 13:51–58)
Matthew 13:44–50: The Parables of the Treasure, Pearl, and the Net
As Jesus concludes his kingdom parables in Matthew 13, he gives promises and warnings. The kingdom of heaven is a two-edged sword. (Exposition of Matthew 13:44–50)
Matthew 13:31–35: The Parables of the Mustard Seed and the Leaven
From small and obscure beginnings, and through secret and hidden development, the kingdom of heaven will come by surprise. (Exposition of Matthew 13:31–35)
Matthew 13:24–30, 36–43: The Parable of the Weeds
In the parable of the weeds, Jesus explains why the Son of Man is delaying final justice in the world. Wait patiently for the kingdom. (Exposition of Matthew 13:24–30, 36–43)
Matthew 13:10–17: The Secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven
The parables are polarizing. Those who have faith profit from them; those without faith cannot understand them. Thus, faith reveals what God conceals. (Exposition of Matthew 13:10–17)
Matthew 13:1–9, 18–23: The Parable of the Four Soils
As Jesus begins his kingdom parables in Matthew 13, he opens with an exhortation: hear and understand the word of the kingdom. (Exposition of Matthew 13:1–9, 18–23)
Matthew 12:46–50: The Family of Jesus
In the midst of intense spiritual warfare, Jesus will continue to gather his “forever family” to himself. Seek first the family of God. (Exposition of Matthew 12:46–50)
Matthew 12:43–45: The Danger of Neutrality
In Jesus’ story about the restless demon, he insists that there is no real spiritual neutrality. Whoever is not with Jesus is against him. (Exposition of Matthew 12:43–45)
Matthew 12:38–42: Seeking for a Sign
The scribes and Pharisees demand from Jesus “a sign to see.” Jesus will not give what they demand; however, Jesus was vindicated by his resurrection. (Exposition of Matthew 12:38–42)
Matthew 12:33–37: Speaking from the Heart
While we so often make excuses for the words that come out of our mouths, Jesus insists upon a hard truth: you are what you say. (Exposition of Matthew 12:33–37)
Matthew 12:22–32: Binding the Strong Man
Jesus does not depend on Satan for power; rather, he is the Son of God through whom the Holy Spirit of God advances the Kingdom of God. Jesus is plundering Satan’s house. (Exposition of Matthew 12:22–32)
Matthew 12:15–21: Until He Brings Justice to Victory
Although Jesus must withdraw from the Pharisees, Matthew quotes Isaiah 42 to show how this all fits in with Jesus’ mission. Jesus is still bringing his justice to victory. (Exposition of Matthew 12:15–21)
Matthew 12:9–14: Doing Good on the Sabbath
Jesus shifts the conversation about the Sabbath away from a list of do’s and don’t’s in order to command something simpler: do good on the Sabbath. (Exposition of Matthew 12:9–14)
Matthew 12:1–8: The Lord of the Sabbath
While the Pharisees obsessed over the prohibitions of the Sabbath, Jesus gives rest to his people by restoring the purposes of the Sabbath. Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath (Exposition of Matthew 12:1–8)