Jacob Gerber | Blog about Discipleship, Church, Leadership

To a world weighed down by sin, guilt, and shame, Jesus’ promises in the gospel offer great hope. Find rest in the revealed Son of God. (Exposition of Matthew 11:16–30)

John the Baptist is perplexed that Jesus would continue preaching and teaching, but Jesus forcefully advances the kingdom of heaven by preaching and teaching. (Exposition of Matthew 11:1–15)

As Jesus tells his disciples more about their mission, he shocks them once again by declaring that he came to bring a sword, not peace. Jesus defines the right side of history. (Exposition of Matthew 10:34–42)

Jesus’ disciples will face many dangers from the world. Nevertheless, Jesus draws a surprising conclusion from this: we should not fear, since Jesus reveals himself through our preaching. (Exposition of Matthew 10:26–33)

While Jesus confronts his disciples about the necessity of their suffering, he also provides them hope. Jesus conforms us to his image in our suffering. (Exposition of Matthew 10:16–25)

In order to reach the lost sheep of the house of Israel, Jesus sends out his disciples to minister in his name. Jesus sends ministers to administer the authority of his kingdom (Exposition of Matthew 10:1–15)

In the second major section of the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus calls his disciples to join him in his work. Jesus shepherds his sheep through undershepherds. (Exposition of Matthew 9:35–38)

As concludes a cycle of healing miracles, will people respond to Jesus’ authority and compassion with trust? Jesus is the merciful Son of David. (Exposition of Matthew 9:27–34)

In many ways, Jesus has demonstrated his authority over uncleanness, sickness, storms, and even sin. Now, Jesus demonstrates his compassion: Jesus came to save desperate people. (Exposition of Matthew 9:18–26)

When Jesus tells us that we cannot put new wine in old wineskins, he sweeps away the old religious formalism. Jesus has authority to command worship in spirit and truth. (Exposition of Matthew 9:14–17)

So far, Matthew has portrayed the authority of Jesus in human matters. In Matthew 9, we see that Jesus possesses authority even over matters that belong to God. Namely, Jesus has the authority to forgive sinners. (Exposition of Matthew 9:1–13)

Jesus’ cost is high, his call is dangerous, and his command is powerful. Nevertheless, the authority of Jesus withstands all objections. (Exposition of Matthew 8:18–34)