Jacob Gerber | Blog about Discipleship, Church, Leadership

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)