Scripture

He replied, “You are permitted to understand the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven, but others are not.”

Observation

Jesus sits beside the lake, where a large crowd gathers around Him.

Jesus tells the story of the sower. A farmer sows seed, scattering them around the field. Some falls on the hard soil of the path, and birds come and eat them. Some seeds fall on to shallow soil, where the seeds germinate quickly but then wither in the heat. Others fall among weeds where they are choked by thorns and thistles. But other seeds fall on fertile soil and they produce a crop of up to 100 times the planted seeds.

The disciples ask Jesus why He uses parables. He replies that those who listen to His teaching are given more understanding, but those who are not listening will lose the little understanding they have.

Application

If we pursue Jesus with all our heart, we will receive understanding. Some people are permitted to know the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven, but because they are passionate to serve Jesus, not because they are smart.

Biblical knowledge will only get you so far in God’s kingdom. To move into the deeper things, the “secrets”, you must spend time with the Lord.

Listening prayer gives us God’s insights into the specifics of living for God. Reading the Scriptures while listening to the Holy Spirit will also increase our insight.

Bible College is good, but how much better is it to develop our relationship with the Most High God.

Prayer

Thank you, Father, for the awesome privilege of being your child. Thank you for opening the secrets of the Kingdom to those who pursue you. Please help me to make fellowship with you my highest priority. Amen.

Scripture

Jesus replied, “Only an evil and adulterous generation would demand a miraculous sign; but the only sign I will give them is the sign of the prophet Jonah.”

Observation

Some scribes and Pharisees come to Jesus and demand a miracle to prove His authority. Jesus refuses, saying that they are evil and adulterous. The only sign that He will give them is His death and resurrection.

Jesus then goes on to say that the people of Nineveh and the Queen of Sheba will testify against them on the Day of Judgement for failing to see the greatness and the wisdom of Jesus.

Application

The religious leaders demanded that Jesus perform a miraculous sign to prove that He was the Messiah. This was despite the fact that Jesus had already healed many people, delivered many others from demons, calmed a storm , and fed over 5000 people. John’s gospel is explicitly structured around seven signs which Jesus performed to prove He is the “I Am.”

Faith in Jesus is not dependent on miraculous signs. People who demand proof generally are not looking to be convinced.

Our acceptance of the gospel is not a matter of proof or signs. In fact, many people received miracles but did not put their faith in Jesus.

Most people who come to the Lord say that they “knew” it was right. There is a spiritual connection regardless of intellectual assent.

God speaks to us through our spirit. That may or may not have an emotional (soul) or cognitive (mind) resonance. It does not matter as it is our spirit that relates to God.

The Pharisees, like many people today, were hard of heart and refused to repent and believe that Jesus is Lord.

Prayer

Thank you Lord for the gift of salvation. May I never grow hard- hearted towards you. Amen.

Scripture

“If I am casting out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has arrived among you.”

Observation

A demon- possessed man is brought to Jesus who heals him. The crowd is amazed and asks if He could be the Messiah.

The Pharisees say that Jesus gets His power from satan. But Jesus says that any kingdom divided against itself in this way is doomed.

The only power strong enough to cast out demons is from the one who is stronger than satan, that is God.

A tree is identified by its fruit. The lives of the Pharisees show that there is no good within them. They cannot even tell the difference between good and evil, so they will have to give an account on the day of judgement.

Application

Jesus’ ability to cast out demons was the most obvious sign of the presence of God’s kingdom.

The war for people’s souls is still incredibly strong, but the victory is assured through Jesus Christ. Every time a person, or a group of people, confesses that Jesus is Lord, the kingdom of God is manifest. Every time somebody says “Yes” to Jesus, the kingdom of God grows stronger.

We see satan’s evil shown in all kinds of ways. Lawlessness, violence, lies, betrayal, sin, all represent the power of satan to hold people in bondage.

But just one touch from the Holy Spirit is enough to set free a person who desires liberation. There is no cage that satan can construct that God cannot pull down with just a word.

Prayer

Thank you Lord. Your kingdom is so much stronger than the power of satan. Amen.

Scripture

Then he said to the man, “Hold out your hand.” So he held out his hand, and it was restored just like the other one. Then the Pharisees called a meeting to plot how to kill Jesus.

Observation

Jesus goes to the synagogue where He sees a man with a deformed hand. The Pharisees ask Him if the law allows a man to be healed on the Sabbath. Jesus replies that it is fine to rescue a sheep from a well on the Sabbath. He then heals the man.

The Pharisees start to plot how to kill Jesus, so He leaves that area. He heals all the sick, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy about the servant who brings justice for the oppressed,

Application

Jesus brings life, but religion brings death.

It is after Jesus heals on the Sabbath, bringing joy and new life to a man with a deformed hand, that the Pharisees start to plot His death.

As the cynical saying goes, “No good deed goes unpunished.”

The Sabbath was given to protect labourers from being oppressed, not to stop people from enjoying God’s life. But the Pharisees and other religious leaders took the law to an extreme so that what was meant to bring freedom in fact brought misery.

The fruit of a life dedicated to the Lord is life- spiritual renewal, hope, joy, love. Where these things are present, the Spirit of God is moving.

Where there is misery, condemnation, death and fear, we can be sure that the spirit of religion is active.

Our worship, family life, work and leisure should all be opportunities for life.

Prayer

Thank you Lord for setting us free from deadly religion. May I always know the joy of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Scripture

“But you would not have condemned my innocent disciples if you knew the meaning of this Scripture: I want you to show mercy not offer sacrifices.”

Observation

Jesus and His disciples walk through some grain fields on a Sabbath. They begin to break off some heads of grain to eat them, but some Pharisees criticise them for harvesting on the Sabbath.

Jesus points out that the priests work on the Sabbath. It is more important to show mercy than to offer sacrifices.

Application

There is a constant battle in every human heart between the Holy Spirit and the religious spirit.

The Holy Spirit wants sons and daughters to freely celebrate the power and presence of God shown in love and relationship.

The religious spirit demands a joyless conformity to the rules.

The Holy Spirit tells us that we are loved by God.

The religious spirit tells us that God is mad at us, and our only hope is to obey the rules.

Righteousness is not a status to be earned; it is a gift from a holy and loving God.

When Jesus was criticised by some Pharisees for picking grain on the Sabbath, His reply was that God is not so much interested in what we do for Him as in us allowing Him to change our hearts towards Him and others.

Religious law is never about conformity and legalism, but about giving space for our spirits to grow into God.

Prayer

Holy Spirit, please help me to find your way for me. Amen.

Scripture

“O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think they are wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike.”

Observation

Jesus compares the people to children playing a game in which they complain to their friends, “We played wedding songs and you would not dance. We played funeral songs and you would not mourn.”

Jesus denounces the towns where He did miracles but they refused to repent and turn to God. He then prays, thanking God the Father for hiding these things from those who think they are wise and revealing them to the childlike.

Application

Humility is the key to the kingdom of God.

We must realise that, when it comes to sin and judgement, we are totally dependent on God’s mercy. We have to recognise firstly that we are sinners who fall short of God’s standards for us. Secondly, we have to recognise that Jesus has done for us what we could not do for ourselves, that is, to pay the price for our sins.

As we approach the Easter season, we remember the awful facts of Good Friday. We crucified the one person who had never sinned. This awful fact contains the awesome truth that in one sacrifice the sins of the world were taken away.

The “wise” and the arrogant people can never see this because they think they are good enough. Their learning, money or personal achievements will get them through with God.

It doesn’t work that way. Just as Jesus emptied Himself of all divine power in order to meet with us, so we have to empty ourselves of every form of self-righteousness in order to meet with Him.

As the old hymn says, “Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to thy cross I cling.”

Prayer

Thank you Jesus for dying in my place. Amen.

Scripture

“From the time John the Baptist started preaching until now, the Kingdom of Heaven has been forcefully advancing, and violent men are attacking it.”

Observation

John the Baptist hears in prison about all the things the Messiah is doing. He sends messengers to ask Jesus, “Are you the One?” Jesus replies, “Tell him what you have seen and heard.”

Jesus then asks the crowd what they thought John would be like. He is the one predicted by the Scriptures- the voice of one in the wilderness preparing the way for the Messiah.

Of all who have ever lived before that time, none was greater than John. But the least in the Kingdom is greater than John. The kingdom is advancing forcefully and violent men are attacking it.

Application

God’s kingdom seems like nothing important until you look closely. Consisting mainly of ordinary people living out their daily lives, it is constantly advancing.

It is like a tree that seems weak, but over time the tree can undermine and destroy a great building.

We think the church in the West is weak, and it certainly seems that way. Yet in other places, the church is growing and overcoming those who oppose it. In China, huge numbers are coming to Christ, threatening the might of the Chinese Communist Party.

The church grows, the kingdom grows, as individuals share their love for the Saviour with their friends.

This threatens the violent power- hungry people. They seek to destroy God’s kingdom, but this is impossible.

The same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead dwells in us. Nothing can destroy that power.

Prayer

Thank you Lord for the immense privilege of being in your Kingdom. Show me today how I can best live for you. Amen.

Scripture

“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather be afraid of the One who can kill both body and soul in hell.”

Observation

Jesus tells us not to be afraid of people. We are to proclaim from the rooftops that which He whispers in our ears.

We must not fear people for they can only destroy our body. Rather, we must fear God who can destroy both body and soul in hell.

Whoever acknowledges Jesus before men He will acknowledge before the Father. Whoever disowns Jesus before men He will disown before the Father.

Application

We should not be afraid of people. They can only end our mortal life. They have no power over our immortal soul and our eternal life.

Many christians are paralysed by fear of rejection. They will not talk to their unbelieving friends because they are afraid of their reaction.

In many countries, it is potentially deadly to be identified as a christian. Persecution from government or village leaders, or family members can result in isolation, imprisonment, or death.

The cost of following Jesus is very real.

The cost of not following Jesus is far greater, because it costs us our salvation.

Better to suffer a little while at the hands of people than to suffer for eternity.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, you warn us to not fear people. Please help me to entrust everything to you so that fear has no hold over me. Amen.

Scripture

“When you are arrested, don’t worry about how to respond or what to say. God will give you the right words at the right time. For it is not you who will be speaking – it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”

Observation

Jesus sends His followers out like sheep among wolves. They will need to be shrewd like snakes and as gentle as doves.

They will be handed over to courts and flogged. But this will be an opportunity to tell the rulers about Jesus. They should not worry about what to say because God will tell them the words to speak.

Family members will betray them, and nations will hate them. Everyone who endures to the end will be saved.

Application

Persecution is always a possibility for christians. Even in the relatively benign Christendom cultures, we see a growing seizure of power by governments and the use of that power against people who question the prevailing ideology.

Covid has been the perfect opportunity for politicians to offer “salvation” to terrified voters. Lockdowns and border restrictions once considered unthinkable became reality.

Pastors who refused to abide by restrictions that forbade church meetings but allowed casinos to operate, found themselves before courts and even imprisoned.

In all of this, we do not have to be anxious about how we will conduct ourselves in court. A trial is a great opportunity to speak of Jesus. Prison ministry can be very rewarding.

When we are under pressure from state, employers or neighbours, we can be sure that the Holy Spirit will speak through us. We can be sure also that the Lord will direct our paths, even through unpleasant trials.

Prayer

Thank you Father for the assurance that you will never leave me. I pray for my nation Lord- please send revival so that every knee will bow before you. Amen.

Scripture

“Go and announce to them that the kingdom of heaven is near. Heal the sick, cure those with leprosy, raise the dead, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received.

Observation

Jesus chooses the twelve apostles and the sends them out to the people of Israel. They are to announce the good news, heal the sick and raise the dead.

The apostles are not to take any money, but to rely on the hospitality of people in the various towns they visit. If anyone refuses to welcome them, they are to shake the dust from their feet as they leave.

Application

Our task as disciples of Jesus is not complicated. Firstly, we are to tell people that the kingdom of God is here. That means that people should turn away from their selfish ways of living and submit to the authority of King Jesus.

To back up the claim about Jesus’ reign, we are to heal the sick, raise the dead and cast out demons. In other words, our message needs to be confirmed with miracles.

I read today about a couple who went to a remote village in Africa to translate the Bible into the local language. It was difficult at first because, although they had learned French which was an official language in that country, very few of the local people understood French. After several years of learning how to fit into that village, there was a boy who was suffering a life- threatening illness. There was no medical care available, so the missionary said to the pastor, “We should pray.” As he said the word “pray” the boy opened his eyes. They prayed for him and he was healed immediately.

This is the normal christian life. We need to take hold of the authority given to us in Christ and exercise it to His glory.

Prayer

Lord, teach me how to preach your gospel, heal the sick and raise the dead so that I can serve you effectively. Amen.