Scripture

“You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ But I say, ‘Love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! “

Observation

Jesus continues to push home His points about addressing the state of the heart and not just obedience to the law.

So He says that the principle of eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth must give way to a new law in which we do not resist evil people. We should go further than the law demands.

Rather than loving your neighbour and hating your enemies, Jesus says we must love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. When we do this, we are like our Father who gives sunlight and rain to evil and good people are like. Even tax collectors are kind to their friends.

Application

There is no law in the Old Testament that says we may hate our enemies if we love our neighbours. Jesus told the parable of the Good Samaritan to teach that we have to love people who might not be our natural friends.

Jesus tells us to do the opposite of what the world teaches and our natural inclinations want. To be a true follower of Jesus means that we learn to love people who are nasty or violent towards us.

This is hard, and in our own abilities it is impossible. But as christians we are connected to the Father, the God who is love. He will give us grace to forgive and to love our enemies

Prayer

Lord Jesus, these words are hard to accept. Please give me grace to love those who hate me. Amen.

Scripture

“If your eye – even your good eye – causes you to lust, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.”

Observation

Jesus takes the commandments and applies them to our thinking and not just our outward appearances.

The Law forbids adultery, but Jesus says if we even look at a woman with lust in our heart, we have already committed adultery. if our eyes causes to sin, we should gouge them out if necessary to avoid hell.

While the law allows for divorce, Jesus says that the only valid reason for divorce is an unfaithful partner.

We must not make a vow. Instead of swearing on something, we should simply say, “Yes” or “No.”

Application

God does not want us to be good just on the outside. He wants to transform our thinking so that the thoughts and desires that lead to sin will not happen.

He warns us of the reality of hell. Those who sin without the forgiveness of God will find themselves in such torment that losing an eye or another body part in order to escape sin seems like a good deal.

Jesus is clearly not advocating self-mutilation as a pathway to holiness. Holiness comes as we constantly commit our minds, hearts, and bodies to the direction of the Holy Spirit.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, i confess that I still sin, at least in my mind. Please cleanse my thoughts and teach me how to submit every part of me to you. Amen.

Scripture

“When you are on the way to court with your adversary, settle your difference quickly. Otherwise your accuser may hand you over to the judge, who will hand you over to an officer, and you will be thrown into prison.”

Observation

Murder is a serious crime, but just being angry with someone will make us subject to judgement. Calling someone an idiot or cursing them may send us to hell.

If we remember someone is angry with us, even in the middle of church, we should go quickly and be reconciled to them. if we are in a court case, we should try to settle the conflict lest we end up bankrupt and in prison.

Application

Jesus make some strong points here about the importance of proper conflict resolution. Anger can lead us to the place of judgement.

Anger is a good thing because it warns us that there is bad stuff going on in our heads. I heard a psychologist once who compared it to a light on the dashboard of a car. The light is not the problem, but it warns us of a hidden problem that might even be dangerous.

Anger can cause us to lash out and separate us from other people. It can cut it off from receiving love and may result in destructive actions.

So Jesus tells us to beware of the dangers of anger and to seek as much as possible to be reconciled to people. Even if we get who the level of legal action, or in the middle of worship, we need to stop and resolve our differences.

Relationships are vitally important in God’s Kingdom.

Prayer

Lord, I confess that I do get angry sometimes when I am under pressure. Please help me to let your peace displace angry reactions. Amen

Scripture

“In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”

Observation

We are the salt of the earth, but we must maintain our flavour or else we will be cast out.

We are the light of the world, like a city on a hill that cannot be hidden. Nobody lights a lamp and hides it under a basket. No, it must be put on a stand to light the house. In the same way, our good deeds need to light up the world and cause people to give praise to God.

Application

This revelation that we have received from God must change us and it must be shared.

We need to live exemplary lives of generosity and service to others in order to cause people to praise the Lord.

Following Jesus is not just a religious practice. Yes, we must have hearts and minds that are focused on Jesus. But our prayers needs to be directed to actions of serving other people.

If we just preach the gospel, we have a message, just like a thousand others. But when we serve the poor or we give ourselves in helping people, then people can see that there is truth in the message.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, you came into the world to save sinners. Please help me to both speak and live the gospel, so that people will give praise to my heavenly Father. Amen.

Scripture

“God blesses those who are poor and realise their need for him, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.”

Observation

God blesses the poor, the grieving, those who are humble, those who hunger and thirst for justice, the merciful, the pure in heart, and those who are persecuted.

When people mock us and persecute us and lie about us, then a great reward awaits us in Heaven.

Application

God’s value system is diametrically opposed to the world’s value system. The world favours those who push themselves forward and pay their own way. God favours the poor and the humble.

While many people look at the outward appearance, God judges the state of our hearts. So, many who seems successful in this life will not be in the kingdom of heaven.

When the system seems to be stacked against us, and the mockers and liars seem to be winning, then God is at work, overturning the scales. Some of this we see in this life, but we will not see the fullness until we get to heaven.

God tells us to be patient for vindication, for it will come.

Prayer

Lord, you see my situation and my heart. I surrender myself to you and look forward to your blessing. Amen

Scripture

“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, ” and I will make you fishers of men.”

Observation

Jesus hears that John has been put in prison, and he returns to Galilee. He begins to preach, “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is near.”

Jesus travels throughout Galilee, teaching, preaching, and healing all kinds of diseases. Large crowds from all over the region begin to follow Him.

Application

Following Jesus is not just about getting saved, important as that is.

Jesus calls us all to be a part of his project of “fishing for men.”

Some people are gifted as evangelists and find this very easy to do. Others struggle with sharing their faith even amongst their friends and family. Paul tells us to always be ready to give the reason for our hope. This means knowing who we trust in and being able to express our joy in being followers of Jesus.

In the kingdom, as in ordinary life, there are the professional “fishers” and occasional “fishers” who sometimes drop a line in. Whichever end of the spectrum we fit in, let us always be ready to pray for our friends and to share the good news when prompted.

Prayer

Thank you Lord for saving me. Please help me to share your good news. Amen.

Scripture

During that time, the devil came and said to Jesus, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.”

Observation

Jesus is led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted. He fasts for forty days and nights.

During that time, the devil comes to Jesus three times and says, “If you are the son of God… ” Three times Jesus refuses to take the shortcuts and easy routes suggested by Satan.

Finally the devil leaves, and angels to minister to Jesus.

Application

” if you are the son of God…”

Satan delights in putting doubts into our minds and our hearts. That was the original strategy with Eve: “Did God really say?”

We question our calling, our salvation, our assignment, our ability, and so on. It is not us questioning ourselves, but satan sowing seeds of doubt.

In each of the temptations, Jesus responds with scripture, not as a magic spell or a ritual response. No, Jesus really believes the word of God and in its authority. Therefore it is like a powerful sword in his mouth.

Satan is cunning and persistent. One attempt should have been sufficient to show that Jesus is not to be easily led astray. The devil did not go away lick his wounds. He found a different point of attack.

Temptation is a reality for all of us. Persistent repeated temptation is a fact of life. The only solution is to strengthen ourselves in the Lord through reading the Bible, prayer, worship, and fasting.

Prayer

Lord, please help me to stand firm in you and to remain strong in trusting you. Amen.

Scripture

And a voice from heaven said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.”

Observation

Jesus goes to the Jordan River to be baptised by John. John tries to talk him out of it, but Jesus says that He must do this to carry out what God requires.

As Jesus comes out of the water, the Holy Spirit comes down on Him in the form of a dove. A voice from heaven says, “This my dear Son who brings me great joy.”

Application

By being baptised, Jesus identifies with our sinful nature. Jesus never sinned, although Hhe was tempted in every way. To be baptised into John’s baptism of repentance was an act of humility.

The response of God was impressive. The Holy Spirit came upon Jesus in a visible way. Every on- looker would know that Jesus has been set apart by God for an unprecedented ministry.

The affirmation of the father is powerful.

“This is my son” – an affirmation of identity .

“whom I love” – affirmation of relationship

“He brings me great joy” – affirmation of Purpose

The Father’s blessing at this point was crucial to Jesus setting out in His calling with confidence and joy. This was a declaration by God the Father that He would not abandon his Son.

Prayer

Dear Lord, thank you for your affirmation of me. Thank you for your everlasting, unquenchable love. Amen.

Scripture

” I baptise with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. One is coming soon who is greater than I am – so much greater that I am not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals. He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and we fire.”

Observation

John the Baptist begins preaching that people should repent and turn to God for the kingdom of God is near.

John wears clothing made of coarse camel hair and he eats locusts and wild honey.

He condemns the Pharisees and Sadducees for their hypocrisy. John baptises with water, but one is coming who will baptise with Holy Spirit and with fire.

Application

Jesus is not just about saving people from hell. Any of the Old Testament prophets, and John the Baptist, could do that.

Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross and his resurrection brought the salvation project to the world. We don’t have to be Jewish to be saved. All people are saved by the broken body and the shed blood of Christ.

Jesus came with a two-fold baptism. The baptism in the Holy Spirit cleanses us from sin, cast sout evil spirits, and equips to live in the kingdom of heaven now.

There is also a baptism of fire which represents judgement. The fact that many will be saved suggests that there is something to be saved from, and that’s some will not be saved. The coming of salvation represents also the coming of judgement – all who do not receive Jesus as their Lord will be condemned.

Jesus baptises his followers with the Holy Spirit, but those who refuse to follow him receive a baptism in the fire of judgement.

Prayer

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for the baptism in the Holy Spirit which empowers me to live for you. Amen.

Scripture

When Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt. “Get up,” the angel said. “Take the child and his mother back to the land of Israel, because those who were trying to kill the child are dead.”

Observation

Following Herod’s death, an angel appears to Joseph in a dream. He tells him that it is safe to return to Israel.

So Joseph and Mary pack their belongings and return to Israel. But then Joseph hears that Herod’s son is king, so he takes them to Nazareth in Galilee.

Application

The Lord speaks to his people in various ways. In Matthew’s account of Jesus’ birth, there are half a dozen references to angels appearing in dreams to Joseph and also to the Magi.

Some people are very dream oriented, but most Christians, at least in the West, tend not to take notice of dreams. On the other hand, there are numerous accounts of whole villages dreaming about Jesus in a single night and, as a result, thousands of Muslims turning to Christ.

If you are blessed with many dreams, it is a good idea to write them down when you wake up. Then pray over them, asking the Lord to show you what they mean.

Whatever ways God uses to speak to you, whether through dreams or other means, always remember to check them again Scripture. The Word of God is the only infallible revelation.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank you for this ability to hear you so intimately. Please help me to listen to the things you say. Amen.