Matthew 19

vs 26: "Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.' " With God, a camel can pass through the eye of a needle, a rich man can enter the kingdom of heaven, and I can rest assured in unconditional love!!!

Matthew 18

Jesus commands us to come to him as children. I love the "Father God" image and I see it as reality. A thought that struck me as I was reading this chapter: it is humbling for us adults to be as children and reliant and all, but I look at my son and see how incredibly happy he is! Joy is our for the taking!

Matthew 17

Rather than spout off about what I read about John the Baptist and Elijah (vs.10-13), I'll direct you immediately to the passage itself. Enjoy!

Matthew 16

Jesus begins to speak of his pending crucifixion and resurrection in this chapter. The disciples can't see past the death to the repercussions of overcoming it. I feel sorry for them, because all they can see is an era coming to an end.

Matthew 15

As the Canaanite woman cried out to Jesus, he responded, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel." (vs. 24) When she challenged him, he relented, saying, "Woman you have great faith!" (vs. 28) Was his denial just a show to make a point?

Matthew 14

Jesus called Peter out of the boat to walk on the water with him. Peter took the amazing step out of the boat and demonstrated faith beyond what most of us can imagine. While out there on the water with Jesus, Peter faltered, afraid, yet Jesus reached out his hand to catch him.

It seems hard to compare that story with our acts of faith, but they are really the same thing. The risks may seem incomparable, but in God's eyes they are just alike.

Matthew 13

vs 16: "But blessed are your eyes because the see, and your ears because they hear." We live in difficult times. Every day is a struggle because of the fall of man. But we are reminded in this passage that we are extremely blessed to live in the days after Christ, to have heard his message and have reason for hope!!!

Matthew 12

vs. 34: "For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks." I have to remember this verse and keep check on the motives of my heart with my sarcasim and snarkiness.

Matthew 11

I don't understand this interchange with John the Baptist. John already acknowledged Jesus as Lord at his baptism and now he's questioning Jesus. Hmmm....

vs. 30: "For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Our greatest struggles occur when we question God, when we don't rely on Him, when we opt to trust in our own knowledge and experience. Life is hard because we are fallen men. Relief comes when we turn to the Lord and say, "It is in your hands and I have faith in your perfect wisdom."

Matthew 10

Though he has moved quickly before, Matthew dwells a whole chapter on Jesus' instructions to his disciples. I love that these same instructions apply to me and my witness to the world! There are many priceless words of wisdom in this chapter. Among them:

"...do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of the Father speaking through you." (vs. 19-20)

and

"So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but do not kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell." (vs. 26-28)

Matthew 9

When the teachers of the law accuse Jesus of blaspheming he asks them, "Which is easier: to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up and walk'?" I learned in Sunday School that the people of Jesus' day believed that bad things happened to people because of sin (we are studying John). So, it made no sense for the teachers to accept the healing of afflictions but not the forgiveness of sins. To them, they were the same thing.

Matthew 8

Matthew is so efficient, ticking off topic after topic! There is a lot to chose from here, but I'm going to focus on the Centurion.

There are many people who come to Jesus and ask him for miracles. It is a testament to their faith that they even ask. But the Centurion understands Jesus' greatness beyond all the others. He understands that Jesus' Grace is Irresistible! When God wants something done, wants someone to follow Him, no man can stand against His will. It will be done!