It is interesting that even after the resurrection as the disciples went to the mountain designated to them by Jesus, they still doubted, or at least some of them did. We often read past what Matthew wrote in Matthew 28:16 to get what follows, the Great Commission. However, in verse 16, Matthew used the sameContinue reading “The Power of Experience”
Category Archives: Jesus
Jesus’ Deity
For those of us who affirm the deity of Jesus, it can be easy for us to assume that he did not face the same struggles that we face, because, we tell ourselves, he was God. While that is true, Jesus was, and is, God who became man, it does not follow that he didn’tContinue reading “Jesus’ Deity”
The Influence of Fathers
In his final pronouncement against the religious leaders, scribes and Pharisees, Jesus revealed an insightful truth about identity. The leaders attempted to disassociate themselves with what their forefathers had done, but Jesus declared that they testified against themselves, because they still identified themselves as the sons of those who murdered the prophets and the righteous.Continue reading “The Influence of Fathers”
Considering Our Future
Jesus showed that he not only answered the question posed to him, but the assumption behind the question. When the Sadducees came inquiring about marriage in the resurrection from the dead, Jesus clarified their question by addressing their misunderstanding. They assumed that the marriage on earth would carry over in some form after the resurrection,Continue reading “Considering Our Future”
Jesus’ Mission
Jesus knew his authority and he used it for the benefit of others, not for himself nor to prove himself. Satan tempted him to benefit himself and to prove himself, but Jesus refused to do so then and continued to refuse to benefit from his own position. He had come to give his life asContinue reading “Jesus’ Mission”
Jesus’ Death
Matthew 20:28 reveals Jesus’ primary purpose for coming. He came to give his life as a ransom for many. The word “lutron” in Greek refers to the price paid to release a slave. The ransom was paid to fulfill the requirements of the Old Testament law. That means Jesus’ death was not paid to theContinue reading “Jesus’ Death”
Kingdom Recognition
In the parable of the workers, the master hired workers throughout the day, but only with the first did he agree on a wage, a denarius. With the rest, he just told them he would pay them, but didn’t specify an amount. At the end of the day, he began paying the workers, beginning withContinue reading “Kingdom Recognition”
Divine Compassion
Following Jesus is much more than external behavior. Jesus made this point in his parable of the unmerciful servant. That parable was prompted by Peter’s question regarding how many times he should forgive his brother. Peter assumed up to seven times, Jesus corrected him with the instruction to forgive seventy times seven times. Jesus thenContinue reading “Divine Compassion”
Living Right Side Up
We live in an upside down world that exists in contrast to how Jesus revealed his Kingdom to be and the world should be. When his disciples asked who was the greatest in Jesus’ Kingdom, Jesus gave them a surprising answer. He called a child to stand in their midst and declared that unless, they,Continue reading “Living Right Side Up”
Faith & Perseverance
When Jesus retired to Tyre and Sidon, he was met by a Canaanite woman requesting healing for her demonized daughter. At first Jesus didn’t respond. Then he told her that his mission was to reach out to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Later he told her that it was not right forContinue reading “Faith & Perseverance”
David Freitag 