After having yet another encounter with the Pharisees, Jesus warned the disciples that they should beware of the yeast of the Pharisees, but because they had forgotten bread they thought Jesus was referring to that error. In response, Jesus again brought up their little faith and reminded them of how much they gathered after theContinue reading “Paying Attention”
Tag Archives: religion
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”
What if?
On a number of occasions, Jesus referred to the disciples as having “little faith”. He used the word five times in the Gospels, four times in Matthew and once in Luke, always in reference to his own disciples. In the Sermon on the Mount, he addressed their anxiety over what to eat or what toContinue reading “What if?”
Powerful Words
In one of his confrontations with the Pharisees, Jesus addressed the evil in the Pharisees by teaching us that our words reveal what is in our hearts. The way we speak, not just the words themselves but the way that we speak reveals who we are on the inside. The Pharisees’ words toward Jesus wereContinue reading “Powerful Words”
Addressing Opposition
It is interesting to observe the opposition rising against Jesus. As the crowds increasingly came to the conclusion that Jesus was the long expected Son of David, their Messiah, the Pharisees became more radical in their opposition. Since Jesus demonstrated that he had power and authority over the demonic spirits, the Pharisees literally demonized JesusContinue reading “Addressing Opposition”
Living Consistently
It seems strange that Jesus and his disciples were traveling through grain fields and the Pharisees saw his disciples eating the heads of grain on the Sabbath. Were the Pharisees constantly around Jesus? Were they traveling with him? How would they have seen what the disciples were doing traveling along a footpath through the middleContinue reading “Living Consistently”
Grateful Hearts
On this Thanksgiving Day I’m reminded that following Jesus begins with our heart and proceeds to our actions and lifestyle. As Donelle and I sat drinking coffee this morning in the sunshine on our back courtyard enjoying the view of palm and citrus trees, we were both reminded of how much our heavenly Father hasContinue reading “Grateful Hearts”
Miraculous?
While Jesus was walking along, two blind men came up to Jesus and cried out for him to have mercy upon them. After Jesus entered the house where he was staying, these same men came up to him. Jesus asked them if they believed he was able to do this, meaning that he was ableContinue reading “Miraculous?”
Kingdom Transformation
After Jesus instructed Matthew the tax-collector to follow him, Jesus went and ate at Matthew’s home with other tax-collectors. The Pharisees, who observed Jesus’ action, were offended by Jesus’ association with tax-collectors and sinners. The Pharisees lived according to a principle we have today: “Bad company corrupts good character.” However, Jesus hung around tax-collectors andContinue reading “Kingdom Transformation”
Kingdom Potential
Early in his ministry, Jesus revealed himself to be a different type of teacher. He didn’t accept everyone who wished to follow him. The scribe who wished to follow was discouraged because Jesus said he didn’t have a fixed place to live. To the disciple who desired to stay and care for his father untilContinue reading “Kingdom Potential”
David Freitag 