The Son of Man Comes Monday–The Son of Man Comes “When the Son of Man comes to his glory and all the angels with him, then he will set on the throne of his glory” (Matthew 25:31-32). Very few high school students make it through four years of education without at least once being called […]
Year 1, Narrative Lectionary, Matthew.
Devotions on Matthew 25:1-13–The Ten Bridesmaids
The Ten Bridesmaids Matthew 25:1-13 Monday–The Ten Bridesmaids “Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom” (Matthew 25:1). James was on the hunt. He had recently graduated magna cum laude from a well-known college. Armed with his degree, he was looking for a […]
Devotions on Matthew 22:1-14–The Wedding Feast
The Wedding Feast Monday–the Wedding Feast “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding banquet for his son” (Matthew 22:2). Life was hard. Villagers worked hard to sustain a meager existence. Times were slightly better when the weather was good and a little worse when the weather was bad. […]
Devotions on Matthew 20:1-16–Laborers in the Vineyard
Laborers in the Vineyard Matthew 20:1-16 Monday–Laborers in the Vineyard “For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard” (Matthew 20:1). Wow, what a picture of heaven! There are no pearly gates, fluffy clouds, or gold streets. Nor are there feasts and […]
Matthew 18:15-35, Forgiveness+
Forgiveness+ Devotional Thoughts on Matthew 18:15-35 Monday–Forgiveness+ “If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone” (Matthew 18:15). Jesus’ instructions seem so simple, but we certainly have a difficult time following them. Karen and Juanita served on their congregation’s outreach committee. During […]
Matthew 16:24-17:8 — Following Jesus
Following Jesus Matthew 16:24-17:8 Monday–Following Jesus “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross” (Matthew 16:24). Denying oneself is not an American tradition. American’s have accumulated the greatest personal debt in the world largely because when we see something we want we purchase it immediately. Americans are […]
Devotions on Matthew 13:24-43, The Kingdom of Heaven
The Kingdom of Heaven Matthew 13:24-43 Monday–The Kingdom of Heaven “’The kingdom of heaven may be compared to someone who sowed good seed in his field, but while everybody was asleep, an enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat’” (Matthew 13:24-25). Traveling through the heartland of the United States during the summer, a person […]
Matthew 5:1-20, Sermon on the Mount
Sermon on the Mount Matthew 5:1-20 Monday–Sermon on the Mount “When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him” (Matthew 5:1). Juan trudged to the bus stop holding his mother’s hand. It was his first day of kindergarten and Juan was both excited and […]
Matthew 4:1-17, Jesus Tempted
Jesus Tempted Devotional Thoughts on Matthew 4:1-17 Monday–Jesus Tempted “Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil” (Matthew 4:1). Odd. We never think of the Spirit leading us anywhere with the intent of having us tempted by the devil. We even pray in the Lord’s Prayer, […]
Matthew 3:1-17–Prepare the Way
Prepare the Way Devotional Thoughts – Matthew 3:1-17 Monday–Prepare the Way“Repent for the kingdom of God has come near” (Matthew 3:2). Diego was following the directions of his GPS but he had a nagging feeling that he was going the wrong way. The neighborhood that he was driving through didn’t look familiar to him. When […]