Matthew 6:5-6 Jesus continues to describe the faulty and empty actions that the Pharisees carry out while performing “religious” acts. “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly I... Continue Reading →
Archive 2014: Matthew 6:1-4
Matthew 6:1-4 I really enjoy the first few verses of chapter 6, because when put into practice, change can truly take place within an individual. “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven” (verse... Continue Reading →
Matthew 5:43-48
Matthew 5:43-48 Verses 43 and 44 begin with Jesus stating a cultural norm and then giving a new standard to be used instead. “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (verses... Continue Reading →
Archive 2014: Matthew 5:33-42
Matthew 5:33-42 In verses 33-37, Jesus talks about oaths. While this may not seem an issue today, the summary of this command teaches us an important lesson. Jesus says “Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from the evil one” (verse 37). Jesus doesn’t want us to try... Continue Reading →
Archive 2014: Matthew 5:31-32
Matthew 5:31-32 I enjoy reading about the things that Jesus said, because I feel that even in Christian circles the following verse is misunderstood. “It was also said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I say to you everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of... Continue Reading →
Archive 2014: Matthew 5:21-30
Matthew 5:21-30 The next several verses take us to the heart of the issues, where Jesus requires changes not just in actions, but in thoughts as well. “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment’” (verse 21). Once again, Jesus... Continue Reading →
Archive 2014: Matthew 5:17-20
Matthew 5:17-20 The next part of the Sermon on the Mount sees Jesus talking about the old Law. And contrary to what many unbelievers (and even believers) think, Jesus understands the importance of recognizing the entire Bible as the ultimate authoritative book. “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the... Continue Reading →
Archive 2014: Matthew 5:13-16
Matthew 5:13-16 Verse 13 starts with a verse I have a difficult time understanding. “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored?” (verse 13) What does salt do? It provides flavor to food. So why does Jesus tell his disciples they are salt?... Continue Reading →
Archive 2014: Matthew 5:1-12
Matthew 5:1-12 (The Beatitudes) Matthew 5 begins with us really starting to hear the heart of Jesus. We’ve seen how strong his character and resolve to seek God are through his testing in the wilderness, yet now we are actually about to hear Jesus teach people. After sitting down, Jesus begins to speak. I find... Continue Reading →
Archive 2014: Matthew 4
Matthew 4 Now that Jesus has been baptized, it is almost time for him to begin his earthly ministry. Yet first he is “led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil” (verse 1). It is important to distinguish here the difference between temptation and testing. God’s character does not... Continue Reading →
Jordan Retting 