Spirit & Life International

Persistent Faith

The faith of the gentile woman is juxtaposed with that of the religious leaders. Her persistence and vocal recognition of Jesus as messiah and Lord reveals her heart and great faith. Also, Jesus is revealed once again as the fulfillment of the law and prophets—He is the gospel! 

 Read along here: Matthew 15:21-31

True Worship vs. The Precepts of Men

Jesus is challenged by the religious leaders regarding the actions of his disciples. Through the discourse he reveals the hypocrisy of their hearts by questioning their traditions. He then goes on to illustrate that the Kingdom of god is not a matter of food and drink, but rather an issue of the heart—for from the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks and evil intentions are revealed. 

Read along here: Matthew 15:1-20

Finding Jesus in the Storm

Emmanuel (God with Us) makes his way to His disciples; walking on the stormy waves of the Sea of Galilee. Just when circumstances seem darkest for His closest followers, he appears with the words, "Fear not." No matter what you are facing, even if it doesn't seem like Jesus is nowhere to be found, He is near; and is speaking to you, "Fear not, I AM with you!"

Read along here: Matthew 14:22-36

Ministry Through Adversity

With the beheading of John the Baptist, the Gospel of Matthew foreshadows the imminent execution of Jesus. However, it also provides a glimpse into the heart of Jesus to minister to the needs of others, even when faced with great opposition.

Read along here: Matthew 14:1-21

The Great Gathering of the Kingdom

We dig a little deeper into the emphasis of Matthew 13, to discover the mysteries of the kingdom revealed in the teachings of Jesus to His disciples. A message that is still relevant to us--His modern day disciples!

 Read along here: Matthew 13

The Seeds of the Kingdom

Jesus continues his discourse on the significance of the Kingdom of God, and its meaning to His followers. What may seem insignificant, holds great significance; "let those who have ears to hear, listen."  

Read along here: Matthew 13

Kingdom Parable - The Sower

Jesus speaks of the mysteries of the Kingdom of God using parables and explains their meaning to his disciples.

Read along here: Matthew 13:1-23

The Origin of Jesus’ Kingship

Jesus reveals the source of his authority, and that of the hypocritical Pharisees.

Read along here: Matthew 12:22-49

The King—The Lord of the Sabbath

Jesus, the living “Bread of the Presence,” explains to the religious leaders that he is The Lord of the Sabbath.

Read along here: Matthew 12:1-21

The Promise of the Kingdom Revealed

Jesus responds to John the Baptist’s question of his Messiahship, and once again reaffirms the gospel of the Kingdom revealing the character and person of The Father.

Read along here: Matthew 11