Category Archives: Matthew

The Lord takes personally how we treat His people.

Matthew 25:31-46

One right after the other, Matthew 25 records some parables of Jesus that sober the soul. They all show only two types of disciples — the faithful and the unfaithful.

Why am I given this sneak peek and advance notice now?

Among whom do I live: sheep or goats?

Why do good to others?

What drives my compassion?

How aware am I of another’s needs?

Am I ever allowed to ignore another’s needs?

Does God always expect us to give, having received?

Shall I serve according to the minimum of their need or the maximum of my ability?

Which is my standard: doing good or not doing bad?

Which eternal destiny am I choosing? Continue reading →

"Glory to God in the highest!" (Exuberant multitudes shout their acclaim.)
Reading:

Matthew 21:1-16

A week from today, this passage anchors the Sunday School lesson (“The King as a Servant”) in the quarterlies by Christian Light Publications. Here’s a four-verse chunk out of the middle:

  1. And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way.
  2. And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.
  3. And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this?
  4. And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.

When I read the passage a few minutes ago, this expression clicked for me: “in the highest.”

Such a familiar ring… Could it be…? I looked it up. Sure enough! Continue reading →