Author: Norm

PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 20:29-34 What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage? “What do you want me to do for you?” (Matthew 20:32)If Jesus asked me this question, how would I answer?Each day there might be more specific requests.My current daily prayer is for meaningful employment.It is not wrong to ask…

PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 20 What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage? “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you.” (Matthew 20:25-26)Jesus is contrasting His leadership style with the world’s.Though Jesus is Lord, He does…

PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 20 What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage? “You don’t know what you are asking.” (Matthew 20:22)James and John, and their mother, want to have the best seats.They want to rule with Jesus, and to be in charge over the others.Their motives may be pure, but they…

PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 20 What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage? “The Son of Man will be delivered over…” (Matthew 20:18-19)Why does Jesus refer to Himself in the third person, as ‘the Son of Man’?For the Jews, ‘the Son of Man’ was an important hope for God’s victory.Daniel had seen…

PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 20 What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage? “Are you envious because I am generous?” (Matthew 20:15)This parable reminds me of the older brother in the prodigal son (Luke 15).He was jealous for how the father eagerly welcomed back his brother.The father was being generous, motivated by love…

PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 20 What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage? “You have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day.” (Matthew 20:12)Although this is a new chapter, it continues from ch.19.This parable explains what Jesus meant by being…

This week (April 28 – May 4, 2025) we are focusing on Matthew 20. Pray for the Spirit of Jesus to speak to your heart. Watch the Bible Project video below (Part 2) to review the big picture. Read this chapter through a few times, with silent reflection. Make note of any words or sentences, thoughts or…

PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 19 What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage? “Will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.” (Matthew 19:29)There is no doubt that Peter and the other disciples sacrificed a lot.Yet slowly they discovered that following Jesus was not a self-serving path.Jesus was not…

PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 19 What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage? “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26)Once again the disciples are overwhelmed by what Jesus says.Jesus’s words about marriage led them to think that not being married was easier.Now Jesus’s words about…

PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 19 What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage? “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” (Matthew 19:21)This man claims to have kept all of the laws of Moses.That…