Author: Norm

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 16 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Jesus turned to Peter and said, “Get away from me, Satan! You are a dangerous trap to me. You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s. [Matthew 16:23] Although Jesus’ words may seem harsh, there is an important lesson here. Satan is always lurking in and around…

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 15 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander. These are what defile you. [Matthew 15:19] This chapter contains an interesting mix of stories: the confrontation with the Jewish leaders, the gentile woman, the many people coming to be healed, and the second miraculous meal. The…

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 14 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone. [Matthew 14:23] How did Jesus do it, how did He handle the stresses and expectations placed on Him? In this reading we get a glimpse into the key to Jesus strength and…

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 13 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message about the Kingdom and don’t understand it. Then the evil one comes and snatches away the seed that was planted in their hearts. [Matthew 13:19] The center of Jesus’ message and ministry is the Kingdom of God (Matthew uses ‘heaven’…

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 12 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: But you would not have condemned my innocent disciples if you knew the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ [Matthew 12:7] How many innocent people have been condemned by the religious establishment because they did not fit their ‘criteria’? How many religious people have totally missed…

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 11 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: ‘Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?’ [Matthew 11:3] Is Jesus the expected messiah, the one that the Jews were eagerly anticipating? Jesus answers John’s question with a reference to the signs and wonders that were expected to be performed when the messiah came –…

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 10 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell. [Matthew 10:28]. Don’t be afraid? Listen to what these disciples were heading into? In comparison, the things that I am afraid of are nothing! If…

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 9 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: When Jesus heard this, he said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do.” Then he added, “Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know…