Matthew Chapter 17 - ACC NT Study

The transfiguration is a well-known biblical passage, which is an answer to the question of the day when the original disciples were following Christ. That question being…Who is Jesus? The answer being, Jesus is the true Son of God, which is demonstrated in this passage. His transfiguration makes this clear to believers.

However, as always the Bible speaks to us on many levels. I believe also demonstrated in this passage is that Peter, James and John were also being be developed by Christ. While we may look back on this scripture passage as a glorious event, it may not have seemed as such to the disciples who were experiencing it. At the time, I’m sure it could be described as a trial, struggle or challenge.

Perhaps the disciples were being developed by Christ.
The following questions come to mind...
What about us?
Do we understand our trials?
Are we struggling in some way?
Do we feel we are always dealing with challenges?
Perhaps we are being developed by Christ.

Matthew 17:1 can be characterized as Chosen by Jesus.
(Verse 1)
After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves.

The first step of being developed… Peter, James John were chosen by Jesus.
When Jesus decided to take only three disciples with Him one could wonder if he chose Peter James and John Publicly among all Disciples. And if Jesus was speaking to all the disciples, maybe He could have said something like: “Peter, James and John, you come with me. The rest of you stay here.”

It make makes one wonder: What would have been the attitude of the others who were not chosen?
(Or perhaps any of us in our lives at work, school or church. When we face a situation where we felt left out, or short changed in some way.)

Did the disciples that were not chosen to go with Jesus possibly have an attitude of…
Jealousy? - (I knew Jesus loves the others more than me! I knew it!)
or
Hurt? - (He knew my feelings would be hurt by not choosing me!)
or
Relief? - (I’m glad he did not choose me! I’m tired of the work involved as His follower.)
or
Peace? - (I understand Lord. Please show me your will when I am ready.)

And did the disciples that were chosen to go with Jesus possibly have an attitude of…
Arrogance? - (Obviously, I am the best choice.)
or
Apprehension? - (I don’t know if I can serve the Lord in this way.)
or
Annoyance? - (I’ve been picked again? This is way more work than I expected!)
or
Peace? - (I understand Lord. Please show me your will. I am Ready.)

And the scripture says He led them up a high mountain…
How high was the mountain?
Did it seem unachievable?
How strenuous was the climb?
How long was the journey?
Did it seem never ending?
Perhaps the disciples grew weary in a short time. (As sometimes we grow weary in our Christian walk.)
Perhaps the three chosen disciples were ready to call it quits, regarding this journey following Jesus. (As we are sometimes tempted to just say “I quit!”)

But take note… this journey consisted of Jesus and two others. If the disciples were apt stumble and fall, each disciple had two other believers to turn to, and they had Jesus to turn to as well.
Perhaps we can see this passage as an example. That just as Peter, James and John had to other believers to turn to, it is wise for us to have two close friends who are followers of Jesus.
(Ecclesiastes 4:12)
Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
Perhaps we can also see this passage as an example that not only did they have two other believers to turn to, they had Jesus to turn to. We should also remember to turn to Jesus.
(Philippians 4:13)
I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.
This journey may have been a challenge or struggle for Peter, James and John. Just as our journey following Jesus can be a struggle with hardships along the way.

Matthew 17:2, 3 can be characterized as Exposed to Jesus.
(Versus 2, 3)
There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.

Being developed also meant being exposed to the real person of Jesus.
The disciples were already being taught by Jesus and had a growing relationship with Him. Now they were exposed to the person of Jesus that left no doubt He was truly the Son of God. There are no words that can convey what they experienced that day. They witnessed a most wonderful sight. Jesus was glorified before their eyes. His body took on a different appearance. The transfiguration is evidence as well symbolism that Jesus is the truth and the light in a dark world. Moses and Elijah being present at Jesus’ Transfiguration represent the Law and the Prophets, both of which pointed to Jesus.

Peter James and John’s relationship with our Savior was brought to new level, beyond their expectations. And I believe we are exposed to the true person of Jesus, which brings us to a closer relationship with Him.

We have examples in our lives of what can be explained as Exposure to Jesus:
Faith of dying believer -
(Don’t worry about this disease, This is my ticket home. I know where I am going!)
Answered Prayer -
(Perhaps a loved one has been taken away from alcohol, drug or some other addiction.)
A new believer in Christ -
(Maybe someone who we never thought they would even consider becoming a Christian, and we are learning much from them.)

Just before this exposure to Jesus perhaps the disciples:
Were feeling insignificant…
Felt their efforts were feeble…
Believed they did not make a difference…
Perhaps we feel the same…and it would be wise to pray…that we would be exposed to the real person of Jesus…

Matthew 17:4, 5 can be characterized as Changed Through Jesus.
(Matthew 17:4, 5)
Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah." While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!"
There is a part of the disciples that was changed forever by this experience
Changed by God …Through Jesus

Peter demonstrates willingness… (Three shelters - Whether his willingness is misplaced is a lesson in itself)
Then there was the heavenly voice speaking the same words that were heard at Jesus' baptism (Matt. 3:17).
It is important to note that the heavenly voice sounded while Peter was suggesting the building of three shelters for Jesus and the other two figures. It seems that Peter may have thought the kingdom could be established right then and there. Just a few days earlier he had heard Jesus say that some of them would live to see it (Matt.16:28), and my guess is he thought this was it!
Peter James and John had a new understanding of who Jesus was as the Son of God, and there were changed by this event.
God speaks to our hearts when we are listening. And when we are listening: God changes us:
In Prayer…
During a sermon…
Bible Class…
When we are listening, we are changed by God through His Son…

Matthew 17:6-8 can be characterized as Confidence from Jesus.
(Verses 6-8)
When the disciples heard this; they fell face down to the ground, terrified. But Jesus came and touched them. "Get up," he said. "Don't be afraid." When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.

The disciples were terrified by event. (And who would not be.) They had witnessed the power of Almighty God. But perhaps also they were terrified by the fact God would know their “real selves” (By being in His presence)
Sometimes we may be terrified to be in God’s Presence, and we doubt we could be saved through His grace.

And often just we feel the lowest we are:
Touched by Jesus and reassured by His voice.
We receive confidence from Him.
And if we are listening, we may here Him say “Get up, don’t be afraid”
Often in the form of:
Hug – (Someone who knows our situation.)
Look of understanding – (From those who know we are trying hard.)
Thanks for our service to the Lord - (Just when we feel we have failed Him)
We receive confidence from Jesus and are reminded… We are not alone

Verses 9-13 can be characterized as Walking with Jesus.
(Verses 9-13)
As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, "Don't tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead. The disciples asked him, "Why then do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?" Jesus replied, "To be sure, Elijah comes and will restore all things. But I tell you, Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but have done to him everything they wished. In the same way the Son of Man is going to suffer at their hands." Then the disciples understood that he was talking to them about John the Baptist.

In response to the disciples' question about the expected return of Elijah, Jesus interprets the mission of John the Baptist as the fulfillment of that expectation. But those who opposed and finally killed him did not suspect that, and Jesus predicts a similar fate for himself.

We see Peter James and John walking with Jesus:
We see that Jesus speaks to the disciples privately - (Don’t tell any one what you have seen)
The disciples ask questions - (About Elijah’s Return)
Jesus explains things they don’t understand - (John the Baptist)
The disciples understand on a new level - (As a result of Walking with Jesus)

Does Jesus speak to us? - (Through Minister, Bible Teacher or Christian Friend)
Do we ask Him Questions? - (Prayer, Study of God’s word)
Do we look for his explanation of spiritual things we do not understand? - (Searching scripture for clearer understanding)
Do we understand on a new level? - (And grow closer to God through His Son)

I believe the answer to these questions is a resounding “Yes” when we are truly walking with Jesus

When we look at each step of the Transfiguration experience, as the disciples being developed by Christ, I am sure we can look at our own lives and ask ourselves “Am I being developed by Christ?”

And I need to consider if I have made myself available:
To be Chosen by Jesus
To be exposed to Jesus
To Changed by God through Jesus
To Receive Confidence from Jesus
To Walk with Jesus

When we do make ourselves available, we can be sure each step will have its share of Trials, struggles and Challenges. It is wise to meditate on how our current struggles and trials may be an indicator that we are in the process of being “Developed by Christ”.

In a few words:
Make ourselves available to be developed by Christ.

Matthew Chapter 16 - ACC NT Study

Demanding a Sign
I am not proud of it but I must admit in some ways I have been just like the Pharisees. There have been times that I have somewhat demanded a sign from God. "Show me God what I should do." or "If this is your will make it very clear." Now don't misunderstand, I believe it is very important to pray and ask for guidance or help. However sometimes I have been impatient in my requests for guidance, and I now realize there I times when I really was demanding a sign from Him. I am grateful for God's forgivness just for the asking. (Thanks God!)

Yeast
Jesus points out that a little yeast goes a long way. I suppose His warning to the disciples is also a warning for us today. Just a little false teaching can have a large impact. We would be wise to be on guard for falsehoods being taught. Whether they are biblical/spiritual falsehoods, or falsehoods of today's current events.

Confession of Christ?
For many, there is a time in their life when is if it were Jesus himself asking them:
"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" (Verse 15)
For those who hear the question it is a "moment of truth" time. A time when they make the decision whether or not to answer:
..."You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." (Verse 16)
And for the followers of Christ, it is a daily answer to His question.

Painful Prediction
Like Peter we cannot understand the full extent of God's purpose or His will. When we understand their is a potentially painful situation coming to us or those we love, we may plead with God to avoid it. We don't know the "Big Picture" and without realizing it, we may even get in the way of His purpose. And also like Peter, it would be painful to hear from God that we are being a stumbling block to His will. However I believe God honors the lives of those who love Him and Peter's life is one such example.

In a few words:
Following Jesus is a "faith based" activity!

Matthew Chapter 15 - ACC NT Study

The Pharisees and teachers of the law must have had a very important meeting.
The #1 topic: Find something Jesus' disciples are doing wrong! My guess is after hours of debate and discussion, they settled on a topic with which they would confront Jesus and His disciples. My gosh they must have been empowered with the knowledge that Jesus' disciples were not washing their hands before they ate!

When I read the first couple of versus of this chapter I think "Are you kidding me?" Not washing their hands before they eat? That's the best the Pharisees and teachers of the law can come up with to incriminate them? Perhaps I do not realize the culture of the day and how serious that charge might have been.

However Jesus knew their hearts and their motives. While the hand washing issue seems somewhat frivolous, Jesus launches into a more serious matter in His response. Jesus responds to them asking "...and why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition?"

Jesus reminds them that they practiced a tradition called "Corban." (Mark 7:11) This tradition was basically a vow of dedicating money to God (In lieu of helping parents financially) However the vow was in word only and had become an excuse to keep the money for themselves. Therefore their tradition broke the command of honoring the father and mother. While the Pharisees were attempting to accuse the disciples of being unclean physically, Jesus points out the Pharisees hearts is what was unclean.

Later in the this chapter the faith of the Canaanite woman is clearly evident. Her persistance is rewarded as she knew her daughter would benefit from the "crumbs" of the Lord. Following that, Jesus feeds thousands with a few crumbs of food.

In a few words:
The "crumbs" of the Lord are superior to the traditions of men.

Matthew Chapter 14 - ACC NT Study

What would normally stand out to me in Matthew Chapter 14 are the familiar miracles of Jesus feeding 5000 with almost nothing, followed by Him walking on water. However, what stands out to me today when reading this chapter is His time of sorrow during loss.

When Jesus heard what had happened to John the Baptist, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. (Perhaps to ask God why.) I am convinced Jesus knew sorrow that day, just as we know sorrow when we lose loved ones. It is not clear how long He stayed out on the boat, but as soon as he returned He had compassion on a large crowd and healed their sick. Another example from Him for us to follow.

In a few words:
Compassion for others, brings healing to ourselves as well.

Matthew Chapter 13 - ACC NT Study

Jesus' parables always speak to the heart. Matthew Chapter 13 has several parables, however the one that has always convicted me is "The Parable of the Sower." While I understand Jesus' explanation of what the parable means, it also speaks to me and how my heart needs to be changed on a consistent basis.

It goes something like this:

(Verse 3,4)
...A farmer went out to sow his seed.
As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up.

A path is soil that is packed down. In fact you can say it is hard ground. Well, I realize my heart is sometimes like the path and has become hard. God's word does not sink in unless I choose to allow Him to soften my heart.

(Verse 5,6)
Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root.

After God softens my heart I sometimes realize I still have some attitudes (Rocky Places) that prevent me from letting God's word work deep into my heart, take root and help make serious changes in my life.

(Verse 7)
Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants.

With a softened heart and removal of bad attitudes, I feel I can do everything. However if I try to do so, I may become too busy for God's word to survive in my heart. (Hopefully I am in tune with Him to know His will.)

(VERSE 8)
Still other seed fell on good on good soil, where it produced a crop...

To properly prepare a field a farmer must break up the hard soil, remove rocks, clear out thorns and then sow the seed. I pray I allow God to do the same with my heart, and a crop is produced through me.

In a few words:
Allow the farmer to work the field.

Matthew Chapter 12 - ACC NT Study

What stands out to me in Matthew Chapter 12 is the continuous challenges Jesus faces from the Pharisees.

(Verse 2)
When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him, "Look! Your disciples are doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath."
(Verse 10)
...Looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, they asked him,
"Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?"
(Verse 14)
But the Pharisees went out and plotted how they might kill Jesus.
(Verse 24)
But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, "It is only by Beelzebub, the prince of demons, that this fellow drives out demons."
(Verse 38)
Then some of the Pharisees and teachers of the law said to him, "Teacher, we want to see a miraculous sign from you."

What also stands out is Jesus answers each challenge and then moves forward. He once again sets the example. We can be confident we will face challenges in our walk with God. We can also be confident if we strive to walk with God, He will provide wisdom to answer each challenge and strength to move forward.

In a few words:
"So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded."
(Hebrews 10:35)

Matthew Chapter 11 - ACC NT Study

I get the impression John the Baptist had been in prison for a while when he sent out a message asking the question:
(Verse 2)
"Are you the one who was to come,
or should we expect someone else?"

His question came at a time when he undoubtedly heard exciting stories that Jesus was teaching and preaching. I believe it is evidence that he is discouraged and experiences doubt whether Jesus is the Messiah. Perhaps his inner thoughts included another question: If Jesus is the Son of God, how could He allow me to be in these terrible conditions? (As many of us may have done in bad, sad or sorrowful circumstances.)

Jesus knows he is hurt and discouraged and gets the message sent to him:
(Verses 5,6)
"The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy
are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is
preached to the poor. Blessed is the man who does not fall away on
account of me."

This chapter does not reveal John's reaction to the news that people are being cured from leprosy and the deaf hear again. My guess however is John was blessed and his circumstances were not his entire focus, but now his thoughts are with others as well. I like to thing he thanked God for everything, even during terrible conditions. Afterward Jesus tells of John's importance as a prophet.

In this chapter Jesus warns unrepentant cities and speaks of a generation that does not listen. Lastly He reminds us their is rest for the weary.
(Verse 30)
"For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

In a few words:
Focus on others more than myself.

Matthew Chapter 10 - ACC NT Study

If someone asked me to name the Jesus' 12 Disciples, I think I might manage three or four of the top of my head. Matthew Chapter 10 gives us a list of all 12 with additional information on a few of them:

Peter -----------(His name is actually Simon, but he is called Peter)
Andrew --------(Peter's Brother)
James ---------(Son of Zebedee)
John -----------(James' Brother)
Philip ----------(No specifics given in this chapter)
Bartholomew --(No specifics given in this chapter)
Thomas -------(No specifics given in this chapter)
Matthew ------(The tax collector)
James ---------(Son of Alphaeus and Thaddaeus)
Simon ---------(The Zealot)
Thaddaeus ----(No specifics given in this chapter)
Judas ---------(The one who would betray Jesus)

I find it interesting that this Gospel is written by the tax collector. I would have expected Matthew to be an accountant "Type A" personality and include details on every disciple as he wrote this chapter. I am confident his personality and life were changed through his relationship with Jesus, and of course I believe what he recorded was God inspired.

It makes me realize we all have personality strengths and weaknesses and God can use us in spite of our dominant personality type. (Whatever type that may be.) In fact I believe Jesus assembled a far different mix of personalities in the 12 Disciples and they became known as Apostles (except Judas) who would spread the Good News of Jesus after Pentecost.

I like Jesus' example of first equipping the disciples before sending them out.

(Verse 1)
"He called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness."
(Verse 5)
"These twelve Jesus sent out..."

I think that whether we realize or not, as followers of Christ we are being equipped, and we are being sent out. Now I don't actually know anyone who said Jesus quipped them to drive out evil spirits and heal every disease and sickness. However I do know those who have been equipped by Christ.

They have prayed for me and my family. They have listened when I was down. They stood by me in trying times. (Even when the trying times were a result of my own actions.) They have been friends who would be completely honest with me when the truth was not what I wanted to hear. They have loved me and others. In fact they love others enough to share the Gospel as God leads.

When we are being equipped by Jesus? Perhaps it is within a:
Sermon
Prayer
Group Bible Study
Personal Bible Study
Quiet Time
Conversation with a Believer
Fill in the blank from personal experience_____________.

When are we being sent out by Jesus? Perhaps it is during:
Work Day
Family Outing
Children's Sporting Event
Church Service
Conversation with a Friend
Fill in the blank from personal experience______________.

Paraphrasing, Matthew Chapter 10 inspires us to:
Go out and share the love of Jesus with others without worry.
Assess each situation and trust the Holy Spirit to guide.
Be prepared to face rejection without fear.
Remember to encourage those who are doing so.

In a few words:
Share the truth in love, as Jesus shares it with us.

Matthew Chapter 9 - ACC NT Study

Chapter nine starts out with Jesus preparing to heal a paralytic. He begins by saying, "Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven."

My initial reaction is that this man's paralysis is a result of past sins he has committed.
(Isn't that incredibly unfair of me? - Just being honest - I really don't know why I would assume this man had sinned enough to deserve paralysis.)
However it does make me wonder if through frustration of his situation, this man had sinned after he became paralyzed.
(Many of us may have been so frustrated with situations in our lives that we may have temporarily thrown in the towel and quit trying to avoid sin, and in fact purposely chose to do whatever we wanted.)

The paralytic in this passage might have thought, "Surely Jesus will not heal me because of sins I have committed." I believe Jesus knew this man's heart and wanted to set his mind at ease by letting him know he is forgiven, before he is healed.

I am confident it is the same for us. We tend to carry an attitude that our recent sin or shortcomings will prevent us from being healed where needed. This scripture speaks to me as if Jesus were saying to me, "Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven."
(By the way, Jesus heals the paralytic even while being accused of blaspheming by "Teachers of the Law")

He continues His healing ways in this chapter by healing bind & mute, a sick woman, and a girl who seemed to be pronounced dead. And while doing so He still finds time to eat with tax collectors and sinners.

In a few words:
Be confident Christ's healing power will follow the forgiveness He freely gives.

Matthew Chapter 8 - ACC NT Study

It is interesting to note that the man with leprosy and the centurion sought Jesus out for healing. (The centurion came for help for his servant.) They had faith that they would be healed, and they were. The following question comes to mind. Do we have faith to come to Jesus? The easy answer is yes, but when we dig deep, do we really believe God is listening? Good questions to ponder.

If we find ourselves answering yes, we naturally want to follow Christ. In this chapter we learn there is a cost to follow Him. Are we willing to follow Him when we consider the cost? I believe Jesus' example of calming the storm and driving out demons are indicators of how He will calm the storms in our lives, and take away life's "demon-like" burdens.

In a few words:
The rewards of following Christ, outweigh the cost.

Matthew Chapter 7 - ACC NT Study

Jesus wraps up the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew Chapter 7 with several valuable pieces of information.

Judging Others.
Good stuff like being careful not to judge one another. (Unless you want others judging you.) Good motivation not to do so.

Ask, Seek, and Knock.
I’m afraid Asking, Seeking and Knocking is sometimes thought of like this:
1) Ask God for what we want.
2) Seek Him so He can give us what we want.
3) Knock so He knows we are there, to give us what we want right now.

Ok, that is being a little facetious but I think many of us have possibly looked at it that way. While we mostly think of this passage in a spiritual sense, I believe it is also meant as earthly advice as well. I believe God provides others for help where we need it. All we need to do is ask for help from others who are knowledgeable in areas where we are not well versed. Or sometimes we need to seek and do a little investigation and to get something completed. (We tend to grow when we put in effort into something.) At other times, we need to be bold enough to knock on the door of others who may be able to help us in some way. (I think sometimes we are afraid to knock, because the door will be opened.) Spiritual advice is often good earthly advice to follow.

Narrow and Wide Gates.
The narrow gate takes more effort. But since it leads to life is well worth it!

Trees and their Fruit.
Common Sense here, and a good self-evaluation tool. Do we produce good fruit?

Wise and Foolish Builders.
A firm foundation is everything because in our lives the winds will blow and the streams will rise.

In a few words:
Follow advice from the one who truly loves you.

Matthew Chapter 6 – ACC NT Study

Jesus really hits home in Matthew Chapter 6 about where our heart is related to our actions:

When we give to our church, charity or help some one financially.
Do we keep it private, or take out a TV ad announcing how we are helping others?

When we pray publicly.
Are we more concerned how the prayer sounds to other people, or if God hears it, coming from a prayerful heart?

When we make a sacrifice for God.
Do we make it obvious to others that it is a hardship?

When choose our treasures.
Do we attempt to keep up with the Jones family, or please God?

When we become concerned about things we cannot control.
Do we become paralyzed with a potential outcome, or find peace in God?

We have all failed in these areas at one time or another. Reading this chapter makes one realize Jesus is attempting to help us evaluate our heart, and do things for the right reason.

In a few words:
Love and help others for God’s Glory alone.

Matthew Chapter 5 - ACC NT Study

The Beatitudes are sometimes known as “Beautiful Attitudes” by preachers and teachers. Sometimes I have thought of them as steps to becoming a Christian and starting to live a Christian life. When I put that thought into words it looks something like this…

The Poor in Spirit realize they need Jesus and accept Him as Lord…
And theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven, the gift of salvation.
Those who accept Jesus mourn of their past failures…
And they are comforted.
The comforted are confident in God’s care, which can be described as meek…
And they see the world in a new way and in effect, inherit the earth.
Hunger and thirsting for righteousness is result of those who receive salvation, and God’s comfort and confidence…
And they are filled.
Those who are filled realize what a gift they have received and are merciful to others…
And they are shown mercy.
Those who show mercy to others, are pure in heart when they do so…
And they know God.
Those who know God (by showing mercy) become peacemakers…
And they are called children of God.
Those who are persecuted for following Christ should rejoice…
Because great is their reward in Heaven.

When I think of the Beatitudes in this way, I should ask myself where I am in my daily walk.
“Am I poor is spirit and need to reconnect with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit?”
“Have I mourned for my recent failures and asked forgiveness?”
“Have I made myself available to God in order be comforted?”
“Do I hunger and thirst for righteousness?”
“Do I show mercy to others?”
“Have I been pure in heart at all?”
“Have I been a peacemaker?”
“Have I faced persecution and if I have, did I handle it well?”
Basically asking myself pertinent questions from the Beatitudes passage, and hopefully being convicted to change and improve where needed.

Jesus continues in the this chapter to challenge attitudes about being salt and light of the earth, fulfillment of the law, murder, adultery, divorce, oaths, “eye for and eye” and loving your enemies. Those who heard Jesus were definitely challenged to evaluate their ideas, thoughts and beliefs, as are readers of Matthew Chapter five.

In a few words:
Allow God’s word to challenge our attitudes, and change us where needed.

Matthew Chapter 4 - ACC NT Study

It is comforting to know that I am not alone when it comes to temptation. Even Jesus Himself faced three different forms of temptation directly from the devil. He demonstrated how to handle tempting situations by quoting scripture to avoid it. I believe that is an example for us when we face situations we need to avoid. Memorized scripture and a brief prayer can be our escape from tempting situations. I am convinced speaking a memorized scripture passage out loud is always more powerful that we realize.

It is interesting that after avoiding temptation, Jesus goes on to preach, call his disciples and heal the sick. Perhaps when we avoid temptation, we may realize God has great plans for us to help others, just around the corner. What a great motivator!

In a few words:
Strive to live a life that is pleasing to God, for the sake of others.

Matthew Chapter 3 - ACC NT Study

John the Baptist is a great example of “Purpose and Passion” as he preaches repentance. Evidently his preaching was filled with the Holy Spirit as the Bible says:
“Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordon River”

People were coming for repentance. They were coming to a man that wore camel hair, a man who ate locusts and wild honey. (Most likely not the picture of an esteemed religious teacher speaking in the synagogues.) He was a common man from the desert. An example of God working through someone who chose to be available and obedient to His will.
He must have made a big splash that day (pardon the baptism pun) as other groups seemed to be drawn to the area that day. John the Baptist does not mince words when he speaks to the Sadducees and the Pharisees when they arrive. My guess is he knew their hearts. They most likey were not there to seek repentance, but to investigate what John was doing to draw these crowds. (And to see if it met their approval.)
John baptizing Jesus seems backwards, however Jesus sets the example by being baptized. And John, the common man from the desert, is baptizing the Son of God.

In a few words:
Serve with Purpose and Passion.

Matthew Chapter 2 - ACC NT Study

I have always been confused about the Magi and the Shepherd's time frame when they visited Jesus. The Shepherds are not mentioned in the gospel of Matthew, but in gospel of Luke. Only the Magi are mentioned in Matthew. It is my understanding it may have been as long as two years after Jesus' birth before the Magi reached them. (The baby Jesus would have been the toddler Jesus)

Anyway, reading this Chapter makes me think how Joseph & Mary being obedient to God, face obstacles and dangers. In fact the paranoid King Herod is trying to have baby Jesus killed, as he is afraid of a New King taking over. (If he only understood what kind of King Jesus was meant to be.)
However God sends the new family guidance and protection. After the Magi's visit they are warned to flee to Egypt to escape the long arm of King Herod. Again they receive guidance with the information that King Herod is dead and they can return to Israel. And returning to Israel, once again they receive guidance from God that King Herod's son in Archelaus was reigning in Judah. At this time they move on to Nazareth and Jesus is known as a Nazarene.

This chapter of Matthew makes me realize that if a person is obedient to God's will, (whether it be serving in a new way, or stretching ourselves to learn new skills to help others, etc.) they can expect His guidance and protection.

In a few words:
Be available to serve God as He leads, and expect His Guidance and protection.

Matthew Chapter 1 - ACC NT Study

Matthew Chapter 1:1-17
Whenever I have read Matthew Chapter 1 in the past, I must admit I immediately became bored reading the Genealogy of Jesus in the first 16 versus. (My mind quickly gets distracted when reading.) However it strikes me now that the names in this list are people who no doubt were imperfect, made mistakes, and most likely would feel unworthy to be part of Jesus' lineage. It makes me realize that though I am imperfect, and make mistakes, (and definitely not worthy) I am thankful that God may be able to use me in some way.

Matthew Chapter 1:18-25
I can't imagine the burden Mary must have felt to tell Joseph that she was expecting a child. Even though an Angel named Gabriel came to visit her (Luke Chapter 1) and explained she was with child from the Holy Spirit, she must have been worried about telling him. Would Joseph believe that she had not been with a man? Would he be enraged? Would he leave her?
I believe God placed peace on her heart to endure. Likewise, Joseph must have felt a heavy burden as well. But even so, he chose not to expose Mary to public disgrace. He then received assurance when an angel visited him in a dream. I believe God placed a peace on his heart as well. Joseph & Mary set the example of obedience and trust in highly stressful circumstances.

Thinking about this chapter I pray that I will listen to God's leading while trusting Him, and receive His peace on my heart.

ACC New Testament Study 2009

Happy New Year!
I hope your new year has started out well.
This year at Athens Christian Church (Athens, IL near Springfield) we have been challenged to read and journal the new testament. We have a schedule to read on weekdays during 2009. The journaling for me is going to be in this blog. My hope is blogging will help me be more accountable. My prayer for all is you have peace in your heart in 2009 and God blesses you and your family many times over!