FOOTPRINTS

Join us at Eastview as we embark on a 12-month journey into the book of Matthew in a series titled “Footprints.” We will be reading and teaching through each and every word of Jesus’s birth, life, death, and resurrection. This will be a time of learning and community that we know will be such a blessing to those involved and who hear the Word. So come and join us and grow while learning and walking in the “Footprints” of Christ.

WEEK FIFTY-SIX: Matthew 28:16-20

Pastor’s Notes:

As a church, we started our study through Matthew (Footprints) on November 18th, 2018. We are currently a week from 2020 which would make our time together in this study right at 14 months. 14 months going through each word of the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is a great accomplishment, blessing, and privilege to each of us that were engaged in this series. As the pastor who taught through this series, I want to thank everyone who listened and studied alongside me, who worked so hard on the website devotion series, and those who prayed with me each week as I preached. This Footprints series has been such a blessing to me personally!!

As we come to the end of our study, we see that Jesus’s last words are rooted in some of His first words to those who followed Him. The words, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth” mirrors Jesus’s words during the Sermon on the Mount. At the end of His sermon in chapter 7, scripture reads that “the people were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority”. Throughout all 28 chapters, Jesus’s authority has been the clear and consistent theme of each chapter.

With Jesus’s authority being the root of all His words, we are to take His last charge in chapter 28 seriously and without fear.
In Jesus’s Great Commission, we see 4 verbs used to lead us into our present and future purpose in life. Jesus calls believers and follower of His commands to Go, Make, Baptize, and to Teach. This is the charge our Lord has laid out for us to do with our lives here on this earth.

As most know, Jesus’s commands to “go and make disciples” is not an easy life to live. However, that is where His authority is spoken to bring courage and confidence to those who obey Him. In His last words in Matthew, Jesus tells us that, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age”.
With His promise to never leave us and His authority over all, the charge to GO should ignite excitement more than it does fear.

I pray that through the reading of His word in Matthew, not only have you grown in knowledge, but also in faith. I pray that through seeing and knowing His power and love more clearly, that we all move towards loving a life driven by the Great Commission, His last words.

Scripture to go along with this week’s message:

Take time this week and read Revelation 14:6 and Acts 1:8 concerning God’s charge of teaching others about Him.

“Highlight in your Bibles…………”

Highlight the word authority and each of the 4 verbs listed above. Also highlight “I am with you always, even to the end of the age”.

Questions to Consider:

1) During our study in Matthew, what specific aspects of his gospel shined and stood out to you?

2) What themes did you see during our year long study?

3) During our Footprints series, has your study or prayer disciplines grown or changed since starting our study?

4) If you were apart of all of this study, how do you believe reading/studying every aspect of His gospel grew you closer to Him?

WEEK FIFTY-FIVE: Matthew 28:1-15

Message Notes:

This week, in the first half of Matthew 28 we see Matthew’s account of the most important event in all of human history – the resurrection of Jesus. Why study the resurrection the week of Christmas? If the resurrection isn’t true then Christmas isn’t worth celebrating. If Jesus is still dead then he is no different from any other religious prophet or zealot who has claimed to be God but whose body is still in a grave (See 1 Corinthians 15). If the resurrection is true, then Jesus was who he said he was and we have everything to celebrate!

If the resurrection is true,

everything sad is going to come untrue and it will somehow be greater for having once been broken and lost”

                                                 -Tim Keller

Spoiler alert: Jesus is not dead!

In each gospel the main details surrounding the resurrection are the same but each writer focuses on a different detail than the others. In Matthew’s account we get insight into the roman guard’s reaction. They knew, like everyone else who has ever thought about it, that if Jesus actually physically rose from the dead, the most likely explanation was that he was who he claimed to be – the Son of God. If someone has power over death we have to listen to that person. Jesus has told us exactly who he is and this is what we celebrate this season- God with us.

The resurrection turns casual comfortable Christianity into an oxymoron. Because Jesus rose from the dead we are free to and called to die to self and live to him.

“I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me, even if he dies, will live. Everyone who lives and believes in me will never die-ever. Do you believe me?”

                        – Jesus in John 11:25-26.

Those in Christ have no fear of death and are free to take risks both great and small for the cause of Christ. Death is still a horrible and painful thing even for Christians, we’ve all seen and felt it. We grieve, we weep – as Jesus himself did later in John 11. Death still stings. But, because Jesus got out of the grave “we do not grieve as those who have no hope” 1 Thess 4:13 and we know there is coming a day when we will say “O death, where is your sting…” 1 Corinthians 15:55. Because Jesus got out of the grave we can be confident that he is who he said he was. And if Jesus is who he said he was we can rejoice because “There is therefore now NO condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” Romans 8:1. Even though every part of us is naturally sinful, because Jesus was who he said he was we can “approach the throne of grace” not in fear of the judgment that we completely deserved but “with confidence” (Hebrews 4:16) because “For our sake, he made him to be sin, who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:21

So we celebrate Christmas! We celebrate as people who have nothing to lose! Everything that matters eternally is secured for us in Christ and proven by his resurrection! We celebrate not just a couple of days off work and some new socks. We celebrate eternal life in Jesus Christ – free from sin and death forever!!

Go ahead, sing loud:

Scripture to go along with this week’s message:

1 Corinthians 15

WEEK FIFTY-FOUR: Matthew 27:27-66

Pastor’s Notes:

This is Jesus the King of the Jews”

This was the title that was given to Jesus that was nailed on the cross above His head in chapter 27. Now of course, this was not praise of the truth that Jesus is king, but more mockery in the eyes of the people who were in disbelief that He thought He was king.

Throughout Matthew’s story of Jesus’s death in chapter 26 & 27, we will see Matthew spend just as much or even more time on the grave disrespect shown to Jesus as as he did the physical abuse Jesus endured. As you read verses 27-66, our attention often goes towards the pain and suffering that Jesus experienced when beaten, abused, and killed. However, read the scriptures again and take note of all the sins of the heart shown towards Jesus during this time and now think of how difficult the pain would have been to not only be hit physically, but made fun of and mocked by the ones you created. To be laughed at, spat on, abandoned, and to wear a crown, but one made of thorns. Some would venture say that the physical abuse hurt less.

To most of the Gentiles, Jews, and Roman soldiers, “Jesus the king” was a joke. This moment we read about in chapter 27 is seen as the height of all foolishness through the eyes of the ones who sin against our Savior. How could anyone believe this fool on the cross they thought? This was the height of weakness, not power. But to those being saved, Christ crucified is where “God made the foolish the wisdom of the world” (1 Corinthians 1:20). The cross is where Jesus magnified “the power of God and the wisdom of God” (1 Corinthians 1:24). The cross is the image of His power and glory as our King takes the image of death and turns it into life!!

Scripture to go along with this week’s message:

Take time this week and read the other texts in the other Gospels to see the similarities and differences in the writing.

“Highlight in your Bibles…………”

Highlight verses 27-31 and 36-37, as well as verse 63.

Questions to Consider:

1) While reading the text this week, how many examples did you find of specific times man mocked Jesus. Highlight each time as each of the examples will be discussed on Sunday morning.

2) As you read the other accounts of the death of Jesus in other Gospels, what were the biggest similarities and differences you noticed.

3) Just as Jesus made something that was initially awful into something beautiful (being the cross), how have you seen the same power of Christ in your life?

4) For most, this is a story and text that you have heard.read many times. Take time this week and re-read the text slowly and journal/highlight at least one point that has stuck out to you or been “new” to you this time around.

WEEK FIFTY-THREE: Matthew 27:1-26

Pastor’s Notes:

What a powerful time together last week was as we went through all 75 verses in Matthew 26. Personally, I LOVED my daily reading in chapter 26 and the opportunity to walk through the text with my church Sunday morning and in small group that night. With that being said, the intensity and magnitude of the story doesn’t slow down in chapter 27 by any means.
Chapter 27 begins with Judas running from his mistake of betraying Jesus. Now when one thinks of Judas, the name alone makes one think of the most despicable or infamous name in history. Judas is never associated with anything good or respectable. However, did you know that during this time in history, Judas was one of the most common names heard of. Today, there are tons of children named after Peter, James, or other characters from the Bible, but when was the last time you met a “Judas”. Can you imagine making a decision that was so terrible that it not only ruined your life, but changed the course of history to anyone even associated with your name? We see the reason for this truth in the beginning of this chapter.
We leave the story of Judas and go strait into the moment the world spoke Jesus’s death into reality. Even though it had been decided before His birth, chapter 27 was the moment the world demanded His death. The moment the crowd pleaded to Pilate to release a crook and crucify a King.

Scripture to go along with this week’s message:

Read Zechariah 11:12-13 as this is the text mainly referenced in 27:9-10.

“Highlight in your Bibles…………”

Highlight verses 3-4, 17, and 20-21 in Matthew 27.

Questions to Consider:

1) After reading chapter 26, we see sins against Jesus by Peter and Judas. What similarities and differences do you see in both men and their sins?

2) Looking at the sins of Peter and Judas, what differences do you see in how the men responded when convicted of their sins?

3) Reading verses 15-26 and seeing how the crowd responded, where do we see the same crowd in today’s time?

4) In verses 1-26, Jesus speaks 5 words, what weight do those 5 words mean to you as a believer today?

WEEK FIFTY-TWO: Matthew 26

Pastor’s Notes:

Matthew 26 is a very important chapter in Matthew’s gospel. If you have joined us during our 12 months in Footprints, chapter 26 begins with a much different tone and story telling than what we have experienced in the last 20 chapters. Chapters 26 through 28 read very much like the first 5 chapters in Matthew in which we are given the text on the birth and early years of Jesus. Chapters 6-25 rely heavily on Jesus’s teaching/ministry while the end of Matthew is very much connected to the beginning. A Complete “full circle” in the story of Jesus.

In Matthew 5-7 we see Jesus’s first and most famous sermon which has been titled “The Sermon on the Mount.” After His sermon, we get to see the calling of the apostles, then chapter after chapter of stories of Jesus’s healing and miracles. We then see the death of John the Baptist and see the pharisees and other religious leaders beginning to feud with Jesus. In chapter 26, Jesus has now left the temple and gone into depth with the disciples about His departure and also the end of times. In the very first verse in chapter 26 we see the beginning of the end of Jesus’s time on earth.

If you have been apart of our year long journey together, the next 3 chapters will hopefully read in a much different and intimate way. I pray that you take time and read and pray over each verse and moment this week as we will be going through each of the 75 verses.

Scripture to go along with this week’s message:

I want you to take this week and read Matthew 1-5 again. I know this is 5 chapters, but I want you to see the beginning of the story and how it was told hand and hand with chapters 26-28.

“Highlight in your Bibles…………”

I want you to highlight no specific verse this week, but whatever stands out to you in this chapter. As I said, we will be reading all 75 verses together this week. Take time and highlight parts of the chapter that stand out to you.

Questions to Consider:

1) How do you see differences in chapter 26 than what we have read in the last 20 chapters? This could be differences in the characters, how the story changes with intensity, or anything that stands out now that we see the life of Jesus towards the cross progresses.

2) How do you see parallels with the beginning and the end of Matthew’s gospel?

3) After reading all of chapter 26, how has this chapter read differently to you after taking a whole year to study the first 25 chapters?

WEEK FIFTY-ONE: Matthew 25:14-46

Pastor’s Notes:

What does it mean to be ready for the Lord? I know that you understand what the word ready means, but what does readiness mean when awaiting His arrival? Last week in the story of the 10 virgins, we saw readiness in terms of spiritual preparation. This week Jesus shows another side of readiness in our faith. Our faith to work and serve in Him in the “space in between”.

Faith and works have always been seen as contradicting views of what it means to follow Christ. Some falsely believe that they are born again believers in Jesus because of all that they have done. Some have given thousands of dollars, served all over the globe, and attend a million church serves and truly believe that they are saved because of their works. Saved because they are a “good person.” This is lie.

On the other side, there are others who believe that they are saved by their belief that God exist. They do not serve Him with their lives, they don’t give of their gifts, and they don’t worship with their time. This is also a lie.

This week’s text does not point us towards the differences between faith and works, but more to a “faith that works.”

Scripture to go along with this week’s message:

I want you to re-read Matthew 25:1-13 as I want you to see the different ways we are called to readiness in Christ’s return. I also want you to read Titus 2:14 as we see what the Lord calls us all to.

“Highlight in your Bibles…………”

Highlight verse 21 in Matthew 25.

Questions to Consider:

1) In what ways are we called to be prepared for our Lord’s return based off of verses 14-30?

2) How does this week’s text differ from last week’s story of the 10 virgins?

3) There are 3 specific rewards shown to the faithful worker in verse 21, what rewards do you see?

4) personally, how can you be more prepared for His return by your faithful works?

WEEK FIFTY: Matthew 25:1-30

Pastor’s Notes:

I remember the first time I read Matthew 7:21-23. This is the scripture in the gospel of Matthew when Jesus speaks of the “narrow way” and we see when Jesus says “I never knew you” to those whose are not believers, but thought they were. I remember this scripture so well because I would personally say that this was the first time I was ever stopped in my tracks and brought to my knees. I remember having no real knowledge of the Bible, not a member of a church, and being completely lost at the time, but also being able to fully understand each word of what Jesus was saying in those verses. For me, Matthew 7 was an example of God’s word which brought me to fear, seeking, and to love Him for the first time.
Now fast forward all the way to chapter 25 and we find Jesus having the same words near the end of His life on Earth as He did in the beginning during His sermon on the mount. In Matthew 25, Jesus has left the temple, warned the disciples of what would be coming towards Israel and the temple, as well foretold of the end of the world. As Jesus makes His way from the temple, He speaks to His disciples in a follow up message from what He preached in Matthew 7.

Jesus tells His men that “The kingdom of Heaven shall be likened to ten virgins….”. In this parable, Jesus speaks on the importance of being prepared. Being prepared for His obvious, awesome, and unexpected return. However, Jesus does not just speak on being ready, but to be prepared with a genuine love and faith in who is returning.

Scripture to go along with this week’s message:

I want you to read Matthew 7:13-23 as the theme of chapter 7 is found in chapter 25.

“Highlight in your Bibles…………”

Highlight verses 4, 8, and 11-12 in chapter 25

Questions to Consider:

WEEK FORTY-NINE: Matthew 24:15-51

Pastor’s Notes:

As Jesus leaves the temple and continues to have conversation with His disciples, the conversation turns to His description of what time will be like during these times of judgement. Now with that being said, there is still the debate on “which time in history” is Jesus talking about, but we are not going to spend too much time there. Instead, I want you to cast your attention on what Jesus calls His men as well as you and I today to do during those times of tribulation. No matter when the time in history He is speaking on, Jesus gives us a blueprint on how to respond to troubled times because no one truly know when those times will be or when He will return.

In Matthew 24:36, Jesus says that “not even the angels of Heaven” will know the time in which He will return. Isn’t it amusing that the angels that are already in Heaven have no idea, but men here on Earth have seemed to solve the question of His return many times? Throughout history, many people have sworn their lives that they have calculated and solved the impossible question of, “When will Jesus Christ return?”. Personally, I can’t tell you when or even close to when He will return, but I do know what scripture says it will be like when He does!

Scripture tells us in Matthew 24 that when Jesus returns, it will be obvious, awesome, and unexpected. Like a parent describing an amazing future event to their child, the specifics are not always given, but the picture is painted beautifully with excitement!

I pray that this week and last week has been a gift to you in growth. I pray and hope that you have grown in your knowledge of scripture and also in your prayer life as you pray for wisdom in truly seeing what God is showing us in this text.

Scripture to go along with this week’s message:

I want you to read Daniel 7:13-14 as we see Daniel’s version of what Matthew is telling us in his gospel.

“Highlight in your Bibles…………”

Highlight verses 16-18, 20, & 23 in Matthew 24. Also highlight 35-36 in Matthew 24 as we will spend equal time on both sets of verses Sunday morning.

Questions to Consider:

1) Read verses 15-28 in Matthew 24, what directives does Jesus give His disciples and us today when it comes to facing difficult times?

2) Read verses 29-44 in Matthew 24, where do you see the description of Jesus’s return in the obvious, awesomeness, and unexpected?

3) Does not knowing the “when” in not only His return, but also parts of your life, create fear or faith in daily walk?

WEEK FORTY-EIGHT: Matthew 24:1-14

Pastor’s Notes:

All scripture should be prayed over while asking the Spirit to show us the meaning and truth behind what God is telling us in the text. Matthew 24 is a great example of how important that discipline is. Matthew 24 is often seen as the most difficult chapter in Matthew to fully understand and at times creates more questions than it does answers. So before you read this week’s devotion and hear the message on Sunday, know that I humbly come before you and say that I could be wrong on some of the interpretations of this text. Also know that admitting such a truth is also something that is healthy for you to do as well when it comes to text such as Matthew 24.

Now in Matthew 24, Jesus leaves the temple and as He leaves He tells His disciples that there will be a day in which “not one stone shall be left here”. Now this is where the text creates conversation. When and what is Jesus talking about exactly? When will this happen as the disciples ask Him the exact same question. Also, what exactly is Jesus referencing here? Is He speaking on the past, present, or future?

I believe that as you read the entirety of the chapter you see that Jesus is speaking to His disciples about not only what will in fact happen to the temple in which they are seeing with their own eyes, but also what will happen to the world in the end. I believe that Jesus is speaking on the present time while using the present to also foreshadow what is to come in the future.

As you hear me say that “I could be wrong” concerning the interpretation of some of the points in Matthew 24, there is one great truth that I know that I am not wrong when it comes to this text. Throughout Matthew 24, Jesus is very clear to His disciples and to you and I today that He will return. That Jesus will return to judge the world and call His children home and I believe that His words are very clear when He tells us to be ready and have faith in that promise.

Scripture to go along with this week’s message:

I want you to read the entire 24th chapter in Matthew. On Sunday morning, we will be in Matthew 24 2-3 weeks, but I want you to go ahead and read the whole chapter to strengthen your studying of these first 14 verses.
Also read Mark 13:1-2 on the same scene but an expanded look at the question the disciples ask. Mark 13 will be referenced Sunday morning.

“Highlight in your Bibles…………”

Highlight verses 1-3 as well as 13-14 in Matthew 24

Questions to Consider:

1) Have you ever read Matthew 24 before? If so, what were your interpretations of this text?

2) If you have been taught on the “End of Times” or heard sermons/read on Matthew 24, what were all the different views you have heard before?

3) After reading verse 13 & 14, what do you see in Jesus’s words concerning the “space between” the beginning and the end of the world? What is He calling us to do with our time?

4) How does one lean on faith, love, and truth in the midst of text that could be read as confusing or even scary like seen in Matthew 24?

WEEK FORTY-SEVEN: Matthew 23

Pastor’s Notes:

What do you look for in a Pastor or leader within the church?

What type of characteristics should they have and what authority should they hold within the body of believers?

In Matthew 23, Jesus answers all of these questions and more. In chapter 23 Jesus speaks not only against false teachers and pharisees, but He also gives us all a wonderful image of how pastors and church leaders should lead, act, and be treated. He does all of this while also pouring into the crowd the importance of humility as believers.

The emphasis in chapter 23 of Matthew consist of two major themes. First, we see Jesus expose hypocrisy shown by the religious leaders in the temple and then secondly, Jesus teaches the crowd the importance of humility in not only leaders within the church, but also to all who follow. In verses 1-13 Jesus is only speaking to the crowd as He is teaching the people to be on guard from harmful leaders within the faith, but then shifts His attention to the leaders in verses 13-36 as He says “Woe to you…”.

Scripture tells us that pride is one of the deadliest sins and even more so when seen within the church. Pride and hypocrisy is exactly what you see in Matthew 23 as Jesus rebukes the false teachers and warns the body.

Scripture to go along with this week’s message:

Read Romans 2:21-23 as Paul speaks about hypocritical leaders and then Philippians 2:5-9 as Gods word teaches on humility.

“Highlight in your Bibles…………”

WEEK FORTY-SIX: Matthew 22:23-40

Pastor’s Notes:

This week’s scripture sheds light on some of life’s most pondered questions.

What do you think Heaven will be like?

What is the purpose of life?

Where did we all come from?

As we finish chapter 22, we see that the religious leaders are still trying their best to stump Jesus. With every opportunity, the Sadducees and Pharisees throw questions at Jesus that they believe will either back Him into a corner of contradiction or confusion. However, we see nothing but the opposite. Like when Jesus was in the desert with Satan, our creator has a well planned response before each question is even asked.

In the midst of each answer, Jesus gives all of us today nuggets of wisdom and insight on some of life’s most thought upon questions. This week Jesus gives us all an image of our past, present, and future as we stand “astonished.”

Scripture to go along with this week’s message:

Read Exodus 3 (the entire chapter). This is the story and verse that Jesus quotes in chapter 22:32.

“Highlight in your Bibles…………”

WEEK FORTY-FIVE: Matthew 21:23-46

Pastor’s Notes:

Throughout Matthew we get to see many themes and patterns, but probably no theme more than the question of “Who is Jesus Christ?” The pharisees, scribes, disciples, as well as small and large crowds all asked the question of who Jesus is throughout each chapter of Matthew’s gospel. Matthew 21 is no different. However, the only difference is the tone that the question is asked by the religious teachers and leaders in the temple. In Matthew 21, the question of “who is Jesus” is asked more along the lines of, “Who do you think you are?”

From last week’s message and from time spent in scripture, we see Jesus come into the temple (den of thieves) and show His authority by completely cleaning house. This week, the men respond by asking “Who do you think you are?” and “Who gave you the authority to tell any of us what to do?” As we see Jesus respond in word and also parables, set your eyes on His great authority.

Scripture to go along with this week’s message:

Read John 1:23-35 as we see a wonderful picture of the image of Christ and His authority.

“Highlight in your Bibles…………”

Highlight the questions asked near the end of verse 23 in Matthew 21.

Questions to Consider:

1) Besides Christ, who in your life has authority over you (family, friends, spiritually, work…)?

2) Now how does Jesus’s authority differ from the ones you listed?

3) How does Jesus’s authority in your life dictate your everyday lifestyle?

4) How has Jesus’s authority either strengthened or angered you in your past?

WEEK FORTY-FOUR: Matthew 21:12-27

Pastor’s Notes:

I love my church. This is not just “pastor talk,” but I truly mean it when I say that I love my church. I love our members. I love our Sunday School teachers, our praise team, leaders, and children that run the halls. I love the excitement and energy you feel on Sunday morning and I love how our members love and care or each other. I truly love my church!!
There are many things that I love about Eastview, but what I love the most is that Eastview is a God honoring and Gospel teaching church. Christ is our leader, our efforts are our worship to His great name, and our gatherings are to know Him better. This is why I love Eastview.

As I think about Eastview, I pray that Jesus never sees what He sees in Matthew 21 in the temple. I pray that He never sees a “den of robbers” or a “country club with Bibles.” I pray that He does not see what I see in many churches across our country and world.
I pray that we are “A House of Prayer.”

Scripture to go along with this week’s message:

Read Jeremiah 7:1-11 as you see a picture of what Jesus saw in Matthew 21 when He goes to the Temple.

“Highlight in your Bibles…………”

Highlight verse 13 in Matthew 21.

Questions to Consider:

1) When in your life have your been apart of den of robbers, country club with Bibles or a House of Prayer?

2) What were the major differences in the two and did you notice the weaknesses or strengths at the time?

3) What did you see in the leaders and members of the two?

4) Write out a detailed description of the church you desire and compare it to not only where you service/worship, but also what God desires.

WEEK FORTY-THREE: Matthew 21:1-11

Pastor’s Notes:

If you have been following our “Footprints” study, you have seen that the gospel of Matthew has been consistent with one major theme or question, “Who is Jesus Christ”? Was Jesus a lunatic, was He a liar, or is He Lord? This is a question that all of us at one point and time in our life will have to answer. Personally, I believe with all of my heart that Jesus is Lord, but before I was saved I lived as if He was a liar. That is the case in most of our lives. This week’s text lends itself to not only showing us that Jesus is the Son of God, but also His promises in this text gives us confidence that He is by no chance a liar or lunatic.

Looking through the 20 chapters that got us to where we are now, if Jesus Christ is not Lord then honestly that belief opens up the door to many more questions that could be even harder to answer that then original question of “who He is.” If Jesus is not Lord, then His earthy behaviors, personality, and words were beyond confusing and actually contradicted itself constantly throughout the gospels. How could the most humble also believe He was the greatest? Unless He was both?

Jesus was a man who was a servant at heart in all that He did. Jesus was humble, gentle, and showed compassion and love more than anyone this world has ever seen and in chapter 21 we see the humble servant make an extremely bold statement by screaming to the world,

I am God.”

Scripture to go along with this week’s message:

Read Zechariah 9:9 as this is the exact passage in the Old Testament that Matthew 21 draws from.

“Highlight in your Bibles…………”

WEEK FORTY-TWO: Matthew 20:29-34

Pastor’s Notes:

Where we are in our Footprints study is approximately a week before the death of Christ. Each verse is a step closer towards the cross. In this week’s text, we see a similar scene in Jesus healing the needy, but also a very different story based off of the crowd around the needy men. One aspect I personally have loved about our study in Matthew has been the countless stories of Jesus’s healing and miracles that were witnessed. With each story our faith seems to increase and loved towards our Father overflows. However, just as much as the miracles, I have enjoyed seeing the response from the onlookers of those miracles.
In this week’s story, we get to see 2 blind men, Jesus, and the crowd. We see the faith in two men who are desperate for a savior, the grace and love of a father, but also the blind crowd who gets to witness all of the story in person. What I love about this story is the fact that the two blind men seem to see Jesus better than all the people who have their sight. A large group of people who are following the right Jesus, but all for the wrong reasons.

Scripture to go along with this week’s message:

Read 2 Samuel 7:11-13 when connecting the power of Jesus being called and seen as “The son of David”.

“Highlight in your Bibles…………”

WEEK FORTY-ONE: Matthew 20:17-28

The Human Nature and The Kingdom of God

Pastor’s Notes:

Books on humility usually don’t make the best-seller list. On the contrary, they are at the bottom of the sales list. Why? Because when it comes to the topic of humility, we all think we are humble. We don’t see ourselves as proud, entitled, haughty, or boastful. We have this one trait down.

This week’s text tells of two brothers and a mother who, while in the midst of exercising great faith, fell prey to pride, ambition, and selfish desire. They had faith that this poor carpenter was the Messiah and that He would rule the world….they just wanted in on that power and authority.

We also see the selfish ambition of all Jesus’s disciples. Jesus uses this point to teach them, and us, that the kingdom of Heaven’s style of leadership and greatness is different from the world’s style. Worldly leaders dominate and use carnal power and authority to get their way. Believers are to do the opposite – they are to lead by being servants and giving themselves away for others, as Jesus did.

Scripture to go along with this week’s message:

Mark 10:35-45, Luke 22:24-27

“Highlight in your Bibles…………”

Verse 21 “what do you want?”, verses 26-28

Questions to Consider:

1) Why is it so hard to: Not promote yourself? Not tell everyone of your accomplishments? Not step over others in order for you to ‘get ahead’ in life? Be humble and faithfully serve?

2) If you were to never be recognized here on earth, would you be satisfied knowing that God in Heaven sees you, and He will reward you in the life to come?

3) Am I content with having only Jesus? Or do I need the power, prestige, authority, and good name that comes along with it in our culture?

4} What is my motivation to serve people, especially my brothers and sisters in Christ?

5) Am I only willing to serve in areas where I like or feel ‘called to’? Why don’t I serve where the need is, not just where I feel comfortable?

WEEK FORTY: Matthew 20:1-16

Pastor’s Notes:

In the late 1930s, a young golf instructor was given the opportunity to teach a very famous and prestigious scholar how to the play the game of golf. A man by the name of Albert Einstein. Where Einstein might have had no shortage of brains and knowledge, he seemed to fall short when it came to athletics. The young golf instructor became very frustrated early on as Einstein struggled with understanding the basics of the game. After each miss, the teacher would quickly point out what Einstein was doing wrong; “Take the club back more slowly, choke up a little, keep your head down, don’t jerk so much when you swing.” After a short period of time, Einstein grew frustrated as well. Near the end of the lesson, Einstein picked up a basket of golf balls and quickly started throwing each one at the teacher yelling at him to “catch.” When the instructor yelled back, “I can’t catch all of them at once,” Einstein stated, “neither can I.”

The point to the story is that for many of us, we often struggle with learning because so many balls are being thrown at us at one time. We see this often in our spiritual journey. The Bible feels and seems overwhelming at times, “because there is so much that we don’t know.”

“Where should I begin”!!!

Last week and this week’s messages are a beautiful picture of Jesus walking us slowly though one point at a time. Last week we saw God’s wonderful plan through Jesus’s teaching that through Him, all things are possible, even salvation. That through Him, not man, all things are possible. This week Jesus teaches us one point

salvation is through grace and faith alone.

Scripture to go along with this week’s message:

Read Ephesians 2:8

“Highlight in your Bibles…………”

Highlight verses 8, 12,and 16 in Matthew 20.

Questions to Consider:

1) Looking back on your spiritual journey and beginnings, how was the concept of “grace” explained to you?

2) With your understanding now on “grace,” how has grace either increased your worship or struggle in following Christ?

3) When it comes to your own teaching of God to others, has “grace” and “through Christ alone” been points you have spent precious time on, or quickly passed over?

WEEK THIRTY-NINE: Matthew 19:23-30

Pastor’s Notes:

Life can feel impossible, impossible in a million different ways. At times, parenting can seem impossible. Marriage, budgeting, exercise, and school can easily feel impossible. Christianity can even seem impossible. With that thought in mind, have you ever read the Bible, heard a sermon, or felt conviction and thought, “living a christian life seems too hard”? If you have, then you can take comfort in that you and the disciples have something in common.
At the end of chapter 19, Peter and the rest of the 12 look back on all that they had seen and heard and thought, “following Jesus seems impossible.” And guess what, they’re right. Christianity, salvation, leading a Godly family, and simply walking in faith is impossible without Christ.
You might read that and think that this thought is a no-brainer, but its not. People everyday try to live a Christian life without the Holy Spirit and experience a lifetime of impossible. The feeling of impossibility is not only felt by the disciples, but experienced first hand by the rich young ruler earlier read about in chapter 19.
The wonderful gift in Christ that we read this week in the text is that what is impossible for man, is very much possible for God. That with Christ, His spirit, leading a Godly family, faith, Heaven, and salvation are all very much our reality.

Scripture to go along with this week’s message:

Read John 6:53-55 & 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 as both sets of verses are a pure picture of the Gospel (the good news).

“Highlight in your Bibles…………”

Highlight verses 29-30 in chapter 19, this is where most of our time will be on Sunday.

Questions to Consider:

1) What in your life has seemed impossible, but through Christ, you have seen the impossible come to reality.

2) How has seeing and personally experiencing the impossible become possible increased your faith and worship?

3) On the same lines of #2, where in your christian walk do you still lack faith in God’s promises?

4) How is the Gospel defined in this week’s text, along with the text from John 6 & 1 Corinthians 15? Is the Gospel you read in the this week’s text, the same Gospel you were taught growing up and know now? If not, how is it different?

WEEK THIRTY-EIGHT: Matthew 19:1-12

Pastor’s Notes:

Marriage is shown to be extremely important in scripture as well as a wonderful gift from God, but marriage can also be difficult to talk about. Everyone who reads this and who hears the message on Sunday will come into the text with a personal view on marriage mainly driven by their own life experiences. People will walk into this week’s text with either fond memories or tragic baggage. Based on their past, people could respond with anger, frustration, love, agreement, or even disagreement. That’s why Matthew 19 is perfect for all of us, not matter your past.
In this week’s text, the pharisees use the word “command”, Moses “permits”, but Jesus says, “I say”. No matter your history, views, or opinion, Jesus shows us that Matthew 19 is more about following Him, versus our views on something as highly debated as divorce. I encourage you to read this week’s text numerous times and ask yourself, “What exactly is the major point to what Jesus is telling us in His word this week?”

Scripture to go along with this week’s message:

Read 18:1 – 19:12 as the last 3 weeks are beautifully connected. I encourage you to even go back and listen to the past messages on this text as I stand amazed as how Jesus connects all of this text together for us.

“Highlight in your Bibles…………”

Highlight the word “command” in verse 7, “permitted” in verse 8, and “I say to you” in verse 9.

Questions to Consider:

1) What are your personal views on divorce? How does your view on divorce coexist with what you have heard in the church and also what you read in the Bible?

2) Concerning this week’s text, what does “sexual immorality” mean in your mind when Jesus speaks on the issue and marriage?

3) Why does Jesus give an exception for divorce (adultery)? Is adultery the only exception given in the Bible?

4) When reading the text, do you believe that Jesus encourages divorce after adultery?

5) How has scripture shaped your views on marriage vs simple views and options on the subject of marriage and divorce?

WEEK THIRTY-SEVEN: Matthew 18:15-35

Pastor’s Notes:

Last week we not only heard what Jesus said about the sin of pride in a believer’s heart, but we also heard about the dangers and consequences of effecting other believers with that sin. This week Jesus perfectly uses the issue at hand to address how to address such people who pour their sin into the lives of others. The focus of the text and our time together will be,

How do you address sin in the lives of others in and outside the church?”

This week, scriptures not only give us the command to address sin inside the body, but also the reasons why we are called to do so. Jesus calls us to address sins that are against us and sins that hurt the body in a way that is Christ centered and Biblical, but also direct. The four reasons to confront sin begin with our desire and love for the “one stray sheep”. God calls us to address the sin in other believers out of the value we see in their christian life. The two other reasons consist of our hope in repentance and forgiveness in the life of sinners and our responsibility to protect the other members of the church. What we get to see in this week’s text is how wisdom and love is what drives godly confrontation and then the ongoing grace which is shown in the parable of the unforgiving servant.

Scripture to go along with this week’s message:

Read 1 Corinthians 5:5-7 as Paul speaks on how one man’s sin effect many around him.

“Highlight in your Bibles…………”

Highlight verses 32 & 33 in chapter 8.

Questions to Consider:

1) Has anyone ever confronted you concerning sin in your life? If so, was it a friend, relative, pastor? How did you respond to that situation?

2) Have you ever confronted anyone concerning the same matters and if so how did they respond?

3) In your personal opinion, how do you think individual sin should be handled in the church? Now how does your opinion line up with scripture in verses 15-20?

4) Do you fully understand how Eastview confronts sin in the church and the process our church walks through with members who find themselves  in a harmful lifestyle?

WEEK THIRTY-SIX: Matthew 18:1-14

Pastor’s Notes:

Children are the future. They are the future of everything we do. This truth is even seen in the spiritual realm that we live in as talked about last week. The children that we raise today will be the same people who pastor, go out on missions, and serve in local churches all around the world one day. The children that we parent and shepard today will hopefully one day do the same to other children. Godly parenting and teaching children to love and serve God is one of the greatest and simplest examples of discipleship shown in the Bible. This is why Jesus’s words are so important and direct in this week’s text on the subject. Jesus not only gives us direction, but also shows us what will happen if we are not faithful with His direction. So with this truth, what does it mean to truly love one of “these little ones” and why is it so important? How could one make them stumble? In this week’s text, Jesus sheds light on why, how, and all the ‘if not’s’ in His plan for loving and discipling children.

Scripture to go along with this week’s message:

Read 17:24-27 as this is where we left off last week, but will not fully cover in this week’s message. The scripture will be read during our prayer time on Sunday morning.

“Highlight in your Bibles…………”

Highlight verse 7 in chapter 18.

Questions to Consider:

WEEK THIRTY-FIVE: Matthew 17:14-20

Pastor’s Notes:

Last Sunday morning we taught through how to understand the “language” of scripture when scripture is shown in the midst of confusing or dark stages of life. We saw where Peter could not understand what Jesus was saying when He spoke about having to die, because Peter didn’t understand the “language” of tragedy or suffering concerning why Jesus was on Earth. Peter understood that Jesus was God, but Peter didn’t understand the cross. Now we see in chapter 17, Peter and the others enter a new world, not just a new language.

Do our lives consist of a worldly existence with a spiritual component or a spiritual existence with a worldly component?

This week’s text proposes a wonderful question, “Do our lives consist of a worldly existence with a spiritual component or a spiritual existence with a worldly component?” Meaning, is there more happening in our lives that might be missed by not only forces of good, but also forces or evil? In this week’s story take notice of what the father of the young child sees vs what is actually happening. In the midst of all of this commotion, don’t take your eyes off of Christ as He guides Peter and the others into an eye opening understanding.

Scripture to go along with this week’s message:

Read Matthew 17:22-23 as Jesus shares for the 2nd time His upcoming death. Now re-read verses 16:21-23 as you build a frame of the story taking shape towards His death.

Questions to Consider:

1) Looking back on your life, where have you “diagnosed” an issue in your life as a worldly issue, but realized later spiritual forces were at work?

2) Read verse 16, what stands out to you in the father’s efforts in helping his son? How can you relate to your own efforts in your life?

3) On the subject of faith, when has your “unbelief” held you back in “moving mountains”? Why was your faith not what is should have been and what mountains did you try to move?

WEEK THIRTY-FOUR: Matthew 16:21-28

Pastor’s Notes:

When you see a cross, what is the first thing that comes to your mind? I would venture to say that most believers, even non believers would say that either Jesus or His church comes to mind when seeing a cross. Crosses serve as a visual reminder as in today’s world they are everywhere. We see cross jewelry, decorations, and even cross tattoos all the time. If you are one that associates a cross with Christ, what about Him actually comes to mind? This is where our answers I would guess start to show differences based on who we all are.
How we view the cross today is night and day different than how people during scripture viewed the cross. During the time of Matthew, the cross was a reminder of death and torture, not beauty and victory. In this week’s scripture, Jesus begins to shed light on the cross and why He came to Earth. For the first time, Jesus looks at the 12 men that have been following Him and tells them that His story would end in a manner that could easily be perceived as a “loss”, the enemy’s victory. However, what is perceived as a loss, is actually our greatest victory!!! Jesus would take something as horrific and dreadful as the cross and make it into a reminder of glory and peace.

Scripture to go along with this week’s message:

Read Isiah 53:6-10 on God’s divine plan foretold also 1 Corinthians 1:22-24 on the image of the cross

“Highlight in your Bibles…………”

Highlight only ONE word this week, the word “MUST” in verse 21.

Questions to Consider:

1) When you see the cross, what comes to your mind and if your answer is “Jesus”, what exactly about Him do you think of?

2) How do you believe the image of the cross has changed throughout the years and what do you believe the reason for the change is?

3) After reading all the text this week, what do you believe the significance of the word “must” is in verse 21?

WEEK THIRTY-THREE: Matthew 16:1-21

Pastor’s Notes:

Have you ever prayed to God for something that was extremely heavy on your heart, and God answered in the way you were hoping? Has there ever been a moment where God answered with a loud “YES” or amazed you with something even before you prayed for it? If you are a born again believer, than most likely you have experienced God’s good grace poured into your life in the means of a wonderful “YES” or unexpected blessings. Most likely you have seen someone healed, been delivered from a dangerous situation, or even been given something that your heart desired. If you have experienced a moment like this, I would guess that you will also admit how easily those moments leave you. How a miracle that occurred yesterday can quickly be forgotten today. In this week’s text, we see exactly that moment in the lives of the disciples. In Matthew 16, God’s truth shows us how our future’s faith and belief is often impacted by our memory of our past.

Scripture to go along with this week’s message:

Go back and read the 2 stories we just studied concerning Jesus feeding the many who were in need with what seemed to be not enough. Read Matthew 14:13-21 & Matthew 15:32-39.

“Highlight in your Bibles…………”

WEEK THIRTY-TWO: Matthew 15:29-39

Pastor’s Notes:

When reading this week’s scripture and preparing for our time together on Sunday, there are 2 questions I would like you to pray on: 1) Who is invited to sit with Jesus at His table? 2) If invited, how does one get into the this banquet? As you read the text this week, the Gospel shines bright!! We see a hurting and needy mother seeking healing for her daughter while also being given another scene where Jesus feeds thousands of people who are hungry. However, like most stories we are given, there is more happening and being said in the footprints of Jesus than imagined. Jesus is not only healing and feeding those in need, but also sharing with all of us today who all is invited to the table, and how to get to there; a message that we all need to build our foundations on.

Scripture to go along with this week’s message:

Go and read Romans 1:16-17 that answers the questions highlighted throughout the devotion.

“Highlight in your Bibles…………”

Highlight verses 15:25-28

Questions to Consider:

1) Based off of the questions I have asked you above; How would you answer (who is invited & how do they get there)?

2) Now after reading the scripture of the mother in need, how would you point out the answer in this story?

3) Go back to the text and count the amount of times the disciples vs the hurting mother calls Jesus “Lord.” What does this show us about faith in the two?

WEEK THIRTY-ONE: Matthew 15:1-20

Pastor’s Notes:

The effects of being physically blind and spiritually blind often show similarities in our world today. When someone has lost their sight physically, their blindness effects every part of their life. To be blind effects not only the persons life, but others’ lives around them. Can you imagine how difficult it would be to teach others about what they are seeing in every day life? When the fact is that you can not see it yourself. We see this same issue with those who are spiritually blind to the truths of Christ. In chapter 15 of Matthew, we see the spiritually blind take the form of a few very intelligent teachers of the law. These are men that know Gods word, but fail to know who God is. These teachers of the law show their spiritual blindness in many ways, but none better than the questions they ask Jesus. When coming face to face with the one who they had studied years about, these men speak more on empty tradition versus spiritual wonders. These men are much more curious and inquisitive about the structure of Sunday morning service than the One whom people come to Sunday morning service for. In Matthew chapter 15, we see an issue that so many in the religious community fall into: the terminal effects of spiritual blindness. So many of us and our churches go to Jesus with the wrong questions, seeking the wrong answers when Jesus in the only One which all the Law rests on.

Scripture to go along with this week’s message:

Go and read Romans 14:17 and John 4:23 on the subject of pure worship over tradition.

“Highlight in your Bibles…………”

WEEK TWENTY-NINE: Matthew 13:44-58

Pastor’s Notes:

In our last week of studying the parables in Matthew 13, the question is asked, “Is Jesus worth it?” In this week’s parables, there is a simple story with a wonderful message. The story is one of a man who stares at a priceless possession and then does whatever he has to do to have it. This simple story gives us our question of the week, “Is Jesus worth it?” Is Christ worth giving up everything for? Is Christ worth walking away from our sin and worldly pleasures for? Is He worth it?

Scripture to go along with this week’s message:

Read Philippians 3:8 as Paul speaks on what he defines as “gain”.  Also read Matthew 5:12 in Jesus’s sermon on the mount as Christ defines our reward. Lastly, read Matthew 19:16-30 in the story of the rich young ruler. Read the same question being asked of him.

“Highlight in your Bibles…………”

Highlight verse 46 in Matthew 13.

Questions to Consider:

1) Simply this, “Is Jesus worth it” to you?

2) Based on your answered to question 1, how has your life reflected either your Yes or No?

3) Think about Abraham, Noah, Peter, Paul, Mary, and others that we have studied, how has their lives specifically shown Jesus’s worth?

4) After reading the story of the rich young ruler, how has his life shown the same?

WEEK TWENTY-EIGHT: Matthew 13:31-35

Pastor’s Notes:

In the far East of China there is a bamboo tree that takes 5 years to grow out of the ground. Before coming out of the ground, the soil has to be watered and cared for each and every day for 5 years. Once sprouting, the tree grows 90 feet in 5 weeks!!! That’s right, 90 feet in only 90 days! Now here is the question, does the tree take 5 weeks or years to grow?

In this weeks parable in Matthew 13, we see this question answered. Jesus teaches the crowd that the smallest of seeds will produce unbelievable growth, in time. Jesus shows us that there will be times when we believe “this plant will never grow” and that daily watering is pointless. However, faith and belief produces a result that can only be explained by Christ alone. Jesus tells the people in this parable that there will be a day where the grounds splits open and the trees touch the sky.

Scripture to go along with this week’s message:

Read Hebrews 11:13-16 on the subject on “not being of this world” but living for the promises of a new life.

“Highlight in your Bibles…………”

Highlight verse 32 this week in the text in Matthew

Questions to Consider:

1) When in your spiritual life did you doubt the victory that awaits you? Going back to the example of the tree that takes 5 years to grow, when was a time when you thought “your tree” might not ever grow?

2) Based off of the same example, do you live life confident or doubtful of the promise of the victory given in the mustard seed parable.

3) What in your life has increased your faith to live with the mindset and spirit shown in Hebrews 11?

¹³ All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth. ¹⁴ People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. ¹⁵ If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. ¹⁶ Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.

Hebrews 11:13-16, NIV

WEEK TWENTY-SIX: Matthew 13:1-23

Pastor’s Notes:

To fly under the radar is to fly under the detection systems of the enemy. By the time they realize there is a threat, it’s too late; the bomb has already been dropped. This is one of the reasons Jesus used stories or parables. He was the master at getting under people’s radars with an analogy or story, and when they were least expecting it, he would drop the bomb that makes us evaluate our own hearts. This week Jesus tells the parable of the sower, He gives the main purpose of Him speaking in parables, and then He unpacks His parable.

Scripture to go along with this week’s message:

Matthew 7:21-23, Galatians 5:22-23, Mark 13:13

“Highlight in your Bibles…………”

Matthew 13:13, 16, and 23

Questions to Consider:

1) Why did Jesus speak in parables? Was it to simplify everything and make everyone understand what He was saying? Or was it to make a distinction between those that did hear and see, and those that didn’t?

2) Who did Jesus explain the parables to? Who did He not explain the parable to?

3) Out of the 4 different types of soil, which one produced fruit? Is this important?

WEEK TWENTY-FIVE: Matthew 12:46-50

Pastor’s Notes:

Did you know Jesus had more family than just His mother and father? Did you know Jesus had a brother and a sister, actually many of them? When it comes to family conflict and drama or coming from a large family, Jesus can relate to that too. In this weeks scripture, we see some of this “family drama” come to light. As His conversation ends with the possessed man, the pharisees, and the crowd on the subject of, “who do you say that I am,” Jesus’s birth family interrupts. “Who is my mother and who are my brothers,” Jesus says when being called for by His family. In this week’s time together, Jesus sheds light to one of the hardest ways of putting “God first”, by putting God before family.

Scripture to go along with this week’s message:

Read Matthew 13:53-57 to see where it speaks on the siblings of Jesus. When it comes to their relationship, read John 7:1-5 to read how His brothers viewed Him.

“Highlight in your Bibles…………”

Highlight verses 48-50

Questions to Consider:

1) When it comes to answering “Who is Jesus”, who in your close circle stands in the way of answering that question rightly?

2) Based off the answer of #1, do they stand in your way because they or you have placed them there?

3) Have you ever stood in the way of anyone else’s sight of who Jesus is? Where do you stand in that relationship today?

4) Who are the people in your life who stand tall and close to you, but only strengthen your sight of who Jesus is?

WEEK TWENTY-FOUR: Matthew 12:31-33

Pastor’s Notes:

For a tree is known by it’s fruit.”

This week we are in our second week in “But if I can cast out…..” based on the scripture of Matthew 12:28. Last week we began our time together by simply showing that this statement in Matthew 12 is a question Jesus asks, not a statement about Himself. He is asking who we see Him to be in our lives. Now in this week’s text, Jesus shows us that the answer of that question is shown in our lives more than our words. That what we profess by our words is extremely important, but that our everyday lives tells a story of how we view Jesus Christ. “For a tree is known by it’s fruit”.

Scripture to go along with this week’s message:

Read Galatians 5:22-23

“Highlight in your Bibles…………”

Highlight verses 33 & 35 of Matthew 12.

Questions to Consider:

1) When it comes to answering “Who is Jesus?”, what speaks louder in your life, your words or actions?

2) Read Galatians 5:22-23, what fruits of the spirit do you see growing in your life?

3) What seeds do you need to pray is grow in you?

WEEK TWENTY-THREE: Matthew 12:22-30

Pastor’s Notes:

The more and more you dig into God’s word and even our world history that does support what you read in the Word, the questions about who Jesus was and is seems to often be misguided. Jesus was a real man who walked the Earth, even non-believers would tell you that. There was a beginning, we call that God. Also, even non-believers would tell you that. Now of course there are differences on that stance, but even the most intellectual scientific mind will admit that there is a level of unknown when it comes to how “all of this came about”. The real question that needs to be answered is, “What did Jesus come here to do”. Or better yet, “Is Jesus good”. In this week’s text, we see how this question is directly answered as we see the miracles once again performed by Jesus as He heals a demon-possessed, blind, and mute man.-

Scripture to go along with this week’s message:

Go back and read Matthew 9:32-34 to see how the religious teachers view Jesus’s work much like they did in this week,s text. Now the main point I want you to see is that these men don’t deny the miracle, just who and why it was being done.

“Highlight in your Bibles…………”

Highlight in this week’s text verses 23-24 and 28-30. This will be the main portion of our time together.

Questions to Consider:

1) Have you ever doubted the character of Jesus? If so or even if not, can you explain why?

2) We’ve seen enemy at work on the pharisees in how they view Jesus and their distorted beliefs on who He is. What do you believe the enemy is whispering to them and how can you relate?

3) What beautiful truth is Jesus affirming to us in verse 29 and how can this better shape your daily walk with Him?

WEEK TWENTY-TWO: Matthew 12:1-21

Pastor’s Notes:

We like traditions. We have family traditions, traditions with friends, and many other traditions. When it comes to God, however, He is clear. Tradition does not override His words. The Pharisees had made numerous laws in order to protect people from breaking God’s law ( sounds innocent enough), but what actually happened is instead of using these man-made laws as advice, they turned them into laws that God had made (which he did not). God’s law is already impossible for us to keep. It is a weight that will crush us if we try and please God by keeping His law, and they made it only more burdensome by adding regulations to an already crushing law system. The Pharisees missed the Messiah, the One that would keep the law perfectly and offer that righteousness to anyone who would trust alone in his sacrifice for being justified before God. They ended up serving the law, not serving God and have the law serve them and be for their benefit.

Scripture to go along with this week’s message:

Romans 3:21-22, 7:7-12, 10:3-4

Galatians 3:2-5, 3:10-14

John 14:6

“Highlight in your Bibles…………”

Matthew 12:6, 8, 20

Questions to Consider:

1.) Are you trying to be seen as righteous by what you have done and continue to do? Or is your only hope of being seen as righteous before God in Jesus’ finished work?

2.) When you stand before God on judgement day, will you tell Him of all your good works? Or will you tell Him that the only hope you have is in the perfect sacrifice of Jesus?

3.) What are some traditions that you hold to that add to God’s word?

4.) If you were unable to do any good works for God (hypothetically), do you think He would still be pleased with you?

WEEK TWENTY-ONE: Matthew 11:25-30

Pastor’s Notes:

“Among those born of women, there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist.”

That was not John’s words, but words directly from Jesus’s mouth. Not only is that how Jesus saw John, but those comments were made directly after John questioned Jesus publicly on if Jesus was even the Messiah. Last week’s message perfectly blends into this week’s scripture. In verse 28 Jesus tells us all to come to Him,

“all you who labor and are heavy laden”

Jesus is not just simply talking to those of us who are physically tired or who have done so much for the Lord that we have become exhausted. Jesus is speaking to those who are like John, spiritually on empty. Jesus tells His children, “come to me.” “Come to me, all who are tired, burdened, doubt, frustrated, angry, those who have questions, or even if you disagree with me, and I will give you rest.” The beautiful part in this scripture is honestly found not in Jesus’s words, but in the words of John. What I mean by this is, how do you respond when someone questions you, especially in front of others? How do you respond when someone doubts you and judges you when you have done nothing wrong? The beautiful is not in Jesus’s kind words, but who He is saying them to and the moment in which He says them. We see God’s understanding, grace, kindness, and love in this invitation.

Scripture to go along with this week’s message:

Read John 17:20-26 and just see the love Jesus has for not only those who walked with Him in His time on earth, but also for those to come (you and I).

“Highlight in your Bibles…………”

Highlight verse 2 (from last week) & also verse 28. Compare the two trains of thought and reflect on who Jesus is.

Questions to Consider:

1) Have you ever been scared to bring doubt, anger, or frustration to Jesus? When and what was the issue?

** take note of what was said to highlight and see how Jesus invites us at all times to come to Him for rest.

2) What makes you “spiritually tired” and need of rest? When you become tired, who and what do you often seek for rest and comfort?

3) With all your mistakes, broken heart, and mental tiredness, how do you believe God views you?

** see in John and also the comparison in last week/this weeks conversation between John and Jesus for the answer.

WEEK TWENTY: Matthew 11:1-24

Pastor’s Notes:

In the first 11 chapters of Matthew’s Gospel, John the Baptist has given us a clear picture of what it often looks like to be a follower of Christ. John also gives us a reminder that our personalities and passions sway our faith and doubt at times. In verse 2, John hears from prison that Jesus (the one he has waited on) is out walking the streets and loving on the spiritually backward and wicked. Now please understand this moment. John is in prison for sharing the gospel and Jesus is loving on the type of people who would be placing John in such a prison!! How would you feel if you were John? We have seen John confused over Jesus’s baptism, question Jesus why He doesn’t fast like He does, and now John is to the point where he is doubting if Jesus is even the “Coming One.”  John says, “Do we need to look for another?” This powerful picture reminds me of the cross, Easter, and begs to wonder how the people felt seeing the “coming one” die in front of their eyes. How much doubt do you believe went through the hearts of the people when they saw Jesus lose the war? Or did He? Follow us this week as we dig into OT & NT and see how Jesus not only responds to the doubt and confusion in John heart, but also in ours.

Scripture to go along with this week’s message:

Read Isiah 35:1-6 & Isiah 61:1-2 as this is where Jesus is pointing John to in remembering exactly why He came to Earth.

“Highlight in your Bibles…………”

Highlight verses 2-3 in Matthew 11 and also 16-19 as these verses will be the main points to this weeks message.

Questions to Consider:

1) Have you ever looked at your life, the world, or even scripture and doubted that God was in control? If so when and how did you respond to your doubt (with worldly rationalization, prayer, or God’s word for truth)

2) Read verses 16-19, how does that “generation” compare to our generation and why do you believe Jesus shows such direct judgement in their actions?

3) How can you relate what John feels and sees with what the crowd saw when Jesus died on the cross? What would your initial reaction be and how would “Easter” either strengthen or weaken your faith?

WEEK NINETEEN: Matthew 10:16-42

Pastor’s Notes:

Right after Jesus tells His men to go out into the mission field, He follows with a promise, “persecutions will follow you.” How encouraging do you think that was to hear? “Be faithful and if you do, I will reward you with struggle.” However, Jesus tells us to not lose hope or miss the true reward or calling. Jesus does not tell His men to go alone, but with Him. “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth”, Jesus tells the men. It’s not that their faith is rewarded with struggle, but more that they are entering a land of struggle. The good news in the promise of struggle and persecution is that Jesus is with us. Jesus is not calling us into a land or circumstance that He has not and will not walk in with us. Where we are called to go in to, Jesus goes before us.

Scripture to go along with this week’s message:

Read Psalms 41:9 and Micah 7:6 concerning the division that Jesus brings when entering this world and addressing sin.

“Highlight in your Bibles…………”

Highlight verse 10:39 as a beautiful promise to remember and live by.

Questions to Consider:

1) When it comes to persecutions, how have you lived in this promise in your life?

2) How do you see struggles and hurt for Christians in the USA today?

3) When speaking of losing your life to find it, where are you in this equation?

WEEK EIGHTEEN: Matthew 10

Pastor’s Notes:

This is the moment we see the plan expand. In this week’s text we get to see Jesus send the troops out. In Matthew 10 scripture gives the list of the 12 apostles and the moment Jesus sends them into the mission field. In this beautiful story of the start of this amazing adventure we the reader need to see and understand two things; first that Jesus is speaking to us directly about how to live here on Earth in the same calling He gave these 12 men and then secondly, Jesus is not directly speaking to us in this story. All scripture is God breathed for teaching, guiding, correcting, and encouraging the people of today. However, not all scripture is directly connected to us today. There is a difference between the “apostles” and the “missionaries” of today. Or even the everyday Christian who is called to spread the Gospel in their hometown. So join us in this week’s text as we study what exactly Jesus is showing us in our calling.

Scripture to go along with this week’s message:

Read Matthew 28:19 (The Great Commission) and compare the “sending out” in Jesus’s words to the apostles in chapter 10 vs 28 which is meant for you and I today.

“Highlight in your Bibles…………”

Highlight each and every specific command given in chapter 10. Be ready to go through each command in the sermon this week.

Questions to Consider:

1) What differences do you see in the calling of the apostles vs the Christians of today?

2) Reading through the list of the 12 apostles, what do these 12 men have in common?

3) What did these men need and have before being sent out in chapter 10?

WEEK SEVENTEEN: Matthew 9:32-38

Message Notes:

As we continue to preach through the book of Matthew, this week we arrive at Matthew 9:32-38. Jesus continues to show that he is the God-man, the Messiah that was promised by God the Father to deliver his people. His miracles give authenticity to the good news that redemption is here. Salvation is in their midst.

Jesus Heals a Man Unable to Speak

32 As they were going away, behold, a demon-oppressed man who was mute was brought to him. 33 And when the demon had been cast out, the mute man spoke. And the crowds marveled, saying, “Never was anything like this seen in Israel.” 34 But the Pharisees said, “He casts out demons by the prince of demons.”

Our world has had and continues to have a great fascination with demonic activity and the dark spiritual realm. We see this often in movies like the Exorcist and other popular TV documentaries where people “chase ghosts”. We know that Satan is a true foe and spiritual warfare is real, however, Jesus broke onto the scene at the right time and as he drove out demons, he once again showed his authority over the evil one.

John 12:31,32 says

31 Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. 32 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.

The great reformer, Martin Luther said of Satan “Even the Devil is God’s Devil!”

The Harvest Is Plentiful, the Laborers Few

35 And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; 38 therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”

The word to think about again here is authority. In the passage above Jesus displays his authority over Satan. As Jesus surveys that local landscape of humanity and considers the helpless and the lost people of the world, he is staring directly into the “harvest field”. He is declaring authority over the world. Salvation had arrived. The Shepherd had come, and God owns the harvest. It is “his harvest”!

Scripture to go along with this week’s message:

John 12:31,32

Questions to Consider:

1.) Do you face concerns regarding demonic activity or the power of Satan?

2.) How can knowing that Jesus has ALL authority change how you view the world around you?

3.) Do you desire to have the mind of Christ as you see lost people around you? How can this change how you pray for the lost? Are you sharing the Gospel with urgency? Today is the day of Salvation!

WEEK SIXTEEN: Matthew 9:27-31

Pastor’s Notes:

At this point in the story of Jesus, we see that His miracles are starting to spread like wildfire through the area that He walks. From the healing and love poured into the leper, the poor, and even the dead, the people have seen that Jesus is not any ordinary man. This week’s text is no different. Starting with His calling of Matthew the tax collector, we read about many different miracles (vs 9:9-26) that Jesus performs in a very short period of time. In this week’s study, we see Jesus leave the scene of so much healing, but He has two men that follow Him. Two men who are blind, but have still heard of who He is.

Scripture to go along with this week’s message:

Read a similar story in Matthew 2:30-31 and note the stark similarities and also the differences that we see.

“Highlight in your Bibles…………”

Highlight verse 27 in your Bibles as the first verse of this week’s text will be where we spend the majority of our time together Sunday morning.

Questions to Consider:

1) What difference and similarities do you see in the healing of the two blind men and the other miracles (leper, soldier, mother-law, little girl who had died, sick woman, etc.) Jesus has performed so far?

2) How can you personally relate to these men?

3) “Do you believe…….” Jesus asks the men. Can you connect this moment to your salvation and faith in Christ?

WEEK FIFTEEN: Matthew 9:18-26

Pastor’s Notes:

What an amazing story in this week’s text! Scripture gives us the account of two people in complete desperation. First, we see a story of a rich, highly esteemed ruler, who is also the father of a young 12 year old girl who has just passed away. Then scripture gives us the story of a woman who has been deeply sick for the past decade. The common theme that is seen throughout the text this week is not just the healing, the love, or the miracles of God, but more so the desperation of man who is in need God.

Scripture to go along with this week’s message:

Read the same account in Mark 5 & Luke 8 as the authors give more details on the story that takes place.

“Highlight in your Bibles…………”

Highlight both the father and woman’s words towards Jesus.

Questions to Consider:

1) In story of the the father and of the woman, what similarities and differences do you see?

2) How do you think the crowd perceived both individuals who came to Jesus for help?

3) How does the “sleeping girls” resurrection compare to the promise all believers are given?

WEEK FOURTEEN: Matthew 9:14-17

Pastor’s Notes:

Scripture to go along with this week’s message: