Introduction Matthew 13 contains seven parables about the kingdom of heaven. There's the parable of the sower which we'll study this evening. Then there's the parable of the weeds, and of the mustard seed, and of the yeast, and of the hidden treasure, and of the pearl, and of the net. And so, here we … Continue reading Matthew 13(01–23) →

Introduction At the beginning of chapter 12 the Pharisees complained to the Lord Jesus about his disciples when they picked and ate some ears of corn on the Sabbath Day. And then we read about the time when the Lord was teaching in the synagogue and there was a man with a shrivelled hand. And, … Continue reading Matthew 12(22–37) →

Introduction Matthew 11 ended with the Lord's invitation to the weary and burdened to come to him for rest. Take my yoke and learn from me, he said. And so, last week we thought about how the Pharisees and teachers of the law used to burden the people with all their man-made rules and regulations … Continue reading Matthew 12(01–21) →

Introduction Chapters 11 and 12 of Matthew's gospel record for us the mixed response to the Lord's ministry. For instance, in verses 1 to 15 of chapter 11 -- which we studied together right before I went on holiday -- there was John the Baptist who was puzzled by the Lord. Was he the one … Continue reading Matthew 11(16–30) →

Introduction In chapter 10 the Lord spoke to his twelve apostles about their mission at that time and how they should expect opposition and persecution. So, be on your guard against men, he said, because they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you. Brother will betray brother to death, and a … Continue reading Matthew 11(01–15) →

Introduction I said last week that, in the section of Matthew's gospel which runs from verse 35 of chapter 9 to the end of chapter 10, the Lord is speaking to his disciples about their mission at that time. However, while much of what he said to them was for them at that time, nevertheless … Continue reading Matthew 10(24–42) →

Introduction Today we come to a new section of Matthew's gospel which runs from verse 35 of chapter 9 to the end of chapter 10. And in this section, Matthew records for us what the Lord said to his disciples about mission. So, in the first part of this section, the Lord tells us that … Continue reading Matthew 09(35)–10(23) →

Introduction We've been working our way through Matthew's gospel on Wednesday evenings since the start of the year. And at the end of the Sermon on the Mount at the end of chapter 7, we read how the crowds were amazed at the Lord's teaching, because he taught 'as one who had authority, and not … Continue reading Matthew 09(09–34) →

Introduction I said last week that, in chapters 8 and 9 of his gospel, Matthew tells us about the Lord's healing ministry. And that's true, but it's perhaps more accurate to say that in these two chapters Matthew tells us about the Lord's power and authority to save his people. So, in last week's passage, … Continue reading Matthew 08(18)–09(08) →

Introduction At the end of chapter 4, Matthew wrote that the Lord Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and healing every disease and sickness among the people. So, he taught and he healed. The Sermon on the Mount was therefore a sample of the kind of thing which the Lord Jesus was teaching … Continue reading Matthew 08(01–17) →