In more than any other Gospel, Matthew uses the word Gentile or Gentiles, referring either to non-Christians or non-Jews. Gentiles are unbelievers to whom the Christian mission is directed along with Israel. The Gentiles fall short of those who follow Jesus. In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus says, “And if you greet only your brothers, what more…
The life of a disciple is one grounded in repentance and the forgiveness of sins. It is life in Christ that impels the believer to fulfill the imperatives of discipleship. It is life in Christ that impels the believer to defend the faith when its is challenged and to witness to others so that they too…
We call Jesus the “Prince of Peace,” (Isaiah 9: 6) but He said that He brings a sword (Matthew 10: 34). How can we reconcile these two? Because of Jesus, division will occur, even in families. Christ requires us to make a choice of following Him or not. ” . . . and whoever does not take up his cross and follow…
In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus tells His disciples that the tree is known by its fruit. The Sermon on the Mount in which this text is found emphasizes the importance of doing good works, even toward the enemy. Programmatic to the Sermon is the text: “. . . let your light shine before…
The “ethics of the kingdom” are found in the Sermon on the Mount (a title coined by Saint Augustine of Hippo) in Matthew 5-7. The Sermon is a manual that disciples are called to follow as they tread the pilgrim’s path in this world. How do the commands of Jesus apply to apologetics and witness? Among…
In His instructions to the apostles before He sends them out on mission, Jesus warns them that “Brother will deliver brother over to death and the father his child,, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, and you will be hated by all for my namesake. But the one who endures to…
In the English Standard Version two Greek words are translated, endure. Matthew 13, where the Greek word used means temporary, contains among other parables the story of the sower. Jesus tells the parable and then to the disciples gives an interpretation of it. The seed sown on rocky ground receives the Word with joy but does not endure when persecution…
We are called to be “wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” What does this mean? First, let’s look at the context. Jesus is commissioning His disciples to go out and announce the kingdom of heaven. He warns them that he is sending them out as sheep among wolves; therefore, they need to be “wise as…
We begin an extensive series on discipleship in the Gospel according to Saint Matthew with civil speech, apologetics, and witness uppermost in our consideration. Several passages will be carefully examined and broad conclusions with respect to our theme will be made. Let us then look at the very end of this Gospel. It is here…
Nurturing Disciples in Community “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13: 35) In thinking about congregational care, there are four areas that aid in building up the body of Christ and strengthening personal bonds. Worship and Praise, Prayer, Study/Fellowship, and Work combine to nurture…
