This Week's Big Idea Jesus is revealing who He is and calling people to follow Him.As you read, watch for moments where people encounter Jesus and must decide how they will respond. NT260 Set 4 Study Resources Companion study notes, commentary, and next-step resources for this NT260 set of readings. These notes correspond with Set... Continue Reading →
NT260 Set 3 Study Resources Companion study notes, commentary, and next-step resources for this NT260 set of readings. These notes correspond with Set 3 readings in NT260. Read the Scripture first, then use these notes to deepen your understanding. This set helps you begin the journey through the New Testament by focusing on the person... Continue Reading →
How to Use This Commentary Matthew 6:19–24 continues Jesus’ teaching on devotion to the Father, moving from spiritual practices (giving, prayer, fasting) to the deeper issue of the heart—what we truly treasure. Read it in three movements: (1) treasure (what you value), (2) vision (how you see), and (3) master (who you serve). Key: What... Continue Reading →
How to Use This Commentary Matthew 6:16–18 completes Jesus’ teaching on practicing righteousness before the Father—covering giving, prayer, and now fasting. Read it in two movements: (1) the danger of hypocritical fasting, and (2) the call to sincere, God-centered fasting. Key: Fasting is not about appearing spiritual—it is about seeking God. You can deny yourself…... Continue Reading →
How to Use This Commentary Matthew 6:5–15 continues Jesus’ teaching on practicing righteousness before the Father. After addressing giving in secret, Jesus now turns to prayer. Read it in three movements: (1) the wrong way to pray, (2) the pattern Jesus gives, and (3) the importance of forgiveness. Key: Prayer is not performance for people—it... Continue Reading →
How to Use This Commentary Matthew 6:1–4 marks a major shift in Jesus’ teaching. After showing how kingdom people relate to others in Matthew 5, Jesus now teaches how we relate to the Father. Read it in two movements: (1) the danger of practicing righteousness for people, and (2) the call to practice righteousness for... Continue Reading →
How to Use This Commentary Matthew 5:43–48 builds on Jesus’ teaching from Matthew 5:38–42, moving from refusing retaliation to actively loving those who wrong us. Read it in three movements: (1) the distorted view of love, (2) Jesus’ radical command, and (3) the call to reflect God’s character. Key: Kingdom love goes beyond fairness—it reflects... Continue Reading →
How to Use This Commentary Matthew 5:38–42 continues Jesus’ teaching on true righteousness following Matthew 5:33–37, moving from truthfulness to how we respond when wronged. Read it in two movements: (1) the misuse of “eye for an eye,” and (2) Jesus’ call to radical non-retaliation and generosity. Key: Jesus is not removing justice—He is removing... Continue Reading →
How to Use This Commentary Matthew 5:33–37 continues Jesus’ teaching, focusing on truthfulness and integrity. Read it in two movements: (1) the misuse of oaths, and (2) Jesus’ call to simple, consistent truthfulness. Key: Kingdom people do not need elaborate words to prove honesty—their lives speak for them. Have you ever heard someone say, “I... Continue Reading →
How to Use This Commentary Matthew 5:31–32 continues Jesus’ teaching from Matthew 5:17–20, showing what true righteousness looks like in relationships. Read it in two movements: (1) the cultural teaching on divorce, and (2) Jesus’ correction and deeper standard. Key: Jesus is not lowering the standard—He is restoring God’s original design for marriage. In Jesus’... Continue Reading →