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 →
Understanding the Bible This post is part of our Understanding the Bible series—short, clear explanations of common questions, phrases, images, and themes found in Scripture. The goal is simple: to help you read the Bible more clearly by explaining what the text says, what it meant in its original context, and why it still matters... Continue Reading →
Understanding the Bible This post is part of our Understanding the Bible series—short, clear explanations of common questions, phrases, images, and themes found in Scripture. The goal is simple: to help you read the Bible more clearly by explaining what the text says, what it meant in its original context, and why it still matters... Continue Reading →
Understanding the Bible This post is part of our Understanding the Bible series—short, clear explanations of common questions, phrases, images, and themes found in Scripture. The goal is simple: to help you read the Bible more clearly by explaining what the text says, what it meant in its original context, and why it still matters... Continue Reading →
Understanding the Bible This post is part of our Understanding the Bible series—short, clear explanations of common questions, phrases, images, and themes found in Scripture. The goal is simple: to help you read the Bible more clearly by explaining what the text says, what it meant in its original context, and why it still matters... Continue Reading →
Understanding the Bible This post is part of our Understanding the Bible series—short, clear explanations of common questions, phrases, images, and themes found in Scripture. The goal is simple: to help you read the Bible more clearly by explaining what the text says, what it meant in its original context, and why it still matters... Continue Reading →
How to Use This Commentary Luke 11:1–13 unfolds in three movements: (1) Jesus gives a pattern for prayer (11:1–4), (2) He reshapes how we think about persistence in prayer (11:5–8), and (3) He grounds prayer in the generous character of the Father (11:9–13). Tip: Read the passage straight through once, then return to each section... Continue Reading →
Scripture: Matthew 9:1-8 Some gifts stay with you longer than others. Last Christmas, someone handed me a coffee mug with a warning printed across the front:“Pastor Warning: Anything you say can be used as a sermon illustration.” They weren’t wrong.And if I’m honest, it’s not just what people say — sometimes it’s what they do.... Continue Reading →
The Sermon on the Mount presents Jesus’ teachings on inner transformation over external religiosity, beginning with the Beatitudes that describe the character of kingdom citizens. Jesus emphasizes the need for true righteousness, surpassing mere rule-keeping, illustrated by contrasts with traditional teachings. Kingdom citizens are called to influence the world positively.
In John 17, Jesus offers His “High Priestly Prayer,” interceding for Himself, His disciples, and future believers. He emphasizes the glory of God, encourages unity among His followers, and defines eternal life as knowing God. Jesus prays for their protection and sanctification, modeling faithfulness and the call to engage with the world in love.