John Clark
Jesus and the Parable of the Lost Sheep: A Warning Against Despising the Little Ones
In Matthew 18:10–14, Jesus shares the parable of the lost sheep, emphasizing the importance of each individual in the eyes of God. This story, often referred to as Jesus and the parable of the lost sheep, illustrates how no one is expendable in the kingdom of God. No one is expendable in the kingdom of […]
Jesus Warns About Causing Others to Stumble: Radical Accountability in the Kingdom
Matthew 18:6–9 is a passage where Jesus warns about causing others to stumble. Discipleship isn’t casual. It’s serious business—because souls are at stake. Remember, Jesus warns against causing others to stumble, emphasizing the gravity of our influence. In Matthew 18:6–9, Jesus delivers one of His strongest warnings about the danger of causing others to stumble, especially […]
Jesus Teaches About Greatness: Becoming Like a Child in the Kingdom
In Matthew 18:1–5, Jesus teaches about greatness and the virtues of humility that define true greatness. His teachings remind us of what truly matters. The way up in God’s kingdom is down in humility. Jesus demonstrates lessons on greatness by turning conventional wisdom upside down. In Matthew 18:1–5, Jesus flips the world’s definition of greatness […]
Jesus Pays the Temple Tax: Freedom, Humility, and Supernatural Provision
Matthew 17:24–27 describes the story where Jesus pays the temple tax. When heaven funds your obedience, even fish carry miracles. It beautifully exemplifies how Jesus pays the temple tax and reveals divine provision. In Matthew 17:24–27, Jesus uses a tax question to reveal truths about freedom, responsibility, and God’s provision. It’s a short moment, but full […]
Jesus Foretells His Death and Resurrection (Again): Learning to Grieve with Hope
In Matthew 17:22–23, Jesus foretells His death and resurrection to His disciples, sharing profound insights into the events that are to come. When truth is hard, hope must be louder, much like Jesus did when He told of His approaching sacrifice and His subsequent triumph over death. In Matthew 17:22–23, Jesus again reveals the destiny […]
Jesus Heals the Demon-Possessed Boy: When Faith Delivers What Fear Cannot
Matthew 17:14–21 describes the powerful moment when Jesus heals the demon-possessed boy. Jesus can do what fear-filled disciples can’t. But He wants us to grow into a faith that acts, just as seen when Jesus healed the demon-possessed boy. In Matthew 17:14–21, Jesus heals a boy possessed by a demon after the disciples fail to […]
Jesus’ Transfiguration: A Glimpse of Glory That Transforms Our Faith
Matthew 17:1–13 describes the profound moment of Jesus’ transfiguration. Sometimes, Jesus pulls us aside to reveal something so glorious we can never be the same. In Matthew 17:1–13, Jesus takes three of His disciples up a mountain and reveals His divine glory in a moment that still speaks to believers today. Matthew 17:1–13 (NASB 2020) […]
Jesus Calls Us to Carry Our Cross: The Cost and Glory of Discipleship
Matthew 16:24–28 reminds us of the time Jesus calls us to carry our cross and follow him in our daily lives. Following Jesus isn’t about comfort—it’s about commitment. In Matthew 16:24–28, Jesus tells His disciples the true cost of discipleship: deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Him. It’s a radical call, but one that […]
Jesus Predicts His Death: The Plan We Must Not Resist
Matthew 16:21–23 provides the narrative where Jesus predicts His death, marking a pivotal moment in the scripture. Jesus didn’t hide the cost of redemption—He revealed it boldly as part of when Jesus predicts His death. Immediately after Peter’s bold confession, Jesus shifts the conversation to the painful reality of His mission: suffering, death, and resurrection. This is the […]
Peter’s Confession of Christ: The Bold Declaration That Builds the Church
Matthew 16:13–20 is a significant passage, often referred to as Peter’s confession of Christ. There comes a moment when what you believe about Jesus must become personal, just as Peter did in his confession of Christ. This moment in Matthew marks a monumental shift in the Gospel narrative. Peter steps forward with one of the most powerful […]
The Yeast of the Pharisees: A Warning Against Corrupt Influence
Matthew 16:5–12 discusses the yeast of the Pharisees, a metaphor Jesus uses to warn his disciples. A little deception goes a long way if you don’t stay spiritually sharp. The yeast of the Pharisees represents this deception that permeates slowly. In this next interaction, Jesus issues a powerful warning about the unseen but dangerous influence of false […]
Pharisees Demand a Sign: When Religion Misses the Miracle
Matthew 16:1–4 recounts how the Pharisees demand a sign from Jesus to test Him. When your heart is hard, no sign is ever enough. In Matthew 16:1–4, Jesus confronts the religious leaders who demanded proof of His authority while ignoring everything He had already done. Here, the Pharisees felt the need to demand a sign. […]
Jesus Feeds the Four Thousand: When Compassion Multiplies Provision
Matthew 15:32–39 describes the miraculous event where Jesus feeds the four thousand. When people stay hungry for Jesus, He doesn’t send them away empty. In Matthew 15:32–39, we see how Jesus feeds the four thousand demonstrating His unmatched compassion and miraculous provision by feeding a massive crowd that had followed Him for three days. Matthew 15:32–39 (NASB […]
Jesus Honors Great Faith: The Canaanite Woman’s Bold Plea
Matthew 15:21–28 tells the story where Jesus heals the Canaanite woman’s daughter. Sometimes it takes bold, relentless, humble faith to break through what seems like silence, much like when the Canaanite woman’s daughter was healed by Jesus. In Matthew 15:21–28, Jesus has an unforgettable interaction with a Canaanite woman who begs for her daughter to be healed. What […]
Treasure the Kingdom of Heaven: Selling Everything for What Matters Most
Matthew 13:44–46 illustrates the parables of the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price, emphasizing their spiritual significance. These tales reflect the hidden treasure pearl of great price found in the Kingdom of Heaven. Most people search for value in all the wrong places, entirely missing the hidden treasure pearl of great price that […]