John Clark
Jesus Confronts Ambition with a Call to Servanthood
Matthew 20:20–28 explores the request of James and John’s mother for her sons to sit at Jesus’s right and left in His kingdom. In a world chasing power, Jesus redefines greatness. When the mother of James and John makes a bold request, Jesus offers a radically different path to honor: humble service. Matthew 20:20–28 (NASB 2020) […]
Jesus Foretells His Death (Again): The Courage of a Mission-Focused Savior
Matthew 20:17–19 is a passage where Jesus foretells His death. Jesus never flinched from the cross. When Jesus foretold His death, He walked toward it. In this third and most detailed prophecy of His death, Jesus doesn’t just tell His disciples what’s coming—He shows them that courage means knowing what’s ahead and staying faithful anyway. Matthew […]
Workers in the Vineyard: The Parable That Confronts Entitlement
Matthew 20:1–16 is the biblical passage that illustrates the workers in the vineyard parable, highlighting themes of generosity and fairness. When grace is poured out equally, it offends our sense of fairness—but it reveals God’s justice. The workers in the vineyard parable is a perfect example of this. In this powerful parable, Jesus exposes the […]
Jesus and the Rich Young Ruler: The Cost of Following Christ
Matthew 19:16–30 tells the story of Jesus and the rich young ruler. When the call of Christ confronts the comfort of wealth, which one will win? The interaction between Jesus and the rich young ruler presents this challenge vividly. In this bold interaction, Jesus reveals that eternal life isn’t earned and following Him costs more than possessions—it costs […]
Jesus Blesses the Children: Faith That Leads the Way
Matthew 19:13–15 is a passage where Jesus blesses the children. Children don’t just belong in God’s Kingdom—they show us how to enter it. In this short yet powerful passage, Jesus reveals His tender heart and what He values most in the Kingdom: humble, dependent, childlike faith, exemplified when Jesus blesses the little ones. Matthew 19:13–15 (NASB […]
Jesus Teaches on Divorce: Returning to God’s Original Design
Matthew 19:1–12 is a passage where Jesus teaches on divorce. In this passage, Jesus is tested on divorce, offering profound insights into the subject. The situation in which Jesus was tested on divorce reveals His profound understanding and unwavering commitment to upholding the sanctity of marriage. Jesus doesn’t avoid hard conversations—He clarifies them with truth […]
The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant: Radical Grace Requires Radical Forgiveness
Matthew 18:21–35 tells the Parable of the unforgiving servant, a powerful story about forgiveness and mercy. The parable of the unforgiving servant illustrates the consequences of holding onto grudges. Parable of the unforgiving servant is a reminder to extend mercy as we’ve received it. Jesus never softens the truth when it comes to forgiveness. Reflect on […]
Jesus on Restoring a Brother: The Path to Healing and Unity
Matthew 18:15–20 discusses the teachings of Jesus on restoring a brother in conflict situations, emphasizing reconciliation and forgiveness. Jesus doesn’t avoid hard topics. He shows us how to walk through them with both truth and grace. In Matthew 18:15–20, Jesus lays out a clear process for restoring a fellow believer who has sinned against us. This passage […]
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) […]