John Clark
Jesus Curses the Fig Tree: The Danger of Fruitless Faith
Matthew 21:18–22 recounts the story where Jesus curses the fig tree. Faith without fruit is like leaves without life. In a startling act, Jesus curses a fig tree that looked full of promise—but had no fruit. This wasn’t just about breakfast. It was a prophetic picture, illustrating Jesus’ cursing of the fig tree as a […]
Jesus Clears the Temple: Righteous Anger and Holy Restoration
Matthew 21:12–17 narrates the event when Jesus clears the temple, demonstrating his authority and zeal for the sacred space. It vividly describes how Jesus clears the temple to renew a place of worship. When worship becomes business, and Jesus clears the temple, he flips the tables. In one of His boldest actions, Jesus walks into […]
Jesus’ Triumphal Entry: The Humble King Arrives
Matthew 21:1–11 describes the event of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. This momentous occasion marked Jesus triumphal entry into Jerusalem, a significant event in biblical history. The King came—not on a war horse, but on a donkey. In Matthew 21:1–11, Jesus rides into Jerusalem to fulfill prophecy, stir hearts, and show what kind of King […]
Jesus Heals Two Blind Men: When Faith Shouts Louder Than the Crowd
Matthew 20:29–34 recounts the story where Jesus heals two blind men as he leaves Jericho. Sometimes, the most significant breakthroughs happen when you refuse to stay silent. In Matthew 20:29–34, two blind men refuse to let the crowd silence their cry for mercy. This is where Jesus hears, stops, and performs the healing of the […]
Suffering and Blessing: Why They Live on the Same Side of God’s Story
Suffering and blessing are not opposites—God often uses one to reveal the fullness of the other. This heartfelt message shows how trials produce spiritual depth, peace, and transformation. Learn how to face hardship with joy and trust, supported by Scripture from both the Old and New Testaments.
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 […]