“Later, John’s disciples came for his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus what had happened.” Matthew 14:12 NLT While the Twelve were out in teams of two on their Galilean mission trip, something big was happening behind the scenes. The Twelve were experiencing dynamic, supernatural ministry success. “Go and announce to …
Matthew 10:16 NLT Before sending out the Twelve two by two to preach the gospel, heal the sick, and cast out demons, Jesus gave them extensive instructions. The Gospel of Matthew gives us the most complete detail on these instructions, while the Gospels of Mark and Luke provide an abbreviated list. Each of the …
“But Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place even to lay his head.”” Matthew 8:20 NLT Jesus had many people around Him. Large crowds pressed in on Him or packed the houses where He was staying or teaching. People of all kinds wanted to …
““I tell you, her sins—and they are many—have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love.”” Luke 7:47 NLT When Jesus was anointed by a “sinful woman,” likely a prostitute, at the home of Simon the Pharisee, He received her extravagant act of …
“The Son of Man, on the other hand, feasts and drinks, and you say, ‘He’s a glutton and a drunkard, and a friend of tax collectors and other sinners!’” Luke 7:34 NLT A friend of tax collectors and other sinners. This description of Jesus, this accusation against Jesus, convicts me. Matthew, one of His closest …
“So Jesus went with them. But just before they arrived at the house, the officer sent some friends to say, “Lord, don’t trouble yourself by coming to my home, for I am not worthy of such an honor. I am not even worthy to come and meet you. Just say the word from where you …
“No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things …
“Looking at his disciples, he said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.” Luke 6:20 NIV The Twelve had just been chosen out of a group of probably a few hundred followers, and likely a crowd of hundreds or even thousands. I can only imagine the honor and excitement they …
“One day soon afterward Jesus went up on a mountain to pray, and he prayed to God all night.” Luke 6:12 NLT Why did Jesus choose the twelve men He chose to be Apostles, apprentice leaders? Was it because of the leadership qualities they possessed? Was it because of the leadership potential they had? Was …
“As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at his tax collector’s booth. “Follow me and be my disciple,” Jesus said to him. So Matthew got up and followed him.” Matthew 9:9 NLT Matthew was the seventh disciple to receive a direct invitation from Jesus to “Follow Me,” at least as …