Ambassador Presbyterian

Why Does Jesus Tell Stories?

Passage: Matthew 13:10-17

A good story told by a good story teller has power to not only capture our imagination and engage our emotions, but to convey truth in a way that connects to what we know and experience in life. That is if we're open to perceiving and receiving that truth. Many people are familiar with the short stories, or parables, that Jesus told to convey the truths of the kingdom of heaven, but not all understand those truths. Indeed, Jesus' purpose in using parables in his teaching was to further reveal the mysteries of the kingdom to those open to receiving them, but also to further conceal those truths from those whose hearts were hardened to what Jesus had to say. As we move into Matthew 13 where Jesus' method of teaching shifts to using parables, his disciples want to know why he tells stories. Jesus' paradoxical answer is important for us to explore if we are to have eyes to see and ears to hear the kingdom truths made known through the parables of Jesus. As we prepare to look at Jesus' parables in Matthew 13 over the next several weeks, it will help us to hear from Jesus himself as to why he speaks in parables.

What is the Kingdom of God?

Passage: Matthew 12:28; Acts 1:6-11

As we've seen in our study of Matthews gospel up to this point, Jesus has come proclaiming "the good news of the kingdom of heaven" and demonstrating its arrival in his powerful miracles of healing and deliverance, clearly showing his authority over the physical, natural and spiritual realms. Ironically, this led to rising hostility and hatred towards his message and ministry from those who claimed to be most expectant and excited about the coming of God's kingdom and promised King. Obviously they were missing something when it comes to understanding the kingdom of God. Which leads Jesus to tell some familiar stories, known as parables, to teach about the nature of the kingdom. However, these parables were meant as much to conceal and they were to reveal the mysteries of the Kingdom of God. Even after having the meaning of these stories explained to them by Jesus, the disciples still didn't fully grasp the nature of the kingdom. Right before his ascension they were still asking about when he would establish it. So before we head into Matthew 13 and look at Jesus' parables of the kingdom, we will take a look at just what Jesus was talking about when he said, "the kingdom of heaven has come upon you." (Matthew 12:28). What is exactly is the kingdom of heaven, and what did Jesus mean that it is here now in our midst, and yet not fully restored? Join us Sunday as we hear what God's word has to say about the kingdom of heaven, also called the kingdom of God.

Are You With or Against Jesus?

Passage: Matthew 12:21-50

As we've seen in our recent messages from Matthew's gospel, Jesus has shown himself, gentle and lowly, eager to bring true rest and restoration to any and all who come to him. But one thing he is clearly not is a negotiator or compromiser when it comes to those who oppose him. In fact, he says when it comes to our view of him and his claims, there is no middle ground, there are no fence sitters, you can't remain neutral. As the conflict with the religious leaders continues to heat up, Jesus is very clear, you are either with him, or against him. And he doesn't leave us guessing as to how we can know. Jesus doesn't come just to help us do some spiritual housecleaning and straightening up in our lives. He comes to occupy the house and take control of the household. So the question he poses not to just to the Pharisees, but to us is, "Are you with me, or against me? Join us Sunday as we look at what Jesus says about how you know whose side you're on when it comes to him.

Jesus and the Sabbath

Passage: Matthew 12:1-21

As Christians, when we talk about Sabbath, or what we now call the Lord's Day, it often turns to a discussion or maybe even a debate about what we can or can't do on that day. As one of the Ten Commandments and what we call a "creation" ordinance, we should recognize the significance of the day which God has set apart unto himself and for our rest. But as is often the case, we can easily turn what God meant as a life-giving blessing into a legalistic burden, turning the focus from cultivating relationship to keeping rules. Indeed, Jesus himself confronted this issue when the Pharisees accused he and his disciples of breaking the Sabbath commands. In his response, Jesus not only exposes their hypocritical hearts, but shines light on not just what is lawful, but on himself as the Lord of the Sabbath, giving added meaning to his earlier invitation to find our true rest in relationship to him. Join us Sunday as we consider what Jesus teaches us concerning the Sabbath and what the Sabbath teaches us concerning Jesus.

Rejecting or Resting in Jesus

Passage: Matthew 11:20-30

Sometimes people think that if only they could have heard Jesus teach and seen his miracles in person, then they would surely be convinced of the truth of the gospel. But such is not necessarily the case. Jesus himself issues a warning of judgment upon those cities where he preached the gospel and performed miracles most regularly, and yet people did not repent, but rejected Jesus. Seeing is not necessarily believing, unless we see with eyes of faith opened by God's grace through his Son Jesus. Thus Jesus follows his warning, with one of the most welcome invitations we find in scripture, to come to him and find rest. Jesus' call to come and learn from him and let him carry our burdens, is a call to trust fully in his gracious provision. The choice Jesus presents is clear, we can reject the clear testimony of his words and his works, or we can rest in the kind invitation and promise of his provision for our souls through his burden-bearing sacrifice for us. Join us Sunday as we consider this choice. Which will it be? Are you rejecting or resting in Jesus?

Taking Jesus At His Word

Passage: Matthew 11:1-19

As we've seen in the past few weeks in Matthew's gospel, Jesus' ministry is increasingly met with opposition and division among those he encounters. Yet, his response is not to fight back or bring down quick judgment upon his opponents, as many expected him to do, but to continue teaching and preaching the good news of the kingdom and to exercise his power in deeds of mercy and healing. This approach leaves even John the Baptist with some doubts and questions about Jesus identity, doubts which he addresses by pointing to God's word and his works as both confirmation and that the kingdom is at hand and affirmation that the King, the Messiah has arrived in Jesus. The challenge and the encouragement that Jesus gives us as we confront our own doubts and questions is will we take those questions to Jesus and will we take Jesus at his word. Join us Sunday as we continue our study in Matthew's gospel.

Multiplication and Division

Passage: Matthew 10:34-42

In Matthew 10:34-42, we find Jesus telling His disciples that His coming will bring division rather than peace, even among close family members. He emphasizes that loyalty to Him must come before all other relationships; that following Him requires self-sacrifice, and that true life is found by giving up one’s own for His sake.

Bold Witness in a Bad World

Passage: Matthew 10:16-33

As Jesus sends his disciples out on a training mission, he not only equips them with instructions, but he prepares them for hardship they will face. Following Jesus guarantees opposition, suffering and even persecution, but it does not mean defeat. Jesus not only warns us of the hardships that come with following him, but he guides us in how to respond to persecution with fearless faith and confidence in his promise to be with us and for us in victory. Join us Sunday as we look at how Jesus enables us to be a bold witness in a bad world.

Sending the Twelve Apostles

Passage: Matthew 10:1-15

In Matthew 10:1–15, we see Jesus calling His twelve disciples and giving them His authority to drive out unclean spirits and heal every disease. He tells them to go only to the lost sheep of Israel and proclaim that the kingdom of heaven is near. They are to heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, and cast out demons, freely giving as they have received. They are to travel without money or extra supplies, relying on the hospitality of worthy people. If any place rejects them, they must shake the dust off their feet as a testimony, warning of coming judgment.

Kingdom Work

Passage: Matthew 9:35-38

“The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” In this passage we see Jesus' compassion for the hopeless, their great need for spiritual guidance, and the call for more laborers to enter God's mission.