Ambassador Presbyterian

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.

Making All Things New

Passage: Matthew 9:14-34

As Jesus' ministry expands and popularity grows, so do questions. One of those questions comes from John's disciples about fasting. In his answer, Jesus points to the new era that has broken into the world in his coming. He has not come just to put a new twist on old ways, but he has come to make all things new. And Matthew 9 gives us a whirlwind tour of Jesus' demonstrating that in bringing new healing and hope into lives of those he encounters. Jesus came into a desperate world to desperate people, to make all things new. Join us Sunday as we come to the One who invites us to new joy, new life, new hope in him.

Dangerous Calling

Passage: Matthew 8:18-34

As Jesus' teaching and healing ministry begins to become more widely known, it understandably attracts the attention of the crowds, many of whom are eager to jump on the Jesus bandwagon and follow him.  But unlike today where political leaders and social influencers will say and promise almost anything to gain followers, Jesus' call to follow him comes with a warning label that might read: "Count the cost and proceed with caution."   Jesus does not hide the cost that comes in committing to be his disciple, and the series of encounters that Matthew records in our passage this week call us to consider what we are signing up for.  Have we counted the cost, considered the difficulty, confronted the danger that comes with being Jesus' disciple? Join us this Sunday as we continue in Matthew's gospel and look at the dangerous calling to follow Jesus.

Bearing Away Sickness and Sin

Passage: Matthew 8:1-17