Rich toward God? Better start now! Jesus delivered a powerful parable to a man who asked him about justice in financial matters. And He said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” Then He spoke a parable to them, saying: … Read more
Great Multitudes Followed Him “When He had come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed Him” (Matthew 8:1). Jesus had just finished His Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). In that powerful and poetic speech, Jesus challenged the people with teaching that calls for a change in people from the inside out. People’s behavior … Read more
Does Jesus Discourage Followers? There are a few Bible passages that seem to indicate Jesus discouraged people from following him. Note a couple examples: Luke 14:25-27: “Now a great multitude went with Him. And He turned and said to them, ‘If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, wife … Read more
Seek first the kingdom of God. What does that mean? This statement is found in Matthew 6:33, in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. The last half of chapter six is dealing particularly with right attitudes about material things. First, in verses 19-21, there is His warning about seeking treasures on earth. They are temporary … Read more
Salt is Good; But… Jesus said: “Salt is good; but if the salt has lost its flavor, how shall it be seasoned?” This was a concluding statement in a discussion of what it means to be a disciple. Actually, Jesus emphasizes who cannot be His disciple. Being a follower of Jesus means a change of life and character. … Read more
