2010 03 March

"There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as
he sat at meat." Matthew 26:7

Preparation:
Bring a small ornate jar of olive oil, mixed with some cologne or perfume.

Lesson: Matthew 26:6-13
This feast at Bethany took place six days before the Passover (John 12:1). Jesus was at the home of Simon the Leper. Evidently Jesus had healed him of his leprosy. Mary was the one who did the anointing, her sister Martha, true to her character, was serving. Also there was Lazarus (their brother), and the 12 Apostles. While He was sitting at meat, Mary comes with an alabaster box of ointment, very costly, and pours it in Jesus' head and His feet (John 12:3) The Disciples reacted but especially Judas, he was the treasurer and kept the money (John 12:4). Jesus defends Mary for her act of devotion. We find Mary three times at Jesus' feet. In Luke 10:38-42, while Martha is serving, Mary is absorbed with Jesus' teaching. In John 11:28-32, after Lazarus has died, and here as she anoints the feet of Jesus. Mary was a spiritual woman, probably more spiritual than some of the Disciples.

Application:
Mary had listened to His words and believed them. She knew Jesus was to die, that He was the Messiah. She knew that He would rise from the dead. Instead of anointing His body after He died, she decided to do it before He died. This showed her faith and love toward her Lord. Jesus asks the Disciples why they are troubling Mary. What she had done glorified Jesus. Jesus said you will always have the poor with you (Judas had objected because the ointment could be sold and the money given to the poor). See John 12:6 for the real reason Judas objected. Jesus says what Mary did will forever, universally, be a tribute to her love and devotion to Him. Here we are talking about her over 2,000 years later. We honor Mary for her prophetic gift and her love for our Lord. She gave sacrificially to Jesus and has a good report of her work.

2nd

A ROOSTER (COCK)

"Jesus said unto him (Peter), Verily I say unto thee, That to night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. Matthew 26:34

Preparation:
Obtain a copy of a rooster crowing or audio tape one if possible and play it (very loudly). Ask if someone can crow like a rooster.

Lesson: Matthew 26:33-35
Twice Jesus stated the Peter and the others would forsake Him. In John 13:31-38, He said it at the Last Supper (John 14-17). Our present text in Matthew 26:33-35, either on the way Gethsemane or while in the Garden. All the Disciples said they would die before they would deny Jesus. Within a few hours, they were scattered. Jesus told Peter that before the rooster had crowed, Peter would deny Him three times. For the account Peter denying the Lord, see Matthew 26:69-75. When Peter heard the cock crow, (Matthew 26:74-75), he remembered the words of Jesus. His response was to go out and to weep bitterly. Peter was a great sinner but he also was great at repenting. He returned to fellowship.

Application:
Peter never failed to follow, even though he often stumbled. I always came down on the right side. There is much to say I Peter. Jesus used the rooster to jog Peter's memory of His words earlier. Twice Jesus had warned him but Peter (and the others) had confidence in the flesh. Peter and the others had all said they would die before they denied Jesus (Matthew 26:35). If Peter had been listening instead of bragging, he could have avoided deny three times. We must take from this portion the love and grace God in forgiving His big fisherman. The two cock-crowings were after midnight and at dawn. We must be careful about putting much confidence in the flesh. All the Disciples said they would die for Jesus but a few hours later, they all forsook Him and fled, His arrest, except for John. The cock was Jesus' alarm clock to warn the Disciples of their confidence in the flesh.

030210ep

3rd

A WEDDING INVITATION REFUSED

" ... and sent his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come." Matthew 22:2-3

Preparation:
Bring a wedding invitation that you have received (or bought). Display it for all to see. This was the wedding of the king's son.

Lesson: Matthew 22:2-10
This is a parable of a king who had a son and he was about to be married. Everyone would want to go to such an event. Do you remember when Prince Charles and Princess Diana were married? Who would not liked to have gone? When the invited dignitaries did not show up, the king sent out another invitation. Relate the story in Matthew 22: 1-10. These invitations were refused and the messengers were mistreated and some killed. There must be guests at the wedding of the king's son; send the servants out and give an invitation to everyone to come. There must be guests at a wedding. All the meal preparations were made, the food was being prepared. Someone must eat it!

Application:
The King issuing the invitation is God the Father. The Bridegroom will be the Church. Those bidden to the wedding were the Jewish leaders. This is a picture of God dealing with Israel. When the Jewish people did not respond to God's invitation, He sent others to invite them. The prophets were sent and they were mistreated and killed. God became angry at the treatment of His messengers. The invitation went out to "whosoever will", let him come and take the water of life freely. God sent the newly converted Apostle Paul to the Gentiles to invite them to come. He said, "Go into the highways" and bring everyone who will come, so Gentiles began to respond to God's invitation (John 4 - a Samaritan woman; Acts 8 - the Ethiopian Eunuch; Acts 10 - Cornelius, a Roman). Have you responded to God's invitation to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb?

030310ep

4th

MOSES' SEAT

" ... The Scribes and Pharisees sit in Moses' seat." Matthew 23:2

Preparation:
Try to find a picture of a man sitting on a large throne. A place authority. Perhaps a picture of Pharaoh or Caesar. Do not use Jesus on a throne, it gives the wrong message.

Lesson: Matthew 23:1-4
This lesson is in the last week of Jesus' life before the crucifixion. The religious leaders are extremely put out with Jesus. Jesus is frankly telling the Disciples where the leaders are wrong. Part that warning is this phrase, They "sit in Moses' seat!" This is a seat or throne (real or imagined) occupied by a king or some important person of rank or influence as teachers or judges. The Pharisees had placed themselves in the seat of Moses and considered themselves as his successors in explaining and defending the Law. It was a place of authority and importance to them. The Scribes were the jurists and copiers of the Law and the we Pharisee means separated, in the sense that they were elite and above the unfortunate rest and thereby were superior to others. Jesus is warning the Disciples about them.

Application:
The Scribes as the jurists had made rulings favouring them and their positions and had made their rules equal to the Law of Moses. The Pharisees were ultra conservative and made rules they imposed on the people, which they themselves did not keep. They obeyed the Law to make themselves look good to others but not to honour God. Jesus did not condemn them for what they taught but for the lives they lived. They were "hypocrites." Matthew 23 is a Divine diatribe against the Scribes and Pharisees. Seven times Jesus calls them hypocrites. They were frauds- - not what they claimed to be. Jesus told the Disciples to observe what they said but not to follow what they did, "for they say and do not." They added hundreds of their own rules to the Law of Moses. Their religion was all show. They claimed to "sit in Moses' seat" but claimed authority of their own rulings. Jesus objected to their rules.

030410ep

5th

PHYLACTERIES

"But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their
garments." Matthew 23:5

Preparation:
Make a phylactery. A small leather (need not be leather) box with four rolls of parchment with Scripture in this order: Deuteronomy 11 :-13-22; 6:4-9; Exodus 13: 11-16; and 13: 1-10. A strip of cloth was put through a slot and it was worn between the eyes on the forehead or on the left arm, near the heart. The word means" a Prayer Band." It was about four cm (1 5/8 in.) square.

Lesson: Matthew 23: 1-12
It was popular in Jesus' day and was worn by devout Jews, especially the Rabbis, and used as a amulet to ward off evil spirits or ill fortune. It is founded on a literal interpretation of Exodus 13 and was associated with the Passover and sanctifying the first born. " ... and it shall be for a sign unto thee upon thine hand, and for a memorial between thine eyes, ... " (Exodus 13:9) "And it shall be a token upon thine hand, and for frontlets between thine eyes; ... (Exodus 13: 16). It was worn as proof of their outward professed religion. Only the outward mattered to them.

Application:
Jesus is speaking to the multitude and to the Disciples and warning them about the religion of the Scribes and Pharisees. The things Jesus mentions was only an outward show, to be seen of men. Jesus deals with their sins in the Sermon of the Mount (Matthew 5-7). There, Jesus highlights three practices of the leaders.

1. The giving of alms.

2. Prayer.

3. Fasting.

All three were done in public with much fanfare, as Jesus said, "to be seen of men." He goes on to tell them, "Ye have your reward (in the praise of men)." God was not impressed in their show of religion and points out that the attitude of your heart is what is important. Their hearts were wicked. To the Pharisee, righteousness was in outwardly keeping the Law of Moses. In Matthew 23, Jesus tells us what their hearts was really like. Read His scathing rebuke of these professed religious leaders in the balance of this chapter. Is your religion all show?

030510ep

6th

THE LOAVES AND FISHES

" ... We have here but five loaves, and two fishes." Matthew 14:17

Preparation:
Take five small rolls and two small fish. Perhaps sardines or other small fish and display them. If you prefer, get pictures of the loaves of bread and fish. The idea is to show them how great Jesus was to take that little and make it meet the needs of many.

Lesson: Matthew 14:17-21
Jesus was in a desert place. No takeaways, no McDonalds, KFC's available. It was past time to eat in the evening. Jesus healed their sick but they were hungry. Dr. Bob Jones used to say, "The greatest miracle on this occasion, was that it was past time to eat and this lad still had his lunch." Jesus tells the Disciples "give ye them to eat!" They had nothing but Andrew fou this lad who still had his lunch. The lad gave it to Andrew and brought it to Jesus. Jesus took the provisions, had the people sit down, looked up to heaven, blessed the bread (prayed), began to divide the food, and gave it to the Disciples to distribute to the people. They collected twelve baskets of food that remained afl they all had eaten. There were 5,000 men besides women and children. It is likely that 20-25,000 people were fed that day.

Application:
Jesus took what was available. He does the same with us.We may not be much but God can use us if we have faith and a surrendered to Him. Jesus was seeking to be alone. He had just heard that His cousin in the flesh, John the Baptist, had been murdered by King Herod. Instead of being alone, Jesus immersed Himself in serving others. Often we find our greatest release of sorrow in caring for others. That is Christ-like! When you get discouraged or depressed, go soul winning. Tell others what Christ has done for you. Jesus did not dwell on His grief but returned His ministry of healing and helping. What a great lesson for us! Are we Christ-like?

030610ep

7th

HEART PRODUCTS

"For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:" Matthew 15:19

Preparation:
Cut out a large heart out of poster board. Glue a pocket over the lower part of the heart, leaving the top unglued. Write the words from the verse on pieces of paper and put them in the pocket. Take the words out and read them. Or, make a large heart and write the words inside the heart.

Lesson: Matthew 15:11-20
Jesus has just spoken a parable about inner purity. The Pharisees were offended. Jesus advises Peter to leave these people alone, because they are blind leaders of the blind. The Pharisees taught that only the outside mattered. They may have all sorts of wickedness inside but if it did not come out, it did not matter. Jesus teaches that what goes in at the mouth does not matter, but what comes out of the mouth defiles the person (Matt. 15: 11). The Disciples did not understand and Peter asks for an explanation and Jesus gives it to him in verses 17-20. Jesus says the things that come out of the mouth comes out of the heart and reveals what is really inside.

Application:
We work hard to make our outward appearance attractive. We spend considerable money on hair products, lotions, creams, etc. All to look good on the outside. Jesus said the inside is more important than the outside! Some beautiful people have broken, crippled bodies, but inwardly they are wonderful because they are beautiful inside, loving, gracious, kind, helpful, etc. What are you like inside? You can fool people into believing you are spiritual when you are not, but you cannot fool God. God knows your heart and He knows the evil thoughts, immoral thoughts, your lying, and your real attitude toward God, thefts, and murders. Jesus dealt with these in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7. The inside is more important than the outside, no matter what your own rationale or what religious leaders may say. Get those things out of your life. Confess them to God, ask forgiveness, and live for Him.

030710ep

8th

TRIBUTE

"Show me the tribute money. And they brought him a penny. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and Superscription?" Matthew 22:19-20

Preparation:
Gather a few coins and bring them and show them and ask, "Who image is on them?" In Australia and New Zealand (and all Commonwealth nations), it is Queen Elizabeth.

Lesson: Matthew 22:19-22
The religious people were trying to trip Jesus up into making mistake in order to blame him. They bring up the matter of tax with the question, "Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar?" The Jews were irritated every time they took in a coin for it bore Caesar's image. It was a reminder that they were controlled by Rome. They wanted out from under Rome and were looking for the Messiah to overthrow Rome and to free them. They were looking fo political solution to the Roman yoke about their necks. Jesus asks for a coin and asks them whose image is on it. They answer, "Caesar." Jesus says to give Caesar the things that are Caesar's and to God what is God's. They marveled at Him!

Application:
If Jesus had answered that taxes should not be paid to Rome, the Herodians would have handed Him over to Herod to be put to death.
If He agreed that you should pay your taxes to Caesar, the Pharisees would say He was opposed to God.
If He opposed the tax, He would be in trouble with Rome.
If He approved the tax, I would be in trouble with the Jewish leadership.
They thought that had Jesus cornered so He would condemn Himself any way He answered. Jesus' answer forced them to condemn themselves and to reveal their wicked motives. All kings put their image· their coins. God put His image on man at creation in Genesis 1 :26-27 and through the blood of Christ, that image can be restored. "And have put on the new man (the Christian), which renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created him (Colossians 3: 10). Whose image do you wear, God's or man's?

030810ep

9th

FIG TREE

'And when he saw a fig tree in the way, He came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only .... " Matthew 21 :19

Preparation:
Find a picture of a fig tree or buy a few fresh figs at the grocery store to use as an illustration.

Lesson: Matthew 21 : 18-22
Jesus and the Disciples were returning to the city of Jerusalem in the morning and Jesus was hungry. He saw a fig tree and they approached it, pulled back the leaves and found no fruit. With the fig tree, the fruit begins to form before the leaves put out. If the leaves are there, it is expected that there will be fruit. Unlike most fruit, it is the same colour as the leaves and is not readily seen from a distance. Jesus announces a curse on the tree saying that it would never again bear fruit. It immediately began to wither. Such trees (leaves but no fruit) were called "hypocrites."

Application:
This event tells us what Jesus thinks about hypocrisy. That is someone who professes to know the Lord and does not know the Lord. They are unsaved folk. They may claim to know Christ, go to church, talk about the Lord, etc. but they do not really know Him. They have never experienced the New Birth Jesus spoke of in John 3. The fig tree symbolized Israel. They had leaves (all the trappings of religion) but no faith in God that affected their lives.
Do you claim to be a Christian? What are you doing for Jesus' sake? Are you witnessing and serving the Lord with your time, money, and talents? If we are not bearing fruit, what is our purpose for occupying space in God's fig garden?
Jesus in Matthew 23, warns the Disciples concerning the Scribes and Pharisees. He calls them hypocrites seven times and announces what they are doing and He determines them to be hypocrites. In Matthew 23:33, Jesus says, 'Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?"

Make sure you are in the faith and then live like it!

030910ep

10th

TREASURE

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; ... " Matthew 13:44

Preparation: Bring rocks or gemstones you have or can borrow.

Lesson: Matthew 13:44
A man goes into a field and there finds a treasure. He knows the value of his find and sets about to purchase the field, paying a great price, to possess the treasure. The man is seeking and finds. When he finds it, he is filled with joy and gladly goes a gives all he has to buy the field.

Application:
The field is the world, as in the first three parables in Matthew 13. The man is Jesus Christ, who came seeking. Jesus Christ came into this world to seek and to save that which was lost (Luke 19: 10). The treasure is initially Israel. The Man buys more than the treasure, He buys the whole field (world). The nation Israel had been placed in the world to honor God but it had failed to do so and had turned to idolatry and God had rejected her.
Jesus Christ came into this world and gave His all to redeem mankind back to Himself. He went to the cross and gave His life-blood and His body to the cross. Notice that the treasure was hidden again to be redeemed later. Israel was set aside and will be dealt with again in time to come, after the rapture of the Church (Romans 9-11). Israel has suffered great persecution and judgment from God. To God, Israel is hidden for a time but will be saved during the Tribulation period. God sees Israel as His treasure and one day He will claim her for His kingdom.
This purchase is a picture of our Lord's redemptive death. " ... feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood" (Acts 20:28); "For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich". 2 Corinthians 8:9. "Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold ... But with the precious blood of Christ as of a lamb without blemish and without spot" 1 Peter 1: 18-19.

031010ep

11th

CHILDREN SITTING IN THE MARKET

"But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children, sitting in the markets, ... " Matthew 11 :16

Preparation:
Gather children around and ask them what game they want to play. Take a vote of the choices offered. Each will want to play his favorite game. You may want to give them a choice of three games they know. It will result with each child wanting to play his own favorite game and making excuses for not playing their favorite games.

Lesson: Read Matthew 11 :16-19
Children are by nature selfish and want to play their own favorite games and want everyone else to do as they wish them to do. Jesus said the people (adults) of His generation were like children, selfish. John the Baptist came dressed differently, eating a different diet, and drinking a different liquid. They rejected him because he was different, as many children do. They said, "He (Jesus) has a devil!" Jesus came wearing clothing as they wore, eating what they ate, and drinking what they drank, and they also rejected Him, when He was like them. They called Jesus a glutton, and wine-bibber, and a friend of publicans and sinners (they were right on this last point). Whatever Jesus said they took exception, like children. He was not playing their games!

Application:
Little children are selfish. People who reject Christ are more concerned about their physical and social lives than they are about spiritual welfare. They will find some excuse to reject, much as the children in the example. Any excuse will do to continue rejecting Christ. Children are inconsistent, changing their minds on a whim, sometimes several times in several minutes. Their interests change according to their thoughts at any given minute. Either you play their game or they will not play at all. Listening to God is often contrary to the desires of the flesh and to obey God is to change their life from being self-centered to being Christ centered. That is called repentance and faith in Christ which leads to confession of sin and salvation.

031110ep

12th

FOXES AND BIRDS

"And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man hath not where to lay his head." Matthew 8:20

Preparation:
Find some pictures of foxes and their dens and birds in their nests. Enlarge them and mount them on posters.

Lesson: Matthew 8:20
Jesus is talking about the cost of discipleship. It costs something to follow Christ. A scribe came and said, "I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest" (v. 19). And Jesus says (in essence), "Man, you do not even know what you are talking about." Scribes were wealthy people. Jesus says the foxes have their dens and the birds have their nests but He does not even have a place of His own to lay His head.

Application:
To truly follow Jesus Christ, will cost you everything you have. You must be willing to give up all to follow Him. Luke 9:51-62 is a companion text. It is Luke's account of the same event.
People have many excuses for not following the Lord but they only reveal:
1) Their lack of surrender.
2) Their lack of faith and trust.
3) Their lack of love for their Lord.
4) Their love of money or the things of this world.
5. Their lack of salvation.
Jesus said, "No man, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God" (Luke 9:62). Are you prepared to give up home, family, friends, prosperity, etc. for your Lord? God may not require them but you must be willing to give them up, as Abraham was Isaac.

031210ep

13th

THE HOUSE ON SAND

"And every man that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand." Matthew 7:26

Preparation:
Get a pail of sand, and a toy house on the sand. Build the sand into a mound and put the house on top of the mound. Take container of water and pour the water on the sand next to the house, very slowly. Watch the house collapse.

Lesson: Matthew 7:26-27
The foolish man built a house on sand. So long as everything went well and there was not adverse weather, rain and wind, his house was fine. But the storms came and beat on the house and the house fell because it had no foundation. It is not enough just hear His words, you must obey them. The rain, wind, and floods will come to test your house - sickness, disappointment, death, sorrows, and trials will come, as they come to everyone .

Application:
Jesus is saying that it is important on what you build your life. He says to build a house (life) that will stand all the storms that will come, you need to build on Him and on His sayings, the Word God, the Bible. All other ground is sinking sand. Will your life stand all the storms and tests that will come? If you build your life on your own ideas and philosophies and beliefs, you will suffer loss when the tests come. Why not trust Christ and let Him guide you. Build your life on Him and He will take care of the storms. Get off the sand and build on the Rock, Jesus Christ. Let God help you.

031310ep

14th

SHEEP /WOLVES

Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves;. Matthew 10:16

Preparation:
Get a picture of a flock of sheep. Cut our a picture of a wolf a paste it in the midst of the flock of sheep.

Lesson: Matthew 10:16
Jesus is sending His Disciples out to minister. He has been teaching them and performing miracles and now He says it is time send them out by two's to minister and heal. The opposition of the religious leaders would be like sending sheep among a pack wolves. At this time the wolves of legalism were raving against the ministry of Jesus. Part of their training was to make them strong through testing and establish their trust in their Saviour.

Application:
There is no record that the Disciples suffered any persecution on this mission. They anticipated it but it did not come. It would come later. Our Lord prepared them for such an event. He has promised strength to His servants, along with wisdom and protection. As we go out into a wicked world, to be a testimony for our Lord, we may face opposition from the wolves of religious false teachers. Jesus' opposition did not come from the grossly immoral and wicked people but from religious people who were not followers of Jesus Christ. They had their religious systems and Jesus Christ offered spiritual freedom to His followers. Jesus was a threat to the religious systems of His day. They held folk bondage to their system of rules and regulations. Jesus offers freedom from that! Are you free in Christ or in bondage to a man made religion?

031410ep

15th

WISE AS SERPENTS
" ... be ye therefore wise as serpents, ... " Matthew 10:16.

Preparation:
Obtain a picture or replica of a snake.

Lesson: Matthew 10:16
Our Lord is instructing His Disciples as they prepare for their first mission apart from the Lord Jesus. He has warned them that their situation is like a sheep in a pack of ravenous wolves. The poor sheep would not have much of a chance, they being quite without defense. What does He mean to be "wise as serpents?" This is a compliment to the snake and it means "It's caution in avoiding danger." Snakes will generally avoid people. The Disciples were to be cautious as they went about ministering and, as possible, avoid dangerous situations. Two were to go together to provide a witness and to encourage each other.

Application:
As we go about our witnessing and our daily lives, it is wise to avoid trouble if possible. The enemies of God's people are very sly and deceitful. We need to be thoughtful, cautious, and skillful in avoiding trouble. Our enemy is very subtle. He will use an area of our lives where we have a weakness. Even in witnessing, we must be careful. There are situations where it is best to leave the door and go away. We sin through our senses - feel, sight, touch, hearing, etc. We need to be discerning about where we go and with whom. We need to be thoughtful (thinking) and cautious. We need to "be wise as serpents" avoiding all the pitfalls Satan puts in our paths. Satan is a powerful foe and we need God's protection when we go out to serve our Lord.

031510ep

16th

A REED
" ... What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? Matthew 11:7

Preparation:
Try to get some reeds or rushes from a swamp or from a florist.

Lesson: Matthew 11:7-15
John the Baptist is in prison and heard of Jesus' miracles and marvelous ministry. Jesus confirms the ministry of John and says to the multitude that followed Him, "What went ye out into the wilderness to see? a reed shaken with the wind?"
Many of these same people had been followers of John the Baptist until Jesus came along. Used symbolically, as here, it means fickle person. Jesus asked them what kind of man was John the Baptist, a man of God or like the religious leaders of the the wishy-washy and not dependable? Jesus acknowledges that John was a real man and the greatest that was ever born of a woman; (Matthew 11: 11). Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

Application:
John the Baptist was not a man of refinement or even a prophet-- he was a superior prophet, the best among them. He would not be persuaded to tickle the ears of the crowd. He was the Messianic Messenger, foretold by Malachi and Isaiah. He would not compromise the truth (Read Matthew 14:1-12). A reed could be blown around by the wind, even blown over and broken. John stood straight and tall and delivered the message God gave him. He was not a popular preacher; he was rough and plain so some rejected him. Jesus came wearing what they wore and eating what they ate and they rejected Him also. The problem was not the messenger but the message. They would not repent of their sins.

Matt.14
[1] At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus,
[2] And said unto his servants, This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead; and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him.
[3] For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife.
[4] For John said unto him, It is not lawful for thee to have her.
[5] And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.
[6] But when Herod's birthday was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod.
[7] Whereupon he promised with an oath to give her whatsoever she would ask.
[8] And she, being before instructed of her mother, said, Give me here John Baptist's head in a charger.
[9] And the king was sorry: nevertheless for the oath's sake, and them which sat with him at meat, he commanded it to be given her.
[10] And he sent, and beheaded John in the prison.
[11] And his head was brought in a charger, and given to the damsel: and she brought it to her mother.
[12] And his disciples came, and took up the body, and buried it, and went and told Jesus.

031610ep

17th

SACKCLOTH AND ASHES
" ... they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes." Matthew 11 :21

Preparation:
Sackcloth was a course texture cloth made from goat hair. It's texture would compare to hessian or burlap. A sample of jute or hemp, etc. to show to indicate the coarseness of the material, and a container of ashes.

Lesson: Matthew 11 :21
Sackcloth was used to make garments for those mourning their losses, station in life, or great sorrow. It was used in repenting of sins to God. Ashes were a symbol of great humility. It was used to spread over one's own head and they often "sat in ashes" (Job 2:8) as a sign of grief and mourning. Ashes were eaten as an expression of deepest misery (Psalm 102:9).

Application:
In the present context, Jesus is judging the people around the Sea of Galilee. They have seen His miracles, ate His bread, had their sick raised to health, and lived with Him and they rejected Him as their Messiah. Jesus tell them that if the people ofTyre and Sidon, had had the privileges of witnessing His ministry, they would have repented and confessed their sins. Tyre and Sidon are ancient cities on the coast that were known for their wickedness. Each was destroyed by God for their wickedness. In v. 24, Jesus says that Sodom also would have repented if they had had the privilege of witnessing His ministry. The judgment on cities around the Sea of Galilee will be greater because of the privileges and opportunities. The people of Tyre, Sidon, and Sodom did not have the Messiah coming to them in person. The greater the privilege, the greater the condemnation!

031710ep

18th

YOKE
"Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; ... my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11 :29-30

Preparation:
Try to find a picture of an old oxen yoke and explain the purpose a yoke. It fitted over the shoulder of oxen and was attached to piece of equipment, usually farm.

Lesson: Matthew 11 :29-30 ff
To take a yoke in that day meant to become a Disciple. An oxen was not much value unless it had a yoke on it. The yoke allowed it to work at plowing or whatever was to be done. So long as it was not yoked to the equipment, no work was done. An ox could pull great load and was a great help, especially in farming, hauling water, etc.

Application:
As individuals, we are often loaded down with sin, persecutic failure, and without purpose. We are heavy laden. Jesus invites us to come to Him and take His yoke for it is easy and His burden is light compared to the heavy weight of sin every person carries. When we come to Him, He frees us from all the other burdens as we yoke up with Him. He promises us rest unto our souls. The rest He promises is the peace of God, help for the way, His love manifested to us, and joy in the Lord. The peace, love, and joy make the way easier.
The yoke in that day meant to become a Disciple. The word "easy" means "well-fitted." Doing His will is not a heavy burden (1John 5:3); it is a privilege to be yoked with Christ. As we learn about Him, His yoke becomes easier and we have Him to help us bear our burdens. This offer of rest is made to all who labour and a heavy laden.

031810ep

19th

GOD'S MOUTH
" ... man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." Matthew 4:4

Preparation:
Gather several pictures from mags or papers showing open mouths A doll with a exaggerated mouth, etc.

Lesson: Matthew 4:4
The Devil was using physical hunger, or Jesus' mouth to tempt Him to sin. Jesus had not eaten for 40 days. Jesus told His
Disciples that He had meat that they did not now about and that His meat was to do the will of Him that sent Him. He did not sin with His mouth. Jesus chose not to do what the Devil wanted Him to do. Instead of using His mouth to satisfy His flesh, He used to teach us to follow God's Word and to submit to Him.

Application:
Jesus taught us to use our mouths for God's glory. The Word of God is bread for our souls. We need to eat it everyday. It is our spiritual food. Our spiritual lives depend on our reading and obeying the Word of God.
The Bible is God-breathed. It is the breath of God. It is God' message for us. God revealed His glory, promised blessings and said false teachers do not speak the Word of God.
God used others to reveal His Word to us. He used Pharaoh (2Chron. 35:22); Jeremiah (2 Chron. 36:12) and even used a donkey to speak the Word of God (Numbers 22:21-34). Every writer of the Bible was used by God to reveal His Word to us. God can even use our mouths to glorify Him if we will open them and speak a word for our Lord!

031910ep

20th

GOD'S FOOTSTOOL
" Swear ... nor by the earth; for it is His footstool: ... " Matthew 5:34-35

Preparation:
Make a few cards with words on them that are used in cursing (God, Jesus, good Heavens, Hell, Gee, Golly, Struth, etc. Show them to the children and tell them that they are not to use them in a vain way.

Lesson: Matthew 5:33-37
Making promises and confirming them with vows is very common but Jesus taught His followers not to use such terms. It was a very common practice in that day as it is today. We promise something and then make vows or use by-words to try to get them to believe us. Jesus said to make our promises or vows and leave at that. Our word should be enough for people to believe us unless we have lied to them before.

Application:
Are you known as a person of your word? When you tell someone you will do something, do you do it faithfully and on time? That is part of our Christian testimony. Jesus said to not swear:

by Heaven for it is God's throne;
your head, for you cannot change the color of your hair;
Jerusalem, because it is the city of the great King;
by earth, for it is God's footstool.

A footstool is a piece of furniture which support the feet when you are seated. In Australia it is called a feet-seat. The earth is called God's footstool because God sits on His throne in Heaven and His feet are below Him. It is an expressive figure of speech. So God says not to swear by it (or anything else). Do not swear at all!

032010ep

21st

BAPTISM
"And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: ... " Matthew 3:16

Preparation:
Relate briefly how you were baptized, when, etc. How you wenl down into the water and were covered over with water.

Lesson: Matthew 3:13-17
John the Baptist (baptizer) was God's special messenger to prepare the way for Jesus the Messiah (Malachi 3: 1 and Luke 7:2426). John was baptizing down on the Jordan River and Jesus (a cousin of John the Baptist) came to John and asked him to baptize Him. John at first refused but Jesus told him that the purpose was to "fulfill all righteousness." That means that it was to be done to fulfill God's mission for Jesus (Matt. 3: 15). John then baptized Him.

Application:
Jesus saw His baptism as advancing John's ministry and as exposure to the people of His real purpose of coming to this earth. He was giving them an example of what they were to do after they confessed and forsook their sins. The attention of John's followers was now focused on Jesus and Jesus would soon become more recognized than John. How would John take this "demotion' in popularity? He said "He (Jesus) must increase but I must decrease" (John 3:30). Jesus instructed His Disciples to baptize everyone who followed Jesus in salvation. Only believers are to be baptized, after they are saved" (Acts 2:41). Baptism is an act of obedience to our Lord's command (Matthew 28: 19). Every person who professes Christ as Saviour should be baptized, in the manner Jesus was baptized (immersed).

032110ep

22nd

LIGHT
"Ye are the light of the world .... " Matthew 5:14

Preparation:
Some type of light - torch, lamp, etc.

Lesson: Matthew 5:14-16
This verse is part of The Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7. pictures the laws of the Kingdom. It is how God wants us to live. The light represents our witness or testimony of Him before the world. God created light on the first creative day. He separated the light from darkness. Man could not live in total darkness God made the light so we could see and work. To receive light God gave man a special organ to perceive light - the eye. Without eyes, we could not see light. Light is one of the great blessings that God gives us.

Application:
In a figurative sense, Jesus said "I am the light of the world" (John 8: 12). Jesus also said, "Ye are the light of the world." Jesus went back to Heaven and left His followers with the responsibility shining in this dark world. Is your light shining? Can people hear your testimony and see your good works and glorify your Father which is in Heaven?"
We hide our lights when we do not speak out for our Lord or when we allow sin to darken our light. We are to be like a city set or hill. You can see a hill city from great distances but if the light are not on, no one can see it. Our lights must shine for the Lord so as to attract people to the Light of the World. We sing, "This little light of mine, I'm going to let it shine." Do we really? The darkness and sin of this world is everywhere. Let your light (testimony by word and deed) shine for Jesus.

032210ep

23rd

GOOD GIFTS
"If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Father .... " Mathew 7:11

Preparation:
Bring articles that are given as gifts or pictures of articles given. Show them.

Lesson: Matthew 7:7-11
The subject of this statement by our Lord is prayer - asking, receiving, and knocking. Jesus reasons that if imperfect human beings know how to give good gifts to their children, how much more does a perfect, wise, gracious God know how to give good things to his children (Christians) if they ask Him! God is our Father and delights in bestowing His grace on His children. Earthly parents do not ordinarily give "bad" (dangerous) things to children. They try to protect them.

Application:
Jesus is saying to His people (Christians) that when they have a need or desire for something that is proper and right, to come to Him and ask for it! God delights in giving us the desires of our hearts (Psalm 37:4). God has given us great gifts such as our world, life, salvation, love, grace, and mercy. He loves us so much that He sent His only Begotten Son to die for us. But God's blessings do not end with salvation, they are only the start of His marvelous gifts. There is assurance of salvation, being justified by His grace, His direction in our lives, and His blessings on our lives and testimonies. God joys in giving, His giving will never cease to His own. James tells us that He gives to all men liberally (James 1 :5). Every person on this earth has received many, many good gifts from God. Do you ask Him for what you need or want?

032310ep

24th

HARVEST
" ... The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest." Matthew 9:37-38

Preparation:
Bring a globe of the world or a map, pin pointing where your m sionaries are or where those you know, are serving. Point out tl vast areas where you do not know someone serving.

Lesson: Matthew 9:37-38
Jesus and His disciples were going through the cities and villages teaching, preaching, and healing the sick. When Jesus saw the multitudes coming to Him, He was filled with compassion for the because they were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Jesus turned to the Disciples and said the harvest was ready to reap but there were not workers enough to do the job. He tells them to pray that the Lord of the harvest (the Holy Spirit) will send workers into the fields to reap. The Holy Spirit calls and sends workers. The church acknowledges God's call upon their lives.

Application:
God is looking for men, women, youth, boys and girls to take the Word of God to those who do not know Jesus. Every Christian is to be a witness to others. Being a witness is part of the life of Christian. If you are not faithful, you are not obedient to your heavenly calling. " .. .Ye shall be witnesses unto me ... " (Acts 1:8). The harvest only lasts a while for every one. Every person will die and they need the Gospel presented to them while they are alive. Each generation must try to reach his generation. Not only will every unbeliever die but every Christian will die also and all opportunity will be gone. Pray, Christian, pray and witness.

032410ep

25th

TREE (CORRUPT)
" ... or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt; for the tree is known by his fruit." Matthew 13:33

Preparation:
Secure some pictures of trees with various kinds of fruit on them (apples, oranges, pears, etc.).

Lesson: Matthew 13:33
Corrupt means to be rotten, worthless, or of poor quality, literally or morally. It was used of bad fish (Matthew 13:48) and of defiling speech (corrupt communications - Ephesians 4:29). What is the quality of your life?
Our Lord had just healed a man who was blind, dumb (could not speak) and was demon possessed. The Pharisees accused Jesu~ of being used by the prince of the devils to heal the man, believing that He was only a mere man. If Jesus did good works, He must be good. If He did bad works, he must be bad. We know Jesus went about "doing good." Jesus is telling the Pharisees to look a His works - they are good!

Application:
Jesus says, "a tree is known by what kind of fruit it bears." Ou lives are known by what kind of fruit we bear. Are we like our Lord and go about "doing good" or do we go about doing bad things selfish things, questionable things, or even "just go about doing nothing"? Can the world look at us and tell that we are Christians? They ought to be able to do so! Jesus says that the Pharisees "say and do not" (Matthew 23:3). Jesus tells His Disciples to not be like the Pharisees, nor should we be like the Pharisees. Are you producing good or bad fruit. Decide - 'make' the decision about what you are doing or not doing.

032510ep

26th

IDLE WORDS
"... every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment." Matthew 12:36

Preparations:
Make a list of "idle words," and read it. The word means (in this context) useless; a word or phrase that has no real meaning or purpose in the conversation, or nonsense. Here is a start: Gee (God) whiz, Crikey (Christ), Good Lord, God Almighty, God damn These all take God's Name in vain, Other useless words and minced oaths and by-words or pet expressions should be avoided.

Lesson: Matthew 12:34-37
Jesus tells us that what we say reveals what we are, What comes out of our mouth is important. We are judged by God and others by what we say, It is "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh (Matthew 12:34). A good man has good things in his heart and that is what comes out in his speech, The Pharisees in Jesus' day "said and do not" Jesus, in speaking to them says "the truth will out!" Christians will be held accountable for their speech.

Application:
Jesus said that in the day of judgment we will all be justified or condemned by the words we use (Verse 37), Oh, my!

A gangster who was converted in prison said that when he was converted he lost almost all of his vocabulary,
There is another aspect of this topic that is this: some things may be true but may not be necessary to say. The writer of Proverbs says to "Keep (guard, protect) thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life (Proverbs 4:23), Part of what "issues" out of our heart is our speech, and we will be held accountable for it.

032610ep

27th

A SOWER
" ... Behold, a sower went forth to sow;" Matthew 13:3

Preparations:
Get various seeds that one might plant (sow) in their gardens or ir their field (corn, wheat, etc.) and a picture of a sower on the job. Look in Bible Dictionaries or Sunday School literature for pictures.

Lesson: Matthew 13:3-9, 18-23
Our Lord is speaking the parable of the Sower in Matthew 13. He goes out to work (sow) his crops in hope of a harvest at the appropriate time. He sows the seed that he hopes to harvest. What he sows, he will reap in time. If he sows corn, he will get corn. If he sows oats, he will get oats. There will be no harvest without sowing. Here the emphasis is on what happens to the seed once they are sown. The man is faithful in sowing. Our emphasis is on the man, not the seed.

Application:
What kind of man is a sower? He is an industrious man. He is willing to work. He knows that if he does not sow, he will have no crop to harvest. It may be cold or hot, wet or dry, windy, etc. bu he is out there sowing. He is an optimist. He firmly believes tha he will reap if he sows. More than likely, he has been proved right over many years of farming or observation that that is the case. He is a man of faith. He has faith in his seed, in the weather, and in his own labour. He plants good seed and expects a good harvest.
Spiritually, what kind of man is a sower? He is a sower of God's good seed, the Word of God. He is a worker. He has faith in his seed and in his efforts on behalf of the Kingdom of God. He believes God will give the increase if he sows the seed. Are you faithful in sowing the Seed of God's Word?

032710ep

28th

SOILS
" ... some seeds fell by the wayside, some fell upon stony places, ... some fell among thorns, some fell into good
ground." Matthew 13:4, 5, 7, 8

Preparation:
Try to find pictures in magazines, papers, etc. of different crops affected by weather, etc. (drought, flooding, etc.)

Lesson: Matthew 13:3-9
As the farmer went out to sow, the picture is of a man with a seed bag hanging over his shoulder and under his arm. It is open to the front and he grabs a handful of seed and spreads (the word means to broadcast) the seed over the ground. Today this is done I machinery and there is not the waste of it going onto unprepared ground, as in that day. In that day, much of it went on and not in the soil. We are told that there were four different soils in the parable; the wayside, the stony ground, the thorns, and the good soil.

Application:
The soil is compared to different kind of hearts that hear the Word of God. The seed is the Word of God. The heart of man is the soil. When some hear the Word of God and do not understand it, the Devil comes and takes the Word away - the wayside. When One hears the Word and immediately receives it, because it is not allowed to take root, troubles and persecution come and the flesh being weak, makes it fall on stony ground. When it falls among thorns the cares of this world and the deceitfulness riches (material things) chokes (strangles) the seed, and it becomes unfruitful. When falls into good ground, it will produce a good crop. People respond differently because of the condition of their hearts. Has the Word of God taken root in your heart? What kind of soil is your heart?

032810ep

29th

TARES
"But when men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way." Matthew 13:25

Preparation:
If you can find some weeds somewhere, bundle some up and bring them to show (wrap them in a newspaper, etc.)

Lesson: Matthew 13:24-30
In this parable, Jesus teaches that the field is the world, not the Church. After the servants had planted the field, someone came along and sowed weeds among the wheat. Tares is a kind of darnel (four different species in Bible). It was a tall as wheat or barley and resembled wheat. The seeds were poisonous to man and herbivorous animals although harmless to poultry. The custom, as in the parable, was to leave it among the wheat until near to harvest. It was then pulled up and burnt.

Application:
Our Lord gives us the interpretation of this parable in verses 36-46. The field is the world, the enemy is Satan, the good seed is the children of the Kingdom, the tares are the children of the wicked one, the harvest is the end of the world, and the reapers are the angels. Mankind is a special creation of God. He was made to have fellowship with God. The Devil comes along and plants his tares in the Garden of Eden, in the person of Cain. Ever since, the wicked have occupied a place among God's people on the earth. Today most of the field is tares. Christ will come, and reap His wheat at the rapture of His Church, leaving the tares to endure the judgments of God. The evil ones are basically false teachers. Again, the field is the world, not the Church. God's harvest is coming! Are you wheat or a tare? Are you ready if Jesus would come today? Accept Him today!

032910ep

30th

LEAVEN - THE CHURCH
" ... The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, ... " Matthew 13:33

Preparation:
Buya packet of yeast (leaven) at the grocery, show it and explc how you use it or ask almost any woman to explain its use.

Lesson: Matthew 13:33
In this short parable, Jesus teaches that the Kingdom of God like leaven. It required time to fulfill its process. It was used in breads. When food was prepared on short notice, leaven was not included. It took time to work. It does not mean that the Kingdom IS leaven. It is a perfect picture of something that starts slow and grows. Jesus is teaching here that the Kingdom of God would begin small and would grow and grow and get larger. The Church and the followers of Christ would grow in numbers until it would be a world-wide movement, as it is today. Elsewhere in the New Testament, leaven is a picture of false teachings, and for good reason.

Application:
Jesus spent about three years teaching His Disciples how to carry on His work after He had ascended back to heaven. In Acts 1 He says, " ... ye shall be witnesses unto me .... " In the Great Commission, He says, "Go ye therefore into all the world and prea( the Gospel to every creature." God has given His people (Christians) the responsibility of taking the Good News of Jesus to those who do not know Him. In this context, we are to be leaven ar increase the testimony of Christ by making disciples, by leading folk to a knowledge of Jesus Christ in salvation. Are you acting as leaven, as in this context?

033010ep

31st

LEAVEN - NEW TESTAMENT
" ... Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees." Matthew 16:6

Preparation:
Buy a packet of yeast (leaven) at the grocery, show it and explain how to use it or ask almost any woman to explain its use.

Lesson: Matthew 16: 6,11
When Jesus made this statement, it was misunderstood. Jesus explained it in v. 12. Then understood they how that He bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees. Leaven in the New Testament is used metaphorically of

(1) corrupt doctrine (Luke 13:21), and

(2) of error as mixed with the truth, as in our text.

All of history proves that the pure Word of God has been adulterated with doctrinal error and of corrupt practices. Beware of false teachers.

Application:
TheApostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 5:6-8 deals with this problem in the Church at Corinth. He tells or informs them that a little leaven permeates the whole lot. Paul is dealing with immorality in the Church. If it is not dealt with, it will soon permeate the whole lot. Everybody will be doing it! Because we have been delivered from sins of the past, we should have nothing to do with them again. Get them out of our lives! Christ, the eternal Passover has been sacrificed for us, once for all. When Israel left Egypt, it was in a hurry and the bread did not have time to rise so they used unleavened bread. This leaven represents sin and we should have nothing to do with the past sins (old leaven). 1 Corinthians 5:6 applies to corrupt practice and Galatians 5:9 applies to corrupt doctrine. Leaven was forbidden in all sacrifices that related to Christ's sacrifice for our sin.

033110ep

Please email us to share a testimony of how this ministry has been a blessing to you,

Please email us to request these devotions be sent to you daily via email!