Tag Archives: Jesus

John has a Question

Posted on December 5, 2015 by Don Merritt

Matthew 11:1-19 A new section of the book opens in 11:1; a section that continues through chapter 14 in which Jesus’ ministry is viewed in light of the rejection of certain groups of Jews. We begin with the change of … Continue reading →

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Jesus and New Realities

Posted on December 4, 2015 by Don Merritt

Matthew 10:32-42 As Jesus wraps up His instructions to His disciples before sending them on their mission to bring in the harvest, He moves into some disturbing territory. Remember that He has just told them of the opposition they will … Continue reading →

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Jesus and His Relationship with the Disciples

Posted on December 4, 2015 by Don Merritt

“The student is not above the teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for students to be like their teachers, and servants like their masters. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebul, how much more the … Continue reading →

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O Come, O Come Emmanuel!

Posted on December 3, 2015 by Don Merritt

This is a Christmas carol that contains the essence of the yearning of a people for a savior.  “O Come, O Come Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel” Hold on, wait!  Ransom…? Yes, Ransom. Israel was in slavery to sin; so are we.  Being held … Continue reading →

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The Season’s Upon Us

Posted on December 3, 2015 by Don Merritt

The Christmas Season is one that I may seem to frown on sometimes as I urge people not to get caught up in the season and forget the reason. Actually, the Christmas Season can and should be a wonderful time.  I was … Continue reading →

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God is our Strength

Posted on December 2, 2015 by Don Merritt

“Surely God is my help;         the Lord is the one who sustains me.  Let evil recoil on those who slander me;         in your faithfulness destroy them” Psalm 54:4-5 How easy it is to think that we can handle … Continue reading →

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Are You Sure You Want to do This?

Posted on December 2, 2015 by Don Merritt

Matthew 10:16-23 Jesus is about to send His disciples out to proclaim the Kingdom and He has given them unprecedented authority. Yet He has insisted that they take nothing along to help them, no money, no food or supplies, and … Continue reading →

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A Most Excellent Adventure

Posted on December 1, 2015 by Don Merritt

Matthew 10:1-15 In the prior section, Jesus told His disciples to pray for the Lord of the Harvest to send workers; now, He informs His disciples that they are the workers the Lord of the Harvest has sent. The text … Continue reading →

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Jesus and the Crowds

Posted on December 1, 2015 by Don Merritt

Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like … Continue reading →

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“Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel”

Posted on November 30, 2015 by Don Merritt

Matthew 9:27-34 In this passage, Jesus encounters a blind man and a man who was demon possessed. I need not tell you that He handled the situation in both cases, restoring sight to the one, and driving out the impure … Continue reading →

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