Read the Bible: The New Testament in a Year

Matthew 23. Day 91 - The New Testament in a Year

Episode Notes: 

Today's Scripture: Matthew 23(CSB)

Podcast Homepage: The New Testament in a Year

Bible Reading Plan: Navigators Reading Plan

Contact Sean through email here:  [email protected]

NTIY on Facebook: Facebook.com/newtestamentinayear

NTIY Website: www.newtestamentinayear.com

Episode Highlights:

Hypocrisy.  The "Woes".   Jesus' Emotional Response.

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which appear beautiful on the outside, but inside are full of the bones of the dead and every kind of impurity.  In the same way, on the outside you seem righteous to people, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness." -Matthew 23:27-28

In today's episode, we explore Matthew Chapter 23, a pivotal passage where Jesus exposes the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and religious leaders. As we navigate through this chapter, we're encouraged to look for crucial elements such as the focus on hypocrisy, the understanding of the "woes," and Jesus' emotional response to the spiritual state of His people. Each of these points reveals deeper layers of understanding about living a life that genuinely reflects our faith. We examine how Jesus criticizes the leaders for neglecting the more significant aspects of the law—justice, mercy, and faithfulness—while also challenging us to ensure our actions align with our words.

Our journey through this chapter brings forth several impactful takeaways that inspire us to enhance our walk with Christ. We explore the dangers of hypocrisy, emphasizing the need for authenticity in how we live out our faith both privately and publicly. The call to embrace humility stands out, urging us to find greatness not in recognition but in serving others quietly and diligently. Lastly, we reflect on the importance of embodying justice, mercy, and faithfulness in our everyday lives. These values, central to a robust Christian life, require our active engagement and a heartfelt commitment to practice them consistently, thereby shaping our actions and decisions in a way that honors God and serves others effectively

Matthew 22. Day 90 - The New Testament in a Year

Episode Notes: 

Today's Scripture: Matthew 22(CSB)

Podcast Homepage: The New Testament in a Year

Bible Reading Plan: Navigators Reading Plan

Contact Sean through email here:  [email protected]

NTIY on Facebook: Facebook.com/newtestamentinayear

NTIY Website: www.newtestamentinayear.com

Episode Highlights:

The Wedding Feast.  The Greatest Commandment.  The Resurrection Affirmed. 

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important command.  The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself."  Matthew 22:38-39

In this episode, we explore Matthew Chapter 22, where critical parables and teachings of Jesus are highlighted. We begin by delving into the Parable of the Wedding Feast, which illustrates the inclusive nature of God’s invitation to His kingdom. We're encouraged to recognize the implications of rejecting this call and the importance of being properly prepared through righteousness. As we move further, our understanding deepens with Jesus’ profound summary of the law through the Greatest Commandment, emphasizing the essential role of love in our relationship with God and others. We also tackle the challenging question about the resurrection posed by the Sadducees, which allows us to appreciate the scriptural basis and the powerful affirmation of life beyond death.

The takeaways from this chapter provide practical guidance for living out the teachings of Jesus in our daily lives. We are reminded of the universality of God’s invitation and encouraged to reflect this inclusivity in our own lives, perhaps by welcoming those who feel marginalized. The episode also brings to light the central nature of love in our faith, urging us to actively seek the good of others and deepen our love for God. Lastly, by affirming the reality of the resurrection, we are motivated to adopt an eternal perspective in our actions and interactions, promoting a life that truly reflects the values of the kingdom of heaven. Each of these insights not only enriches our understanding but also challenges us to transform this knowledge into action within our communities and personal lives.

Matthew 21. Day 89 - The New Testament in a Year

Episode Notes: 

Today's Scripture: Matthew 21(CSB)

Podcast Homepage: The New Testament in a Year

Bible Reading Plan: Navigators Reading Plan

Contact Sean through email here:  [email protected]

NTIY on Facebook: Facebook.com/newtestamentinayear

NTIY Website: www.newtestamentinayear.com

Episode Highlights:

Triumphal Entry.  Cleansing of the Temple.  Parables.

"Jesus went into the temple and threw out all those buying and selling. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves. He said to them, “It is written, my house will be called a house of prayer, but you are making it a den of thieves!”  Matthew 21:12-13

In this episode, we read Matthew Chapter 21 and focus on three key "look-fors" that illuminate the scripture’s teachings. First, we witness the Triumphal Entry, where Jesus fulfills ancient prophecy by riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, prompting us to reflect on the crowd’s response and the unease of the city's leaders. Then, we explore the Cleansing of the Temple, a powerful display of Jesus' authority and his zeal for spiritual purity, challenging us to consider the integrity of our own spiritual practices. Lastly, through Jesus’ teachings and parables, particularly the Parables of the Two Sons and the Tenants, we gain insights into obedience, authority, and the consequences of our responses to God's calling.

Our takeaways from this chapter are thought-provoking and encourage us to integrate the teachings into our daily lives. We discuss the importance of humble service, inspired by Jesus' modest entry into Jerusalem, which teaches us that true leadership in God's eyes is rooted in humility and service to others. We also consider the significance of maintaining spiritual integrity, spurred by Jesus’ cleansing of the temple, which calls us to align our actions with our beliefs. Lastly, we examine the value of obedience to God through the lens of Jesus' parables, encouraging us to be faithful stewards of what He has entrusted to us. These lessons not only enhance our understanding of the scripture but also inspire us to live out our faith more authentically and dynamically.

Matthew 20. Day 88 - The New Testament in a Year

Episode Notes: 

Today's Scripture: Matthew 20(CSB)

Podcast Homepage: The New Testament in a Year

Bible Reading Plan: Navigators Reading Plan

Contact Sean through email here:  [email protected]

NTIY on Facebook: Facebook.com/newtestamentinayear

NTIY Website: www.newtestamentinayear.com

Episode Highlights:

 

Parable to the Workers.  Jesus Predicts His Death.  Healing of the Two Blind Men.

"whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,  and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave" - Matthew 20:26-27

In today's episode, we explore Matthew Chapter 20, where the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard takes center stage, teaching us about God’s boundless grace and fairness. We examine the landowner's generosity as he pays the late workers the same as those who worked all day, illustrating that the last will be first in the Kingdom of Heaven. As we explore further, Jesus' prediction of His death prepares us for understanding His ultimate sacrifice, while the request made by James and John's mother opens a discussion on true leadership as servanthood. Additionally, the healing of two blind men near Jericho reinforces the power of faith and Jesus' compassion towards those who believe in Him.

Our reflections lead us to three profound devotion takeaways: recognizing the vastness of God's grace, understanding the essence of leadership as servitude, and the importance of persistence in faith and prayer. We're reminded that God's grace is a gift, not earned by our deeds but given freely, encouraging us to extend the same grace to others. The episode challenges us to embrace our roles as servants in our communities, putting others first as Christ did. Lastly, the persistent faith of the blind men inspires us to maintain our prayers and faith, even when faced with discouragement. Each of these points not only deepens our understanding of the scriptures but also provides practical ways to enhance our daily walk with Christ.

Matthew 19. Day 87 - The New Testament in a Year

Episode Notes: 

Today's Scripture: Matthew 19(CSB)

Podcast Homepage: The New Testament in a Year

Bible Reading Plan: Navigators Reading Plan

Contact Sean through email here:  [email protected]

NTIY on Facebook: Facebook.com/newtestamentinayear

NTIY Website: www.newtestamentinayear.com

Episode Highlights:

The Sanctity of Marriage.  Blessing the Children.  The Rich Young Ruler. 

Jesus said, “Leave the little children alone, and don’t try to keep them from coming to me, because the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14

In this episode, we explore Matthew Chapter 19, exploring critical teachings of Jesus on marriage, children, and wealth. We focus on key elements such as the sanctity and permanence of marriage as Jesus addresses the Pharisees' challenging questions on divorce, highlighting how our relationships should reflect God's original intention for unity and lifelong commitment. We also witness Jesus embracing little children, teaching us the importance of humility and openness in receiving the kingdom of heaven, and challenging our perceptions of value and worth. The encounter with the rich young ruler further probes the tension between earthly wealth and spiritual riches, urging us to consider what we might be holding onto that could hinder our full commitment to following Christ.

Through our reflections on these passages, we glean profound insights and encouragement for our spiritual journey. The unwavering truth of marriage calls us to honor and cherish our relationships more deeply, aligning them with divine principles. In embracing childlike faith, we're invited to renew our trust and wonder in our walk with God, stripping away cynicism. The discussion around the rich young ruler reminds us of the cost of discipleship, challenging us to evaluate our priorities and the place of material possessions in our lives. Each of these teachings encourages us to pursue a deeper, more meaningful relationship with Christ, reshaping our actions and decisions in the light of His teachings.