Matthew 12:38-42 The Sign of Jonah

A sign is an earthly event that points to a heavenly reality. In this case, the Pharisees wanted a sign from Jesus to have him confirm to them that he was really the Messiah. In most cases signs are granted to those who believe and need a confirmation, but rarely is a sign granted to skeptics (evil and adulterous generation) so that they might believe. The sign that Jesus recalls for them is the sign of Jonah who spent three days and three nights in the belly of a great fish as a sign of the soon to come death and resurrection of the Son of Man. The Ninevites would condemn the Pharisees because they repented at Jonah’s preaching. And Jesus is greater than Jonah!

Jesus brings up another character who will condemn the Pharisees at the judgment: the queen of the South. “She came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon.” And Jesus assures them that something greater than Solomon is before them. The Pharisees reluctance to accept Jesus as Messiah despite all the signs he performed before their own eyes is a sign of their own unbelief. Jesus was not about to cater to their unbelief by performing special signs for them. He expected them to perceive the signs already given. He expected them to respond like the Ninevites and like the queen of the South.

Many today, like the Pharisees, are still asking for a sign from God to know if they should give up their ways and follow Jesus. Many still like to cut deals with God: “If you grant me this one thing, I will follow you.” The signs are already before us and the deal has already been cut in Jesus Christ our Lord. To follow Jesus is to be able to read the signs of the times and respond with repentance and pursuit of his wisdom.

Father, grant me the sensitivity to see the signs of the times and to respond appropriately with a heart of repentance and pursuit of your wisdom. Take away my unbelief and fill be with trust and obedience.

Matthew 11:20-24 Woe to Unrepentant Cities

Jesus began to declare publicly the evil of certain cities. While he is disapproving of their behavior, let’s not miss out on his disappointment expressed through woes. A woe is not a curse, but an interjection of denunciation and grief. Why? Because most of Jesus’ mighty works were performed in them and they did not repent. Chorazin and Bethsaida (its name means house of fish) were small fishing villages around the Sea of Galilee. Peter, Andrew, and Phillip were from Bethsaida. Jesus compares them with Tyre and Sidon - cities that during Old Testament times opposed God and his prophets and were judged for it. If Tyre and Sidon had seen what they have seen they would have repented (sackloth as a garment and ashes either on the head or sitting on them were used in mourning). Therefore, in the day of judgment they will suffer more than Tyre and Sidon, indicating different levels of judgment.

Capernaum was a busy city near the Sea of Galillee. It was on the highway between Damascus and Acco. Jesus compares it to Sodom, a city that during Old Testament times stood for sin and was destroyed by God. He says it would still be around if the mighty works Capernaum witnessed had been performed there. Today, Capernaum lies in ruins just like Chorazin and Bethsaida. And the people who lived there will have to face the Lord on the day of judgment in the future. An encounter with Jesus and his gospel requires a response. Jesus’ followers are those who have responded with repentance to his work and message. Repentance is a change of mind. It is an acceptance of our sinful, rebellious state with God and a decision to seek his forgiveness and reconciliation. If we reject Jesus and his message, woe to us! Ruin awaits us in this life and judgment in the life to come.

Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner. Forgive my sins and restore my soul to be in fellowship with you. Grant me a truly repentant heart that seeks after you all the days of my life. Spare me from the fate of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum!

Matthew 4:18-25 Jesus Calls the First Disciples

Here is one of the specific callings Jesus makes to people to follow him. Peter and Andrew, James and John are fishermen who work in the Sea of Galilee. What does it mean for these men to follow Jesus? Jesus tells them that he will make them fishers of men. What does “fishers of men” really mean? In the following context, we can see that Jesus’ ministry activities included teaching and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom as well as healing people afflicted with disease. In the previous context, we can see that the content of the gospel message is “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Then, fishing for men (and women) is to invite them to enter the kingdom through repentance after praying for their needs. We find this same paradigm in the early Church of preaching the Gospel and praying for people’s needs (Acts 4:29-30). When was the last time I asked an unbeliever if he wanted me to pray for his/her needs to God? A prayer for their needs may lead them to repent and believe! Who knows what God will do?

How did Peter, Andrew, James, and John respond to the calling? They left boat, nets, and family to follow Jesus. Becoming fishers of people begins to show a cost. It may mean to leave family and livelihood behind. This is very important. Contrast that response with the crowds that “followed” Jesus without becoming disciples because Jesus’ fame as a healer spread throughout the area. It is possible to “follow” (seeking God’s benefits) without really following (offering our lives). Jesus wants us to follow him so that we may become fishers of people who boldly proclaim entrance in the kingdom through repentance and offer prayers for their needs.

Father, teach me to follow your Son to become a fisher of people. Grant me boldness to proclaim the Gospel and pray for unbeliever’s needs.

Matthew 4:12-17 Jesus Begins His Ministry

Matthew uses every opportunity to point out to people that Jesus is the legitimate Son of David, Son of Abraham, Son of God. Jesus’ move from Nazareth to Galilee after John’s arrest is declared to be the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy (Is.9). Isaiah’s prophecy speaks of the liberation of the people of Israel from the Assyrian exile, but also of a liberation by the hand of the promised Messiah: “the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Is.9:6b). The regions in question (Zebulun, Naphtali, and Galilee) comprise both Jews and Gentiles who are described as “dwelling in darkness.” The prophecy declares that these people will see a light that will dawn on them. That light is Jesus himself (Jn.1:4) preaching: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Jesus is the incarnate Son of God, the light that brings God’s kingdom, God’s rule upon the earth. The way to enter such kingdom is through repentance.

The call to follow Jesus is a call to repentance. Repentance is a change of mind. It is to recognize our darkness, our sin, our rebellion against God and decide to turn to him that his light might shine upon us. It is a call to submit ourselves to God’s rule and give up our self-sufficiency, our desire to rule our own lives by our own laws. The call is out for Jew and Gentile alike. There is no discrimination in God’s kingdom. All ethnicities are being called to come out of darkness into his marvelous light and share together the blessings of the kingdom. Repentance grants us entrance into God’s kingdom. But repentance is not just a one shot deal. It is a continuous process as well. We must repent daily of our sins (Mat.6:12) as Jesus taught his disciples to pray.

Heavenly Father, have mercy on me, a sinner. Shine your light upon my darkness this day that I may see your Son and follow him to enjoy his rule as my Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.

Psalm 25 Be Teachable!

My Math teacher in seventh grade was a very demanding one, but he was also the best. He was willing to teach all he knew about multiplication and division, but I had to be willing to submit to his methods. Many students looked him up to have him as a teacher. In those days, it was not uncommon for a teacher to smack you with a ruler if you did not follow his instructions. But if I willingly submitted to his requirements, he would do everything in his power to ensure I learned well. To this day, I have not forgotten the multiplication tables.

So it is with our God. He is willing to be our teacher and teach us all we need to know and understand. There should be a longing in our hearts to have God as our teacher just like David himself exclaims in vv.4-5: "Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long."

But there are certain requirements for me to be a true disciple of my God. First, I must be a person who accepts that God is upright and I am a sinner. He is the teacher and I am the student. He is above me and I am in need of instruction. It is imperative that I approach God with the proper understanding of my place in his presence. I am in need of him. I must come in repentance and with a contrite spirit knowing that I have not lived up to the expectations of my teacher.

Secondly, "He leads the humble in what is right." My attitude before my God should be one of humility and not pride. I cannot come to receive instruction with arrogance. I must humble myself to my teacher. My God is willing to lead me to what is right only if I come humbly to him. I must abandon my pretense to know it all. I must empty my vessel to receive what God is willing to pour into my life.

Finally, I must be obedient. "All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies." I will not be able to enjoy anything God teaches me unless I am willing to be obedient to what he instructs me to do. I must have a heart that is willing to submit obediently to his instruction.

If I seek my God to instruct me with a repentant, humble, and obedient heart, I will learn much. I will learn what is really important in life and benefit from God's blessings as I obediently practice it every day.

Father, I confess that I have not lived up to your commands. Give me a humble and obedient heart that I may learn from you and please you all the days of my life. Amen.

Acts 2:14-41 Peter's Sermon at Pentecost

Peter takes the lead to explain what is going on. It is not that the people are drunk! It is the fulfillment of Joel's prophecy (Joel2:28-32) right before their eyes. Joel spoke of the pouring out of the Spirit upon all flesh with evident manifestations of prophecy, visions, and dreams. The second part of his prophecy speaks of the day of judgment with wonders in the heavens and signs on the earth. Some of these are: blood, fire, vapor of smoke, the sun turning into darkness and the moon turning into blood. These are all literary devices to express the coming of the day of the Lord, or Judgment Day. The Spirit is here! I am living the end times!

Then, Peter presents Jesus as the man God delivered up according to his plan and foreknowledge. At the same time, he accuses the crowd for crucifying and killing him. Many books have been written about the reconciliation between God's sovereignty and Human responsibility. The Scriptures teach both. Whatever philosophical system we devise to explain the interaction of these two perspectives cannot lose sight that both need to be upheld. My God is sovereign! From the little sparrow to the hairs on my head, he has dominion over it all. I am responsible! God will hold me accountable for my thoughts, words, and actions.

Now he turns to the Psalms (16:8-11) to prove that Jesus' resurrection was prophesied by David and links the pouring of the Spirit with the resurrection and ascension of the Lord. Finally, he states that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ. The title of Lord implies that Jesus has power, authority, and influence over his people. The title of Christ identifies him as the promised one to Israel, the Messiah, the King to come, the Savior. I have to come to grips with who Jesus is in my life. Is he my Lord? Is he my Savior?

The people's response to Peter's sermon was that they were cut to the heart. It was devastating! It hit them really hard. Now what? What to do? Peter points the way with repentance and baptism so they can enjoy the promised Holy Spirit. It pains my soul to see many people today in our churches without making a commitment to the Lord through baptism. I will never forget my baptism. Mom and Dad did not like it. My friends then, told me I was crazy. Baptism is the confession to the world that Jesus is my Lord and Savior. The message continues to be the same: Repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins and you will receive the promised Holy Spirit.

Father, thank you for giving your Son Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of my soul. Thank you for sending your Holy Spirit to fill me and guide me day by day. May I keep Christ as the center of my life to live in the fullness of your promise all the days of my life. Amen

Matthew 27:1-10 Judas Hangs Himself

Did Judas repent? Not at all. The word used in this passage ("metamellomai") is different from the word used for true repentance ("metanoeo") that implies conversion and forgiveness of sins. The ESV translates "changed his mind" and it can also imply regret and even sorrow, but it is not to be stretched to mean genuine repentance. The return of the thirty pieces of silver show that Judas realized that what he did would cost Jesus his life and he wanted to withdraw, but it was too late. Jesus was marked for death and they were taking him before Pilate to ask for execution.

Another compelling evidence for Judas' unrepentant heart is the way in which he deals with his guilt-ridden conscience. He hangs himself. Godly grief produces repentance that leads to salvation. Worldly grief leads to death (2Cor.7:10). Self-destruction is not an unpardonable sin, but it is nonetheless a sin. In those days, there were two types of hanging: one by crucifixion, and the other by impalement with a sharpened stake. Judas threw himself over a large sharp stake. The picture of using a rope to hang from a tree is unlikely. 

Suicide is not the answer to my problems. Paul weighed the pros and cons of being with the Lord vs. remaining on earth and concluded that it is very important to remain faithful to the Lord in his service in the here and now. The promises of a better future may be enticing. Why remain in the flesh suffering when I can enjoy bliss after death? There are many arguments against suicide, but the bottom line is this: God is the Creator. He determines the end of my days. Paul is very clear in 1Cor.3:16-17. I belong to him and only He has the right to determine the length of my life.

The hypocrisy of the chief priests and elders is so evident in their unwillingness to take the money into the treasury of the temple because it was "blood money." Yet, they were willing to minister in the temple though they had plotted murder against an innocent man. The money was used to buy a potter's field used as a cemetery for strangers and it was called "Field of Blood." The money used to betray Jesus was used to care for the bodies of strangers who could not afford a plot of their own. Everything about the life of Jesus resulted in the benefit of others, especially those who were disadvantaged.

Lord, give me great respect for life. May I never try to take your place to decide when and how to end my life. May suffering and pain motivate me to seek you more and lead me to genuine repentance unto salvation. Protect me from worldly grief that leads to death.

Matthew 11:20-24 Woe to Unrepentant Cities

Chorazin was a small village near the Sea of Galilee. Today, it is associated with modern Korazeh which has been inhabited for many years. The only attraction at this place are ruins of structures made of basalt (a black volcanic rock). Bethsaida was a small fishing village at the Sea of Galilee. It is believed to be the birthplace of Peter, but today it is no longer a fishing village. Due to some volcanic movements and a receding shoreline, Bethsaida is now quite a distance from the sea. Capernaum was the city Jesus used as a base for his ministry years. Today, it lies in ruins also.

These cities were a witness to the greatness of our Lord Jesus Christ and did not believe. Many miracles were performed in them and yet, they did not respond with faith. Due to their unbelief, Jesus pronounces a curse upon them. Not only are the cities at a great disadvantage today, but their people will be judged for their unbelief on the day of judgment. The reality of heaven and hell was preached by Jesus on many occasions and here is one of them. Unbelief leads to judgment.

There seems to be degrees of judgment also. Our Lord compares the cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum with Tyre, Sidon, and Sodom. The latter cities were also subject to judgment due to their unbelief. But Jesus says their judgment will be more bearable, less severe, than for the former cities. Tyre was a prosperous island city that today lies in ruins. Sidon is a shadow of once an important commercial port. And Sodom, we all know the story, suffered a rain of fire and brimstone for their idolatry. Once a fertile plain, now lies near the Dead Sea and salt is all you can find in it.

This is a great warning that I must heed. I don't want to fall into unbelief. The consequences are too devastating. I want to respond to the call with repentance. Repentance is the first word of the Gospel message. To repent is to make an about face and change one's direction in life 180 deg. Repentance is not to feel sorry and then carry on with life as usual. Genuine repentance requires a radical change in my attitude towards God - from unbelief to belief. Lest I think repentance is a one shot deal, I must accept it as a daily process in my life. I must be repentant every day because I am a sinner still.

Lord, help my unbelief. I want to believe in you and your word. Give me a repentant heart and a contrite spirit. May I be aware of my sin day by day and submit to your mercy at every hour. Cleanse me and renew my soul for your glory, Amen.

Matthew 4:12-17 Jesus Begins His Ministry

Jesus begins his ministry in the midst of much social, political, and religious turmoil. His withdrawal right after John's arrest tells me that Jesus was not a demonstrator. At times, I confuse the kingdom of God and its agenda with protesting for something or someone. Jesus could have mobilized people to get John out of jail. Maybe he could have planned a revolt to liberate him. He simply avoided being noticed because the kingdom agenda demanded that.

Even from the start, we see Jesus interested in the needs of the Gentiles. As fulfillment to a prophecy Jesus made his base of ministry among those who needed it the most. Jesus became the light in the midst of darkness. Ministry is to serve those who are in need. It is not a social club for "us four and no more." I must seek the needs of the community and shine the light of Christ upon them.

Jesus' ministry, though distinct from John the Baptist, is also a continuity to the work that John - and all the prophets before him, had started. The message of the kingdom continues to be one of repentance. Ministry can take many shapes and forms. Ministry can become creative and challenging to society. But ministry must never change the message. There is a legacy that I must respect and continue to preach what I have learned.

Ministry is not protest. It is to shine the light of Christ upon people who live in darkness. It is to continue preaching to the world that repentance is the only way into the kingdom.

Oh God, may I never innovate ministry so much that I become a demonstrator missing out its essence. Help me see the need for light in people's darkness and be willing to serve that need. Teach me to preach repentance until the end of my days, no matter how old-fashioned it may become.

Matthew 3:1-12 John the Baptist Prepares the Way

John the Baptist is the precursor of our Lord Jesus Christ in fulfillment to Isaiah's prophecy. His message is of repentance. His lifestyle is austere. He preaches in a time of social, political and religious turmoil yet does not hesitate to challenge people with his message. His life and ministry is spent to point to the one people really need: Jesus Christ.

In his calling people to repentance, John makes clear that it is no mere ritual for cleansing to go out and sin again. It is supposed to bear fruit. He denounces the Pharisees and Saducees, the religious establishment of the day, for their hypocritical attitude in seeking a false repentance through his baptism. John's message is never compromised by anything or anyone. 

John's ministry is characterized by a peculiar lifestyle. He seems to have taken a vow before he started his ministry. He seems to have renounced to the common comforts of the day to devote himself to the ministry. He spent his days preaching repentance and pointing to our Lord Jesus Christ as the one people should follow. He did so all the way to his imprisonment and martyrdom.

I want to be like John the Baptist. I want to commit to a life and ministry that stands out in the world. Many times I feel that the many comforts of my lifestyle are a hindrance to seek God wholeheartedly. I have settled for what is comfortable and shy away from the difficult and more demanding. I want to be like John the Baptist. I want to commit to preach God's word without any compromises. The whole counsel of God for all people. Nothing should not stand in the way of my calling to preach the word.

Lord, give me the resolve to live a life that is constantly seeking you, totally dedicated to your call upon me, and always serving those who are around me. Anoint me to be your messenger without compromise in the community you have placed me. May I always be willing to pay the cost of my calling.