Today, Ann-See reflects on Matthew 26 through the theme of the heart, contrasting the woman who breaks her alabaster jar to pour out what is most precious with Judas who sells what is priceless. She highlights Jesus’ heart laid bare in grief and obedience, choosing the Father’s will and pouring out his blood for forgiveness while remaining patient with weak, sleeping friends.

Today we talked about the three stories that Jesus shares in Matthew 25. We found that in each story the focus and heart of Jesus was to have a people who are ready, who are faithful and who are loving because they know Him as the Bridegroom, the master and the king.

Today Matt shared with us from Matthew 24. A strange passage that people often draw many conclusions from, which can lead people to look for clues, dates and conspiracy theories. But today Matt showed us how Jesus answers two questions from the disciples, one about the temple, and one about the end and Jesus second coming. In this chapter Jesus uses the tradition and language of the Jewish prophets to prophesy about the destruction of the temple (which happened in AD70). That came to pass as Jesus said it would, and so we can trust the words of Jesus and have hope that He is coming again.

Today Matt spoke to us from Matthew 23 where we see Jesus challenge the teaching and worldview of the Pharisees. Matt shared that the Pharisees had their eyes fixed on the here and now, not on the ultimate hope of God to restore all of creation. This challenges us, do we live for the surface things of this world or do we live in the hope of the return of Jesus.

Today Lara shared with us from Matthew 22, where Jesus challenged the world view of the Pharisees and the Sadducees. We found from this that Jesus still brings a challenge, but now to us and our world view. Jesus does this because He longs for us to leave behind the broken world views we sometimes hold to, or live under, so that we might enjoy the world of the Kingdom of Heaven.

Today Nathan shared with us from Matthew 21. Showing us that as Jesus cleansed the temple in Jerusalem, He also wants to cleanse us as the New Testament temple of the Holy Spirit so that we can encounter and know the full life of God.

Today we read the parable of the landowner, a story in which Jesus describes what the Kingdom of Heaven is like. Matt shared with us about how Heaven isn't simply somewhere we go when we die, but is the rule and reign of God breaking into the present through Jesus. It is a reality into which we are all invited by Jesus to serve Him and bring life giving fruit to the world.

Today, from Matthew 19, Glenys shared that only with Him and in Him is the impossible possible - a restored relationship with God even after we meddled with His plan. Jesus came to show us that the overlooked and downtrodden are loved and accepted by the Father. All we need to do is daily surrender and intentionally keep Jesus front and centre of our lives, laying everything that comes between Him and us at His feet.

Today we talked about the teaching of Jesus in Matthew 18. There we saw Jesus teach seriously about the reality of hell and the hope of Heaven. Jesus was serious about our sin and its outcome which is hell, because His heart has always been to save us from that for Heaven.

In this message on Matthew 17, James emphasises that the Christian life involves ongoing transformation through being with Jesus, learning from Jesus, and becoming like Jesus, and concludes with an invitation to salvation, prayer, and daily communion with God.