Matthew 26.36-56.

Continuing the narrative of the events of Jesus’ last week, Matthew describes the agony and stress Jesus experienced just before his arrest as his disciples all fall asleep and then run off.

18 February 2024.

Matthew 26.17-30.

What can we say about the last meal Jesus ate with His disciples before his death? The scene seems quiet, understated and easily passed over. But in this simple Passover meal Jesus reveals a truth that shook the world and continues to do so today.

11 February 2024.

Matthew 26.1-16.

In the last week of Jesus' life, we find the chief priests in Jerusalem plotting to kill Jesus, and Judas now willing to hand him over to them for money. But between these two ugly scenes of conspiracy and treachery, Matthew inserts a sharply contrasting scene of beautiful devotion and loyalty.

4 February 2024.

Matthew 10.37-42.

Jesus closes his coaching session with the twelve in Matthew 10 by warning them that they will face opposition not only from society at large but also from close family members. What should Christians do when our loved ones reject the Lord?

28 January 2024.

Matthew 9.35-10.15.

This passage marks a key transition in Matthew's Gospel. Jesus' chosen twelve go from being called 'disciples' (meaning 'students') to 'apostles' (literally 'sent ones'). Jesus looks out with such compassion on the crowds that he decides the time is right to multiply his fantastically effective mission by a factor of twelve.

14 January 2024.

Matthew 9.27-34.

Jesus healed so many people in his life and ministry. In Matthew 9, he heals two blind men who cry out for mercy. What does this healing tell us about Jesus' heart of compassion for all?

7 January 2024.

Philippians 2.6-11.

Jesus came down to Earth from Heaven so that we might have the right to go to Heaven from Earth. Starting his talk up a ladder on the seventh rung, and working down with each point, John explains how completely Jesus became one of us.

24 December 2023.

Luke 2.8-20.

How did humble and disregarded shepherds respond to the news that a Saviour had been born for the likes of them? And how do we respond to the news that he has been born for the likes of us?

17 December 2023.

Matthew 2.13-23.

Our school nativity plays and candlelit carol services usually focus on the side of the Christmas story told by Luke with its shepherds, angels and baby in a manger. But Matthew tells us about an altogether darker side, showing us how evil the world really is and therefore how great the love of God is that he decided to send us a Saviour - the Prince of Peace.

10 December 2023.

Matthew 2.1-12.

Strange visitors from the east are led by unusual phenomena in the night sky to seek out a new king in the land of Israel. But the evil Herod is disturbed by these developments that he fears will rival his reign.

3 December 2024.