The danger of spiritual deception is real, even for those who are sincere in their religious convictions... we have to be careful to not let pride get in the way or it can kill us.

Today, we finish up chapter 21 and go through all of 22 and see a common theme. Rejecting God and questioning Him and His Authority over us.

Our next section of Matthew's Gospel includes several stories that at first seem completely unconnected, at least on the surface. After all, what do children (19:13-15), rich people (19:16-30), workers in a vineyard (20:1-16), Jesus' prediction of His own death and resurrection (20:17-19), a mother's request for her sons' future reward (20:1-28), and the healing of two blind men (20:29-34) have in common? You might be surprised. Among the various truths we can pull from each of these stories, one overarching truth stands out, a truth that is foundational throughout Scripture and that is crucial for the entire Christian life.

Salvation is a free gift that cannot be earned.

Salvation is impossible without the mercy of God.

God alone created and defined marriage - and He wants us to take the covenant we make seriously.

In Matthew chapter 18, we are shown a series of teachings that reveal the heart of God for His people and the way we are to live together in His kingdom. Matthew challenges us to take a look at our own hearts, to adopt an attitude of humility, and to extend forgiveness, all while growing a spirit of unity and accountability within our church community.

During last week's study (in Matthew 16) Jesus asked the question - Who do you say that I am in which Peter answered... "You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God" - this week we look at Matthew 17 where we are asked to "BEHOLD" - to look, to see, to focus on Jesus - why is that important? Because we become what we focus on... what are you focusing on?

The Church - Mentioned by Jesus in Matthew 16 - the community of people who know Jesus, proclaim Jesus, and obey Jesus.

Are we about following man-made religious rules or are we about following Jesus? Matthew 15

In Matthew 13, Jesus gives a parable about 4 types of soil (hearts of men)... three of the hearts described fall into one category (unbelief) and one heart falls into another (belief). In Matthew 14, we will see those two categories played out in real life. What we believe about Jesus will determine how (or if) we worship Him.

In Matthew 13, Jesus shares a handful of parables with his disciples and the crowds gathered around. These parables are rich in symbolism and reveal deep spiritual truths about the kingdom of heaven as well reveal much about the heart of the hearer.