Refuge Audio Podcast

When studying scripture, context is important. Reading what is written before and after will help you understand what is going on. This is especially helpful in our study of Matthew 21, where we encountered several scenes. If studied individually, we may be left scratching our heads. But when read and studied together, clarity comes.

For example, in this chapter, Jesus curses a fig tree (for what seems like no apparent reason) before He flips out in the temple, flipping over tables. Then He tells a story about a vineyard that, for some reason, upsets the Pharisees. And in the middle of all this, Jesus talks about moving mountains through the power of prayer that has something to do with forgiveness.

What in the world does all of this mean, and why would the Gospel writer group these scenes together? Watch our study of Matthew 21:1-46 as we study the context to help gain clarity, meaning, application, and (most importantly) fellowship with our Father in Heaven.

When Jesus left Jericho, He was followed by many who wanted to hear what He had to say. But there was someone who kept getting in the way—a blind beggar named Bartimaeus who interrupted, crying out loudly, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" He had a genuine, desperate need and was reaching out to Jesus the only way he knew how.

People often have a “what’s in it for me” motivation for ministry rather than simply a desire to serve. We’re not the only ones who struggle with motivation in ministry. Jesus’ closest and most devoted followers struggled with the proper motivation for ministry. Jesus really meant what He said when He taught, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” (Luke 9:23). When we ask what we’ll get out of serving Jesus, we’re asking the wrong question and have the wrong motivation.

None of us has been faithful in our relationship with God (see Romans 3:23). God has every right and reason to leave us. Though He is permitted to divorce us, He does not. In fact, He continues to pursue us and has made Himself the means of restoring our broken relationship with Him.

Matthew 19 initially appears to address marriage, divorce, singleness, and parenthood. However, its message reaches beyond these topics. When we read the Bible, we often seek solutions for others' sins. Yet, God's word is meant to work within us and draw us into a deeper, unhindered relationship with Him. 

After 25 years of waiting, Abraham was finally blessed with the son God had promised him. But years later, the Lord commanded him to take his only son and offer him as a sacrifice. At the last minute, the Lord stopped Abraham. Isaac was spared. And God provided them with a sacrifice. This account in Genesis 22 wasn’t just about Abraham or Isaac. It points to another Father and another Son. And the two of them went to the same mountain. But this time, the knife didn’t stop. And that changed everything.