Matthew 8:28-34 is a disturbing account, but as Jesus continues to show who he is with his actions, we can find comfort in his power and in his priority. God's Word before us touches on demon possession, rejecting Jesus, and even the role of creatures with whom we share the planet.

Jesus’ miracles in Matthew’s Gospel continue, but what we especially notice today is Jesus’ authority. In some ways, it is like the authority we see and would expect, but in some ways it is very different. It is unquestionably an authority to follow.

Are you worthy? At times we all think we are worthy of this or that, but God's Word is clear we are not. Today Jesus teaches about the only one who is worthy and what he has done for you. We’re glad you’re here.

What do you think of when you hear "untouchable"? John Stockton's record number of career assists in the NBA? The Bill of Rights? The skill level of a favorite musician? As we leave the Sermon on the Mount behind, Matthew 8 introduces us to an untouchable leper, but with God, all things are possible. We’re glad you’re here to marvel at how Jesus has touched our world and believe in his salvation.

Truth is better than untruth. As we pursue truth in God’s Word, we notice that not everything we find is immediately appealing to us, but the truth being unlikeable does not make it untrue. Let’s shape our hearts to embrace God’s truth because God is good.

"Don't judge me!" has become a societal mantra, but we must not believe that all judging is bad because of phrases like "use good judgment." As we resume our study of Matthew, you will notice Jesus himself said "stop judging." Today we explore what he meant and what good judgment is.

Someone so admires you, he or she is watching you, learning from you and wants to imitate you. Maybe it’s a friend or a coworker, or, if you’re a parent, for better or for worse, it’s your child. In a way, that makes him or her your disciple. You’re watching someone and want to imitate someone, too. That makes you a disciple. In a much bigger and different way, Jesus makes us his disciples. We’re glad you’re with us today. May Jesus’ words fill you with joy and confidence in being his disciple.

What do you worry about? At the risk of being simplistic, doesn't it seem that our worries are either about not getting what we want, getting what we want and then losing it, or getting what we don't want? Worry isn't always sinful, but some of it can be. Ancient Christians used the Latin, "deo volente" (God-willing) to temper their expectations and, thus, their worry about the future. That might help, but only if the phrase comes from the heart and is more than just a pious platitude. In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches us about worry. We’re glad you’re with us for this journey through the great Gospel according to Matthew. We’re here to sort it out together. Please accept a blue Matthew study guide booklet as our gift.

If you could ask Jesus for anything at all, what would you ask him? His disciples once asked him, "Lord, teach us to pray." They must have noticed something about how he prayed and wanted to know more. So Jesus taught them what we call "The Lord's Prayer." St. Andrew is currently in a worship series on the Gospel of Matthew. Today we find ourselves in chapter 6 (page 45 in the study booklet) where Jesus gives us a model prayer. May the Spirit bless you with a growing appreciation for both the depth of this prayer and the privilege of prayer.

A Grow in Grace presentation by Aaron Wakeman