Messiah Revelation Blessing (Matthew 16:13-20). The world dismisses Jesus as only a teacher, prophet or politician. Only by the revelation of God does Peter or us come to know Jesus as the Christ. Yet God uses broken vessels like us through which to build his Church.

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Beware Philosophical Tests (Matthew 16:1-12). The experts of the world demand a test of Jesus to meet their philosophical expectations. Again Jesus offers only the sign of Jonah. The yeast of the pharisees is to doubt the Word of God.

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How Much Do You Have? (Matthew 15:29-39). Are we amazed when we see new life springing from the Word of God? Having compassion on the crowd Jesus asks the disciples what they have. Jesus has the Word of power with the loaves to feed thousands.

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Sin Bleeding Remorse (Matthew 15:21-28). How much of our sinful lives bleeds over into the lives of others? We meet the Jesus who chooses. The sinful woman knows this and claims her status as a sinner. Even more she claims the promise of Christ who comes for sinners.

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The Dull Nullify God’s Word (Matthew 15:1-20). Jesus tells the religious legalists they nullify the Word of God for their human philosophy. What defiles you is not physical dirt, but the sin that comes out of our mouths and through our hands. What cleanses your heart?

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Frightened By Jesus (Matthew 14:22-36). Have you ever been frightened by Jesus because He calls you in a new direction? How often we let our anxiety and fear drives us rather than being guided by faith. Rather than believe the

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Bring Them To Me (Matthew 14:13-21).  Jesus sees the people, has compassion on them, and heals their sickness. Do we send people away to fend for themselves? In the midst of our scarcity, Jesus says to bring them to me where he distributes the gifts, the promise to them.

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The Kingdom Serves Up Life (Matthew 14:1-12). Herod hears reports of miracles of Jesus demonstrating the Kingdom of God breaking in. Herod fears being confronted by the Law. What is his response to the Law? Serving up death on a platter. What does Christ’s Kingdom serve up?

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Miracle Impeding Offense (Matthew 13:53-58). Just as the parables confound, Jesus returns to his hometown where they dismiss him. Where does Jesus get this wisdom and miraculous power? This world takes offense at Jesus. The lack of faith impedes Jesus performing miracles.

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Good Fish Bad Fish (Matthew 13:44-52). Do you have a star? Who judges who is a good fish bad fish? As we strive for this righteousness, there is no assurance. The teacher of the Law who becomes a disciples will have a blessing to show off.

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