God loves you enough to take your sins away Matthew 12:1–8 The conflicts of Jesus 40 Blogs of Lent: Day 16 At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry, and they began to pluck ears of corn and to eat. 2 But when the Pharisees saw it, they …
Continue reading Opposition through legalism 1: Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath
Jesus’ reaction to non-repentance is to offer repentance again Matthew 11:25–30 The conflicts of Jesus 40 Blogs of Lent: Day 15 25 At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; 26 yes, …
Continue reading Opposition by lack of repentance 2: Come to me and I will give you rest
Even the cows repented Matthew 11:20–24 The conflicts of Jesus 40 Blogs of Lent: Day 14 20 Then he began to denounce the cities where most of his mighty works had been done, because they did not repent. 21 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works done in you …
Continue reading Opposition through lack of repentance 1: Galilean cities
Elijah and doubt: Why you will never get it right Matthew 11:13–18 The conflicts of Jesus 40 Blogs of Lent: Day 13 13 For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John, 14 and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. 15 He who has ears to …
Continue reading Opposition through doubt part 2: When God fails to meet our expectations
John the Baptist and doubt Matthew 11:1–12 The conflicts of Jesus 40 Blogs of Lent: Day 12 When Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in their cities. 2 Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his …
Continue reading Opposition through doubt part 1: An extraordinary man
Finding your identity in God Holy Trinity Church, Huddersfield, Sunday 8th March 2020 40 Blogs of Lent: Day 11 "I am who you say I am," are words from the first song we sang this morning. It set the theme nicely for what was going to be preached later in the service. I am starting …
Rewards Matthew 10:40–42 The ambassadors of Jesus 40 Blogs of Lent: Day 10 40 “Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. 41 The one who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet's reward, and the one who receives a righteous person because he …
No peace but a sword Matthew 10:34–39 The ambassadors of Jesus 40 Blogs of Lent: Day 9 34 Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I have come to set a man against his father, and a …
God cares for his own Matthew 10:29–33 The ambassadors of Jesus 40 Blogs of Lent: Day 8 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of …
Everything will be brought to light Matthew 10:24–28 The ambassadors of Jesus 40 Blogs of Lent: Day 7 A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of …
Making an ass of myself 