Read Matthew chapter 16.  In Peter’s confession that Jesus is the Son of God, we reach a turning point. From here the action leads inevitably to the cross. In fact Jesus tells his disciples that if they follow him they must take up their cross.  Folks in that time and place would be only too familiar with this execution device, since it was used by Rome to frighten the people into compliance.  Following Jesus is not something to be taken lightly.  While we may not be asked to die for God, we are asked to give up our life, our old life and take on a new life in Jesus Christ.

Read Matthew chapter 15.  In this chapter we see Jesus “turning the tables” on accepted beliefs and values.  Jesus rejects society’s values regarding what is clean and unclean, valuable and expendable.  Jesus teaches us that the external things do not matter: race, status,  nationality.  Those folks that “respectable” people might look down on are loved and valued by God, even if they are labeled “unclean” or “unworthy”.  It is what comes out of our heart that makes us unclean.  When we meet up with someone rejected as of no worth by our society, what comes out of
your heart?

Read Matthew chapter 14.  Faith can be seen as the theme of this chapter.  We wonder how Jesus can carry on with his ministry after his kinsman and fellow minister John has been executed.  Yet Jesus has faith that God will support and sustain him. How can five loaves and two fish feed 5,000?  Jesus has faith that the disciples lack, knowing that God cared for each of these poor folk thirsting after the truth.  Jesus tried to teach the disciples faith by showing up, even across the stormy water, just when the disciples need him.  In what areas of your life are you struggling with your faith?  Are you leaving room for God?

Read Matthew chapter 13.  In this chapter we see Jesus talking about little things in his stories.  Seeds are featured in the parables of “the sower,” “the mustard seed,” and the “weeds among the wheat.”  Jesus told a parable about yeast (You can’t get much smaller than that), about a pearl, and about a small box of treasure hidden in a big ield. Jesus is trying to tell us that little things matter.  We cannot by ourselves eliminate suffering, but we can plant seeds, do small things.  We can feed one person, give an offering to help house and educate a child, and we can pray.  Like the seeds in which God calls forth life, if we do our small part, God will expand our service.

Read Matthew chapter 12.  “A tree is recognized by its fruit.”  It seems all too often that charges can be
leveled against church members that we don’ bear much fruit.  We diligently try hard not to bear bad fruit;
but unfortunately, we put little energy into producing good fruit.  Most of us simply bear very little fruit.  As you consider this passage today ask yourself the following, “If I were accused of being a Christian would
there be enough evidence to convict me?”

Read Matthew chapter 11.  Jesus promises rest for the weary and burdened. He promises a place in the kingdom for the humble, unpretentious, and unassuming. He knows we cannot do it  lone. He does not expect us to do it alone. In fact, He wants to help. What in your life do you need to humbly place before His throne of grace? There is an old saying that goes, “God will never give you more than you can handle.” I don’t know about that; but I do know this. He will never give you more than He can handle! Some things happen in life that God didn’t give us, and they can seem unbearable. Yet there’s nothing that God can’t handle. Let Him lift you up when you are
weary.

Read Matthew chapter 10.  Evangelism is often very hard.  We don’t want to be seen as pushy, obnoxious,
or self-righteous.  We are afraid to strain relationships at work or at school for fear of being treated differently in our community or even our own homes. Many of us wonder what to say.  What a comfort it is to know that when we speak the Spirit of our Heavenly Father will be speaking through us and what an inspiration it is to know that despite all obstacles God himself will reward us for our boldness?

Read Matthew chapter 9.  Jesus healed the paralytic, the bleeding woman, the blind, and the mute because of their faith. He raised a girl from the dead because of her father’s faith, and Matthew followed Jesus because of his faith.  Yet Jesus is questioned for engaging unsavory characters and for not practicing traditional rituals such as fasting.  What rituals and rules of society are keeping you from having a closer faith with Christ?