TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Matthew 7:1-29
Small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. - Matthew 7:14
TODAY IN THE WORD
Concerning the narrow way, John Wesley preached: “Narrow indeed is the way of poverty of spirit; the way of holy mourning; the way of meekness; and that of hungering and thirsting after righteousness. Narrow is the way of mercifulness; of love unfeigned; the way of purity of heart; of doing good unto all men; and of gladly suffering evil, all manner of evil, for righteousness’ sake. . . . How thinly [such people] are scattered over the earth, whose souls are enlarged to love all mankind; and who love God with all their strength, who have given Him their hearts, and desire nothing else in earth or heaven!”

This final section of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount is like a picture gallery of the Christian life. The “eye picture” reminds us to act with charity and humility. To judge a brother’s “sawdust” when we ourselves have a “plank” is hypocritical. This is not an absolute prohibition against exercising judgment, but rather a condemnation of smug self-righteousness. After all, when we have dealt with our own sin, we should help our brother or sister with theirs (v. 5; cf. 1 Cor. 5:12; 6:2–4). God is the true Judge–we are to help one another on the way toward holiness.

The “family picture” shows the essence of true faith: God is a loving Father who gives good gifts to His children. It is on this basis and within this trusting relationship that we go to Him in prayer. Prayer is not calling on a genie-in-a-bottle, but a persistent habit of the faithful soul.

We discussed the “narrow way picture” above; it similarly deals with spiritual truth and discernment. How can we know the truth? It’s as simple as judging a tree by its fruit. God’s kingdom is not primarily about miracles, but rather obedience to His will.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Today’s reading provides many pictures for study and meditation#150;eyes with sawdust or planks in them, pearls before pigs, a father giving gifts to his children, a narrow gate and road, trees bearing fruit, wolves, and buildings with rock or sand foundations.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Matthew 8:1-9:34
How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? - Matthew 9:15
TODAY IN THE WORD
A new contact lens helps blind people see. Developed by Dr. Perry Rosenthal, the Boston Scleral Lens sits only on the white of the eye, protecting the cornea with a layer of fluid. People who cannot see due to corneal damage can wear them and lead normal lives.

Individual lenses are custom-made to fit individual eyes, and cost about $7,500. Unfortunately, insurance companies have so far refused to pay for them, but Dr. Rosenthal turns no one away. He hopes to open clinics around the country to help as many as possible.

Helping blind people see is what the Messiah came to do as well (see Isa. 42:6–7). In today’s reading, we see clearly who Jesus was. He was powerful–healing a leper and others, calming a storm, and even raising a dead girl to life. He was compassionate. He demonstrated divine authority–acknowledged even by demons–to heal, resurrect, and forgive. He called disciples to follow Him and abandon everything for which they had previously lived. He was and is and will be the Bridegroom of His people (9:15).

In this passage, we can also see how people should respond to Christ. Faith is central. Jesus commended the Roman centurion for his faith, and He healed two blind men in accordance with their faith (8:10; 9:29). Merely to recognize Jesus is not the same as saving faith: as we see, even demons recognized Him. True faith responds to His power and goodness with love and obedience. Matthew himself was a good example in this regard.

By contrast, the people who owned the pigs cared nothing for spiritual life. The Messiah had just shown His power, and all they could think about was financial gain and loss. The blasphemous Pharisees actually accused Him of using Satan’s power. And even the disciples were admonished for having only “little faith” (8:26).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
After he came to Christ, Matthew held a banquet in his home to introduce Jesus to all his friends. You can do the same! An evangelistic dinner might be just what your friends and neighbors need to come face-to-face with the Savior.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Matthew 9:35-10:42
Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. - Matthew 9:38
TODAY IN THE WORD
When former French Open champion Michael Chang retired from tennis last year, he had no thoughts of taking it easy. Instead, he plans to devote his time to Christian ministry.

“I’ve been able to spread the gospel with a tennis racket in my hand,” he told Christian Reader. “Ministry doesn’t really change. It just won’t be out there on the court. . . . People will forget great victories, great shots, and great matches. But when you’re able to touch and impact a person’s life for Christ, that stays with them their whole lifetime and beyond.”

Michael Chang is on a mission–just like the disciples. In today’s reading, Jesus commissioned the Twelve to go and do as He had been doing. It was a “warm-up” for the rest of their lives! Though for this mission He sent them only to the Jews, they would eventually go to the whole world (10:5–6, 18).

What can we learn from this passage about life in Christ’s service? First, Jesus has sent us. He has authorized and empowered us to go. We should minister in a spirit of compassion, as He did (9:36). We should have spiritual eyes to see the “harvest,” and ears to hear when He tells us where it is. Our first response to a needy world should be prayer, asking Him to send more workers.

Second, faith is at the core of this kind of discipleship. The Twelve were not to pack supplies, but to trust God to provide through His people. Their love for Christ was to be so strong that all else would be as nothing–family must be “hated” and one’s own life must be surrendered. Faith also believes that God will judge those who reject His message.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Today’s reading should impress upon us the biblical imperative of missions and evangelism. Are you aware of specific local and overseas missionaries supported by your church? Are you involved in praying for and giving to them and their work?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Matthew 11:1-19
Wisdom is proved right by her actions. - Matthew 11:19
TODAY IN THE WORD
In his autobiography, educator Elton Trueblood wrote the following words about reading C. S. Lewis:

“What Lewis and a few others made me face was the hard fact that if Christ was only a Teacher, then He was a false one, since, in His teaching, He claimed to be more. . . . f Christ was not in a unique sense 'the image of the invisible God’ (Col. 1:15), as the early Christians believed, then He was certainly the arch impostor and charlatan of history. . . . What I saw in 1943, and have seen ever since, is that the Good Teacher conception is one option which Christ does not allow us to take. We can reject Him; we can accept Him on His terms; we cannot, with intellectual honesty, impose our own terms.”

Apologetics–using arguments to defend Christianity–helped Trueblood recognize Christ’s true identity. When John the Baptist wondered about this same issue, Jesus gave him a straightforward answer. He pointed first to the miracles as evidence of God’s power, and specific proofs of His Messiahship (vv. 4–5). Why? Because–and this was His second point–these miracles fulfilled messianic prophecies such as Isaiah 35:5–6 and 61:1.

Why did John doubt? Perhaps because he was in Herod’s prison for standing for righteousness; as in many of the psalms, it may have appeared to him that the wicked were winning. Or perhaps John felt like the Messiah had come, but with results he had not expected. Perhaps he just wanted some confirmation. In any case, Jesus affirmed him as the “Elijah” who had indeed prepared the way (v. 14; cf. Mal. 3:1).

John was a spiritual superstar, but every follower of Christ can live by the same faith and obedience (vv. 10-11). And like him, we can expect persecution. That’s the meaning of verse 12: The Greek phrase translated “forcefully advancing” should be taken in a passive sense, meaning “enduring attacks.”
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
In today’s reading, Jesus effectively answered John the Baptist’s doubts. Are you ready to do the same–to give answers to the skeptics in your life (1 Peter 3:15–16)?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Matthew 11:20-12:50
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. - Matthew 11:29
TODAY IN THE WORD
Willie Aames, who stars as the title character in the Bibleman videos and live performances, initially started acting in order to boost his self-esteem. He appeared in such television programs as Gunsmoke and Eight Is Enough and made millions of dollars. He tried big houses, fast cars, touring with a rock band, drugs, marriage, and a twelve-step program, but he still felt empty.

Later, after he had lost nearly everything, his girlfriend invited him to church. Listening to the people there, he thought: “I’ve had everything in the world–except hope. That is what I need.” That day he and his girlfriend accepted Jesus as Savior! On that day, he said, Jesus “forgave me, accepted me, and healed my broken life.”

Like many of the people in Matthew, Willie Aames responded in faith to the person of Christ. When we trust in Jesus, we not only take up our cross and prepare to suffer; at the same time, paradoxically, we find rest and peace for our souls (11:28–30).

What do we see about Jesus in today’s passage? He had an intimate, obedient relationship with His Father (v. 27). He was Lord of creation, including the Sabbath. He had God’s power and authority to heal, as He did for the man with the shriveled hand. He showed compassion and patience. He knew the thoughts and intentions of His enemies, and acted wisely to foil them. He fulfilled Old Testament prophecy (12:17–21).

What about unbelievers? He condemned towns where He performed miracles because they had not repented. Revelation made the Jews doubly responsible–knowing the Law and the Prophets, they should have recognized God at work (11:20–24). The Pharisees not only did not believe–they actively opposed Him and plotted to kill Him. They were guilty of the sin against the Holy Spirit–that is,unbelief–against which Jesus warned (12:30–32).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Have a blessed Resurrection Sunday! This is the perfect time to rest and celebrate the great salvation Christ has won!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Matthew 13:1-52
The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you. - Matthew 13:11
TODAY IN THE WORD
In 1926, music by Antonio Vivaldi was discovered in the archives of an Italian monastery. Inspired, scholars began to search for more. Vivaldi had been popular in his day, but had fallen into obscurity. Almost all of his music had been lost.

A second trove of Vivaldi’s music was subsequently found in the collection of two brothers who were unaware of what they had. Included was The Four Seasons, one of the first compositions to feature a solo violin. Though it sat in an attic for over two centuries, today The Four Seasons is considered one of the most popular classical pieces in the world.

A treasure found in an attic–it sounds like one of today’s parables! A parable is a picture or story illustrating a spiritual truth. The two themes that dominate the parables in today’s reading are the kingdom of heaven and the nature of true faith. We’ll focus on the second of these.

In the parable of the sower, a person of true faith (the seed in good soil) hears, understands, and obeys the gospel (v. 23). This is contrasted with people who don’t understand (the seed by the path), those who have no firm foundation of faith (the seed in rocky soil), and those for whom “faith” is not life’s first priority (the seed choked by thorns).

True and false faith may appear similar for a period of time, as we learn in the parables of the weeds and the net. False faith is a work of the enemy, Satan. But through the test of time, the truth will be known. Another feature of faith is that it may start small, but its effects grow and spread enormously (vv. 31–33; cf. 17:20).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Find and read to a child in your life a modern retelling of one or more of the parables in today’s chapter. A well-told version of the pearl of great price, for example, may capture a child’s imagination with a truth of God’s kingdom. If the book has vivid, well-drawn illustrations, all the better. Be sure to use your voice and body language to make the story come alive for the child.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Matthew 13:53-14:36
I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. - John 6:35
TODAY IN THE WORD
What is true faith? Evangelist D. L. Moody once said:“We cannot dictate to God. The prayer of faith is not to make myself believe that just the very thing I ask will be done and done in just my way . . . but a trust in God’s power to do what I ask and a trust in His love that if He does not do it it is because it is better not to have it done and to leave the decision with Him.”

In today’s reading, Jesus’ miracles followed up on yesterday’s parables. These miracles essentially continue to explain the nature of true faith. What can we learn?

Initially, we see that true faith is a necessary condition for miracles (13:58). The people of Jesus’ hometown, Nazareth, thought they knew Him, and familiarity had bred contempt. They saw for themselves His miraculous powers and heard His wise teaching, but their amazement did not spur them to faith. Instead, they pridefully took offense and rejected Him.

True faith, by contrast, makes us willing to sacrifice our very lives in the cause of righteousness. John the Baptist provides a good model. He had condemned the public immorality of Herod’s brother, then thanks to an angry woman and Herod’s careless promise he paid the ultimate price. No doubt he died strong in his faith in Jesus’ Messiahship (see April 10).

True faith also understands that Jesus is the all-sufficient Provider, as we see in the feeding of the five thousand. And He didn’t just provide a light snack; there were twelve basketfuls left over! Spiritually, too, Jesus is not stingy: “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Here’s an exercise to help you apply today’s reading. Think through the past week. In what situations or actions did you show true faith? In what ways did you fulfill the characteristics of faith given in today’s devotional? How and why did you do so, and with what results?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Matthew 15:1-16:20
You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. - Matthew 16:16
TODAY IN THE WORD
Two years ago, antiquarian book expert John Sibbald discovered a first edition of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice at a “car boot sale” in England. It sold for £40,000.

Last year, he did it again. Examining books taken from an Edinburgh warehouse, he found another of the rare first editions of this classic novel. To make two such finds within a twelve-month period of time was an astonishing accomplishment!

To recognize these books for what they are, Sibbald needed knowledge and experience. To see Jesus for who he is, Peter needed the eyes of faith. His famous confession provides the crescendo to a pair of contrasts found in today’s reading.

In the first contrast, the Jewish leaders looked bad next to a Gentile woman. The Phari-sees were spiritually dull. They didn’t recognize or acknowledge the Messiah. They honored tradition above Scripture, using it even to disregard one of the Ten Commandments (15:3–6). Their concern for outward ritual over true holiness made them first-class hypocrites!

A Canaanite woman, on the other hand, asked for her daughter to be healed from demon possession. Even though the good news of the kingdom was for Jews first, she showed trust that God’s love reached to all people. Jesus commended her “great faith” and granted her request (vv. 24–28).

In the second contrast, the Pharisees again lost out, this time in comparison with Peter. They demanded a sign–an ironic request considering it follows the story of the feeding of the four thousand, not to mention all the other miracles in Matthew (see v. 31). Jesus condemned their blindness and answered their request with the sign of Jonah. This is usually interpreted as foreshadowing His resurrection, since Jonah spent three days in the belly of the fish (cf. Matt. 12:39–40). But since Jonah had called the Ninevites to repent in the face of judgment, this may also be a call to the Pharisees to repent.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Music can be a soul-stirring complement to words. A particular example is the 1992 album, The Book of Kells, by the group, Iona. The Book of Kells (named after a famous illuminated Gospel manuscript) features songs and instrumental pieces exploring the life of Christ as revealed in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. A line from the album reminds us, “Nations shall rise and nations shall fall / But nothing shall stand in the way of the Word.”

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Matthew 16:21-17:13
For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. - Matthew 16:25
TODAY IN THE WORD
When Moses ascended Mount Sinai to receive the Law, he dwelt there in God’s presence for forty days and forty nights. As a result, when he descended to deliver the Law to the people, his face was radiant with the reflected glory of God. The Israelites were afraid to approach him at first, but then Aaron and the leaders came and listened to what God had told him. After that, Moses wore a veil over his face to avoid frightening them (Ex. 34:28–35).

In today’s reading, we see Jesus’ face glowing with the His glory as the Son of God, revealed in the Transfiguration. Just as Peter’s confession was a clear human affirmation of Christ’s identity, so the Trans-figuration was a direct divine affirmation of Jesus as the Son of God (17:5).

The disciples expected a conquering Messiah; instead, Jesus gave them His first prediction of His suffering, death, and resurrection (16:21). This was so difficult to wrap their minds around that even Peter–who had just got his confession right–this time got it completely wrong. Earlier he had declared Jesus to be the Son of God, but now denying Jesus’ God-given redemptive mission made him at that moment a tool of Satan (16:23).

Jesus next explained what it truly means to be His disciple (vv. 24–27). Discipleship requires self-denial and suffering. It’s not about self-fulfillment, “personal growth,” or one’s own glory. It means we must not pursue merely earthly goals, but instead live with our soul’s eternal destiny in view. The Son of God will reward such disciples according to what they have done.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Are you looking to take your commitment to Christ to the next level? Among many excellent published books and other materials on discipleship, we recommend Discipleship Journal to you today. To learn more about it and access some free resources, you can visit www.navpress.com/dj.asp.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Matthew 17:14-18:9
Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. - Matthew 18:4
TODAY IN THE WORD
In his essay, “A Bible Fit for Children,” English professor Alan Jacobs asked his students what it means to “become like children. They responded that children are innocent and have a simple faith and a sense of wonder. “But,” commented Jacobs, “Jesus Himself employed none of these concepts.”

Instead, he explained, Jesus was referring to the low social status of children.“After all, in most societies children do not have the full rights and privileges of adults; they are not free agents, they are under the authority of their elders. One can readily see how accepting for oneself such a status would be congruent with Jesus’ insistence that the first shall be last and the last first.”

If we’re going to understand true greatness in God’s kingdom, we’re going to have to dispense with romantic notions and pay close attention to God’s Word. Today’s reading provides several important clues about how to be great in the kingdom of heaven.

The first way is to live by faith. Genuine faith, even if it is as small as a mustard seed, can cast out demons and move mountains. That is to say, if faith is placed in the right Person–God–nothing inside God’s will is impossible (17:20). After giving this promise, Jesus kept His disciples from misconceptions about power by again predicting His death and resurrection. Against all human expectations, they were to put their faith in a suffering Messiah.

Another road to greatness in God’s kingdom is to live in freedom. Jesus did not owe the temple tax. There was no duty to be done, no obedience required, in this situation. But freedom in Christ means the freedom not to put self first, so Jesus told Peter to pay it. He did not bow to the legalists, but simply avoided giving offense by working a rather humorous miracle.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
In what ways can you choose a servant’s position? Perhaps your church has some behind-the-scenes ministries where you could serve. Or maybe you could assist some elderly people with necessary but unglamorous tasks like house cleaning or yard work.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Matthew 18:10-35
If you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. - Matthew 6:14
TODAY IN THE WORD
On an August day twenty-six years ago, Darryl Stingley was a wide receiver with a bright future. That day, during an exhibition football game, safety Jack Tatum tackled Stingley hard, paralyzing him.

How did Stingley respond? He forgave. And as the years have past, he’s kept a spirit of forgiveness. Last year, when he read in the newspaper that Tatum had lost part of a leg due to complications from diabetes, he said, “Maybe the natural reaction is to think he got what was coming to him, but I don’t accept human nature as our real nature. Human nature teaches us to hate. God teaches us to love. . . . Now life and God have taught me to have compassion.”

For us, as followers of Christ, forgiveness must be part of our spiritual lives. That’s one of the central lessons in today’s reading. We see in today’s passage that we serve a God who has a special heart for children (vv. 5, 10). Their guardian angels always have access to His throne. We also serve a God who wants His people to live in unity (vv. 15–20). Jesus here set down a procedure for confronting other believers about sin (cf. 1 Cor. 5) and promised to be present in even the smallest gatherings of His followers.

Most of all, we serve a God who mercifully forgives and requires us to do the same. Peter had given what he thought was a generous answer to his own question. Forgiving seven times went well beyond the rabbis’ rule of forgiving three times–but Jesus said not to count or keep track at all. To illustrate, He told a parable revealing that whatever “debt” someone owes us, it’s nothing compared to the “debt” we owe God. The servant had requested more time, but the king went beyond that request to give the gift of total forgiveness.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Has someone sinned against you? Are you holding on to a grudge? Whether it’s for something big or small, let it go–ask God for the grace and strength to forgive. Do whatever it takes to let that person know about your decision to forgive, and that you’ve done so because of and through God’s much greater forgiving love.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Matthew 19:1-30
Many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first. - Matthew 19:30
TODAY IN THE WORD
Columnist George Will summarized the state of marriage in America: “More than 40 percent of America’s first marriages end in divorce. Cohabitation by unmarried heterosexual couples has risen rapidly from 523,000 in 1970 to 4.9 million today. Procreation outside of marriage . . . has lost much of its stigma now that 33 percent of births--including about 60 percent of births to women younger than 25–occur to unmarried mothers.”

Jesus’ teaching on marriage has never been more necessary than now! His main points in today’s reading illustrate that practical teaching still has its focus on the kingdom of heaven.

Jesus had a high view of marriage, but He also praised those who choose singleness for the sake of the kingdom. God had instituted marriage from creation–divorce was never the plan. The Law allowed for it because of human hardness of heart, but divorce wasn’t God’s will. The standard is high, and those who enter into marriage should do so with this understanding (vv. 10–11). Others, Jesus said, “have renounced marriage because of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it” (v. 12; cf. 1 Cor. 7).

We see here again that the kingdom of heaven belongs to the childlike, that is, those who are humble, submissive, and obedient, both to God and to others (cf. Matt. 18:1–4).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Here’s a thought exercise you might wish to do today: Make a brief list of what you consider your most valuable material possessions or financial assets. Then put a line through the top three. Imagine they’re gone–lost to fire, thieves, or what have you. How would you feel? What would you do?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Matthew 20:1-34
Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant. - Matthew 20:26
TODAY IN THE WORD
In Mere Christianity, C. S. Lewis wrote, “If anyone would like to acquire humility, I can, I think, tell him the first step. The first step is to realize that one is proud. And a biggish step, too. At least, nothing whatever can be done before it. If you think you are not conceited, it means you are very conceited indeed.”

In today’s reading, Jesus revisited the topic of humility and greatness in the kingdom of heaven. To begin, He reminded us that He’s the King, not us. If we need a reason to be humble, all we need to remember is that He’s the sovereign of the universe! This lesson comes through loud and clear in the parable of the workers in the vineyard. To grumble and grab for our “rights” is to forget whose vineyard it is. The owner has every right to do as he likes–who then can complain about his promise keeping and generosity? When we do, it shows our pride.

Another key point here is the familiar phrase, “The last will be first, and the first will be last” (v. 16). God does not order things the way we would or for the reasons we would. Jesus predicted that He would be betrayed, condemned, beaten, mocked, and executed. In the eyes of the world, He would be a loser–but in God’s eyes, He would be the ultimate winner. His resurrection would be the greatest victory in history!

In short, servanthood is part of the road to greatness in God’s kingdom. Jesus had already taught much on this topic, but apparently the disciples had not tuned in. They were preoccupied with jockeying for position and power. They should have known how ironic their request was–to ask to be “first” meant they wanted to be “last” from an earthly perspective. Jesus clarified that being a leader in His kingdom meant that they would, like Him, suffer for righteousness’ sake.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Almost all of us find ourselves in some sort of leadership position, whether at church, at work, or in your home.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read:  Matthew 21:1-22
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest! - Matthew 21:9
TODAY IN THE WORD
In G. K. Chesterton’s poem, “The Donkey,” the animal describes its own ridiculous appearance and negative associations. But in the final stanza, it tells its secret: “For I also had my hour; / One far fierce hour and sweet: / There was a shout about my ears, / And palms before my feet.”

That “hour” was the Triumphal Entry, and in the poem we discover this familiar story through new eyes.

Our reading today introduces us to the start of Passion Week. In this single episode we see who Jesus is and how we should respond to Him. Riding a donkey showed His humility and gentleness, as well as His royalty and mission of peacemaking. In doing so, He fulfilled yet another messianic prophecy (v. 5; cf. Zech. 9:9). The people spread cloaks and branches on the road, signifying respect and honor, and they acclaimed Him with a messianic title, “Son of David.” Their call, “Hosanna,” basically meant “Save us!”

In a similar way, the temple cleansing incident revealed Jesus’ priorities and passions. He shared God’s heart for the nations, so the way the temple’s court of the Gentiles had been turned into a profiteering bazaar angered Him. He treated the spirit of greed in a place of prayer as blasphemy. He condemned the spiritual blindness of the religious leaders, but showed compassion for those who needed healing. Everything He did was to the praise and glory of God. The praise of children could silence God’s enemies (v. 16; cf. Ps. 8:2)!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The final verse of today’s reading contains an amazing promise and an amazing challenge (v. 22). “If you believe” implies strong faith, which in turn implies perfect submission to the object of faith. That is, to pray on the basis of this promise requires our wills to be totally in line with God’s will.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Matthew 21:23-22:14
The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes. - Matthew 21:42
TODAY IN THE WORD
A recent survey by the Barna Research Group found that 76 percent of Americans believe in heaven, and nearly the same number believe in hell. Only five percent said there was no life after death. But while 64 percent believe they will go to heaven after they die, only one half of one percent think they are headed for hell.

That seems optimistic! Yet it’s in line with our human desire to believe only the best about ourselves. In today’s parables, Jesus tried to strip away self-deception and show us that our eternal destiny is determined by how we respond to Him.

During Passion Week, He gave the Pharisees and other religious leaders one more chance to receive Him. Instead, just as they had in the past, they questioned His authority. In response, Jesus told several parables to test and expose their unbelief. In the parable of the two sons, we see that obedient actions are what count. By this standard, the sinners who responded to John the Baptist’s message will enter heaven before the Pharisees (21:31–32). What a blow to their pride!

In the parable of the tenants, we see specifically that how we treat the Son of God is what matters. Instead of giving the owner his due, the tenants tried using violence to take over the vineyard for themselves. In both of these parables, Jesus had the leaders themselves discern the right and wrong of the situation, and in effect they condemned themselves! Here, the consequences of rejecting Christ loom even larger–the vineyard will be taken away and given to others (v. 43).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Choose one of the parables from the reading and plan to set aside some time for additional Bible study. If you’re not sure which one to pursue, we encourage you to explore more deeply the parable of the wedding banquet.