Amble Past the Cemetery

Matthew 8:29 “Have You come here to torment us before the time?” Observation: As Jesus passed a cemetery, two demon-possessed men confronted him. They were so crazed that locals avoided that section of road.  The demons within these men instantly recognized the...

Star Pegs and Round Holes

Matthew 11:6 “Blessed is he who does not take offense at Me.” Observation: The evil king Herod, who was in an illegitimate relationship with his wife, Herodias, had imprisoned John the Baptist. John had called them on it.  Even though Herod was intrigued by John and...

A God Named Sue

Matthew 15:9 “But in vain do they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the precepts of men.” Observation: Jesus had rebuked the Pharisees for exalting their own traditions above the clear teachings of God. In bringing these charges He quotes Isaiah 28:13, “This people...

Look, Grandpa!

Matthew 17:4 “Peter said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, I will make three tabernacles here, one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’” Observation: Jesus was mentoring His disciples by letting them watch what He was doing. He...

Grading on a Curve

Matthew 20:8 “’Call the laborers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last group to the first.’” Observation: The workday was at an end, and it was time for the vineyard foreman to settle up. The owner had hired men at intervals throughout the day, promising...

Pick It Up, Beloved

Job 34:10 “Far be it from God to do wickedness, and from the Almighty to do wrong.” Observation: This chapter finds Elihu on a roll, convinced he has the root of Job’s trouble all figured out: it’s Job! Though Elihu’s theories will require some adjustment in future...