Sermon Notes

Gospel Light Church

Matthew series #20

August 16th, 2026

“The Compassion, Courage and Calling”

Matthew 9 concludes a remarkable section of Jesus’ ministry. Matthew has been presenting Jesus as the promised Messiah and King. In this passage, we witness four miracles, growing opposition, and finally the compassionate heart of Christ toward a lost world.

The miracles are not merely displays of power—they reveal who Jesus is.

Every miracle points to a greater spiritual reality:

Jesus gives life to the dead.
Jesus cleanses the unclean.
Jesus opens blind eyes.
Jesus frees those held captive.
Jesus calls laborers into His harvest.

I. Faith That Reaches for Jesus

Matthew 9:18–26

“While He spoke these things to them, behold, a ruler came and worshiped Him, saying, ‘My daughter has just died, but come and lay Your hand on her and she will live.'”
(Matthew 9:18)

Jairus was a synagogue ruler.
He had status.
He had influence.

But none of those things could save his daughter.

Sometimes God allows us to reach the end of ourselves before we discover that Christ is enough.

Its important to see Jairus’ posture:

He worshiped Jesus before he received his miracle.
True faith bows before it receives.

The Woman with the Issue of Blood

“For she said to herself, ‘If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well.'”
(Matthew 9:21)

For twelve years she had suffered.
She had been ceremonially unclean.
She had likely been isolated.
Yet she believed Jesus was enough.

Jesus did not rebuke her. He honored her faith.

“Daughter, be of good cheer; your faith has made you well.”
(Matthew 9:22)

*** He called her daughter before speaking of her healing.***

Jesus restored her identity before restoring her health.

David Guzik notes that faith is not a magical force but confidence placed in the right Person. The woman’s healing came not because of the fabric she touched but because Jesus honored genuine faith directed toward Him.

Faith is not measured by its volume. Faith is measured by its object.

Little faith in a great Savior accomplishes more than great confidence in ourselves.

II. Jesus Has Authority Over Death

Matthew 9:23–26

When Jesus arrived, professional mourners had already declared the situation hopeless.

“The girl is not dead, but sleeping.”
(Matthew 9:24)

They laughed Him to scorn.

The world always mocks what it cannot understand.

But Jesus entered the room. He took her by the hand. Life returned.

Death obeyed the Creator.

“What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” If we truly believe Jesus is Lord over death, then nothing in our lives is beyond His power. A.W Tozer

Your situation may look impossible.
It may seem buried.
But Jesus specializes in resurrection.
What man calls final, Christ calls temporary.

III. Jesus Opens Blind Eyes

Matthew 9:27–31

“Have mercy on us, Son of David!”
(Matthew 9:27)

These blind men recognized something many religious leaders missed.

Jesus was the Messiah. They called Him: “Son of David.”

That is a Messianic title.

Jesus asked:

“Do you believe that I am able to do this?”
(Matthew 9:28)

Not…

Do you deserve it?

Not…

Have you earned it?

Simply—

Do you believe?

“According to your faith let it be to you.”
(Matthew 9:29)

Faith becomes the channel through which God’s power is received.

John Bevere emphasizes that faith flourishes where surrender exists. When believers trust God’s authority above their own understanding, they position themselves to experience His transforming work.

Many people today have physical sight but spiritual blindness.
Jesus still opens eyes.
He still reveals truth.
He still changes lives.

IV. Jesus Delivers the Oppressed

Matthew 9:32–34

A demon-possessed man who could not speak was brought to Jesus.

Jesus cast out the demon.

Immediately— The man spoke.
Where Satan silences— Jesus restores.

Notice the reactions.

The crowds marveled.
The Pharisees criticized.
Same miracle.
Different hearts.

Miracles do not soften every heart. Only repentance does.

“That hardened hearts can witness undeniable evidence of God’s work and still refuse to believe because unbelief is ultimately a matter of the heart, not merely the intellect.” – David Guzik

V. The Compassion of Christ

Matthew 9:35–36

Matthew now shifts from miracles to ministry.

“Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.”
(Matthew 9:35)

His ministry:

Teaching.
Preaching.
Healing.

Truth and compassion always walked together.

Then comes one of the most beautiful verses in Scripture.

“But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.”
(Matthew 9:36)

The Greek word for compassion describes being deeply moved in one’s innermost being.

Jesus didn’t merely notice people.

He felt their pain.

“God never hurries. There are no deadlines against which He must work.” . A.W Tozer

Christ never rushed past hurting people. Love always had time.

The Church must see people the way Jesus sees them.

Not as interruptions.
Not as projects.
Not as problems.
But as sheep without a shepherd.

VI. The Harvest Is Ready

Matthew 9:37–38

“The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few.”
(Matthew 9:37)

The problem is not the harvest. The problem is the workers.

Jesus does not first command us to go. He first commands us to pray.

“Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”
(Matthew 9:38)

It is His harvest. Not ours.
We are simply workers in His field.

“God entrusts responsibility to those willing to obey. The harvest advances through believers who respond with surrendered hearts rather than merely good intentions.” John Bevere

*********SO WHAT********

1. Bring impossible situations to Jesus.

Like Jairus, worship before the answer comes.

2. Reach for Christ in faith.

Like the woman with the issue of blood, believe His power is sufficient.

3. Ask Jesus to open your eyes.

Pray for spiritual discernment and renewed vision.

4. Let Christ replace criticism with compassion.

The Pharisees judged; Jesus loved.

5. Pray—and be willing to go.

Every believer has a role in God’s harvest.

Gospel Light Church

Matthew series #19

August 2nd, 2026

“Jesus Changes Everything”

Matthew 9:1–17

Jesus didn’t come merely to improve our lives; He came to transform them completely. His authority to forgive, His call to follow, and His mission to bring new life reveal that the Kingdom cannot be contained by old religious systems.

People love renovation shows. They take an old house and make it look brand new. But Jesus didn’t come to renovate religion—He came to introduce something entirely new.

Matthew 9 presents three encounters that reveal who Jesus is:

He forgives sinners.
He calls sinners.
He creates something completely new.

Throughout these verses one question keeps surfacing:

Will we trust Jesus enough to let Him change everything?

II. Jesus Calls the Unlikely (v. 9–13)

“Follow Me.”

Matthew inserts his own testimony.

He simply says:

“I was sitting at the tax office.”

Tax collectors were among the most despised people in Israel.
They worked for Rome.
They often cheated their own people. They could go above the set amount from the Roman empire to tax people and keep a higher portion of the money collected.

Most rabbis would avoid Matthew. He would have been despised. Jesus invited him.

Grace Comes First

Notice the order.

Jesus doesn’t say: “Clean yourself up.” “Leave your old life.” “Prove yourself.”

He simply says: “Follow Me.”

Grace always precedes transformation.

Matthew leaves everything.

One invitation. One response. A new life.

The Dinner Party

Matthew immediately hosts a feast.

Why?

Because saved people naturally introduce others to Jesus.

The Pharisees are taking shots at Jesus for sitting down with:

Tax collectors.
Sinners.
Outcasts.

Jesus is eating with them.

Jesus’ Famous Statement

“Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.” Vs. 12

A doctor spends time with sick people. Not because he approves of disease. Because he intends to treat and remedy it.

In the same manner…….

Jesus associates with sinners not to affirm sin… but to rescue sinners.

“I desire mercy and not sacrifice.” – Hosea 6:6

Religion majors on appearances. Jesus majors on mercy.
The Pharisees loved ritual. Jesus loved people.

“The true Christian ideal is not to be happy but to be holy.” – A.W Tozer

Jesus didn’t come simply to make people feel accepted. He came to make sinners holy.
Mercy never ignores sin. Mercy rescues people from it.

III. Jesus Brings the New Covenant (v. 14–17)

John’s disciples ask:

“Why do we fast often…but Your disciples do not fast?”

It was an honest question.

Jesus answers with three illustrations.

A. The Bridegroom (v. 14–15)

Jewish weddings were celebrations.

No one fasted during a wedding feast.

Jesus says: “I’m the Bridegroom.”

As long as the bridegroom is present… this is a season of joy.

The Messiah has arrived. Celebration is appropriate.

Yet Jesus hints toward the Cross.

“The days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away.”

Joy now. Sorrow later.

Then joy again after the resurrection.

B. The Unshrunk Cloth (v.16)

You don’t patch an old garment with new cloth.

The patch shrinks. The tear gets worse.

Jesus wasn’t patching Judaism. He wasn’t adding another tradition.

He was inaugurating the New Covenant.

C. New Wine in New Wineskins (v.17)

Fresh wine expands during fermentation.

Old brittle wineskins burst.

The old religious system could not contain the living work of Christ.

The Kingdom requires new hearts.

Religion changes behavior.

Jesus changes people.

“Christianity isn’t about turning over a new leaf; it’s about receiving a new life.” – Skip Heitzig

That is exactly what Jesus is describing. Not improved religion. New creation.

“A whole new generation of Christians has come up believing it is possible to ‘accept’ Christ without forsaking the world.” – A.W Tozer

Jesus never called people to add Him to their lives. He called them to leave everything and follow Him.

Matthew did. The disciples did. Every believer is invited to do the same.

The Thread ……….

Notice the progression.

The paralytic received forgiveness.
Matthew received a calling.
The disciples received a new way of living.

Everything changes when Jesus arrives.

He forgives our past.
He transforms our present.
He secures our future.

Three Questions for Reflection

1. Have you trusted Jesus for forgiveness?

Only Jesus has authority to forgive sins.

Good works cannot erase guilt.

Religion cannot cleanse the heart. Only Christ can.

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins…” (1 John 1:9)

2. Have you followed Jesus like Matthew?

Following Jesus means more than believing facts.

It means surrendering your life.

Matthew left his tax booth. He left everything he had sacrificed for.

What is Jesus asking you to leave?

3. Are you trying to fit Jesus into your old life?

Many people want Jesus as an addition.

Jesus insists on transformation.

New wine requires new wineskins.

He doesn’t simply improve the old self.

He makes us new (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Jesus changes everything.

He forgives sinners.
He calls the unlikely.
He replaces empty religion with a living relationship.

“God is looking for people through whom He can do the impossible. What a pity we plan only the things we can do by ourselves.” – A.W Tozer

Gospel Light Church

Matthew series #19

August 2nd, 2026

“Jesus Changes Everything”

Matthew 9:1–17

People love renovation shows. They take an old house and make it look brand new. But Jesus didn’t come to renovate religion—He came to introduce something entirely new.

Matthew 9 presents three encounters that reveal who Jesus is:

He forgives sinners.
He calls sinners.
He creates something completely new.

Throughout these verses one question keeps surfacing:

Will we trust Jesus enough to let Him change everything?

I. Jesus Has Authority to Forgive Sin (v. 1–8)

“Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you.” (Matthew 9:2)

Jesus returns to Capernaum. Four men bring a paralyzed friend (Mark’s Gospel (5:1-12) tells us they lowered him through the roof). Everyone expected Jesus to heal him.

Instead…Jesus addresses his greatest need.

“Your sins are forgiven.”

The crowd came looking for a miracle.
Jesus saw a soul.

Notice the Priority

Physical healing is wonderful.
Spiritual healing is eternal.

The scribes immediately accuse Jesus of blasphemy.

Why?

Because only God can forgive sins.

Exactly.

Jesus wasn’t merely claiming to speak for God. He was claiming to be God.

Jesus Proves His Authority

“Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Arise and walk’?”

Anyone can claim forgiveness.
Only God can back it up with divine power.

So, Jesus heals the man…

…to prove He possesses authority to forgive.

The visible miracle validates the invisible miracle.
The greatest miracle isn’t that a lame man walked.
The greatest miracle is that a guilty sinner stood forgiven.
ALL Christians have experienced a MIRACLE!

“Miracles were never the destination; they were signs pointing people to the identity of Jesus Christ.” – Skip Heitzig

II. Jesus Calls the Unlikely (v. 9–13)

“Follow Me.”

Matthew inserts his own testimony.

He simply says:

“I was sitting at the tax office.”

Tax collectors were among the most despised people in Israel.
They worked for Rome.
They often cheated their own people. They could go above the set amount from the Roman empire to tax people and keep a higher portion of the money collected.

Most rabbis would avoid Matthew. He would have been despised. Jesus invited him.

Grace Comes First

Notice the order.

Jesus doesn’t say: “Clean yourself up.” “Leave your old life.” “Prove yourself.”

He simply says: “Follow Me.”

Grace always precedes transformation.

Matthew leaves everything.

One invitation. One response. A new life.

The Dinner Party

Matthew immediately hosts a feast.

Why?

Because saved people naturally introduce others to Jesus.

The Pharisees are taking shots at Jesus for sitting down with:

Tax collectors.
Sinners.
Outcasts.

Jesus is eating with them.

Jesus’ Famous Statement

“Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.” Vs. 12

A doctor spends time with sick people. Not because he approves of disease. Because he intends to treat and remedy it.

In the same manner…….

Jesus associates with sinners not to affirm sin… but to rescue sinners.

“I desire mercy and not sacrifice.” – Hosea 6:6

Religion majors on appearances. Jesus majors on mercy.
The Pharisees loved ritual. Jesus loved people.

“The true Christian ideal is not to be happy but to be holy.” – A.W Tozer

Jesus didn’t come simply to make people feel accepted. He came to make sinners holy.
Mercy never ignores sin. Mercy rescues people from it.

III. Jesus Brings the New Covenant (v. 14–17)

John’s disciples ask:

“Why do we fast often…but Your disciples do not fast?”

It was an honest question.

Jesus answers with three illustrations.

A. The Bridegroom (v. 14–15)

Jewish weddings were celebrations.

No one fasted during a wedding feast.

Jesus says: “I’m the Bridegroom.”

As long as the bridegroom is present… this is a season of joy.

The Messiah has arrived. Celebration is appropriate.

Yet Jesus hints toward the Cross.

“The days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away.”

Joy now. Sorrow later.

Then joy again after the resurrection.

B. The Unshrunk Cloth (v.16)

You don’t patch an old garment with new cloth.

The patch shrinks. The tear gets worse.

Jesus wasn’t patching Judaism. He wasn’t adding another tradition.

He was inaugurating the New Covenant.

C. New Wine in New Wineskins (v.17)

Fresh wine expands during fermentation.

Old brittle wineskins burst.

The old religious system could not contain the living work of Christ.

The Kingdom requires new hearts.

Religion changes behavior.

Jesus changes people.

“Christianity isn’t about turning over a new leaf; it’s about receiving a new life.” – Skip Heitzig

That is exactly what Jesus is describing. Not improved religion. New creation.

“A whole new generation of Christians has come up believing it is possible to ‘accept’ Christ without forsaking the world.” – A.W Tozer

Jesus never called people to add Him to their lives. He called them to leave everything and follow Him.

Matthew did. The disciples did. Every believer is invited to do the same.

The Thread ……….

Notice the progression.

The paralytic received forgiveness.
Matthew received a calling.
The disciples received a new way of living.

Everything changes when Jesus arrives.

He forgives our past.
He transforms our present.
He secures our future.

Three Questions for Reflection

1. Have you trusted Jesus for forgiveness?

Only Jesus has authority to forgive sins.

Good works cannot erase guilt.

Religion cannot cleanse the heart. Only Christ can.

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins…” (1 John 1:9)

2. Have you followed Jesus like Matthew?

Following Jesus means more than believing facts.

It means surrendering your life.

Matthew left his tax booth. He left everything he had sacrificed for.

What is Jesus asking you to leave?

3. Are you trying to fit Jesus into your old life?

Many people want Jesus as an addition.

Jesus insists on transformation.

New wine requires new wineskins.

He doesn’t simply improve the old self.

He makes us new (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Jesus changes everything.

He forgives sinners.
He calls the unlikely.
He replaces empty religion with a living relationship.

“God is looking for people through whom He can do the impossible. What a pity we plan only the things we can do by ourselves.” – A.W Tozer

Gospel Light Church

Matthew sermon #18

July 26th, 2026

(Baptism Sunday)

“The Cost, the Calm, and the Conflict.”

Matthew 8:18–34

Every person wants a Savior, but not everyone wants a Lord.

Many people admire Jesus from a distance, but Matthew 8 reminds us that following Him means more than admiration—it requires total surrender.

In this passage Jesus demonstrates His authority in three powerful scenes:

Over our priorities (vs.18-22)
Over nature (vs.23-27)
Over demons (vs.28-34)

Matthew is building his case that Jesus is not merely a teacher; He is the King.

As Matthew has already shown:

Jesus has authority to teach (chapters 5–7)
Jesus has authority to heal (8:1-17)
Now Jesus reveals authority over life itself.

I. Following Jesus Requires Total Commitment (8:18-22)

“Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead.” vs.22

Jesus is preparing to cross the Sea of Galilee because the crowds have become overwhelming.

Interestingly, instead of attracting more followers, Jesus begins thinning the crowd.

A. The First Volunteer

A scribe approaches.

“Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go.” vs. 19

That sounds impressive.

But Jesus answers:

“Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” vs. 20

Jesus wasn’t discouraging him. He was informing him.

Following Jesus isn’t about comfort. It’s about surrender.

“Jesus wanted the man to know exactly what he was getting into. Following Christ means surrendering the right to put personal comfort first.” – David Guzik

Christianity is not a promise of ease. It is a promise of Christ’s presence.

B. The Second Disciple

Another disciple says:

“Lord, let me first go and bury my father.”

Most scholars believe his father had not yet died.

The phrase likely meant:

“I’ll follow You later after I settle my family responsibilities.”

Jesus responds:

“Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead.”

Jesus was not dishonoring parents. He was teaching priorities.

There is always another reason to postpone obedience.

“The Lord Jesus Christ claims the first place. Whatever stands in competition with Him must yield.” C.H Spurgeon

Delayed obedience is still disobedience.

What competes for first place today?

Career?
Family?
Comfort?
Retirement?
Recreation?
Security?

Jesus never asked for part of our lives.

He asks for all of it.

“If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” – Luke 9:23

II. Following Jesus Means Trusting Him in the Storm (vs.23-27)

Suddenly the peaceful Sea of Galilee becomes violent.

The Greek word Matthew uses describes a shaking like an earthquake.

Many of these disciples were experienced fishermen.
If they were terrified… This storm was severe.

Meanwhile—Jesus is asleep. Not because He doesn’t care. Because He is completely at peace.

His humanity is on display. After ministering tirelessly, He is exhausted.

The disciples cry:

“Lord, save us! We are perishing!”

Jesus answers:

“Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?”

Notice—

He calms their hearts before He calms the storm.

Then He rebukes the wind.

Instantly…

Perfect calm. Not gradual. Immediate.

“The miracle isn’t simply that Jesus calmed a storm; it’s that creation instantly obeyed its Creator.” – Skip Heitzig

Nature recognized the voice that spoke Genesis 1.

Psalm 107:29 – “He calms the storm, so that its waves are still.”

The disciples ask:

“Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?”

Matthew wants every reader to answer:

Only God.

“He who slept in the boat was man, but He who rebuked the sea was God.” C.H Spurgeon

One of the clearest pictures of Christ’s two natures appears here.

Fully human.
Fully divine.

Storms come in every life.

Some are:

Financial
Physical
Emotional
Family
Spiritual

Sometimes Jesus calms the storm. Sometimes He calms His child inside the storm.

Either way— He remains Lord.

Isaiah 43:2 – “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.”

God didn’t promise that there would not be storms. He promised His presence.

A little boy was flying through terrible turbulence. Everyone on the plane looked terrified.

Yet the child calmly colored in his book. Someone asked, “Aren’t you afraid?”

He smiled. “My dad is the pilot.” That is faith.

III. Jesus Has Authority Over Every Spiritual Enemy (vs.28-34)

The boat lands in Gentile territory. (show map on the screen) (show picture of Sussita)

Immediately two demon-possessed men meet Jesus.

(Mark and Luke focus on the one maniac.)

** Matthew records both. **

These men were:

Violent
Isolated
Hopeless
Beyond human help

Everyone had given up. But Jesus hadn’t.

The Demons Recognize Jesus

“What have we to do with You, Jesus, You Son of God?”

James 2:19 – “Even the demons believe—and tremble!”

Demons possess correct theology. But no saving faith.

Knowledge alone never saves.

“Have You Come Here to Torment Us Before the Time?”

Even demons know judgment is coming.

Revelation 20 confirms their future defeat.

Jesus grants permission for them to enter a herd of pigs.

Immediately the pigs rush into the sea.

Why?

Several reasons have been suggested.

Perhaps to demonstrate:

The demons had truly left the men.
Satan’s ultimate purpose is always destruction (John 10:10).
The destructive nature of evil becomes visible.

“The destruction of the pigs showed the real intention of the demons. Their goal has always been destruction.” – David Guzik

The Tragic Ending

Instead of celebrating two transformed lives… The townspeople ask Jesus to leave.

Why?

Possibly because:

They feared His power.
They valued the pigs more than the people.
They preferred comfort over confrontation.

“The people were more disturbed by the loss of their economy than amazed by the miracle of transformed lives.” – Skip Heitzig

How often do people reject Jesus because following Him costs something?

The townspeople faced a decision:

Keep Jesus…Or keep business as usual.

Sadly—

They chose the pigs.

We wonder at the decision in that story until we realize people still trade Christ for:

Money
Success
Reputation
Pleasure
Convenience

Matthew 8 leaves us with three questions.

1. Have you truly counted the cost of following Jesus?

He deserves first place. Not leftovers.

2. Are you trusting Christ in the middle of your storm?

The safest place is not where there are no storms. The safest place is wherever Jesus is.

3. Have you surrendered every area of your life to His authority?

The demons recognized His authority.
The wind obeyed His authority.
The sea obeyed His authority.

The question is— Will we?

“If Christ be anything, He must be everything. He will never go into partnership as a part Savior of men. If He be God, He must rule our whole heart.” C.H Spurgeon

Gospel Light Church

Matthew series #17

July 17th, 2026

The Touch of Jesus

Matthew 8:1–17 (NKJV)

Matthew 5–7 records the greatest sermon ever preached—the Sermon on the Mount.

Matthew 8 begins with the greatest demonstration of that sermon.

Jesus has just taught with authority (Matthew 7:29). Now He acts with authority.

His miracles authenticate His message.

Notice how Matthew intentionally records three miracles in succession:

A Jewish leper
A Gentile centurion’s servant
Peter’s Jewish mother-in-law

Jesus’ kingdom reaches every race, class, and condition.

“The miracles are visible parables of the kingdom.” – John Stott

They show us what Jesus came to do spiritually as well as physically.

(Parallel between Jesus going to a mountain to bring the Sermon on the Mount, and Moses going to the mount to get the law from God. Jesus coming down from the mount and doing ten miracles, and Moses bringing down the ten commandments.)

I. Jesus Touches the Untouchable (8:1–4)

“When He had come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed Him.” – vs.1

The crowds are amazed.

But instead of beginning with another sermon… Jesus encounters the most rejected person imaginable.

The Condition of the Leper

Leprosy in Scripture was terrifying.

According to Leviticus 13:

isolated from family
excluded from worship
forced to cry “Unclean!”
physically deteriorating
considered ceremonially defiled

Many rabbis would not even come within six feet of a leper.

Some reportedly threw stones to keep them away.

The leper doesn’t merely have a disease. He has lost:

relationships
dignity
community
hope

The Leper’s Faith

Notice what he says.

“Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.”

He never questions Jesus’ ability. Only His willingness.

Many people today have the same struggle.

They believe God can…but wonder if He cares.
Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” – Mark 9:24

Jesus’ Response

“Then Jesus put out His hand and touched him…” vs. 3

This is astonishing.
Jesus could have spoken.

Instead…

He touched him.

The touch came before the healing.

The man had probably not been touched by another human being for years.

Before Jesus changed his skin…He restored his dignity.

“Jesus didn’t have to touch the leper to heal him, but He did have to touch him to show compassion and restore the man’s sense of worth.” – David Guzik

Then Jesus says:

“I am willing; be cleansed.” vs. 3

Immediately… the leprosy disappeared.

What does this mean for us?……

Sin resembles leprosy.
It isolates.
Corrupts.
Spreads.
Leaves us spiritually unclean.

Yet Jesus still reaches toward sinners. Jesus wants to touch our lives!

“Though our feelings come and go, God’s love for us does not.” – C. S Lewis

Jesus does not recoil from broken people, He moves toward them.

II. Jesus Amazes the Faithful (8:5–13)

The next miracle shifts dramatically.

Now we meet someone new…..

not a Jew
not a religious leader

………but a Roman centurion.

To Jewish ears…this was the enemy.

Who Was the Centurion?

He commanded approximately 100 soldiers.

A hardened military officer.

Yet remarkably…he demonstrates humility.

He says: “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented.” vs.6

Notice……He cares deeply about his servant.

His Humility

“I will come and heal him.” vs.7

The centurion answers:

“Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof.” vs.8

!!Amazing!!

A powerful man recognizes his spiritual poverty.

His Understanding of Authority

He explains: “I also am a man under authority…” vs.9

He understands command.

If Jesus possesses divine authority…distance means nothing.

One word is enough.

Jesus Marvels

Only twice in Scripture does Jesus marvel.

One time: because of unbelief (Mark 6).

Here: because of faith.

“I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!” vs.10

Faith isn’t measured by emotion. Faith trusts Christ’s authority.

David Guzik notes:

“The centurion understood that Jesus’ authority was so great that sickness itself obeyed Him.” -David Guzik

Warning and Promise

Jesus then gives a prophetic warning.

Many Gentiles will sit with Abraham.
Many Jews who reject Him will be excluded.
Religious heritage cannot save.
Personal faith does.

So what?????

We often limit Jesus by our circumstances.

The centurion teaches us: Jesus doesn’t need proximity.

He only requires trust.

“Faith is the gaze of a soul upon a saving God.” – A.W Tozer

III. Jesus Lifts the Weary (8:14–15)

Now Jesus enters Peter’s house.

Peter’s mother-in-law is sick with a fever.

Notice again…Jesus touches.

“So He touched her hand, and the fever left her.” vs.15

Then something beautiful happens.

“She arose and served them.” vs. 15

Healing produces service.

She doesn’t merely recover.
She responds.

Real encounters with Jesus always lead to ministry.

Saved people become serving people.

IV. Jesus Bears Our Burdens (8:16–17)

Evening arrives. Crowds gather. The sick come. The demon-possessed come.

“He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick.” vs.16

Then Matthew connects everything to Isaiah.

“He Himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses.” – Isaiah 53

Jesus’ miracles are signs pointing to the Cross.

Ultimately…He bears far more than disease. He bears sin.

Our deepest problem has never been physical. It has always been spiritual.

The Cross is where Jesus carries our greatest sickness.

“Jesus’ healing ministry demonstrated the compassionate heart that would ultimately bear sin on the cross.” – David Guzik

The Four Portraits of Jesus

In this passage we see Jesus revealed as:

1. The Compassionate Savior

He touches the untouchable.

2. The Sovereign King

His authority reaches beyond distance.

3. The Personal Shepherd

He enters ordinary homes.

He ministers to ordinary people.

4. The Suffering Servant

He fulfills Isaiah by bearing humanity’s burdens

Matthew intentionally begins Jesus’ miracle ministry with three very different people.

An outcast.
An outsider.
An ordinary woman.

The message is unmistakable.

No one is too dirty.
No one is too far away.
No one is too insignificant.

Jesus is Lord over disease. Lord over distance. Lord over demons. Lord over death itself.

Gospel Light Church

Matthew series #16

July 12th, 2026

Left Behind

Matthew 7:21–29

Several years ago, Gallup discovered that nearly two-thirds of Americans identify as Christians, yet biblical literacy and church attendance continue to decline dramatically.** Even more sobering, Joshua Project estimates that over 3.4 billion people—about 42% of the world’s population—remain in unreached people groups with little or no access to the Gospel.

Jesus’ words in Matthew 7 remind us that there are two kinds of lost people:

Those who have never heard.
Those who think they know Him—but don’t.

Matthew 7:21-29 is one of the most sobering passages in all of Scripture because Jesus isn’t speaking to atheists…

He’s speaking to religious people.

****Illustration of the Left Behind series****

I. A False Profession (v.21-23)

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven…” vs. 21

Jesus begins by exposing the difference between confession and conversion.

Notice what these people say.

“Lord, Lord.”

They have correct theology.
They use orthodox language.

They even acknowledge Jesus as Lord.

Yet Jesus says…

“…I never knew you.”

This is relationship language.

Salvation has never been about simply knowing facts about Jesus.

It has always been about Jesus knowing you.

**A “cultural Christian” is someone who calls themselves a Christian just by habit or tradition. An “actual Christian” is someone who truly believes in the faith and follows its rules.

What The Studies Say

The Practicing Group: Studies by groups like the Barna Group show that out of the 60% of people who say they are Christian, only 24% actually go to church often and make their faith a top priority. [1]
The Belief Test: Many people attend church but do not agree with the core ideas of Christianity. For example, the Ligonier Ministries State of Theology study showed that 40% of people who claimed to be Christian did not believe that Jesus is the only way to get to heaven

Three Mistaken Foundations

These people trusted in:

1. Their Words

“Lord, Lord…”

Many people believe repeating prayers or using Christian language guarantees heaven.

But lips can confess what hearts never believe.

Romans 10:10 – For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

2. Their Works

“Have we not prophesied…”

Imagine their résumé.

They preached.
They cast out demons.
They performed miracles.

Yet none of those proved they belonged to Christ.

Religious activity is not the same as saving faith.

“Their problem wasn’t their works. Their problem was trusting their works instead of trusting Jesus.” – David Guzik

Many people put their trust in

church attendance…
baptism…
serving…
giving…
ministry…

instead of Christ Himself.

3. Their Reputation

These people expected applause from heaven.

Instead they heard rejection.

“Many will wear Christ’s livery who have never received Christ’s grace.” – C.H Spurgeon

You can look saved…sound saved…serve like you’re saved…and still be lost.

“Jesus is not interested in people who merely admire Him; He is looking for people who will build their lives upon His teaching.” – N.T Wright

Christianity was never intended to be admiration.

It was always intended to become discipleship.

The greatest danger in church isn’t always open rebellion.

Sometimes it’s false assurance. A false profession of faith.

Jesus is warning us that there is a faith that looks real…but isn’t.

II. A Genuine Obedience (v.21)

“…but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.”

Jesus is not teaching salvation by works.

He’s teaching that genuine faith always produces obedience.

Works are not the root of salvation. They’re the fruit.

James 2:17 – “This also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”

Obedience doesn’t save us. Obedience reveals us.

“Faith and obedience are bound up in the same bundle. He that obeys God trusts God, and he that trusts God obeys God.” – C.H Spurgeon

Notice Jesus does not say:

“He who performs perfectly.”

He says:

“He who does the Father’s will.”

The direction of the heart matters!

True believers:

stumble…
repent…
grow…
and keep following Jesus.

III. Two Builders (v.24-27)

Now Jesus tells one final illustration.

Two men.
Two houses.

One storm.

At first glance…they appear identical.

Both hear the sermon. Both build houses. Both experience storms.

The only difference…is the foundation.

The Wise Builder

“Whoever hears these sayings of Mine and does them…” – vs. 24

Notice the order.

Hear.
Then obey.

Wisdom is not accumulating biblical information.

Wisdom is applying biblical truth.

“The wise man isn’t made wise merely because he heard Jesus. He became wise because he did what Jesus said.” – David Guzik

Knowledge without obedience produces deception.

The Foolish Builder

The foolish builder heard exactly the same sermon.

Same preacher. Same message. Different response.

He admired Jesus.
He listened.

But never obeyed.

He built quickly because sand requires little effort.

Rock requires digging.

Discipleship always costs more than convenience.

IV. The Coming Storm

Jesus says:

“The rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew…” – vs. 25

Storms come to both houses.

Christianity does not eliminate storms.

The difference is what remains afterward.

Some storms happen now.

illness
loss
disappointment
suffering

But ultimately Jesus is pointing toward the final judgment.

Everything not built on Christ will collapse.

“The trial of your faith is not whether you profess Christ before men, but whether you stand when the storm comes.” – C.H Spurgeon

V. The Authority of Jesus (v.28-29)

Matthew concludes:

“He taught them as one having authority.”

The crowds were astonished.
The scribes quoted rabbis.

Jesus quoted Himself.

Throughout the Sermon on the Mount He repeatedly declared,

“But I say to you…”

Only God speaks that way.

Jesus is not merely another teacher.

He is the Judge introduced earlier in this passage.

The One saying,

“I never knew you,”

He is also the One inviting sinners to build upon Him.

“Jesus was not offering good advice for a better life. He was announcing God’s kingdom and calling people to give Him their allegiance.” – N.T Wright

The question isn’t:

Did you attend church?
Did you serve?
Did you preach?
Did you sing?
Did you give?

The question is:

Do you know Christ?

Even more importantly…

Does Christ know you?

The good news is that Jesus does not simply expose false foundations.

He offers Himself as the only true one.

The Rock is not your morality.
The Rock is not your church membership.
The Rock is not your ministry.

The Rock is Jesus Christ.

Gospel Light Church

Matthew series #15

July 5th, 2026

Choose Wisely

Matthew 7:13–20

Every day we make decisions. Some are insignificant—what to wear, what to eat, which route to take home. Other decisions determine the direction of our entire lives. Some of us today have amazing lives because of intentional decisions that we have made.

Jesus concludes the Sermon on the Mount by confronting His hearers with a series of choices. There is no neutral ground. There are only two gates, two roads, two destinations, two kinds of teachers, and ultimately two kinds of people.

The question is not whether you’re on a road.

The question is which road you’re on.

Jonathan Pennington says, “Jesus is contrasting the way of outward religious observance against the way of genuine heart transformation.”

I. Enter Through the Narrow Gate (v. 13-14)

“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.

“Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.”

A. The Entrance

Notice the first word:

“Enter.”

This isn’t merely information.
It is an invitation that demands a response.

Jesus never intended the Sermon on the Mount to be admired from a distance.

He calls us to act.

B. The Narrow Gate

The narrow gate is Christ Himself.

The narrow gate is on the road that leads to LIFE.

Jesus later says,

“I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved…….” (John 10:9)

The gate is narrow because salvation comes only through Christ.

Not Christ plus works.
Not Christ plus morality.
Not Christ plus religion.

Christ alone.

The narrow gate only allows YOU to enter in alone. Not with your friends, your spouse, your kids, your coworkers or your parents.

“The way to heaven is not shut because it is narrow; it is narrow because truth excludes falsehood and holiness excludes sin.” – C.H. Spurgeon

Spurgeon reminds us that God’s narrowness is not cruelty. It is clarity.

Our culture assumes that sincerity is enough.
Jesus says direction matters more than sincerity.
You can be sincerely traveling the wrong road.

C. The Wide Gate

Jesus describes the popular path.

It’s easy.
It’s comfortable.
It requires no repentance.
It demands no surrender.
It’s full of people.
Its glamourous.
Its dark (spiritually)
Its wide… broad!

It simply follows the current.

The broad road says:

Follow your heart.
Define your own truth.
Live for yourself.

The WORLD loves the convenience and flow of the broad way!

Who do you know that is on the broad way?

And Jesus says it leads to destruction.

This Greek word apōleia does not simply mean “ceasing to exist.” It refers to:

ruin
loss
devastation
eternal judgment
complete separation from God’s blessing

It describes the tragic end of a life lived apart from God.

Popularity has never been proof of truth or life.

II. Beware of False Prophets (v. 15-16a)

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.”

Jesus now shifts from roads to guides.

The greatest danger isn’t simply choosing the wrong road.

It’s following the wrong leader!

This is the ONLY warning in the Sermon on the Mount.

What is a false prophet?

A false prophet is a person who spreads false teachings or messages while claiming to speak the Word of God.

They COME TO YOU!!

“Satan’s servants do not usually come with horns upon their heads. They wear the garb of religion and use the language of Canaan.” – C.H Spurgeon

A. False teachers rarely look dangerous

Jesus doesn’t describe wolves dressed as wolves.

He describes wolves dressed as sheep.

That means deception.

False teachers often sound biblical.

They may even appear compassionate.

But appearance isn’t the measure.

Truth is.

“False teachers rarely announce themselves. Error almost always arrives wrapped in language that sounds spiritual.”- Skip Heitzig

That is exactly Jesus’ warning. Discernment requires more than emotion. It requires Scripture.

I John 4:2-3 – By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3 and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already.

B. Discernment is a Christian responsibility

Jesus says, “Be on your guard.”

He says, “Discern.”

Christians aren’t called to be suspicious of everyone.

But we are called to test everything.

Romans 16:18 – “For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, [a] and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.”

!!!!!!Ask questions!!!!!

Does this teaching exalt Christ?
Does it submit to Scripture?
Does it call people to repentance?
Does it produce holiness?
Does it point people to Jesus or to the prophet?

According to Matthew 7, a false prophet is:

A deceptive teacher who appears to belong to God’s flock.
An inward wolf whose true motives are selfish rather than shepherd-like.
Someone whose life, doctrine, and ministry ultimately produce bad fruit.
A person who leads others away from wholehearted obedience to Jesus, even if they seem outwardly successful or religious.

“The emphasis is not on a teacher’s gifts but on “the total product of his life and ministry.” Jesus calls His followers to look beyond appearances and evaluate leaders by the enduring fruit they bear in character, doctrine, and the effect of their ministry.” – D. A Carson

III. Fruit Reveals the Root (v. 16b-20)

Jesus gives an illustration everyone understood.

“You’ll recognize them by their fruits.”

Fruit always reveals the tree.

But look at the plurality of the word…fruits…. it’s one thing to fake it for a moment or even a season…. but when you observe over time…what does the fruits say?

Trees and fruits don’t grow immediately, but inevitably.

A. Nature tells the truth

Jesus asks, can grapes come from thorn bushes?
Jesus asks, can figs come from thistles?

They all knew the answer and so do we…. NO.

Fruit always matches the tree.

B. Character Matters More Than Charisma

People often evaluate leaders by:

personality
giftedness
platform
influence

Jesus evaluates them by fruit!

Fruit includes:

holiness
humility
integrity
love
faithfulness

Giftedness can impress people.

Fruit reveals God.

C. Bad Fruit Has a Future

“Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”

This is a sobering reminder.

God is patient.
The judgment is real.

Grace never eliminates accountability.

“Grace does not make men careless; it makes them careful.” C.H. Spurgeon

Real faith changes how we live.

Decisions. Choose wisely.

Gospel Light Church

Matthew Series #14

June 28th, 2026

The Judge and the Jury

Matthew 7:1–12

Matthew 7 opens with one of the most quoted and most misunderstood statements in the Bible:

“Judge not, that you be not judged.” (Matt. 7:1)

Many interpret Jesus to mean that we should never evaluate behavior, confront sin, or exercise discernment, but by verse 6 Jesus tells us to recognize “dogs” and “pigs,” and by verse 15, He warns us to identify false prophets.

Jesus is not forbidding discernment; He is forbidding a hypocritical, self-righteous spirit.

I. Examine Yourself Before Judging Others (v. 1–6)

The Warning Against Hypocritical Judgment

“Judge not, that you be not judged.” (v. 1)

Jesus condemns the attitude that delights in finding faults in others while ignoring our own.

The imagery is unforgettable:

“Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?” (v. 3)

The man with a log in his eye is trying to perform eye surgery on someone else.

Jesus is exposing religious pride.

The Standard We Use, Returns to Us

“For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged.” (v. 2)

A critical spirit often reveals a heart that has forgotten grace.

“To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.” – C.s Lewis

When we remember how much mercy we have received, we become slower to condemn and quicker to restore.

Self-Examination Before Correction

Notice Jesus does not say ignore the speck.

He says:

“First take the log out of your own eye.” (v. 5)

Then:

“you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.”

The goal is restoration, not condemnation.

Healthy Christians do confront sin—but only after confronting their own.

Discernment Is Still Necessary

Verse 6 brings a strong contrast:

“Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs.”

Jesus moves from condemning judgmentalism to commanding discernment.

Kingdom citizens must be humble and wise.

Not everyone will receive God’s truth.

“The kingdom of heaven demands both generosity and wisdom.” – N.T Wright

Love does not eliminate discernment; it guides it.

Ask yourself:

Am I harder on others than I am on myself?
Do I criticize more than I pray?
Am I seeking restoration or simply proving I’m right?

II. Depend on Your Heavenly Father Through Prayer (7–11)

After addressing relationships, Jesus directs us to prayer.

The Three Commands

“Ask… seek… knock…” (v. 7)

The verbs imply continual action:

Keep asking.
Keep seeking.
Keep knocking.

Jesus invites persistent dependence.

Prayer is not overcoming God’s reluctance.
Prayer is laying hold of God’s willingness.

“The beginning of anxiety is the end of faith, and the beginning of true faith is the end of anxiety.”- George Müller

Müller cared for thousands of orphans and repeatedly saw God provide through prayer alone.

His life illustrated Jesus’ teaching in this passage.

The Father’s Character

Jesus uses a family illustration:

“Which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone?” (v. 9)

Even imperfect earthly fathers give good gifts.

Then Jesus argues from lesser to greater:

“How much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” (v. 11)

The focus is on the Father.

Prayer Is Rooted in Relationship

Many believers struggle because they approach God as a reluctant judge rather than a loving Father.

“Prayer is learning what it means to stand in the presence of God, with the door open and the invitation given.” – N.T. Wright

Jesus wants us to pray with confidence because we are welcomed children.

What burden have you stopped bringing to God?
Where have you become self-reliant?
What would change if you truly believed your Father delights to hear you?

III. Practice Kingdom Love Toward Others (v. 12)

1. The Golden Rule

“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them.” (v. 12)

This is the climax of the section.

Jesus does not say: “Don’t harm others.” He says: “Actively do good to others.”
Many religions teach a negative version: “Don’t do to others what you don’t want done to you.”

Jesus gives a positive command.

Take initiative.
Show grace first.
Forgive first.
Serve first.
Love first.
1. The Gospel Foundation

Why should we treat others this way?

**Because God has treated us this way.**

While we were sinners:

God pursued us.
God forgave us.
God loved us.

“Do not waste time bothering whether you ‘love’ your neighbor; act as if you did.” – C.S Lewis

Jesus teaches that kingdom love is demonstrated through action.

1. The Summary of God’s Law

Jesus concludes:

“For this is the Law and the Prophets.”

Everything God commanded regarding human relationships is summarized in this principle.

Jesus is not offering a mere ethical slogan but a description of kingdom living shaped by God’s own character. – N.T Wright

The Golden Rule is impossible apart from a transformed heart.

Kingdom citizens:

Examine themselves before judging others.
They remove the log before addressing the speck.
Trust their heavenly Father through prayer.
They ask, seek, and knock with confidence.
Treat others with grace and love.
They practice the Golden Rule because they have experienced God’s mercy.

“Faith does not operate in the realm of the possible. There is no glory for God in that which is humanly possible. Faith begins where man’s power ends.” – George Müller

The Christian life begins and continues with dependence on God.

We need to remind ourselves and practice these things daily:

Judge ourselves more honestly,
Pray more confidently,
And love others more generously.

This is what life in the kingdom of Christ looks like.

PART II

June 21st, 2026 (Fathers Day)

Trust the Father Who Knows

Matthew 6:25–32

“Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life…” — Matthew 6:25

The word “therefore” connects this section to what came before. Because you cannot serve God and mammon, do not live consumed by worry over material needs.

Jesus mentions food, drink, and clothing. These are real needs. Jesus is not dismissing responsibility. He is confronting anxiety.

Anxiety in the United States

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health disorders in the U.S.
About 19% of U.S. adults experience an anxiety disorder in a given year.
Approximately 31% of U.S. adults will experience an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives.
Anxiety disorders affect more than 40 million American adults annually.

Global Statistics

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental disorders worldwide.
The World Health Organization estimates that about 359 million people globally were living with anxiety disorders in 2021.

Trends in Worry and Anxiety

In a 2024 American Psychiatric Association poll, 43% of U.S. adults reported feeling more anxious than the previous year, up from 37% in 2023 and 32% in 2022.
Common sources of worry include:
- Finances
- Health
- Personal safety
- Relationships and family
- Work and job security

Who Is Most Affected?

Women are significantly more likely than men to experience anxiety disorders. Past-year prevalence is roughly 23% for women vs. 14% for men.
Young adults report the highest rates of anxiety, with prevalence generally decreasing with age.
Nearly 32% of adolescents experience an anxiety disorder.

Treatment Gap

Anxiety disorders are highly treatable, yet only about 25–40% of people with anxiety receive treatment.

Everyday Worry vs. Anxiety Disorder

Worry is a normal human response to uncertainty or potential problems.
An anxiety disorder involves excessive fear or worry that is persistent, difficult to control, and interferes with daily life, work, relationships, or health.

There is a difference between planning and worrying.

Planning is responsible stewardship.
Worry is fearful control.
Planning prepares for tomorrow.
Worry tries to control tomorrow.
Planning honors God.
Worry forgets God.

Jesus gives several reasons not to worry.

1. Life is more than material needs.

“Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?” — Matthew 6:25

“Materialism is the mother of anxiety.” Randy Alcorn

Your life is bigger than what you consume, wear, earn, or own.

2. The Father feeds the birds.

“Look at the birds of the air…” — Matthew 6:26

Birds work, but they do not worry. They gather, but they do not panic. They live under the care of the Creator.

Jesus does not say, “You are like birds.”
He says, “You are of more value than they.”

3. Worry cannot add to your life.

“Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?” — Matthew 6:27

Worry feels productive, but it produces nothing good. It cannot lengthen life. It cannot solve tomorrow. It cannot control outcomes.

4. The Father clothes the lilies.

“Consider the lilies of the field…” — Matthew 6:28

The flowers do not labor anxiously, yet God clothes them with beauty greater than Solomon’s splendor.

5. The Father knows what you need.

“For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.” — Matthew 6:32

This is the heart of the passage.

Your Father knows.

A child in the back seat may not know the route, the traffic, the cost of gas, or the timing. But if the child trusts the father who is driving, he can rest.

Jesus is not calling us to pretend there are no needs. He is calling us to trust the Father who already knows them.

When worry rises, preach these truths to your soul:

My Father knows.
My Father sees.
My Father cares.
My Father provides.
My Father is already in tomorrow.

Worry shrinks when the Father becomes bigger in your vision.

Jesus now gives the central command of the whole passage.

VI. Seek First the Kingdom

Matthew 6:33–35

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” — Matthew 6:33

This is the climax.

Jesus does not merely say, “Stop worrying.”
He gives us something greater to pursue.

The answer to anxiety is priority.

Seek first the kingdom.

To “seek” means to pursue, desire, aim at, strive after. It is active, intentional, ongoing.

The kingdom of God is the rule and reign of God. To seek His kingdom means I want His will, His ways, His mission, His glory, and His authority above everything else.

To seek His righteousness means I desire to live rightly under His rule.

Jesus promises:

“All these things shall be added to you.”

That does not mean God gives us everything we want. It means the Father will faithfully provide what we need as we put Him first.

“Where faith begins, anxiety ends; where anxiety begins, faith ends.” George Muller

“Aim at Heaven and you will get Earth ‘thrown in’: aim at Earth and you will get neither.” C.S Lewis

When you chase earth, you lose peace, purpose, and eternity.
When you seek God first, He orders everything else beneath His rule.

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” — Matthew 6:34

Jesus is not denying trouble. He says each day has enough of it. But He forbids borrowing tomorrow’s trouble and carrying it today.

Grace is given daily.
Mercy is new every morning.
Bread is daily bread.
Strength is for today.

Do not drag tomorrow’s fear into today’s faith.

Here are four ways to seek first the kingdom this week:

Put God first in your private devotion.
Fast, pray, and give for the Father’s eyes, not people’s applause.
Put God first in your finances.
Use money as a servant of worship, generosity, and mission.
Put God first in your decisions.
Ask, “Does this honor Christ and advance His kingdom?”
Put God first in your anxiety.
Turn worry into prayer, fear into faith, and tomorrow into trust.

Here is what we have learned in these past weeks as we have dug in to this portion of the Sermon on the Mount:

Do not perform for people; live before the Father.
Do not store your hope on earth; treasure heaven.
Do not let your vision be clouded; see clearly.
Do not serve two masters; choose God.
Do not be ruled by worry; trust your Father.
Do not chase tomorrow; seek the kingdom today.

The whole passage is calling us to one thing:

Put God first because only God is worthy of your heart.

Matthew Sermon Series

#12

The Battle Beneath

Matthew 6 is not simply about religious behavior. It is about the heart beneath the behavior.

Jesus has already addressed giving, praying, and forgiving. Now He moves into fasting, money, priorities, anxiety, and trust. At first glance, these may seem like separate subjects. But Jesus is dealing with one central issue:

Who has your heart?

Because the heart always has a master.
The heart always has a treasure.
The heart always has a direction.
And the heart always reveals what it truly trusts.

David Guzik references that in this section Jesus connects spiritual devotion, earthly possessions, and anxiety because our treasure and our trust are deeply connected. Jesus is not merely correcting behavior; He is confronting what rules the heart.

I. Fasting that pleases the Father

Matthew 6:16–18

“Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites…” — Matthew 6:16

Jesus begins with fasting. Notice He does not say, “If you fast.” He says, “When you fast.”

Fasting was assumed as part of spiritual life. But Jesus confronts the way fasting had been corrupted. Some were using spiritual discipline as public theater. They wanted people to notice their sacrifice more than they wanted God to shape their soul.

The issue was not fasting. The issue was performing.

Jesus says the hypocrites “disfigure their faces” so others will know they are fasting. They turn spiritual hunger into religious applause.

Fasting is meant to humble the soul before God. It is a physical reminder that we need God more than food, approval, comfort, or control.

To humble themselves before God
Fasting was a way of expressing dependence on God, repentance, and humility. It often accompanied prayer and seeking God’s guidance.
To mourn or express grief
People sometimes fasted during times of sorrow, national crisis, or personal loss.
To seek God’s help or direction
In the Old Testament, fasting often accompanied earnest prayer when people were facing important decisions or difficult circumstances.
As an act of worship and devotion
Fasting helped people focus on God by temporarily setting aside physical needs.

But when fasting becomes a way to impress people, the reward changes. Jesus says, “Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.” In other words, if the applause of people is what you wanted, then applause is all you get.

“Jesus assumes fasting as a legitimate spiritual discipline, but rejects the outward show of it.” – David Guzik

Guzik also warns against confusing fasting with “fasting from sin,” because sin is not something to temporarily abstain from; it is something to repent of.

That is what Jesus is confronting. Spiritual disciplines are not wrong. But they become dangerous when they are hijacked by pride.

Ask yourself:

Do I want God’s approval more than people’s recognition?
Do I practice spiritual disciplines privately, or only when others can see?
Is my worship aimed at intimacy with God or reputation before people?

The Father who sees in secret rewards what is done for Him, not what is performed for others.

Jesus moves from private devotion to public priorities. He goes from fasting to finances, from worship to wealth, because both reveal the same thing: what has our heart.

II. Treasure That Shapes the Heart

Matthew 6:19–21

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth… but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” — Matthew 6:19–20

Our paper money in America has “In God We Trust” stamped on the bills. Have you ever gave more thought to how that came about?

Rev. Mark R. Watkinson, a Baptist minister from Pennsylvania, wrote a letter to Treasury Secretary Salmon P. Chase in November 1861 urging that God be recognized on U.S. coins. His letter is generally considered the spark that started the process.
Salmon P. Chase, Abraham Lincoln’s Treasury Secretary, is usually credited with making it happen. After receiving Watkinson’s letter and similar appeals, Chase instructed the U.S. Mint to develop a motto acknowledging God and ultimately approved the wording “In God We Trust.” He then pushed for its inclusion on coin designs that were authorized by Congress.

In 1864 it first appeared on the two cent coin during the Civil War.

Was this an attempt to maintain a FOCUS on what we are to trust in and how easily that money can take away that FOCUS?

________________________________________________________________

This is not a condemnation of having possessions. It is a warning against being possessed by possessions.

Many Christians try to balance Jesus’ words with practical stewardship, but the tension remains:

How much saving is wise?
When does saving become hoarding?
When does providing for your family become trusting money more than God?

Those questions are uncomfortable because Jesus doesn’t give a precise percentage.

This is counter cultural teaching.
Many operate in their finances over a “scarcity mindset”
“scarcity mindset,” it’s a psychological and behavioral concept describing a way of thinking where a person focuses primarily on what they lack—such as money, time, opportunities, relationships, or resources. This focus on shortages can make people feel that there is “never enough” and can lead to short-term, defensive decision-making.
Earthly treasure is temporary. Jesus mentions moth, rust, and thieves. In His world, wealth was often stored in garments, metals, and guarded places. But clothing could be eaten by moths. Metals could corrode. Thieves could break in and steal.

Jesus is saying: everything earthly is vulnerable.

The phrase “lay up” means to store, accumulate, or treasure. Jesus is warning against making earthly accumulation the goal of life.

He is not saying, “Do not work.”
He is not saying, “Do not save.”
He is not saying, “Do not provide.”

He is saying, “Do not build your identity, security, and hope on what cannot last.”

Then Jesus gives the principle:

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” — Matthew 6:21

We often say, “My heart determines where my treasure goes.”
Jesus says, “Your treasure also pulls your heart.”

What you invest in, you begin to care about.
What you prioritize, you begin to love.
What you store up, you begin to serve.

“Jesus is showing us we cannot store up treasure on earth and in heaven at the same time as competing life goals. Our treasure and our heart cannot ultimately live in two places.” – David Guzik

“Aim at Heaven and you will get Earth ‘thrown in’: aim at Earth and you will get neither.” – C. S Lewis

“A man can spend his whole life climbing the ladder, only to discover at the end that the ladder was leaning against the wrong wall.” – Chad Gamble

That is what Jesus is warning us about. Success in the wrong kingdom is still failure.

Here is a heart test:

What do I think about most?
What do I fear losing most?
What do I spend most freely on?
What do I sacrifice for most?
What would devastate me if it were taken away?

Those answers reveal treasure. And treasure reveals the heart.

Your heart follows your treasure, so place your treasure where you want your heart to go.

Jesus then moves from the location of our treasure to the condition of our vision.

III. Vision That Determines Direction

Matthew 6:22–23

“The lamp of the body is the eye.” — Matthew 6:22

This can sound confusing at first, but Jesus is using the eye as a picture of spiritual perception.

If your eye is good, your whole body is full of light.
If your eye is bad, your whole body is full of darkness.

How you see determines how you live.

A “good” eye is a clear, generous, undivided eye. It sees life through the lens of God’s kingdom.
A “bad” eye is clouded by greed, envy, fear, and divided desire. It sees life through the lens of self-preservation and earthly accumulation.

Jesus is saying that distorted vision creates distorted living.

If I see money as my security, I will live anxious.
If I see people as my audience, I will live performative.
If I see possessions as my treasure, I will live enslaved.

But if I see God as Father, Provider, and King, I can live free.

Pray this simple prayer:

“Lord, heal the way I see.”

Help me see money correctly.
Help me see people correctly.
Help me see success correctly.
Help me see eternity correctly.
Help me see You correctly.

A divided eye creates a divided life.

IV. One Heart, One Master

Matthew 6:24

“No one can serve two masters…” — Matthew 6:24

Jesus does not say, “It is difficult to serve two masters.”
He says, “No one can.”

This is not a scheduling problem. It is a slavery problem.

A slave in the ancient world did not have two full masters. Total allegiance could not be divided. Jesus says you will either hate one and love the other or be loyal to one and despise the other.

Then He names the rival:

“You cannot serve God and mammon.” — Matthew 6:24

Mammon refers to wealth, possessions, or material resources. Money itself is not evil. But money becomes deadly when it becomes master.

“Mammon” was used in Jewish texts in reference to material wealth, and Jesus personifies it here as a rival master. The point is not that resources are evil, but that they must not rule us. – David Guzik

Money is a wonderful servant but a terrible god.

When money serves God, it becomes a tool for worship, generosity, mission, provision, and compassion.
But when money becomes master, it demands fear, hoarding, comparison, compromise, and anxiety.

Money makes promises it cannot keep.

It says, “I will make you secure.”
But one market crash can shake it.

It says, “I will make you significant.”
But someone will always have more.

It says, “I will make you satisfied.”
But the more you feed greed, the hungrier it gets.

Here are three diagnostic questions:

Do I obey God with my money?
Do I trust God when money is tight?
Do I use money for eternal purposes?

You do not truly know whether God is your master until obedience costs you something.