John the Baptist’s disciples come to Jesus asking why they and the Pharisees fast but Jesus’s disciples do not. (Matt 9:14-17) The Pharisees fasted for religious show (which is never the right reason). John’s disciples fasted to draw near to God, but Jesus explains in verse 15 that there was no need for His disciplesContinue reading “No one has out-sinned Jesus’ ability to forgive!”
Author Archives: Kim Jaggers
Need some SOUL REST?
Matthew, the hated tax collector, is called to be a disciple (Matt 9:9) then Jesus sits down to eat with sinners and is questioned by the Pharisees (Matt 9:10-11). Jesus famously says, “But go and learn what this means: “I desire mercy and not sacrifice, For I did not come to call the righteous, butContinue reading “Need some SOUL REST?”
Celebrating sin is never loving
Recently, someone posted a comment suggesting my writing about biblical truth relating to sexuality leads to depression and suicide in those living lifestyles opposite of it. I typically don’t respond to negative comments, but I do want to address this as I think it’s relevant to where we are in our study of Matthew. IContinue reading “Celebrating sin is never loving”
As we do this, we can rest!
I ended up falling asleep for a few minutes on that float. It was glorious. I was tethered with a short rope to our dock and strapped in my life jacket, so I knew I could rest. Following God, through His Word, is another way I know I can rest. But the careless and thoseContinue reading “As we do this, we can rest!”
Demons and a bit of my story…
We have just seen Jesus calm the storm and the disciples ask, “Who can this be, that even the wind and seas obey Him?” (Matt 8:27) Matthew 8:28-34 describes Jesus encountering two demon-possessed men who, ironically, absolutely know Who He is and exclaim, “What have we to do with You, Jesus, You Son of God?”Continue reading “Demons and a bit of my story…”
Peace, be still!
I had woken up to a horrific storm. Wind howling. Sheets of rain. Booming thunder. The storm outside passed, but I couldn’t sleep. Another storm, the one affecting us all, the condition of our world, was on my mind. In Matthew 8, Jesus and his disciples get in a boat to cross the Sea ofContinue reading “Peace, be still!”
Those who keep following see miracles!
The crowds are growing, following Jesus, and a scribe comes up to Jesus and says, “Teacher, I’ll follow You wherever You go.” (Matt 8:18-19) And many want to follow those who can draw a crowd. Many hope to stand on a stage and have a little of that praise and adoration fall on them too.Continue reading “Those who keep following see miracles!”
With just a WORD!
Jesus heals Peter’s mother-in-law, she gets up and serves Him, then the crowds come, including the sick and the demon-possessed. Matthew tells us, “He drove out the spirits with a word” (Matt 8:16, NKJV) Can we stop right there?! Jesus drove out demonic spirits with a word! Only a word! Later, Matthew will describe howContinue reading “With just a WORD!”
Jesus Never Fails.
When our faith is strong, Jesus is there. When we fall apart, He is still there. Jesus had just finished teaching the famous parable about building our houses on the rock (Matt 7:24-27), heals a leper,(Matt 8:1-4) and then walks into Capernaum. He is quickly met by Jewish elders requesting help for a Centurion—a RomanContinue reading “Jesus Never Fails.”
Stop being stupid
I read a post from a mom yesterday complaining about the youth group requiring a one piece swimsuit for her daughter. Later, I sat at a baseball game watching a grandpa on the row in front of me literally pausing at scantily-clad young women on his phone. His oldest grandson, two seats down from himContinue reading “Stop being stupid”
I know you can. But God, will you?
Matthew chapter 8 opens with a leper kneeling at Jesus’ feet and saying, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” Jesus replies, “I am willing; be made clean.” (8:3) And the Enduring Word quotes an old Scottish theologian, known to have wrestled in his early years through trials and doubts, who says,Continue reading “I know you can. But God, will you?”
You can stand on SOLID ground!
You can hear the Word of God and not do it. You can nod yes with your head and walk the opposite way with your feet. But Jesus told us, “Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”Continue reading “You can stand on SOLID ground!”
Are you in danger of hearing these words?
Many call themselves Christian’s, but they really aren’t. They are in danger of hearing the terrifying words of the Lord, “I never knew you; depart from me.” (Matt 7:23). Perhaps, you know someone like this? Perhaps, you are like this? For today, many say they are a Christian, but, in fact, live as if theyContinue reading “Are you in danger of hearing these words?”
Beware!
Hard, timely words of warning. Beware. “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.”(Matt 7:15) “The basic fault of the false prophet is self interest.” (Barclay) It can be expressed by a desire for gain or an easy life, a desire for prestige, or the desireContinue reading “Beware!”
Are you discouraged in this crazy world?
Broad is the way that leads to destruction” (Matt 7:13) It seems that way more than ever. So many seem to be running away from Christ and His ways rather than toward Him. Few find the narrow gate that leads to life. (Matt 7:14) And so many of us who have found life in Christ,Continue reading “Are you discouraged in this crazy world?”
God, please make them mercifully miserable.
I used to think if I just tried really hard to obey God, things would go well with me. You know, circumstantially, this world, well. But it seems there is a longer, eternal, better view. And when God says, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but it’s end is the wayContinue reading “God, please make them mercifully miserable.”
Following Jesus. It’s so very worth it.
Narrow is the gate and difficult is the way”. (see Matt 7:14) Makes you want to sign right up doesn’t it? 😳 When we choose to follow Christ, we are, in fact, choosing that which the world mocks. We are opting for a hard road full of trouble in this life. Jesus has always beenContinue reading “Following Jesus. It’s so very worth it.”
Want some peace? Do this.
Therefore, whatever you want others to do for you, do the same for them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” (Matt 7:12) This is often called the Golden Rule. Jesus is summing up the Law and Prophets, in that, if we simply treated others in the way we want to be treated, weContinue reading “Want some peace? Do this.”
I know you get weary…
Jesus has already talked a lot about prayer then famously says, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and it will be opened to you.” (Matt 7:7) This is not prosperity preaching. This is encouraging instruction on the perseverance and power of prayer! Jesus is telling us thatContinue reading “I know you get weary…”
Do you wonder if Jesus is coming back soon?
Lately, I’ve found myself wondering if Jesus is coming back soon. Have you? Here are some things we know about the Second Coming of Christ— People will be going about their normal day-to-day stuff… getting married, partying, buying and selling, building, and planting gardens. (Luke 17:26-30) Many will reject Jesus. Wickedness will also be acceptedContinue reading “Do you wonder if Jesus is coming back soon?”
Kim Jaggers Ministry 