Author Archives: justkeithharris

Click here for Matthew 14 audio:

---

Read it. Pray it. Share it. Live it.

When Herod Antipas heard about Jesus’s miracles, he thought John the Baptist had been raised from the dead (vv. 1–2). Matthew then recalls how Herod had imprisoned John for confronting his unlawful marriage to Herodias (vv. 3–4; Lev. 18:16). At Herod’s birthday banquet, Herodias’s daughter danced for him, leading to a rash promise. Urged by her mother, she asked for John’s head, and though Herod was distressed, he ordered the execution (vv. 6–11). John’s disciples buried him and told Jesus (v. 12). Hearing this, Jesus withdrew, but the crowds followed. Filled with compassion, He healed their sick and miraculously fed more than five thousand people with five loaves and two fish, with twelve baskets of leftovers—showing God’s abundant provision (vv. 13–21; cf. Ex. 16:4–5; 2 Kgs. 4:42–44).

Later, Jesus sent His disciples ahead by boat and went up the mountain to pray (v. 23). Before dawn, He came to them walking on the water (vv. 25–26; Job 9:8). Peter stepped out to meet Him but began to sink when fear overcame faith, and Jesus caught him, asking, “Why did you doubt?” (vv. 28–31). When they entered the boat, the wind ceased, and the disciples worshiped Him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God” (vv. 32–33; cf. Ps. 107:28–30). Landing at Gennesaret, people brought their sick to Him, and all who touched even the fringe of His garment were healed (vv. 34–36; cf. Matt. 9:20–21).

🌀 Reflection: Where is Jesus calling you to trust Him even when the wind and waves are against you? Fear may sink you, but faith keeps your eyes on the One who never fails.

💬 Mission Challenge: Look for someone today who feels overwhelmed and remind them that Jesus is present, powerful, and worthy of their trust.

Click here for Matthew 13 audio:

---

Read it. Pray it. Share it. Live it.

Jesus told many parables to reveal the secrets of the kingdom of heaven to those who believe, while concealing them from the hard-hearted (vv. 1–17). The parable of the sower shows that the Word bears lasting fruit only in those with hearts ready to receive it (vv. 3–9, 18–23). The parable of the weeds warns that both the righteous and the wicked will remain together until the final judgment, when God will separate them (vv. 24–30, 36–43). The mustard seed and leaven show how the kingdom grows from small beginnings into something great (vv. 31–33). Through these parables, Jesus fulfilled prophecy by speaking truths hidden since the foundation of the world (vv. 34–35).

He also told the parables of hidden treasure and the pearl, showing the surpassing worth of the kingdom (vv. 44–46), and the parable of the net, warning of the coming separation of the wicked from the righteous (vv. 47–50). Returning to his hometown, Jesus faced unbelief from those who thought they knew him, reminding us that familiarity can breed contempt (vv. 53–58). The kingdom calls for receptive hearts, full devotion, and readiness for the coming judgment.

🌀 Reflection: The kingdom of God is worth more than anything else we could ever possess. Are you living as though it is your greatest treasure, shaping your decisions, priorities, and joy?

💬 Mission Challenge: This week, share one “treasure” truth you’ve learned from Jesus with someone who does not yet know him.

Click here for Matthew 12 audio:

---

Read it. Pray it. Share it. Live it.

Jesus’ growing conflict with the Pharisees came to a head when they accused His disciples of breaking Sabbath laws by picking grain (vv. 1–2). Jesus reminded them of David eating the bread of the Presence (vv. 3–4; 1 Sam. 21:1–6) and how the priests work on the Sabbath without guilt (v. 5), declaring that “something greater than the temple is here” (v. 6). He affirmed that the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath (v. 8) and showed the heart of the law by healing a man’s withered hand, proving it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath (vv. 9–13). Knowing they planned to destroy Him (v. 14), Jesus withdrew, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy of the gentle Servant who brings hope to the nations (vv. 15–21; Isa. 42:1–4). When the Pharisees accused Him of casting out demons by Satan’s power (vv. 22–24), Jesus pointed out that a divided kingdom cannot stand, declaring that His works by the Spirit proved the kingdom of God had come (vv. 25–28). He warned that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit—persistently rejecting His work—would never be forgiven (vv. 31–32), and that words reveal the heart and will be judged (vv. 33–37).

The Pharisees demanded a sign, but Jesus offered only the “sign of Jonah”—His death and resurrection (vv. 38–40). He warned that Gentiles like the Ninevites and the queen of the South would condemn this generation for rejecting One greater than Jonah and Solomon (vv. 41–42). Using the picture of an unclean spirit returning with more spirits, He showed that rejecting Him leaves a person worse off than before (vv. 43–45). When told His mother and brothers were outside, Jesus redefined family as those who do the will of His Father (vv. 46–50).

🌀 Reflection: In this chapter, Jesus shows that following Him is about more than keeping rules—it’s about knowing Him as Lord and living in step with His Spirit. Where do you need to shift from religious routine to a living relationship with Him?

💬 Mission Challenge: Look for a practical way to “do good” for someone today, even if it interrupts your schedule, just as Jesus did on the Sabbath.

Click here for Matthew 11 audio:

---

Read it. Pray it. Share it. Live it.

After instructing His disciples, Jesus continued to teach and preach (v. 1). John the Baptist, in prison, sent his disciples to ask if Jesus was truly “the one who is to come” (vv. 2–3). Jesus pointed to the signs of the Messiah foretold by Isaiah—the blind see, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news preached to them (vv. 4–5; Isa. 35:5–6, 61:1). He urged them not to be offended by God’s plan, even if it didn’t match their expectations (v. 6). Jesus then told the crowds that John was more than a prophet—he was the promised messenger who would prepare the way (vv. 9–10; Mal. 3:1, 4:5–6)—yet the least in the kingdom is greater because they live in the fullness of the new covenant (v. 11). He rebuked “this generation” for rejecting both John’s call to repentance and His own ministry of grace (vv. 16–19).

Jesus then warned the unrepentant cities where most of His miracles had been done—Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum—that their judgment would be worse than that of Tyre, Sidon, and even Sodom (vv. 20–24). He thanked the Father for revealing the truths of the kingdom not to the “wise” but to those with childlike faith (vv. 25–26). Claiming unique authority given by the Father (v. 27), Jesus invited all who are weary and burdened to come to Him for rest. His yoke is easy, and His burden is light because He is gentle and lowly in heart, giving true rest for the soul (vv. 28–30).

🌀 Reflection: Have you ever found yourself questioning God because His plan didn’t match your expectations, like John did in prison? Jesus’ answer to John still speaks today—look at what He has done and is doing. His power to heal, forgive, and save is proof that He is the promised Savior, even when life feels heavy or confusing.

💬 Mission Challenge: Share Matthew 11:28 with someone you know who feels burdened or tired, and tell them how Jesus has given you rest in Him.

Click here for Matthew 10 audio:

---

Read it. Pray it. Share it. Live it.

Jesus called His twelve disciples and gave them His authority to cast out demons and heal diseases (v. 1). He then sent them on a mission to the lost sheep of Israel, telling them to preach that the kingdom of heaven was near and to freely give what they had received—God’s power and mercy (vv. 5–8). They were to travel light, trust God for provision, and bring peace where they were welcomed (vv. 9–13). But if a town rejected the message, they were to shake off the dust as a sign of warning (v. 14).

Jesus also prepared them for hard days ahead. He warned that they would face persecution, hatred, and even betrayal by family members, but He encouraged them not to be afraid. God would give them the words to say when they were on trial (vv. 16–20), and He reminded them that they were deeply valued by their heavenly Father—even the hairs on their heads were numbered (vv. 29–31). Still, following Jesus would divide families and demand full allegiance (vv. 34–37). Disciples must take up their cross and follow Him—even if it costs them everything (vv. 38–39).

Welcoming Jesus’s messengers meant welcoming Jesus Himself—and God would reward even the smallest act of kindness done in His name (vv. 40–42). This chapter shows that being sent by Jesus is both a great privilege and a great cost. But the King is worth it.

🌀 Reflection:
Am I following Jesus with full surrender, even when it costs me comfort, approval, or control?

💬 Mission Challenge:
Find a way to serve or encourage someone who is helping others know Jesus—support a missionary, your pastor, or a gospel worker (v. 41).

Click here for Matthew 9 audio:

---

Read it. Pray it. Share it. Live it.

Jesus kept showing His authority—this time not just to heal, but also to forgive sins. When a paralyzed man was brought to Him, Jesus first told him, “Your sins are forgiven” (v. 2). That made the religious leaders angry, but Jesus showed He had the power to forgive by also healing the man (vv. 5–7). Then He called Matthew, a tax collector, to follow Him (v. 9). When Jesus ate with Matthew and other “sinners,” He explained that He came not for those who thought they were good enough, but for those who knew they needed mercy (vv. 10–13). Jesus reminded the people that He hadn’t come to patch up the old ways but to bring something totally new—like new wine in new wineskins (vv. 16–17).

More miracles followed: a woman who had been bleeding for twelve years was healed when she touched Jesus’s clothes (vv. 20–22), and Jesus raised a young girl from the dead (vv. 23–25). Two blind men were healed because they believed Jesus could do it (vv. 27–30), and a mute man spoke after Jesus cast out a demon (vv. 32–33). Still, some of the Pharisees rejected Him and claimed His power came from demons (v. 34). But Jesus kept going, teaching, healing, and preaching the gospel everywhere He went (v. 35).

🌀 Reflection:
Do I see people the way Jesus does—with compassion and a heart to help them know God?

💬 Mission Challenge:
Pray that God would raise up more people to share the gospel—maybe even you (v. 38)!

Click here for Matthew 8 audio:

---

Read it. Pray it. Share it. Live it.

After preaching with authority, Jesus now shows His authority through powerful miracles. He heals a man with leprosy just by touching him (vv. 2–3), heals a Roman centurion’s servant from far away with just a word (vv. 5–13), and heals Peter’s mother-in-law with a touch (vv. 14–15). By evening, He was healing many and casting out demons, fulfilling Isaiah’s words that the Messiah would take our sicknesses and carry our diseases (v. 17).

But Jesus didn’t come just to do miracles—He also came to call people to follow Him. When someone said they’d go wherever Jesus went, Jesus warned that following Him might mean not even having a place to sleep (vv. 19–20). When another wanted to wait, Jesus said, “Follow Me” now (v. 22). Then, when a storm threatened the disciples on the sea, Jesus calmed it with a command, and they were amazed (vv. 23–27). Even the winds and waves obey Him! Finally, Jesus crossed into Gentile territory and cast demons out of two men (vv. 28–32), but the townspeople, more worried about their pigs than people, asked Him to leave (v. 34).

🌀 Reflection:
Am I more interested in what Jesus can do for me, or am I ready to follow Him no matter the cost?

💬 Mission Challenge:
Encourage someone today who’s walking through a storm. Remind them that Jesus is still in control—and still in the boat with them.

Click here for Matthew 7 audio:

---

Read it. Pray it. Share it. Live it.

Jesus ends the Sermon on the Mount by turning our attention to how we relate to others and how we respond to Him. He warns us not to judge others harshly or with pride, especially when we haven’t first looked at our own hearts (vv. 1–5). At the same time, we are called to be discerning (v. 6). Jesus invites us to ask, seek, and knock—to keep coming to our Father in prayer with confidence that He loves to give good gifts (vv. 7–11). Then, in one powerful sentence, He sums up the law and the prophets with what we call the Golden Rule: treat others how you want to be treated (v. 12).

Jesus gives four warnings to close His sermon: there are two gates (vv. 13–14), two kinds of prophets (vv. 15–20), two kinds of disciples (vv. 21–23), and two foundations for life (vv. 24–27). The narrow road to life is hard and few find it, but it leads to Jesus. The wide road is easy, but it leads to destruction (vv. 13–14). Some may appear to speak for God, but their lives prove otherwise (vv. 15–20). Even those who say “Lord, Lord” can be far from Jesus if they don’t truly know Him and obey Him (vv. 21–23). The wise person listens to Jesus’s words and lives by them—like building a house on a rock that can’t be shaken (vv. 24–27).

🌀 Reflection:
What kind of foundation is my life built on? Am I only hearing Jesus’s words—or am I putting them into practice?

💬 Mission Challenge:
Take time today to encourage someone who may be walking the “narrow road.” Speak truth, show grace, and pray for them by name.

Click here for Matthew 6 audio:

---

Read it. Pray it. Share it. Live it.

Jesus warns us not to do good things just to be seen by others (v. 1). Whether giving, praying, or fasting, God is more interested in our hearts than in a show (vv. 2–18). When we pray, we don’t need long, fancy words—just a real relationship with our Father. Jesus gives us a model prayer that puts God first and reminds us to depend on Him every day (vv. 9–13). Forgiveness is so important that Jesus ties receiving it from God with offering it to others (vv. 14–15). Even in fasting, God looks for humble hearts that want to please Him, not impress people (vv. 16–18).

Jesus also reminds us not to chase after money or stuff, but to treasure what lasts—heavenly things (vv. 19–21). We can’t serve both God and money (v. 24). Instead of worrying about what we eat, wear, or need, we’re invited to trust that our loving Father sees us, knows us, and cares for us (vv. 25–32). Our focus should be to seek God’s kingdom and His righteousness, trusting that everything else will fall into place (v. 33). Worrying about tomorrow doesn’t help today—God gives grace for each day as it comes (v. 34).

🌀 Reflection:
Do I serve God with a sincere heart, or do I care more about what others see? What would it look like today to trust Him instead of worry?

💬 Mission Challenge:
Look for a quiet way to give, serve, or encourage someone today—not for credit, but for Christ. Let it be just between you and God.

Click here for Matthew 5 audio:

---

Read it. Pray it. Share it. Live it.

Jesus sits down on a mountainside and begins to teach—and what He says turns the world upside down. In the Beatitudes, He blesses the poor in spirit, the mourning, the meek, and those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (vv. 1–12). His words show us what life in the Kingdom of Heaven is like—full of grace, humility, mercy, purity, and peace. These are the traits that mark true followers of Jesus, not worldly power or wealth.

He calls His people to be salt and light—to preserve what is good and shine His truth into a dark world (vv. 13–16). Then Jesus explains He didn’t come to do away with the law, but to fulfill it (v. 17). In fact, His standards go even deeper than what the law says—He cares not only about our actions, but also our hearts. Anger, lust, lies, revenge—He addresses them all (vv. 21–48). But instead of giving rules to follow, He shows us how to love. He calls us to forgive, to be truthful, and even to love our enemies. Jesus is not just after behavior change—He wants to transform us from the inside out.

🌀 Reflection:
Jesus doesn’t just want you to avoid doing wrong—He wants you to love what’s right. Where do you need His help to live out His kingdom values today?

💬 Mission Challenge:
Shine your light today—do something kind, forgiving, or generous that points someone to Jesus and the hope we have in Him.