Category Archives: Word of God

Click here for Matthew 28 audio:

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

At dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb (v. 1). A great earthquake shook the ground as an angel rolled back the stone, his appearance blazing like lightning, leaving the guards paralyzed with fear (vv. 2–4). The angel told the women, “He is not here, for he has risen, as he said” (v. 6; cf. 12:40; 16:21), and instructed them to tell the disciples to meet Jesus in Galilee (v. 7). On the way, Jesus Himself met them, greeted them, and received their worship, again sending them to tell His brothers the good news (vv. 8–10). Meanwhile, the chief priests bribed the soldiers to spread a false story that the disciples stole the body (vv. 11–15).

In Galilee, the eleven disciples met Jesus on the mountain He had appointed (v. 16). They worshiped Him, though some doubted (v. 17). Jesus declared, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (v. 18) and gave the Great Commission—to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all He commanded (vv. 19–20). He promised His presence always, to the very end of the age (v. 20). Matthew’s Gospel closes with the risen King commissioning His people for a mission that spans the globe and all of history.

Key Verse: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19).

🌀 Reflection: The resurrection changes everything. Jesus is alive, and His authority is absolute. His mission is not optional—it’s the calling of every believer. How will you personally live out the Great Commission this week?

💬 Mission Challenge: Share the good news of Jesus’ resurrection with one person today, and invite them to explore who He is and what He has done.

Click here for Matthew 27 audio:

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Matthew 27 records the events of Jesus’ trial, crucifixion, death, and burial. Judas, filled with remorse, returns the thirty pieces of silver and hangs himself (vv. 3–10). Jesus is brought before Pilate, who, though recognizing His innocence, hands Him over to be crucified under pressure from the crowd (vv. 11–26). Soldiers mock Jesus, dressing Him in a scarlet robe and placing a crown of thorns on His head before leading Him to Golgotha (vv. 27–31). Simon of Cyrene is compelled to carry His cross, and Jesus is crucified between two criminals (vv. 32–44). From noon until three, darkness covers the land, and Jesus cries out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” before yielding His spirit (vv. 45–50). At His death, the temple curtain is torn in two, the earth quakes, and a centurion confesses, “Truly this was the Son of God!” (vv. 51–54).

Joseph of Arimathea lays Jesus’ body in his own new tomb, sealing it with a large stone (vv. 57–61). The chief priests and Pharisees, remembering Jesus’ prediction that He would rise, request Pilate to secure the tomb to prevent the disciples from stealing His body. A guard is posted, and the tomb is sealed (vv. 62–66). This chapter is the somber climax of Matthew’s Gospel, showing the depth of Jesus’ suffering, the reality of His death, and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, all preparing for the victory to come.

🌀 Reflection: The cross is where God’s justice and mercy meet. Jesus, the sinless One, bore our guilt, experiencing separation from the Father so we could be reconciled to Him. The tearing of the temple curtain signals that the way to God is now open—not through repeated sacrifices, but through the once-for-all sacrifice of Christ (Hebrews 10:19–22). As we consider the cost of our salvation, may it lead us to deeper worship, repentance, and gratitude.

💬 Mission Challenge: Share with someone today why the cross is central to your faith, and invite them to read Matthew 27 with you.

Click here for Matthew 26 audio:

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The religious leaders plotted to arrest and kill Jesus (vv. 1–5). While He was in Bethany, a woman anointed Him with expensive ointment, which Jesus said prepared Him for burial (vv. 6–13). Judas agreed to betray Him for thirty pieces of silver (vv. 14–16). At the Passover meal, Jesus told His disciples that one of them would betray Him, then instituted the Lord’s Supper, pointing to His body and blood given for the forgiveness of sins (vv. 17–30). He predicted Peter’s denial (vv. 31–35) and prayed in deep sorrow in Gethsemane, submitting to the Father’s will while the disciples slept (vv. 36–46). Judas arrived with a crowd to arrest Him; Jesus was seized, and the disciples fled (vv. 47–56).

Jesus was brought before the high priest and the council, where false witnesses accused Him (vv. 57–68). When asked if He was the Christ, the Son of God, Jesus affirmed it, and they condemned Him to death, mocking and striking Him. Meanwhile, Peter denied Jesus three times, just as predicted, and wept bitterly when he realized what he had done (vv. 69–75). This chapter shows Jesus moving with purpose toward the cross, even as friends failed Him and enemies plotted against Him, fulfilling God’s plan for our salvation.

🌀 Reflection: In Gethsemane, Jesus surrendered completely to the Father’s plan, even when it meant suffering and death. Following Him means learning to trust God’s will, even when it’s hard.

💬 Mission Challenge: Pray about an area of your life where you’ve been resisting God’s will. Choose one way today to obey Him in that area.

Click here for Matthew 25 audio:

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Jesus told three parables about His return. First, the parable of the ten virgins teaches that only those prepared will enter the kingdom when the bridegroom comes (vv. 1–13). Five wise virgins brought extra oil for their lamps; five foolish ones did not. When the bridegroom arrived, the prepared went in with Him, and the door was shut. The others were refused, and Jesus warned to “watch” because no one knows the day or hour (v. 13). Next, in the parable of the talents, a man entrusted three servants with different amounts to manage while he was away (vv. 14–30). Two invested and doubled their master’s money, receiving his praise and greater responsibility. The third hid his talent out of fear and laziness, losing even what he had and being cast into outer darkness. The lesson is that Jesus’ followers must faithfully use what He has entrusted to them while waiting for His return.

Finally, Jesus described the final judgment, when the Son of Man will come in glory and separate people like a shepherd separates sheep from goats (vv. 31–33). The “sheep” on His right inherit the kingdom because their care for “the least of these” was service to Christ Himself (vv. 34–40). The “goats” on His left are condemned to eternal fire for failing to show such compassion, revealing hearts that never truly belonged to Him (vv. 41–46). The chapter calls believers to readiness, faithful stewardship, and love for fellow believers in need, knowing that these are inseparable from a true relationship with Jesus.

🌀 Reflection: Jesus’ return will come without warning, and once He comes, there will be no second chances. Readiness means living each day with faith, using the gifts and opportunities God has given you, and loving others as if you were serving Jesus Himself.

💬 Mission Challenge: Do one act of intentional kindness this week for a fellow believer in need—whether through encouragement, help, or provision—seeing it as service to Christ.

Click here for Matthew 24 audio:

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Jesus left the temple, and His disciples pointed out its buildings, but He told them that not one stone would be left on another (v. 2). Later, on the Mount of Olives, they asked Him about the timing of His coming and the end of the age (v. 3). Jesus warned them not to be led astray—many would come claiming to be Him, and there would be wars, famines, and earthquakes (vv. 4–8). These troubles would lead to persecution, betrayal, false prophets, and growing lawlessness, but the one who endures to the end will be saved, and the gospel will be proclaimed to all nations before the end comes (vv. 9–14). He spoke of the “abomination of desolation” foretold by Daniel, urging those in Judea to flee when it appears (vv. 15–20). Great tribulation would come, unlike anything before, but for the sake of the elect, those days would be cut short (vv. 21–22). False christs and prophets would arise with signs to deceive, but Jesus warned not to believe them (vv. 23–28). After this tribulation, the sun and moon will darken, the stars will fall, and the Son of Man will appear with power and glory, sending His angels to gather His elect (vv. 29–31).

Jesus told a parable of the fig tree—just as new leaves signal summer, so these signs will signal His nearness (vv. 32–33). He said His words will never pass away, though heaven and earth will (v. 35). But no one knows the day or hour—not even the angels, only the Father (v. 36). His coming will be sudden, like in Noah’s day when people were unprepared (vv. 37–39). Two will be in the field; one will be taken, the other left (vv. 40–41). Therefore, His followers must stay ready, like a homeowner who keeps watch for a thief (vv. 42–44). Jesus ended with a contrast: the faithful servant, ready for his master’s return, will be blessed, but the wicked servant, unprepared and living for himself, will face judgment (vv. 45–51).

🌀 Reflection: The call to “stay awake” is not about predicting dates—it’s about living faithfully today. Jesus wants His people to endure, to proclaim the gospel, and to live with hearts ready for His return, no matter when it comes.

💬 Mission Challenge: This week, let someone know why you’re living for something—and Someone—beyond this world. Share the hope of Jesus’s return with them.

Click here for Matthew 23 audio:

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Jesus warned the crowds and His disciples about the hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees. They taught the Law of Moses but failed to live it, burdening people with manmade rules while seeking honor for themselves (23:1–12). He then pronounced seven woes against them for shutting people out of the kingdom, making misguided converts, creating meaningless oath distinctions, tithing tiny spices while neglecting justice, mercy, and faithfulness, focusing on outward appearances instead of inner purity, and pretending to honor the prophets while sharing in their ancestors’ guilt (23:13–32). These leaders, like a brood of vipers, would face judgment for persecuting and killing God’s messengers (23:33–36).

Jesus ended with a lament over Jerusalem, grieving how often He had longed to gather and protect His people, but they were unwilling (23:37). Because of their rejection, their “house” would be left desolate, a prophecy fulfilled in A.D. 70 with the temple’s destruction (23:38). Yet one day they will again say, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord” (23:39; Psalm 118:26).

🌀 Reflection: Jesus values humility and servant-heartedness far more than public recognition. Where might you be tempted to appear righteous instead of being transformed from the inside out?

💬 Mission Challenge: Serve someone today in a way that draws no attention to yourself—point their gratitude to Jesus instead.

Click here for Matthew 22 audio:

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Jesus told a parable comparing the kingdom of heaven to a king who prepared a wedding feast for his son (22:1–14). Those first invited refused to come, mistreating and even killing the king’s servants, so the king punished them and invited others—both “bad and good”—to fill the banquet hall (22:8–10). Yet one man, without the proper wedding garment, was cast out, showing that we must come to God on His terms, clothed in the righteousness He provides (22:11–13; Isaiah 61:10). When Pharisees tried to trap Jesus about paying taxes to Caesar, He replied, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s” (22:21), showing that allegiance to God is supreme. The Sadducees, who denied the resurrection, posed a trick question about marriage in the afterlife. Jesus answered that in the resurrection there is no marriage, and proved from Exodus 3:6 that God is “the God of the living” (22:23–33).

A lawyer then asked which commandment was the greatest, and Jesus responded with two: love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself—on these two depend all the Law and the Prophets (22:34–40; Deuteronomy 6:5; Leviticus 19:18). Finally, Jesus questioned the Pharisees about the Messiah’s identity. They said He was the son of David, but Jesus quoted Psalm 110:1 to show that David called the Messiah “Lord,” revealing that the Christ is greater than David and more than merely his descendant (22:41–46). Unable to answer, His opponents stopped questioning Him.

🌀 Reflection: Loving God fully will naturally overflow into loving people well. Which of these loves needs more attention in your life today?

💬 Mission Challenge: Show love for your neighbor today in a tangible way—serve, encourage, or pray with someone who needs it.

Click here for Matthew 21 audio:

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As Jesus approached Jerusalem, He entered riding a donkey, fulfilling prophecy and declaring Himself the humble King (21:1–11; Zechariah 9:9). The crowds shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” and spread cloaks and branches before Him. Once inside the city, Jesus cleansed the temple, driving out merchants who were turning God’s house into a den of robbers (21:12–13; Isaiah 56:7; Jeremiah 7:11). He healed the blind and lame, welcomed the praises of children, and spent the night in Bethany (21:14–17). The next day, Jesus cursed a fruitless fig tree, teaching His disciples about faith-filled prayer (21:18–22). When the chief priests challenged His authority, He exposed their hypocrisy with a question about John the Baptist, which they refused to answer (21:23–27).

Jesus told two parables against the religious leaders. In the first, two sons illustrate that true obedience is shown in action, not empty promises (21:28–32). In the second, wicked tenants kill the landowner’s servants and son, picturing Israel’s rejection of God’s prophets and His own Son (21:33–41). Jesus warned that the kingdom would be taken from them and given to those producing its fruit (21:42–44; Psalm 118:22–23). Realizing the parables were about them, the leaders wanted to arrest Him, but they feared the crowds (21:45–46).

🌀 Reflection: How can your life bear the kind of fruit that shows you belong to God’s kingdom (21:43)? True obedience is more than saying “yes” to God—it is following through with faithful action.

💬 Mission Challenge: Encourage someone today by pointing them to Jesus as the true King—share how He has changed your life.

Click here for Matthew 20 audio:

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Jesus told a parable about a vineyard owner who hired workers throughout the day, yet paid them all the same amount—a denarius (vv. 1–9). Those hired first complained, but the master reminded them that he had kept his promise and had the right to be generous to others (vv. 10–15). Jesus concluded, “So the last will be first, and the first last” (v. 16). On the way to Jerusalem, He told His disciples for the third time that He would be betrayed, condemned, mocked, flogged, crucified, and raised on the third day (vv. 17–19). The mother of James and John asked for her sons to sit at Jesus’s right and left in His kingdom, but Jesus taught that greatness in His kingdom comes through humble service, just as He came “not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (vv. 20–28). Leaving Jericho, two blind men cried out to Him as the “Son of David” and received both their sight and the chance to follow Him (vv. 29–34).

🌀 Reflection: God’s kingdom doesn’t work like the world’s. We tend to measure worth by effort, seniority, or achievement, but Jesus’s parable reminds us that entrance into His kingdom is by grace, not by human merit (Eph. 2:8–9). His generosity toward the “last” should stir humility in the “first” and joy in all who receive His mercy (Matt. 19:30). This truth is anchored in the greatest act of service—the Son of Man giving His life as a ransom for many. The One who had every right to be exalted chose to take the lowest position, showing us that greatness in God’s eyes comes through sacrificial love (Phil. 2:5–8).

💬 Mission Challenge: Serve someone this week in a way that costs you—your time, comfort, or resources—without expecting anything in return. Let your service be a small reflection of Jesus, who gave His life for you.