Gospel: Matthew 14:22-33 Matthew’s gospel typically portrays Jesus’ disciples as people of “little faith,” who fail despite their best intentions. In this story, Matthew shows how Jesus comes to the disciples when they are in trouble and sustains them in their time of fear and doubt. 22[Jesus] made the disciples get into the boat and...
Matthew 14:13-21 After John the Baptist is murdered, Jesus desires a time of solitude. Still, his compassion for others will not allow him to dismiss those who need him, and he is moved to perform one of his greatest miracles. 13Now when Jesus heard [about the beheading of John the Baptist], he withdrew from there in...
Gospel: Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 Throughout Matthew’s gospel, Jesus and his disciples proclaim the good news that “the kingdom of heaven is near!” Here, Jesus offers several brief parables that explore the implications of this announcement for people’s lives. 31[Jesus] put before [the crowds] another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and...
Gospel: Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 Jesus tells a parable about the coexistence of good and evil in this world. God’s judgment will remove all evildoers and causes of sin, but not until the end of human history. 24[Jesus] put before [the crowds] another parable: “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to someone who sowed good seed in his...
Gospel: Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 In Matthew’s gospel, both Jesus and his disciples “sow the seed” of God’s word by proclaiming the good news that “the kingdom of heaven is near.” Now, in a memorable parable, Jesus explains why this good news produces different results in those who hear. 1That same day Jesus went out of...
Gospel: Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 Jesus chides people who find fault with both his ministry and that of John the Baptist. He thanks God that wisdom and intelligence are not needed to receive what God has to offer. [Jesus spoke to the crowd saying:] 16“To what will I compare this generation? It is like children sitting...
Gospel: Matthew 10:40-42 When Jesus sends his disciples out as missionaries, he warns them of persecution and hardships they will face. He also promises to reward any who aid his followers and support their ministry. [Jesus said to the twelve:] 40“Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. 41Whoever welcomes...
Gospel: Matthew 10:40-42 When Jesus sends his disciples out as missionaries, he warns them of persecution and hardships they will face. He also promises to reward any who aid his followers and support their ministry. [Jesus said to the twelve:] 40“Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. 41Whoever welcomes...
GOSPEL: Matthew 9:35—10:8 [9-23] The mission of Jesus’ followers is to continue the mission of Jesus himself. Here, he instructs his first disciples as to how they might proclaim the gospel through their words and deeds. 35Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the good news of the...
GOSPEL: Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 Jesus demonstrates God’s mercy and power, accepting the unacceptable and curing the incurable. Even the dead receive new life. 9As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth; and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him. 10And as...
