Woes into Wows pt 3: From Deceit to Truthfulness
In Matthew 23:16-22 Jesus addresses the issue of honesty. Why have a system that compels people to be truthful sometimes but not all the time? Every culture has a system for limiting dishonesty, but why...
Woes into Wows pt 2 – From delivering destruction to reproducing righteousness
In Matthew 23:13 -15 we see Jesus turn His focus to the impact the scribes and Pharisees are having in the lives of others. It’s a vital challenge to us as well, because we all...
Woes into Wows pt 1: From a few in the spotlight to a Church that burns bright
Matthew 23 is well known for the “woes” that Jesus speaks to the Scribes and Pharisees. The chapter is taken up with a stinging rebuke from Jesus, so it’s not the place you’d naturally turn...
Not what you were expecting? How the King God sent is greater than the king we are looking for.
After being tested by the religious leaders 3 times as they tried to prove to the crowds that Jesus could not possibly be the promised Messiah; Jesus now tests the religious leaders with a question...
Good Government Matters
As ANZAC Day approaches we’re very aware of how important good government is; and how devastating the consequences can be when governments go astray. With a federal election coming up in May, we turn our...
Good Friday 2022
Note: Check out the Good Friday Playlist on youtube to see the Bible readings from Lumo, followed by Mike’s reflection. Good Friday 2022 Reflection Questions (If you didn’t watch online, the manuscript for Mike’s talk...
The Empire Strikes Back ep4: The Greatest Commandment
Matthew 22:34-40 tells us about the last test from the religious leaders who are trying to split Jesus off from the crowds who love Him. They’ve tried money, politics & religion. This last test is...
The Empire Strikes Back ep3: Marriage
As the Sadducees tried to trip Jesus up with a question about the Scriptures and the life to come, He first dealt with their flawed approach to the Scriptures. Having explored that last week we...
The Empire Strikes Back ep1: God and Government
As the religious leaders respond to Jesus’ words of judgement in chapter 21 & the start of chapter 22, they realise that His popularity with the masses prevents them from acting openly. They devise several...
Signs of Life or Death – Matthew 21:23–22:14
After Jesus clears out the commercial operations in the temple courts the religious leaders come to challenge his authority. Who does he think he is to waltz in there and take charge like that? Jesus...