The Ten Lepers

Luke 17.11-19

In this story ten lepers were healed by Jesus, but only one comes back to express his gratitude. The emphasis of this story is not merely on gratitude as a virtue. Jesus gives us many good gifts, but God’s intention is that, as we encounter his loving kindness, it would ultimately bring us back to him so that we can totally be made whole.  

Continue reading → The Ten Lepers

The Fishy Temple Tax

Matt. 17:24–27

The leaders of Jerusalem required a temple tax from the people. Jesus knew however that he wasn’t obligated to pay God to be his father. He accepted that as a gift. We learn that we do not need to pay to be God’s children! If God provides his love as a free gift, we can trust him to also provide in other areas in our lives. 

Continue reading → The Fishy Temple Tax

Matthew’s Feast

Luke 5.27–32

Jesus called Matthew to follow him and he responded by leaving his job as a tax collector and becoming Jesus’ disciple! Later Matthew hosted a feast at his house and he invited other tax collectors and sinners to eat with Jesus. It was his way of celebrating that Jesus was happy to be friends with them, even though none of them were perfect.

Continue reading → Matthew’s Feast

Everlasting Father

Isaiah describes the Messiah as Everlasting Father! A good father loves and provides for his family. Jesus came to show us our Heavenly Father so that we can be children of God and experience love that will never ever run out. There are a number of attributes associated with the description of the Messiah as a father, but for the sake of this lesson we will focus on love that lasts forever! Continue reading → Everlasting Father