Podcasts about Pharisees

Read OnlineJesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying, “The scribes and the Pharisees have taken their seat on the chair of Moses. Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example. For they preach but they do not practice.” Matthew 23:1–3Why do you do what you do? Even when our actions appear good, reverent, or charitable, they can be motivated by pride. The scribes and Pharisees struggled with this very sin. They often performed their acts of piety and charity not to glorify God but to win the praise of others. They were quick to judge others while failing to practice what they preached. This hypocrisy led many to view them with disdain. Therefore, Jesus' public rebukes of the religious leaders must have consoled those who had been mistreated under their leadership. His words provided both corrections and hope for those seeking authentic faith.Jesus condemns the religious leaders more than a dozen times throughout the Gospels, making them a significant aspect of His mission. Jesus came to bring both healing and truth, and confronting hypocrisy was necessary to restore justice within the community. But why did Jesus take such a firm stance against them? Wouldn't it have been easier to seek peace and unity through kindness, avoiding conflict and division?It's important to understand that true kindness is a fruit of charity. But for kindness to be truly charitable, it must always seek the good of the other. Charity is not merely about making people feel good; it is rooted in divine truth. If Jesus had simply said, “We should be nice to the scribes and Pharisees, no matter what,” this would not have been true charity. Jesus' rebukes sought to awaken the religious leaders from their spiritual blindness and protect the people from their harmful example. True charity often requires correction.In our own lives, we must also examine our motivations. Are our acts of piety and charity truly for the glory of God, or are they done to be seen and praised by others? When we embrace the Gospel, we must accept that we might sometimes hear uncomfortable truths. Genuine love does not shy away from correction but seeks the ultimate good of the other, even when it challenges us to change. Therefore, we must see ourselves as the scribes and Pharisees, needing rebuke and correction.Additionally, there are times when God uses us to correct others out of love. Parents do this for their children, guiding them with patience and tenderness so they may grow in virtue. In the same way, teachers are called to instruct their students, imparting knowledge and forming their character with care and wisdom. Spiritual directors, priests, and confessors gently guide souls on the path to holiness, helping them to discern areas of growth and sin, always in the light of God's mercy and truth.Reflect today on Jesus' charitable words to the scribes and Pharisees. First, hear Jesus' words spoken to you. Humble yourself so you are open to such loving rebukes. Allow yourself to become more aware of your pride and self-righteousness so that you can change. Also, be open to how God might want to use you to confront others charitably. While Jesus alone is the Judge, He sometimes uses us as instruments of His judgment for those open to hearing His voice through us. Humbly consider this role, allowing God to use you as He wills. Always speak with gentleness and love, imparting the hard truth another needs to hear, never with cruelty or harshness.My just Lord, Your just judgments flow from the unfathomable charity within Your Sacred Heart. You desire all men to be saved and to turn to You. Please humble me so that I never reject Your just judgments but receive them with joy so that I may repent and grow closer to You. I also place myself at Your service as an instrument of Your justice for others in accordance with Your will. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Jesus wakes lazarus by Robert Wilhelm Ekman  Source: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

The Pharisees weren't policing hygiene—they were policing holiness by human standards. In Mark 7, Jesus exposes how religion can drift into legalism: obsessing over external performance while the heart grows cold, empty, and hypocritical. This episode calls us back to grace-driven obedience—and a unity rooted in God's Word, not man-made rules.

Something NewMarch 1, 2026 • Devon Accardi • Luke 5:27–39, Luke 6:1–11In Luke 5:27–6:11, Jesus introduces something radically new: God's kingdom breaking in. Jesus calls Levi, a tax collector, out of his old life and then sits at a table with the tax collectors and sinners, insisting he came like a doctor for the sick—inviting the needy, not congratulating the self-righteous. When the Pharisees push back with their religious expectations, Jesus answers that his presence is like new wine that requires new wineskins, meaning grace can't be contained inside an old framework of rule-keeping and performance. He then confronts Sabbath legalism by declaring himself Lord of the Sabbath and healing a man in the synagogue, exposing hearts that care more about staying “right” than restoring what is broken. Communion Sunday then served as a tangible reminder that Jesus has brought a new covenant of mercy, forgiveness, and rest for anyone who will come.WEBSITE: https://fellowshipknox.org/INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/fellowshipknox/

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: March 1: Numbers 7-8; Mark 8 Click HERE to give! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on the Daily Radio Bible, a daily Bible‑in‑a‑year podcast with 20‑minute Scripture readings, Christ‑centered devotion, and guided prayer.This daily Bible reading and devotional invites you to live as a citizen of Jesus' kingdom, reconciled, renewed, and deeply loved. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible podcast for March 1st, 2026. On this special episode, Heather guides us through Day 60 of our journey in the scriptures. As we gather from all corners of the world, our focus is not just on the words themselves, but on how they point us to Jesus—the source of our life. Today's readings come from Numbers chapters 28 and 29, along with Mark 8. Heather begins by reminding us that the scriptures bear witness to Christ, and invites the Holy Spirit to illuminate God's Word so our hearts and minds may be transformed. We explore the detailed offerings and festivals described in Numbers, and witness Jesus' compassion and teachings in Mark, including the feeding of the 4,000, lessons on spiritual "yeast," and a powerful call to humility and gratitude. To wrap up, Heather leads us in prayers for guidance, unity, and thankfulness, encouraging us to be instruments of peace and to let the joy of the Lord be our strength as we go forward. If you want to join the newsletter or connect further, visit DailyRadioBible.com—and remember, you are loved! TODAY'S DEVOTION: Beware the yeast. There's something that can damage your hearing and your vision. It can even harden your arteries. Well, that might not be a clinical explanation of yeast in our lives, but it is a spiritual observation—an illustration that Jesus uses with his disciples. Watch out, beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and of Herod. They haven't a clue what he means. Jesus says, don't you know or understand even yet? Are your hearts too hard to take it in? You have eyes, can't you see? You have ears, can't you hear? Don't you remember anything at all? It seems that the yeast of the Pharisees could damage their hearing, their vision, their hearts, and even their memory. So Jesus wants them to be vigilant, to keep that yeast out of their houses and out of their lives. In Exodus, the children of Israel were told that before they could celebrate the Passover meal, they had to remove all yeast from their homes. Then they could sit down and enjoy the meal before them. It was a meal prepared from the hand of God, the result of his work and not their own. That's what getting rid of the yeast represented. The yeast represented the Pharisees' teaching of self-righteousness and self-justification. It represented their trying to make themselves right with God by their own piety, their attempted obedience to the law. Attempted obedience has never been our means of justification. No, we must rid ourselves of the yeast of self-righteousness in order to receive the righteous feast and life that is offered to us in Christ. That's why Jesus says, beware of the yeast. He calls us to rid ourselves of it so that we can see and hear clearly, to live well and hear well. He wants it gone so that we can enjoy the new heart he has given us, and enjoy the meal that comes from his hand. It is a meal that is abundant and feeds multitudes, with basketfuls left over. Let's be aware of the yeast of the Pharisees; it so easily spreads into everything we do. Instead, let's look to our Passover Lamb, prepared and offered to us out of the abundant and loving heart of our Father. He is the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world. Jesus has taken it away, and he offers us the feast of his life even now, today. It cannot be earned. It simply must be received. Ours is just to say thank you. Let gratitude and thankfulness be the disposition of our heart. Jesus took the bread and the cup, and he looked up to heaven and he gave thanks. So let us look up to heaven today and give thanks for the living bread, for the life that is given to us in Christ. It is a life without deceitfulness, without self-righteousness, and without self-promotion. It is a life of humility, kindness, and grace. Let us receive from him all that he has for us today. Be on guard. Be aware, and be alive in him. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose  through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen.   Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.   And now Lord,  make me an instrument of your peace.  Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon.  Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope.  Where there is darkness, light.  And where there is sadness,  Joy.  Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.  For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life.  Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ.  Amen.  OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL  

In this message, we examine Jesus’ parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector to understand why pride is uniquely difficult to recognize in ourselves. While anger feels dangerous and worry feels exhausting, pride feels justified—convincing us we’re still in control even as it cuts us off from God and others. Through this uncomfortable story, Jesus reveals that self-righteousness is incompatible with love and shows us how the tax collector’s simple prayer of humility—”God, have mercy on me, a sinner”—opens the door to genuine connection with God. The message challenges us to honestly examine our hearts for judgmentalism and superiority, reminding us that we all live by grace.

Today’s Topics: Joshua Charles joins Terry for Friday with the Fathers 1) Gospel –Matthew 5:20-26 – Jesus said to his disciples:  “I tell you,  unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter into the Kingdom of heaven. “You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment. But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment, and whoever says to his brother, Raqa,  will be answerable to the Sanhedrin, and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ will be liable to fiery Gehenna. Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court. Otherwise your opponent will hand you over to the judge, and the judge will hand you over to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Amen, I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.” Memorial of Saint Gregory of Narek, Abbot and Doctor of the Church Saint Gregory, pray for us! Bishop Sheen quote of the day 2, 3, 4) In Part 2, Terry and Joshua discuss Early Father of the Church: Saint Pope Leo the Great

Check out this great show from March 11, 2022! Ez 18:21-28 Who is the person that most wants us in heaven? Mt 5:20-26 Father explains who the Pharisees were Letters Laura asks who in Ezra descended from the house of David a listener writes in expressing her frustration with her parish priest Word of the Day: Righteousness Callers: A friend of mine said I don't need to pray that much for my sick wife because the Lord knows my intentions already. What do I say to him? What is the diff between a good Catholic and a good Christian?

Gospel Matthew 5:20-26 Jesus said to his disciples: "I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter into the Kingdom of heaven. "You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment. But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment, and whoever says to his brother, Raqa, will be answerable to the Sanhedrin, and whoever says, 'You fool,' will be liable to fiery Gehenna. Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court. Otherwise your opponent will hand you over to the judge, and the judge will hand you over to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Amen, I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.” Reflection The Pharisees were all about righteousness. And the mistake they made is that it didn't matter how you felt or what your intention was, as long as you did the action as perfectly as possible that was somehow pleasing to God. So the Ten Commandments could be followed very rigorously, but at the same time, Jesus is opening up a whole new way of seeing ourselves in our relationships. It's not simply about whether we do negative things to each other or must do good things to each other. It's where are you? What's your intention? The mind in the will can follow those kinds of commands that demand action. Only the heart which is promised to be filled with divinity can love. Can never want to do anything that limits a person's dignity, their value, their worth So the beauty of this passage is in keeping us in touch with our intentions. Caring for one another is the most righteous act that we can perform. Closing Prayer Father, open our hearts to the mystery of you within us so that we can turn to that beautiful presence and know that we can put on your disposition toward the world, toward each other. You are not a judging figure, but you are a forgiving figure. You are a teacher that gives us a sense of the importance of empathy and understanding of one another. Bless us with your way and not the way of a system that ignores the heart's intention. And we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are sheep and goats really that different? In Matthew 25, Jesus paints a powerful vision of feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and visiting the imprisoned. But is this story about sorting good people from bad people—or something much deeper?In this episode of Sunday School Remix, Pastor Nate reframes the “sheep and goats” passage not as a moral scoreboard about heaven and hell, but as an unveiling of God's heart for compassion. What if this isn't about fear of judgment—but about living with a bigger heart right now?What You'll Learn:Why this passage may not be a classic parable at allHow Jesus challenges rule-focused religionWhat “apocalyptic” really means in the BibleWhy compassion is central to the Kingdom of GodWhat sheep and goats biologically reveal about the messageChapters: 00:00 Are sheep and goats really that different? 00:40 Rethinking the “parable” of Matthew 25 02:00 Is this about heaven and hell? 02:45 Pharisees, rules, and missing compassion 05:00 What “apocalyptic” actually means 06:30 Jesus' vision of the Kingdom of God 08:30 A judgment for now—not just eternity 10:15 Why sheep and goats are so similar 12:00 The surprising difference: bigger hearts 13:30 What this means for us todayIf this episode gave you a new way to see a familiar passage, like this video, subscribe to the channel, and share it with someone who grew up hearing this story a different way.Connect with Bethany:

Read OnlineJesus said to his disciples: “I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter into the Kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:20Imagine a wife asked her husband to go to the supermarket and pick up a pound of potatoes. Being literal, he went to the store, found a pound of potatoes, picked them up, set them back down, and returned home. When his wife asks where the potatoes are, he explains that they're still at the store. Confused, she asks why he didn't bring them home, and he responds, “You only asked me to ‘pick them up.'”While this example might be humorous, it illustrates an essential truth about following instructions. The husband might have technically fulfilled the request but missed the deeper meaning. In much the same way, the scribes and Pharisees in Jesus' time scrupulously followed the letter of God's Law but often failed to grasp the spirit behind it.Jesus addresses this issue directly in today's Gospel. The Law, as given by God through Moses, was summed up in the Ten Commandments. But Jesus came to reveal the deeper meaning behind those commands. For example, He explains the true meaning of the commandment, “You shall not kill.”On the surface, one might think that as long as you don't physically murder someone, you are free from guilt. But Jesus shows that this commandment goes far beyond the act of murder. He reveals that the commandment also forbids less serious internal and external sins.Jesus identifies three levels of sin related to this commandment. First is anger. Anger is an interior disposition; of the three sins, it is the least severe. It begins with a judgmental thought or condemnation and often results in feelings of anger. Though feelings are not sinful, allowing anger to take root due to rash judgment or contempt is a sin, even if no further action is taken. Jesus warns that harboring anger makes a person “liable to judgment.”The second level of sin is verbal, specifically calling someone Raqa. This Aramaic term is a derogatory insult, meaning someone is empty-headed or worthless. Such an insult externalizes anger and reveals a more profound disdain for the person and a failure to recognize the person's worth in God's eyes. Speaking this way to someone shows a lack of respect for his or her dignity as a child of God. Jesus warns that those who commit this sin will be “answerable to the Sanhedrin.” In other words, not only will God hold them accountable, but they may also need fraternal correction from family, friends, or the Church if they fail to repent.The most serious offense Jesus mentions is calling someone, “You fool!” In biblical terms, calling someone a fool is more than just an insult; it is a condemnation of the person's character. In Scripture, a fool is someone who rejects God and lives in moral corruption, as in Psalm 14:1, “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.'” To call someone a fool, therefore, is to cast judgment on the person's soul, associating that individual with someone who is cut off from God's grace. Jesus is stern in His warning: those who condemn others this way will be “liable to fiery Gehenna.”Reflect today on Jesus' teaching about the deeper meaning of this and other commandments. Lent is a time of turning away from sin and returning to God. If you struggle with anger, examine its roots. If rash judgment is at the heart of it, seek God's mercy and repent to find peace. If you've hurt others with critical or condemning words, especially if you've judged their moral character, confess this grave sin and remember that God alone is the Judge. Strive to fulfill not only the letter of God's Law but also its spirit, and your life will bear abundant fruit.My meek and humble Lord, though You are merciful, You are also just. I turn to Your mercy today, seeking forgiveness and grace to overcome the sin of anger and all that comes with it. Free me from judgmental thoughts, and help me love others with Your merciful Heart. Jesus, I trust in You.Image via Adobe StockSource: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

Presented by Julie Busteed Does this sound familiar? “Cleanliness is next to godliness.” While cleanliness is certainly a good thing, this well-known saying isn't actually in the Bible. But Jesus does speak very clearly about what true cleanliness really is. What goes into someone's mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them (Matthew 15:11). To defile means to make unclean or impure. In the Old Testament, there were many dietary laws about what was permissible to eat. By the time of the New Testament, the Pharisees had added even more regulations, creating an elaborate and often burdensome system of external rules. In this passage, the Pharisees question Jesus because his disciples are not ceremonially washing their hands before eating. But as he so often does, Jesus goes straight to the heart of the issue. It's not about external rituals. It's about the condition of the heart. What you eat does not make you spiritually unclean. What flows out of your mouth—your words—reveal what is already inside. Words flow from the heart. Jesus explains it this way: Out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are what defile a person; but eating with unwashed hands does not defile them (Matthew 15:19–20). That's sobering. There are many proverbs in Scripture warning us about the power of the tongue. James tells us we must learn to tame it, comparing it to the small rudder of a ship—tiny, yet able to steer the entire vessel. In the same way, our words set the direction of our lives. But the tongue is only the messenger. The source is the heart. Ask yourself: What are you feeding your heart? What are you allowing into your mind and soul? Because whatever fills the heart will eventually overflow into your words and actions. True cleanliness begins on the inside. And that's where Jesus longs to do his transforming work.

Our Good News story for this week is one that shows up in one form or another in each of the four Gospels, a rarity to be sure. Luke's version tells it this way: an unnamed woman, known to be a "sinner," crashes a dinner party at a Pharisee's house to wash Jesus' feet with her tears, dry them with her hair, and anoint them with costly perfume. It's an intimate, extravagant, uncomfortable act...much, actually, like God's love for us. And in a wonderful flip, also the way we are to love others. It's a lot to consider in Lent, but we have 40 days...so let's dive in.

In this episode, Ken returns to the topic of the distinction between order - or law - and justice, and how for God order is important but justice for everyone is what is paramount. Ken shared the story of Jesus healing the man born blind in John chapter 9 , which he thinks depicts well this difference between people's emphasis on the law and God's emphasis on justice and ensuring the well being of everyone. In this story the Pharisees, who maintained religious order, insisted God couldn't be behind this miracle because he broke the Sabbath laws to heal the man. Their mental model was that anything of God must be based on the laws they'd created - on their order. But sometimes God breaks the order to bring justice. Ken invites us to think about this question, "How resistant are we to God changing our assumptions and beliefs and about how things work? Do we have enough humility to say, "I have a set of beliefs and assumptions about how things are supposed to go, and they don't always go that way. Sometimes God blows up my beliefs and assumptions, and sometimes God breaks the order in order to bring justice."The Pharisees in the story lacked humility and the capacity to have eyes to see what God was doing in their midst. What Ken invites us to think about is whether we allow God to have any room to be bigger than our rules. When people are taken advantage of because of the rules, God will intervene, because God always stands on the side of justice.This episode was recorded on February 20th, 2026.

11:37 And as he spake, a certain Pharisee besought him to dine with him: and he went in, and sat down to meat. 11:38 And when the Pharisee saw it, he marvelled that he had not first washed before dinner. 11:39 And the Lord said unto him, Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness. 11:40 Ye fools, did not he that made that which is without make that which is within also? 11:41 But rather give alms of such things as ye have; and, behold, all things are clean unto you. 11:42 But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. 11:43 Woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye love the uppermost seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets. 11:44 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are as graves which appear not, and the men that walk over them are not aware of them. 11:45 Then answered one of the lawyers, and said unto him, Master, thus saying thou reproachest us also. 11:46 And he said, Woe unto you also, ye lawyers! for ye lade men with burdens grievous to be borne, and ye yourselves touch not the burdens with one of your fingers. 11:47 Woe unto you! for ye build the sepulchres of the prophets, and your fathers killed them. 11:48 Truly ye bear witness that ye allow the deeds of your fathers: for they indeed killed them, and ye build their sepulchres. 11:49 Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall slay and persecute: 11:50 That the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation; 11:51 From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, It shall be required of this generation. 11:52 Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered. 11:53 And as he said these things unto them, the scribes and the Pharisees began to urge him vehemently, and to provoke him to speak of many things: 11:54 Laying wait for him, and seeking to catch something out of his mouth, that they might accuse him. 12:1 In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. 12:2 For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known. 12:3 Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops. 12:4 And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. 12:5 But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him. 12:6 Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? 12:7 But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows. 12:8 Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God: 12:9 But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God. 12:10 And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven. 12:11 And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say: 12:12 For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.

Our culture says the only failure in life is not trying—but Jesus defines success differently. In Mark 7:1–13, He challenges the Pharisees' empty traditions and reminds us that God isn't impressed by performance, but by surrender. True success isn't doing more for ourselves; it's doing God's will, in God's power, for God's glory. regular service is at 10am on Sundays. We are located at 304 E. Austin Ave in Hutto, TX. Can't make it in person? You are welcome to join us live on Facebook or YouTube. If you need prayer or you just need someone to talk to please reach out to us at prayer@huttocommunitychurch.org.HCC Website - HCC Facebook - HCC YouTube

38 Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered him, saying: Master we would see a sign from thee.Tunc responderunt ei quidam de scribis et pharisaeis, dicentes : Magister, volumus a te signum videre. 39 Who answering said to them: An evil and adulterous generation seeketh a sign: and a sign shall not be given it, but the sign of Jonas the prophet.Qui respondens ait illis : Generatio mala et adultera signum quaerit : et signum non dabitur ei, nisi signum Jonae prophetae. 40 For as Jonas was in the whale's belly three days and three nights: so shall the Son of man be in the heart of the earth three days and three nights.Sicut enim fuit Jonas in ventre ceti tribus diebus, et tribus noctibus, sic erit Filius hominis in corde terrae tribus diebus et tribus noctibus. 41 The men of Ninive shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they did penance at the preaching of Jonas. And behold a greater than Jonas here.Viri Ninivitae surgent in judicio cum generatione ista, et condemnabunt eam : quia poenitentiam egerunt in praedicatione Jonae. Et ecce plus quam Jonas hic. 42 The queen of the south shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold a greater than Solomon here.Regina austri surget in judicio cum generatione ista, et condemnabit eam : quia venit a finibus terrae audire sapientiam Salomonis, et ecce plus quam Salomon hic. 43 And when an unclean spirit is gone out of a man he walketh through dry places seeking rest, and findeth none.Cum autem immundus spiritus exierit ab homine, ambulat per loca arida, quaerens requiem, et non invenit. 44 Then he saith: I will return into my house from whence I came out. And coming he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished.Tunc dicit : Revertar in domum meam, unde exivi. Et veniens invenit eam vacantem, scopis mundatam, et ornatam. 45 Then he goeth, and taketh with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is made worse than the first. So shall it be also to this wicked generation.Tunc vadit, et assumit septem alios spiritus secum nequiores se, et intrantes habitant ibi : et fiunt novissima hominis illius pejora prioribus. Sic erit et generationi huic pessimae. 46 As he was yet speaking to the multitudes, behold his mother and his brethren stood without, seeking to speak to him.Adhuc eo loquente ad turbas, ecce mater ejus et fratres stabant foras, quaerentes loqui ei. 47 And one said unto him: Behold thy mother and thy brethren stand without, seeking thee.Dixit autem ei quidam : Ecce mater tua, et fratres tui foris stant quaerentes te. 48 But he answering him that told him, said: Who is my mother, and who are my brethren?At ipse respondens dicenti sibi, ait : Quae est mater mea, et qui sunt fratres mei? 49 And stretching forth his hand towards his disciples, he said: Behold my mother and my brethren.Et extendens manum in discipulos suos, dixit : Ecce mater mea, et fratres mei. 50 For whosoever shall do the will of my Father, that is in heaven, he is my brother, and sister, and mother.Quicumque enim fecerit voluntatem Patris mei, qui in caelis est, ipse meus frater, et soror, et mater est.

1 At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry, and they began to pluck heads of grain and to eat. 2 But when the Pharisees saw it, they said to him, “Look, your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath.” 3 He said to them, “Have you not read what David did when he was hungry, and those who were with him: 4 how he entered the house of God and ate the bread of the Presence, which it was not lawful for him to eat nor for those who were with him, but only for the priests? 5 Or have you not read in the Law how on the Sabbath the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath and are guiltless? 6 I tell you, something greater than the temple is here. 7 And if you had known what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,' you would not have condemned the guiltless. 8 For the Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath.”

Read OnlineWhile still more people gathered in the crowd, Jesus said to them, “This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it, except the sign of Jonah.” Luke 11:29Today's Gospel takes place during the midpoint of Jesus' public ministry. By this time, He had healed the sick, cast out demons, raised the dead, preached many powerful sermons, and changed many hearts. Despite that, many in the crowds did not believe in Him and demanded more signs.Additionally, the Pharisees were becoming increasingly hostile toward our Lord. In Luke's Gospel, they confront and criticize Jesus several times before this passage. In today's Gospel, Jesus addresses His rebuke to these Pharisees and the unbelieving crowds.If Jesus' generation was “an evil generation,” what would He say about our own? In many ways, we are becoming a global culture. While there are countless faithful followers of Christ worldwide, evil seems to be more pervasive today, perhaps more noticeable due to the ease of worldwide communication.Though Jesus delivered His sermons to specific people in His time, His words transcend time and are meant for every generation. When He says, “This generation is an evil generation…,” we must understand that He is also speaking to us today.When Jesus says His generation “seeks a sign,” He points out a common human temptation. Many approach the Gospel skeptically, demanding irrefutable proof that they should change their lives, believe in the Good News, and abandon sin. In today's world, some even glorify sin, treating virtue as outdated or foolish. This distorted outlook leads many to disregard the most important sign of all—Jesus' Death and Resurrection.Yet Jesus is clear: “…no sign will be given it, except the sign of Jonah.” Jonah's three days in the belly of the fish prefigured Jesus' three days in the tomb. In other words, Jesus' Death and Resurrection is the one and only sign given to us. This is striking because so many fail to pay attention to this ultimate sign of salvation. In the end, we can only change ourselves and hope that our conversion becomes a witness to others.Do you believe in this sign? Do you believe that Jesus' Life, Death, and Resurrection is the sole path to salvation? Most likely, you do. But how deep is that belief?Though Jesus performed many miracles during His earthly ministry, He did so as a response to the faith already present in those around Him. Today, the same is true. Physical miracles mean little compared to the saving Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Christ. They are merely reflections of the greatest miracle—eternal salvation. If you truly want to witness a miracle, turn to this supreme gift of grace and mercy. Believe with all your heart, and you will witness the transformation of your soul, which is the greatest miracle of all. Reflect today on Jesus' rebuke of the evil surrounding us, which demands proof but refuses to see the one sign that truly matters. The only proof Jesus offers is the grace that transforms us. When we discover and embrace this grace, we will know, believe, and be changed. Open your heart to the miracle of conversion that God desires to bestow upon you, and become a witness of Christ's greatest miracle for others to see. My miraculous Lord, though many in every age seek superficial signs, You offer the one true miracle that brings salvation—Your Life, Death, and Resurrection. Please help me to believe with unwavering faith, and protect me from the evil of this generation. Transform my heart so that I may be the fruit of the miracle You wish to give to the world. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Jonah by Lawrence OP, license CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.   Source: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

In Week 4 of The Real Jesus, Pastor Sean Klein challenges the idea that “ignorance is bliss” and reveals how, spiritually, ignorance can actually become a prison. Walking through Mark 2, we explore three powerful images, The Doctor, The Bridegroom, and The Gift, to uncover how the Pharisees misunderstood Jesus, religion, and even their own need for grace. This message invites us to confront where religion has distorted our view of God and rediscover the healing, joy, and freedom found in a real relationship with the God-King.

On the Road Again | Week 8 | Ken Miller--Now under Roman protection, Paul undergoes a series of interrogations to determine the nature of his arrest and the Jew's accusations against him. Paul's Roman citizenship will come into play, as well as his knowledge of the feud between the Pharisees and Sadducees. We will also examine the Jewish and Roman views of “the way” and explore the various characters in the story.--Notes

The Pharisees' Dilemma 

The truth be told, many spend more time determining which boots to wear than which fruits to wear. Faith is both a fruit and a gift of the Spirit. Many believers have been taught that faith is strengthened by repetition, but that's not true. If that were so, then the Pharisees and religious leaders would've been full of faith because they were known for repetition. Neither is faith strengthened by rituals, rule-keeping, or by chasing emotional highs. Faith is strengthened by one means—through revelation—the revelation of what Jesus has already finished on our behalf. 

This powerful message from Matthew 16 confronts us with a sobering reality: when our hearts grow hard, no amount of evidence will convince us of God's truth. We explore the dangerous intersection of spiritual blindness and cultural influence, examining how the Pharisees and Sadducees—two groups normally opposed to each other—united in their hostility toward Jesus. Despite witnessing countless miracles, they demanded yet another sign, revealing that their problem wasn't insufficient evidence but rather resistant hearts. The message warns us about the subtle leaven of false teaching that can permeate our lives through social media, entertainment, and cultural voices. We're challenged to examine what we're allowing into our minds and hearts—the podcasts we consume, the shows we stream, the influencers we follow. The ultimate invitation is to stop demanding God prove himself on our terms and instead surrender to the greatest sign already given: the cross and empty tomb.

In this episode, Tony Arsenal and Jesse Schwamb explore one of Scripture's most fascinating puzzles: the parable of the lost sheep appears in both Luke 15 and Matthew 18, yet teaches dramatically different lessons depending on its context. In Luke, it defends Christ's mission to seek the lost and exposes Pharisaic self-righteousness. In Matthew, it becomes a pastoral manual for church discipline, humility, and restoration. This conversation challenges the common assumption that parables have only one meaning and demonstrates how the same story can illuminate multiple theological truths. The hosts unpack the scandalous grace woven throughout both accounts while wrestling with practical implications for church life, confrontation, and the celebration of repentance within the covenant community. Key Takeaways Context transforms meaning: The parable of the lost sheep appears in both Luke 15 and Matthew 18 with similar wording but vastly different applications—proving that parables can have multiple valid meanings depending on their literary and theological context. Matthew 18's audience is internal: Unlike Luke 15, which addresses outsiders and critics, Matthew 18 speaks to disciples about life within the kingdom community—focusing on humility, care for "little ones," and the church's responsibility toward vulnerable or straying members. The parable sets up church discipline: In Matthew 18, the lost sheep parable (vv. 12-14) directly precedes and theologically grounds the church discipline passage (vv. 15-20), teaching that confrontation should be motivated by pastoral rescue, not punitive justice. "Little ones" matter to the Father: The phrase "little ones" refers to children, new believers, and those vulnerable within the church—Christ warns sternly against despising them and insists it is not the Father's will that any should perish (v. 14). Restoration is the goal, not excommunication: Verse 15's language of "gaining your brother" frames confrontation as recovery. Even final excommunication (v. 17) should be carried out with ongoing hope for repentance and return, not with triumphalism or relief. Christ's presence empowers difficult work: The promise that "where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them" (v. 20) is not a general prayer meeting verse—it's a specific assurance of Christ's authorizing presence during the judicial and painful work of church discipline. Divine intention shapes church posture: The statement "it is not the will of my Father...that one of these little ones should perish" (v. 14) must color every step of the discipline process, ensuring the church never loses sight of God's restorative heart. Explanatory Paragraphs Context Transforms Meaning One of the most significant insights from this episode is the recognition that the parable of the lost sheep serves distinct theological purposes in Luke 15 and Matthew 18. In Luke, Jesus tells the parable to Pharisees and scribes who criticize Him for welcoming sinners—the lost sheep represents those outside the covenant community whom Christ seeks. In Matthew, however, Jesus addresses His disciples within the context of kingdom life, and the lost sheep represents a believer who has wandered from the fold. This contextual shift demonstrates that parables are not rigid allegories with single meanings but flexible teaching tools that illuminate different facets of divine truth. The hosts argue that this reality should free interpreters from overly narrow readings and encourage careful attention to literary setting, audience, and surrounding discourse when seeking to understand Jesus' teaching. The Parable Sets Up Church Discipline In Matthew 18, the parable of the lost sheep (vv. 12-14) is not an isolated story but a theological foundation for the church discipline instructions that immediately follow (vv. 15-20). By emphasizing the shepherd's joy in recovering the one lost sheep and stating that it is not God's will for any "little one" to perish, Jesus prepares His disciples to approach confrontation with a restorative rather than punitive mindset. The language of "gaining your brother" (v. 15) echoes the recovery theme of the parable—confrontation is rescue, not victory. This connection is often missed because English Bible headings create visual breaks between verses 14 and 15, obscuring their flow. When read together without interruption, the passage reveals that every step of church discipline—from private conversation to final excommunication—must be undertaken with the Father's heart, which longs for the wanderer's return rather than their expulsion. Christ's Presence Empowers Difficult Work The promise in Matthew 18:20—"where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them"—is frequently misapplied as a general encouragement for small prayer groups or house churches. While Christ's omnipresence certainly validates such gatherings, the primary context of this verse is judicial and ecclesiastical. The "two or three" echoes the Old Testament requirement for multiple witnesses in matters requiring serious judgment (Deuteronomy 19:15), and the phrase appears at the climax of Jesus' teaching on church discipline. Christ is promising His authorizing presence specifically during the church's most difficult and painful work: confronting sin, evaluating repentance, and when necessary, declaring someone outside the visible church. This is both sobering and comforting—sobering because it reminds us that church discipline carries divine weight, and comforting because Christ does not leave His church alone in this weighty task but stands in the midst of the assembly, confirming its righteous judgments and sustaining its members through heartbreak. Memorable Quotes "This almost proves the idea that parables have one meaning just isn't really real...a single parable with the same words can have multiple, at the very least, can have multiple gradations of meaning." — Tony Arsenal "The scandal here is that it's not God's will that any one of these little ones should be lost. And that sometimes, I think, in the midst of great conflict feels scandalous." — Jesse Schwamb "Gaining your brother frames confrontation as rescue...discipline begins maybe actually all the way through as pastoral care. It's not public shaming." — Jesse Schwamb Full Transcript [The complete, unedited transcript of the episode would be included here for reference and accessibility.]

Matthew - The King has Come "Souls In Danger" (Matthew 12:33-42) In this episode of the McGregor Podcast, Russell Howard explores Matthew 12:33-42, focusing on the dangers facing souls that resist Christ's call. He unpacks Jesus' warnings to the scribes and Pharisees, addressing topics like the unpardonable sin, the importance of our words, and the significance of the sign of Jonah. Listeners are challenged to reflect on their speech, desires, and witness, and are reminded of the hope found in repentance and faith. Sermon Notes February 22, 2026 Russell Howard • Lead Pastor   Presented by McGregor Podcast 2026 Visit Our Website at McGregorPodcast.com

In John 3, Nicodemus comes to Jesus at night — confident, credentialed, fluent in the language of signs and law. But Jesus won't be managed. “Very truly,” he says — and when Jesus speaks, reality happens. The kingdom of God is not something you climb into; it is something spoken into you. You must be born from above — born of water and Spirit. Not a spiritual achievement. Not a better decision. A birth. Luther calls this passive righteousness: the Spirit blows where it wills, and you cannot command it. What flesh produces is flesh. What God speaks becomes life. This is not advice. It is promise.LENT CHALLENGE GRANTDouble your impact this Lenten season: if you sponsor an episode of Scripture First, a generous donor has agreed to double your donation. We greatly appreciate your support of the show. Learn more at lutherhouseofstudy.org/donateCARE OF SOULS - ADDICTIONIn Care of Souls, a special mini-series podcast from Luther House of Study, Lutheran pastors and theologians come together to explore the deeply personal and pastoral task of preaching to and caring for those struggling with life's challenging situations: addiction, death, family disharmony, and more. With conversations, real-life stories, and reflections from the front lines of ministry, Care of Souls equips listeners to enter the broken places of addiction not with easy answers, but with the crucified and risen Christ.Because in the end, it's not about fixing people—it's about preaching the Gospel.Listen to Care of Souls wherever you listen to podcasts or on the Luther House website: Care of Souls - AddictionGOSPEL John 3:1-171 Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. 2 He came to Jesus by night and said to him, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do apart from the presence of God." 3 Jesus answered him, "Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above." 4 Nicodemus said to him, "How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother's womb and be born?" 5 Jesus answered, "Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. 6 What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not be astonished that I said to you, 'You must be born from above.' 8 The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit." 9 Nicodemus said to him, "How can these things be?" 10 Jesus answered him, "Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things?11 "Very truly, I tell you, we speak of what we know and testify to what we have seen; yet you do not receive our testimony. 12 If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? 13 No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. 14 And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.17 "Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.Support the showInterested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First?Email Sarah at sarah@lhos.org or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate

The Pharisees literally talk to Jesus, but fail to see Him. Sometimes we do the same. Is Jesus a friend or an issue? Is He a person or merely a resource?

Are you following “the rules” or a person? “Unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.”

Your boss ... the king ... God: Three people you don't cheat! We've been reading from Mark chapter 12, and what has been called the Parable of the Tenants. By the time it was done, the Pharisees were practically indicting themselves as "wretches," "worthless" and "corrupt" - information that we get from Matthew's account. The parable and Jesus' later answers are connected, as Jim will show today. Listen to Right Start Radio every Monday through Friday on WCVX 1160AM (Cincinnati, OH) at 9:30am, WHKC 91.5FM (Columbus, OH) at 5:00pm, WRFD 880AM (Columbus, OH) at 9:00am. Right Start can also be heard on One Christian Radio 107.7FM & 87.6FM in New Plymouth, New Zealand. You can purchase a copy of this message, unsegmented for broadcasting and in its entirety, for $7 on a single CD by calling +1 (800) 984-2313, and of course you can always listen online or download the message for free. RS02232026_0.mp3Scripture References: Mark 11 & 12

In this sobering message from Matthew 12:9-14, we witness the moment the Pharisees cross the line from opposition to murderous conspiracy against Jesus—all because He healed a man on the Sabbath. By asking, "Is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath?" Jesus exposed their hardness of heart and demonstrated that He is indeed Lord of the Sabbath. But the healing itself isn't the main point; it's a sign of God's love and a confrontation of idolatry. The Pharisees valued their rules over people, their sheep over the sheep of God's flock, and their religious system over the Messiah Himself. In their darkened hearts, they conspired with their enemies—the Herodians, the Sadducees, and eventually Rome—to destroy Jesus. This passage reminds us that we still live in a world of darkness, spiritual attack, and conspiracy. But the answer to darkness is light: Jesus, the Word made flesh, the Good Shepherd who cares for His sheep. Whether you're under spiritual attack or actually partnering with darkness this message calls you back to the Light—the One who overcomes all darkness.

We're Still Learning Pt. 4 | February 22, 2026Pastor Wes Morris Mark 3:1-6 (NLT) Jesus went into the synagogue again and noticed a man with a deformed hand. Since it was the Sabbath, Jesus' enemies watched him closely. If he healed the man's hand, they planned to accuse him of working on the Sabbath.Jesus said to the man with the deformed hand, “Come and stand in front of everyone.” Then he turned to his critics and asked, “Does the law permit good deeds on the Sabbath, or is it a day for doing evil? Is this a day to save life or to destroy it?” But they wouldn't answer him.He looked around at them angrily and was deeply saddened by their hard hearts. Then he said to the man, “Hold out your hand.” So the man held out his hand, and it was restored! At once the Pharisees went away and met with the supporters of Herod to plot how to kill Jesus.✓ HARD HEARTS VALUE BEING RIGHT OVER BEING LOVING.I Corinthians 8:1 (TLB) Next is your question about eating food that has been sacrificed to idols. On this question everyone feels that only his answer is the right one! But although being a “know-it-all” makes us feel important, what is really needed to build the church is love.I Corinthians 13:2 (NIV) If I have all knowledge...but do not have love, I am nothing.✓ HARD HEARTS WITHHOLD COMPASSION TO STAY IN CONTROL.Mark 3:4 (NIV) Then Jesus asked them, “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they remained silent.✓ HARD HEARTS ALLOW SILENCE TO TURN INTO SEPARATION.Mark 3:6 (NLT) At once the Pharisees went away and met with the supporters of Herod to plot how to kill Jesus.When compassion is withheld, resentment grows.When conversations are avoided, conclusions are assumed.What goes unspoken eventually becomes destructive.Proverbs 4:23 (NIV) Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.LEARNING TO LOVE LIKE JESUS1. OPENNESS: GOD, I ASK YOU TO SEARCH MY HEART.Psalms 139:23–24 (NIV) Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”Q: Where do I need God to soften me - not fix someone else?2. HUMILITY: GOD, I REPENT HONESTLY AND QUICKLY.James 5:16 (NLT) Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.Q: Where has pride or defensiveness kept my heart from being open?3. LOVE: GOD, HELP ME LOVE PEOPLE THE WAY YOU LOVE THEM.John 13:34–35 (NIV) A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.Q: What would loving like Jesus look like in my relationships this week?

Listen to this week's sermon, Parables In Practice preached by Pastor Jason Dunn from Luke 5:27-29

n the Gospel of Luke, chapters 5 and 6, Jesus is not one to tiptoe around controversy. He wades right into the middle of it. He forgives sins, dines with sinners, and heals on the Sabbath, and the Pharisees are consumed with rage. What's there to be angry about with grace?In this sermon, we will examine the healing of the paralytic, the calling of Levi, and the Sabbath incidents, and discover a surprising truth: conflict was not the problem. It was the revelation of the heart. Jesus was not simply rebuking behavior, He was laying bare pride, challenging false security, and offering true grace.If you've ever wondered why following Jesus can be so uncomfortable, why the gospel is so awkward, or why Jesus confronts before He comforts, then this series is for you. The cross is not safe, but it is good. And the conflict of the cross is where restoration begins.Learn more about us:https://www.tulsabible.org/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/tulsabible/TBC - To know God, and make Him known.(Matt. 28. 18-20)

Circumcision was “the single clearest distinguishing feature of the covenant people.” When the gospel reached the Gentiles, a controversy broke out among the Jews, with some declaring, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” (Acts 15:1). Paul dealt with the issue of circumcision throughout his entire ministry. He was an expert in the Scriptures and a former Pharisee, so he was uniquely positioned by the Holy Spirit to bring clarity to the true meaning of circumcision. As the Holy Spirit-inspired author of Romans, he stated: “For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God.” (Rom. 2:28-29)Circumcision was a good thing, but it became a bad thing when the Jews sought to attach it to the finished work of Christ as necessary for salvation. As followers of Jesus, we must guard against creating any system that attaches human efforts to Christ's finished work. Even good things, like baptism and communion, have been attached by some to the finished work of Christ as necessary for salvation. We reject this view (Eph. 2:8-9), while seeking to uphold the crucial and essential nature of Biblically mandated Christian rituals. Jesus was circumcised and placed Himself under the Law. He perfectly kept the Law and thus redeemed those under the Law (Gal. 4:4-5). We are now in Christ! “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.” (Gal. 5:6)Take-Home Message: Circumcision is a matter of the heart.Circumcision ExplainedCircumcision Illustrated (25-27)Circumcision Applied (28-29)We must emphasize coming to Jesus and following Jesus as the true evidence of a believer.We must guard against adding requirements to the gospel. We must strive for unity with Christians of different backgrounds.

Reading 1Sirach 15:15-20If you choose you can keep the commandments, they will save you;if you trust in God, you too shall live;he has set before you fire and waterto whichever you choose, stretch forth your hand.Before man are life and death, good and evil,whichever he chooses shall be given him.Immense is the wisdom of the Lord;he is mighty in power, and all-seeing.The eyes of God are on those who fear him;he understands man's every deed.No one does he command to act unjustly,to none does he give license to sin.Reading 21 Corinthians 2:6-10Brothers and sisters:We speak a wisdom to those who are mature,not a wisdom of this age,nor of the rulers of this age who are passing away.Rather, we speak God's wisdom, mysterious, hidden,which God predetermined before the ages for our glory,and which none of the rulers of this age knew;for, if they had known it,they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.But as it is written:What eye has not seen, and ear has not heard,and what has not entered the human heart,what God has prepared for those who love him, this God has revealed to us through the Spirit.For the Spirit scrutinizes everything, even the depths of God.GospelMatthew 5:17-37Jesus said to his disciples:"Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets.I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.Amen, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away,not the smallest letter or the smallest part of a letterwill pass from the law,until all things have taken place.Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandmentsand teaches others to do sowill be called least in the kingdom of heaven.But whoever obeys and teaches these commandmentswill be called greatest in the kingdom of heaven.I tell you, unless your righteousness surpassesthat of the scribes and Pharisees,you will not enter the kingdom of heaven."You have heard that it was said to your ancestors,You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment.But I say to you,whoever is angry with his brotherwill be liable to judgment;and whoever says to his brother, 'Raqa,'will be answerable to the Sanhedrin;and whoever says, 'You fool,'will be liable to fiery Gehenna.Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar,and there recall that your brotherhas anything against you,leave your gift there at the altar,go first and be reconciled with your brother,and then come and offer your gift.Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court.Otherwise your opponent will hand you over to the judge,and the judge will hand you over to the guard,and you will be thrown into prison.Amen, I say to you,you will not be released until you have paid the last penny."You have heard that it was said, You shall not commit adultery.But I say to you,everyone who looks at a woman with lusthas already committed adultery with her in his heart.If your right eye causes you to sin,tear it out and throw it away.It is better for you to lose one of your membersthan to have your whole body thrown into Gehenna.And if your right hand causes you to sin,cut it off and throw it away.It is better for you to lose one of your membersthan to have your whole body go into Gehenna."It was also said,Whoever divorces his wife must give her a bill of divorce.But I say to you,whoever divorces his wife - unless the marriage is unlawful - causes her to commit adultery,and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery."Again you have heard that it was said to your ancestors,Do not take a false oath,but make good to the Lord all that you vow.But I say to you, do not swear at all;not by heaven, for it is God's throne;nor by the earth, for it is his footstool;nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King.Do not swear by your head,for you cannot make a single hair white or black.Let your 'Yes' mean 'Yes,' and your 'No' mean 'No.'Anything more is from the evil one."

Luke 15:1-7 ESV 1 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. 2 And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.” 3 So he told them this parable: 4 “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.' 7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.   • • • Ephesians 6:12 ESV 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.   • • • Luke 15:3-4 ESV 3 So he told them this parable: 4 “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it?   • • • 1. We Were All Lost   • • • Romans 3:23 ESV 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,   • • • Romans 6:20-23 ESV 20 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. 21 But what fruit were you getting at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. 22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.   • • • Romans 5:6-8 ESV 6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— 8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.   • • • Luke 15:5 ESV 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing.   • • • 2. Christ Came to Seek and Save the Lost   • • • John 3:16-17 ESV 16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.   • • • Luke 19:10 ESV 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”   • • • 1 Timothy 2:3-4 ESV 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.   • • • 2 Peter 3:9 ESV 9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.   • • • Luke 10:36-37 ESV 36 Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” 37 He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.”   • • • 3. Sinner's Repentance Leads to Heaven's Parties   • • • Luke 15:6-7 ESV 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.' 7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.   • • • Luke 15:9-10 ESV 9 And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.' 10 Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”   • • • Luke 15:22-24 ESV 22 But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. 23 And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.' And they began to celebrate.   • • • 4. Jesus Calls Us Both TOWARDS and AWAY   • • • Matthew 28:18-20 ESV 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 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, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”   • • • Luke 15:27-32 ESV 27 And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.' 28 But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, 29 but he answered his father, ‘Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!' 31 And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32 It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.'”   • • • Luke 11:29-30 ESV 29 When the crowds were increasing, he began to say, “This generation is an evil generation. It seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah. 30 For as Jonah became a sign to the people of Nineveh, so will the Son of Man be to this generation.   • • • Application: When we no longer care about seeking and saving the lost, we're at risk of becoming a Pharisee—the ones who "think they've got it figured out". We were once lost and have been rescued by Christ's love. Our view of the lost and the marginalized needs to be more like Christ's, for that is why He came.

Learn the four things God did not want the believer to copy from the Pharisee

Why does it feel so good to point out what's wrong? In Mark 7, the Pharisees find fault while standing in front of a miracle. Jesus responds with unsettling clarity. The real problem is not out there but in here. Beneath our criticism lies a craving to be right, and beneath that, a heart that cannot fix itself. This week we will see why self-improvement cannot save us and how only the cross can wake us up and set us free from the exhausting cycle of accusation. Series: The Gospel of Mark Speaker: Davis Johnson Hope Community Church - Downtown Minneapolis Download Message Slides For more resources or to learn more about Hope Downtown, visit hopecc.com/downtown.

After some heavy sections through the Sermon on the Mount, seeing the ministry of Jesus reflecting the Kingdom of God, and the confrontations between Jesus and the Pharisees, we get to settle into some parables. Parables are stories that reflect and express deeper themes using vivid imagery, metaphors, and simile. Parables were one of the primary styles of teaching from Jesus. On Sunday we will look at Matthew 13:1-23, “The Parable of the Sower.” This parable happens to also include an explanation from Jesus to His disciples. We will see the different ways that our hearts might respond to the gospel and to God's Word.------------------------------------------- Connect with us on Social Media ⁠Website⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠Threads⁠ | ⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠Vimeo⁠------------------------------------------- Download our App⁠Apple App Store⁠ | ⁠Google Play Store⁠

What does it look like to follow Jesus when life feels chaotic, uncertain, or overwhelming? In this message, Minister Mark Ashton continues our New Testament series by exploring four key moments in the life and ministry of Jesus: sermons, signs, the rock, and rebuke. Through the teachings of Matthew's Gospel, we see how Jesus plants kingdom truth like seeds in our hearts, demonstrates power over brokenness through miraculous signs, builds his church on a firm foundation, and lovingly confronts empty religion that keeps people from real relationship with God.Jesus' Sermon on the Mount reveals an upside-down kingdom where the overlooked and weary are called blessed. His signs show divine authority over disease, chaos, and spiritual darkness. At Caesarea Philippi, Jesus declares that he will build his church on the rock — a promise that still anchors believers today. And in his rebukes to the Pharisees, we see a clear invitation to move from performance-based religion toward grace, humility, and surrender.If you've ever wrestled with doubt, felt weighed down by expectations, or wondered how faith applies to real life, this message will help you rediscover the power and hope found in Jesus. Together, we remember that Christianity isn't about striving harder — it's about trusting what Jesus has already done and inviting his healing and transforming presence into our lives.Join us as we continue memorizing key New Testament moments and discovering how the kingdom of God reshapes our perspective, restores broken places, and calls us into a life built on the rock of Christ.

Sermons Archive RSS John 5: 1-16 After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2 Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew, Bethesda, having five porches. 3 In these lay a great multitude of sick people, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water. 4 For an angel went down at a certain time into the pool and stirred up the water; then whoever stepped in first, after the stirring of the water, was made well of whatever disease he had. 5 Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?”7 The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me.”8 Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” 9 And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked.And that day was the Sabbath. 10 The Jews therefore said to him who was cured, “It is the Sabbath; it is not lawful for you to carry your bed.”11 He answered them, “He who made me well said to me, ‘Take up your bed and walk.' ”12 Then they asked him, “Who is the Man who said to you, ‘Take up your bed and walk'?” 13 But the one who was healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, a multitude being in that place. 14 Afterward Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, “See, you have been made well. Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you.”15 The man departed and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well.16 For this reason the Jews persecuted Jesus, and sought to kill Him, because He had done these things on the Sabbath.Nehemiah 13:15 In those days I saw people in Judah treading winepresses on the Sabbath, and bringing in sheaves, and loading donkeys with wine, grapes, figs, and all kinds of burdens, which they brought into Jerusalem on the Sabbath day. And I warned them about the day on which they were selling provisions. Sermon Discussion Questions:What is profound about Jesus' question; Do you want to be made well?How does the man respond?What was wrong with the Pharisee's reaction to the healing?What can we learn from their mistake?

Click here to WATCH LIVE STREAM Worship Service on our Youtube Channel. That You May Believe, Part 4 John 2:1-11   John 20:30-31 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. John 2:1-11 On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. 2 Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples. 3 When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” 4 And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.” 5 His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” 6 Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. 7 Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. 8 And he said to them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast.” So they took it. 9 When the master of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom 10 and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now.” 11 This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him. John 2:1-2 On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. 2 Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples.   John 2:3 When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.”   John 2:4 And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.” John 2:5 His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”   John 2:6 Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons.   John 2:7-8 Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. 8 And he said to them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast.” So they took it.   John 2:9-10 When the master of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom 10 and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now.”   John 2:11 This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him.   Jesus provides a new and better covenant.   Jeremiah 31:31-34 “Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah, 32 not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, my covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, declares the LORD. 33 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 34 And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,' for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.” Mark 14:22-24 And as they were eating, he took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.” 23 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, and they all drank of it. 24 And he said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.   Jesus provides lasting purification. Mark 7:5-9 And the Pharisees and the scribes asked him, “Why do your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat with defiled hands?” 6 And he said to them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written, “‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; 7 in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.' 8 You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men.” 9 And he said to them, “You have a fine way of rejecting the commandment of God in order to establish your tradition!   Titus 3:4-7 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.   Hebrews 1:3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high   Jesus provides unending joy.   1 John 1:1-4 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— 2 the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us— 3 that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4 And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.   Mark 14:25 “Truly, I say to you, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”   Revelation 19:6-9 Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out, “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. 7 Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; 8 it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure”—for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints. 9 And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.”   Isaiah 55:1-3 “Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. 2 Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. 3 Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David.”   Respond | Connect | Next Steps The post John: That You May Believe appeared first on Charleston Baptist Church.

Gospel Luke 5:27-32 Jesus saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the customs post. He said to him, “Follow me.” And leaving everything behind, he got up and followed him. Then Levi gave a great banquet for him in his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were at table with them. The Pharisees and their scribes complained to his disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” Jesus said to them in reply, “Those who are healthy do not need a physician, but the sick do. I have not come to call the righteous to repentance but sinners.” Refection It's fascinating to me that the audience that was most open to Jesus were the people who somehow knew their need for something to change them. They were aware, as we might be aware, of something in our body that doesn't really feel right. And we go to someone and we say, What is it that we need to do or I need to do to take away this pain? People that know they are sinners carry a certain shame and a certain guilt that is healthy and Jesus comes to heal that. And it's terrifying to think that the Scribes and Pharisees never, ever thought about whether or not they were doing the will of God, which is taking care of people. They simply took care of themselves, and displayed themselves as examples of perfection. Closing Prayer Farther, it's fascinating that throughout the ministry that you had on this earth, there was this constant conflict between your work and the work of the religion that was destined to reveal you. It gives us a sense of the tension that will probably always be there between institutions and the work of God in our hearts. Help us to deal with this problem and to find a peaceful solution, knowing that the church, institutions are there to help. And yet they are always secondary to the work of God in our hearts. And we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

By Victor T Hou - The parable only takes 5 verses but carries important lessons. In this message, we discuss the overall point of the parable, which is clearly stated in the text. Then, we provide the important background of what was a Pharisee and what was a tax collector and how each was perceived by the society at

When Jesus frees a man from a demon, the crowd is amazed, but the Pharisees accuse Him of using dark powers—only to have their accusations dismantled by the One who holds true authority over all kingdoms.Amid growing tensions with the Pharisees, Jesus casts out a demon from a mute man, astonishing the crowd. As the Pharisees accuse Jesus of using demonic power, He exposes the absurdity of their claims and declares His authority, warning them that a divided kingdom cannot stand.Today's Bible verse is Matthew 12:25, from the King James Version.Download the Pray.com app for more Christian content including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Pray.com is the digital destination for faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friends of the Rosary,In today's Gospel (Luke 5:27–32), Luke recounts how Jesus saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the customs post."He said to him, “Follow me.”And leaving everything behind, he got up and followed him.Then Levi gave a great banquet for him in his house,and a large crowd of tax collectorsand others were at table with them.The Pharisees and their scribes complained to his disciples, saying,“Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?”Jesus said to them in reply,“Those who are healthy do not need a physician, but the sick do.I have not come to call the righteous to repentance but sinners.”The call of Jesus to Matthew — as we see it in the painting of Caravaggio, above — has the sense of “walk as I walk; think as I think; choose as I choose.” It means a self-reordered according to the pattern and manner of Jesus.“Following Jesus is indeed a kind of resurrection from the dead, since it involves the transition from a lower form of life to a higher, from a preoccupation with the temporary goods of this world to an immersion in the goodness of God,” writes Bishop Barron.Those who have undergone a profound conversion tend to speak of their former life as a kind of illusion, something not entirely real. It's the “false self” that has given way to the authentic self. It's the father of the prodigal son saying, “Your brother was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.”Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• ⁠February 21, 2026, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

Today’s Topics: Joshua Charles joins Terry for Friday with the Fathers 1) Gospel – Matthew 9:14-15 – The disciples of John approached Jesus and said, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast much, but Your disciples do not fast?” Jesus answered them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.” Bishop Sheen quote of the day 2, 3, 4) Terry and Joshua discuss Early Father of the Church: Saint Pope Leo the Great

Gospel Matthew 9:14-15 The disciples of John approached Jesus and said, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast much, but your disciples do not fast?” Jesus answered them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.” Reflection The disciples of John did not have the benefit of the teaching of Jesus, and I'm sure it was difficult for them to shift their attention away from their teacher, John the Baptist, and to Jesus the Messiah. But what is clear that Jesus is trying to say is that John's message was preparing them for who he is and who he is, is God's presence in a human being and he's here to proclaim that that is our inheritance. So Jesus underscores the fact that the goal of the Kingdom is closeness with God. And when that God is present, there is no need to be fasting. Closing Prayer Father, your presence is something that we need to pay attention to, to know that you dwell within us. We celebrate it in a beautiful way through rituals, the presence of God, in the mystery of transubstantiation coming and dwelling in our hearts as Catholics. It's a beautiful image. And he comes in so many different ways. But it's important that we not fall into the trap of not understanding fully that God truly does want to marry us. He is the bridegroom and we are the bride. And we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Read OnlineThe disciples of John approached Jesus and said, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast much, but your disciples do not fast?” Jesus answered them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.” Matthew 9:14–15Fasting is an essential spiritual discipline. It signifies humility, repentance, and a sincere turning toward God, while also strengthening the virtue of temperance. This enables us to overcome inordinate desires for food, drink, and other appetites of the flesh. Given its significance, John the Baptist's disciples were surprised to see that Jesus' disciples were not fasting. They approached Jesus with a genuine question, seeking to understand. Jesus responded with a profound truth, explaining why fasting was not yet necessary for His disciples.In His rhetorical reply, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them?” Jesus identifies Himself as the Bridegroom whose presence brings joy and celebration. While He was with them, fasting was not needed. However, Jesus makes it clear that a time will come when the Bridegroom will be “taken away”—referring to His Passion and death—and at that time, fasting would be essential as His disciples take up their own crosses to follow Him.This passage not only teaches us about fasting, it also offers insight into how we should respond to both spiritual consolations and times of dryness in prayer. When we experience God's closeness, we should respond with gratitude and joyful praise. However, when those consolations fade, God invites us to enter into a deeper spiritual journey—through fasting, increased prayer, and penance. God often gives us moments of consolation to prepare us for the more challenging periods when our faith is deepened and purified. Thus, we should savor the joyful moments but embrace the difficult ones as opportunities for even greater spiritual growth.It's also important to note the disposition of John's disciples in this Gospel. Unlike the Pharisees who often questioned Jesus with malicious intent, John's disciples came in humility with a sincere desire to understand. They were not trying to trap Jesus or find fault with Him; they genuinely sought clarity. John had already pointed them to Jesus, identifying Him as the Lamb of God. When they noticed a difference in practice—that Jesus' disciples were not fasting—it was difficult for them to reconcile that with their own spiritual customs. Rather than doubting or criticizing, they approached Jesus openly, and He responded to them with gentle instruction.This teaches us a vital lesson: We must approach God—and others—with humility and openness, especially when we are confused or in conflict. When misunderstandings or disagreements arise, it's easy to condemn or judge, but doing so is a lack of humility and rarely leads to peace or reconciliation. Like John's disciples, we must always seek to understand, especially in matters of faith.In our relationship with God, this humble disposition is essential. When things don't go as we expect, we can become frustrated, even feeling abandoned by God. In such moments, it's tempting to distance ourselves from Him or rely on our own understanding. However, any conflict or confusion we experience in our spiritual lives is never because God is distant or indifferent. It is often our sin, lack of trust, or misunderstanding that clouds our judgment. God's will is always perfect, and we must approach Him with faith, knowing that He never abandons us. Reflect today on the example of John's disciples who approached Jesus with a heart open to understanding. Use their example in your own life, especially when you experience confusion or conflict—whether with God or others. Embrace humility and openness, and you will be granted the grace of understanding and peace.My perfect Lord, You are always present to me, always attentive, and always leading me into Your perfect will. When I become confused, grant me the graces of humility and openness, so that I may seek Your will and come to know Your way. Help me to approach others with the same humility and charity, free from judgment and harshness, so that Your peace may reign. Jesus, I trust in You.Image via Adobe StockSource: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.