Podcasts about Pharisees

Micah Roddy (Pastor to Students), "Doubt", Orchestra, Choir, Video Presentation, Blended Worship Praise Team (8:45 Service).       18.  The disciples of John the Baptist told John about everything Jesus was doing. So John called for two of his disciples, 19.  and he sent them to the Lord to ask him, “Are you the Messiah we've been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?”       20.  John's two disciples found Jesus and said to him, “John the Baptist sent us to ask, ‘Are you the Messiah we've been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?'”       21.  At that very time, Jesus cured many people of their diseases, illnesses, and evil spirits, and he restored sight to many who were blind.  22.  Then he told John's disciples, “Go back to John and tell him what you have seen and heard—the blind see, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor.”  23.  And he added, “God blesses those who do not fall away because of me.”       24.  After John's disciples left, Jesus began talking about him to the crowds. “What kind of man did you go into the wilderness to see? Was he a weak reed, swayed by every breath of wind?  25.  Or were you expecting to see a man dressed in expensive clothes? No, people who wear beautiful clothes and live in luxury are found in palaces.  26.  Were you looking for a prophet? Yes, and he is more than a prophet.  27.  John is the man to whom the Scriptures refer when they say,       ‘Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, and he will prepare your way before you.'       28.  I tell you, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John. Yet even the least person in the Kingdom of God is greater than he is!”       29.  When they heard this, all the people—even the tax collectors—agreed that God's way was right,[d] for they had been baptized by John.  30.  But the Pharisees and experts in religious law rejected God's plan for them, for they had refused John's baptism.       31.  “To what can I compare the people of this generation?” Jesus asked. “How can I describe them?  32.  They are like children playing a game in the public square. They complain to their friends,       ‘We played wedding songs, and you didn't dance, so we played funeral songs, and you didn't weep.'       33.  For John the Baptist didn't spend his time eating bread or drinking wine, and you say, ‘He's possessed by a demon.' 34.  The Son of Man, on the other hand, feasts and drinks, and you say, ‘He's a glutton and a drunkard, and a friend of tax collectors and other sinners!'  35.  But wisdom is shown to be right by the lives of those who follow it.”       (Luke 7:18-35 NLT)

In this eye opening Abounding Love episode, I share how others had to show me where to find well known Bible passages. You'll find great wisdom for yourself and wisdom to share with others as you study these passages. For example, we begin by looking at the Ten Commandments found in Exodus 20:1-17. The Lord begins by introducing Himself, "I am the LORD thy God . . ." But the Children of Israel were not able to keep these commandments or any other laws in the Bible, so the LORD provided a sacrificial system for them to seek atonement. All these sacrifices point to Jesus, Who is God's remedy for sin, for lawbreaking and disobedience. To overcome the Law, we must be born of the Spirit through the finished works of Jesus. In Matthew 22:36, we find Jesus in response to a Pharisee's question, explaining to him [and us] the two great commandments. Join me as we find out where these and other famous passages are found. It can improve your discipleship and your ability to disciple others. #1 The Ten Commandments, Exodus 20:1-17; Deuteronomy 5:6-22; Matthew 22:34-40; #2 The Lord's Prayer, Matthew 6:9-15; #3 The Beatitudes, Matthew 5:1-13; #4 The Sermon on the Mount, Matthew, chapters 5, 6 and 7; #5 The Golden Rule, Matthew 7:12; #6 The Great Commission, Matthew 28: 18-20; #7 The Prodigal Son, Luke 15:11-32; #8 The Good Samaritan, Luke 10:25-37. Of course, there are many more great Bible passages, such as Psalm 23 and Isaiah 53, that you will want to add to these for reference. Selah! [For more: Copy and Paste or Enter into ChatGPT.com, "Create a Study Guide for episode #238 Great Bible Passages from Abounding Love Ministries" ].     www.aboundinglove.org

(This podcast was previously published on December 30, 2020)   Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ...   In Matthew 23, Jesus spoke concerning the scribes and Pharisees, the ministers of the time when HE walked on this earth in the flesh.   Many of these men who were heads of the synagogues and heads of the children of Israel, were very evil.   By the Words Jesus spoke to us in Matthew 23, I see so many of today's preachers.   Since we went on Internet with the ministry blog in March, 2012, we have received many e-mails from men who say they are "pastors".    First they say how much they are helped by the word we publish.  Then the truth comes out:  send us a computer, send us Bibles, send us a projector, send us a camera, send us money to help pay for a school we have just built, send us money to help with our old folks home.   They place heavy burdens on us and on other people but they won't lift a finger to help even in their own works.   And Jesus said more things about these "ministers".   Matthew 23   13 But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.   14 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.   15 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.   Jesus said, concerning the end times:   Matthew 24:4-5  Take heed that no man deceive you.  For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.  

Fr. Mike highlights the boldness of Peter and John in our reading from Acts as they stand before the council of church leaders and defend the name of Jesus. He also addresses Paul's writings on God's grace given to us in our sinfulness and the war between good and evil present within ourselves. Today's readings are Acts 4, Romans 6-7, and Proverbs 27:4-6. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Read Online“That the dead will rise even Moses made known in the passage about the bush, when he called  ‘Lord' the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob; and he is not God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive.” Luke 20:37–38Jesus gives this response to some of the Sadducees who question Him about the resurrection of the dead. The Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection of the body, whereas the Pharisees did. Thus, the Sadducees asked Jesus about the resurrection of the body using an almost unheard of example. They refer to the levirate law found in Deuteronomy 25:5ff which states that if a married man dies before having children, the brother of that man must marry his wife and provide descendants for his brother. Thus, the Sadducees present the scenario where seven brothers die, each one subsequently taking the same wife. The question they posed was, “Now at the resurrection whose wife will that woman be? For all seven had been married to her.” Jesus answers by explaining that marriage is for this life, not the life to come at the resurrection. Therefore, none of the brothers will be married to her when they rise.Some spouses have a hard time with this teaching, in that they love their spouse and desire to remain married in Heaven and at the time of the final resurrection. For those who feel this way, rest assured that the bonds of love we form on earth will remain and even be strengthened in Heaven. And when the end of the world comes and all of our bodies rise and are reunited with our souls, those bonds of love will remain stronger than ever. However, marriage, in the earthly sense, will be no more. It will be replaced by the pure love of the new life to come.This teaching gives us reason to ponder further the beautiful teaching of our Lord about His return in glory and, as we say in the Creed, “the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come.” We profess this belief every Sunday at Mass. But for many, it can be hard to understand. So what do we actually believe? Simply put, we believe that when we die, our body is “laid to rest,” but our soul enters a moment of particular judgment. Those who remain in mortal sin are eternally separated from God. But those who die in a state of grace will eternally live with God. Most people who die will most likely die with some lasting venial sins on their soul. Thus, Purgatory is the grace of final purification that the person's soul encounters upon death. Purgatory is simply the purifying love of God which has the effect of eliminating every last sin and imperfection, and every attachment to sin, so that the purified soul can see God face-to-face in Heaven. But it doesn't stop there. We also believe that at some definitive time in world history, Jesus will return to earth and transform it. This is His Final Judgment. At that time, every body will rise, and we will live eternally as we were intended to live: body and soul united as one. Those souls who are in mortal sin will also be reunited with their bodies, but their body and soul will live separated from God forever. Thankfully, those who are in a state of grace and have endured their final purification will be resurrected and share in the new Heavens and new Earth forever, body and soul as God intended. Reflect, today, upon this glorious teaching of our Lord that you profess faith in every time you pray the Creed. Keeping your eyes on Heaven and, especially, on the final and glorious resurrected state in which you will live in the new Heaven and Earth must become your daily practice. The more we live with this holy expectation, the more we will live here and now as a time of preparation for this final existence. Build treasure now in anticipation of this glorious day and believe that it is the eternity to which you are called. My resurrected Lord, You now reign in Heaven, body and soul, in anticipation of the final and glorious resurrection of all the dead. May I always keep my eyes on this final goal of human life and do all that I can to prepare for this eternity of glory and love. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: James Tissot, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

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Long ago, Jesus made this surprising statement: What sorrow awaits you teachers of the religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs—beautiful on the outside but filled on the inside with dead people's bones and all sorts of impurity. What a powerful image! And Jesus wasn't talking to the rejected people of society…rather, these were the powerful religious leaders who claimed to be holy. Have you ever been hurt by religion? Maybe it's a scary thought to even think about spirituality. Jesus does not use religion as a weapon to control, to punish or to push people away. And as you see here, He gets most upset when others do. Jesus is not the one who hurt you. And He wants you to find safety, healing, and restoration in His loving arms. Scriptural Reference: Matthew 23:27 radio.hopewithgod.com

This week we are in Luke 18 talking about the Pharisee and the Tax collector. Pastor Tanner Sherlock shares with us what it means to lean into grace and teaches us how important it is to walk in humility in our relationships.    #Pharisee #Jesus #Christian #Tanner #Sherlock

Micah Roddy (Pastor to Students), "Doubt".       18.  The disciples of John the Baptist told John about everything Jesus was doing. So John called for two of his disciples, 19.  and he sent them to the Lord to ask him, “Are you the Messiah we've been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?”       20.  John's two disciples found Jesus and said to him, “John the Baptist sent us to ask, ‘Are you the Messiah we've been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?'”       21.  At that very time, Jesus cured many people of their diseases, illnesses, and evil spirits, and he restored sight to many who were blind.  22.  Then he told John's disciples, “Go back to John and tell him what you have seen and heard—the blind see, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor.”  23.  And he added, “God blesses those who do not fall away because of me.”       24.  After John's disciples left, Jesus began talking about him to the crowds. “What kind of man did you go into the wilderness to see? Was he a weak reed, swayed by every breath of wind?  25.  Or were you expecting to see a man dressed in expensive clothes? No, people who wear beautiful clothes and live in luxury are found in palaces.  26.  Were you looking for a prophet? Yes, and he is more than a prophet.  27.  John is the man to whom the Scriptures refer when they say,       ‘Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, and he will prepare your way before you.'       28.  I tell you, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John. Yet even the least person in the Kingdom of God is greater than he is!”       29.  When they heard this, all the people—even the tax collectors—agreed that God's way was right,[d] for they had been baptized by John.  30.  But the Pharisees and experts in religious law rejected God's plan for them, for they had refused John's baptism.       31.  “To what can I compare the people of this generation?” Jesus asked. “How can I describe them?  32.  They are like children playing a game in the public square. They complain to their friends,       ‘We played wedding songs, and you didn't dance, so we played funeral songs, and you didn't weep.'       33.  For John the Baptist didn't spend his time eating bread or drinking wine, and you say, ‘He's possessed by a demon.' 34.  The Son of Man, on the other hand, feasts and drinks, and you say, ‘He's a glutton and a drunkard, and a friend of tax collectors and other sinners!'  35.  But wisdom is shown to be right by the lives of those who follow it.”       (Luke 7:18-35 NLT)

John 10:18 “No one has taken it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own initiative. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This commandment I received from My Father.” On the front side of the cross, you can see why the Pharisees were constantly scratching their heads as they listened to Jesus. However, from our post-cross perspective, our heads explode with wonder and awe. We know exactly what He was saying. The Father commanded Him to lay down His life and take it up again. So if the Father commanded it, then He has authority to do it. His death won't be because He is a victim of men's hatred and plotting. He put Himself into their hands (probably the very hands of the Pharisees to whom He was talking) to be killed of His own initiative in obedience to His Father. He knew they were trying to kill Him (Jo. 7:19; 8:37, 40). He wanted them to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that He and the Father were in complete control. As we live to love with Jesus, let's remember that we are never victims. We are in the hands of our Father, who loves us through our good Shepherd, who is with us. We lay our lives down by confronting sin, speaking the truth, forgiving, and loving those who who hate us and wish us harm.

Patrick answers listener questions on the Holy Eucharist, grief, prayer after tragedy, and tough calls about family boundaries and school choices. He responds to inquiries about supporting Jewish people and addresses scriptural tension between Jesus’s rebukes and his love, weaving in Catholic teaching on keeping Sunday holy and the importance of inner healing. Kevin (email) – Is there ever any reason to put the Consecrated Host in one’s pocket? (01:53) Angela - My friend's husband committed murder suicide. How can I pray through this? (12:15) Justin - As Christians, I know we are supposed to support our Jewish friends. Why are we called to support them if they don't even believe in Jesus? (18:27) Brittney - What are your thoughts at looking at schools for non-Catholic kids? I don't have any Catholic schools near me. (25:34) Maria - My sister was asked by brother and her son to go on a vacation. My brother allows his college age children to sleep with their boyfriends and girlfriends. Should they go? (31:23) Robert - When Jesus told the Pharisees that they were descendants of the devil has always bothered me. This seems to contradict what you are saying about being kind to Jews. (38:24) Butch - A couple of my coworkers feel deer hunting is more important than going to Church. What is your definition of keeping the Sabbath on Sunday? (43:43)

In this episode of the Jesus Everyday Podcast, Ethan Callison, Andrew McPheron, and Ken Nienke unpack John 7:37–52, where Jesus stands up on the climactic final day of the Feast of Booths and cries out:“If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink.”This is one of the most powerful scenes in John's Gospel — rich with Old Testament symbolism, dramatic tension, and the promise of the Holy Spirit.

2 The people walking in darkness     have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness     a light has dawned.3 You have enlarged the nation     and increased their joy; they rejoice before you     as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice     when dividing the plunder.4 For as in the day of Midian's defeat,     you have shattered the yoke that burdens them,     the bar across their shoulders,     the rod of their oppressor.5 Every warrior's boot used in battle     and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning,     will be fuel for the fire.6 For to us a child is born,     to us a son is given,     and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called     Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,     Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.7 Of the greatness of his government and peace     there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne     and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it     with justice and righteousness     from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty     will accomplish this.Isaiah 9:2-7PACK THE HOUSE SLIDE*2 The people walking in darkness     have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness     a light has dawned.Isaiah 9:2-79 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. John 1:9-11DAWN OF THE PROMISE9 As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector's booth. “Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.10 While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. 11 When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”12 On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 13 But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”Matthew 9:9-13His [Matthew's] occupation as a tax collector implies that he had training in scribal techniques and was thus able to write…Crossway Study Bible, ESVMatthew, The Chosen picture***His [Matthew's] occupation as a tax collector implies that he had training in scribal techniques and was thus able to write, while his identity as a Galilean Jewish Christian suggests his ability to interpret the words and actions of Jesus in light of Old Testament messianic expectations.Crossway Study Bible, ESV1 This is the genealogy[a] of Jesus the Messiah[b] the son of David, the son of Abraham:2 Abraham was the father of Isaac,Isaac the father of Jacob,Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers,3 Judah the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar,Perez the father of Hezron,Hezron the father of Ram,4 Ram the father of Amminadab,Amminadab the father of Nahshon,Nahshon the father of Salmon,5 Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab,Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth,Obed the father of Jesse,6 and Jesse the father of King David.David was the father of Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah's wife,7 Solomon the father of Rehoboam,Rehoboam the father of Abijah,Abijah the father of Asa,8 Asa the father of Jehoshaphat,Jehoshaphat the father of Jehoram,Jehoram the father of Uzziah,9 Uzziah the father of Jotham,Jotham the father of Ahaz,Ahaz the father of Hezekiah,10 Hezekiah the father of Manasseh,Manasseh the father of Amon,Amon the father of Josiah,11 and Josiah the father of Jeconiah and his brothers at the time of the exile to Babylon.12 After the exile to Babylon:Jeconiah was the father of Shealtiel,Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel,13 Zerubbabel the father of Abihud,Abihud the father of Eliakim,Eliakim the father of Azor,14 Azor the father of Zadok,Zadok the father of Akim,Akim the father of Elihud,15 Elihud the father of Eleazar,Eleazar the father of Matthan,Matthan the father of Jacob,16 and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, and Mary was the mother of Jesus who is called the Messiah.17 Thus there were fourteen generations in all from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile to Babylon, and fourteen from the exile to the Messiah.Matthew 1:2-27WHEN GOD MAKES PROMISES, HE FULFILLS THEMThe Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father's household to the land I will show you.2 “I will make you into a great nation,     and I will bless you; I will make your name great,     and you will be a blessing.[a]3 I will bless those who bless you,     and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth     will be blessed through you.”Genesis 12:1-3All this may sound too good to be true, but it will be done. God – the LORD of all heavenly armies – has promised to accomplish this wordCharles SpurgeonGOD'S PROMISES REQUIRE FAITH18 Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”[d] 19 Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah's womb was also dead. 20 Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21 being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. 22 This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.” Romans 4:18-22"Oh, that men would see that all God's ancient promises find their yes in Christ! But their eyes are blinded by expectation and prejudice, so they wander, seeking fulfillment elsewhere."Charles SpurgeonFAITH IS NOT BLIND, IT'S REASONABLEMust be a descendant of Abraham (Genesis 12:1–3; 22:18)Must be from Isaac (not Ishmael) (Genesis 17:19)Must be from ...

John 10:17 “For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life so that I may take it again.” Isn't this an amazing revelation? Jesus told the Pharisees why the Father continuously loves Him. It's because He continuously lays down His life (implied for the sheep). “So that” is a purpose clause indicating that He gets His authority to take up His life again because He willingly, obediently, and continuously lays down His life. Resurrection follows death, not only in Jesus' life, but also in ours. Living to love with Jesus is a continuous laying down of our lives willingly and obediently, knowing that God will raise us up with Christ. What humility, surrender, love, and glory are displayed in the life of Jesus, our Savior. Let's remember and be amazed that His humility, surrender, love, and glory live in us.

Send us a textZionist Lies Debunked Part 1: I seek to utterly destroy and expose the naked shame of Zionist theology. The Zionist emperor has no clothes. The Zionist Wizard of Oz is an imposter and fake, a charlatan of the highest order. This infectious parasite has leached the power and energy from the Body of Christ. Secretly attempting to rob from Jews and Gentiles alike their true glory as found in Christ Jesus. Zionism is Satanism, as it denies Jesus and His sacrifice. It thrives on the ignorance of Christians and their willingness to just accept the lies of their infiltrated pulpits. All the while, Zionists hide their outright hatred and venom for those who claim Jesus. So, they seek to pervert and subdue by introducing the leaven of the Pharisees in the bread of Christ. #Zionist #Zionism #IsraelWe Are Peaceful ministry that confronts ideology with facts. We do not condone endorse, or encourage harm, disparaging, or hurtful conduct or actions towards any people group.  End Hate Stop Racism!Watch The Videohttps://youtu.be/mYpMVYXTqfQWebsiteNew IntroSupport the showBecome A SupporterJOIN US!> Main Website: https://brotherlance.com/> Free Book: http://weshallbelikehim.com/> Free Music: https://brotherlance.com/brother-lance-music/> Social - Gab: https://gab.com/BrotherLance

Assembly of Yahusha The Logos episode 100 Officiated by Bro. Jon Dizon 11-19-2025.#YahuahismyGod #Yahusha #assemblyofYahusha ©2025 Assembly of Yahusha All rights reserved. The Assembly of Yahusha exclusively own the rights to the contents of this podcast and any non-assemblymember reproduction must have the approval of the Assembly. Only bona fide members of the Assembly are authorized to copy, download, and reproduce the contents of this podcast for their personal or religious use. For permission to copy, download, and reproduce send an email to: info@aoy.today

Delivered by Stella Wijaya from the Parish of Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral in the Archdiocese of Makassar, Indonesia. 1 Maccabees 4: 36-37.52-59; Rs psalm: 1 Chronicles 29: 10.11abc.11d-12a.12bcd; Luke 19: 45-48.A WORTHYOFFERING TO GOD  The title forour meditation today is: A Worthy Offering to God. Today the whole Church commemorates the Presentation of the Blessed VirginMary to God. This event is not found in scriptures, but is part of the Church'ssacred tradition and history. The little Mary who was offered in the temple ofGod, was a continuation of her special gift, that is, she was conceived withoutsin because she had been chosen by God from the beginning of her life. The Church believes that from the beginning the wombof the pregnant mother who conceived  Mary was sacred. Born holy, Mary must had enteredthe womb of the communion of God's people which God has ordained from thebeginning in the eternal communion of the holy Trinity. Mary then lived a life inthe fullness of God's grace, until the moment she received the heavenly goodnews to make her the Mother of God, and took a very important role in the lifeof Jesus Christ.  God chose Mary is purely an act of his divineinitiative. In response to that initiative, Mary as a person and all those whotake part in her mission gratefully dedicate their whole lives to God. Thus theevent of Mary's presentation to God must be the primary model for all humanself-offering to God, and the sign of that offering is seen when a person is consecratedin the house of God through an official rite. There are somany means, rituals and places that are sanctified to help us purify ourselvesbefore God. One of them is holy worship which is celebrated to give offeringsof gratitude and praise to God. In the first reading it is said how JudasMaccabees with the Jews who were obedient to God consecrated the altar andjoyfully offered sacrifices to God. Jesus once came to the temple and cleansed itbecause it was used as a marketplace by the Pharisees and the Jews. The holytemple was defiled with shameful worldly activities.  This desecrated temple could no longer be themeans and rituals of sanctification in the moments when God and his peopleencountered. Sacred meansand instruments are not the purpose of our faith. They are very important and haveroles in helping us to achieve the goal, which is to meet God and live withHim. Our important task is to cleanse it from desecration, use it as we should,teach it to those who do not yet know, and when necessary, repair as it isbroken, and maintain it with responsibility. Letus pray. In the name of the Father ... O most holy Lord Jesus Christ, sanctifyus always every time we pray and prostrate in the presence of the heavenlyFather to receive all the blessings. Hail Mary, full of grace... In the name ofthe Father ...

The culture around us defines us according to our occupation and income. We are human “doings” in the eyes of the world. We are created in the image of God, the true source of our value, worth & identity. We are human “beings” in His eyes. Because we are made in His image, His example of resting from His work from the very beginning is a precedent for us. Jesus' teaching that the Sabbath was made to benefit us is a guiding principle that surpasses the legalistic rote obedience exemplified by the Pharisees in His time. Sabbath provides a rhythm of reset that feeds our soul and refreshes our identity in part by remembering God's faithful actions on our behalf in the past.To investigate this most important of stories further, go here.

Have you been secretly judging some other mom, your sister, a neighbor or friend? Are you stuck in a constant rule-keeping mindset? Are you a judgy Pharisee-type who'd like to break free?  My friend and pastor's wife Libby VanSolkema describes herself as a "Recovering Pharisee" and I can relate. In our conversation about Luke 6, we're exploring Jesus' surprising response to the Pharisees after the disciples pluck grain on the Sabbath, Let's flip on the lights and expose our own legalism which is the first step to freedom and transformation. Judgy SeriesGuest: Libby VanSolkemaGet your Free Resource: 20 Page WorkbookRecommended Resources: Check out Shannon's Amazon Storefront HEREMusic: Cade PopkinLibby VanSolkema is President of Ancient Paths Study Tours in addition to being the Research, Curriculum and Resource Director at Crossroads Bible Church in Grand Rapids, MI. Libby is passionate about leading groups to Israel, Greece, Turkey, and Rome, inviting people to learn in community and to discover how the Bible's cultural context illuminates its timeless truth. Libby has an undergraduate degree from Wheaton College and has done graduate work at Jerusalem University College, Grand Rapids Theological Seminary and Calvin Seminary. Mentioned Resources:Crossroads Bible ChurchThe Locker Room PodcastThe Locker Room Podcast – Shannon as a GuestAncient Paths Study ToursCheck out more episodes in the Judgy Series.Get your Free Live Like It's True Workbook.Check out Resound Media. Check out my nine week study, Control Girl: Lessons on Surrendering Your Burden of Control from Seven Women in the Bible.We've got leader's guides, free bonuses and more for you at ControlGirl.com.  Visit ComparisonGirl.com and get the answers both she and you need in my new book, Comparison Girl for Teens: Thriving Beyond Measure in a World That Compares. Conversation starters, quizzes and more.  Learn more at ShannonPopkin.com.

Rose Lauck hosts this week, joined by Cole McQuaid and Mark Carey, as they debrief the sermon from Mark 10:1–12. Together they explore:Why the Pharisees' “trap question” about divorce matteredThe real meaning of Deuteronomy 24What Jesus actually corrected in their interpretationHow believers can faithfully engage thorny cultural issuesWhy asking good, clarifying questions matters more than winning argumentsWhat Scripture — and the hardness of our hearts — reveal about our posture toward othersFull of pastoral insight, practical wisdom, laughter, and honest discussion, this episode helps equip you to approach difficult conversations with truth, humility, and discernment.Listen to the sermon we're talking about: fbcva.org/current-sermon-series or fbcva.org/podcastsBe a part of the conversation by submitting your thoughts and questions: fbcva.org/sermon-spotlight-podcastWatch this episode and subscribe on YouTube:  @fellowshipbiblechurchvaFind out more about Fellowship Bible Church: fbcva.orgSubscribe to emails from Fellowship: fbcva.org/subscribeEngage with us:Facebook: facebook.com/groups/fellowshipfamInstagram: instagram.com/fellowshipbiblechurch/   #SermonSpotlight #Transfiguration #BibleStudy #ChristianPodcast #FaithInAction #ListenToJesus #BiblicalWorldview #Scripture #JesusChrist #ChristianCommunity #ChurchPodcast #FaithJourney #GrowInFaith

In this passage, Jesus responds yet again to the Pharisees concerning His true nature. Join Reverend Alexander as he uncovers the marks or evidences of belonging to Christ. Find eternal hope in Jesus, the Shepherd of the souls of men, on Hear the Word of God. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/581/29?v=20251111

Micah Roddy (Pastor to Students), "Doubt", Video Presentation, Modern Worship Praise Team (11:15 Service).       18.  The disciples of John the Baptist told John about everything Jesus was doing. So John called for two of his disciples, 19.  and he sent them to the Lord to ask him, “Are you the Messiah we've been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?”       20.  John's two disciples found Jesus and said to him, “John the Baptist sent us to ask, ‘Are you the Messiah we've been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?'”       21.  At that very time, Jesus cured many people of their diseases, illnesses, and evil spirits, and he restored sight to many who were blind.  22.  Then he told John's disciples, “Go back to John and tell him what you have seen and heard—the blind see, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor.”  23.  And he added, “God blesses those who do not fall away because of me.”       24.  After John's disciples left, Jesus began talking about him to the crowds. “What kind of man did you go into the wilderness to see? Was he a weak reed, swayed by every breath of wind?  25.  Or were you expecting to see a man dressed in expensive clothes? No, people who wear beautiful clothes and live in luxury are found in palaces.  26.  Were you looking for a prophet? Yes, and he is more than a prophet.  27.  John is the man to whom the Scriptures refer when they say,       ‘Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, and he will prepare your way before you.'       28.  I tell you, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John. Yet even the least person in the Kingdom of God is greater than he is!”       29.  When they heard this, all the people—even the tax collectors—agreed that God's way was right,[d] for they had been baptized by John.  30.  But the Pharisees and experts in religious law rejected God's plan for them, for they had refused John's baptism.       31.  “To what can I compare the people of this generation?” Jesus asked. “How can I describe them?  32.  They are like children playing a game in the public square. They complain to their friends,       ‘We played wedding songs, and you didn't dance, so we played funeral songs, and you didn't weep.'       33.  For John the Baptist didn't spend his time eating bread or drinking wine, and you say, ‘He's possessed by a demon.' 34.  The Son of Man, on the other hand, feasts and drinks, and you say, ‘He's a glutton and a drunkard, and a friend of tax collectors and other sinners!'  35.  But wisdom is shown to be right by the lives of those who follow it.”       (Luke 7:18-35 NLT)To view a video version of the Modern Worship Service please click on the following link:   https://youtu.be/rmejghAr2oc(The audio version of the Modern Worship Service will most likely have to be stopped from playing or else it will be heard as well as the audio track of the video version.)

John 10:16 “I have other sheep, which are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will hear My voice; and they will become one flock with one shepherd.” Can you see, “What does He mean?” displayed over the faces of the Pharisees? I can't help but think He was referring to the Gentiles—that's all of us who were not born of Jewish descent. We have become one flock with all of the Jews who also heard His voice and followed Him. This “must bring them also” is the only reason Jesus hasn't returned yet. Peter explained Jesus' delay in returning based upon this great truth recorded in 2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you (the beloved sheep), not wishing for any (of the beloved sheep) to perish but for all (of the beloved sheep) to come to repentance—and be brought into the fold. There is one sheep that will be the last one who He knows like the Father knows Him, and when that one has been brought into the fold, Jesus will return in glory to gather His flock into the fold. What a day that will be!

Micah Roddy (Pastor to Students), "Doubt", Orchestra, Choir, Video Presentation, Blended Worship Praise Team (8:45 Service).       18.  The disciples of John the Baptist told John about everything Jesus was doing. So John called for two of his disciples, 19.  and he sent them to the Lord to ask him, “Are you the Messiah we've been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?”       20.  John's two disciples found Jesus and said to him, “John the Baptist sent us to ask, ‘Are you the Messiah we've been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?'”       21.  At that very time, Jesus cured many people of their diseases, illnesses, and evil spirits, and he restored sight to many who were blind.  22.  Then he told John's disciples, “Go back to John and tell him what you have seen and heard—the blind see, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor.”  23.  And he added, “God blesses those who do not fall away because of me.”       24.  After John's disciples left, Jesus began talking about him to the crowds. “What kind of man did you go into the wilderness to see? Was he a weak reed, swayed by every breath of wind?  25.  Or were you expecting to see a man dressed in expensive clothes? No, people who wear beautiful clothes and live in luxury are found in palaces.  26.  Were you looking for a prophet? Yes, and he is more than a prophet.  27.  John is the man to whom the Scriptures refer when they say,       ‘Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, and he will prepare your way before you.'       28.  I tell you, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John. Yet even the least person in the Kingdom of God is greater than he is!”       29.  When they heard this, all the people—even the tax collectors—agreed that God's way was right,[d] for they had been baptized by John.  30.  But the Pharisees and experts in religious law rejected God's plan for them, for they had refused John's baptism.       31.  “To what can I compare the people of this generation?” Jesus asked. “How can I describe them?  32.  They are like children playing a game in the public square. They complain to their friends,       ‘We played wedding songs, and you didn't dance, so we played funeral songs, and you didn't weep.'       33.  For John the Baptist didn't spend his time eating bread or drinking wine, and you say, ‘He's possessed by a demon.' 34.  The Son of Man, on the other hand, feasts and drinks, and you say, ‘He's a glutton and a drunkard, and a friend of tax collectors and other sinners!'  35.  But wisdom is shown to be right by the lives of those who follow it.”       (Luke 7:18-35 NLT)To view a video version of the Blended Worship Service please click on the following link:   https://youtu.be/p8WL8wotxC0(The audio version of the Blended Worship Service will most likely have to be stopped from playing or else it will be heard as well as the audio track of the video version.)

Gratitude is good, but even gratitude can be corrupted. In this episode, John explores how self-centered spirituality, narcissism, and performative “thankfulness” distort the gift God intends for us. Drawing from Cornelius Plantinga, Robert Emmons, Barbara Ehrenreich, and the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, this teaching offers a deeper, more honest vision of what gratitude truly is.If you want to grow in humility, authenticity, and God-centered thanksgiving, this episode is for you.

Jesus unleashes a powerful and damning critique against the scribes and Pharisees. He warns the crowds not to follow their hypocrisy, their love of human glory and honor, and the heavy burdens they lay on others. He pronounces "Seven Woes," condemning them as "whitewashed tombs" and "blind guides" who "strain out a gnat and swallow a camel." The chapter ends with His heartbreaking lament over Jerusalem, the holy city that rejects His mercy.  The Rev. John Shank, senior pastor, Trinity Lutheran Church, Edwardsville, IL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Matthew 23:1-39.  To learn more about Trinity Lutheran, visit trinitylutheranministries.org. The Gospel of Matthew bridges Old and New Testaments, presenting Jesus as the promised Messiah who fulfills the Law we could never keep and establishes His kingdom of grace for all nations. Written by a tax collector transformed by pure grace, Matthew reveals Christ as the true Son of David and Emmanuel (God with us) who challenges us with the crushing demands of the Law in His Sermon on the Mount to the sweet comfort of the Gospel in His death and resurrection. From royal genealogy to glorious resurrection, this verse-by-verse study proclaims the One who conquered sin, death, and the devil for us, now delivering forgiveness, life, and salvation through Word and Sacrament as He remains with His church always, even to the end of the age.  Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God's Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

In today's Grateful Rebels message, Pastor Ken Senchal takes us deep into one of the most misunderstood — and most life-changing — principles in Scripture: the biblical tithe. Long before there was a law… long before Israel… long before the church… God was teaching His people to honor Him with their first and best. Abel brought God the firstborn from his flock. Abram brought a tenth to Melchizedek out of honor and gratitude. Jacob declared that everything God gave him, he would return a tenth to the Lord. Tithing wasn't born from rules — it was born from relationship. In this message you'll learn: • Why God uses the tithe to reshape our heart, not deplete our wallet • Why the early church continued the principle of "firstfruits" even after the law • Why Jesus corrected the Pharisees on tithing — not to stop it, but to reset it • How tithing breaks the power of greed, fear, comparison, and self-entitlement • How generosity positions your life under God's blessing • And why the tithe is still divinely blessed today This message isn't about what God wants from you — it's about what God wants for you. Experience the freedom that comes from trusting God first.

Today, we look at Jesus' teaching on the habit we all fall into of the comparing mind, the subtle habit of lifting ourselves when we look at others who offend or frustrate us.   Luke 18: The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector. Pod 280   

A busy week of small groups, service, and shared life sets the stage for one of the most unsettling turns in the early church: the moment an enemy knocks on the door and says, “I'm with you now.” We walk through Saul's shock encounter with the risen Jesus and the identity crash that follows, then sit with Ananias' very human hesitation. Why trust someone who hurt us? What does real repentance look like? And how do we protect the vulnerable while keeping our hearts open to redemption?We unpack the historical roots of Saul's zeal as a Pharisee and why he believed he was defending God, not fighting Him. That context matters, because it shows how conviction can become a counterfeit identity—and how a holy disruption can reclaim a life. From there, we trace the tangible markers of change Scripture highlights: confession and baptism, a new public message proclaimed to old peers, time away for formation rather than a rush toward authority, and respect for boundaries set by wise leaders. With Barnabas advocating and the church staying prudent, reconciliation bears fruit: peace, growth, and a community strengthened in the fear of the Lord.Along the way, we name a hard truth for modern churches: grace without boundaries isn't love. We talk about safeguarding communities, discerning fruit over time, and holding prayer and prudence together when we're called to love our enemies. If you're wrestling with identity, trust, or the possibility that someone can really change, this conversation offers grounded hope and practical wisdom.If this resonates, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs encouragement, and leave a review with one takeaway you're carrying into the week. Your words help others find this message of grace, discernment, and hope.Support the showIf you enjoyed this episode, consider subscribing to Madison Church on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback means the world to us, so please take a moment to leave a review and share the podcast with your friends and family.For inquiries, suggestions, or collaboration opportunities, please reach out to us at help@madisonchurch.com. For the latest updates and behind-the-scenes content, follow us on social media: Facebook Instagram YouTube New episodes are released every Monday, so mark your calendars and join us weekly! If you'd like to support the show, you can make a donation here. Your generosity helps us continue to bring you meaningful content. This podcast is intended for general informational purposes only. The views expressed by the hosts or guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Madison Church. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. For detailed information regarding our terms of use and privacy policy, please visit our website.Thank you for being part of the Madison Church community! We appreciate your support.

Micah Roddy (Pastor to Students), "Doubt".       18.  The disciples of John the Baptist told John about everything Jesus was doing. So John called for two of his disciples, 19.  and he sent them to the Lord to ask him, “Are you the Messiah we've been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?”       20.  John's two disciples found Jesus and said to him, “John the Baptist sent us to ask, ‘Are you the Messiah we've been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?'”       21.  At that very time, Jesus cured many people of their diseases, illnesses, and evil spirits, and he restored sight to many who were blind.  22.  Then he told John's disciples, “Go back to John and tell him what you have seen and heard—the blind see, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor.”  23.  And he added, “God blesses those who do not fall away because of me.”       24.  After John's disciples left, Jesus began talking about him to the crowds. “What kind of man did you go into the wilderness to see? Was he a weak reed, swayed by every breath of wind?  25.  Or were you expecting to see a man dressed in expensive clothes? No, people who wear beautiful clothes and live in luxury are found in palaces.  26.  Were you looking for a prophet? Yes, and he is more than a prophet.  27.  John is the man to whom the Scriptures refer when they say,       ‘Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, and he will prepare your way before you.'       28.  I tell you, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John. Yet even the least person in the Kingdom of God is greater than he is!”       29.  When they heard this, all the people—even the tax collectors—agreed that God's way was right,[d] for they had been baptized by John.  30.  But the Pharisees and experts in religious law rejected God's plan for them, for they had refused John's baptism.       31.  “To what can I compare the people of this generation?” Jesus asked. “How can I describe them?  32.  They are like children playing a game in the public square. They complain to their friends,       ‘We played wedding songs, and you didn't dance, so we played funeral songs, and you didn't weep.'       33.  For John the Baptist didn't spend his time eating bread or drinking wine, and you say, ‘He's possessed by a demon.' 34.  The Son of Man, on the other hand, feasts and drinks, and you say, ‘He's a glutton and a drunkard, and a friend of tax collectors and other sinners!'  35.  But wisdom is shown to be right by the lives of those who follow it.”       (Luke 7:18-35 NLT)To view a video version of the Sermon please click on the following link:   https://youtu.be/BJLriavCAqM(The audio version of the Sermon will most likely have to be stopped from playing or else it will be heard as well as the audio track of the video version.)

Our words serve as spiritual health monitors, revealing the true condition of our hearts. Jesus teaches that just as a tree is known by its fruit, our inner spiritual condition is revealed through our outward words and actions. The Pharisees focused on external appearances while neglecting internal transformation, living an outside-in faith rather than inside-out. Genuine character isn't about trying harder but training wisely and becoming a Yes, Lord person who surrenders completely to God. Our words don't just slip out - they overflow from what's stored in our hearts, and we'll be held accountable for every careless word we speak.

The confrontations continue as the Sadducees, who deny the resurrection, pose a ridiculous question about a woman with seven husbands. Jesus silences them, proving the resurrection from the books of Moses (the only Scripture they obey). A lawyer then tests Jesus, asking for the "greatest commandment." Jesus responds with the Shema and the command to "love your neighbor as yourself." Finally, Jesus turns the tables, asking the Pharisees how David's Son can also be David's Lord, which pressures them into considering His own divine identity. The Rev. William Cwirla, pastor emeritus and president emeritus of Higher Things, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Matthew 22:23-46.  The Gospel of Matthew bridges Old and New Testaments, presenting Jesus as the promised Messiah who fulfills the Law we could never keep and establishes His kingdom of grace for all nations. Written by a tax collector transformed by pure grace, Matthew reveals Christ as the true Son of David and Emmanuel (God with us) who challenges us with the crushing demands of the Law in His Sermon on the Mount to the sweet comfort of the Gospel in His death and resurrection. From royal genealogy to glorious resurrection, this verse-by-verse study proclaims the One who conquered sin, death, and the devil for us, now delivering forgiveness, life, and salvation through Word and Sacrament as He remains with His church always, even to the end of the age.  Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God's Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

Watch our services live at http://wcfav.org/ Free Downloads of Pastor Shane's E-books at https://westsidechristianfellowship.org/free-ebooks/ Donate to Westside Christian Fellowship here: https://westsidechristianfellowship.org/give/ Westside Christian Fellowship is a non-denominational Christian church that meets every every Sunday at 8:30 am & 11:00 am in Leona Valley, California (9306 Leona Avenue). For more info, or to read our statement of faith, visit westsidechristianfellowship.org/about-wcf/statement-of-faith/

Featured playlist: The Church (That Meets in My Home) — https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5Yobt1jZDd9Zzn8Ufa-BNciyYv04Cl6mMy books:Exalted: Putting Jesus in His Place — https://www.amazon.com/Exalted-Putting-Jesus-His-Place/dp/0985118709/ref=tmm_pap_title_0God's Design for Marriage (Married Edition) — https://www.amazon.com/Gods-Design-Marriage-Married-Amazing/dp/0998786306/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1493422125&sr=1-4&keywords=god%27s+design+for+marriageGod's Design for Marriage (Pre-married Edition) — https://www.amazon.com/Gods-Design-Marriage-What-Before/dp/0985118725/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_topSupport us - become a CTC Partner: https://crosstocrown.org/partners/crosstocrown.org@DougGoodin

John 10:14 “I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me,” Jesus repeated His claim to be the good shepherd. He certainly didn't want them to miss what He is. How comforting it is to know that He knows His own. He knows everything about us individually as well as collectively. And we each know Him. We know His voice. We know when He is near. We know that He loves us and will not let the wolf (sin) get us. This highlights two characteristics of both Jesus and His own. Of Jesus: He longs to know us and to be known by us. Of us: We know we are His and we know who He is (God's Son), what He is to us (our Door and Shepherd), and what He does for us (saves us from sin). The man who had received sight was the subject in view. He no longer was blindly following the Pharisees who were also blind, hired hands, and thieves and robbers, but he knew He belonged to Jesus, knew His voice, and was following Him. We praise and thank You, Jesus, for knowing us and enabling us to know You.

In Matthew 23, Jesus delivered a powerful rebuke to the religious leaders of His day—those who wore masks of holiness but whose hearts were far from God. These "woes" weren't just criticisms of ancient Pharisees. They were—and still are—timeless warnings for every leader who is tempted to prioritize image over integrity. In this episode, we explore five specific traits of hypocritical leaders that Jesus condemned: Pride and Self-Exaltation – The desire to be admired often takes precedence over serving others. Legalism Without Love – Leaders focus on rules while neglecting justice, mercy, and faith. External Appearance, Internal Corruption – Public personas mask private compromises. Spiritual Blindness – Obsessing over trivialities while missing the heart of God's mission. Exploitation Disguised as Faith – Using leadership for personal gain under the banner of righteousness. Through biblical insights and practical applications, you'll learn how to recognize these pitfalls and replace hypocrisy with humility, showmanship with sincerity, and legalism with love. This episode challenges every Christian leader—whether in business, ministry, or personal influence—to remove the mask and lead authentically, reflecting the heart of Christ in every action. If you've ever struggled with the temptation to perform rather than lead with integrity, this episode is for you. Discover how Jesus' words can shift you from being a "masked performer" to an authentic servant-leader whose character aligns with God's values.

Read OnlineAs Jesus approached Jericho a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging, and hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what was happening. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” He shouted, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!” The people walking in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent, but he kept calling out all the more, “Son of David, have pity on me!” Luke 18:35–39This beautiful story of the healing of this blind man, named Bartimaeus in the Gospel of Luke, sets for us a model of how we must come to Jesus in prayer. Bartimaeus and his encounter with Christ is an icon upon which we must meditate so as to imitate him in his weakness, openness, confidence and perseverance.To begin, this “blind man was sitting by the roadside begging.” We must see this as an ideal image of how to begin our prayer. When we start to pray, we must see our littleness, weakness and extreme poverty in our spiritual life. We come to God with nothing. Unable to see. A beggar. And one who is incapable of meeting our own spiritual needs. This is Bartimaeus, and this must be the way we come to our Lord in prayer. Sometimes we can fall into the illusion that our prayers are so elevated and pious that God must be very impressed. If that's your struggle, then you are more like the Pharisees. This blind man, however, is the ideal to aim for. So when you begin your prayer, come to our Lord as a spiritually poor and needy beggar.In this state of humility, just as it happened in this Gospel story, you can be certain that “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” So as you sit in your humble and needy state, wait and be attentive to Jesus passing by. Wait upon His gentle voice, His quiet inspiration, His calming and unmistakable presence. If you can humble yourself this way and then sense our Lord's divine presence touching you in some way, then further imitate Bartimaeus by calling out interiorly, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!” The cry from the depths of your heart in prayer must come as a result of Jesus “passing by.” It must be a response to Him coming to you on His own. As Jesus passes by, spiritually speaking, He waits for you to call to Him. He desires that you call to Him. And He desires that you do it with firm confidence and perseverance.Notice that as this blind beggar cried out, there were obstacles put in his way. The people “rebuked him, telling him to be silent.” But even this was a gift, because it enabled Bartimaeus to cry out all the more. So also with us, when obstacles arise in our prayer, such as distractions, temptations, a lack of consolation, or any other challenge to our prayer, we must see these obstacles as hurdles that must be overcome. Doing so will deepen our union with Jesus, turning that apparent obstacle into a source of blessing. Reflect, today, upon these four aspects of a deep prayer life that are presented to us through the witness of this blind beggar. First, ponder your weakness and poverty as you turn to God in prayer. Second, be attentive to the presence of God as He passes by, waiting for you to call to Him. Third, cry out to Him and beg Him to come closer. And fourth, work to overcome every obstacle to prayer and see those obstacles as opportunities to call out to God all the more. My compassionate Lord, I come to You in my weakness and poverty, I come in need of Your divine touch and healing. As You do pass by, I acknowledge Your presence and call to You. Jesus, please do come to me, have pity on me. Help me to overcome every obstacle to Your love and to trust in You always, never wavering from my commitment to You. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: Workshop of Fernando Gallego, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

I heard a story about a daughter who wrote her dad about marrying someone she met online: “We met on eHarmony, became friends on Facebook, had long chats on WhatsApp. He proposed on Zoom.” Her dad replied, “I suggest you two get married on X, have fun on Tango, buy your kids on Amazon, and, when you get fed up with this new husband, just sell him on eBay.” There are lots of views today on what marriage is, but the one opinion that should really matter is that of the One who invented marriage—Jesus. Even though Jesus was single and never married, He knew more about marriage than any marriage counselor because marriage was His idea. When the Pharisees asked Him about divorce, Jesus didn't answer their question about how to get out of marriage. Instead, He explained why you should stay in marriage. In one simple but unbelievably strong sentence, Jesus taught that in marriage math, 1 + 1 = 1. In this passage, Jesus outlined the three principles you need to guard what God has established and, in doing so, fulfill His purpose in your life.

Experience the power of Jesus' teachings and miracles at a Pharisaic feast, where divine compassion confronts legalistic traditions.In this episode, we explore the tension between Jesus and the Pharisees during a feast, where Jesus challenges their understanding of the Sabbath and performs a miraculous healing. Witness the unfolding drama as Jesus' acts of compassion and justice clash with the rigid legalism of the religious leaders.Today's Bible verse is Micah 6:8, 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.

Matthew 16:1-4 Both the Pharisees and the Sadducees see Jesus as a THREAT so they devise a plan to TEST Jesus. Matthew 16:5-12 Sometimes we just don't GET it. “The yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees…” There are those who claim to know the SCRIPTURES, yet might lead you astray. There are those who have […]

Lesson 7 - The One Who Is the Good TeacherMark 10:1-45. Baited by Pharisees who wanted to arrest Him, questioned by an eager young man who wanted easy answers, and faced with disciples who wanted to realize their own ambitions — Jesus showed Himself to be an incredible teacher. He fearlessly challenged false assumptions. He revealed the true nature of God's kingdom and set a perfect example for His disciples to follow. But most of all, He told His students the truth. It may have made them uncomfortable — but it also made them what they needed to be.To learn more about Michele or to support this international ministry please visit https://intheword.com

In this episode, Fr. Anthony reflects on Christ's call of St. Matthew as a revelation of the Lord's pastoral wisdom, patience, and mercy. Drawing on St. John Chrysostom, he shows how Christ approaches each person at the moment they are most able to receive Him, gently leading sinners to repentance while shielding the weak from the self-righteous. The homily invites us to imitate this divine pedagogy—offering mercy before rebuke, healing before judgment, and a way of life that draws others to the knowledge of God. +++ Mercy, Not Sacrifice: Christ's Pastoral Method in the Calling of Matthew St. Matthew 9:9-13 At that time, as Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax office; and He said to him, "Follow Me." And he rose and followed Him. And as He sat at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Jesus and His disciples. And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to His disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" But when Jesus heard it, He said, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.' For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."  When looking at this encounter, it is important to know the context.  Jesus had been at this for a while.  He had already called at least four of the twelve; Andrew, Peter, James and John, to be his disciples.  Moreover, in addition to them, many others were following him.  He had already been baptized, been tempted, given the Sermon on the Mount and performed several public miracles. Knowing this allows us to better appreciate Christ, how He operates, and therefore how we might better imitate Him as we claim to operate in + His name. Example One: Calling the disciples Let's go back to His calling the disciples.  Why didn't He call Matthew at the same time He called Andrew, Peter, James, and John?  St. John Chrysostom indicates that it was Christ's pastoral heart that determined when we called each of His disciples.  Remember, as the Logos, He shares the Father's will that "all be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth." (1 Timothy 2:4).  This means that He addressed people in the time and manner they were most likely to hear.  St. John Chrysostom points out that Matthew's heart was not open to Christ's call at the same time as Andrew, Peter, James, and John.  It took miracles and profound teaching to soften His heart for the encounter.  And He didn't just do this for Matthew, look how long it took for the Apostle Paul!  And perhaps, we can look at long he waited for us! We should learn from this lesson from Christ's earthly ministry and imitate Him.  We may need to live among some people for a while, showing the miracle of God's love working in and through us in the way we act and the things we say, before they are ready to accept an invitation to join us in The Way that heals and perfects.  Many of us jump the gun; skipping the vital step of living a public life of miraculous love – and then are surprised when the call to "follow Christ" goes unheeded.  Yes, there are times when the modern equivalents of scribes and pharisees need to be confronted, but once again, let's imitate Christ and let them out themselves when they question our motives and sanity for performing acts of sacrificial compassion.  If we skip the step of imitating Christ in His love for mankind, not only won't we win converts, we may also be indicating that we aren't really working in His Name at all.   Example Two: Leaving, not owning the opposition Speaking of which, Christ also demonstrates his pastoral care at the very beginning of today's lesson.  You may remember that today's lesson begins with something that seems to be a throwaway line; a transitional clause that lets the reader know that the narrative is moving on to another scene.  St. Matthew writes; "At that time, as Jesus passed on from there,…" and then segues into this lesson about how Christ called him, the author, to be His disciple.  But what did He leave and why?  What did He "pass on" from in the previous scene? Let me share that with you; just prior to this, Jesus had publicly corrected some scribes - leaders in the Jewish community - by healing a man of his paralysis after they doubted His ability to forgive sins.  Do you see how they out themselves as fools?  But Christ doesn't want them to remain in ignorance.  He desires that they, too, be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth …  but He also knew that they were not ready to accept the truth, so He left before they could double down on their sin and thus become even less likely to change their way of thinking and eventually answer His call to discipleship. As St. John Christostom puts it; For when He had performed the miracle, He did not remain, lest, being in sight, He should kindle their jealousy the more; but He indulges them by retiring, and soothing their passion. This then let us also do, not encountering them that are plotting against us; let us rather soothe their wound, giving way and relaxing their vehemence. Jesus could have owned those scribes!   This is what our polarized and self-indulgent culture seems to require of us: to immediately jump on any perceived weakness to show the superiority of our way.  We even manufacture offenses so that we have an opportunity to score points and play to the crowd.  But that's not what Jesus did; there was a real offense and a real weakness – but He didn't want or need to impress anyone.  Again, his desire is that of His Father; that all be saved and come to a knowledge of the Truth.  And so He forbeared and gave them an opportunity to cool off and repent while He moved off to spend time with someone who was ready to hear Him. These are the kinds of lessons that are obvious to those who have "eyes to see and ears to hear," but for the rest of us, it takes time.  As we have discussed previously, we still see the Gospel "through a glass darkly" and only see reality as "trees walking."  But we want to learn, and so we ask those who have made this journey successfully before us, men like the Holy Apostle and Evanglist Matthew, whose memory we celebrate today and St. John Chrysostom who shares the deeper Truths that St. Matthew shared – we ask them to guide and pray for us as go deeper into The Way. Let's see what more we can learn about Christ's approach to evangelism and pastoral care in today's lesson.  It is worth remembering that Matthew was a tax collector.  When Jesus gave him the invitation to "follow me", he responded with hospitality.  He opened his house to the Lord, his disciples, fellow tax collectors, and unspecified sinners.  Just to make sure everyone had a good time, this was all done within view of some local Pharisees.  The Pharisees spent their whole lives dedicated to righteousness (as should all of us).  I am perfectly willing to believe that they were sincere in their devotion to the Law.  In fact, it was probably their devotion to the Law that led to their revulsion at seeing an alleged rabbi (Jesus) eating with sinners.  They shared their righteous indignation with the Lord's disciples and He overheard them.  We can learn a lot about how to pastoral ministry by looking at Christ's response. First, He said (e.g. St. Mark 2:17); Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick do. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.  This is the most obvious point: God was explaining what His mission to these sinners (and the world) was:  He had come to bring them to repentance.  This would hardly satisfy any ultra-Orthodox takfirists – they always want their pound of flesh!  After all, they say, repentance requires tears, and the best way to bring someone to tears is not to eat with them and provide them a living example of the better way; no, surely it is more effective to beat them over the head with the Sin-Stick, right?!  Evidently not, at least according to the all-knowing and all-loving God-man Jesus Christ. After acknowledging the sinfulness of His dinner companions and their need for repentance, He corrected the Pharisees' dubious pedagogical and evangelical instincts with this (e.g. St. Matthew himself in 9:13); Go and learn what it means, 'I will have mercy, and not sacrifice': for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. Christ is quoting Hosea when He says; "I will have mercy, and not sacrifice".  The full passage (which was implied) continues with (Hosea 6:6); "… and [I desire] the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings."  This is huge.  The Pharisees knew the full quote and its context; they would have seen that Christ was telling them that they were guilty of the very same sorts of things that went against God throughout the Old Testament.  He was telling them that they were more concerned with fulfilling the letter of the law (i.e. doing the "burnt offerings" well) than they were with knowing God or bringing others to Him.  At that meal, He was doing something that they should have been doing themselves. How Christ Discipled His Sinners cum Apostles More importantly, along with His entire response, Christ used this quote to describe His method for bringing the "knowledge of God" to sinners; He would use mercy to lead them to repentance, which would in turn allow them to grow in the knowledge of God.   St. John Chrysostom brings this point out at the end of his homily on this passage; What Christ is saying through his words and deads is this, "The disciples have not yet become strong; they still need a lot of condescension. They have not been renewed by the Spirit yet.  You really shouldn't put a lot of injunctions on people who are still weak."  And He said all these things in order to set laws and rules for His own disciples, so that when it was their turn to train disciples, they would deal with them very gently.  To reiterate St. John Chrysostom's point, God is showing His disciples how the Gospel is to be taught: gently and with mercy … while protecting the weak from the attacks of the self-righteous.  This is important for us as Christian leaders: we are called to follow Christ!  We are called to take His Gospel to sinners so that they might repent,  come to the knowledge of God, and be saved.  Keep the Sin-Stick ready, but use it the way Christ Himself did; to defend the weak from the attacks of the self-righteous. There is a temptation to bring sinners to a full awareness of their sin in order to drive them towards repentance, but be careful with this.   Psalm 129: 3-4 (which we often repeat as a prokimen so that we will master it – or rather so that it might master us);  If thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? But there is forgiveness with thee. And later in that same Psalm, we learn from the Psalmist, in the Spirt, what the purpose of this merciful forgivness is; so that He might bring salvation to Israel (129:8). Repentance, kenosis, and discernment are fostered over time.  It is an iterated and communal process.  The wounds this world inflicts on God's children are serious and it takes time for Him to heal them.  This means that you may not be able to see the process through to its conclusion, but it is okay to simply begin the treatment; the Church has trained other physicians that can continue the process, just as you will be called to continue the work others have begun.  As Christ said "One soweth, and another reapeth." (St. John 4:37:4) Conclusion Saint Matthew's life is a testimony to the efficacy of this gentle discipleship process.  He was a sinner.  The Lord protected Him and showed Him mercy.  Over time, through His example, His holiness, and His teachings, He brought Matthew through repentance to the true knowledge of God.  As a recipient of this grace, St. Matthew could do nothing else but offer it to others.   It is true that the Church is a hospital, and that Christ is the Great Physician; and it is also true that St. Matthew found healing in the Church under the Doctor's care.  But it is also true that He did not stay in the hospital bed. After a lifetime spent spreading the Gospel, this "good and faithful servant" earned the martyr's crown in Ethiopia. May the Lord transform us into the kind of patient, merciful, and holy pastors who can do the same.

This exploration of the Beatitudes takes us deep into Jesus' radical vision of peacemaking in a world torn by conflict. Drawing from Matthew 5:9-12, we discover that biblical peace isn't simply the absence of conflict—it's the active presence of harmony that we must intentionally cultivate. The sermon brilliantly sets the historical stage, placing us in first-century occupied Israel where Jesus spoke to a crowd containing Sadducees who compromised with Rome, Pharisees focused on religious law, Essenes who withdrew to the desert, and Zealots ready for violent revolt. Each group had their own version of 'peace,' yet Jesus calls us to something entirely different: stepping into arenas of conflict as peacemakers who reflect God's character. This isn't easy work—it requires us to move toward both neighbors and enemies with generous mercy and pure motives. The transformation from a heart of stone to a heart of flesh, promised in Ezekiel 36:26, enables us to become 'peace doers' who actively create harmony. We're challenged to examine whether we're truly making peace or simply bulldozing through relationships with our version of 'truth.' The message calls us beyond misplaced zeal—beyond screaming condemnation—to genuine relationship-building that reflects Christ's sacrificial love. This is the good life Jesus promises: not comfort, but the deep fulfillment of living as children of God who bear His family resemblance through authentic peacemaking.

This week we come to the famous parable of the Publican and the Pharisee. Jesus tells a story with a good guy and a bad guy. We hear both of their prayers, but Jesus stuns his hearers when it is actually the bad guy who receives God's approval. For those of us overly familiar with this parable, we tend to gloss over the very thing that made this so stunning for Jesus' original hearers - namely, how genuinely good the Pharisee is, especially by our modern standards. Yet if we don't wrestle with that, we miss the very joy Jesus intends here. How can our goodness be a barrier to our joy? Let's talk about why Jesus so often seems to have a bigger beef with the good guys than the bad guys: "The Good, the Bad, & the Ugly" (Luke 18:9-14).

Craig teaches from Matthew 12:22-32 and the question of the unpardonable sin and how we can respond to Jesus in light of how Jesus Himself handled the Pharisees rejection of His deity.

Merlin Miller continues the Gospel of Mark series with this 26th message titled Matters of the Heart and taken from Mark 7:1-13. Jesus is once again opposed by the Pharisees and scribes, this time over the issue of purification. But before Jesus addresses this issue he reveals a far deeper problem: our hearts have problems with authority.

In our modern world, many people live at maximum capacity, wondering why life feels so overwhelming and exhausting. The problem is a lack of margin - that crucial space between our limits and our load. Without proper rest and boundaries, we suffocate under endless demands and expectations, constantly striving to prove our worth through achievement and productivity. When Jesus encountered the Pharisees criticizing his disciples for picking grain on the Sabbath, he revealed a profound truth about rest. The religious leaders had transformed God's gift of Sabbath into a burden of rigid rules, missing its true purpose entirely. Jesus declared that the Sabbath was made for humanity's benefit, not as another master to serve. He positioned himself as Lord of the Sabbath, replacing rule-following with relationship. The Old Testament law served as a guardian before Christ came, providing guidance for holy living and pointing people toward their need for a Savior. While salvation has always been by faith, not law-keeping, the principles behind Sabbath rest remain relevant for believers today.Meaningful Sabbath practice involves balancing three types of rest: avocational time engaging in activities that help us experience God's creation, contemplative time for prayer and reflection, and inactive time for physical rest and stillness. Rather than following a rigid checklist, we should ask God what we need to be satisfied in him and create accountability with others who will notice when we're not resting. True Sabbath rest is spiritual warfare against the idols of productivity and success, declaring that our worth comes from being God's children rather than from our achievements. When Jesus said it is finished on the cross, he completed the work of salvation, freeing us from the exhausting cycle of trying to prove ourselves through constant striving.

In this episode I am exploring sayings 38 and 39 in the Gospel of Thomas. Both have parallels in the canonical gospels, but not exactly. Once again context – or more exactly lack of context – is an important factor in the interpretation of these sayings of Jesus. I will read the sayings in Thomas for you.Jesus said, "Often you have desired to hear these sayings that I am speaking to you, and you have no one else from whom to hear them. There will be days when you will seek me and you will not find me."Jesus said, "The Pharisees and the scholars have taken the keys of knowledge and have hidden them. They have not entered nor have they allowed those who want to enter to do so. As for you, be as sly as snakes and as simple as doves."View Marshall's books here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Marshall-Davis/author/B001K8Y0RU

Join us as we uncover the deeper rest and ultimate freedom offered by Jesus through the Sabbath, in a story that defies legalism and showcases divine healing.In this episode of our series, we delve into the significance of the Sabbath, exploring its meaning through a powerful story of Jesus healing a woman bound by a demon for eighteen years. Discover how Jesus' teachings and actions on the Sabbath challenge the legalistic views of the Pharisees and emphasize the true rest and freedom found in Him.Today's Bible verse is Deuteronomy 5:12, 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.