The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12)

Bible Commentary

The Sermon on the Mount opens with the beatitudes—eight statements beginning with the word blessed.[1] This word...

Jesus Calls the Disciples (Matthew 3-4)

Bible Commentary

Nearly thirty years have elapsed between chapters two and three. John the Baptist reveals Jesus’ true identity as the...

Working as Citizens of God’s Kingdom (Matthew 1-4)

Bible Commentary

We live in what theologians call “the already, but not yet.” The kingdom of heaven has already been inaugurated by...

The Kingdom of Heaven Has Come Near (Matthew)

Bible Commentary

At the beginning of his earthly ministry, Jesus announces that “the kingdom of heaven has come near” (Matthew...

Best of Daily Reflections: Keep On Keeping On

Daily Reflection

My agreement with The High Calling has me writing one 700-word Reflection each day, five days a week, 46 weeks a...

Best of Daily Reflections: How I Wish Jesus Were Here

Daily Reflection

If God values embodied relationships more than disembodied relationships, then you might say God has been doing a poor...

Best of Daily Reflections: Storm Warning

Daily Reflection

Jesus doesn't advise us to avoid the storms of life but rather to survive them.

Best of Daily Reflections: Avoiding a Show of Religiosity

Daily Reflection

Earlier in this chapter, Jesus warned against giving alms and praying in public for the sake of human adulation.