Matthew 14:1-21
Jesus said that his message will land on some people like seed falling among weeds. The temptations of power and pleasure are like weeds that choke Jesus’ message and prevent it growing. Herod is like that. He thinks Jesus is John the Baptist coming back to haunt him. In this flashback to John’s death, it’s clear that Herod is too tempted
by power and pleasure to be open to God’s message. Jesus models a different aim in life. Herod kills (v3-5), Jesus heals (v14). Herod looks with lust (v6), Jesus looks with compassion (v14). Herod feasts with elites (v6), Jesus feeds the hungry (v16-20). Herod is swayed by public opinion (v5-9), Jesus holds authority (v15-19). Herod’s reign leads to death (v10-12), Jesus’ reign leads to satisfaction (v20). This is what God’s power has always looked like; providing bread in the wilderness just like Exodus 16 and shepherding his people by green pastures (Matthew 14:19, Psalm 23:1-2).
For more about Christ Central Church Portsmouth visit: https://christcentral.church
Or via socials:
www.facebook.com/christcentral.ch
www.instagram.com/christcentralchurchportsmouth
To connect with us email: hello@christcentral.church or give us your details at https://www.christcentral.church
Matthew 14:1-21
Jesus said that his message will land on some people like seed falling among weeds. The temptations of power and pleasure are like weeds that choke Jesus’ message and prevent it growing. Herod is like that. He thinks Jesus is John the Baptist coming back to haunt him. In this flashback to John’s death, it’s clear that Herod is too tempted
by power and pleasure to be open to God’s message. Jesus models a different aim in life. Herod kills (v3-5), Jesus heals (v14). Herod looks with lust (v6), Jesus looks with compassion (v14). Herod feasts with elites (v6), Jesus feeds the hungry (v16-20). Herod is swayed by public opinion (v5-9), Jesus holds authority (v15-19). Herod’s reign leads to death (v10-12), Jesus’ reign leads to satisfaction (v20). This is what God’s power has always looked like; providing bread in the wilderness just like Exodus 16 and shepherding his people by green pastures (Matthew 14:19, Psalm 23:1-2).
For more about Christ Central Church Portsmouth visit: https://christcentral.church
Or via socials:
www.facebook.com/christcentral.ch
www.instagram.com/christcentralchurchportsmouth
To connect with us email: hello@christcentral.church or give us your details at https://www.christcentral.church
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