The Apostle's Blog

  Christians also possess a kind of dual citizenship. We may have a national identity based on our country of origin or an ethnic heritage that gives us a sense of who we are. But because we have been united to Christ by faith, our primary identity is now heavenly. We are citizens of heaven because we have a heavenly expectation. We “eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,” who will return one day to establish His kingdom on earth (v. 20). Whatever other labels we may claim, our primary allegiance is to Him. What is more, Scripture tells us that we have already begun to enjoy the benefits of our citizenship in that kingdom and will one day experience it in its fullness (Col. 1:12–13). On this side of the Second Coming, we experience Christ’s kingdom through the power it has to “bring everything under his control” (Phil. 3:21). God demonstrates His rule by transforming us through His Spirit. As Romans 14:17 says, the kingdom is a matter of “righteousness, peace and...

 My apostleship  I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. MATTHEW 10:16 In Matthew 10, the disciples were sent out on an intimidating mission. While the road before them must have seemed daunting, they were encouraged by the promise of God’s presence if they stepped out in obedience. In this passage, Jesus first calls His twelve disciples, and entrusts them with His authority (vv. 1–4). Then He sends them to proclaim the kingdom of heaven (v. 7). It is a daunting task filled with all kinds of uncertainty and danger and concerns about financial support and even what they should wear (vv. 9–10). However, Jesus reassures them, “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves...do not worry...for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you” (vv. 16, 19–20). Sheep are vulnerable to wolves, but not when the shepherd is guiding and guarding them! These words convey two powerful truths: God’s Spirit and presence empowers His servants for mis...

  Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. MATTHEW 12:30 So it is in our relationship with Jesus. You are either with Him or against Him. Just as in tug of war, there is no neutral position because there are forces of darkness aligned against Him. You must choose which side you are on. Matthew 12:30 says, “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.” If you are not working for Jesus, you are actively working against Him. In Matthew 12, Jesus heals a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute (v. 22), prompting various reactions from the crowd. Many marveled at the miracle (v. 23), while others questioned His being the “Son of David” (that is, the Messiah, v. 23). Sadly, others outright accused Him of using demonic power (v. 24). Jesus responds to these accusations with the assertion that His power is divine, saying, “But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upo...

  Imagine a corporate boss, who despite his high status, regularly takes the time to listen and to personally assist his employees no matter their role or status within the company. Certainly, that would be the type of boss any of us would want to work for! Humble leadership is a rare quality. The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. MATTHEW 20:28 We have no greater example of humble leadership than Jesus. In Matthew 20, the mother of James and John, two of Jesus’ disciples, asked for places of honor for her sons in His kingdom (vv. 20–21). Jesus responded: “You don’t know what you are asking” (v. 22). Following and serving Jesus was not about prestige but about following His path of service and suffering. Jesus explained that in His kingdom true greatness would be found in serving others: “[W]hoever wants to become great among you must be your servant” (v. 27). This echoes some of Matthew’s major themes: self-denial, status...

  Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. MATTHEW 28:20 As we come to the end of Matthew’s Gospel, we see the resurrected Jesus gather His disciples on a mountain in Galilee (v. 16). Here He delivers what has been called the Great Commission. This was a significant crossroad for the disciples, and they would rely on Jesus to help them with their next steps. Jesus challenges them to step out of their comfort zone, to “go and make disciples of all nations” (v. 19), and then, He gives them the assurance they need. He promises His presence: “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (v. 20). Jesus’ promise brings both comfort and strength to His disciples. He assures them, and us by extension, that no matter what challenges we face in following Him, we are not alone. Matthew at the beginning of the Gospel stated that Jesus is Immanuel, “God with us” (1:23). Now in the last verse we come full circle. This last chapter about Jesus’ death and resurrecti...