Jesus said, “I desire mercy and not sacrifice. For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.” (Matthew 12:7-8) Sacrifice is what we do for ourselves. Mercy is what we do for others. Sacrifice is what we do to save ourselves. Mercy requires someone else to save us. Sacrifice is about us. Mercy is about Jesus. I saw a woman being interviewed on television this week, in response to the Chattanooga shootings in her hometown. When she spoke, her expression was kind, not angry, and her voice was calm but with a pleading sadness to it. It caught my attention as I looked up from my work. […]
Category:In Jesus' Words - from Matthew
Come to Me, ALL of you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. – Jesus (Matthew 11:28) This is one of the most powerful and reassuring statements ever said. No condition required, no sin too great, no burden too big. Jesus says His yoke is easy. In 2006 Brian Welch, guitarist for the heavy metal band, Korn, and heavy drug addict, walked away from a $23 million contract in order to follow Jesus – all because of the promise of this verse. He now has “Matthew 11:28” tattooed on his neck. “I didn’t know how to get sober. No one could help me. […]
Category:In Jesus' Words - from Matthew
Jesus performed many miracles in his time, but the miracles were not intended for believers. They were to help them believe. As Christians today, we sometimes expect miracles as a sign of our faith. I first thought about listing some of the miracles I have experienced in my lifetime, but then I realized it is easy for me to see God’s wonders in the world because I believe. But what about miracles for the non-believer, to help them believe? That list was harder for me to come up with. Jesus still performs miracles today, but it is often through his faithful servants that these miracles are shown. Here are a few miracles […]
Category:In Jesus' Words - from Matthew
Jesus is recorded as saying, “the least in the kingdom of heaven will be greater than John the Baptist, who was the greatest person ever born of a woman.” That is quite a statement. Jesus made some bold statements in his time, recorded in the New Testament. They were things no one else would claim or dare to say. If we focus our attention on these bold, direct statements Jesus said instead of the little details we sometimes squabble over, our priorities might just change. So what did Jesus mean by his statement on John the Baptist? The kingdom of heaven is a big deal! The honor of being accepted as a […]
Category:In Jesus' Words - from Matthew
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About the Author
Sue McCusker is a writer, Bible teacher, and web developer who loves sharing the stories of life, hope, and faith she sees around her every day. She has written for Guideposts and Angels on Earth magazines, and teaches the story of God in women's Bible study.
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Happy are the feet of those who bring good news! Isaiah 52:7
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