Matthew 22:41-42

Christmas for many of us is a time of celebration and community, but for others it can be a time of loneliness and pain. This week Jon Owen (Pastor and CEO of Wayside Chapel, Sydney) reflects on the radical life of Jesus – a life defined by love and a heart for the oppressed and marginalised. There is hope, and we have a part to play.

Matthew writes to God’s people and walks them on a journey that will take them from where they are to be Disciple Makers. This is 22 of 27 devotional plans walking us through the book of Matthew.  In this portion, on Day 2 of Holy Week, Jesus answers questions from the religious leaders – and then rebukes their unbelief. What do our questions reveal?

I LOVE MY CHURCH. People talk about what they love. They love their spouse, love their children. Or they love their job, sports team or pet, but how many people say they love their church? My prayer is that as you follow this plan, you may re-discover your love of the church and its purpose. Helping our churches today to be authentic, mirroring the original church. That is Simply Church.

This Easter Passion Week, celebrate Jesus’ death and resurrection through a series of short audio prayers on hope. His death put an end to death, and His resurrection brings the resurrection of all things. Allow wonder, marvel and gratitude to fill your heart today because of Jesus’ victory. We are forgiven, we are beloved and we are His! -Author @ScottyWardSmith