“Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s.” That’s what Jesus said in verse 17. So, every election day, we American Christians should recognize that we do indeed have two allegiances, two sets of responsibilities. We are citizens of our respective states…

What do you think God deserves from you? In Jesus’ parable of the vineyard, the tenants didn’t think they owed their landlord anything. That’s why they mistreated and killed the men who were sent to collect their rent. Indeed, they went so far as to kill the landlord’s son in…

“Jesus, who gave you the authority?” That’s the question that many modern people still have. Those who don’t trust in Christ simply can’t imagine why the words of a Jewish rabbi spoken some 2000 years ago should have any bearing on how they live their lives. And they frankly resent…

Is Jesus preaching the Prosperity Gospel in verse 24? Is He telling us to “believe and receive?” Is He saying that if we just have enough faith, and demonstrate that faith by a large enough donation to the preacher, God will give us a Cadillac? Well, that wouldn’t exactly fit…

Why would Jesus curse a fig tree? Well, because the two halves of the story of the fig tree occur on either side of Jesus’ cleansing of the Temple, the two events are obviously linked. On the morning that Jesus went into the Temple, He found no fruit on it…

What do you want from Jesus? Comfort? Peace? Prosperity? Political freedom? All those things were on the minds of the people who watched Him ride into Jerusalem on the first Palm Sunday. They did the ancient equivalent of rolling out the red carpet for Jesus because they thought He, as…

“Your faith has made you well.” Some people hear these words of Jesus and instantly start second-guessing themselves. “If I only had enough faith, I wouldn’t be in such pain. If I only had enough faith, I would be healed of whatever sicknesses or troubles I have.” But such spiritual…

Why do you want to follow Jesus? In yesterday’s passage, we learned that we should not expect worldly happiness or wealth just because we are Christians. Today, we learn that political power should also not be considered part of the package. Think about it. When Jesus’ disciples finally realized that…

Name it and claim it. God wants you to be happy. That’s what the prosperity gospel says. And many preachers today have gained both fame and fortune from peddling the idea that material blessings are always a sign of God’s favor. In fact, verse 26 indicates that even Jesus’ disciples…

What do you think is most important to Jesus? His disciples were just sure they knew. After all, they had come to the correct conclusion that He was the Messiah Whom God had promised would rule over all Israel. And of course they had seen Him do mighty miracles of…