In today's passage we are continuing with the beatitudes.  What does it mean to be merciful?  What does it mean to be pure in heart? --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In today's passage we continue with the beatitudes.  Who are the meek?  What does it mean to hunger for righteousness? --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In today's passage we start to dive into the beautiful teaching that is the beatitudes.  Today we examine the poor in spirit and those who mourn. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In today's passage we read about Jesus going up the mountain to deliver the sermon on the mount.  There is a lot going on that we sometimes miss. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In today's passage we read about crowds coming to Jesus from Galilee, Jerusalem, and the Decapolis.  What is the Decapolis and why is this little fact significant?  --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In today's passage we read about Jesus going throughout all Galilee and the synagogues healing and ministering to people.   --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In today's passage we read about the calling of James and John to be disciples.  To be a disciple of a rabbi meant to leave everything behind and follow.  We are all called to follow Christ.  Are we? --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In today's passage Jesus tells Andrew and Peter to follow him.  They drop their nets and follow.  It is a powerful lesson for us. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In today's passage we come to the end of the first section of Matthew's Gospel and it ends with the very powerful first words of Jesus's public ministry.  We are also introduced to two fishermen who will play a big role in the church. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In today's passage we read about Jesus going to the region of Zebulun and Naphtali.  In doing so Matthew quotes Isaiah 9:1-2 and points to the kingship of Christ. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In today's passage we read about Jesus withdrawing to Galilee.  What is Galilee and why is it significant? --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Today we finish up the temptation of Jesus with a lively exchange between Jesus and Satan.  We can learn a lot from this part of scripture.  Learn scripture, fight the tempter, and desire holiness. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In today's passage we are continuing with the temptation of Christ by Satan.  In this interaction we see scripture being applied in two totally different ways.   --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Satan took scripture out of context before it was cool.  Here he twists scripture and tempts a hungry Jesus with bread.  Jesus responds with responses taken directly from Deuteronomy 6-8. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Jesus is led to the wilderness to fast and be tempted.  Jesus has two natures a human and divine.  The human nature is tempted to forgoe his future suffering. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In today's passage Jesus is baptized.  As he comes up from the water the Holy Spirit descends like a dove, and the Father has a declaration. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In today's passage Jesus comes to John the Baptist for baptism, but why?  It is a very important section that shows that Jesus came to fulfill Old Covenant rites in the New. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In today's passage we learn a little more about the ministry of John the Baptist.  He baptizes with water, but how does this differ from what we experience in the sacrament of baptism? --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In today's passage John the Baptist continues his string language for the religious leaders.  He tells them not to presume there righteousness based on being a child of Abraham.  Very important words that are also for us today. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In today's passage we read about a spicy interaction between John the Baptist and the Sadducees and Pharisees.  John tells them to repent and calls them snakes because they teach one thing and do another. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

People are coming in droves to be baptized by John the Baptist and in doing so are confessing their sins.  The Jordan river holds a very special meaning and symbolizes the deliverance of God. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Today's passage brings with it a quotation from Isaiah 40:3.  John the Baptists is a pivotal figure in the Gospels and all four align his ministry with this prophecy. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In today's passage we are introduced to John the Baptist who has a very in your face message.  Repent!  Jesus will come again. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Today we finish up Matthew Chapter two with another angel coming to St. Joseph in a dream.  He is told to avoid the new ruler Archelaus and to go to the district of Galilee.   --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In today's passage we read about an angel appearing to Joseph yet again.  Herod is dead, and he is told to take the Holy Family back to Israel. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app