Michael Hewat
Michael Hewat is currently serving as the Senior Minister at West Hamilton Community Church, New Zealand
This is my beloved Son.
Whereas Luke prepares us for John the Baptist’s entry by relating his conception and birth (Lk 1), and John introduces him in his prologue (Jn 1.6-8), in Matthew’s Gospel he appears unannounced.
He needs no introduction...
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above…
James has already assured us that God is singularly generous and gives wisdom to those who ask. In these seven verses, he attests to three more of God’s qualities and...
Receive with meekness the implanted word…
Today’s verses are connected to each other, and to the previous verse, by three references to “the word” (vv. 21, 22, 23; cf. v.19). In this context, the directive to “be quick to hear”...
But I say to you who hear… (27)
In Luke’s version of ‘the Sermon on the Mount’ (Matt 5-7) Jesus is on a level place (17). Those who have visited the site where this sermon is commemorated today will...
What have you to do with us, O Son of God?
So far Matthew has told us that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of David (1.16); Immanuel (God with us, 1.23); the beloved Son (3.17); the prophet like...
What sort of man is this, that even the winds and sea obey him? Jesus’ authoritative words are immediately followed by authoritative deeds, demonstrating his power over sickness, diseases, demons and the natural elements.
In the light of his claim...
The Son of Man is the Lord of the Sabbath (5)
While the crowds continue to be filled with awe, the opposition from religious leaders is mounting. They have already grumbled about Jesus’ fellowship with tax collectors and sinners...
The wisdom from above is not intellectual but practical. It transforms the heart, making it lowly. The lowly heart directs the tongue, the whole person, to behave in ways that are pure, peaceable, gentle, reasonable, merciful, impartial and sincere....
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.
This final section of Jesus’ sermon comprises teaching on trusting God for material provision and a series of warnings. Both blocks of teaching are strongly polemical, with Jesus contrasting...
And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him (13)
The healings and exorcisms Luke has narrated so far have demonstrated Jesus’ authority. He delivers and heals by rebuking (4.35, 39, 41).
With the cleansing of a leper, the emphasis...
