Tag: Matthew

Mentoring…part 2

“No matter what stage of development, we need spiritual companions – mentors and guides, friends and peers along the journey – in order to flourish over a lifetime of godly service” (Reese and Loane, Deep Mentoring, 179).

The gospel of Matthew highlights an interesting word: behold, to pay attention and observe.

While observing the terms used to describe Jesus, a key thought is built upon the name, Immanuel – God with us.

Mentoring involves being present. If God left the glory of heaven to be with us, to shepherd, rule, provide light, and heal, then we should also recognize that mentoring necessitates our being present and involved in the lives of those mentored.

People are Watching

Remember that “People are always watching.” Children watch their parents. Employers watch their employees. The community watches all of us. Everywhere, people are watching.

They also listen. They listen to our words and watch our behavior to see if they are consistent with what we profess.

Nothing is more damaging to our influence than hypocrisy and nothing more convincing than consistency. Jesus spoke of the need to avoid hypocrisy in prayer, acts of kindness, and fasting.

No other gospel handles hypocrisy like Matthew. The take-away is to know that people are always watching, which emphasizes the need to be consistent with our words and actions.

Matthew

Matthew was a tax collector and hated by the Jews. Tax collectors were not seen as an example to follow.

However, Matthew was an apostle called by Jesus, but what made him different? Consider two reasons.

Committed: The text is explicit: When called by Jesus, Matthew immediately left everything behind to follow. He walked away from security and wealth.

Compassionate: Matthew hosted a great feast for Jesus. He invited what the Pharisees called “tax collectors and sinners.” Matthew wanted all his friends to hear about Jesus.

Not a great deal is known about Matthew, but these two areas make him stand out as an example.

Biblical Resolution…Part 1

The Gospel of Matthew highlights Jesus instructing the disciples in what to do if a brother sins against you. He
said to “go to them in private.” Conflict could be more easily resolved if we took this approach.

Of course, Jesus continues with taking two or three witnesses, if they do not listen to you. However, the most powerful part is found at the end, “if they will not listen to the church.”

Imagine the power of an entire congregation on your doorstep to resolve the conflict.

His point is not about discipline, but about restoration. Let’s seek reconciliation.

Spiritual Companionship…

“No matter what stage of development, we need spiritual companions – mentors and guides, friends and peers along the journey” (Reese and Loane, Deep Mentoring).

The need for spiritual companionship should be obvious. In Matthew’s gospel, we find a significant word, behold. Matthew wants the reader to pay attention and observe. One observation is in the name Immanuel, God with us, the power of His presence. The true nature of spiritual companionship involves being present.

If God left the glory of heaven to be with us––to be present––then we should recognize that spiritual companionship necessitates our being present and involved in the journey with others.

What Do Leaders Seek?

The Gospels reveal the idea of seeking on several occasions.

In Matthew, Jesus emphasized the need to seek first the kingdom of God.

In Mark, religious leaders sought for a sign from Jesus, but their motives were impure.

In Luke, we find areas that involve what we seek, either materially or spiritually.

John also indicates that Jesus was motivated to seek.

Jesus clearly sought to do the will of the Father, to glorify Him. As spiritual leaders, what will we seek to do or accomplish with our leadership?

We have been entrusted with a great responsibility and opportunity. What we seek makes all the difference in the lives we touch.