Jesus’ audience, familiar with the Shema, would have known the call to love God with all their heart, soul, and might. But Jesus expanded this understanding, teaching that our love for God must be reflected in how we treat others, calling us to embody God’s kingdom through compassion and forgiveness.

Imagine the scene of Jesus ascending the mountain to teach, echoing the moment when Moses went up to receive the Ten Commandments. But this time, a new message emerges—one of grace, blessing, and a new way to live in the kingdom of God.

Following Jesus requires a shift in focus; it's not just about personal preferences but aligning our actions and purposes with the kingdom of God.

The Israelites' repeated failures to obey God’s commandments serve as a backdrop to Jesus’ obedience, where He exemplifies the power of doing God’s word, even in the face of temptation.

When Jesus began His public ministry, He did so with humility, not seeking power, but fulfilling God’s redemptive plan. For us as leaders, this challenges us to ask whether our leadership reflects self-service or submission to God's purpose.

The message of repentance in Matthew is a timely reminder that we must choose God’s kingdom over the kingdoms of this world. Repentance is not just about turning from sin, but about redirecting our hearts toward Jesus as our true King, above all other allegiances.

Just as Moses led God’s people out of Egypt, Jesus came to bring spiritual deliverance. Matthew’s gospel bridges the Old and New Testament, showing how Jesus fulfills the promises made to Israel, revealing God's grand plan for redemption.

In the face of fear and uncertainty, God's instruction is clear: "Be still and know that I am God." We must resist the urge to panic and instead sit quietly in God's presence, laying down our anxieties. In doing so, we find the peace that surpasses all understanding and are better able to hear His guidance for the future.

As I prepare to step down from my role, I want to encourage you to trust in God's leading, knowing that He is preparing others around you to carry forward the work He has called you to.

Just as Moses was punished for not honoring God’s command, we must remember that it is not our place to define or execute justice but to trust God’s timing and sovereignty.

We must put 100% of our faith and confidence in God, just as Joshua and Caleb did, knowing that true unity and peace come from following His guidance and truth.

In the depths of distress, our longing for God often grows stronger as we face the challenges that make us turn to Him more deeply, just as the deer pants for water in times of thirst.

Through self-reflection, I’ve learned that if we experience God’s love as children, we are more likely to develop a faith that recognizes His love as sufficient for every need, teaching us to trust and rely on Him.

We are so conditioned to think that we must figure it out and be self-sufficient, yet time and time again we are told to place our trust firmly in the Lord and not lean on our understanding.

While we may be quick to point out the flaws in others, David’s description of the wicked serves as a reminder that we, too, fall short of God’s glory and are in need of His mercy and grace.

The Bible warns us about the dangers of idolatry, not just through images or statues, but through anything we place above our love for God—whether it's people, politics, or even social media.

As we face unknown afflictions, we can take comfort in knowing that God sees and hears us, even when we’re unaware of how many dangers He’s already shielded us from.

Recently, I learned of a moment in a professors classroom where one student, unfamiliar with the gospel, was open to hearing it for the first time—a reminder of the openness many Gen Z students have toward learning about faith.

Moses’ words to the Israelites—“Fear not. Stand firm. See the salvation of the Lord”—are a reminder that God is in control, even when our circumstances seem completely out of our hands.

As I follow God’s calling, one exciting opportunity I’m looking forward to is leading a trip to Turkey and Greece where we will explore cities from Paul’s missionary journeys and share devotional thoughts at each biblical site.