Chuck Larsen

Matthew 19 is an often disputed passage regarding divorce. Jesus informs us that “till death do us part,” is God’s plan for a man and woman. He does seem to make an exception for adultery, which is the act that breaks the covenant relationship itself. But Jesus is firm that marriage is a divine institution that should not be dissolved because the two “are no longer two, but they have become one flesh” in God’s eyes. View full article »

After teaching us about the Biblical processes involved with those who sin, Jesus teaches us that the normal process of confrontation should always end with forgiveness. Peter then asks Jesus, “how many times? Should I forgive him seven times?” Jesus says, “No, Peter, 70 times 7 times.” Actually, Jesus was saying that forgiveness is always the first step in restoration of a relationship. Forgiveness doesn’t always result in the restoration of the relationship as it existed before the offense, but it should always end with the offended desiring and attempting to make the situation work out for the best for the offender. View full article »

Matthew 18:15 tells us “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.” There are more steps we can take to deal with those who sin, but this one is often very difficult for us to live up to. But like Jesus says, if the hearer responds well, good things will happen. View full article »

At Jesus’ transfiguration, Moses and Elijah appeared with Him. Why? When we compare Jesus with these two men we find some interesting similarities. Moses died on a mountain, Mount Nebo (Deut. 34:1-5); Jesus died on a mountain, Calvary (Luke 23:33) and ascended to heaven from the Mount of Olives (Acts 1:9-12). No one could find Moses’ body. Jesus body was also unfound by those going to look for it. Both Moses and Jesus knew they were going to die and went up the mountain to do so. Elijah miraculously ascended in the presence of Elisha. Jesus ascended visibly in the presence of His disciples. Both Elijah and Jesus had knoweldge of the imminent ascension into heaven. The spirit of Moses was passed on to his successor, Joshua. The spirit in Elijah was passed on to his successor, Elisha. the Holy Spirit upon Jesus was given to His followers at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4) and to us who share in His salvation (Rom. 8:9). View full article »

Isn’t it remarkable that Jesus says “get behind me, Satan,” to Peter! I don’t think he’s literally calling Peter, Satan, he’s identifying the source of Peter’s words as being a temptation for Him to abandon His divine call as the Savior of the World and to preserve His own physical life. This was part of Satan’s temptation that Jesus faced and overcame in the desert back in Matthew chapter 4. It’s the same temptation that you and I face when we would much rather preserve the status quo in our lives than to step out in faith to accomplish what God has called us to do. When we put ourselves and our physical safety, comfort, and well-being above the interests of Christ, we are acting like Satan. That’s what he did and that’s what he wants us to do. View full article »

In Matthew 16 Jesus asks His disciples two questions. The first one is in verse 13, “Who do people say that I am?” He gets a variety of answers: “Some say you are John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others, Jeremiah or one of the Old Testament Prophets.” Just think about that! They could have said that people say you are the illegitimate son of Mary, an imposter, a liar, or a servant of Beelzebub as the religious leaders suggested. The important thing about the first question was that everyone, including the disciples at this point, saw Jesus as nothing more than a man. Jesus wanted them to see that, but he wanted to contrast the truth of his identity with the opinions of men. This lead Him to the real question. View full article »

Jesus addresses his followers as people of “little faith” several times in Matthew. He could address us accordingly also. In Matthew 6:30, he tells us that God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? We show “little faith” when we have worries and cares about normal provisions of life. We need to realize that God is in charge. He’ll take care of these issues for us. View full article »

In Chapter 15, Matthew tells us about the gentile woman who comes crawling to Jesus for help with her demonically possessed daughter. The verbs used in describing her are interesting. First, she “heard” all about Jesus. Second, she “came” to Him. Third, she “fell” at his feet. Fourth, she “begged” for mercy. It appears that Jesus ignored her at first. The disciples encouraged him to dismiss her because she was embarrassing herself by such dramatic behavior. View full article »