The superscription of Psalm 23 states that this psalm is written by David.  Before becoming king, David’s vocation was that of a shepherd.    1 Samuel 16:11 — And Samuel said to Jesse, Are these all the children? And he said, There remains yet the youngest, and behold, he is tending the sheep. Then Samuel said to Jesse, Send and bring him; for we will not sit down until he comes here.  David knew all to well what it meant to be a shepherd and how sheep tend to act.  So as David posits his relationship with YHWH, he comes to understand that he is as dependent upon God as his sheep are of him.  So David pens Psalm 23 as an exposé of God as a Shepherd.

The Shepherd and the Sheep - Psalm 23

Psalm 119:145-152 imparts lessons about earnest prayer for God's intervention, commitment to obedience, trust in God's faithful promises, joy in His Word, affirmation of His nearness, zeal for His commands, and desire for divine understanding. These lessons inspire believers to seek God wholeheartedly, trust in His faithfulness, and find joy and satisfaction in His Word, even amidst challenges and adversity.

The Word Of God Is To Be Obeyed - Psalm 119:145-152

Shifting to Matthew 10:10-12, Jesus responds to His disciples’ astonishment at His teaching on divorce by presenting singleness as a sacred calling.  He affirms that while marriage is honorable, singleness, embraced for the sake of the kingdom, can be a chosen path to wholehearted devotion to God.  This juxtaposition highlights Jesus’ acknowledgment of the diverse expressions of human relationships and the significance of each individual’s unique journey in fulfilling God’s purposes.

Marriage, Divorce, and Singleness (Part 2) - Matthew 19:1-12

Psalm 119:153-160 imparts lessons about earnest prayer for God's deliverance, affirmation of His nearness, commitment to His Word, recognition of its truthfulness, desire for divine understanding, joy in His Word, dependence on His commandments, and affirmation of His faithfulness. These lessons inspire believers to seek God wholeheartedly, trust in His Word, and find joy and satisfaction in His promises, even amidst challenges and adversity.

The Word Of God Revives - Psalm 119:153-160

Transitioning to Matthew 19:13-15, the scene transitions to a new setting where children are brought to Jesus for His blessing.  This shift in focus highlights the multifaceted nature of Jesus’ ministry, encompassing both profound theological discourse and tender acts of compassion towards the marginalized and vulnerable. It illustrates Jesus’ holistic approach to ministry, embracing the intellectual and emotional dimensions of human experience and revealing His heart of love and compassion for all people, regardless of age or social status.  The theme of Matthew 19:13-15 is embracing childlike faith: lessons from Jesus' blessing.

Embracing Childlike Faith: Lessons from Jesus’ Blessing - Matthew 19:13-15

Psalm 119:161-168 imparts lessons about commitment to God's Word despite opposition, reverence for divine ordinances, prayer for understanding, affirmation of God's righteousness, trust in His faithfulness, delight in His law, remembrance of His Word, and desire for deliverance. These lessons inspire believers to remain steadfast in their faith, to honor and obey God's commandments, and to trust in His unfailing love and faithfulness, even in the midst of trials and challenges.

The Word Of God Brings Awe - Psalm 119:161-168

Transitioning from the heartwarming encounter in Matthew 19:13-15 to the subsequent interaction in Matthew 19:16-26, the readers witness a significant shift in focus.  The tender scene of Jesus blessing the children contrasts sharply with the following encounter.  In verse sixteen, a wealthy man approaches Jesus, seeking guidance on inheriting eternal life.  Unlike the children who approached Jesus with simple, humble faith, the rich young man is characterized by wealth and status. This contrast highlights the central theme of the passage: the nature of true discipleship and the radical demands of following Jesus.  The narrative underscores Jesus’ teachings on the essential qualities required to enter the Kingdom of Heaven: childlike faith, humility, and a willingness to let go of everything to follow Him.  Jesus’ response to the rich young man reveals the high cost of discipleship and challenges believers to consider the idol of wealth and true riches.

The Idol of Wealth and True Riches (Part 1) - Matthew 19:16-26

Psalm 119:169-176 imparts lessons about seeking God's attention and guidance through prayer, commitment to obedience, acknowledgment of human frailty and wandering, desire for understanding, plea for salvation, delight in God's law, and remembrance of His commandments. These lessons inspire believers to humbly seek God's wisdom and direction, to obey His commandments faithfully, and to trust in His salvation and deliverance, even in the midst of struggles and uncertainties.

The Word Of God Is Our Delight - Psalm 119:169-176

The Idol of Wealth and True Riches (Part 2) - Matthew 19:16-26

Proverbs 1:1-7 encourages believers to seek wisdom diligently, pursue understanding, embrace discipline, reverence God in all things, and guard against the folly of pride and arrogance.

The Shepherd and the Sheep - Psalm 23

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