Scott Allen leads today's lesson from Matthew 17:1-13. Three disciples went with Jesus to the mountain top. There, Jesus full glory was shown as He took on the white light of a heavenly presence. Two key figures, Moses and Elijah, appeared as well, representing the Law and the Prophets (that is, the entire Old Testament). But most of all, the voice of God the Father affirmed Jesus (as at Jesus' baptism) and directed the disciples to listen to Him. Post-resurrection, all believers are invited to rest in the glorious presence of Jesus, treasuring His words to us and expressing thankfulness for all that Jesus intentionally fulfilled on our behalf at the cross.

Scott Allen leads today's lesson from Matthew 16:13-26. Who is Jesus? People have their opinions, but believers recognize what Peter realized, that Jesus is the Christ (Messiah), the Son of God. As we recognize who Jesus is, we also learn what it means to serve under His authority and submit to His priorities, because in the economy of heaven, nothing compares to the riches of knowing Christ in this life and the assurance of eternal life ahead.

Scott Allen leads today's lesson from Matthew 15:1-11, 15-20. The Pharisees, by reputation the most religious and zealous of all Jews, accused Jesus' disciples of a legal violation when they ate without immediately washing their hands first. Jesus in turn pointed out the hypocrisy of those who focus on external and superficial human rules but disobey God's moral law. The Pharisees encouraged Jews to abandon their duty toward their parents and instead devote all of their gifts to the temple treasury. In their greed for more material donations, the Pharisees were in disobedience to God's moral commandment to honor one's father and mother. Believers must always guard against the hypocrisy of following man-made rules instead of God's timeless instructions.

Scott Allen leads today's lesson from Matthew 14:22-33. Have you ever found it difficult to find time alone with the Father? Has it ever seemed like life was working against you? Have you found yourself frustrated and afraid? Then you can relate to today's lesson. As the disciples tried to follow Jesus' instructions with limited success, believers today can be comforted by His presence, equipped by His power, and blown away by His preeminence.

Scott Allen leads today's lesson from Matthew 13:24-30,36-43. Do you ever wonder why God allows bad people to remain in our world? Why doesn't God let good people remain separate and trouble-free? Today's parable explains that God chooses to allow both His transformed children and the world's rebellious sinners to live together until judgment day. We can expect to frequently interact with those who are opposed to God's will and refuse to abide by moral rules. How we interact will set us apart as God's children, most of all realizing that sinners are not our ultimate enemy, but rather it is Satan who stirs up trouble in our world and entraps sinners in harmful behaviors. We stand our ground in God's armor, reaching out to the lost, knowing that God's justice will arrive on the day of reckoning. Those who belong to God will graduate to Heaven and be free from sin. Anyone not forgiven in Christ will be punished in the eternal flames of Hell. Either way, God's mercy and justice will be served.

Jesus taught with authority and clarity, but He often conflicted with the religious leaders of his day. In their zealous quest for self-righteousness, the Pharisees had turned Moses' 10 commandments and other direct teachings of the Old Testament into over 700 rules and regulations that made it nearly impossible for an ordinary Jew to feel good about following God. These man-made rules gave the Pharisees opportunity to claim fault with Jesus and his disciples. In Matthew 12:1-14, we see the disciples criticized for merely snacking on grain in a field because it defied the Pharisee's regulations against harvesting on the Sabbath... but Jesus demonstrated that His disciples were innocent. In so doing, Jesus revealed the dangers of legalism. While all of God's commands should be obeyed, we do our community a disservice anytime our personal man-made rules or preferences hinder people from enjoying everyday life, meeting basic needs, and receiving help.

Scott Allen leads today's lesson from Matthew 10:16-20,26-34. Believers shouldn't expect harmony with an unbelieving world. Jesus came to earth and forces us to choose sides. When we decide to follow Jesus, we become the world's enemy. Nonetheless, Jesus sends us out into the world as witnesses. But what kind of witness? We are to be sheep among wolves. We are not to attack or bite or harass or threaten others. Rather, trusting our shepherd, we are to be shrewdly aware while keeping ourselves innocent from wrongdoing. Our speech must be gentle, respectful, and full of unapologetic truth. Dauntless, we faithfully represent Jesus and His teachings to a critical world, knowing that God's way always works best and that God rewards and watches over those obedient to Him. In our virtue, we serve valiantly and identify with Christ visibly, sharing our testimony and speaking with the aid of the Holy Spirit.

Scott Allen leads today's lesson from Matthew 9:10-19,23-26. Have you ever faced criticism while doing what you were sure was the right thing to do? Jesus can relate. He was ready to explain why he did what he did. Jesus patiently did and taught what was right, regardless of whether people understood or agreed. He did not come to put a band-aid on the law we could not keep. He came to do a new work of grace, reaching out to sinners in need of forgiveness and transformation. We can bring every need to Jesus. He can do anything, even miracles when He so chooses!