Series Details
Iconic scenes fill Matthew 14–20, like Jesus miraculously feeding thousands of people from a basket of fish and bread, walking upon the stormy Sea of Galilee, and healing the blind men.
But as Jesus’ public ministry grew, so did those who opposed Him. The increasing hostility, however, only brought added clarity to the whole purpose of His ministry—to serve rather than be served.
Pastor Chuck Swindoll carefully explores these vital chapters to strengthen our faith in God’s Son, Jesus the Christ, a King like no other.
The middle chapters of Matthew’s Gospel contain some of the most iconic scenes in the life of Christ—from the feeding of the thousands to Jesus walking on the stormy Sea of Galilee. In this 21-part series, Chuck Swindoll explores the deepening ministry of the King as He moves toward the cross. While Jesus’ power is displayed through miraculous healings and authority over nature, we also see the rising tide of hostility from religious leaders. These chapters emphasize the core mission of Jesus: a King who came not to be served, but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many.
The Strangest of All Gifts: A Beheading
Sermon Summary Matthew 14 opens with the shocking account of the execution of John the Baptist. This message addresses the grim reality of treachery, peer pressure, and the power of a guilty conscience. Chuck explores how the death of the King’s forerunner serves as a sobering reminder of the cost of truth and the dangerous environment in which Jesus’ own ministry was unfolding.
Key Facts & Themes
- The Cost of Truth: Reflecting on the martyrdom of John the Baptist.
- The Pressure to Conform: Analyzing Herod’s tragic decision driven by public perception.
Primary Scripture Reference
- Matthew 14:1–13
Eating a Miracle for Dinner
Sermon Summary Faced with a massive, hungry crowd and meager resources, the disciples saw an impossibility; Jesus saw an opportunity. This message focuses on the feeding of the five thousand. We learn that when we bring our small offerings to the King, His compassion and power are more than enough to satisfy the deepest needs of the multitude.
Key Facts & Themes
- Divine Sufficiency: How God provides when human resources are exhausted.
- The Heart of Compassion: Jesus’ response to the physical and spiritual hunger of the people.
What Brings Us to Our Knees?
Sermon Summary Life’s storms have a way of revealing our true dependence. This message explores Jesus walking on the water and Peter’s attempt to do the same. We learn that it is often the “waves” of life that bring us to a posture of worship, recognizing that Jesus is truly the Son of God who holds authority over the elements and our fears.
Key Facts & Themes
- Faith vs. Fear: The challenge of keeping our eyes on Christ during a crisis.
- Worship in the Storm: Recognizing the deity of Christ through His authority over nature.
Answering Life’s Ultimate Question
Sermon Summary At Caesarea Philippi, Jesus asked the question that every person must eventually answer: “Who do you say that I am?” This message focuses on Peter’s confession of Christ and the foundation of the Church. Chuck discusses the essential nature of Jesus’ identity as the Messiah and the Son of the Living God.
Key Facts & Themes
- The Identity of Christ: Why a correct view of Jesus is the bedrock of faith.
- The Foundation of the Church: Understanding Christ’s promise to build His kingdom.
Primary Scripture Reference
- Matthew 16:13–20
A Terrifying Glimpse of Glory
Sermon Summary On a high mountain, the “veil” of Jesus’ humanity was briefly pulled back to reveal His divine glory. This message explores the Transfiguration. We see Jesus standing with Moses and Elijah, receiving the Father’s affirmation. This glimpse of glory served to strengthen the disciples for the difficult days of suffering that lay ahead.
Key Facts & Themes
- The Glory of Christ: Witnessing the majesty of the Son of God.
- Divine Affirmation: Hearing the Father’s command to “Listen to Him!”
Primary Scripture Reference
- Matthew 17:1–13
How Often Should We Forgive?
Sermon Summary Forgiveness is the hallmark of the King’s kingdom. In response to Peter’s question, Jesus taught that forgiveness should be limitless. This message explores the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant, reminding us that because we have been forgiven an unpayable debt by God, we must be willing to extend mercy to others.
Key Facts & Themes
- Limitless Mercy: The biblical mandate for radical forgiveness.
- The Debt of Grace: Why our experience of God’s mercy must change our relationships.
Primary Scripture Reference
- Matthew 18:21–35
Lessons Learned from a Fat Camel
Sermon Summary The encounter with the Rich Young Ruler prompted a difficult teaching: “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” This message addresses the danger of self-sufficiency and the necessity of total surrender to follow the King.
Key Facts & Themes
- The Barrier of Wealth: How material security can hinder spiritual dependence.
- The Possibility of Grace: Trusting God for the “impossible” work of salvation.
Primary Scripture Reference
- Matthew 19:16–30
Let’s Let God Be God
Sermon Summary The Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard often feels unfair to our human sense of justice. This message challenges us to set aside our “fairness” and embrace God’s sovereign grace. We learn that God’s rewards are based on His generosity, not our merit, and that we must rejoice in His kindness to all.
Key Facts & Themes
- Sovereign Grace: Accepting God’s right to be generous according to His will.
- Overcoming Comparison: Finding contentment in God’s provision for us.
Primary Scripture Reference
- Matthew 20:1–16
Seeing Ourselves through Blind Eyes
Sermon Summary The series concludes with the healing of two blind men outside Jericho. While they were physically blind, they saw Jesus’ identity more clearly than the religious elite. This message serves as a reproof and a reminder to call out to the Son of David for the spiritual sight and mercy that only He can provide.
Key Facts & Themes
- Spiritual Sight: Recognizing our need for Christ’s healing touch.
- The Persistence of Faith: Following the example of those who refuse to be silenced in their search for the King.
Primary Scripture Reference
- Matthew 20:29–34
