Archippus Awakening Kingdom101

Matthew 11:1-6 records John the Baptist's own questions about Jesus as he wrestled with doubt and discouragement from prison. What happens when expectation and experience do not line up? Is doubt ever allowed when moving on kingdom assignments? What can we learn from Jesus' answer to John's question? Henson addresses these questions and more in this teaching.

Jesus closes Matthew 10 on a positive note with the promise of rewards. In this teaching, Henson draws on context to explain the significance of prophets, righteous men and the little ones. With the focus on a kingdom community that receives one another in the face of threats and challenges, Henson shares five principles how that can be applied in present times.

Matthew 10:32-39 contains many contrasts. Jesus employs this literary device to its fullest to make a very clear and strong point. In this teaching, Henson uses the seven contrasts to establish that there is no question that Jesus will have the last word. The question is, does He take first place presently? How we represent Jesus before men today will determine how He presents us to the Father finally.

After warning the disciples of possible persecution, Jesus tells them not to fear. This teaching of Matthew 10:26-31 explains why there is no need to fear men, or even death. More easily said than done? The key is to have the reverence of the fear of the Lord, and also the assurance of the love of the Father.

Matthew 10:16-25 addresses an aspect of discipleship that we would rather ignore – persecution. And yet, these are the words of Jesus our King and Master, our Shepherd who prepares His sheep to be sent out amongst wolves! Be aware of the groups of people from which disciples may face possible challenge and persecution. Learn how we are to respond and why this is expected of those who consider themselves followers of Jesus Christ.

Matthew 10:7-15 contains instructions to Team Jesus as they move on their kingdom assignments. The priority is to proclaim the good news of the kingdom. On this note, we have a responsibility to represent Jesus and His kingdom rightly and accurately. Kingdom paradigms of power, grace and provision accompany the proclamation of the kingdom message. At the same time, be prepared for reactions, both positive and negative.

Starting a new section, Henson provides an overview of the five discourses in Matthew, and the KINGDO101 expository journey thus far. What does it mean to be on Team Jesus? Matthew 10:1-6 outlines how disciples are to be aligned with Jesus, that we may be authorised by Jesus as we are appointed by Jesus and assigned for Jesus. In this teaching, Henson challenges believers to go beyond being good church members, to become faithful disciples on kingdom assignment for the king.

Following Jesus' declaration and teaching, His demonstration and training, Matthew 9:35-38 provides the transition to the king's delegation and tasking. Simply, there are works ahead and workers are needed. Sadly, the numbers remain few. The solution? Pray for the Lord of the harvest to send out, to drive out, to push out, to thrust out workers.

The miracles in Matthew 9:27-34 conclude two chapters of kingdom demonstration and training. Henson provides a broad overview of key themes before presenting the focus of this final group of miracles. Physical conditions reveal spiritual realities. The challenge is for those who consider themselves spiritually alive to check that they do not remain blind or mute, but are seeing, hearing, understanding, speaking and proclaiming the kingdom of God.

Matthew 9:18-26 records two miracles, demonstrating Jesus' authority over death and disease. Without doubt, the raising of the 12 year old girl was a powerful event! Yet, somehow, it is the woman with the issue of blood that steals the scene. Juxtaposed against Jairus, she enables us to better examine and appreciate the details surrounding both stories in this scene. Through it all, Jesus remains centrestage and receives all the glory!

In Matthew 9:14-17, Jesus responds to a Complaint with a Counter-question. After stating the Condition, He issues a Caution. And we would do well to heed the words of Jesus that we do not mix the new with the old. Clearly, the question is not if Christians should fast, but how Christians are to fast. But more than just another nice teaching about fasting, there must be Conviction before any would even consider fasting forward, looking to the Bridegroom's return.

Matthew 9:9-13 is about the miracle of Matthew, and the mercy of the Messiah. It is all too easy to view the Pharisees with disdain, yet miss the 'pharisee' in ourselves. This passage challenges us to consider what the kingdom of God is really about, to go back to basics, to go and learn what it truly means to be kingdom-minded believer of Jesus Christ.

Matthew 9:1-8 records another healing miracle. Yet, again, there is more to it than meets the eye. Drawing from the facts of this account, Henson shares perspectives about faith: 7 faith facts that will encourage all in our faith journeys as we love and serve the Messiah and His kingdom.

Matthew 8:28-34 is the first detailed account of demons being cast out. From this encounter between Jesus and the demonised men, we can learn quite a lot from what demons know. Henson draws 9 points from this passage to remind believers that the spiritual realm is very real, that the battle rages on between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness.

There are so many lessons that can be derived from Matt 8:23-27 ... discipleship, storms, peace, fear and faith. This teaching will consider these points, but we must not miss Matthew's main intent. More than Jesus bailing us out of the storms of life, it is always about Jesus, the Messiah and King. Regardless the uncertainties and challenges that may come our way, He invites all to follow Him to the other side. All aboard!

Is being a Christian just about going to heaven? What does it mean to follow Jesus? Have you read the fine print? Listen to the King as He explains His expectations in Matt 8:18-22. For sure, Jesus desires all to follow Him. Even so, He defines what it means to follow Him. That said, He demands and deserves all of those who follow Him.

Through Matt 8:14-17, this teaching uncovers Matthew's key intention for the recording of miracles. Although impressive and sought after, miracles are but signs that point to the main issue – Jesus, the Messiah who came as our Substitute. Henson uses this opportunity to address four frequently asked questions about healing. And then challenges all to consider: As we have been ministered to by the Messiah, like Peter's mother-in-law, we must also arise to serve Jesus through our kingdom assignments.

Matt 8:5-13 is often used to encourage one to have faith to be healed. The centurion was, after all, commended by Jesus for having great faith. But what does this have to do with entry into the kingdom of God? Sadly, this point, Matthew's main intent, is usually overlooked. Henson shares four key points from this familiar passage, and challenges with a fifth, reminding all that great faith is for great faithfulness. That is what truly matters in the kingdom of God.

Matt 8:2-4 records the first miracle account as Jesus moved from mountain to multitudes. At a glance, we see a physical healing but there is more to this than meets the eye. Henson brings an understanding of clean and unclean, both in the Old Testament as well as in the New Testament, before drawing lessons from the leper's approach and Jesus' response.

In this teaching, launching from Matt 8:1, Henson provides a broad overview of how Matthew has organised his material. This big picture brings clarity and continuity as we move forward from the Sermon on the Mount to the next chapters. As Jesus moved from mountain to the multitudes, we are likewise challenged to do the same.