During three weeks, we will look at Matthew 6:1-18, moving from the outside toward the Lord’s Prayer in the middle. First we considered Jesus’ warnings about hypocrisy: doing the right things in order to receive human applause. Jesus called us rather to focus on the divine audience and receive grace upon grace from God.
The chief priest could not control his wicked sons, so God removed them all and raised up the one who could intercede between humans...
Paul faced false accusations, a physical beating, a near flogging, and an unfair hearing, through which he took courage in the presence of Christ...
As opposition grew toward Jesus, he anticipated that it would reach his followers as well and prepare them for how to live.
