Jeremy R. Geerdes Posts

Jesus’ critique of the scribes and Pharisees exposes the dangers of hypocrisy, pride, and external religion. True followers of Christ must respect authority but discern truth from error, pursue inward transformation, practice justice, mercy, and integrity, and lead with humility and compassion, pleading for others’ restoration rather than condemning them.

Jesus confronts religious leaders with parables, exposing their rejection of God’s invitation and their hypocrisy. He explains that God would provide righteousness, warns against flattery, and reframes allegiance through Caesar’s coin. He silences Sadducees and Pharisees, teaching resurrection, love of God and neighbor, and Messiah’s true identity, overturning legalism and misplaced expectations.

Growing up, my family would often camp on the shores of the Mississippi River or a Minnesota lake, and one of our favorite parts of camping was always the campfire. Every night, we would cook over the fire and then sit up to watch the flames dance in the dark, and every morning, the first […]

Matthew’s account of Jesus’ triumphal entry contrasts his kingdom with earthly power. Instead of overthrowing Rome, Jesus challenged corrupt religious practices, welcomed the marginalized, and redefined true fruitfulness as obedience, justice, and faith. Through parables and prophetic acts, he exposed leaders’ hypocrisy, warned against fruitlessness, and affirmed God’s ultimate authority.

Jesus taught that God’s grace gives the same eternal reward to all, regardless of timing or sacrifice. He foretold his coming death, exposed human misconceptions about power, and redefined leadership as humble service. Through compassionately healing the blind, he revealed his true identity and the radical nature of his kingdom.

During Holy Week, religious leaders tried to trap Jesus with theological questions, including a Sadducean challenge about levirate marriage in Matthew 22:23-33. Jesus exposed their misunderstanding of resurrection and God’s power, revealing that in His kingdom, relationships transcend earthly hierarchies—women will not be bound to subordination but share equal dignity.

Jesus’ ministry near the Jordan placed Him in the Roman region of Judea, though Matthew included areas east of the river traditionally belonging to Reuben. With priests living in nearby Jericho, Pharisees crossed over to test Him. Their intent reflected malicious temptation, echoing the very offenses Jesus warned against.

1        The disciples’ question, So who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?, was a natural outflow of the honor-shame culture in which they lived. In such a culture, people’s worth “was established through an elaborate system of valuing and devaluing.”[83] Consequently, every aspect of how one related to another person was governed by their status, and people […]

Matthew 17 reveals Jesus’ divine glory through His transfiguration, affirmed by Moses and Elijah. The disciples respond with awe, misunderstanding, and reverence. The chapter emphasizes faith’s power, Jesus’ compassion, and the importance of discerning His mission. Through suffering, humility, and resurrection, Jesus calls His followers to trust, grow, and follow Him.

Jesus’ transfiguration reveals his divine glory and fulfills the Law and Prophets. The disciples respond with awe, fear, and misunderstanding, but Jesus offers comfort and correction. Through healing, teaching, and paying the temple tax, he highlights faith, humility, and obedience while foreshadowing his death, resurrection, and the kingdom’s already-not yet reality.