Jeremy R. Geerdes Posts

Religious leaders demand signs, exposing shallow faith. Jesus warns against corrupt teachings and affirms Peter’s confession that he is the divine Messiah. He shifts focus to his coming suffering, challenging followers to embrace self-denial and the cross. True discipleship means rejecting worldly values and living sacrificially for God’s kingdom.

For almost ten years, I have served as the president of our neighborhood association, and recently, I was asked to share some thoughts about what that role entails. More specifically, I was told that I would have ten minutes to summarize what a neighborhood association president does and why it is important. I was also […]

For almost ten years, I have served as the president of our neighborhood association, and recently, I was asked to share some thoughts about what that role entails. More specifically, I was told that I would have ten minutes to summarize what a neighborhood association president does and why it is important. I was also […]

For almost ten years, I have served as the president of our neighborhood association, and recently, I was asked to share some thoughts about what that role entails. More specifically, I was told that I would have ten minutes to summarize what a neighborhood association president does and why it is important. I was also […]

For almost ten years, I have served as the president of our neighborhood association, and recently, I was asked to share some thoughts about what that role entails. More specifically, I was told that I would have ten minutes to summarize what a neighborhood association president does and why it is important. I was also […]

It was the Saturday before Easter 2003, and there was a knock on my door fairly early in the morning. As I opened the door, I found myself staring at a person I did not know saying that they were there to set up for the Easter egg hunt at the church. This was confusing […]

Jesus confronts the elevation of tradition over God’s commands, revealing the heart’s defilement as more serious than ritual impurity. A Canaanite woman’s persistent faith is rewarded, challenging cultural boundaries. Through healings and provision, Jesus reveals divine compassion and teaches his disciples to trust God’s power, not just natural means.

Herod’s execution of John the Baptist sets a backdrop of grief. Jesus seeks solitude with his disciples, but instead ministers to crowds—feeding thousands miraculously. Later, he walks on water, rescues Peter amid doubt, calms the storm, and inspires worship through compassionate leadership and divine authority.

Jesus’ parables in Matthew 13 illustrate the varied responses to the gospel, the kingdom’s subtle yet powerful growth, and the final judgment. Understanding, willingness, and spiritual discipline determine fruitful faith. Believers must treasure the kingdom, grow in obedience, and discern truth through Christ’s lens. Familiarity can hinder faith and miracles.

​This reflection on Matthew 12 examines Jesus’ challenges to rigid Sabbath interpretations, emphasizing mercy over legalism. It highlights His healing acts and confrontations with religious leaders, underscoring the importance of compassion and the true intent of the law. The discussion also addresses the gravity of attributing divine works to evil, emphasizing the necessity of recognizing the Holy Spirit’s role.​
Bible Analysis