Sermon and Worship Resources

Synonyms: touch, feel, sense of touch, tactile sense, tactility, contact, using one's hands, sensation, sense, suspicion, sneaking suspicion, notion, inkling, hunch, fancy, apprehension, presentiment, premonition, foreboding, love, care, affection, fondness, tenderness, warmth, warmness, emotion, sentiment, emotional state, compassion, sympathy, empathy, fellow feeling, understanding, concern, solicitude, solicitousness, tender-heartedness, brotherly love, sensibilities, sensitivities, self-esteem, ego, pride, opinion, belief, view, impression, intuition, instinct, estimation, guess, theory, hypothesis, thought, way of thinking, point of view, atmosphere, ambience, aura, air, mood, climate, character, overtone, undertone, tenor, spirit, quality, flavour, colour, aptitude, knack, flair, bent, talent, gift, skill, art, trick, faculty, ability, propensity, inclination, sensitive, warm, warm-hearted, tender, tender-hearted, caring, soft-hearted, sympathetic, compassionate, empathetic, responsive, receptive, intuitive, thoughtful

Antonyms: bad feeling, acrimony, animosity, animus, antagonism, antipathy, aversion, bitterness, detestation, disgust, dislike, disrelish, enmity, friction, grievances, grudges, hatred, hostility, loathing, malevolence, malice

Showing 2326 to 2350 of 3082 results

2326. John the Baptist Beheaded

Matthew 14:1-12

Understanding Series

Robert H. Mounce

Feeding of the Five Thousand: Jesus was not the only prophet who was rejected by his own (cf. 13:53–58). John the Baptist had been treated the same way by Herod, ruler of Galilee and Perea. Matthew tells of Herod’s concern that Jesus might be John the Baptist returned from the dead (v. 2). This in turn caused Jesus to withdraw from a public to a secluded area (v. 13). Verses 3–12 record the death of John the Baptist, which had taken place earlier but is brought into the narrative at this point by Matthew. ...

2327. A Love Triangle

Matthew 22:34-46

Sermon

David G. Rogne

Some people have a talent for getting to the core of things. Julius Caesar wrote a good-sized book titled On the Gallic War. It is still used as a textbook by students of Latin. However, Caesar was also able to cut through all the details and get to the nub of a matter. He wrote a sentence that has become a classic in condensation: "Veni, Vidi, Vici" — "I came, I saw, I conquered." That sums it all up. In Jesus' day there was a group of people who pored over the ancient writings of Moses to look for every ...

2328. Who Cares?

Matthew 25:31-46

Sermon

David G. Rogne

When Vince Lombardi, the eminently successful professional football coach in the 1960s, was asked how he produced winning teams, he declared that any group of naturally endowed athletes could win more games than they lost if they concentrated on the "little things" of the game — the fundamentals. After a close game won by his Green Bay Packers, Lombardi called a special session for Monday morning because he felt his players were losing sight of the small details that guarantee victory. Appearing before his ...

2329. A Dead Girl and A Sick Woman

Mark 5:21-43

Understanding Series

Larry W. Hurtado

5:21–43 This passage is the second instance in which Mark sandwiches together two incidents into one composite story (see earlier 3:20–35). Mark seems to do this because in each case he wants the two parts of the composite account to be understood in connection with each other. That these two incidents may have happened in connection with each other as described in Mark is not necessarily challenged. But, since it is evident that Mark does not tell us everything Jesus did, it is always important to inquire ...

2330. Introduction

Luke 1:1-4

Understanding Series

Craig A. Evans

Luke's Preface: The first four verses of Luke’s Gospel make up what is sometimes called a “prologue” or “preface.” Since these verses, which are only one sentence in the Greek, actually function as a literary preface, it is probably best to regard them as Luke’s preface introducing his Gospel. Since Luke 3:1–2, however, also functions as an introduction to the Gospel and since some of the components found in the infancy narratives of chaps. 1–2 appear to be loosely connected, it has been suggested that ...

2331. The Man with Leprosy

Luke 5:12-16

Understanding Series

Craig A. Evans

Healing Controversies: Both of the healing stories of Luke 5:12–26 have religious implications. The healing of the leper (vv. 12–16) involves the issue of religious purity and impurity (or “clean” vs. “unclean”). The healing of the paralyzed man (vv. 17–26) involves faith and the forgiveness of sins. This healing story is the first of a series of episodes where Jesus encounters religious criticism and opposition. In 6:1–5 Jesus is accused of working on the Sabbath when he and his disciples picked grain to ...

2332. The Parable of the Shrewd Manager

Luke 16:1-15

Understanding Series

Craig A. Evans

This section includes the Parable of the Shrewd Manager (vv. 1–8a) and various sayings of Jesus related to the parable or to the topic of money in general (vv. 8b–13). This material is for the most part unique to Luke (although Luke 16:13=Matt. 6:24) and contributes to the Lucan concern over proper use of wealth. 16:1–8a Few of the parables of Jesus have puzzled readers of the Gospel more than the Parable of the Shrewd Manager. The main question has to do with why the rich man would commend his dishonest ...

2333. Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ

Romans 6:1-14

Understanding Series

James R. Edwards

In Romans 6 we note a shift in the argument. The quotation from Habakkuk 2:4 in Romans 1:17, literally translated, “The one who is righteous by faith will live,” provided Paul with a general outline for the epistle. Until now his primary concern has been with the first part of the quotation, “The one who is righteous by faith.” But being right with God is not the end of the matter. Chapter 6 evinces that righteousness is a commencement, not a commemoration; reveille, not taps. In chapters 6–7 Paul takes up ...

2334. An Illustration from Marriage

Romans 7:1-6

Understanding Series

James R. Edwards

Paul at last turns to the problem of the place of the law in salvation, a problem he has mentioned in passing but has not discussed in depth. Like all Jews, Paul made certain affirmations of the law. The law was given by God and was thus “holy, righteous, and good” (7:12). It was the definitive expression of God’s will for the ordering of human life (2:1ff.), and as such it was worthy of endorsement (3:31). But in the wake of his conversion, and unlike most of his Jewish contemporaries and even many of his ...

2335. Discharges Causing Uncleanness

Leviticus 15:1-33

Understanding Series

W. H. Bellinger, Jr.

Bodily Discharges: This chapter is the final one to offer explicit instructions on hygiene, specifically concerning bodily emissions or discharges. It leads to the description of the ritual of the Day of Atonement, which offers a way to remove impurity. These discharges cause impurity, but impurity that does not last very long. Wenham has raised the possibility that chapters 11–15 are organized according to the duration of the impurity, from longest to shortest (Leviticus, p. 216). Chapter 15 itself seems ...

2336. The Purity of the Camp

Numbers 5:1-4

Understanding Series

W.H. Bellinger, Jr.

Priests, Purity, and the Camp: Chapter 5 returns to the twelve tribes in the camp. The common thread throughout the chapter is a concern with purity. 5:1–4 These verses report divine instruction to ensure that the camp is clear of those who have contracted contagious impurity. The impurity could spread and threaten the divine presence. These verses are a kind of extension of the Manual of Purity in Leviticus 11–16 (see the commentary there). The three groups to be excluded from the camp are anyone who has ...

2337. David at Nob

1 Samuel 21:1-9

Understanding Series

Mary J. Evans

David’s Flight – The Priests at Nob: 21:1–9 Having accepted that Saul’s enmity was fixed and that exile was the only option, David sought initial supplies from the priest at Nob. Ahimelech’s wariness on David’s arrival may have reflected an awareness of Saul’s antipathy toward David and a fear of getting involved in a power dispute. However, it is equally possible that Ahimelech’s expression of ignorance in 22:14–15 was the truth and his fear was that David would bring Philistine troops in his wake. David’ ...

2338. Mercy for the Languishing

Psalm 6:1-10

Understanding Series

Craig C. Broyles

Psalms generally are written not out of the particular experiences of their composers but for the various experiences Yahweh’s worshipers may face. Therefore, we should ask not, “Out of what circumstances was this psalm written?” but rather, “For what kind of circumstances is it appropriate?” This prayer psalm of the individual uses language pointing to physical illness: “I am faint; O LORD, heal me, for my bones are in agony” (v. 2). It speaks of being near death (v. 5) and of possibly being bedridden (v ...

2339. Intercession for the King Before Battle

Psalm 20:1-9

Understanding Series

Craig C. Broyles

Both Psalms 20 and 21 are royal liturgies (as implied by the changing speakers and addressees observed below). Psalm 20 appears to be an intercession for the king before battle (esp. vv. 5, 7–8), and Psalm 21 is a thanksgiving on the king’s behalf either after battle victory or in anticipation of it. Psalm 20 may have been intoned at the temple, not only before particular battles as they arose, but as part of the regular liturgy “in the spring, at the time when kings go off to war” (2 Sam. 11:1). Both ...

2340. The Fulfillment of the Law

Matthew 5:17-20

Understanding Series

Robert H. Mounce

Sermon on the Mount: Kingdom Ethics and the Law: Matthew’s Gospel has a didactic purpose. Special emphasis is given to the message of Jesus. One of the distinct features of Matthew’s Gospel is that the teaching of Jesus is collected into five sections. The Sermon on the Mount (chaps. 5–7) is the first of these blocks. The others are Instructions to the Twelve (chap. 10), Parables of the Kingdom (chap. 13), Life in the Christian Community (chap. 18), and Eschatological Judgment (chaps. 23–25). Each block ...

2341. Impending Judgment on the Oppressive Wicked and Interim Promises for the Righteous

Psalm 94:1-23

Understanding Series

Craig C. Broyles

Impending Judgment on the Oppressive Wicked and Interim Promises for the Righteous This corporate prayer psalm reflects life between promise and fulfillment. Here, God’s people live in the midst of, not away from, danger. Although there are no explicit liturgical references, the movement of the psalm makes best sense as a liturgy. Some scholars consider this psalm a mixed type because it combines a corporate prayer (vv. 1–7), wisdom traditions (vv. 8–13), and individual testimony, which appears to derive ...

2342. Jesus Feeds the Four Thousand

Matthew 15:29-39

Understanding Series

Robert H. Mounce

15:29–31 In Matthew’s account the scene shifts immediately from the vicinity of Tyre and Sidon (cf. 15:21) to the eastern shores of the Sea of Galilee (the Markan parallel says “the region of the Decapolis,” 7:31). It is not certain how much time Jesus spent in non-Jewish territory, although there may have been about six months between the feeding of the five thousand in Matthew 14 (v. 19 says they sat “on the grass,” thus indicating early spring) and the feeding of the four thousand in Matthew 15 (v. 35 ...

2343. The Parable of the Lost Sheep

Matthew 18:10-14

Understanding Series

Robert H. Mounce

Humility and Forgiveness: We come now to the fourth major discourse of Matthew. It ends with the usual formula in 19:1–2 (cf. 7:28; 11:1; 13:53; 26:1). Chapter 18 reads very much like an early church manual and deals with subjects such as humility (vv. 1–4), responsibility (vv. 5–7), self-renunciation (vv. 8–10), individual care (vv. 11–14), discipline (vv. 15–20), fellowship (vv. 19–20), and forgiveness (vv. 23–35; cf. Barclay, vol. 2, pp. 173–74). 18:10–14 Matthew continues with further instructions ...

2344. Marriage at the Resurrection

Matthew 22:23-33

Understanding Series

Robert H. Mounce

The Great Commandment: The parable of the wedding feast (vv. 1–14) is regularly considered to be an allegorical revision of an earlier more straightforward parable told by Jesus. Fenton lists as allegorical elements that strike the reader as strange and unnatural the killing of those who brought the invitation (v. 6), the destruction of the guests (v. 7), and the burning of a city while a meal is waiting to be served (v. 7). These are “no doubt additions, made by the Church or the Evangelist” (p. 347). ...

2345. A Lamp On a Stand

Mark 4:21-25

Understanding Series

Larry W. Hurtado

4:21–25 In these verses there is a collection of sayings that all seem to be governed by exhortations to perceive properly God’s presence in Jesus’ ministry (4:23, 24). These same sayings appear in the other Gospels at various points, indicating that Mark has probably constructed chapter 4 from various sayings of Jesus (see note). The sense of 4:21–23 has to do with the note of secrecy sounded in 4:11, where the kingdom of God is described as a secret that is not perceived by some in its present appearance ...

2346. The Healing of a Demon-possessed Man

Mark 5:1-20

Understanding Series

Larry W. Hurtado

5:1–20 Mark’s stories of Jesus’ works are designed not only to tell something of what Jesus did but also to dramatize or symbolize important points. To read these stories the way Mark intended, we must look for what they suggest as symbols, and this involves reading the accounts carefully, with an eye for detail. The present story particularly seems intended to symbolize important truths, and it deserves close attention. The first thing to notice is where this event takes place. Though there is some ...

2347. Peter's Confession of Christ

Mark 8:27-30

Understanding Series

Larry W. Hurtado

8:27–30 This passage should really be read in connection with the following passage (8:31–9:1), which is given a separate heading in the NIV. Together, the two sections give us an open acclamation of Jesus as Messiah, and the first of three predictions of Jesus’ death, which triggers the rebuke of Peter, revealing that his acclamation of Jesus was not based on a full understanding of Jesus’ purpose and activity. The answers given to Jesus’ first question remind us of the list of the same opinions given in ...

2348. The Transfiguration

Luke 9:28-36

Understanding Series

Craig A. Evans

9:28–36 Several features of the transfiguration have led commentators to conclude that this passage has some sort of typological connection to Exodus 24 and 33–34, passages which describe Moses’ ascent up the mount where he meets God and then descends with a shining face. The following specific parallels between Mark’s account (9:2–8) and Exodus are evident: (1) the reference to “six days” (Mark 9:2; Exod. 24:16); (2) the cloud that covers the mountain (Mark 9:7; Exod. 24:16); (3) God’s voice from the ...

2349. Do Not Worry

Luke 12:22-34

Understanding Series

Craig A. Evans

12:22–31 The applications of the Parable of the Rich Fool are now driven home. Jesus wants the lives of his disciples to be guided by interests other than worldly, material ones. The disciple is not to worry about food and clothes, which is not only a distraction, but betrays a lack of faith in God (see v. 28). There is more to life than food and clothing. God will supply food for his children just as surely as he provides for the ravens of the sky; and he will furnish clothing as surely as he arrays the ...

2350. Restitution for Wrongs

Numbers 5:5-10

Understanding Series

W.H. Bellinger, Jr.

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