OTKC 31 – Beware the Leaven of the Pharisees

“Watch out; beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” (Matthew 16:6, ESVUK) Following Jesus was never meant to be a journey shaped by outward appearances or religious performance. He calls us to authentic faith—a faith rooted in reality, humility, and love for the Father. This is not simply a caution about doctrine—it is […]

OTKC 30 – Hear and Understand

And he called the people to him and said to them, “Hear and understand:” Matthew 15:10 (ESVUK) With this, Jesus issued a divine imperative that would revolutionise how His followers engaged with spiritual truth. This command, rooted in the ancient Hebrew Shema, cuts to the very heart of what it means to follow Christ—moving beyond […]

OTKC 29 – Come to Me & Learn From Me

“Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” —Matthew 11:28–29 (ESVUK) Sometimes Christian life feels like an endless uphill journey, burdened by […]

OTKC 28 – Take Up Your Cross

Following Jesus was never meant to be a comfortable life decision to improve our happiness or reputation. It was — and still is — a call to surrender our lives completely to Him. Jesus does not soften the invitation: “Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me.” (Matthew […]

OTKC – A Reminder

Before embarking on the journey of exploring more of the series, it’s worth highlighting what the series is about, which you can find in this initial series introduction. It’s been something that I’ve been keen to explore because of the nature of what it is to be a follower of Jesus, and often I think […]

OTKC 26: Fear God, Not Man

Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell, Matthew 10:28 (ESVUK) What Did Jesus Mean? When Jesus speaks of “fearing God,” He employs the Hebrew concept of yirah – a reverent awe that encompasses both holy respect and loving […]

OTKC 25: Demonstrate Kingdom Rule

Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. Matthew 10:8 (ESVUK) What Did Jesus Mean? The instructions Jesus gives to the disciples as they carry out His work in Matthew 10 are specific to them at that time. Those instructions are to be read in the understanding that Jesus was being specific to […]

OTKC 24: Preach the Kingdom of Heaven

Proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Matthew 10:7 (ESVUK) What Did Jesus Mean? With this command, Jesus summons His disciples to announce God’s royal rule breaking into the present through His own person and work. The “kingdom of heaven” is not merely a place we go when we die; […]

OTKC 22: Beware False Prophets

Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognise them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?… Thus you will recognise them by their fruits. Matthew 7:15-20 (ESVUK) What Did Jesus Mean? It’s intriguing that, as far as Jesus and […]

OTKC 21: Enter the Narrow Gate

Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. Matthew 7:13-14 (ESVUK) What Did Jesus Mean? […]