
Returning Soon?
Read: Matthew 10:16-23 Truly I tell you, you will not finish going through the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes. (v. 23 NIV) Ever since the beginning
Have you ever read a passage in the Bible and thought, “What does that even mean?”
You’re not alone. Some parts of Scripture are deeply challenging—whether because of cultural distance, unfamiliar religious context, or just plain hard sayings from Jesus himself. Difficult Passages in Matthew is a devotional series designed to walk you gently but honestly through those tricky verses that often raise more questions than answers.
Written by scholar Craig Blomberg, these daily reflections blend theological insight with pastoral care. Each devotion engages one of Matthew’s tough texts—from Jesus’s genealogy, to confusing parables, to the meaning of the “unforgivable sin,” and more. Rather than skimming over these sections or twisting them to fit easy answers, Blomberg invites us to explore the richness, nuance, and ultimately the hope embedded in them.
Whether you’re a long-time Bible reader or someone still exploring faith, this series offers a safe space to bring your questions and doubts. With clarity and compassion, you’ll be encouraged to wrestle with Scripture—not to undermine your faith, but to deepen it. These aren’t just academic explanations; they are invitations to trust Jesus more fully—even when we don’t fully understand.
If you’ve ever wondered how to make sense of hard sayings or why certain passages are even in the Bible, this devotional will offer insight, encouragement, and a renewed appreciation for the depth of God’s Word. Come and discover how faith grows in the wrestling.

Read: Matthew 10:16-23 Truly I tell you, you will not finish going through the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes. (v. 23 NIV) Ever since the beginning

Read: Matthew 11:25-30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. (v. 30 NIV) I have never lived on a farm. My mother’s cousins did, and I often

Read: Matthew 12:24-32 Anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. (v. 32 NIV) People have often asked me about the unforgivable sin. Too frequently they are

Read: Matthew 13:3-9, 18-23 But the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. (v. 22 NIV). Most of the parable of the

Read: Matthew 14:25-33 Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” (v. 33 NIV) Do you ever feel like your worship

Read: Matthew 15:21-29 He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.” (v. 24 NIV) Do you know anyone who insists their country is the only one

Read: Matthew 16:13-20 I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church. (v. 18 NIV) Is it a problem if Jesus called Peter

Read: Matthew 17:19-27 Take the first fish you catch . . . and you will find a four-drachma coin. (v. 27 NIV) Some commentators think this text contains the strangest

Read: Matthew 18:21-35 This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart. (Matt. 18:35 NIV) Stan stomped out
Craig L. Blomberg is the Distinguished Professor Emeritus of New Testament at Denver Seminary. He has written or edited more than 30 books, including a recently revised and expanded commentary on Matthew. He teaches regularly in churches, including his home church of Centennial Covenant in Littleton, CO. He and his wife Fran have two daughters and three grandchildren.