Series: Difficult Passages in Matthew

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.

Whole Life Stewardship

Read: Matthew 19:16-26 Go, sell your possessions and give to the poor. (v. 21 NIV) Countless readers of the story of the rich young ruler have asked, “Does God call

Are You Jealous Because God Is Gracious?

Read: Matthew 20:1-16 I want to give the one who was hired last the same as I gave you. (v. 14 NIV) Human nature can be remarkably predictable. I am

Who Is in God’s Kingdom?

Read: Matthew 21:33-46 I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit. (v. 43 NIV)

Two Ways to Be Outside

Read: Matthew 22:1-14 Tie him hand and foot, and throw him outside. (v. 13 NIV) At first it seems so unfair. A king has thrown a wedding feast for his

Jesus’s Tone of Voice

Read: Matthew 23:32-39 How often I have longed to gather your children together . . . and you were not willing. (v. 37 NIV) I have often wished the Bible

No New Messiahs

Read: Matthew 24:23-35 Many will come in my name, claiming, “I am the Messiah,” and will deceive many. (v. 5 NIV) During a week of ministry in Seoul, Korea, in

It May Be a Long Haul

Read: Matthew 25:1-10 The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. (v. 3 NIV) We’re used to hearing that Christ’s return may take us

The Greatest Proof of Jesus’s Humanity

Read: Matthew 26:36-46 My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will. (v. 39 NIV) It’s common

It Gets Even Better

Read: Matthew 27:46-54 The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. (v. 52 NIV) Ask most Christians what happens at the end of life, and

Craig Blomberg

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.