2025.05.11 | When Jesus Shows You Your Heart

I didn’t think I had a problem.

Not really.

I was doing all the things that made me feel like a “good Christian.” Going to church. Helping out where I could. Trying to be kind. Reading my Bible (when life slowed down enough). But this week’s sermon from Matthew 15 that Jesus gently peeled back a layer of my heart I didn’t realize I was hiding.

In Matthew 15:18–20, Jesus says something that is both deeply confronting and freeing: Everything that comes out of us: our words, actions, even our habits... flows from what’s already in our hearts. And that’s where God looks first.

Pastor Jeff asked a question that stopped me cold: “Who is sitting on the throne of your heart?”

It’s easy to give the right answer out loud… but when I took a quiet moment to be honest before God, I had to admit that control often ruled my heart far more than I wanted to admit. I like being the one who manages things, fixes problems, and keeps everything running smoothly. When life doesn’t go my way, frustration comes out. When people don’t act how I want, sharp words slip out. Those are the fruits,  but Jesus is inviting me to look at the root.

Here’s the good news, though. Jesus doesn’t just point out what’s wrong and leave us there. He invites us to bring our hearts to Him… messy motives, hidden idols, and all. And He promises to give us a new heart, one that loves and trusts Him more than comfort, control, or anything else we’re tempted to worship instead.

That’s what I walked away with after this week’s sermon.

An invitation to examine what’s underneath the surface, and to trust Jesus to do the heart work I can’t do on my own.

If you’re curious what Jesus might show you about your heart, I invite you to watch or listen to the message. You just might be surprised… and encouraged… like I was.

Watch the sermon on our YouTube channel here.