Devotions

So That We Do Not Give Offense

by  • 

Jesus is well into his earthly ministry and is teaching his disciples at every turn. Yes, he says, pay the taxes. No, he says don’t prevent anyone from operating in my name, even if they aren’t part of our group. Be careful he says that you are not the cause of stumbling for anyone else. And then comes the special request, look for the one that wandered away. Isn’t this why Jesus came, that we could be reconciled to the Father? Yes, this is the message, this is the work, this was the reason Jesus gave his life, so we could be forgiven. Then forgive, fix your relationships, extent mercy as it has been extended to you. 

So That We Do Not Give Offense

Matthew 17:24–27
As Jesus and the disciples are coming home to Capernaum in Matthew 17:24, “the ones who collected the double drachma tax came up to Peter”. This is the tax “corresponding to the Jewish “half-shekel,” payable, towards the maintenance of the temple and its services, by every male Jew of twenty years old and upward. For the origin of this annual tax, see Ex 30:13, 14; Ex 30:13, 14, 2 Ch 24:6, 9. Thus, it will be observed, it was not a civil, but an ecclesiastical tax. The tax mentioned in Mt 17:25 was a civil one.1

But because of their special position, the priests and the Levites had no land of their own, they were recipients of the offerings and “Rabbis were exempt from paying this tax … would Jesus claim a similar exemption? … collections were made in other areas of Palestine and abroad a month earlier. This incident therefore takes place about a month before Passover.2

Jesus did not claim any exemption from this annual ecclesiastical tax for the temple but we know from Jesus response to Peter in Matthew 17:25 “Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth collect tolls or taxes—from their own sons, or from foreigners?” that there was also a civil tax that was now the subject of discussion.

But there is a different mindset about taxes than we have today. For us, everyone pays their share of the cost of our military which keeps us safe and our judicial system which keeps us honest and infrastructure that allows free commerce. Well I could go on, but the point is that in the time of the Roman empire, every conquered people paid a tax, the civil tax, to the Roman government. So, in Matthew 17:25-27 when Jesus asked ” From whom do the kings of the earth collect tolls or taxes” Peter answered “From foreigners” and “Jesus said to him, ‘Then the sons are free'”. Jesus said, the children of the ruling empire don’t pay the tax. It was a different mindset. The children of foreigners paid. This is how empires were built. Jesus wasn’t interested n making an issue of this and sends Peter to find the money they needed “so that we do not give offence”.

Whoever is Not Against Us

Mark 9:38-41
Luke 9:49-50 

We Tried to Prevent Him

Mark 9:38–41
The power of God was being manifested, a demons were being expelled in Jesus name and in Mark 9:38 John says to Jesus, “we tried to prevent him”. Why would John think that? Because he thought like we often do, that we are the only ones with a revelation of God’s kingdom power. Jesus corrects John in

Mark 9:39–40 (LEB) But Jesus said, “Do not prevent him, because there is no one who does a miracle in my name and will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. 40 For whoever is not against us is for us.

Then Jesus goes further and says in

Mark 9:41 For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in my name because you are Christ’s, truly I say to you that he will never lose his reward.

Did you know there was an eternal reward for service to others? Giving a cup of water is the simplest thing, but doesn’t go unnoticed by God. It doesn’t cost you anything to give someone a drink, well it didn’t in Jesus day. It is the act of kindness done in his name for his servants. And if a cup of water is rewarded, what about providing food or shelter or funding for missions work? What can you do, in the name of the Lord?

He Does Not Follow in Company With Us

Luke 9:49–50
John expresses a true human emotion in Luke 9:49 “he does not follow in company with us”, he is not part of our group, he has not been through our training, … And, the natural reaction is, “we tried to prevent him”. But wasn’t he demonstrating the power of God by expelling demons? Of course he was. In our natural mind, we want everyone to be like us, to act like us, to believe like us, but look at the world around you. God has created great diversity, it is spring time as I am writing and the roses just bloomed, red and yellow, and pink. All of them beautiful roses.

Those Who Cause Others To Sin

Mark 9:42-50
Matthew 18:6-9 

These Little Ones Who Believe In Me

Mark 9:42–50
Jesus has just told his disciples there is a reward for doing good and he uses this conversation to talk about doing evil. In Mark 9:42 he says “whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin” and in Mark 9:42-50 he recounts the result, “thrown into the sea”, “into the unquenchable fire”, “thrown into hell” and he ends with “everyone will be salted with fire”. What actions have we taken that caused another to stumble? God forgive us. When people think about us, do they glorify God because of our righteous actions or do they mourn because of sinful hurt we have caused them? God help us to be aware, to be wise, to be strong enough to do what is right.

Causes for Stumbling Come

Matthew 18:6–9
Jesus says in Matthew 18:7 “it is a necessity that causes for stumbling come”. He doesn’t say why here, but we can recognize from Galatians 5:19-21 “the deeds of the flesh” and remember from Galatians 5:22-23 “the fruit of the spirit”.

The Lost Sheep

Matthew 18:10-35 

Look For the One That Wandered Away

Matthew 18:10–14
Jesus had called a child to stand in their midst in Matthew 18:2 and it isn’t clear that there was a crowd around, but there must have been other children around because he says in

Matthew 18:10 (LEB)  “See to it that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I tell you that their angels in heaven constantly see the face of my Father who is in heaven.

Think about this for a minute. He points to children around him and says, “their angels in heaven constantly see the face of my father”. Every one of them has a guardian angel. Every angel reports directly to the Father. Every slight, abuse, cause for disappointment and tears is known to the Father. And we are accountable to Him. Did you ever think about God’s influence in the lives of men? Do you remember what Jesus said to Saul in Acts 26:14 “why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads!’. Our actions are known in heaven and we are prodded to go the right way.

How Many Times Will My Brother Sin

Matthew 18:15–20
We all want life to be fair. We want to hold people accountable for their actions, especially when they hurt us. So, in Matthew 18:21 Peter asks “how many times will my brother sin against me and I will forgive him?” and Peter offers what he thinks is reasonable, “Up to seven times?”. And you probably know this response in

Matthew 18:22 (LEB) Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven!

We need to get our thinking right. It isn’t about how many times they sin. It is about the power of reconciliation given to us by Jesus Christ.

Should You Not Also Have Shown Mercy

Matthew 18:21–35
Jesus died, was crucified, his blood paid the price for our sin. Are you going to hold up your brothers sin for recompense when God forgave you of your sin? If you really want justice, God can give you that. Hold your brother accountable and God will do just that for you.

Matthew 18:34–35 (LEB) And because he was angry, his master handed him over to the merciless jailers until he would repay everything that was owed. 35 So also my heavenly Father will do to you, unless each of you forgives his brother from your hearts!”

Study Verses

Today’s Reading

  • Mark 9:38-50
  • Matthew 17:24-27
  • Matthew 18:6-35
  • Luke 9:49-50

The Life and Ministry of Jesus Christ – The Gospels

This series follows the order of readings from the Tyndale One Year Chronological Bible. Covering these events chronologically as they happened, gives a much different context and helps us understand the move of God as He is introducing the Saviour, the Light of the world, Jesus Christ. This series begins with Return To Me And I Will Return To You at the end of Malachi and introduces the “Witnesses” writing the Gospels.

Operation Exodus

is helping Jewish people return to their homeland. You might fund one that desires to go home. http://operationexodususa.org/Overview

References

  • 1. Jamieson, R., Fausset, A. R., & Brown, D. (1997). Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (Vol. 2, p. 49). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.
  • 2. France, R. T. (1985). Matthew: an introduction and commentary (Vol. 1, p. 271). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
Devotions

This is My Beloved Son. Listen to Him!

by  • 

Jesus takes three of the apostles with him to pray, they are tired and sleep and wake to she Jesus talking with Moses and Elijah. Jesus tells them “Get up and do not be afraid” and Peter says lets make a shrine. That was not God’s plan, and the Father speaks, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him!”. Even now, this is good advice. As they come down from the mountain there is a demon possessed boy, and this demon uses this boy to stir up the crowd. Jesus simple commands the demon to come out and the boy is immediately whole. Why hadn’t any of them taken the authority themselves?

He Was Transfigured Before Them

Mark 9:2-13
Matthew 17:1-13
Luke 9:28-36 

This is My Beloved Son. Listen to Him!

Mark 9:2–13
Jesus often went to the mountains or just alone to pray. Here we get a glimpse of his prayer life. Jesus wasn’t just talking to himself because in

Mark 9:4 (LEB) And Elijah appeared to them together with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus.

Peter often answered quickly and his first reaction in Mark 9:5 is “Rabbi, it is good that we are here! And let us make three shelters, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah”. but that wasn’t what they were there for. It was not to make a shrine for Jesus. It was for Jesus to get direction, for him to connect with the plan of redemption. And here Jesus is standing with “Moses was the supreme law-giver of Israel. To him the nation owed the laws of God. Elijah was the first and the greatest of the prophets. People always looked back to him as the prophet who brought to them the very voice of God. When these two great figures met with Jesus, it meant that the greatest of the law-givers and the greatest of the prophets said to him, ‘Go on!’ It meant that they saw in Jesus the consummation of all that they had dreamed of in the past. It meant that they saw in him all that history had longed for and hoped for and looked forward to”.1 And then comes the confirming voice of the Father, in

Mark 9:7 (LEB) And a cloud came, overshadowing them, and a voice came from the cloud, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him!”

Sometimes we need to suspend our active minds and listen to hear what Gods plan is before we go off with our own. 

Get Up and Do Not Be Afraid

Matthew 17:1–13
Our natural reaction when we have an encounter with the glory of God is to fall. Whether it is the presence of an angel, or simply the glory of God on Jesus, they couldn’t stand in that presence. Men talk of the glory we see in nature, in Gods creation, but even the vast greatness is nothing next to the light of His Glory.

Psalm 19:1–3 (LEB) The heavens are telling the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims the work of his hands. 2 Every day they pour forth speech, and every night they tell knowledge. 3 There is no speech and there are no words; their sound is inaudible.

Romans 1:19–20 (LEB) because what can be known about God is evident among them, for God made it clear to them. 20 For from the creation of the world, his invisible attributes, both his eternal power and deity, are discerned clearly, being understood in the things created, so that they are without excuse.

Two Men Were Talking With Him About His Departure

Luke 9:28–36
Jesus was coming to the end of his earthly ministry. He was coming to the time of his sacrifice, his death on the cross. As it says in Luke 9:31 “which he was about to fulfill in Jerusalem”. Peter may not have known what was ahead as they stood on the mountain, but he does recount the events in 2 Peter 1:15–18 with full understanding.

A Spirit That Makes Him Mute

Mark 9:14-32
Matthew 17:14-23
Luke 9:37-45

Your Disciples Could Not Expel It

Mark 9:14–22
The crowd is in turmoil as Jesus comes their way, in Mark 9:18 it was “a large crowd around them (the disciples) and scribes arguing with them”. This is what evil spirits do, cause turmoils, drama, arguments. Jesus asks in Mark 9:16 “What are you arguing about with them?”. And the boys father steps forward and says, “I brought to you my son who has ⌊a spirit”. The father goes on to describe the symptoms in Mark 9:17-18. Then Jesus rebukes them all for their unbelief. Hadn’t they gone out two by two and returned saying the demons were subject to them? (Yes, they had!)

I Believe! Help My Unbelief!

Mark 9:23–32
So, what is the problem here? This spirit was one that wanted to command attention. Even in its last moments in Mark 9:25 as Jesus said “Mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him, and enter into him no more!”, in Mark 9:26 “it came out, screaming and convulsing him greatly”. What? This deaf and dumb spirit came out screaming. This spirit used this boy to control the lives of this family and everyone around them. But it could not continue usurping authority over that boy as his father made the request and Jesus answered. 

Lord, Have Mercy On My Son

Matthew 17:14–23
Everyone agreed this was a bad situation. Everyone knew that this was not the kind of life God intended for this boy or for his family. But in Matthew 17:16 “they were not able to heal him”. It wasn’t healing that he needed. It was deliverance. Someone had to have the faith to stand up and rebuke that demon. You have met people who behave like that demon haven’t you? They talk louder they are more aggressive and every conflict escalates until everyone else backs down and they get their way. But not so with Jesus, in

Matthew 17:18 (LEB) And Jesus rebuked him, and the demon came out of him and the boy was healed from that hour.

They Were All Astounded

Luke 9:37–45
No one had been able to do anything to help this boy and his father. But the power was right there for them to use, if the they had only believed, the power of God’s kingdom always rules over sin and death and every evil spirit. Didn’t Jesus say “I have overcome the world”.

Who Will Be the Greatest

Mark 9:33-37
Matthew 18:1-5
Luke 9:46-48

Study Verses

Today’s Reading

  • Mark 9:2-37
  • Matthew 17:1-23
  • Matthew 18:1-5
  • Luke 9:28-48

The Life and Ministry of Jesus Christ – The Gospels

This series follows the order of readings from the Tyndale One Year Chronological Bible. Covering these events chronologically as they happened, gives a much different context and helps us understand the move of God as He is introducing the Saviour, the Light of the world, Jesus Christ. This series begins with Return To Me And I Will Return To You at the end of Malachi and introduces the “Witnesses” writing the Gospels.

Operation Exodus

is helping Jewish people return to their homeland. You might fund one that desires to go home. http://operationexodususa.org/Overview

References

  • 1. Barclay, W. (2001). The New Daily Study Bible: The Gospel of Mark (p. 244). Edinburgh: Saint Andrew Press.
Devotions

Who Do You Say That I Am

by  • 

Jesus warns his disciples to “beware the leaven of the Pharisees” and we know this was their teachings, the traditions of men that entangle people in works to be saved. But Marks gospel also mentions “the leaven of Herod” and there isn’t much explanation, yet we know that the Herodians accepted political influence for Romes domination. Jesus leaves the Pharisees behind at Dalmanutha and heals a blind man at Bethsaida the heads to Ceasarea Philippi, the place of the temple of Pan, the place known as the gates of Hades. It is at this place that Jesus says “on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it! I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven”. It is from this place that Jesus begins to talk about his death, burial, and resurrection. He will take the keys of death and hell.

Beware the Yeast of the Pharisees

Mark 8:14-21
Matthew 16:5-12 

Beware of … the Leaven of Herod!

Mark 8:14–21
The Pharisees had been seeking a sign in Mark 8:12 but Jesus had been healing people and delivering them from demonic possession in every town and wherever the crowds gathered. And as he got in the boat he said in Mark 8:15, “Watch out! Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod!”. But the disciples completely missed his point because, in Mark 8:14, “they had forgotten to take bread”. The whole conversation turned to bread and God’s ability to provide for their needs. They never got to an explanation of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod. How often do we get caught up on a detail and miss the whole point? Can we learn to recognize these conversations, when we forgot this or didn’t get that done and the drama starts. Can we learn to pause, and break that cycle, and ask, “What is the bigger message that might need out attention here?”

I suppose we should also note that the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Herodians were not natural allies, but aligned themselves to destroy Jesus and his work “The teaching or “doctrine” (Mt 16:12) of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees was quite different, but both were equally pernicious; and the Herodians, though rather a political party, were equally envenomed against our Lord’s spiritual teaching. See on Mt 12:14”.1

Beware of the Leaven of the Pharisees

Matthew 16:5–12
Matthew only mentions the Pharisees and the Sadduccees in Matthew 16:6 but it is understood to be, in Matthew 16:12 a warning against their teachings. Jesus had earlier said that their traditions made the word of God of no effect in

Mark 7:13 (LEB) “thus making void the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down, and you do many similar things such as this.”

So, while some commentators portray these traditions as clarifications and complementary instructions because the majority of the population did not read and therefore could not understand, Jesus gave his disciples an outright warning against them. And it should also be a warning to us against those that would add requirements to solidify their positions. 

He Led Him Outside the Village

Mark 8:22–26
They asked Jesus to touch him. This is the only account and it simply says, Jesus took him by the hand and took him outside the village.

Some have wondered why Jesus would do this, and it seems that Bethsaida was a nice enough place. It was the town of three of the disciples seen in John 1:44 (LEB) (Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the town of Andrew and Peter.). And, Jesus and the disciples met there, Luke 9:10 (LEB) And when they* returned, the apostles described to him all that they had done. And he took them along and* withdrew privately to a town called Bethsaida.

But, here is the answer. Bethsaida was hardened, unbelieving as a community as we see in Luke 10:13 (LEB) Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes!

The woman with the issue of blood was healed immediately on a touch, so why not immediately with this blind man? Jesus put out the unbelieving before he prayed for Jairus daughter, and then took her hand and said arise.

And, the hardness, the unbelief in Bethsaida, was why Jesus admonished the healed, seeing man in Mark 9:26 “Do not even go into the village”.

As a side note, Edwards comments, “in Mark, where there are more references to laying on of hands than in any other Gospel, all but one instance occur in the context of healings”.2 Later, it says in

Mark 16:18 (LEB) “they will pick up snakes. And if they drink any deadly poison it will never hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick and ⌊they will get⌋ well.”

It also says in

James 5:14 (LEB) Is anyone among you sick? He should summon the elders of the church and they should pray over him, anointing him with olive oil in the name of the Lord.

Who Do You Say I Am

Mark 8:27-30
Matthew 16:13-20
Luke 9:18-21
John 6:60-71

Who Do People Say that I Am

Mark 8:27–30
People had many different ideas about who Jesus was in Mark 8:28 “John the Baptist, and others Elijah, and others that you are one of the prophets.” Here in Mark 8:29 Peter answered and said to him, “You are the Christ!”. 

I Will Give You the Keys of the Kingdom

Matthew 16:13–20
Much of the history of this region is lost on us today. But Caesarea Philippi in Matthew 16:13 was also “Paneas because it housed a cave and spring dedicated to the Greek god Pan … (believed to be) one of the few gods who could cross into Hades and return to earth. As result, this site was recognized as the gate of Hades in the disciples’ day. Christ’s declaration about the Church was given powerful significance because it was uttered here. Given this, Peter confessed Jesus to be “the Christ, the Son of the living God” at the temple of a false god (Matt 16:16). Jesus followed by declaring that “on this rock” He would build His Church (Matt 16:18). He continued by professing that the gates of Hades (on which He may have literally stood) will not prevail against the Church (Matt 16:18)”3

Who Do You Say That I Am

Luke 9:18–21

This Saying Is Hard

John 6:60–71

Jesus Death Predicted

Mark 8:31-9:1
Matthew 16:21-28
Luke 9:22-27

Study Verses

Today’s Reading

  • Mark 8:14-38
  • Mark 9:1
  • Matthew 16:5-28
  • Luke 9:18-27
  • John 6:60-71

The Life and Ministry of Jesus Christ – The Gospels

This series follows the order of readings from the Tyndale One Year Chronological Bible. Covering these events chronologically as they happened, gives a much different context and helps us understand the move of God as He is introducing the Saviour, the Light of the world, Jesus Christ. This series begins with Return To Me And I Will Return To You at the end of Malachi and introduces the “Witnesses” writing the Gospels.

Operation Exodus

is helping Jewish people return to their homeland. You might fund one that desires to go home. http://operationexodususa.org/Overview

References

  • 1. Jamieson, R., Fausset, A. R., & Brown, D. (1997). Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (Vol. 2, p. 78). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.
  • 2. Edwards, J. R. (2002). The Gospel according to Mark (p. 243). Grand Rapids, MI; Leicester, England: Eerdmans; Apollos.
  • 3. Booher, C. (2012, 2016). Jesus’ Declaration at Caesarea Philippi. In Faithlife Study Bible. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.
Devotions

Explain This Parable To Us

by  • 

The crowds are following Jesus and being healed. And the Pharisees and scribes come looking to accuse Jesus, but not him directly, his disciples. “Why don’t they follow the traditions of the elders?”. And Jesus responds strongly with Why do you break the commandment of God with your traditions?”. Certainly God trumps traditions, but it wasn’t a power play that Jesus was after. He wanted people to understand what it meant to be clean on the inside, to have a pure heart, to be motivated by love and goodness toward others. This was the reason for the commandments, not to teach what not to do, but to bring people to a place where they could understand purity beginning with pure thoughts. Then, this woman finds Jesus. She has no right, she has no standing, but her heart is pure and Jesus says, “Let it be done for you as you want”.

Clean and Unclean

Mark 7:1-23
Matthew 15:1-20 

Why Do Your Disciples Not Live According to the Tradition

Mark 7:1–13
Jesus is continuing to teach and preach and heal and the crowds are coming to him wherever he is. So, in Mark 7:1 “the Pharisees and some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered to him” and in Mark 7:5 “asked him, “Why do your disciples not live according to the tradition of the elders, but eat their bread with unclean hands?””. He, Jesus, then responds to them in Mark 7:6-13 and explains that there are commandments of God that they ought to follow. And if they followed these commandments, their hearts would be close to God’s heart. The one example Jesus gives is supporting your father and mother first before supporting the ordinances of the traditions of men.

In his response, he doesn’t say anything about washing of hands. Instead, in Mark 7:7-8 he goes right to “the commandments of men”. These are not God’s commandments but are rituals established by men to demonstrate their piety publicly, to cause others to bow to them, to establish position and control over others. The one thing that Jesus mentions is this line in Mark 7:11-12 that encourages a man to say to his parents, “Whatever benefit you would have received from me is corban” (that is, a gift to God)”. And then Jesus says in Mark 7:13 “thus making void the word of God”. And how many of us in the Church have done just this. Seeking to do God’s will, some have found themselves under the authority abusers, those that take everything from you for their own grand plans.

Jesus said it this way in

Matthew 7:15 (LEB) “Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inside are ravenous wolves.

Paul said it this way in

Acts 20:29–31 (LEB) I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 And from among you yourselves men will arise, speaking ⌊perversions of the truth⌋ in order to draw away the disciples after them. 31 Therefore be on the alert, remembering that night and day for three years I did not stop warning each one of you* with tears.

What Comes Out of a Person Defiles

Mark 7:14–23
Now, Jesus comes to a description of what is unclean. This is what defiles a person, not what goes in, but what comes out of them. He says in

Mark 7:21–23 (LEB) For from within, from the heart of people, come evil plans, sexual immoralities, thefts, murders, 22 adulteries, acts of greed, malicious deeds, deceit, licentiousness, ⌊envy⌋, abusive speech, pride, foolishness. 23 All these evil things come from within and defile a person.”

 

Why Do You Break the Commandment of God

Matthew 15:1–9
In Matthews account, Matthew 15:1-2, the Pharisees come accusing Jesus disciples of breaking “the tradition of the elders”. Notice the political correctness in their message: It isn’t their word, it is the word of the elders and shouldn’t everyone honor their elders, shouldn’t everyone honor the traditions? And, they don’t accuse Jesus, instead, with their false honor and deference to him as Rabbi, teacher, they imply that certainly he as the leader knows better so it must be his uneducated students, these Galileans as they called them. Or maybe it is that you, Jesus, just aren’t instructing them in the right way.

Jesus didn’t entertain their accusations for a minute. He turned right back and said in Matthew 15:3 “Why do you also break the commandment of God because of your tradition?”. Now who is it that is in error? There is a higher authority than the traditions of men it is the word of God himself. God said honor your father and mother. God said care for your own family. And out of your increase give to every good work.

Explain This Parable To Us

Matthew 15:10–20
Jesus summons the crowd and begins to explain to all of them the difference between being clean on the outside and being clean on the inside. They all understood ceremonial cleansing, it was required of them. What they didn’t understand was the concept of a clean heart, a conscience clear before God. And it is obvious they didn’t understand because in

Matthew 15:12 (LEB) Then the disciples came and* said to him, “Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?”

Yes! He did know they were offended and he wanted the people to recognize the their error. He continues his response in

Matthew 15:13–14 (LEB) And he answered and* said, “Every plant that my heavenly Father did not plant will be uprooted. 14 Let them! They are blind guides of the blind. And if the blind guide the blind, both will fall into a pit.”

Jesus is surprised that Peter didn’t understand and goes on to explain the things that defile a man in

Matthew 15:19–20 (LEB) For from the heart come evil plans, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, abusive speech. 20 These are the things that defile a person. But eating with unwashed hands does not defile a person!”

The Syrophoenician Woman

Mark 7:24-30
Matthew 15:21-28 

Even the Dogs Eat the Children’s Crumbs

Mark 7:24–30
This woman that came to Jesus in Mark 7:25-26 was Greek. She had no covenant, no right to ask for deliverance for her daughter and Jesus answered her roughly. But she was a mother, compassionate for her child and even more than that, she knew who he was and responded, “Lord … “. Jesus accepted her words and her daughter was delivered.

Have Mercy on Me, Lord, Son of David!

Matthew 15:21–28
Mathew gives a full account of this woman’s plight, and her interaction with Jesus. Jesus was on a mission to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. When he sent the twelve apostles out he told them not to go to the gentiles and not to go to Samaria. And as she cried out to him he did not answer her. She would not relent and in

Matthew 15:25 (LEB) But she came and knelt down before him, saying, “Lord, help me!”

Then, she makes the well known statement, that eve a crumb from Jesus is more than enough to meet her need. So, in

Matthew 15:28 (LEB) Then Jesus answered and said to her, “O woman, your faith is great! Let it be done for you as you want.” And her daughter was healed from that hour.

Show Us A Sign

Mark 8:11-13
Matthew 16:1-4

No Sign Will Be Given

Mark 8:11–13
Jesus has been going around from Synagogue to Synagogue and in city after city, and even on the mountainside and the seaside, miracles had been happening. People were being healed and set free from demonic influence. What more sign could he give?

The Sign of Jonah!

Matthew 16:1–4
Jesus didn’t give them anything at first, then he mentions the sign of Jonah. They don’t get the reference, but as Jonah was three days n the belly of a whale, so Jesus will be three days in the belly of the earth. And at his resurrection, comes the age of grace, repent and be saved.

Study Verses

Today’s Reading

  • Mark 7:1-30
  • Mark 8:11-13
  • Matthew 15:1-28
  • Matthew 16:1-4

The Life and Ministry of Jesus Christ – The Gospels

This series follows the order of readings from the Tyndale One Year Chronological Bible. Covering these events chronologically as they happened, gives a much different context and helps us understand the move of God as He is introducing the Saviour, the Light of the world, Jesus Christ. This series begins with Return To Me And I Will Return To You at the end of Malachi and introduces the “Witnesses” writing the Gospels.

Operation Exodus

is helping Jewish people return to their homeland. You might fund one that desires to go home. http://operationexodususa.org/Overview

Devotions

The One Who Believes Has Eternal Life

by  • 

At the end of a very long day and after they had fed the five thousand, you might think Jesus would be looking for a place to sleep. But no, he sends the disciples off across the Sea of Galilee. It would be at least a few more hours before they could find rest for the night. Jesus is still working to disperse the crowd and finally heads off to the mountain to pray. He begins walking in the night, a mile, two, five? Now Jesus sees his disciples struggling in the wind on the sea and walks to them, walking on the water. He stills the storm and they arrive in Gennesaret where the people immediately recognize him. They bring their sick from all around for him to heal. Jesus teaches about the bread of life, his body, his blood and life eternal.

Jesus Walks on Water

Mark 6:45-56
Matthew 14:22-36
John 6:16-24 

They Saw Him Walking on the Sea

Mark 6:45–52
We know that before they began to feed the five thousand in Mark 6:35 “the hour had become late” so when we come to Mark 6:47 and “evening came, the boat was in the middle of the sea” it must have already been well into the evening. Then “he saw them being beaten in their rowing because the wind was against them”. Here, “The lake is about seven miles broad at its widest part. So that in eight or nine hours they had only made some three and a half miles”.1

But it wasn’t until, in Mark 6:48 “Around the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea”. This would have been “”between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m.”.2

By this time, the last thing in the world they expected was to see Jesus walking on the water to the boat. But, in Mark 49-51, “They all saw him and were terrified … he spoke with them and said to them, “Have courage, I am he! Do not be afraid!” … the wind abated. 

People Recognized Him Immediately

Mark 6:53–56
Now it seems that Jesus is recognized and in

Mark 6:56 (LEB) And wherever he would go, into villages or into towns or to farms, they would put those who were sick in the marketplaces and would implore him that if they could touch even the edge of his cloak. And all those who touched it were healed.

 

Command Me to Come to You

Matthew 14:22–33
Matthew records the same events but adds Peter’s request in Matthew 14:28-31 “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water!” 29 So he said, “Come!”. Peter was often quick to respond, a good characteristic to have. But he wasn’t quite ready for the task because, “But when he* saw the strong wind, he was afraid. And beginning to sink”. How often does it happen this way with us, we start out to follow the Lord and the circumstances around us cause us to doubt.

They Brought to Him All Those Who Were Sick

Mt 14:34–36

It is I! Do not be Afraid!

John 6:16–24
John adds in

John 6:19 Then when they had rowed about twenty-five or thirty stadia, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were afraid.

They had been rowing for six and maybe even nine hours and still were only half way across, three and a half miles or so.

Jesus is the Bread of Life

John 6:25–59

This is the Work of God: That You Believe

John 6:25-34

The One Who Believes Has Eternal Life

John 6:35-48

I Am the Living Bread That Came Down From Heaven

John 6:49-59

Study Verses

Today’s Reading

  • Mark 6:45-56
  • Matthew 14:22-36
  • John 6:16-58

The Life and Ministry of Jesus Christ – The Gospels

This series follows the order of readings from the Tyndale One Year Chronological Bible. Covering these events chronologically as they happened, gives a much different context and helps us understand the move of God as He is introducing the Saviour, the Light of the world, Jesus Christ. This series begins with Return To Me And I Will Return To You at the end of Malachi and introduces the “Witnesses” writing the Gospels.

Operation Exodus

is helping Jewish people return to their homeland. You might fund one that desires to go home. http://operationexodususa.org/Overview

Referneces

  • 1. Jamieson, R., Fausset, A. R., & Brown, D. (1997). Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (Vol. 2, p. 75). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.
  • 2. Biblical Studies Press. (2006). The NET Bible First Edition Notes (Mk 6:46–48). Biblical Studies Press.
Devotions

You Give Them Something to Eat

by  • 

When we read these passages, the focus is almost always on the feeding of the five thousand and this was certainly a notable miracle. But there were several other things going on.

  • John the Baptist was beheaded by Herod leaving John’s disciples without a leader. They came to Jesus in Matthew 14:12-13 and Jesus wanted to minister them in their grief by going away to an isolated place.
  • Jesus Apostles had returned from being sent and reported all that had been done and in Mark 6:30-31 and Luke 9:10 Jesus wanted to take them away also to rest from the crowds.
  • The section just prior to the feeding of the five thousand in John 5:33 Jesus says that “John … testified to the truth”, and in John 5:36 “But I have a testimony greater than John’s” and this sounds like Jesus is saying goodbye to John as he is opening the door for the next step for himself and also for John’s disciples.

John The Baptist Beheaded

Mark 6:14-29
Matthew 14:1-12
Luke 9:7-9 

He Knew Him To Be a Righteous and Holy Man

Mark 6:14–29
John’s account here is a little out of order as he is writing after these events occurrence. In Mark 6:14-16 Herod is reacting to the miracles Jesus is performing after he (Herod) had beheaded John the Baptist. And some were saying Jesus was John raised from the dead. Then John goes back to the sequence of events leading to John’s death. And in Mark 6:20 we find that “Herod was afraid of John”. Even so, Herod made a public vow and in

Mark 6:26 (LEB) And although he was deeply grieved, the king, because of his oaths and dinner guests, did not want to refuse her.

He Wanted to Kill Him

Matthew 14:1–12

He Was Greatly Perplexed

Luke 9:7–9

The Disciples Preach Repentance

Mark 6:12-13
Luke 9:6

And They Went Out

Mark 6:12–13

They Departed and Went Throughout the Villages

Luke 9:6

Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand

Mark 6:30-44
Matthew 14:13-21
Luke 9:10-17
John 6:1-15 

You Give Them Something to Eat

Mark 6:30–44
Mark 6:30-31 says that “the apostles regathered to Jesus and reported … and they did not even have time to eat”. Then Mark 6:32 “they went away in the boat to an isolated place”. And in Mark 6:33 “many people saw them … and ran there … and arrived ahead of them.”

Here, Jesus saw “the large crowd and had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd, and he began to teach them many things” in Mark 6:34. And as the hours passed in Mark 6:35-36 “his disciples came up to him, saying, “The place is desolate and the hour is already late. 36 Send them away”. The disciples were tired before they started this day and now they are are at the end of themselves. And, this isn’t like things are today, there wasn’t a hotel nearby, the people would need to find local hospitality. And Jesus responds to them saying in Mark 6:37 “you give them something to eat”. 

He Had Compassion on Them and Healed Their Sick

Matthew 14:13–21
We understand from this account that John the Baptists disciples had buried John after he was beheaded by Herod and they came to tell Jesus in

Matthew 14:12 (LEB)
12 And his disciples came and* took away the corpse and buried it, and went and* told Jesus.

Jesus reacted to this message in

Matthew 14:13a (LEB) Now when Jesus heard it, he withdrew from there in a boat to an isolated place by himself.

But Matthew also records the crowd. Jesus didn’t turn them away when he saw them and as the day progressed and the disciples grew tired, they came to Jesus and said “release the crowds”. Here also Matthew records Jesus saying “you give them something to eat” in Matthew 14:16. The disciples respond in

Matthew 14:17 (LEB) And they said to him, “We do not have anything* here except five loaves and two fish.”

We Are Here In a Desolate Place

Luke 9:10–17
Luke’s account is similar with an emphasis on “the day was far spent” and “we are here in a desolate place”. The disciples are reacting to their own physical fatigue and want to stop for the day. Jesus reacts to the needs of the people and shows them how to carry on until the needs of the day are met. Luke ends with

Luke 9:17 (LEB) And they all ate and were satisfied, and what was left over was picked up by them—twelve baskets of broken pieces.

They Were Observing the Signs That He Was Doing

John 6:1–15
The gospel of John doesn’t record King Herod and what he did to John. Instead, in John 5:31-37 it includes a message that Jesus gave about who John was, you might say a eulogy. And John 6:1 begins with Jesus confronting the large crowd on “the other side of the sea of Galilee”. John also tells us in

John 6:2 (LEB) And a large crowd was following him because they were observing the signs that he was doing on those who were sick.

These were needy people that Jesus cold easily have sent away, but instead, he healed them and taught them and fed them as if they were his very own family.

Study Verses

Today’s Reading

  • Mark 6:12-44
  • Matthew 14:1-21
  • Luke 9:6-17
  • John 6:1-15

The Life and Ministry of Jesus Christ – The Gospels

This series follows the order of readings from the Tyndale One Year Chronological Bible. Covering these events chronologically as they happened, gives a much different context and helps us understand the move of God as He is introducing the Saviour, the Light of the world, Jesus Christ. This series begins with Return To Me And I Will Return To You at the end of Malachi and introduces the “Witnesses” writing the Gospels.

Operation Exodus

is helping Jewish people return to their homeland. You might fund one that desires to go home. http://operationexodususa.org/Overview