This chapter has the wedding feast parable, and several encounters between Jesus and Israel’s (religious) leaders (Pharisees, Sadducees, and even Herodians). They are all plotting against Him, trying to trap Him in His words, yet the repeatedly fail. “Then he said to them, ‘Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God…
Month: June 2021
Matthew 21
This chapter has a number of accounts including ‘Palm Sunday’, Jesus cleansing the temple, Him cursing a fig tree, and His continued dealings with the priests / elders of Israel. ” ‘For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed…
Matthew 20
This chapter continues Jesus’ teachings and prophecies with a parable about the kingdom of heaven, a third foretelling of His death, healing of blind men, and a glimpse into the differing roles of God and Jesus. ” ‘For the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house who went out early in the…
Matthew 19
This chapter contains two main themes – Jesus teaching on marriage / divorce, and Him teaching on eternal inheritance. “And he said to him, ‘Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments… go, sell what you possess and give…
Matthew 18
This chapter contains a variety of Jesus’ teaching topics including humility, temptation, reconciliation, forgiveness, and the lost sheep parable. “Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven… What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave…
A Prayer for Security and Strength in God
Today I offer a prayer for Security and Strength in God. It’s often easy to become overwhelmed in our physical circumstances, so reorienting ourselves toward God our foundation is extremely important to keep us grounded. Heavenly Father, You are our light and our salvation, whom or what shall we fear? You are the stronghold of…
Matthew 17
This chapter has more accounts of Jesus including the transfiguration, healing of a demon-possessed boy, another prediction of His death and resurrection, and a miracle concerning paying the temple tax. “Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, ‘Why could we not cast [a demon] out?’ He said to them, ‘Because of your little…
Matthew 16
This chapter contains several well-known conversations of Jesus including a discussion on leaven, (Simon) Peter receiving his new name, a foretelling of Jesus’ death and resurrection, and Jesus telling the disciples to take up their crosses and follow Him. “But Jesus… said, ‘O you of little faith, why are you discussing among yourselves the fact…
Matthew 15
This chapter continues Jesus’ ministry and His outreach including accounts of feeding another large crowd (4000+), healing unnumbered people, and rebuking Pharisees. ” ‘Hear and understand: it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person.’ … Do you not see that…
Matthew 14
This chapter describes a few major ministry events including Jesus’ feeding of 5000+, and His walk on the stormy sea. “Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass, and taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing. Then he broke the loaves and…