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…
Author: Conqueror in Training
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…
A Prayer for Those Who Are Overwhelmed
Today I offer a prayer for those who may be feeling overwhelmed in life’s circumstances, situations, trials and struggles. I’m not sure about you, but I certainly have seasons of feeling like treading water isn’t good enough to keep my head above the waves. Let’s bring this before the God of peace and joy. Father…
Matthew 13
This chapter contains several parables and the account of Jesus being mocked in His hometown. ” ‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind. When it was full, men drew it ashore and sat down and sorted the good into containers but…
Matthew 12
This chapter has several snippets of Jesus’ continued ministry including some teachings on the Sabbath, blasphemy, signs, prophesies, spiritual warfare, and the family of God. Unfortunately, we can’t cover them all in detail in this overview. ” ‘I tell you, something greater than the temple is here… For the Son of Man is lord of…
Matthew 11
This chapter contains Jesus’ discussion with John the Baptist’s disciples, a warning to unrepentant cities, and promise of rest / understanding. “At that time Jesus declared, ‘I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children… All things have…
Matthew 10
This chapter describes Jesus commissioning the twelve disciples to travel throughout Israel proclaiming “The kingdom of heaven is at hand.” ” ‘Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy…
Matthew 9
This chapter contains many more miracles from Jesus including healing, casting out demons, raising a girl from the dead, and forgiving sin (which ‘men’ are not able to forgive, but Jesus is God, so He can do it). “And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel…
Matthew 8
This chapter contains many miracles by Jesus, including the calming of a storm, several instances of physical healing, and casting out demons. “…they brought to [Jesus] many who were oppressed by demons, and he cast out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick… And when he came to… the country of…
A Prayer for Connection
Today I offer a prayer for connection. I’m not sure about you, but lately I’ve felt a little disconnected from people outside of my household. Part of our calling is to love our neighbors, and we cannot do that without building / restoring / maintaining connection. Father God, our Loving and Compassionate Lord, You are…