BIBLE IN TEN

Monday, 8 December 2025   And when the men of that place recognized Him, they sent out into all that surrounding region, brought to Him all who were sick, Matthew 14:35  “And, having known Him, the men of that place, they sent to all that surrounding, and they brought to Him all those having sickly” (CG).   In the previous verse, Matthew noted that when Jesus and the disciples had crossed over the sea, they came to the land of Gennesaret. He next records, “And, having known Him, the men of that place.”   Jesus would have been known in the area because of previous visits. But more, John 6 notes –   “On the following day, when the people who were standing on the other side of the sea saw that there was no other boat there, except that one which His disciples had entered, and that Jesus had not entered the boat with His disciples, but His disciples had gone away alone— 23 however, other boats came from Tiberias, near the place where they ate bread after the Lord had given thanks— 24 when the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, nor His disciples, they also got into boats and came to Capernaum, seeking Jesus. 25 And when they found Him on the other side of the sea, they said to Him, ‘Rabbi, when did You come here?'” John 6:22-25   Jesus would have been known by those He first encountered, but more who had been on the other side of the Sea of Galilee with Him the day before, which had included some of those who had already returned, would have come to meet up with Him again.   In their excitement at having Jesus there, it next says, “they sent to all that surrounding.”   The word went out all around the area of Gennesaret, telling the residents that Jesus was again in the area, probably telling about what had happened the day before with the feeding of the five thousand, along with the healings that were performed, and so Matthew notes of these residents, “and they brought to Him all those having sickly.”   In the small nation of Israel, the ministry of Jesus was filled with a constant stream of needs. It was a continuous rush of people desiring the healing touch of the Master.   Life application: Considering the small size of Israel at the time of Jesus' ministry, both in land size and population, imagine the amount of physical suffering that is experienced around the world at any given time.   And when things are physically wrong with us, it is hard to focus on other things. Depending on the type of sickness and the level of pain, things can be so debilitating that there is nothing else we can think about. We may even take drugs to ease the pain, but they deaden our senses to the world around us.   God is not unaware of, nor uncaring about, these things. However, we are the ones who turned away from Him. For most of the world, we still do not regard Him as He expects, meaning through the offering of His Son.   And yet, because of the physical pains, wars, crime, and other suffering we see around us, we blame God and say we want nothing to do with Him. The fickle nature of this thinking is hard to imagine once we understand who God is and what He has done for us in giving Jesus to bring us back to Himself.   But even believers, at times, show a disdain for what God has done, blaming Him for our troubles and trials, as if He owes us. Jesus and the apostles' words are clear, however. There will be suffering, pain, loss, wars, and natural disasters until the time when God renews all things.   We cannot expect to be isolated from such calamities. This is why it is important to read the Bible and understand what it tells us. When we know that this world will continue to be out of whack and that we can expect to be included in the things that happen, we can then focus on what lies ahead.   Even with the troubles of this life, we have a hope that transcends it. Let us remember this and hold fast to our confession of faith.   Lord God, despite the trials and woes of this life, we thank You for the promises that are sure to come. We have the certain hope of an eternity of joy and blessing far above anything we can imagine at this time. Thank You that we have this hope. If this life were all there was, it would be a futile, vain existence indeed. Thank You for Jesus and all that comes through knowing Him! Amen.

Sunday, 7 December 2025   When they had crossed over, they came to the land of Gennesaret. Matthew 14:34   “And, having through-crossed, they came to the of land Gennesaret” (CG).   In the previous verse, Matthew noted that those in the boat came and worshiped Jesus, saying, “Truly! You are God's Son!” Next, he records, “And, having through-crossed.”   The word, used in Matthew 9:1, signifies to cross through from one side to another. They safely made the journey, despite the storm. Having come to the other side, it next says, “they came to the land of Gennesaret.”   This is a new and rare word, found only once in each of the three synoptic gospels, Gennésaret. It is a word of Hebrew origin. Strong's thinks it may be related to the name Kinnereth, and would thus mean Harps. This seems unlikely.   Another possibility is that it is derived from gan, garden, and Sharon. Thus, it would signify the Garden of Sharon. Another likely possibility would be Garden of Princes, the second half coming from the plural of the Hebrew sar, a prince. However, the plural may designate a fulness as in Princely Garden or Garden of the Prince (Hitchcock).   Of this location, the Topical Lexicon says –    “Gennesaret denotes the fertile plain that stretches for roughly three miles along the north-western shore of the Sea of Galilee. Bounded by the rising hills of Naphtali on the west and washed by the fresh waters of the lake on the east, the plain is celebrated in both Jewish and later historical sources for its mild climate, abundant springs, and astonishing productivity. Josephus wrote that it produced ‘every fruit' in profusion and that its temperate air allowed for continuous harvests. Numerous thermal and cold springs join to form streams that empty into the lake, creating a natural irrigation system. The plain's prominence made its name a convenient designation not only for the shoreline but for the entire lake itself, hence ‘Lake of Gennesaret' (Luke 5:1) as an alternate title for ‘Sea of Galilee' or ‘Sea of Tiberias.'”   John's gospel says that they were heading towards Capernaum when they left the other side. That is in the general area, Capernaum being to the north and Magdala to the south.   Life application: Despite having terrible times on the Sea of Galilee, struggling against the winds and waves, the appearance of Jesus taught the disciples a valuable lesson concerning who He is and our capabilities when we focus, or fail to focus, on Him.   After the ordeal, the sea was calmed, and the boat safely arrived on the other shore. This trip can be equated to our lives. We set out with confidence in where we are going, planning on a particular trip to take a certain amount of time, with a safe arrival at a designated location.   Nobody plans a trip and says, “We'll leave at 6:47 tomorrow, fly to Atlanta, switch planes, and continue towards Montana, but we will encounter terrible turbulence at 3:47 in the afternoon, lose the left wing of the aircraft, and die in a fiery inferno as the plane crashes into the side of a remote mountain.”   We don't know the future, so how can we plan such an event? But despite having a set schedule for arriving at Helene, Montana, we also don't know if we will actually get there or not. Our life is a journey where risk is involved. For most of us, we attempt to make it on our own effort, and usually without God.   But then the troubles come, and for those who are the Lord's, we remember Him, pick up our Bibles, and find Him there with us, reassuring us that He is present with us. With the knowledge of His presence, and with our eyes fixed on Him, we can do the miraculous in this life.   And when our journey is through, we will arrive safely on the next shore. Jesus has absolutely assured us that this is so. His word will never fail, and so let us not get disheartened, no matter what the trial. Nothing can prevent us from being brought safely into God's presence after this life is complete.   “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:37-39   Lord God, our walk can be a walk of confidence and surety if we simply pick up the word, trust what it says, and apply faith in that to our lives. Otherwise, we are like rudderless ships tossed about on a sea of confusion and without hope. But because we know Your word, we know that You are there with us, ever faithful and tenderly guiding us to our final shore. Amen.  

Saturday, 6 December 2025   Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.” Matthew 14:33   “And those in the boat, having come, they worshiped Him, saying, ‘Truly! You are God's Son!'” (CG).   In the previous verse, it was noted that when Jesus and Peter got into the boat, the wind ceased. Overcome by the events they have seen and experienced, it next says, “And those in the boat.”   The words may suggest that there were more than just the disciples in there. The boats on the Sea of Galilee would not be very large, but they may have been large enough to carry some others along. Either way, the boat was big enough for them to get up and move around. That is seen in the word translated as “having come.”   The word is omitted by some texts and most modern Bibles. However, it would be the natural reaction to such events. Peter wanted to come to Jesus. This certainly wasn't limited to him, but he was the one who called out, and so he was the one who was petitioned to come.   Once those on the boat saw what had transpired, especially the sudden calming of the sea, it would be natural to come forward to be near Jesus. This was because “they worshiped Him.”   Jesus was well known to them and the One who instructed them. It is true that if someone encountered such events in the presence of an unknown person, he may want to stay back a bit and worship from a distance. But because of their familiarity with Jesus, they wanted to be nearer to Him when bowing before Him.     The words are natural, and as would be expected. With that noted, Matthew next notes that they were “saying, ‘Truly! You are God's Son!'”   The words lack a definite article, as in, “You are the Son of God.” Despite this, it is at least an acknowledgment that Jesus was ordained by God in a unique way. He had walked on the water, and the weather was under His control. At this point, they may have been thinking of someone in the line of Moses who did such things under the authority of the Lord.   Jesus had also healed the people and multiplied the bread. Therefore, they may also have been thinking of someone like Elijah or Elisha, who had healed and/or multiplied bread under the authority of the Lord. Even until the later points of the gospel narratives, a true and complete understanding of who Jesus was continued to escape the disciples.   To be dogmatic and state that the disciples thought Jesus was “the Son of God,” meaning deity, at this point would be stretching what the disciples actually believed. Even after the resurrection, they required schooling to understand who Jesus was and the things that pertained to Him –   “Then He said to them, ‘These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.' 45 And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures.” Luke 24:44, 45   Life application: There are several views concerning who “the sons of the God” are in Genesis 6. The predominant view is the sensational view, meaning that these were angel/human hybrids. Though sensational and, therefore, exciting, it doesn't at all match up with the rest of Scripture.   Being a son of “the God” signifies a person who is in a right relationship with God or one who is set in contrast to such a relationship. The structure of the early Genesis account is presented in such a way that thoughts are introduced and then they are explained in a following passage.   For example, the thought concerning the creation of man is presented in Genesis 1. However, that is more fully explained in Genesis 2. The thought of being obedient to the law given by God and the penalties for not doing so are seen in Genesis 2, but the example of the test concerning the law is seen in Genesis 3.   The thought of the promise of a return to a right state in the presence of God is seen in Genesis 3, and the anticipation of that by Eve, and the knowledge that it is lost to her is seen in Genesis 4.   The state of a disobedient line of people who are separated from the line of those who remain friendly to God is seen in Genesis 4. The line of those who are in a right relationship with God and who will eventually lead to the Messiah is seen in Genesis 5. This particular line that is set apart to God is meticulously detailed in Genesis 5, and it is explained by the words “sons of the God” in Genesis 6.   Themes are introduced and then expanded upon. Contrasts are set up to distinguish those who are out of favor with God from those who are in favor with God. This continues to develop throughout the book. For example, like the ungodly line of Cain being introduced, followed by the godly line, the generations of Ishmael are detailed in Genesis 25:12-18, followed by the generations of Isaac beginning in Genesis 25:19.   The generations of Esau are given in Genesis 36. This is followed by the story of Jacob's offspring and what happens to them, which continues to highlight the line of those in a right standing with “the God.”   To suddenly introduce a concept, such as angels sleeping with men, is wholly out of line with this carefully detailed pattern of what God is doing. It is a faulty analysis that fails to understand what God is doing in Scripture and why He highlights things in the manner he does. Yes, it is sensational, but it is also incorrect.   If you want proper theology concerning “the sons of the God,” stay away from the idea that angels came in and started having sex with human women. It is an unbiblical and unreasonable proposition.   Lord God, it is fun and exciting to watch monster movies, but such things are not based in reality. Why would we treat Your word as if it were an exception to what we already know about the world around us? Give us wisdom to keep Your word in its proper context. Be glorified in our pursuit of Your superior word. Amen.

Friday, 5 December 2025   And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. Matthew 14:32   “And they, having gone into the boat, it ceased – the wind” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus stretched out His hand to retrieve Peter from sinking. At the same time, He told him his faith was little and asked why he doubted. The narrative continues with astonishing words, “And they, having gone into the boat, it ceased – the wind.”   A new word is seen, kopazó, to tire. Figuratively, it then means to relax and thus to cease. All three of its uses will be in relation to the wind dying down. One can see that the wind and waves were for the instruction of the disciples. If Jesus wanted to, He could have ceased the winds earlier.   Likewise, He could have let the storm wear itself out and then started across the sea. But He departed from the area of the feeding of the five thousand while it was still stormy, at a point when the men had been straining to cross for a long time.   Peter, despite his bravado, would have been tired from the long day and then the long, difficult night. His ability to focus and keep up a faithful spirit would have been diminished. All such things came into play as he croaked out to Jesus to rescue him on the water.   Once Peter's faith and ability to focus on the Object of his desire were shown to be weak, the storm was no longer needed. The winds that had distracted him gave way to calmness.   Life application: This account conveys a truth that we should all be aware of and prepared for. When our minds and bodies are tired, we can get more irritable, misdirected, prone to making mistakes, and even prone to sin, each depending on the surrounding circumstances.   When we are in such a state, we should remind ourselves to act carefully, respond to circumstances or to others circumspectly, and ask the Lord to guide us in whatever is set before us.   The main thing to remember is to be determined to fix our eyes on the Lord Jesus. The storms around us and the weariness that results from them will weaken our resolve. If we are not in a condition to go forward, we should have the wisdom to tell ourselves this or to let those we are in the battle with know that we they are not capable of handling the challenge.   This, rather than barging ahead and relying on our own strength, is a display of wisdom. As Clint Eastwood said in one of his movies, “A man's got to know his limitations.” When we fail to know our limitations and work within them, only disaster will result.   “When the Philistines were at war again with Israel, David and his servants with him went down and fought against the Philistines; and David grew faint. 16 Then Ishbi-Benob, who was one of the sons of the giant, the weight of whose bronze spear was three hundred shekels, who was bearing a new sword, thought he could kill David. 17 But Abishai the son of Zeruiah came to his aid, and struck the Philistine and killed him. Then the men of David swore to him, saying, ‘You shall go out no more with us to battle, lest you quench the lamp of Israel.'” 2 Samuel 21:15-17   David's son, Solomon, wrote that there is a time for everything under the sun. It is ok to understand that there are times to act and times to refrain from acting if we are incapable of doing so. If we fail in this, we may damage our testimony or bring harm to ourselves or others.   Lord God, give us wisdom to walk in this world in tune with who we are and with our eyes fixed steadily on Jesus. When we cannot be effective in what we plan to do, give us the wisdom to see this. If You will strengthen us for the task, we can proceed. But if it is time to step back from it, help us to know this as well. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.  

Thursday, 4 December 2025   And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” Matthew 14:31   “And immediately, Jesus, having extended the hand, He seized him, and He says to him, ‘Little-faithed! Into why – you doubted?'” (CG).   In the previous verse, Peter saw the tumultuous wind and became afraid. Along with that, he began to sink, calling out to Jesus to save him. It next says, “And immediately, Jesus, having extended the hand, He seized him.”   A new word, epilambanomai, to seize the hand, is seen here. It is derived from epi, upon, and lambanó, to take. Thus, it is to seize upon. Peter is in the process of sinking. Jesus is firmly fixed on the top of the water, and so He reaches down to Peter to rescue him.   The scene is amazing to contemplate. It defies the sense of logic that each of us would normally consider. Despite being completely out of the ordinary, there is no reason to assume that it is impossible. Not understanding how something works does not mean that it doesn't actually work. With Jesus reaching out to Peter, it next says, “and He says to him, ‘Little-faithed!'”   It is a sentiment He uses elsewhere. In Peter's case, his faith allowed him to step out of the boat and begin walking, but it didn't keep him from being distracted in obtaining the goal. One can see that faith in something isn't the entire scope of the matter. Peter lacked faith in all directions at once. That is seen in the next words, “Into why – you doubted?”   Peter's faith said, “I see Jesus, I can get to Him.” Hence, he started out on the water. However, once he took his eyes off the Object of his faith, he saw the boisterous wind and lacked faith that he could overcome it.   As noted in the previous commentary, it isn't that Peter lacked faith. Rather, it became misdirected and overwhelmed by another issue he wasn't confident he could handle. As such, Jesus says he doubted.   Life application: As can be seen, faith comes in varying degrees, but it also has to overcome many side challenges to be effective. If we were to extend the scenario in which Peter is in, we could add lightning, sharks, a pirate vessel (arrr matey), and other obstacles to his ability to stay afloat.   At what point will Peter's faith crack? As long as he keeps his eyes on the Object, Jesus, the other challenges would not be able to affect him. But that may be hard to do when a resounding bolt of lightning crashs between the two of them. In an instant, Peter's faith in his ability to continue without being killed by lightning might falter, and down he would go.   However, maybe the lightning flashes so brilliantly that it highlights Jesus in an exceptional way, actually boosting his faith. However, the pirate ship was able to spot him in the flash and sends off a round from a cannon. Peter sees the giant splash as the pirates adjust their cannon for another shot, and down he goes.   Each thing that distracts us from the goal we are set on attaining has its own faith challenge that we must overcome. Apply that thought to your own life. You want to do a particular thing. You know you are fully competent to do it. And yet, the side issues each bring a challenge that your faith in yourself or your abilities says, “I don't think I can do that.”   How do we overcome such things? The answer is to keep our eyes on the Object of our faith. If what you are pursuing is sanctioned by the Lord, you have to know that it will come to pass. But if you continuously allow life's distractions that cause you to lack faith in the challenge they present, you will never attain your goal.   You don't really need to have all the confidence in the world concerning all things, though. You are finite, and it isn't possible to adjust to every scenario that will arise in the course of time. Rather, you need to have confidence that Jesus can handle them.   If Peter said, “I can't handle the sharks, lightning, or pirates, but I know Jesus has said I can come to Him. Therefore, I will make it to Him,” then he would have prevailed. This is why Paul says what he says in Philippians –   “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:12, 13   Let us have faith that if we are working in accord with the will of the Lord, we will prevail in what we desire to do. If it isn't, then it will not come to pass. This isn't a fatalistic attitude. Rather, we are to strive for what we want but know that the Lord may not want it for us. If we don't strive to obtain the goal, it will certainly never be realized.   Lord God, help us in our faith. It gets challenged from ten thousand angles at a time, and we get distracted from the goal we are trying to attain. Help us to focus on the fact that You are with us in what we do. Because of Jesus, if it is meant to come about, it will. The side issues will never thwart what You have approved. Help us to remember this. Amen.  

Wednesday, 3 December 2025   But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” Matthew 14:30   “And seeing the forcible wind, he feared, and having begun to submerge, he croaked, saying, ‘Lord, You save me!'” (CG).   In the previous verse, Peter came down from the boat and commenced walking to Jesus. Matthew next records, “And seeing the forcible wind, he feared.”   It is the standard error that believers find themselves in to this day. What does it take to see the forcible wind? Follow the sequence of events:   Jesus: “You embolden! I, I am! You fear not!” Peter: “Lord, if You – You are – You command me to come to You upon the waters.” Jesus: “And He said, “You come!” Peter: He walked upon the waters to come unto Jesus. Peter: And seeing the forcible wind.   Jesus is the Object. Peter sees Jesus and petitions Him. Jesus directs Peter to come. Peter comes, looking at Jesus. Peter... takes his eyes off Jesus, “and having begun to submerge, he croaked.”   A new word is seen here, katapontizó, to plunge down, and thus to submerge. It is derived from kata, down against, and the same root as the area known as Pontus found in Acts 2:9 and 1 Peter 1:1. This word will only be seen again in Matthew 18:6.   Peter got distracted from what is most important. Jesus was the target to obtain. In allowing the distractions to take his eyes off the goal, his attention was likewise distracted. With his attention distracted, he was no longer mentally focused on what allowed him to walk on the water in the first place. Because of this, he cried out, “saying, ‘Lord, You save me!'”   Again, it is the standard response believers make in hopes of correcting their own blunders to this day: Believer is focused on Jesus. Believer takes his eyes off of Jesus and gets caught up in an infraction of the law, a particular sin, etc. Believer is now in a bad, bad pickle, finding no way of fixing his own slip-up. And so, believer croaks in his soul and to Jesus, “Help me! Help me, Lord Jesus!”   Life application: One of the most important thoughts for believers recorded in the New Testament is found in the first few words of Hebrews 12:2 –   “Eyeballing unto the ‘the faith Pioneer and Perfecter,' Jesus” (CG). Scholars repeatedly say that Peter's error was a lack of faith. And it is true that Jesus will call him ‘little-faithed' in the next verse. But Peter had faith, even if it was little. That was not the immediate problem. Rather, Peter took his eyes off of the Object of his faith.   The pastor who has been faithfully preaching to his congregation for many years may have amazing faith, but when he meets with a woman for counseling, his eyes may be misdirected from Jesus. At such a time, calamity may be just around the corner. It happened to David, and none of us is above such a lapse of judgment.   Along with Hebrews 12:2, Hebrews 3:1 says, “Thence, holy brothers – heavenly calling participants, you scrutinize the Apostle and High Priest, our confession, Jesus!”   We are not just to look in the direction of Jesus, we are to eyeball Him and to scrutinize Him, mentally considering Him at all times. When we fail to do this, we begin to sink into the troubled seas around us. In 1 Chronicles 29, David, a man who understood what it meant to take his eyes off the Lord and to sink into sin, petitioned the Lord for just this type of determination for His flock –   “O Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, our fathers, keep this forever in the intent of the thoughts of the heart of Your people, and fix their heart toward You.”   Should we have any less of a heart? If not, then let us pray for such fixed determination. And while we are asking for our own strength, let us remember our fellow believers, those in our church, our pastors and teachers, and anyone else who comes to mind.   May we learn to direct our attention to Jesus, always remembering the sacred words of Scripture, “Eyeballing unto the ‘the faith Pioneer and Perfecter,' Jesus” (CG). Nothing else will do. All else will lead to a sad set of circumstances that may jeopardize our lives, our relationships, and our witness for the Lord Jesus.   Lord God, we are weak and frail creatures who need to constantly focus our hearts and souls on You. We should always scrutinize Jesus as if looking over the finest gem or most beautiful flower, considering every detail of His majesty. Help us to be focused on Him at all times. In this, we will be in the right frame of mind to handle all challenges we face. Amen.

Tuesday, 2 December 2025   So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. Matthew 14:29   “And He said, ‘You come!' And having descended from the boat, Peter, he walked upon the waters to come unto Jesus” (CG).   In the previous verse, Peter emphatically challenged Jesus that if it was Him, to command Peter also to come to Him on the waters. In response, we read Matthew's continued words, “And He said, ‘You come!'”   The response is immediate. There was no “Wait, I wasn't ready,” or “Sorry Peter, I didn't bring enough miracle juice for two people.” Rather, the command was confident that Peter could and should come out to Him. Therefore, it next says, “And having descended from the boat.”   Imagine being on the waters as the waves slammed against the boat. The meaning is that the boat's buoyancy allowed for the hull to be partly submerged in the water while the rest remained above the water. It wasn't that the entire boat just sat on top of the water as if it were sitting on an ice bed.   In other words, the laws of nature were working as they should. The water surrounding the boat was unchanged, and the boat was doing what boats do. And yet, Peter descended from the boat, which was in, not on top of, the water, and was able to stand on the water without sinking.   The change, therefore, was in Peter, not in the water. This is evidenced with the next words, “Peter, he walked upon the waters.”   The words don't say how long this occurred. They also don't record the distance, be it ten feet or fifty. Jesus was close enough to be heard, but far enough to necessitate Peter's effort to walk to Him. The testimony, however, declares that Peter did walk on the water. With that understanding, it next says, “to come unto Jesus.”   There is a slight difference in the texts here. Some say, “he came to Jesus,” others say, “to come to Jesus.” The writers of the Pulpit Commentary, having obviously been in the boat with the disciples, say –   “To go to Jesus; rather, and came to Jesus (Westcott and Hort; cf. margin of Revised Version). The true text states what did, in fact, happen, notwithstanding Peter's lack of faith (cf. ver. 31).”   Because verse 31 says that Jesus immediately stretched out His hand and caught him, the Pulpit Commentary has deduced that Peter must have made it all the way to Jesus. How they can conclude that this is the “true text” based on that, while dismissing the contents of verse 30, is exceptional. While Peter was distracted with the waves, Jesus could have taken three steps toward him.   Life application: As has been noted in the past, take all commentaries on the Bible with a grain of salt until you think through what is being said. For the Pulpit Commentary to state that the Westcott and Hort text is the true text based on a couple of words that may or may not have been properly thought through is damaging.   Nobody is going to lose his salvation over this. Whether Peter got to Jesus or was still on his way to Jesus isn't going to change someone's life or the direction of his life. But for the commentators to adamantly claim that one is the true text immediately dismisses the other text. What if that is the true text? They have now determined that what isn't God's word has replaced God's word!   That is not a sound attitude, nor is it a good place to be when we all must stand before the Lord and give an account for the lives we have lived. If we were not in the boat with the disciples, or flying a drone over the event, filming it while it was taking place, then we should reserve stating adamant words about texts as the Pulpit Commentary has done.   Only when there is no dispute in the text is there a reason to be adamant about what the text says. But even then, we need to be sure about our claims. After two thousand years of people looking over the word, new insights come up all the time, opening our eyes to new parallels, patterns, and points that may have never been considered before.   Lord God, it is beyond our imagination that we could just step onto the local body of water and tread on it as if it were dry land. But Jesus did it, and Peter did for a short span as well. How little our faith must be that we cannot do what You allowed Peter to do without a moment's hesitation! Strengthen us in our walk of faith, O God. Amen.

Monday, 1 December 2025   And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” Matthew 14:28   “And having answered Him, Peter, he said, ‘Lord, if You – You are – You command me to come to You upon the waters'” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus called out to the disciples on the boat to be emboldened, for He is! He implored them not to fear. In response to this, the impetuous Peter needs evidence of what his eyes see. Therefore, Matthew records, “And having answered Him, Peter.”   Regardless of how many disciples there were on the boat, it is Peter who needed to be given the proof that would ease his suspicious mind concerning the phantasm who claimed to be Jesus. Therefore, Matthew's words continue, “he said, ‘Lord, if You – You are – You command me to come to You upon the waters.'”   Notice how Peter's words, though respectfully stated with the word “Lord,” challenge the declaration made by Jesus –   *...Jesus, He spoke to them, saying, “You embolden! I, I am! You fear not!”   *...Peter, he said, “Lord, if You – You are – You command me to come to You upon the waters.”   Of these words, the Pulpit Commentary says, “Not ‘bid me walk on the water;' for he does not want to perform a miracle, but to come to Jesus.” This is entirely incorrect. Peter uses the word keleuó, command, to signify that he desires the same ability that Jesus displays. If this was a sign of “impulsive love” for Jesus, as their commentary later states, the reaction would have been the same as is recorded in John 21:7 –   “Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, ‘It is the Lord!' Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it), and plunged into the sea.”   Peter wants proof of what his eyes refuse to believe. This is the reason for the word if, the emphatic challenge, and for the Lord to command him to do as was being done by Him.   Life application: Romans 10:17 says, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” 1 Corinthians says –   “Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. 22 For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; 23 but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” 1 Corinthians 1:20-25   The Bible sets a contrast between faith and sight, between belief and tangible evidence. Peter even had sight and sound, but it was not enough for him to accept. He wanted a personal sign to confirm to him that Jesus was really the One who had approached them and spoken to them.   What are you looking for to be assured of the faith you profess? Charismatic churches need proof of faith through the speaking of tongues. How can that be a proof of faith? If you have tangible evidence of something, you no longer have faith, but the surety of the experience.   They claim that if you don't speak in tongues, you don't have the filling of the Spirit. It is a false, damaging system of expectancy and contrived piety that dismisses the fundamental tenet of Christianity, salvation by grace through faith.   Be careful what you believe. Stick to the Bible, have faith in what it says, and confirm that faith by accepting Jesus' full, final, finished, and forever work on your behalf. In this, you will be pleasing to God.   Lord God, how good it is to know with all surety that we are saved through the work of Jesus Christ. We don't need more. Evidence and proof will come when You come for us. Until then, we have the words of Scripture. It is sufficient for our souls. Thank You for the words of surety that You have given to us. Amen.

Sunday, 30 November 2025   But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” Matthew 14:27   “And immediately, Jesus, He spoke to them, saying, ‘You embolden! I, I am! You fear not!'” (CG).   In the previous verse, the disciples in the boat cried out because they thought they were seeing a phantasm as Jesus walked on the water. With that noted, Matthew next says, “And immediately, Jesus, He spoke to them.”   In hearing the voice, there would be an immediate quelling of the anxiety they felt. It would lift the hours of struggling against the waves off of their shoulders. That, and the fright of the apparition, would be immediately forgotten and replaced with a sense of hope, awe, and rejoicing all at the same time. Of His words, Matthew records His emphatic declaration, “saying, ‘You embolden! I, I am! You fear not!'”   Because the New Testament was penned in Greek, it is unknown just what words Jesus spoke. However, it is the same phrase, egó eimi, recorded in John 8:58, “Jesus, He said to them, ‘Amen, amen! I say to you before Abraham became, I, I Am!'” (CG).  In the Greek, it is an emphatic proclamation of existence.   In John 8, it is combined with the words “before Abraham,” and so the intent is understood. Jesus was affirming His existence extended to the time before Abraham existed. While on the Sea of Galilee, even if He was simply affirming that it was He walking to them, they would have to wonder about His nature.   Man does not simply walk on water. This truth would be multiplied when the water was raging all around them. And yet, Jesus, the living, breathing Man they had traveled with, was walking on the water. The thought would have astonished their minds as much as the voice had calmed them.   Life application: In an earlier commentary, Job 9:8 was cited, where it noted that the Lord (Yehovah) walks on the waves of the sea. That could easily be dismissed as a type of poetic proclamation by Job, but the fact that the New Testament gospels agree on the substance of Jesus walking on the water forms a clear and intentional clue that is being handed to us on a silver platter that Jesus is the Lord (Yehovah) of the Old Testament.   As walking on the water is something that is contrary to the natural way things occur for humans, we see that somehow Jesus either suspended the natural laws, or He was able to work with them in a way that we cannot understand.   It is true that there are certain animals that can walk on the water, such as the water strider insect and the basilisk lizard. There are certain birds, like the jacana and grebe, as well as some mammals and spiders, that can walk on water or floating vegetation. These use adaptations like large feet or specialized leg hairs.   However, there is the truth that Jesus is not an insect, lizard, or bird. There would be no floating vegetation in the raging Sea of Galilee to walk on as well. Even if man someday is able to develop a suit that allows him to walk on the water, it doesn't negate the fact that Jesus did this two thousand years ago without any future technology that may be developed.   If “science is thinking God's thoughts after Him,” as the 17th-century astronomer and mathematician Johannes Kepler said, and if we were to develop such technology, what would that say about Jesus? Obviously, it would be a testament to the fact that Jesus is... anyone? Yes, Jesus is God.   This truth is so plainly on display in the pages of Scripture that its denial is a fundamental denial of the gospel. Man cannot rise from the dead. Jesus rose from the dead. Therefore, Jesus is God. To deny this tenet is to deny the truth of God in Christ. If you are struggling with the deity of Jesus Christ, you need to let your struggles go. What God is looking for is faith.   People of faith are what please Him. Those who have faith in the truth of Jesus Christ and what He has done for us will be saved. Those who continue in their faith, conducting their lives and actions in faith, will be rewarded for the things they do. Be a person of faith.   Lord God Almighty, we accept the truth of Your word. You have proclaimed that Jesus came from You and returned to You. We believe that He is God incarnate who lived the life we could not live, died on a cross for the forgiveness of our sins, was interred in a tomb, and rose again, just as Your word proclaims. We believe! Hallelujah and Amen.

Saturday, 29 November 2025   And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear. Matthew 14:26   “And the disciples, having seen Him walking upon the sea, they were agitated, saying that it is a phantasm. And from fear, they croaked” (CG).   In the previous verse, it was noted that Jesus walked on the sea to get to the disciples who were in the boat. Continuing that thought, Matthew next records, “And the disciples, having seen Him walking upon the sea, they were agitated.”   The words here clearly indicate that the words in the previous verse, which said that Jesus was “walking upon the sea,” were not a way of saying that He was walking along the shore. It meant that He was walking on the water across the sea.   The disciples are in the boat being hurled about by wind and waves. Even if they could see a person walking on the shore, their reaction would have been that there was a person simply walking upon the shore. Instead, their reaction is stated by Matthew. He notes that they were “saying that it is a phantasm.”   This is a new word, phantasma, a phantasm, specter, etc. The word is derived from phantazó, to make apparent or to appear. As such, it is specifically an appearing or a showing. It had been universally understood since the creation of the world that a human could not walk on water. Rather, when a person encounters water, he sinks into it.   Therefore, the logic is that whatever was walking towards them could not be a human. Of this, Bengel says, “We often take Christ for another rather than for Christ.” That is an unsound analogy for what is happening here. Being something absolutely unheard of, anyone at that point would miss what was happening.   Only in looking back on the event could we dare to think we would consider what occurred any differently. A natural assumption would be that whatever they were seeing was anything but Jesus. As such, it says, “And from fear, they croaked.”   People try to explain things that they cannot mentally process in various ways. They may claim they saw an angel, a vision of Mary, a UFO, or the boogeyman. If the unknown is close enough to us or heading in our direction, the natural reaction is one of fear and even crying out in fear.   Because of their own Scriptures, a story from their past that would have been remembered by any child would have been the account of the raising of the spirit of Samuel in 1 Samuel 28. When that occurred, it said –   “Then the woman said, ‘Whom shall I bring up for you?' And he said, ‘Bring up Samuel for me.'” 12 When the woman saw Samuel, she cried out with a loud voice. And the woman spoke to Saul, saying, ‘Why have you deceived me? For you are Saul!' 13 And the king said to her, ‘Do not be afraid. What did you see?' And the woman said to Saul, ‘I saw a spirit ascending out of the earth.'” 1 Samuel 28:11-13   Knowing from their own Scriptures that such things were possible, there is no reason to look down on their reaction here. However, the difference between what they think they are seeing and what they are actually seeing will be made evident to them.   Life application: Just because the Bible acknowledges that there are things such as the raising of Samuel's spirit recorded there, it doesn't mean that it is something we should be focusing on. That account describes what occurred, but it prescribes nothing.   We are admonished to keep our eyes on Jesus, not get involved in the world of the supernatural. There is nothing in the epistles that instructs us, for example, on casting out demons. Even if Jesus and the disciples did this, no further instruction is given to us concerning the matter.   And yet, some ministries focus a great deal of their attention on the realm of the supernatural. Others, like the Roman Catholic church, have set up rites and rituals to supposedly cast out evil spirits.   Such approaches to these things are unbiblical and have no bearing on reality. If someone is demon-possessed, tell that person about Jesus. A demon cannot possess what belongs to Jesus. If that person receives Christ, the demon must depart. This is why the epistles don't address such things. The gospel is our tool for converting lives. Anything else is a waste of time, energy, and spiritual direction.   Lord God, help us to have the desire to tell others about the saving message of Jesus. Without it, all is futile in the human soul. But when it is received by faith, it can and will change even the greatest sinner and heal the greatest spiritual wounds. May we remember this and be willing to share this good news. Amen.

Friday, 28 November 2025   Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. Matthew 14:25   “And the night's fourth guarding, Jesus, He departed unto them, walking upon the sea” (CG).   In the previous verse, it was noted that the boat the disciples were in was in the middle of the sea, being tossed by the waves. Next, Matthew records some of the most incredible words imaginable, beginning with, “And the night's fourth guarding.”   It is the same word, phulaké, found in Matthew 5:25, translated there as prison. It signifies a guarding. As someone is in prison, he is obviously being guarded. In this case, it refers to the divisions of the night. Ellicott explains the term –   “The Jews, since their conquest by Pompeius, had adopted the Roman division of the night into four watches, and this was accordingly between 3 A.M. and 6 A.M., in the dimness of the early dawn.”   Jesus had remained on the mountain praying for hours while the disciples struggled to stay afloat in the tempest that had arisen. Despite their efforts, they had only gone about halfway across the sea. It was during this time that “Jesus, He departed unto them.”   There is immediately a sense of curiosity in the words. It is very early in the morning hours, the narrative has already said that the disciples were straining in the sea to get to the other side, and yet, Matthew notes Jesus departing to them.   If the words finished there, one might think Jesus would walk on a path near the shore to meet them in the spot where they were headed. However, Matthew dismisses that option, saying, “walking upon the sea.”   The words here, combined with the words to come, along with the other gospel accounts, leave no option except that “walking on (upon) the water of the sea” is intended. It cannot mean “walking on the shore of the sea,” something seemingly possible from the immediate wording, as if the shore were being used as a way of explaining a walk on the sea.   However, they are in the midst of the sea (25 or 30 stadia) from shore. In a tempest, they would not see Jesus walking on the shore, nor could they have a conversation with Him, as will be the case. It cannot mean Jesus swam. The Greek word kolumbaó, to plunge into the water (and thus to swim), would have been used.   But more directly, only a lunatic would start swimming across a cold, 7-mile-wide lake in the middle of a raging tempest, particularly in fresh water, which is not as buoyant as salt water. Even the hardiest swimmer would likely perish from such an attempt. And, again, the surrounding narrative makes such suggestions impossible.   Rather, Jesus was giving a hint concerning His nature by doing what He is doing. The words of Job explain the matter –   “He stretching – heavens, to His separation, And walking upon elevations – sea.” Job 9:8 (CG)   To paraphrase Job's words, “Yehovah stretches out the heavens all by Himself, and He walks upon the waves of the sea.” Matthew, Mark, and John each testify to the accuracy of the account. The Lord God, Yehovah, walked upon the wavy Sea of Galilee in the early morning hours to attend to His disciples.   Life application: Over the millennia, there have been many skeptics who have tried to conjure up reasons why the text doesn't really say what it says concerning the account of Jesus walking upon the sea.   A few years ago, the ridiculous explanation was that the meeting of the winds as they rushed through the Arbel Pass with the waters of the Sea of Galilee formed blocks of ice that allowed Jesus to walk on the sea. Even a mentally challenged farm boy could find a dozen reasons why such a thought is ridiculous.   And yet, when it was proposed, it made the news around the world, as if someone had finally found a reason why the Bible should not be trusted concerning this miracle. Actually, however, for Jesus to surf on a block of ice, or to walk on various blocks of ice until He reached the disciples, would be more of a miracle than anything any person had ever seen in human history.   It would just be another form of a miracle. But the wording in the gospels doesn't allow for such idiocy. Rather, the disciples truly believed what they saw. They jointly testified to the matter, and their testimony stands. As the judicial apologist Simon Greenleaf says –   “Every document, apparently ancient, coming from the proper repository or custody, and bearing on its face no evident marks of forgery, the law presumes to be genuine, and devolves on the opposing party the burden of proving it to be otherwise.”   The burden of the proof is up to those who dismiss the words of Scripture. To this date, after two thousand years of trying, no such proof has come forward.   Have faith in the word. Have faith in Jesus, who is Yehovah incarnate. The word of God testifies to this fact.   O God, You can do all things. The fact that You walked upon the waters of the Sea of Galilee should come as no surprise because of this. We know Your word is truth. What it proclaims is sound and reasonable when we consider who Jesus is. May we have faith in what it says, holding fast to the record as it has been given. Amen.  

Thursday, 27 November 2025   But the boat was now [b]in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary. Matthew 14:24   “And the boat: already it was amidst the sea being tormented by the waves, for the wind, it was contrary” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus dismissed the multitudes and then went up on the mountain alone and prayed alone. Matthew next says, “And the boat, already it was amidst the sea.”   In John's gospel, he records that the boat was about 25 or 30 stadia. This equates to 3 or 4 miles. The width of the sea varies, but it is about 7 miles across. Therefore, they were literally in the sea's midst. While they were in this spot, it says they were “being tormented by the waves.”   This wasn't the case as they left. Rather, John also records, “The sea arose because a great wind was blowing.” This is a phenomenon seen in the Sea of Galilee. The winds off the Mediterranean coast blow inland.   As they reach the mountains, there is a pass, the Arbel pass (aka the Valley of the Doves or Wadi Hamam), where they are compressed. This pass is a particular geographical feature located to the west of the Sea of Galilee, bordered by Mount Arbel to the south and Mount Nitai to the north. This east-west-oriented valley funnels air from the Mediterranean Sea towards the lower-lying Sea of Galilee.   The cold wind rushes at an increased speed and blows toward the sea. This meets the warmer air rising from the lake. This then causes the waves to suddenly jump in size. The storms can come on with almost no notice and change the face of the sea in mere minutes. This is what occurred as these men took their boat across. As it says, “for the wind, it was contrary.”   With such a sea having arisen, there would be very little the men could do. The chaotic waves and winds would leave even the hardiest of men terrified.   Life application: It is with all certainty that Jesus knew the men would face this contrary wind as they crossed. The narrative is purposeful in this regard. But such things serve a greater purpose in helping us to understand who Jesus is and what His intent for His people is. Therefore, the men were allowed to undergo this arduous trial to learn and to pass the event on in their writings.   When we encounter life's storms, we should take time to evaluate the circumstances and attempt to discover what God would have us learn from them. This doesn't mean only literal storms, such as tornados and hurricanes, although those too can affect us. Rather, we may face storms of trials such as financial woes, interpersonal conflicts, etc.   We may also be the target of a robbery or some other situation that causes us to question our lives. When such times arise, taking time to reevaluate our lives and priorities can change our direction. This is what wise people will do. They will consciously evaluate the circumstances and see how their lives might be better directed toward the Lord.   From what may seem a terrible ordeal, good things can arise. As long as we look for the guiding hand of the Lord through them, we will normally find that what occurred had a purpose we never expected. The apostles certainly had time in their lives to evaluate that terrifying night on the Sea of Galilee.   Some of them wrote about it. One of them ultimately seems to have not learned a thing from it. What a vast difference between the outcomes of their lives as they took in the ministry of Jesus and evaluated their lives and the events that happened in relation to it.   Glorious God, even though we may not enjoy the troubles and trials that arise in our lives, we may find that good came out of them in ways we never expected. Help us to have a positive attitude that seeks out the knowledge that Your gracious hand rested upon us, even as we endured such times. Amen.

Wednesday, 26 November 2025   And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. Matthew 14:23   “And having dismissed the crowds, He ascended to the mountain, off alone, to pray. And evening, having arrived, He was there solo” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus compelled the disciples to get in the boat and cross to the other side while He dismissed the crowds. Next, Matthew records, “And having dismissed the crowds.”   It isn't known how Jesus did this, meaning with a word of encouragement and then prayer, but that is likely. John 6 notes that some wanted to make Him king by force. His redirecting them back to the Lord God as their true King, and through prayer, demonstrating that He was on a spiritual mission, may have quelled that among them.   Mark 6 notes that He sent them away. The day was long, and the walk to return would add to it. Therefore, some may even have slept under the stars, waiting till the next day to return home. Having an evening outside with a bonfire would be a nice cap to the wonderful day spent in the open with Jesus. If so, this would be an added reason for the next words, “He ascended to the mountain, off alone to pray.”   Whether He was removing Himself from all of the crowds as they departed, or if some were laying out mats to sleep on, there were still people there. This necessitated Him to ascend the mountain. Or it may be that ascending the mountain was keeping in accord with the traditions of meeting God on the high places that were instilled in the people's thinking, and a point which permeates the Hebrew Scriptures.   This would be in line with the transfiguration, which occurred on a mountain as well. Whatever other reason may be involved, Jesus went up in order to find solace and to pray. Matthew next records, “And evening, having arrived.”   This would be the second evening of what is known as “between the evenings,” explained in Matthew 14:15. This would be the evening of the light when the day transitions into night. At this time, it says, “He was there solo.”   Nobody had followed Him up the mountain, disturbing His time of prayer alone. These words of Matthew had to come from somewhere, so either an eyewitness saw that Jesus went up alone, or that Jesus had specifically told him this was the case.   Life application: Things were obviously done differently when Jesus walked among the people of Israel. There were no cars, cellphones, or TVs. People's lives would have been run at a completely different pace than what we are used to.   However, the days for Jesus were long and certainly tiring. What did He do at the end of His long day? He spent more energy ascending the nearby mountain, and He engaged with His Father in prayer. Although there is nothing prescriptive in this, it is an ideal that we can strive to attain.   Taking some time alone, away from the innumerable distractions we face, and spending time with the Lord will never be wasted time. Your mind can relax from the nag of calls, messages, text reminders, etc. Well, that is if you leave your phone behind when you decide to spend time with the Lord and pray.   If you are not used to this, it can be difficult to adjust. Being connected to the world through digital devices has become a standard part of our existence. And more, it has become an addiction for many. Take time to actively consider what value it is in your life. Is answering another text as important as spending time with the Lord through prayer or through His word?   Do your best to set your priorities straight and be willing to put everything else aside from time to time. At set times, try to refocus on filling the spiritual chasm in your life, replacing it with the goodness of God. You will find your time doing so a blessing you could not have imagined.   Glorious God, there are so many things that constantly distract us, pulling our attention away from what is truly important. If we stop and evaluate the time we spend doing things that are wholly unproductive, and then compare it to the time we spend with You, what would the balances reveal? Help us, Lord, to have our spiritual priorities right, focusing on You and fellowshipping with You each day. Amen.

Tuesday, 25 November 2025   Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. Matthew 14:22   “And immediately, Jesus, He compelled His disciples to in-step into the boat and precede Him to the beyond until which He dismissed the crowds” (CG).   The previous verse noted that those who had eaten were about five thousand men, besides women and children. Now that the meal was over, it next says, “And immediately, Jesus, He compelled His disciples to in-step into the boat.”   A new word, anagkazó, to necessitate, compel, or constrain, is seen here. It is derived from the noun anagké, constraint, distress, etc. There is a sense of urgency in the word, as if the disciples were hesitant to enter the boat without Him. Matthew doesn't give the reason for the constraint they were placed under. However, the same narrative in John 6 says –   “Then those men, when they had seen the sign that Jesus did, said, ‘This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world.' 15 Therefore when Jesus perceived that they were about to come and take Him by force to make Him king, He departed again to the mountain by Himself alone.” John 6:14, 15   If this was the impetus in the mind of Matthew as he penned his gospel, one can see how the matter may have continued if the disciples had stayed. The people came to make Jesus king by force. How would things have turned out if the disciples had stayed?   Would they have sided with the masses and caused Jesus additional stress in shunning their advances? Would they have defended the Lord when He declined the advances, thus causing a brawl to break out? Whatever the reason, it appears that Matthew was remembering the day while not explaining the circumstances and noting the event with this new word. Because of Jesus' instructions, it next says, “and precede Him to the beyond.”   In other words, they were to cross the Sea of Galilee, returning to the side they had left that morning. Thus, they would be leaving Him without a means of crossing. Despite this, He constrained them to go. He would stay behind, “until which He dismissed the crowds.”   Whatever the state of the crowds or the mindset of the disciples, it is evident that Jesus wanted to dismiss them personally and to also be alone in prayer. Hence, they were instructed to leave alone and head across.   Life application: It is certain that the disciples could have refused to get into the boat and do as instructed, but they were obedient to Jesus as their Master. The word of God, the Bible, is a word from the Lord that also constrains us. It tells us to do things that we may not want to do. Maybe that is why so many people stop reading it or never read it.   They hear what the word expects, maybe in a sermon or from a friend, and don't want to have to face its demands. So they live life without engaging with the word. But if we want to be obedient to our Master, we need to do what He expects of us. That is what the word is for.   It isn't easy to stand up in a church and head for the door when something inappropriate is taught, but no one should sit under a preacher who is instructing contrary to the word. It is better to leave such a church than to accommodate the bad doctrine. Such an attitude places the church above the Lord. That cannot stand.   Let us remember this point. What the Lord says is like our government's constitution. We get upset at politicians who ignore the law as if it doesn't apply to them. How much more should we be upset at pastors, preachers, and teachers who ignore the highest authority of all?   This doesn't mean we should get up and walk out every time we hear something amiss. People are prone to mistakes. However, when something is obviously purposeful that fails to align with the word, it is time to depart. Just recently, the Anglican Church split because those in the UK selected a woman as the Archbishop of Canterbury. It is the highest position in the church.   The African Anglicans noted that this was unacceptable. Further, her stance on abortion and gay rights made her selection a slap in the face of all who desire to hold to the word. The problem, however, rests as much with the African Anglicans. They failed to say anything years ago when unacceptable people began to be ordained.   The selection of this woman to be the Archbishop was merely an obvious step in the rush to total apostasy. The Africans, for years, failed to uphold the word by dividing from the UK, only taking action when it became intolerable to them, not to God, whose word had already been violated numerous times. Let us not let things get to such a point. Instead, let us exalt the word and thus honor the Lord at all times.   Lord God, give us the desire to be obedient to Your word as well as have the intestinal fortitude to stand firmly on it. It can be difficult for us to stand against the masses, but with You on our side, it really is no problem. Help us to remember this and adhere to what You have stated. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.

Monday, 24 November 2025   Now those who had eaten were about five thousand men, besides women and children. Matthew 14:21   “And those eating, they were about five thousand men, besides women and children” (CG).   In the previous verse, it was noted that all the people present ate, were gorged, and they collected twelve baskets of pieces that were left over. Matthew next records, “And those eating, they were about five thousand men, besides women and children.”   Each gospel narrative notes the number of men. Matthew, however, adds in the “besides women and children” to ensure that the number is understood to be men, plus others. The addition of this note concerning women and children could potentially bring the number up to as many as fifteen to twenty thousand people.   There is no need to assume, as many scholars do, that there would not be as many women and children as normal because of the long trek or some other reason. People moved about on their feet. It was common and the expected norm that all would keep up on such treks.   During the three annual pilgrim feasts, the entire family would walk from wherever they were to Jerusalem. Such a walk around the Sea of Galilee would be a snap for such hardy annual travelers. The numbers would have been great who received the miraculously provided food from Jesus.   Life application: It is not uncommon for people to say that only the men were required to travel to Jerusalem on the pilgrim feasts. This is because it says in Exodus 23:17, “Three times in the year all your males shall appear before the Lord God.”   With that, they stop their analysis and conclude that only the men went. However, later it says –   “You shall rejoice before the Lord your God, you and your son and your daughter, your male servant and your female servant, the Levite who is within your gates, the stranger and the fatherless and the widow who are among you, at the place where the Lord your God chooses to make His name abide. 12 And you shall remember that you were a slave in Egypt, and you shall be careful to observe these statutes.” Deuteronomy 16:11, 12   This is repeated in Deuteronomy 16:13-15. Then the matter is summed up, saying –   “Three times a year all your males shall appear before the Lord your God in the place which He chooses: at the Feast of Unleavened Bread, at the Feast of Weeks, and at the Feast of Tabernacles; and they shall not appear before the Lord empty-handed. 17 Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord your God which He has given you.” Deuteronomy 16:16, 17   In other words, the “all your males” is stated in the same manner that the gospels speak of the males in relation to the feeding of the five thousand. It is an all-inclusive statement concerning the family that is represented by the males.   When reading the Bible, be sure to be familiar with it by methodically checking on things. There is a lot of information that has to be learned, and it is a lifetime challenge, but the more you read and remember, the less likely you are to have errors in your understanding. Even scholars of the Bible make blunders by assuming things from a single verse that are later qualified. So be methodical and contemplative. If you are, you will be rewarded for your diligent efforts, for sure.   Lord God Almighty, how wonderful is Your word! You have filled it with wisdom, wonder, and treasure. May we be responsible and read it slowly, contemplatively, and prayerfully. May we carefully tend to this wondrous and sacred gift You have given to us. Amen.

For the director of music. To the tune of “The Dove in the Distant Oak.” A miktam of David when the Philistines captured him in Gath.   1  God, be merciful to me because people are chasing me. The battle has pressed me all day long.   2  My enemies have chased me all day. There are many of them fighting me.   3  When I am afraid, I will trust you.   4  I praise God for his word. I trust God. So I am not afraid. What can human beings do to me?   5  All day long they twist my words. All their evil plans are against me.   6  They wait. They hide. They watch my steps. They hope to kill me.   7  God, do not let them escape. Punish the foreign nations in your anger.   8  You have recorded my troubles. You have kept a list of my tears. Aren't they in your records?   9  On the day I call for help, my enemies will be defeated. I know that God is on my side.   10  I praise God for his word to me. I praise the Lord for his word.   11  I trust in God. I will not be afraid. What can people do to me?   12  God, I must keep my promises to you. I will give you my offerings to thank you.   13  You have saved me from death. You have kept me from being defeated. So I will walk with God in light among the living.    

Sunday, 23 November 2025   So they all ate and were filled, and they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments that remained. Matthew 14:20   “And they ate all, and they gorged, and they lifted the superabounding pieces – twelve handbaskets full” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus prayed over the bread and fish and gave them to the disciples. They, in turn, gave to the multitudes. Now, after the people were satisfied, it says, “And they ate all, and they gorged.”   It is an amazing sentiment. From five small loaves and two small fish, the entire multitude ate to the point of being gorged! The word, chortazó, to gorge, has only been seen one time so far –   “Blessed – those famishing and thirsting righteousness, For they – they will be filled.” Matthew 5:6   These multitudes had rushed around the Sea of Galilee while Jesus took the boat across, anxious to hear more from Him. This was in the morning, and they had stayed until later in the day, not focusing on food, but on the powerful words of Jesus.   Certainly, they were famishing and thirsting for righteousness. And by the time they were done, they had received His miracles, His healings, His words of righteousness, and a feast on which they gorged themselves to satisfaction! With the feeding complete, Matthew next records, “and they lifted the superabounding fragments.”   John 6:12 adds, “So when they were filled, He said to His disciples, ‘Gather up the fragments that remain, so that nothing is lost.'” The disciples were told to go around and gather up anything left over from the meal. The word klasma, a piece or fragment, is introduced here. It is derived from the verb klaó of the previous verse, which referred to Jesus breaking the bread after having blessed it.   Jesus had broken these small loaves and fishes. From there, they were handed out to the people, as much as they could eat. After that, there were broken leftovers scattered throughout the multitudes, which the disciples then went and collected. Having done this, it next says the result was “twelve handbaskets full.”   Another new word is seen, kophinos, a small basket. The derivation of the word is unknown, but Ellicott, citing Juvenal, “describes the Jews of Italy as travelling with ‘their cophinus and a wisp of hay,' by way of pillow, as their only luggage.” Thus, it was certainly a small basket used for carrying things as one traveled.   There were enough bread fragments lying around to fill twelve of these.   Life application: The account concerning the feeding of the multitudes is plain, clear, and sufficiently detailed to leave little room for speculation on what occurred. How it occurred, meaning how the bread was multiplied, is something we don't know. It happened, and it was miraculous.   Having said that, here are a couple of the ways people have tried to dismiss the miracle, as cited from Myers' New Testament Commentary –   “To explain away the miracle, as Paulus has done (who thinks that the hospitable example of Jesus may have induced the people to place at His disposal the provisions they had brought along with them; ... is inconsistent with the accounts of all the evangelists, and especially with that of the eye-witness John.”   “Schenkel thinks he sees his way to an explanation by supposing what is scarcely possible, viz. that Jesus fed the multitude with a rich supply of the bread of life from heaven, which caused them to forget their ordinary food, though at the same time He devoutly consecrated for their use the provisions which they had brought with them, or had managed to procure for the present emergency.”   These and other excuses they reference for how the miracle can be dismissed have no basis in any reality. There is nothing in the biblical account to justify a word of what they claim. In other words, simply to dismiss the miraculous nature of what it clearly and precisely recorded, these false scholars insert nonsense into what the Bible presents, making things up out of their own demented heads.   Be careful when reading commentaries. The intent of many of them is to attempt to sound smart and educated while tearing apart what Scripture clearly presents. There are times when translations miss the mark on properly presenting what is detailed in the manuscripts, but outside of translations by several cults, these are not usually intentional perversions of reality.   Hold fast to what the Bible says. Accept that God can do the miraculous and that when He does, it is to make a point for us to understand what He is doing in the stream of time to reveal His caring affection for His people as displayed in the sending of Jesus to bring us back to Himself.   Lord God, help us to be people of faith, not attempting to outsmart You and what is recorded in Your word. Give us wisdom to accept what it says about creation, the fall of man, the process of redemption, the presentation of miracles, and all other things recorded there, taking them at face value. You are God. Your word is truth. May we accept this, reveling in what is recorded there. Amen.  

Saturday, 22 November 2025   Then He commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass. And He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitudes. Matthew 14:19   “And having commanded the crowds to recline upon the grass, having taken the five loaves and the two fish, having up-looked to the heaven, He blessed, and having broken, He gave to the disciples the loaves, and the disciples to the crowds” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus instructed the disciples to bring the loaves and fish to Him. The narrative continues, saying, “And having commanded the crowds to recline upon the grass.”   The people were probably walking around, standing in groups, some deciding it was time to leave and preparing for that, etc. In order to bring a sense of order to the event, the masses were instructed to sit. Mark adds –   “Then He commanded them to make them all sit down in groups on the green grass. 40 So they sat down in ranks, in hundreds and in fifties.” Mark 6:39, 40   Luke says, “Make them sit down in groups of fifty” (Luke 9:14). This would allow for an easier counting of the people and a more harmonious time among the groups. One large group would lead to a state of chaos as people shouted back and forth about whatever was on their minds. With the people arranged, Matthew continues, “having taken the five loaves and the two fish.”   The contents of the verse are given in rapid succession. Several clauses begin with participles and have no conjunction to join them. In the previous verse, Jesus had said in response to the disciples' statement concerning the desolate nature of the place, “You carry to Me here – them.” He was preparing to reveal that, despite the desolateness of the area, there is an abundance to be found in Him. He prepares to reveal this by taking the loaves and fish, and “having up-looked to the heaven, He blessed.”   The standard prayer over bread is, “Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has brought forth bread from the earth.” This is probably at least a part of what was said by Jesus as He blessed the food. Once that was done, “and having broken, He gave to the disciples the loaves.”   This final clause of Jesus' actions includes a conjunction at the beginning of it as a means of summing up the narrative. A new word is seen here, klaó, to break. In the New Testament, it is always used in connection with the breaking of bread. The bread would have been without yeast, making it harder cakes instead of loaves. Thus, the bread would be broken instead of torn or cut.   With this accomplished, the words finish with, “and the disciples to the crowds.” This would have been a moment none of them would ever forget, even if they failed to understand the matter fully (see Matthew 16:8-12). They presented Jesus with the paltry bit of food available among them, and now they were passing out pieces of that food to thousands of people hungrily sitting along the slopes, waiting to be fed.   Life application: It may be hard to get our minds around the event being described by Matthew, but it is not unprecedented for so much food to appear as it did. In the wanderings of Israel, enough manna was provided each day to feed several million people. This continued on for forty years.   One may dismiss that as some type of allegory or hyperbole, but Jesus spoke of the matter as a fact in John 6. The people of Israel spoke to Jesus as if the account was reliable. Jesus' words confirmed that.   It is as common as raindrops in a thunderstorm for people to dismiss the early creation account and the miracles found throughout Scripture, as if they didn't happen as stated. However, that is what faith is about. It is believing what we do not see, accepting such things as true and reliable despite the standard way things work in the world around us.   If there is a God, He is capable of doing things in a certain way, and then He is reliable to give us an accurate rendering of what He has done.   Our salvation may not be conditioned upon accepting whether God actually created in six days or not, but our rewards will be. If we dismiss the word, it is a demonstration of a lack of faith in the credibility of God, who gave us the word. Hearing and believing the gospel is what saves.   So ask yourself, which is more incredible, that God could create all things in six days as well as feed Israel with manna in the wilderness for forty years, or that a man being executed on a cross, was then interred, and then He came out of the tomb on the third day, alive forevermore?   If you believed the gospel, as incredible as it sounds, why should you struggle over the lesser things that God proclaims as fact? Have faith and be reckoned not just as God's redeemed, but of those who fully trust God in everything associated with His word.   Lord God, Your word makes many claims that we cannot verify. However, we can accept them by faith, believing that even the incredible and miraculous are possible when it comes from You. May our faith be strong and sure in what Your word states until the day we are brought into Your presence to revel in who You are forever and ever. Amen.

Friday, 21 November 2025   He said, “Bring them here to Me.” Matthew 14:18   “And He said, ‘You carry to Me here – them.'” (CG).   In the previous verse, the disciples said to Jesus that they only had five loaves and two fish. Matthew next records, “And He said, ‘You carry to Me here – them.'” These words are only found in Matthew. Elsewhere, it notes that these were carried by a young boy and were comprised of five loaves of barley along with the two small fish.   Notice how Jesus rephrases their words –   17 And they, they say to Him, “Not we have here [hóde], if not five loaves and two fish.”   18 And He said, “You carry to Me here [hóde] – them.”   Their stress is on the word here. The rest of their sentence fills in details that they consider to be diminutive and unsatisfactory for any grand purpose. Jesus, on the other hand, indicates they are of prime importance. In essence, “You say you have nothing here capable of tending to these people. In contrast, I say, ‘Bring that insufficiency here to Me. I will show you how sufficient it really is.'”   Life application: In the previous commentary, it was noted that “there is nothing to prohibit God from producing abundance out of that which appears to be lacking. We may not understand the mechanics of how He caused a bit of bread and a couple of fish to reproduce in such an astonishing manner, but that does not mean He violated the principles of logic or nature in order to accomplish this feat.”   Someone may balk at this thought and say that such is not the case, citing Lomonosov's law of conservation of mass, which states that for any system that is closed to all incoming and outgoing transfers of matter, the mass of the system must remain constant over time.   The thought might be, “If there were only the seven little bite-sized pieces of food, how could so much come from it?” It had to come from somewhere, and if it didn't exist before, God must have created it right then and there. But that would then supposedly contradict the idea of the six days of creation, where all mass was formed at the beginning.   But how limited is that thinking! Who would expect that a small amount of material could produce a nuclear explosion? If the rules of the universe allowed scientists to mentally develop such an idea even before testing it, there may be some process that Jesus used to produce His miracle that we do not yet understand.   At the time of the feeding of the multitude, Jesus was asking His disciples to have faith that He was capable of bringing food, in abundance, out of a seemingly insignificant amount. That faith is requested of us even to this day. We hear of the miracle and are asked to believe it, accepting that what is recorded there (in all four gospels, by the way), actually took place.   Are such things possible? Jesus is said to have made wine from water. Doesn't that happen all the time at vineyards? If Jesus was able to speed up the process through some mechanism that we don't understand, does that mean that the process is not true?   Jesus spoke of such things openly. Let us have faith that even in our own lack of faith, we can still believe the Lord of creation can do the things we are not capable of –   “And the apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith.' 6 So the Lord said, ‘If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, “Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,' and it would obey you.'” Luke 17:5, 6   Lord God, even if we don't have faith to speak to a mulberry tree, commanding it to uproot itself and move, we can have enough faith to believe that You can do it. Help us to consider that You are the Creator and nothing is impossible for You. May we accept this as an axiom and trust that what Your word says is true and reliable. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.  

Thursday, 20 November 2025   And they said to Him, “We have here only five loaves and two fish.” Matthew 14:17   “And they, they say to Him, ‘Not we have here, if not five loaves and two fish'” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus told the disciples that the great crowd did not need to go away. Instead, He instructed the disciples to give them something to eat. In response to that, we read, “And they, they say to Him, ‘Not we have here.'”   The way they began their statement tells us the disciples' words indicate a complete lack, thus highlighting the nonstarter idea of feeding such a vast multitude. With that stated, they qualify their lack, saying, “if not five loaves and two fish.”   In other words, “We don't have anything, well... except these five loaves and two fish.” It is a way of diminishing the very thought that they possessed enough to feed the multitudes. They have highlighted the impossibility of meeting Jesus' demand. But they had overlooked the truth later stated by Jesus in Luke 18:27, “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.”   As for the numbers, five is the number of grace. Two is the number of division and difference. When there are two, there will be a contrast and yet a confirmation of a whole. For example, there are two testaments, they contrast between law and grace, and yet they confirm the whole counsel of the word of God. There is day and night. They contrast, and yet they confirm the totality of a day. Etc.   Bread in Scripture signifies that which physically sustains man. In fact, the word bread is used synonymously with food in general. There is also the connection to manna, which sustained Israel in the wilderness for forty years, it being the “bread from heaven” (Exodus 16:4, etc.).   Fish signify multiplication and increase, and thus abundance.   Jesus will take these few bits of food and use them in accord with these numbers and meanings to perform a miracle that continues to astound God's people to this day.   Life application: When Jesus said that nothing is impossible with God, He was speaking in the sense of ability to perform. There are certain things God cannot do. For example, God cannot be something He is not. He is love. Therefore, He will always be loving. His judgment and the execution of His judgment are not vindictive or hateful. Rather, it is just and righteous.   He cannot violate one of His attributes because they define His very nature. God also cannot do something that is illogical. He cannot make a two which is a three. Such things are contrary to logic, and therefore what He does will be in accord with what is logical.   Having said that, there is nothing to prohibit God from producing abundance out of that which appears to be lacking. We may not understand the mechanics of how He caused a bit of bread and a couple of fish to reproduce in such an astonishing manner, but that does not mean He violated the principles of logic or nature in order to accomplish this feat.   Study up on what God's attributes are. Consider His ways. Ponder Him from what is logical, orderly, beautiful, and loving. As you read the Bible, see how what you know apart from Scripture about the nature of God is actually reflected in God as He is presented in Scripture.   As you consider Him and His nature while comparing that knowledge to how He is presented in the Bible, you will discover that the Bible accurately portrays Him. It is a reliable testimony to God's workings in creation and in the redemptive process detailed there.   Glorious God, You are perfect in all Your ways. Thank You for Your hand of care for us, as it is recorded in Your word. We are assured of who You are and what You have done as we read its pages. Thank You for this reliable witness and testimony to us, O God. Amen.

Wednesday, 19 November 2025   But Jesus said to them, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” Matthew 14:16   “And Jesus, He said to them, ‘They have no need to depart. You, you give, them to eat'” (CG).   In the previous verse, the disciples came to Jesus, noting the remoteness of the area and the late hour, imploring Him to send the people away so they could buy food. In response to that, it now says, “And Jesus, He said to them, ‘They have no need to depart.'”   Although each gospel narrative stands on its own, it is still interesting to see the fuller conversation. Mark's gospel omits the words “They have no need to depart,” but it adds in the words, “And they said to Him, ‘Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread and give them something to eat?'” Luke likewise leaves out this first clause and omits the additional words of Mark. John's narrative says –   “Then Jesus lifted up His eyes, and seeing a great multitude coming toward Him, He said to Philip, ‘Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?' 6 But this He said to test him, for He Himself knew what He would do. 7 Philip answered Him, ‘Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may have a little.'” John 6:5-7    Each account is from the writer's own perspective, and yet, they can be harmoniously woven together. In Matthew, Jesus continues, saying emphatically, “You, you give, them to eat.”   One can see the emphasis from Jesus returned to the disciples based on their words, emphatically highlighted by the remoteness of the area –   *“Desolate, it is, this place, and the hour, it passed already. You dismiss the crowds that, having departed into the villages, they should buy themselves food.”   *“They have no need to depart. You, you give, them to eat”   Jesus is providing instruction in who He is and what He is capable of, and He is doing it in a manner that has astonished the minds of His people for two millennia. These are His disciples, and they have been called to accomplish an impossible task. Despite this, the mass feeding will take place, exactly as Jesus directs.   Life application: The miracle of feeding this multitude is something that the Bible asks us to believe at face value. We are not to look for some behind-the-scenes finagling on the part of the disciples or Jesus. In other words, there wasn't a convoy of trucks just on the other side of the hill, secretly ready to deliver food to feed the multitudes.   Rather, God provided the food for the people just as He did with the manna in the wilderness for forty years. It was a true miracle that is to be accepted as such. God continues to perform the miraculous in ways we may not perceive or understand, even to this day. These are done in order to suit His purposes.   Unfortunately, too often, people claim the miraculous when what occurred had nothing to do with God's providing a miracle. There are key issues we should look for to determine if something is truly miraculous.   One is to ask if the matter brought glory to God. That is the first and key point. However, such cannot be a miracle that supposedly glorifies God but which doesn't glorify Jesus. There are innumerable claims of the miraculous in Catholicism, which supposedly highlight Mary or some other figure. Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, and other religions claim miracles all the time. Do a general search on YouTube and you'll see this.   Likewise, claims of the miraculous come from Mormonism and other false cults that fall under the umbrella of “Christian” denominations. If biblical Christianity is true, these miracles cannot be real, God-directed miracles. Paul speaks of false gospels, false prophets, false brethren, and the working of Satan, which includes power, signs, and lying wonders.   Therefore, not everything that appears miraculous is. In fact, the large preponderance of so-called miracles in the world is nothing but chance events, false claims, or active workings of Satan. As you read the Bible, evaluate the miracles in it and consider why they are recorded.   They will always be there to glorify God and to validate His workings in and among His people or for their instruction. Have discernment, and don't trust anything simply because it is presented by someone who claims to be Christian. You will find that almost every supposed claim of divine intervention, be it dreams, tongues, appearances, or other supposed miraculous events, is simply hogwash.   The Bible is written. It testifies to Jesus and His workings. Do you really need more to edify your walk before the Lord? Have faith in what God has done. If He does more in your life, be grateful that His hand was upon you for whatever need you had, be it healing, financial help, or a moment of encouragement that you alone share with Him and that builds you up as His child.   Lord God, help us to have discernment and not to get caught up in things that are not helpful to our relationship with You. There are way too many distractions in this life that are neither edifying nor healthy. Keep us from such things, O God. Amen.

Tuesday, 18 November 2025   When it was evening, His disciples came to Him, saying, “This is a deserted place, and the hour is already late. Send the multitudes away, that they may go into the villages and buy themselves food.” Matthew 14:15   “And evening having come, they came to Him, His disciples, saying, ‘Desolate, it is, this place, and the hour, it passed already. You dismiss the crowds that, having departed into the villages, they should buy themselves food'” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus is said to have been moved with compassion for the multitudes and healed their sick. Next, after a day's labor, it says, “And evening having come.”   To understand the timing and the same term being used again in verse 23, referring to the other gospels will help –   “When the day was now far spent, His disciples came to Him...” Mark 6:35 “When the day began to wear away...” Luke 9:12   John's gospel does not refer to the time of day but the time of the year, saying, “Now the Passover, a feast of the Jews, was near” John 6:4. This, however, adds its own issue. Passover is around March each year. The days are shorter, between 11 and 12 hours, and the setting of the sun is therefore earlier than later in the summer months, which extend to about 14 hours.   Matthew's note indicates the amount of time already spent with the people, “the day was far spent.” Luke's note indicates the afternoon hours leading to the setting sun, a time known in the law as ben ha'arbayim, “between the evenings.” It is the time of the evening sacrifice, which would be around 3 pm. There is the evening of the day when the sun begins to decline and the evening of the light when the day transitions into night.   Thus, this is at an hour when the day is in decline, and the people had already been there for quite some time. As the day is waning, there is an obvious problem. Therefore, “they came to Him, His disciples.”   The disciples see that there is a need, and they must think Jesus is unaware of it, as if He weren't paying attention to the situation. As such, these disciples address Him, “saying, ‘Desolate, it is, this place.'”   The word desolate is in the emphatic position. They are essentially saying, “We are in the middle of nowhere. There is no gas station, 7-11, or even a watermelon stand. But all these people...!” And more, they say, “and the hour, it passed already.”   There are various possibilities for what this might mean –   The hour for the people to get home before dark. The hour of the afternoon sacrifice, which is 3pm. The normal time Jesus would dismiss crowds so they could get home. The hour for women to start preparing food. Etc.   Whatever the intent, it was something understood by Jesus, and it indicated that time was getting on while the people were still there in this remote location. Therefore, they say, “You dismiss the crowds.”   One can sense the urgency in their voice. They had crossed the sea. By the time they arrived, the people were already there to meet them, meaning they would have had to exert a lot of effort to do so. Jesus immediately had compassion on them and began healing the sick.   Eventually, Jesus and the disciples went aside privately (Luke 9:10 & John 6:3). However, the people remained in the area. Therefore, He needed to dismiss them with alacrity. And so they continue, saying, “that having departed into the villages, they should buy themselves food.”   The word bróma, food, is introduced. It speaks of that which is eaten as indicated by the verb form, bibróskó, found in John 6:13. The disciples have clearly set the stage for the events ahead by emphatically noting the desolateness of the location. Along with that is the timing of the day. Either the people will need to be immediately dismissed, or the time ahead will be one of great difficulty for them. There is, however, one other option the disciples are unaware of.   Life application: There are times in life where events lead us to the brink of seeming disaster. Suddenly, and from unexpected means, an abundance is realized. Was it chance, luck, the clicking of cosmic tumblers, or the divine hand of God tending to us after allowing us to go through a time of testing?   To what or who do we ascribe the credit for tending to our needs, even basic daily needs, but also those that are sudden and totally out of the normal? If we are wise, we will always credit that which we have or that which we receive to the gracious hand of God.   If we earn money, it is because He fashioned us to do so. He gave us the physical or mental ability to earn what we have. He gave us the time and place in which we live in order to prosper. And so, if that ends, we should accept it as His decision and live within the new confines He has dealt us with contentment and gratitude. In all things and in all ways, we should acknowledge God's sovereignty and thank Him for that which we possess.   Glorious heavenly Father, thank You for the lives You have given us. You have wisely chosen our place and time of life, the abilities we possess, and the circumstances in which we find ourselves. As this is true, through good and through trials, we acknowledge Your wisdom and thank You for Your guiding hand in our lives. Amen.  

Monday, 17 November 2025   And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick. Matthew 14:14   “And Jesus, having withdrawn, He saw a great crowd, and He gut-wrenched upon them and He cured their sick” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus, having heard the news about Herod, withdrew in a boat from where He was to a desolate place. At the same time, the crowds followed him on foot. Next, it says, “And Jesus, having withdrawn.”   The most prevalent view among scholars is that this refers to Jesus having come out of a desolate place to meet the crowds. That is based on a misreading of John 6. They dismiss it as meaning He came out of the boat He was taking. However, the same account in Mark says exactly that –   “But the multitudes saw them departing, and many knew Him and ran there on foot from all the cities. They arrived before them and came together to Him. 34 And Jesus, when He came out [exelthōn], saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion for them, because they were like sheep not having a shepherd. So He began to teach them many things.” Mark 6:33, 34   Luke's account doesn't address this part of the narrative, simply noting that they “went aside privately into a deserted place belonging to the city called Bethsaida” (Luke 9:10). However, Luke's account does note the crowds being healed during the day before the miracle of feeding the multitudes. John's gospel also mentions this account –   “After these things Jesus went over the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias. 2 Then a great multitude followed Him, because they saw His signs which He performed on those who were diseased.3 And Jesus went up on the mountain, and there He sat with His disciples.” John 6:1-3   John's gospel acknowledges the crowds, but says nothing of them at the time of arrival except that they followed Him. It only mentions them coming toward Him later when the time for the miracle of feeding the multitude had arrived.   This doesn't necessarily mean that He got out of the boat, went to a retreat, and then only later saw the crowds, something that would contradict all three other gospels. It means that John is focusing on the crowds and the miracle at the later point of the day.   In other words, the crowds were already there when the boat arrived (Mark 6:34). He began to teach and heal them at that time. It only says that later in the day that Jesus performed the miracle of feeding the people. John skips over that entire portion of the day and focuses on the multitude's needs at the end of the day.   Despite the obvious meaning given in Mark 6, scholars note it and ignore that it means He withdrew from the boat. But the same Greek word is used in Luke 8:27 to convey the exact same thought –   “And when He stepped out [exelthonti] on the land, there met Him a certain man from the city who had demons for a long time. And he wore no clothes, nor did he live in a house but in the tombs.”   The point of the specificity is to show the zeal of the people, rushing along the shore to meet Jesus as He arrived in the boat. Any other analysis diminishes the clear and precise wording and the excitement of the people to continue to be with and hear Jesus. Understanding this, it next says, “He saw a great crowd.”   Imagine going from one location to another to get some solitude, and before you even get there, an entire crowd is excitedly waiting for you, having sprinted from where you left to where you were heading just to continue to be with you. Because of this display of zeal and love for Jesus and His abilities, it says, “and He gut-wrenched upon them.”   The word was used in Matthew 9:36. It indicates yearning, sympathy, compassion, etc. It is based on an emotion that literally moves the inner parts of man. Jesus felt this when He understood that these people longed to continue in His presence and experience His abilities, including the ability to heal. This is seen in the final words of the verse, “and He cured their sick.”   This means that this group of people probably carried their sick on their backs or on litters to get them to Jesus as He was arriving. It is an amazing note concerning the zeal of the crowds to experience Jesus and His messianic ministry.   Life application: It is good to be reminded of the various tricks our minds play on us when we don't want to face a situation or confront a matter that may affect our sensibilities in a particular matter. Things like biases, prejudices, presuppositions, cognitive dissonance, etc., can affect how we think and hinder us from thinking properly.   In this verse, it is obvious that it is the same account referred to in Mark 6, Luke 9, and John 6. Scholars acknowledge this because all four gospels detail the same miracle of the feeding of the five thousand.   Mark 6 is more precise and details exactly what occurred as Jesus sailed across the Sea of Galilee. And yet, commentaries will, even after acknowledging Mark 6:34, ignore what it says because they have already made up their mind about what Jesus must have been doing –   “The words imply that our Lord, from the height to which He had withdrawn, saw the crowds drawing near, and then, instead of retiring still further, went forward...” Ellicott   “...from the solitude into which he had retired. In opposition to Matthew 14:13, Maldonatus and Kuinoel, following Mark 6:34, interpret: out of the boat.” Myers   These and other commentaries look at John 6, see how the two accounts are somehow irreconcilable (which they are not), and attempt to reconcile them based on what John says. This is totally unnecessary.   Understanding that the feeding of the multitudes occurred many hours later, “When the day was now far spent” (Mark 6:35), brings all four gospels into harmony. In fact, the only time a contradiction arises is when John's gospel is used as the basis for the word in question concerning His coming out. If it means from the boat, all four gospels square. If it means from a mountain retreat, there is a contradiction in what happens.   Be sure to consider if you are biasing an analysis because of some sort of prejudice, presupposition, or a case of cognitive dissonance. Do thorough research and consider what is being said and how each perspective fits into the greater narrative.   In the end, we will always find that the Bible is without contradiction if we take the information from it as it is logically presented.   Glorious God, how good it is to share in Your wisdom as it is displayed in Your word. Help us to not approach it with incorrect thoughts that may bias our study of it. Rather, may we carefully consider that what we thought was right at first may be in error. If so, may our pride not step in and force the narrative in a way not intended by You. Amen.  

Sunday, 16 November 2025   When Jesus heard it, He departed from there by boat to a deserted place by Himself. But when the multitudes heard it, they followed Him on foot from the cities. Matthew 14:13   “And Jesus, having heard, He withdrew thence in a boat to a desolate place by Himself. And the crowds, having heard, they followed Him afoot from the cities” (CG).   In the previous verse, it was noted that John the Immerser's disciples came to retrieve his body and bury it. They then went and told Jesus. Now, it says, “And Jesus, having heard, He withdrew thence.”   It is to be remembered that the narrative of John the Immerser was predicated upon the words of Matthew 14:1, 2 –   “At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the report about Jesus 2 and said to his servants, ‘This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him.'”   In other words, the disciples of John going to tell Jesus was a part of the narrative that went from Matthew 14:3-12. The words, “And Jesus, having heard,” return to the main narrative about Herod, not the sub-narrative about John. Jesus heard that Herod was curious about Him. Therefore, He withdrew thence.   Meyer's NT Commentary disagrees and says that the words of Matthew 14:13 follow after the “having come, they told Jesus” of the previous verse. This discounts the fact that Matthew 14:1 says, “at that time Herod...” which sets the stage for the narrative now. This is further supported by Mark 6, where the explanatory sub-narrative about John is also addressed after the note about Herod.   That sub-narrative is followed by the note about the apostles coming and telling Jesus all they had done and taught while ministering in Israel. This is how Herod heard about Jesus, and it sets the stage for Jesus' departure to a desolate place.   This is fully supported by the narrative as it is laid out in Luke 9, where the sub-narrative concerning John is omitted, and only a short note about him is given. The connection is to Herod's hearing about Jesus, not John's beheading. Therefore, it next says, “in a boat to a desolate place by Himself.”   Jesus was at some location around the Galilee, likely Capernaum, based on Luke's account as indicated in Luke 8, which leads into Luke 9. The apostles were given their commission, they went forth, returned, and at that time Herod heard about Jesus. At the same time, the disciples returned to tell Him about all they had done.   As Jesus and His apostles got into a boat to go to a desolate place, it says, “And the crowds, having heard, they followed Him afoot from the cities.”   A new word is seen, pezē, foot-wise or afoot. The people figured out where Jesus and His apostles were heading and headed to the same area, trudging afoot to meet Him there. This sets the narrative for the great event about to be described.   Life application: A basic reading of the narrative thus far in Matthew 13 would lead one to assume that Jesus retreated to the desolate place because He had heard about the death of John the Baptist, and the distress of that event drove Him to seek isolation.   This is a commonly used thought for preachers when addressing the matter in sermons on Sunday morning, but it is not a correct analysis of the events. Two things precipitated Jesus' decision. The main one is Herod's interest in Him. This can be deduced from the fact that all three gospels refer to that event first in the narrative: Matthew 14:1, Mark 6:14, and Luke 9:7. Each sets the stage for the rest of what is stated.   The second thing to bring this about was the return of the apostles from their time of ministry, as noted in Mark 6:30 and Luke 9:10. As noted, it would have been the expanded presence of Jesus' ministry in Israel that alerted Herod about Jesus.   Therefore, the retreat into the desolate area was probably an expedient to avoid the events of Jesus' passion beginning before the proper time while also allowing the apostles to process their time ministering in Israel. Mark 6:31 said there was so much going on, they didn't even have time to eat. These two thoughts will come together in the miracle that is set to take place.   Understanding this detail should alert you, once again, to the fact that following someone as a Bible teacher because he has a certain ability that others may not possess doesn't mean his instruction is correct. People thoroughly trained in Greek, like the Myer's NT Commentary, do not equate to properly understanding what is being said in the text.   This is true of famous preachers, having a particular genealogy (like being Jewish), having gone to a particular seminary, etc. Just because someone has certain abilities or characteristics does not make him a specialist in the Bible. Myer's Commentary gets many things right, but it also makes errors. This is true with any Bible preacher, teacher, or scholar.   Consider each commentary on each passage you study as suspect until you have researched it and read varying opinions on what is presented. Unless you do this, you may be setting yourself up for incorrect conclusions or even faulty or heretical doctrine.   Heavenly Father, give us the wisdom to consider Your word carefully in each passage we read and study. May we be willing to think beyond the single verse or paragraph we are evaluating and to consider the greater context of what is being said. By doing this, we will be able to more perfectly piece together what You are telling us. Yes, Lord, help us in this lifelong pursuit of Your word. Amen.

Saturday, 15 November 2025   Then his disciples came and took away the body and buried it, and went and told Jesus. Matthew 14:12   “And his disciples, having come, they lifted the body and they interred it. And having come, they told Jesus” (CG).   In the previous verse, John's head was brought to Herodias' daughter on a platter. From there, she took it to her mother. With that noted, it next says, “And his disciples.”   This refers not to Jesus' disciples but John's. They probably tended to John while in prison, such as bringing him meals, stopping by to talk, and so forth. Upon going to the prison to attend to him, someone would have let them know that John had been beheaded. With that understood, it next says, “having come, they lifted the body and they interred it.”   A new word, ptóma, is seen here. It is derived from piptó, to fall. It signifies a ruin, but specifically a lifeless body, meaning a corpse, carrion, etc. The disciples determined to ensure that John's body was treated with dignity after the sad treatment he had received at the hands of Herod.   As for its disposal, almost all translations say “buried” here, but this is not the way bodies were handled in Israel at the time. Rather, they were placed in tombs to decay. Normally, after some amount of time, the bones would be collected and placed in ossuaries, or they would be stored in a single section of a tomb. This is what probably would have been the case with John's body as well. Once John's body was interred, it says, “And having come, they told Jesus.”   This would be the natural extension of such a series of events. What seems likely, although unstated, is that these disciples would henceforth follow Jesus. If so, the death of John would have immediately changed the course of their lives in more than one way.   Life application: It is quite often the case that at some point after a tragedy, death, or catastrophe, something good will result. At the time of the event, things seem overwhelming, and sadness or grief may take hold of us for a spell. Eventually, however, when our minds have adjusted and our lives have settled, we can look back and process the unfolding of events.   When we do, we can often see how what seemed a one-way street of woe was actually a path that turned onto another road of opportunity for joy and a new direction in life. However, some people never accept this and stay wallowing in their misery, blaming God for the events that brought them so much grief.   But this is God's world, we are His creatures, and He has a right to choose the events of our lives. Instead of holding things against Him, we should take time to evaluate what has taken place and how it fits into the greater picture of our continued existence.   When we do, we will be able to see how things brought us into a new dynamic with new hopes and possibilities. So, let us take the time to grieve, but not to get stuck there. Rather, as Solomon noted, there is a time for everything. And as the author of Lamentations notes, the compassions of the Lord are new every morning.   Wait for time to heal the wounds of life, and look for the hand of the Lord to be with you each day as He sends His gracious favor to you in the process. You will find out that this is how He works in the lives of His people.   Lord God, thank You for Your tender mercies. There is trial, trouble, tribulation, and catastrophe in this life, but there are still wonderful blessings that come to us, even in such times. May we focus our minds on You, even as we struggle through this life. Surely, when we do, things will always make sense as we continue through our walk on the path to You. Amen.

Friday, 14 November 2025   And his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother. Matthew 14:11   “And his head, it was carried upon a platter, and it was given to the damsel, and she carried to her mother” (CG).   In the previous verse, it was noted that Herod sent and he beheaded John in prison. It next says, “And his head, it was borne upon a platter.”   The word pheró, to bear, is introduced here. HELPS Word Studies says, “properly, to bear, carry (bring) along, especially temporarily or to a definite (prescribed) conclusion (defined by the individual context).”   Once John was beheaded, it was placed upon a platter, being carried to its now rightful owner according to the oath made by Herod. It next says, “and it was given to the damsel.”   Something new concerning Herodias' daughter is seen here. She is called a damsel, a little girl. It explains why she went to her mother (as recorded in Mark) to determine what she should ask for when the oath and offer were extended to her by Herod.   From the prison where John was beheaded, it was borne by an attendant and taken to Herodias' daughter. She was the one who had pleased Herod in the dance and to whom the promise was made. Therefore, the burden of carrying it to its final destination was accomplished by her. As it says, “and she bore to her mother.”   Nothing beyond this is recorded concerning what happened to the head. Some extra-biblical comments about it have been made, but the Bible itself is silent on the matter.   Life application: In the story of the life of King David, the account of David encountering Goliath on the battlefield is recorded. There it says –   “So it was, when the Philistine arose and came and drew near to meet David, that David hurried and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine. 49 Then David put his hand in his bag and took out a stone; and he slung it and struck the Philistine in his forehead, so that the stone sank into his forehead, and he fell on his face to the earth. 50 So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone, and struck the Philistine and killed him. But there was no sword in the hand of David. 51 Therefore David ran and stood over the Philistine, took his sword and drew it out of its sheath and killed him, and cut off his head with it.” 1 Samuel 17:48-51   A bit later, it says, “And David took the head of the Philistine and brought it to Jerusalem, but he put his armor in his tent” (1 Samuel 17:54).   To understand the significance of what occurred in that account, sermons from the Superior Word detail the events and their typological significance in detail. One thing that can be deduced about the beheading of John is connected to that account concerning Goliath.   Everything about the law is associated with death. God gave Adam a law in the Garden of Eden. Adam violated that law, and it brought about his death (Genesis 2:17), and it also brought about death in humanity (Romans 5:12). Even Jesus, who was under the Law of Moses, died in fulfillment of it. It was a necessary death for grace to be bestowed.   John the Immerser was the final prophet under the law. He was the herald of the coming of Christ. As such, he was destined to die as an example of the law's power of death over life. Only in coming to Christ's completed work is the matter reversed, and life, meaning life in Christ, prevails over death.   As terrible as the account concerning John the Baptist is, we are being instructed in the difference set forth between Adam's failure and Christ's victory. This includes the death of John, who proclaimed law to the world.   The law had to come to an end for grace to be bestowed. John is the one who brought it to that point. Jesus is the One who then acted, completing the task and offering something far more glorious to the people of the world. Let us never forget the lesson of law vs. grace. Hold fast to the grace of God as it is revealed in the Person and work of Jesus Christ, our Lord.   Lord God, in the end, it is all about what You are doing in Christ Jesus for the people of the world. Help us to remember this and to hold fast to this truth. We don't need more law! What we need is grace. Thank You for the grace offered through His completed work. Amen.

Thursday, 13 November 2025   So he sent and had John beheaded in prison. Matthew 14:10   “And, having sent, he beheaded John in the prison” (CG).   In the previous verse, despite being grieved, Herod commanded that what Herodias' daughter asked for was to be given to her. Because of that, it next says, “And, having sent, he beheaded John in the prison.”   The word apokephalizó, to decapitate or behead, is first seen here. It is from apo, from or away, and kephalé, head. The meaning is clear. A separation between the body and the head is realized.   Of this word, it is in the third person singular. The action, though carried out by an executioner, is laid at the feet of Herod: “he beheaded.” It cannot be thought that the word is referring to the executioner, because none is identified in the previous words, even if one is implied. The nearest antecedent, being Herod, places him as the responsible agent for John's death.   There is a dispute concerning where the execution took place. If Herod was in one location and the prison in another, then there would be a day or two separation between the beheading and its presentation to Herodias' daughter.   It could also be that this birthday party took place in the location where the prison was. In reality, it doesn't matter. The narrative ties the event of John's beheading to the request of the daughter. The dance took place, the oaths were made, the request to fulfill the oath was stated, and the king ordered the beheading.   If the Bible wanted us to know the other details, it would have included them. However, the fact that the execution took place immediately after the request is what the narrative is concerned with.   Life application: There is often as much to learn from what is not stated in Scripture as what is. When details are specifically left out, we can know that they were omitted for a reason.   For example, if there is a narrative about a particular person, and it notes that he went to seven different named locations, and then he had various things occur at a particular place, but the name of that place is never given, it means that the name is left out to not mar the typology that is being presented.   This happens quite often. A list of people is mentioned, and their names are given. However, another person who is mentioned many times, such as a servant or a friend, is never identified beyond his position. We have no idea what his name is, despite being mentioned repeatedly.   Pay attention to such things. Information is being conveyed within stories and the record of particular events. Each name or description provides some sort of detail that God is using to continue His typological and pictorial presentations for us to learn other truths from.   Nothing is superfluous in the word of God. It all has bearing on what He is doing. Looking to discern His intent will allow us to understand why odd or obscure stories have been selected from history and included in His word.   In the end, it is all pointing to Jesus and what occurs in relation to Him in the greater context of redemptive history.   Lord God, thank You for the intricacy and incredible depth of Your word. The smallest child can pick it up and find You and the key to eternal salvation and fellowship with You. And yet, the greatest scholar can pick it up and find something to challenge him to the point of mental fatigue as he struggles to plumb the depths of Your word. What a treasure it is! Amen.  

Wednesday, 12 November 2025   And the king was sorry; nevertheless, because of the oaths and because of those who sat with him, he commanded it to be given to her. Matthew 14:9   “And grieved, the king, but through the oaths and those co-reclining, he commanded it given” (CG).   In the previous verse, Herodias' daughter made her petition to Herod to give her the head of John the Immerser on a platter. In response, Matthew records, “And grieved, the king.”   A new word is seen, lupeó. It signifies distress. Reflexively, it thus signifies to be sad or grieved. In his impulsiveness, Herod opened his mouth without thinking. It has now cost him because he failed to consider that this girl might first go to her mother and seek her advice. In doing so, the mother would know exactly how far she could go without stepping over a line that was not to be crossed.   It is true that Herodias' advice would put Herod in a personal bind, but it was not something that he would refuse to grant. As such, Herod grieved that he had been outsmarted in the matter of John, something that had probably already come up between him and his wife previously. Despite the uncomfortable request, Matthew next says, “but through the oaths.”   The plural, oaths, goes back to verse 14:7 where it said, “with an oath he assented.” He made an oath and then restated it as a binding surety that he was being sincere. When such a proclamation is made, it would show a lack of character to withdraw the offer, thus breaking the vow stated with such adamancy. Along with his oath was the added embarrassing note, saying, “and those co-reclining.”   Not only had Herod made a vow and then assented to it, but he had done so in the presence of others. For him to withdraw his words, even after such a request, would mean that when these men spoke to him in the future, they would always wonder if his words would match his actions.   The girl's request was exceedingly embarrassing, but not impossible to grant, petition. Therefore, “he commanded it given.”   Herod, maybe laughing as a disguise for his horror, ordered his men to have John's head removed and brought forward. Not only would this be a trying evening for him personally, but it would be an event that would bring him notoriety and shame in the eyes of those who heard about it. It would also add a gruesome sight for those who were in attendance to remember and consider when invited to dinner with the king in the future.   Life application: Despite all of the gore to be seen on TV and in movies, and even in the news to some extent, seeing a dead person close up for the first time is always a shocking event.   One of the common things seen inside a mortuary when a first-time visitor is brought in is for the person to stop, step backwards, and place his hand over his mouth. There is a sense of mental horror that a dead person is really right there in front of his eyes. This isn't just a Hollywood movie or a prop in play, but a human being who is no longer alive.   Stepping back is a mentally horrified reaction that death somehow can be avoided if enough distance is put between the person and the corpse. And the hand over the mouth usually occurs because people somehow equate death to an influence that actually permeates the air. Covering the mouth and nose is not based on a reaction to smell, but the presence of death itself, as if it can be breathed in.   Imagine being at the banqueting hall of royalty and seeing the platter with John the Immerser's head on it. If it was covered with linen, the mind could escape the truth of what was under it. However, with the linen removed, anyone who had never seen a dead person in closed quarters would probably react as those first-time visitors who enter a morgue will react.   When looking at a dead person, we can remember that the person lying there is dead for a reason. Ultimately, it is because of the results of sin. Now consider those who saw Jesus when He died. His body was removed from the cross, and He was carried away to be interred.   Those in attendance, if they understood theology, would know that sin caused Jesus' death. What they would not know is that it wasn't His sin that did so. However, an astute person standing by the tomb on the third day, seeing Jesus alive and well a well, would be able to theologically process the information. Jesus died because of sin. Jesus rose again. Therefore, Jesus must not have had any sin.   But if the wages of sin is death, then how could Jesus have died in the first place? If that person understood the Scriptures, had heard the words of Jesus during His ministry, and considered the true role of the coming Messiah, he would be able to say, “I get it!”   Jesus Christ really died, He was truly interred in the tomb, and He truly rose again. The magnitude of what Jesus did is the highlight of all human existence since the creation of man. From time to time, we must stop and consider what God in Christ has done for us. The lifeless body of Jesus signifies the removal of our sin. The resurrection of Jesus proves to us that it is so and that it is permanent. Thanks be to God for Jesus Christ our Lord.   “And when he has made an end of atoning for the Holy Place, the tabernacle of meeting, and the altar, he shall bring the live goat. 21 Aaron shall lay both his hands on the head of the live goat, confess over it all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions, concerning all their sins, putting them on the head of the goat, and shall send it away into the wilderness by the hand of a suitable man. 22 The goat shall bear on itself all their iniquities to an uninhabited land; and he shall release the goat in the wilderness.” Leviticus 16:20-22   Lord God, thank You for the death, internment, and resurrection of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Tuesday, 11 November 2025   So she, having been prompted by her mother, said, “Give me John the Baptist's head here on a platter.” Matthew 14:8   “And having been instigated by her mother, she says, ‘You give me here upon a platter the head of John the Immerser'” (CG).   In the previous verse, Herod offered by oath whatever Herodias' daughter asked for. With his offer made, it next says, “And having been instigated by her mother.”   A new word, found only here in the New Testament, is seen, probibazó, to instigate. It is derived from pro, before, and biazó, to force. Thus, it is to force forward, hence, to instigate as one prods another to take a certain action.   Mark 6:24 fills in the detail left out by Matthew, saying, “So she went out and said to her mother, ‘What shall I ask?'” Her response, still in Mark 6:24, was, “The head of John the ‘Immersing'!” That is then explained by Matthew with his continued words, where “she says, ‘You give me here upon a platter the head of John the Immerser.'”   Another new word is seen, pinax, a platter. It is a variant form of plax, a molding board, meaning a flat surface. Going along with her mother's instigation, the young lady requests the immediate execution of John, seen in the word “here,” with his head presented to her.   It is a rather gross request, but young ladies will be young ladies, and she was obedient to her mother's instigation. Thus, the request was set before Herod in regard to her mother's desire.   Life application: As tragic as John's beheading was, the fact that he would die before Jesus has already been hinted at. In John 11:11, Jesus said, “Amen! I say to you, not he has risen in ‘born of women' greater than John the Immerser, but the least in the kingdom of the heavens, he is greater than he.”   If John were to have survived until after Jesus' death, he would have certainly believed the good news of the resurrection and been a part of the church age. Therefore, John's death had already been factored into things as they unfolded.   Despite this, there is a hope for those who died in faith in the promises of God. In Daniel 12, it says –   “At that time Michael shall stand up, The great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people; And there shall be a time of trouble, Such as never was since there was a nation, Even to that time. And at that time your people shall be delivered, Every one who is found written in the book. 2 And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, Some to everlasting life, Some to shame and everlasting contempt. 3 Those who are wise shall shine Like the brightness of the firmament, And those who turn many to righteousness Like the stars forever and ever.” Daniel 12:1-3   After the church age, the world will enter into the tribulation. It will be a terrible time on earth, but once that is over, those who were of faith will be raised to eternal life. This included Daniel, as stated to him in Daniel 12:13. As such, it is certain it will be inclusive of all who died before the coming of Jesus who were people of faith, including John the Immerser.   We don't need to worry that God's plan is out of control, and we do not need to fret over comments by people who claim God is somehow unfair or uncaring when they make negative comments over things, like John's beheading, as if it demonstrates God is not good.   This life is temporary, and unless the Lord comes first at the rapture, we are all going to die. It really doesn't matter how that occurs. Once you are dead, that's it. As we are told in John 6:33, the flesh profits nothing. What matters is what we do with this life now.   Be sure to focus on Jesus, trust Him even in the most difficult of times or circumstances, and trust His word. In the end, good things are in store for those who do so.   Lord God, thank You for the promises set forth in Your word for us. We are undeserving of the least of Your mercies, and yet, You have promised us that great things are in store for Your people. Help us to focus on this as we walk in this world of troubles, trials, and wickedness that hem us in. Amen.

Monday, 10 November 2025   Therefore he promised with an oath to give her whatever she might ask. Matthew 14:7   “Whence with an oath He assented to give her what if she should ask” (CG).   In the previous verse, it was noted that Herod had a birthday celebration and that Herodias' daughter danced for him, pleasing him. Matthew continues the narrative, saying, “Whence with an oath He assented to give her what if she should ask.”   The word that confirms the oath is homologeó, to assent. It signifies “to voice the same conclusion” (HELPS Word Studies). What is probably intended is affirming a matter by repeating it, a common Hebrew form of speaking, such as, “I vow with a vow to do this thing,” or “Vowing with a vow, he confirmed his word.” In this case, the repetition is seen in the exchange as recorded in lengthier statements in Mark 6 –   “And when Herodias' daughter herself came in and danced, and pleased Herod and those who sat with him, the king said to the girl, ‘Ask me whatever you want, and I will give it to you.' 23 He also swore to her, ‘Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half my kingdom.'”   Herod was enamored with the girl's dancing and wanted to reward her for it publicly, something that would demonstrate his magnanimity to those around him. When assenting to his oath, he binds himself to whatever she asks. It is not a wise way of engaging in gift giving. However, being the king, the one who is offered something with such an oath would not be expected to abuse the request, thus eliciting the disfavor of the king.   Life application: In Scripture, people are seen to make vows that can be taken as rash and unwise. A glaring example of this is found in Judges 11 –   Then the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jephthah, and he passed through Gilead and Manasseh, and passed through Mizpah of Gilead; and from Mizpah of Gilead he advanced toward the people of Ammon. 30 And Jephthah made a vow to the Lord, and said, “If You will indeed deliver the people of Ammon into my hands, 31 then it will be that whatever comes out of the doors of my house to meet me, when I return in peace from the people of Ammon, shall surely be the Lord's, and I will offer it up as a burnt offering.” 32 So Jephthah advanced toward the people of Ammon to fight against them, and the Lord delivered them into his hands. 33 And he defeated them from Aroer as far as Minnith—twenty cities—and to Abel Keramim, with a very great slaughter. Thus the people of Ammon were subdued before the children of Israel. 34 When Jephthah came to his house at Mizpah, there was his daughter, coming out to meet him with timbrels and dancing; and she was his only child. Besides her he had neither son nor daughter. 35 And it came to pass, when he saw her, that he tore his clothes, and said, “Alas, my daughter! You have brought me very low! You are among those who trouble me! For I have given my word to the Lord, and I cannot go back on it.”   Jephthah made a vow that, unfortunately, cost him the life of his daughter. He understood that despite the consequences of his vow, it was one made to the Lord, and it had to be fulfilled. The reason for this story being included in Scripture is to make a point about what God is doing in redemptive history concerning salvation and His favor or rejection of a particular people group.   To understand what is going on in that passage, you can refer to the Superior Word sermons on Judges 11. As for our words today, a point made by Jesus and which is repeated by both Paul and James is that when we speak, we are to refrain from making vows concerning such matters.   Instead, we are to let our Yes be Yes and our No be No. In other words, when we say we are going to do or not do something, our integrity should be so accepted by others that they know we will perform our word. Additional vows and oaths are unnecessary and will detract from what the Lord expects of us.   This does not mean that we are not to make any oath at all. In society, we must swear oaths in court, on legal documents (with our signature, for example), etc. But when speaking, we should refrain from people thinking there is any necessity to go beyond a simply stated affirmation concerning our intent.   Lord God, help us to be people of integrity where others can trust our words, taking them at face value. Help us to remember that when we speak, You are being evaluated through the performance and accomplishment of what we say. Help us to remember this and follow through, to Your glory. Amen.

Sunday, 9 November 2025   But when Herod's birthday was celebrated, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod. Matthew 14:6   “And being Herod's birthday, she danced, the daughter of Herodias, in the midst. And she pleased Herod” (CG).   In the previous verse, it was noted that although Herod wanted to put John the Immerser to death, he feared the multitude because they reckoned him to be a prophet. It next says, “And being Herod's birthday.”   A new word is seen: genesia, birthday. It is the plural of genesis, which means birth, origin, and genealogy. It signifies one's recurring birthday or the ceremonies accompanying it. Despite being plural, rendering it in the singular is to accommodate the standard usage in English. On his birthday, “she danced, the daughter of Herodias.”   This was Salome, the daughter of Herodias by her former husband. Victorian-era commentaries on this condemn the matter as if it were the most inappropriate event imaginable, remarking how sensual and voluptuous the scene must have been. Ellicott's comments reflect their general sentiment –   “Dances in filmy garments that but half concealed the form, commonly of an impure or voluptuous nature, were common enough both at Eastern and Roman banquets, the guests being simply spectators. But the dancers were, for the most part, women who made it their calling, like the nautch-girls of India; and it was a new thing, at which every decent Jew would shudder, for the daughter of a kingly house to come-thus into a shameless publicity and expose herself to the gaze of the banqueters.” Charles Ellicott   One must wonder what such scholars do with the contents of the Song of Songs! Dances have been common at public and private gatherings for all of human history. Cultural norms set the parameters for such things, and it is only the most prudish sort that would condemn such things without considering them in more than their own limited context. Of Salome's dancing, it next says it was “in the midst.”   The meaning is that she would have been in the midst of the room, hall, etc., with those in attendance gathered around. When dances or performers came in, the people would direct their attention to the event. In the case of Salome's dancing, it next says, “And she pleased Herod.”   Another new word is seen, areskó. It signifies to be agreeable and thus, to please. In Romans 8:8, Paul says that those who are in the flesh cannot please [areskó] God. Herod saw the dance and found it satisfying.   Life application: One of the ridiculous standards set forth in the Jehovah's Witnesses is that they do not celebrate birthdays. Their reasoning is that only two birthday celebrations are noted in Scripture, and both are held by bad guys, Pharaoh and Herod.   Therefore, they illogically deduce that God finds the celebration of birthdays unacceptable. Such a conclusion is based on several fallacies. One of them is what is known as an argument from silence.   An argument from silence is when one makes a faulty conclusion based on it not being stated in a source. Yes, there are two examples of birthdays in the Bible, but they merely present the basis for what occurs in the surrounding narrative. There is no need to mention other birthdays, but because no other birthdays are mentioned, the supposedly obvious conclusion is that nobody else observed them, and those who did were bad people.   Another fallacy that accompanies their inane logic is known as a slippery slope. There are various types of slippery slope fallacies, such as the causal, precedential, and conceptual. The conceptual argument is that because no clear line between two concepts on a spectrum exists, there is no meaningful difference between them.   So if Pharaoh and Herod had birthdays and they resulted in negative events or had negative effects, then all birthdays must result in negative outcomes. This is also known as the fallacy of the beard. A person doesn't shave for 12 hours, and he develops a shadow on his face. By the next morning, he has stubble. In two days, he will have bristly hairs.   At what point is it called a beard? The argument is ridiculous, whether it is based on a birthday or a beard. The thought process is unclear and has no basis in reality. Unfortunately, such fallacies are not limited to the Jehovah's Witnesses. They permeate the thinking of the people of the world, including those in the church.   Because of this, all sorts of legalism creep into churches. That is as harmful as a liberal attitude toward Scripture. Whether adding in rules and regulations that have nothing to do with biblical intent, or ignoring things made explicit in Scripture because they don't suit personal mores, the results will always be unhealthy, even detrimental.   Learn about fallacies and remember to think clearly and critically when evaluating the reasons why people come to conclusions. Quite often, you will see where the faulty thinking lies, and you will be able to avoid it.   Lord God, may we learn to think clearly and critically about what Your word presents. Help us not get caught up in things that pull our hearts and minds away from focusing on You. At the same time, may we live our lives in the manner that will bring You glory while also enjoying the lives You have given us here in this world. Amen.  

Saturday, 8 November 2025   And although he wanted to put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet. Matthew 14:5   “And desiring to kill him, he feared the multitude for they held him as a prophet” (CG).   In the previous verse, it was noted that John had told King Herod that having his brother Philip's wife was unlawful. Therefore, Matthew continues with words concerning Herod's attitude toward John, saying, “And desiring to kill him.”   In Mark, it notes that Herodias wanted to kill him, but she couldn't because Herod feared John “knowing that he was a just and holy man, and he protected him” (Mark 6:20). No contradiction should be considered between the two.   It should be obvious to anyone who has been accused by another that Herod was certainly miffed at John when he was confronted with his wrongdoing and scolded for it. Being king, he probably thought, “I'll just have this guy killed... problem solved!”   However, after thinking about it, he would have then reconsidered, something Herodias was unwilling to do. As for Herod, the account next says, “he feared the multitude for they held him as a prophet.”   These words align with the thought given in Mark and match the suggested state of Herod just noted. Herod was confronted with his sin. He didn't like it, and Herod wanted him killed. However, after thinking it through and realizing this would not be a popular course of action, he renounced that thought.   The prophets were often hated by everyone. They called out sin in the people, and depending on the overall attitude of the populace, they could go from being popular with the commoners to being hated by them as well. In John's case, he not only called out for people to turn to the Lord, but he also proclaimed the immediate coming of the Messiah.   This would have been very popular with the commoners who had to suffer under the rule of the dirty priests, the oppressive kings, and the even more oppressive hand of Rome, to whom even these lesser positions were responsible. Add in the arrogant and controlling attitude of the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Scribes, and they would have been elated at the thought of a new rule under the Messiah.   On the other hand, these people in positions of power and authority would openly claim they were happy about the coming of the Messiah, but only so far as He would continue to allow them to retain their exalted positions.   Regardless of what the leaders thought, the people were happy with John as a prophet and could have thrown the nation into turmoil if Herod executed him, especially when it was Herod who was violating the law and which brought about John's words of rebuke.   Life application: It should come as no surprise when a Bible preacher is not liked by people in general. His job is to preach the whole counsel of God. In doing so, the general population will not like his message because it highlights sin in humanity.   This is not something people want exposed in their lives, even if nobody else is aware of it. Scripture exposes each individual's sinful state in relation to God. People would rather hate the messenger than acknowledge their sin.   People in the church will also get miffed at preachers. If someone believes people can lose their salvation, but the preacher rightly explains why this is incorrect, the preacher will be mocked and spoken against by those who disagree with him.   The safest way to avoid such things is not to address them at all. Hence, some preachers have churches that fill stadiums because they give easy messages that the masses won't feel intimidated by. Those who may have personal views on particular doctrines are never challenged on them.   For the preacher, it is a safe and often effective walk on a path of mediocrity that keeps money coming in, people content in their weekly church experience, and nobody is seemingly harmed by it.   But this is incorrect. People must be made aware of what the Bible expects and approves of and disapproves of. If not, they will not be properly prepared for the true challenges of a close walk with the Lord in a fallen world of choices that must be made to stay in line with what He expects from His people.   Consider what it is that you want when you select a church. If you are wise, you will desire to attend where the Bible is fully explained, even from those sections that can cause division and animosity. After all, they too are a part of God's word.   Lord God, be with us as we pursue a right understanding of Your word. Open the eyes of our pastors and teachers to rightly understand and properly teach Your word so that we will know what is correct. Amen.

Friday, 7 November 2025   Because John had said to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” Matthew 14:4   “For John, he said to him, ‘Not it permits for you to have her'” (CG).   In the previous verse, it was noted that Herod had bound John and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife. That continues now with the words, “For John, he said to him, ‘Not it permits for you to have her.'”   John, being a prophet of the Lord, was careful to uphold the word of the Lord. In the case of Herod, it was especially important to call out his misdeeds because, as the record of the kings of Israel bears witness, as the leadership of the nation goes, so goes the nation.   When a king was willing to violate the law, the people would see this and gladly follow suit. With the turn of a page, the history of Israel as recorded in Scripture often goes from prosperity and a tendency to follow the Lord to corruption and rejection of Him and His law. The example of the king was the preeminent reason for this, time and again.   In the case of Herod, as noted in the commentary of the previous verse, he had taken his brother's wife. Therefore, he was guilty of committing adultery, thus violating the seventh commandment –   “You shall not commit adultery.” Exodus 20:14   He was also guilty of breaking the moral codes recorded in Leviticus –   “You shall not uncover the nakedness of your brother's wife; it is your brother's nakedness.” Leviticus 18:16   Also, it is implicit that he first broke the tenth commandment –   “You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor's.” Exodus 20:17   The term “neighbor” extends to any such situation, be it an actual neighbor or any other person, such as one's brother. It was John's responsibility to highlight the illegal actions of Herod, calling them out for the people to know that even someone of such a high position was not above God's law.   Life application: The tenth commandment is a secret commandment when it is violated, except as it is then displayed in the actions of an individual. Nobody may know that another covets his neighbor's wife. But the Lord does.   One can see that the Lord is not merely evaluating the external deeds we do, but He is searching our hearts, looking at the intent behind our actions. If one covets his neighbor's wife for ten years, not another soul might know it. But then, in a fit of passion, he may take whatever action is needed to have her.   Once this occurs, that coveting has become another violation of the law. It may even lead to a third. First, there is the taking of another man's wife, like King David did. From there, murder follows suit, as King David did. And it all started with the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and/or the pride of life.   Any of these can step in and lead to catastrophe for us if we are not constantly in tune with the Lord. As human beings, we are not above temptation and falling prey to our temptations. And so, we should constantly be talking to the Lord, interacting with Him in our hearts and minds while staying in His word to remind us of our position in relation to Him.   “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am tempted by God'; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.” James 1:12-15   Lord God, be with us in our frailties and weaknesses. You fashioned us. You know our limitations and or proclivities. So help us to be attentive to You and our relationship with You. May You give us wisdom and strength to overcome those things which lure us into sin. May it be so, to Your glory. Amen.

Thursday, 6 November 2025   For Herod had laid hold of John and bound him, and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife. Matthew 14:3   “For Herod, having seized John, he bound him, and he placed in prison for Herodias, his brother Phillip's wife” (CG).   In the previous verse, Herod exclaimed his belief that John the Immerser had risen from the dead, which is why he had the miracle powers working in him. The narrative will now explain what led to John's imprisonment. That begins with the words, “For Herod, having seized John.”   Herod himself was behind the arrest of John. One can already sense that his conscience was nagging at him as the narrative begins. Something about John's death came about because of Herod. Understanding this, the narrative continues, saying, “he bound him, and he placed in prison.”   Cambridge notes the location of this prison –   “At Machærus, in Peræa, on the eastern side of the Dead Sea, near the southern frontier of the tetrarchy. Here Antipas had a palace and a prison under one roof, as was common in the East. Cp. Nehemiah 3:25, ‘The tower which lieth out from the king's high house that was by the court of the prison.' It was the ordinary arrangement in feudal castles.”   The reason Herod put him in prison is stated as, “for Herodias, his brother Phillip's wife.”   To understand the abbreviated thought, and in anticipation of the words of the next verse, Albert Barnes states –   This Herodias was a granddaughter of Herod the Great. She was first married to Herod Philip, by whom she had a daughter, Salome, probably the one that danced and pleased Herod. Josephus says that this marriage of Herod Antipas with Herodias took place while he was on a journey to Rome. He stopped at his brother's; fell in love with his wife; agreed to put away his own wife, the daughter of Aretas, King of Petraea; and Herodias agreed to leave her own husband and live with him. They were living, therefore, in adultery; and John, in faithfulness, though at the risk of his life, had reproved them for their crimes. Herod was guilty of two crimes in this act:   Of “adultery,” since she was the wife of another man.   Of “incest,” since she was a near relation, and such marriages were expressly forbidden, Leviticus 18:16.   John was the last prophet under the Law of Moses. His duty was to call the people to repentance in preparation for the coming of the Messiah. Instead of the king turning and accepting his wrongdoing like David, he doubled down in his sin like so many of the biblical kings under the law had done.   And like so many of those kings, he acted against the Lord's prophet, attempting to silence him from publicly exposing his deeds.   Life application: Under the New Covenant, there is no Law of Moses for believers to condemn people with by living it out for them to see. However, there is the truth, like during the time of Noah, that the world is accountable to God for its actions.   Paul says, “because the law brings about wrath; for where there is no law there is no transgression” Romans 4:15. And yet, he speaks elsewhere about the law of conscience –   “...for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, 15 who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them) 16 in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.” Romans 2:14-16   Because of conscience, especially since the coming of Christ and His fulfillment of the Law of Moses, it is still right for believers to call out wrongdoing in others, particularly those in positions of authority.   In the world, this has been a dicey thing to do at times. It is becoming that way again in much of the world. Like in the times of Noah, the whole world is marching towards ungodliness and actively pursuing wickedness. Despite this, believers need to stand fast on what is wholesome and morally proper.   Numerous denominations and churches have caved to the inappropriate and ungodly mores of fallen humanity. This only makes it more important for Christians to be ready to speak out concerning what is proper.   Not only are we tasked to evangelize the masses within society, but we need to do so with those who are supposedly members of the church. Let us continue to be beacons of light, even if the whole world is clamoring to be rid of us. This is right and proper, and it is what the ancients are remembered for –   “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14 For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. 15 And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.” Hebrews 11:13-16   Lord God, despite the trouble it is bound to bring us, help us to stand firm on Your word, openly living out what is expected of us for others to see. When the chance comes for us to defend Your word or to speak against the immorality around us, may we boldly do so, knowing that there is a reward ahead for the stand we take. Amen.  

Wednesday, 5 November 2025   and said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him.” Matthew 14:2   “and he said to his servants, ‘This, he is John the Immerser! He, he is aroused from the dead, and through this the miracles work in him!'” (CG).   In the previous verse, it said that Herod the tetrarch heard the words about Jesus. Now, that continues, saying, “and he said to his servants, ‘This, he is John the Immerser!'”   Both Matthew 16 and Luke 9 show that there was speculation about who Jesus was. Among them, there were three predominant views –   “When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, ‘Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?' 14 So they said, ‘Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.'” Matthew 16:13, 14   The reason Herod was certain that Jesus was actually John the Baptist will be the subject of the coming verses. Through verse 12, it will explain Herod's interactions with John and members of his household that led him to a seemingly neurotic state concerning John. Of this deduction made by Herod, he emphatically continues, saying, “He, he is aroused from the dead.”   The word dead is plural. In English, “dead” is normally a cumulative word, especially when preceded by a definite article. Herod is stating that John was among those who had been dead, but he had somehow been raised from among them. The emphatic nature of his words shows that he was certain this was the case. As a result of this, he continues, saying, “and through this the miracles work in him!”   Herod ties the power of working miracles as the result of being raised from the dead. This confirms the words concerning John recorded in John's gospel –   “Then many came to Him and said, ‘John performed no sign, but all the things that John spoke about this Man were true.'”  John 10:41   In his life, John didn't perform any signs. However, Herod says, “through this,” meaning through the resurrection, he was now able to perform signs. If one thinks this through, it shows the ridiculous stupidity of his thought process.   If John were raised from the dead, after losing his head, that itself would be the greatest miracle, not any of the others instead. And more, it shows without any ambiguity at all that Herod thought that the dead could be raised.   Life application: Have you ever talked to someone about Jesus and been told that he didn't believe it is possible for the dead to rise? It is not uncommon for people to hold this view.   And yet, the same type of people accept that the universe exploded itself into existence and then put itself together in such a way as to create the precision of life on planet Earth. Along with that, it planned the placement of the sun, moon, and earth, so that eclipses can take place with absolute predictability and precision, the seasons are perfectly marked to support life and return at the exact time necessary for the cycle to continue, etc.   Others claim that life is sacred and killing a person, even if he has committed the most horrendous of crimes, is wrong. And yet the same people claim that killing the unborn or euthanizing the physically or mentally defective and elderly is perfectly acceptable.   Still others believe that ghosts exist, demons can live within people, various gods have control over events in nature, or things coincide within the span of time in order to have certain objectives met according to predetermined plans (things understood by divination, for example).   People can accept the most ridiculous propositions, including people rising from the dead (like Herod's belief about John the Baptist), but they turn around and deny that the dead can actually rise when presented with the evidence concerning Jesus.   It is as if we have a default setting in us that says, “If the true God is involved in the process, it cannot be true.” However, we will accept the exact same type of evidence without reservation once the true God is taken out of the picture.   God created and made everything perfect for man to inhabit the earth. “No, it cannot be!” God says that life is sacred and that when someone violates that principle, he must be executed. Jesus came to die for the sins of all people, including murderers. He died for them and rose again. “No, it cannot be!”   Jesus rose again, proving there is more than the material realm that is working in the world around us. “No, it cannot be!”   If you encounter such unclear thinking, as frustrating as it is, you can use their unclear reasoning (if they are willing to consider your thoughts) to show them that they already believe what they deny, and that what they need to do is to reconsider the source of their belief, going from a non-God centered reality to a God-centered reality.   It is not always easy, but if you have the time to work with people by learning what they accept or do not accept, you can then help them understand the hypocritical thoughts going on in their head, assisting them to realign their thinking to what is sound and reasonable.   Lord God, You have changed our hearts and minds to go from a state of unbelief to one of accepting the proposition concerning the good news of Jesus. Help us to now work with others to think clearly about what we believe, demonstrating to them why our thoughts are reasonable. We know the truth of Your word, so help us to present it to others so that they can see it as well. Amen.

Tuesday, 4 November 2025   At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the report about Jesus Matthew 14:1   “In that time, Herod the tetrarch, he heard the ‘Jesus hearing'” (CG).   In the previous verse, Chapter 13 ended with words concerning Jesus' not doing many miracles in Nazareth due to their faithlessness. Chapter 14 now begins with, “In that time, Herod the tetrarch.”   A new word is seen, tetrarchés. It signifies the ruler of the one-fourth part of a country or region. In other words, he is not a ruler of a country with three other rulers. Instead, his rule covers one-fourth of the area of a county.   Thayer's Lexicon notes that “the word lost its strict etymological force, and came to denote ‘the governor of a third part or half of a country, or even the ruler of an entire country or district provided it were of comparatively narrow limits; a petty prince.'”   Of this particular Herod, Charles Ellicott provides the following description –   “The son of Herod the Great by Malthace. Under his father's will he succeeded to the government of Galilee and Peræa, with the title of Tetrarch, and as ruler of a fourth part of the Roman province of Syria. His first wife was a daughter of Aretas, an Arabian king or chief, named in 2Corinthians 11:32 as king of the Damascenes. Herodias, the wife of his half-brother Philip (not the Tetrarch of Trachonitis, Luke 3:1, but son of Herod the Great by Mariamne, and though wealthy, holding no official position as a ruler), was daughter of Aristobulus, the son whom Herod put to death, and was therefore niece to both her husbands. Prompted partly by passion, partly by ambition, she left Philip, and became the wife of Antipas (Jos. Ant. xviii. 5, §4). The marriage, at once adulterous and by the Mosaic law doubly incestuous, shocked the conscience of all the stricter Jews. It involved Antipas in a war with the father of the wife whom he had divorced and dismissed, and it was probably in connection with this war that we read of soldiers on actual duty as coming under the teaching of the Baptist in Luke 3:14. The prophetic spirit of the Baptist, the very spirit of Elijah in his dealings with Ahab and Jezebel, made him the spokesman of the general feeling, and so brought him within the range of the vindictive bitterness of the guilty queen.”   Concerning this Herod, Matthew records, “he heard the ‘Jesus hearing.'” In other words, the news (it is a noun signifying “a hearing”) of Jesus was circulating everywhere. He heard of this exciting news, and it set the stage for what lies ahead. Today, such a hearing might be precipitated by a statement like, “Have you heard the news about the guy from Nazareth, Jesus? He is incredible!”   Such a statement is the hearing. Herod heard it and will react to it.   Life application: Some of the translations of this verse say, the fame of Jesus, the news of Jesus, the report of Jesus, the reports of Jesus, heard about Jesus, the hearing of Jesus, concerning Jesus, etc. Various smaller changes from some of these exist.   Don't think that because a translation doesn't exactly match the original that there is an error. The intent is essentially the same. Some versions give a thought-for-thought rendering. Some attempt to give a closer rendering of each word, but amend it to sound more common to the hearing of the audience.   A literal, or close to literal, translation can be extremely unpleasant to listen to and tiring to the mind to read. Trying to make sense of the structure of the original language while also trying to understand the intent in a reasonable way is much more difficult with a direct rendering of each word.   Also, there is the consideration that different people will come up with different words to describe the same original word. Therefore, at times, there are going to be a seemingly infinite number of differences in translations, but they all will carry the same message to some extent.   We should never tolerate purposeful manipulation of the text, something that scholars will search for and highlight. Such manipulations have occurred in the New World Translation of the Jehovah's Witnesses as well as some Hebrew Roots Movement translations.   In order to meet their perverse agenda, such manipulations are underhandedly introduced. If you are looking for a new translation to read, be sure to check up on whatever you are leaning towards buying, just in case someone has identified such things.   But be sure to check the source you are reading as well. Some commentaries on Bible translations are biased towards one translation, the KJV, for example. Therefore, they will find all other versions damnable. That is not a healthy way of looking at such things either.   In the end, just keep reading the word. Keep thinking about what God has done in the giving of Jesus. Let the word of God dwell in you richly. It will bring delight to your heart, joy to your day, and contentment to your soul as you consider the eternal blessings that lie ahead for the redeemed of the Lord.   Lord God, thank You for allowing us to enter into the study of another chapter of the book of Matthew. We anticipate a great adventure as we analyze it day by day. Give us the clarity of mind that is needed to properly understand what is being conveyed. Amen.

Monday, 3 November 2025   Now He did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief. Matthew 13:58   “And through their faithlessness He did not, there, many miracles” (CG).   In the previous verse, it was noted that the people were offended at Jesus. Because of this, He said that a prophet is not without honor except in his fatherland and in his house. With that stated, Matthew next records, “And through their faithlessness He did not, there, many miracles.”   A new word, apistia, faithlessness, is seen. It is derived from the negative particle a and pistos, faithful. Therefore, depending on the context, it means not faithful, unfaithful, unbelief, an unbeliever, faithlessness, etc.   The preposition preceding this, dia, through, signifies that the cause of His not doing many miracles was their unbelief. In the parallel account in Mark 6, this is stated more firmly so that it is understood –   “And He could not do any miracles there, if not a few infirm, having laid the hands, He cured.” Mark 6:5 (CG)   This is similar to what Jesus said to the apostles after the transfiguration –   “Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, ‘Why could we not cast it out?' 20 So Jesus said to them, ‘Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, “Move from here to there,” and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. 21 However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.'” Matthew 17:19-21   In Nazareth, the unbelief of those who resided there kept Jesus from being able to cure them. In the case of the apostles, their faith blocked the healing process. Either way, a lack of faith was a hindrance to what otherwise could have been possible.   Life application: Unfortunately, it is common today for people in charismatic churches, or who carry around the name it and claim it attitude, to accuse those who have health problems, financial problems, etc., of lacking faith.   They strut around like roosters, boasting of the supposed spiritual superiority as if they have access to such things on a whim. This type of attitude laughingly extends to claims of being able to protect homes from tornadoes, earthquakes, hurricanes, etc.   This is neither acceptable nor responsible. We live in a fallen world. People get sick, we have troubles and trials, and people die. Such things are a part of human existence. God is not looking for super spiritual showoffs.   Rather, He is pleased with the simple faith of those who trust in Jesus despite their trials and troubles. Nothing in Scripture ever says that believers will be immune from the woes of this world. In fact, just the opposite is true, both in spiritual and physical matters.   Don't let the arrogant, boastful, and theologically uninformed rob your joy in Christ through such false claims or accusations. Rather, pity them. Because when their times of trial and woe come upon them, and they will, they will have nothing to fall back on.   Be responsible, read your word, and have faith in God and His promises, despite the trials and catastrophes that come your way. In this, God will be pleased with you.   “Therefore, when we could no longer endure it, we thought it good to be left in Athens alone, 2 and sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith, 3 that no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this. 4 For, in fact, we told you before when we were with you that we would suffer tribulation, just as it happened, and you know.” 1 Thessalonians 3:1-4   Lord God, we know that we are ordained for trials and troubles in this life. Despite this, we thank You for the promises You have given us in Christ Jesus. Whatever happens now, no matter how great and troubling it is, we know it is temporary and just a glitch on our path to eternal glory in Your presence. Thank You for the surety we possess in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen. Matthew 13   13 And in that day, Jesus, having departed from the house, He sat by the sea. 2 And they gathered to Him, great crowds, so too He, having in-stepped into the boat, sat. And all the crowd, they had stood on the beach. 3 And He spoke to them, many in parables, saying, “You behold! He went out, ‘the sowing to sow.' 4 And in his sowing, some, indeed, it fell near the road, and it came, the birds, and it devoured them. 5 And others, it fell upon the rock-like, where it had not much earth, and immediately it out-rose through not having soil depth. 6 And sun, having risen, it burned, and through not having root, it desiccated. 7 And others, it fell upon the thorns, and they ascended, the thorns, and they choked them. 8 And others, it fell upon the good earth, and it gave fruit. Some, indeed, hundred, and some sixty, and some thirty. 9 The ‘having ears to hear,' he – hear!”   10 And the disciples, having come, they said to Him, “Through what in parables You speak to them?” 11 And having answered, He said to them, “Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries ‘the kingdom the heavens.' And to them, not it has been given. 12 For whoever he has, it will be given him, and he will superabound. And whoever not he has, and what he has, it will be lifted from him. 13 Through this I speak to them in parables, because seeing, not they see, and hearing, not they hear nor comprehend. 14 And it fulfills upon them Isaiah's prophecy, saying,   ‘News you will hear and no, not you might comprehend, And seeing, you will see and no, not you might see. 15 For it thickened, the heart of this people And their ears, heavily they heard, And their eyes, they shut, Lest not they should behold – their eyes, And they should hear – their ears, And they should comprehend – the heart, And they should return, And I will heal them.'   16 And you, blessed the eyes, because they see, and the ears, because it hears. 17 Amen! For I say to you that many prophets and righteous, they passioned to see what you see, and not they saw, and to hear what you hear, and not they heard.   18 You, therefore, you hear the parable, the ‘having sown.' 19 Everyone hearing the word of the kingdom and not comprehending, the evil, he comes, and he seizes the ‘having been sown in his heart.' This, he is, the ‘having been sown near the path.' 20 And the ‘having been sown upon the rocky places,' this, he is, the ‘the word hearing and immediately with joy receiving it.' 21 And he has no root in himself, but he is temporary. And having come pressure or persecution through the word, immediately he stumbles. 22 And the ‘into the thorns having been sown' this is the ‘the word hearing,' but the care of this age, and the delusion of wealth, it strangles the word, and it becomes unfruitful. 23 And the ‘upon the good earth having been sown,' this, it is ‘the word hearing and comprehending' who surely he fruit-bears and it yields – some indeed hundred, and some sixty, and some thirty.”   24 Another parable He near-set them, saying, “It is likened, the kingdom of the heavens, to a man having sown good seed in his field. 25 And in the ‘sleeps the men,' he came, his enemy, and he sowed darnel in between the wheat, and he went away. 26 And when it sprouted, the grass, and it yielded fruit, then it appeared, also, the darnel. 27 And having come, the servants of the housemaster, they said to him, ‘Lord, not good seed you sowed in your field? Whence, therefore, it has darnel?' 28 And he said to them, ‘Enemy! A man did this!' And the servants, they said to him, ‘You incline, therefore, having gone, we should gather them?' 29 And he said, ‘No! Not lest gathering the darnel, you should uproot with them the wheat. 30 You allow both to co-grow until the harvest. And in the harvest season, I will say to the harvesters, “You gather first the darnel, and you bind them into bundles to incinerate them, and wheat you collect into my barn.”'”   31 Another parable He presented them, saying, “The kingdom of the heavens, it is like a mustard kernel, which a man, having taken, he sowed in his field. 32 Which, indeed, it is least of all seeds. And when it may be grown, it is greater than the tillings, and it becomes a tree, so the birds of the sky come and encamp in its branches.”   33 Another parable He presented them, “The kingdom of the heavens, it is like leaven which a woman, having taken, she concealed in flour – three measures – until it all, it leavened.”   34 All these, He spoke, Jesus, in parables to the crowds, and besides parable, not He spoke to them. 35 So it should be fulfilled, the ‘having been spoken through the prophet,' saying,   “I will open My mouth in parables. I will blurt things having been concealed from foundation – world.”   36 Then Jesus, having dismissed the crowds, He went into the house. And His disciples, they came to Him, saying, “Expound to us the parable of the fields' darnel.”   37 And answering, He said, “He, the ‘sowing the good seed,' he is the Son of Man. 38 And the field, it is the world. And the good seed, these, they are the sons of the kingdom. And the weeds, they are the sons of the evil. 39 And the enemy, the ‘having sown them,' he is the Traducer. And harvest – it is the age's consummation. And harvesters – they are messengers. 40 Therefore, just as it is gathered, the darnel, and fire – it consumed, thus it will be in the age's consummation. 41 The Son of Man, He will send His messengers and they will gather from His kingdom all the snares and those doing lawlessness. 42 And they will cast them into the furnace of the fire. There it will be the lamentation and the gnash of the teeth. 43 Then the righteous, they will irradiate as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. The ‘having ears,' let him hear!   44 Again, the kingdom of the heavens, it is like treasure having been concealed in the field, which a man, having found, he concealed, and from the joy of it, he withdraws and all that he has he sells and he buys that field.   45 Again, the kingdom of the heavens, it is like a man, a merchant, seeking beautiful pearls, 46 who, having found one highly valued pearl, having departed, he has sold all – as many as he had, and he purchased it. 47 Again, the kingdom of the heavens, it is like a seine having been cast into the sea, and from every kind having been gathered, 48 which, when it was filled, having dragged upon the beach, and having sat, they gathered the good into vessels, and the bad they cast out. 49 Thus it will be in the age's consummation. The messengers, they will go out and they will separate the evil from the righteous' midst. 50 And they will cast them into the furnace of the fire. There, it will be the lamentation and the gnash of the teeth.”   51 Jesus, He says to them, “These all, you comprehend?”   They say to Him, “Yes, Lord.”   52 And He said to them, “Through this, every scribe, having been discipled in the ‘kingdom the heavens,' he is like a man, a house-master, who – he ejects from his treasure newbies and oldies.”   53 And it was when He finished, Jesus, these parables, He after-lifted thence. 54 And having come into His fatherland, He taught them in their synagogue, so they are outstruck and say, “Whence this, this wisdom and the miracles? 55 Not this, He is the artificer's Son? Not His mother, her called Mary? And His brothers James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? 56 And His sisters, not they are all with us? Whence then this – these all?” 57 And they stumbled in Him.   And Jesus, He said to them, “Not, he is, a prophet dishonored if not in his fatherland and in his house.” 58 And through their faithlessness He did not, there, many miracles.

Sunday, 2 November 2025   So they were offended at Him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country and in his own house.” Matthew 13:57   “And they stumbled in Him. And Jesus, He said to them, ‘A prophet, he is not dishonored if not in his fatherland and in his house.'” (CG).   In the previous verse, the questions about Jesus continued as the people asked about His sisters, wondering how He had obtained His wisdom and mighty working abilities. Because of their confusion, it next says, “And they stumbled in Him.”   The meaning is that they were tripped up. Their mental disconnect would not allow them proper understanding of how someone so common and who was a seemingly normal child among them had grown into such a mighty intellect with the ability to accomplish such great things.   Their assumption, though faulty, is not uncommon. To them, humble beginnings equated to a humble existence henceforth. Instead of looking at Jesus as a prodigy, they probably looked to Him more as a charlatan or an underhanded opportunist. However, Matthew records Jesus' response to them, “And Jesus, He said to them, ‘A prophet, he is not dishonored.'”   A new word, atimos, is seen. It is derived from the negative particle a and the word timé, value. Thus, it extends to honor, esteem, dignity, etc. Jesus' beginning words of His response indicate that prophets are normally honored for their prophetic ability.   They stood with kings, were esteemed by the people, and were sought out by all classes of people in times of need. However, there was often a notable exception. Jesus continues with, “if not in his fatherland and in his house.”   A prophet who only became a prophet later in life by the call of the Lord could expect to be ignored by those he grew up with and who once interacted with him regularly. People would not understand how someone they knew and hung around with, just a common Joe, could somehow have a special connection to God.   This is the intent of Jesus' words, which were probably a proverbial expression concerning such things.   Life application: As noted above, the reasoning of the people is commonly faulty. There are innumerable ways people can suddenly excel who seemed to have no special background, potential, or abilities.   For example, from time to time, someone may get bumped on the head and suddenly have the ability to do incredible feats in math, memory, invention, etc. A prophet or preacher may have a sudden calling on his life that changes the entire course of his existence.   In the case of the latter, faith in God demands that people take stock of such a thing and consider it. Of course, the chances are good that a person is making a false claim about such a religious encounter, but the only way to get to the bottom of that would be to test him, observe his conduct, and check with others who may have intimate knowledge of the situation.   However, others may be in on the scam as well. Joseph Smith claimed he had received the Book of Mormon from the angel Moroni. Brigham Young supported him in his false teaching and helped perpetuate and grow Mormonism. So one has to be careful with such things.   There is a great example of the thought presented here right in Scripture –   “And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.” Acts 9:26, 27   Paul resided in Jerusalem. People there knew of his conduct toward those in the church. After his conversion, his change was a hard sell to those who previously knew him. This is to be expected. However, there is a point when such things need to be accepted as true and valid, like Paul's conversion, or forever rejected, like Joseph Smith's false claims.   The evidence behind the claims should be sufficient to make such a determination. Pay attention to such things as you interact with others. Your initial assessment may be wrong. Likewise, your lurking suspicions may be borne out when a false narrative is exposed. Be wise and discerning, and as John admonishes, “test the spirits” (1 John 4:1).   O God, we pray for Your hand of protection to surround us from false teachers. At the same time, we pray for discerning minds that can identify them so that we are not led astray by them. There are so many who claim they know the “mysteries” of how things work by You when in fact, they are just making stuff up. Help us to see the truth and keep far from such people. Amen.  

Saturday, 1 November 2025   And His sisters, are they not all with us? Where then did this Man get all these things?” Matthew 13:56   “And His sisters, not they are all with us? Whence then this – these all?” (CG).   In the previous verse, the people of Nazareth questioned Jesus about His father, mother, and brothers. Their words continue with, “And His sisters.”   The word translated as “sister” is adelphé. It is the feminine form of adelphos, brother, and carries the same connotation, one of the same womb. As with the previous verse, however, the word can figuratively be extended to a person in a figurative sense –   “Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father, younger men as brothers, 2 older women as mothers, younger women as sisters [adelphé], with all purity.” 1 Timothy 5:1, 2   For this reason, the Roman Catholic Church and others who hold to the perpetual virginity of Mary insist that the words here extend to daughters of Joseph and not daughters of Mary, despite the obvious intent of the words to indicate actual sisters having been born to Mary.   Mary, not some unnamed former wife, is spoken of in the same context as the rest of the family, making her the natural connection to these sisters. As for the number of them, that is to be inferred from the next words, “not they are all with us?”   Although no number is set, it is telling us that there were three or more sisters. Otherwise, it would have said, “isn't she here with us,” or “are not both of them here with us.” Not only was Mary not a perpetual virgin, apart from Jesus, but she had at least seven other children. Having noted Joseph, Mary, and the siblings of Jesus, demonstrating complete familiarity with the family, the people next exclaim, “Whence then this – these all?”   The words are referring to “this wisdom and the miracles” mentioned in verse 54. In other words, everything about Jesus and His family was laid out before the people through years of close interaction.   And yet, somehow, He suddenly appeared to them with incredible abilities that surpassed the normal life He previously lived. They could not understand how Jesus could have gone from a simple Son of an artificer to a great miracle worker and biblical scholar.   Life application: The supposed perpetual virginity of Mary is never taught in Scripture. It is unfathomable that God would present such a doctrine without clear and unambiguous evidence for it. And yet, a normal read through the text would lead anyone with a modicum of honesty to conclude that Jesus was the Son of Mary and the others mentioned here were as well.   The only result to be realized from this aberrant doctrine is to cause Scripture itself to be violated. The words of Hebrews 12:2 implore Christians to fix their eyes on Jesus, not Mary, Paul, David, or Moses. To highlight Mary's role, as has been done by the Roman Catholic Church, destroys this precept.   Be wise, filled with prudence when dealing with doctrinal and theological issues, and consider what God is doing and why. Don't accept people's teachings just because they seem authoritative or because they have some particular trait that makes them seem special.   For example, it is as common as peanuts in peanut brittle in Christian circles today to highlight Bible teachers simply because they are Jewish. It is as if being Jewish elevates people to some supposed level of biblical knowledge that must be listened to and adhered to. It is a ridiculous way to handle one's biblical studies.   Whether someone has a PhD, can read and write Hebrew and/or Greek, or has a large congregation, such things have nothing to do with adherence to Scripture. Evaluate your teachers based on how they teach the word of God. And guess what, this is impossible unless you yourself know the word well enough to do so. Read the Bible!   Glorious God Almighty, help each of us to desire knowing Your word above even the food we eat. May we listen to it, meditate on it, and cherish it in our hearts and minds all the days of our lives. To Your glory. Amen.

Friday, 31 October 2025   Is this not the carpenter's son? Is not His mother called Mary? And His brothers James, Joses, Simon, and Judas? Matthew 13:55   “Not this, He is the carpenter's Son? Not His mother, her called Mary? And His brothers James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus returned to His fatherland and began teaching in the synagogues. The people were amazed and wondered where He got His wisdom and abilities to perform the miraculous. They next exclaim, “Not this, He is the artificer's Son?”   It is a new word, tektón, an artificer or craftsman. This could be in wood, stone, metal, etc. The general thought and tradition is that Joseph was a woodworker. However, some believe he worked in stone. There is a stone quarry in the area of Nazareth where objects have been found, such as cups, that have been fashioned out of stone.   From the time of Homer down, the word was used to define a woodworker, such as a carpenter, joiner, shipbuilder, etc. To limit Joseph to one specific trade or another may be to limit the application of the word. For all we know, he was a general artificer who worked in wood, stone, etc.  Continuing with the query, the people continue, saying, “Not His mother, her called Mary?”   They are not asking this as if they could be wrong, as in, “We thought He was Mary's Son? No?” Rather, the reason for the question is that they definitely know He is Mary's Son. Thus, they know all about His family line. He is not a mystery to them. Rather, He grew up with them. And more, they next ask, “And His brothers James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?”   The word used is adelphos, coming from the connective particle a and the word delphus, the womb. Thus, it literally means, “of the same womb.” That is the sense that should be considered here. However, for the cult of Mary who insists she was a perpetual virgin, it is argued that the word can be extended to people in close personal relationships, of the same people (such as Jews), etc. It can also be applied to those born to one of two parents, etc.   In other words, in order to justify their stand, the claim by those of the Mary cult is that these are Joseph's sons but not Mary's. The normal and reasonable sense that anyone reading this without a bias or presupposition would agree upon is that this is speaking of Jesus' brothers from Mary, especially when she was just mentioned prior to these words.   The point of the questioning by these people is that their words otherwise form an emphatic proclamation. “We know Jesus! We know His father's trade, and we know His mom and siblings!” With such a knowledge base about Him, they will next reveal why this understanding is important to them.   Life application: In reading the record of Jesus in the gospels, it is inconceivable that someone would suddenly start highlighting Mary as the key figure in the narrative. She is hardly mentioned at all. Her purpose for being mentioned clearly centers on Jesus, and then she is not mentioned other than incidentally at any other time.   To focus on Mary as those in Roman Catholicism do makes as much sense as focusing on Mary Magdalene, who is mentioned way more than Mary, the mother of Jesus. But the devil knows how to misdirect people. He has done it since our first parents in the Garden of Eden.   In getting people to take their eyes off the Lord, he has the ability to rob them of the prize, meaning a right relationship with God and the surety of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. If this can be passed down from one generation to the next, the level of veneration will normally increase.   This is certainly the case with the cult of Mary. It has become a global phenomenon that has robbed innumerable souls of properly directed faith in Jesus. Don't be swayed away from what God wants us to focus on when we read Scripture. That is Him and how He has revealed us in the coming of Jesus Christ.   May we hold fast to Him, fixing our eyes on Him, and never being distracted from that goal and focus all the days of our lives –   “We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. 2 For since the message spoken through angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, 3 how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation?” Hebrews 2:1-3   Glorious God, the whole world is trying to rob us of our focus on You and what You have done in the giving of Jesus Christ. Leading that attempt is the devil, who is ever striving for us to turn from You and to do things our own way. Give us wisdom, strength, and the fortitude to stand against this and to fix our eyes firmly on Jesus. Amen.

Thursday, 30 October 2025   When He had come to His own country, He taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished and said, “Where did this Man get this wisdom and these mighty works? Matthew 13:54   “And having come into His fatherland, He taught them in their synagogue, so they are outstruck and say, ‘Whence this, this wisdom and the miracles?'” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus was noted to have lifted Himself and purposefully set out from where He was. Matthew next says, “And having come into His fatherland.”   It is a new word, patris, a fatherland, coming from patér, father. It speaks of one's native country. Therefore, more than simple geography is being referred to. Instead, thoughts such as identity, family tradition, family lineage, etc., are being referred to. In Hebrews 11:14, it refers to the hope of the saints who await their true homeland, a heavenly country –   “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14 For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland [patris]. 15 And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.” Hebrews 11:13-16   Once Jesus arrived in His earthly fatherland, “He taught them in their synagogue.”   Mark adds that this teaching in the synagogue was on the Sabbath, something that is unnecessary in Matthew's gospel, as this would have been understood by the Jewish audience his words are directed to. This teaching by Jesus in the synagogues that He attended is noted elsewhere. In the case of His instruction in Nazareth, it notes, “so they are outstruck.”   Matthew's use of the present verbs brings the reader directly into the room. It is as if they are sitting in front of us having this awe-inspiring conversation. The reason for their astonishment is next stated, “and say, ‘Whence this, this wisdom and the miracles?'”   Another new adverb, pothen, whence, is seen. It is from the same source as posos, how great, how many, how much, etc. The explanation for their questioning will be given in the coming verses. But one can imagine already why it would be so. They had seen Jesus growing up, observed His family, learning, daily habits, etc. None of that could seemingly account for His presentation while teaching.   Life application: How often has it been said of people who have come to faith in Christ that the change in them is inexplicable? Someone went to a particular school, bumbled around like most youth do, spent his time surfing or doing some other activity, and seemingly would be the guy who would spend the rest of his life in a local bar talking about the good old days.   And yet, after meeting the Lord, he returns home eloquent, confident, and ready to challenge the norms of those still living out their lives in the same cliques they were in years earlier. When they see him, they are astonished at the change, question what kind of game he is up to, and offer him a free round of bowling as they try to figure him out.   But even more pronounced is the reaction of his family. They knew all of his secret faults, shortcomings, and personal struggles. How could there be such a vast change in him? But this is the power of Jesus in our lives.   He will transform each believer as they allow Him to. This will never be forced, and yet, for every inch of our past lives we are willing to cede to Him, He will step in and renew us in His image. Jesus wants us to reflect Him, and He will gladly allow us to do so in order to bring Him glory.   Likewise, our conversion may be stunning to others at first, but eventually, they will realize it is true and permanent, or at least as permanent as we stand fast and direct our eyes to Jesus. Once they realize this, we will no longer appear as an aberration, but a source of hopeful change in their own lives when difficulties come their way.   This is what Jesus would have for each of us. Not only should we be conformed to His image and transformed in our minds, but we should also do so to the point that we effect this change in others as well. May it be so with each of us, to the glory of God who saved us in Christ Jesus our Lord.   Lord God, may our lives reflect the goodness of Jesus in all we do. May our actions and words lead others to want the same confident walk with You that we possess. In all ways, may we bring glory and honor to You with every fiber of our being. Amen.

Wednesday, 29 October 2025   Now it came to pass, when Jesus had finished these parables, that He departed from there. Matthew 13:53   “And it was when He finished, Jesus, these parables, He after-lifted thence” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus explained that when a scribe is instructed concerning the kingdom of heaven, he is like a householder who brings out treasure, both newbies and oldies. Matthew next records, “And it was when He finished, Jesus, these parables, He after-lifted thence.”   A new and rare word, metairó, to get up and remove oneself, is seen. It is derived from meta, after-with, and airó, to lift. There is no exact English word, but the idea of a plane taking off is somewhat analogous. There is a purposeful intent of getting up and removing oneself from one place to another. Of this word, the Topical Lexicon provides the following information to consider –    -------------------------- Overview Underlying the verb translated “withdrew” or “left” [...] is the idea of deliberately lifting oneself from a setting in order to proceed elsewhere. It portrays purposeful movement, not aimless wandering, and appears at pivotal junctures in the life of Jesus Christ when a season of public instruction has reached its conclusion.   Occurrences in Matthew's Gospel   Matthew 13:53 – “When Jesus had finished these parables, He withdrew from that place.” Matthew 19:1 – “When Jesus had finished saying these things, He left Galilee and went into the region of Judea beyond the Jordan.”   Both texts follow extended teaching sections (the kingdom parables of chapter 13 and the community-life discourse of chapters 18–19). The verb signals a narrative hinge: completed revelation is now matched by fresh movement, preparing the reader for the next stage of ministry.   Literary Function in Matthew   Matthew organizes his Gospel around five large discourse blocks, each ending with a formula, “When Jesus had finished…” (compare Matthew 7:28; 11:1; 13:53; 19:1; 26:1). [...metairó] occurs twice within those formulas, highlighting two transitions:   From parable instruction to the rejection at Nazareth (Matthew 13:53-58). From community ethics to the southward journey culminating in the passion (Matthew 19:1).   The choice of this verb underscores that Jesus' withdrawals are neither retreats born of failure nor random relocations but divinely timed steps moving the redemptive plan forward.   Historical and Geographical Background   In the first reference, Jesus moves within Galilee, probably from the lakeside to His hometown region. In the second, He journeys from Galilee to Judea “beyond the Jordan,” the customary pilgrims' route that avoided Samaria. Both settings remind readers that the incarnate Son walked real roads, interacted with real communities, and timed His travels to align with Jewish feast cycles and prophetic destiny (John 7:8-10; Luke 9:51).   Theological Significance   Completion of Mission Segments: Each use follows the clause “when Jesus had finished,” emphasizing that the Lord never departs prematurely. His timing illustrates the principle later echoed in John 17:4, “I have glorified You on earth by accomplishing the work You gave Me to do.” Sovereign Direction: The verb underscores Christ's authority over His itinerary (John 10:18). Opposition, crowds, or regional constraints cannot detain Him once the Father's purpose in a location is fulfilled. Pattern for Discipleship: Just as Jesus taught and then withdrew, believers are called to combine proclamation with obedient movement (Acts 8:4-5, 26-40).   -------------------------- Life application: In a single verse that is normally read over without much thought, there is a new and rare word that is purposefully used by Matthew, setting it off from more common words that bear a similar meaning. His choice of wording begs us to stop and consider why the change is made.   What God in Christ did at the coming of Jesus was purposeful. It was meticulously set forth and accomplished by Him. When Jesus successfully trained His disciples in these kingdom parables, and with their acknowledgment that they understood what He was speaking of, He next resolutely lifted Himself up and departed for Nazareth, His hometown.   Upon arrival there, His ability will be questioned based on their having seen Him grow up there. Thus, it will say that they were offended at Him. Jesus purposefully and knowingly went there to contrast the acceptance of His message by the disciples to the disbelieving rejection of His own town.   Have you faced rejection with family or friends because of your acceptance of Christ? Have you noticed a contrast between how those in the church and those you once were so friendly with treat you? Jesus went through this before you did. Be willing to accept what occurs and continue to keep Jesus at the forefront of your attention. He is there with you in your walk.   Lord God, when family and friends have turned away, we know that You are still with us. We will press on from day to day, walking this life with our Lord Jesus. Amen.  

Tuesday, 28 October 2025   Then He said to them, “Therefore every scribe instructed concerning the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure things new and old.” Matthew 13:52   “And He said to them, ‘Through this, every scribe, having been discipled in the ‘kingdom the heavens,' he is like a man, a house-master, who – he ejects from his treasure newbies and oldies'” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus asked His disciples if they understood everything that He had told them as He conveyed to them the parables. They responded that they had. Based on their response, Matthew next records, “And He said to them, ‘Through this, every scribe...'”   The word scribe here is being contrasted to the scribes of the law, who Jesus has already interacted with and who will eventually become some of His most pronounced opponents. Jesus is not equating those He refers to as being scribes like them at all. They had the law, but they studied the law as a means to an end.   The scribes Jesus is referring to are scribes who are, as He says, “having been discipled in the ‘kingdom the heavens.'”   Jesus has set a firm and fixed wall between the law and the kingdom of the heavens. He has mentioned this kingdom in this chapter in verses 11, 18, 24, 31, 33, 37, 41, 43, 44, 45, and 47. In them, He never mentions the law as a vehicle for obtaining righteousness. Rather, His words in verse 11 had already begun to demonstrate and explain the barrier between the two.   If one uses the law as a means to an end, he will never be able to understand what God is doing in the redemptive process in order to restore man to Himself. Think of it! A person studying the law as a means of getting right with God will never understand God, who sees man as treasure hidden in a field, nor a pearl worth selling heaven's riches in order to obtain that pearl.   Rather, what does Paul say the purpose of using the law is? He explained it to Timothy –   “But we know that the law is good if one uses it lawfully, 9 knowing this: that the law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, 10 for fornicators, for sodomites, for kidnappers, for liars, for perjurers, and if there is any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine, 11 according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God which was committed to my trust.” 1 Timothy 1:8-11   Jesus says a person who looks at the law, or any other part of God's word, when looking for Jesus (the one who gave up all of heaven's riches to obtain His treasure), “he is like a man, a house-master.”   Jesus says a scribe of the kingdom of the heavens is like a house-master. Before reading His further explanation, one must ask, “A house-master of what?” What is a scribe's purpose? He is to evaluate Scripture and interpret it. But Scripture, even in the books of Moses, is filled with obscure stories that do not specially point to conduct in life, but life as it has been conducted.   The scribes of the law used the law, including all of these stories, for the purpose of self-exaltation, be it personal righteousness or the exaltation of the national character of Israel. And this, despite the fact that both are revealed to be lacking throughout all of the historical writings.   Rather, there is almost a complete rejection of the Lord on every turn of the page, while the Lord patiently corrects and guides Israel, keeping them as a people in accord with His word. Jesus says that a scribe of the kingdom is like a house-master “who – he ejects from his treasure newbies and oldies.'”   What is this treasure Jesus refers to? The answer to that must be in understanding what a scribe does with Scripture. As noted above, it is to evaluate and interpret it. If a scribe of the law has missed the mark by looking at Scripture as a means of righteousness as well as personal and national exaltation, then what is he to look for? Well, what did Jesus reveal in His parables?   The answer is that He revealed the contrast between those who hear and obey, those who are a part of what God plants and then grows into a giant entity, those who remain in a fallen world but who fix their eyes on the Lord, those who bear what is good, those who God finds of the highest value in the world, and those for whom He came, having given up everything in order to obtain them as His personal and prized possession.   Everything about His parables refers to Him or those who put Him first, bearing fruit of righteousness based on Him, not on self. Therefore, to pull out treasure from His word, newbies and oldies, we are to look for Him. Those writings that existed point to Him. Those writings that were yet to be written explain Him.   When reading a story, such as Joshua taking Israel across the Jordan, it is to be taken as literal history, but it is to be evaluated based on the work of Jesus. If this is so, then it – by default – must have a future application. Jesus would not arrive on the scene for almost 1400 years. But if we are to find Jesus in the story, then it means that the story has been given as a typological and pictorial representation of something He does or the results of what He has done.   This is pulling out of the treasure, the body of Scripture, newbies and oldies. Finding Jesus in Scripture is akin to rightly understanding the kingdom of the heavens.   Life application: If you want to understand Scripture properly, evaluate it through the lens of Jesus. When you read the story of David and Goliath, consider that God has given that story to reveal Jesus, meaning Him, what He has done, or how that will be realized in the people He has come to save. Everything about Scripture tells us about God in Christ.   Therefore, anytime you evaluate Scripture as a tool for self-exaltation, self-aggrandizement, or personal gain, you have failed to properly evaluate what God intends for you to see. This is why those who insert or reinsert the law as a means of righteousness are so abhorrent to God.   It is why those who look to explain Scripture as a tool of divination (such as rapture date setting or finding codes about the future) will never bear good fruit, and why those who teach a prosperity gospel deceive both those they teach and themselves.   Jesus! Jesus is the key to rightly understanding this precious word.   Lord God, forgive us for always trying to make our time in Your word about ourselves. We read it and conclude that we are the center of what You are trying to tell us. Help us to set ourselves aside and to search for Jesus. In doing this, only then can we understand everything else that this precious word conveys to us. Amen.

Monday, 27 October 2025   Jesus said to them, “Have you understood all these things?” They said to Him, “Yes, Lord.” Matthew 13:51   “Jesus, He says to them, ‘These all, you comprehend?' They say to Him, ‘Yes, Lord'” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus finished the parable of the seine. With these parables now complete, Matthew next notes, “Jesus, He says to them, ‘These all, you comprehend?'”   The word suniémi has already been seen, first in Matthew 13:13 –   “Through this I speak to them in parables, because seeing, not they see, and hearing, not they hear nor comprehend [suniémi].”   Jesus, asking them this question with this word, is intended to elicit a contrast between His disciples and those who hear the parables but don't comprehend them. He has provided enough information through explanation that they are trained in how to grasp His intended meaning. However, should there be another parable they don't comprehend, they know just what to do –   “And having summoned the crowd, He said to them, ‘You hear and comprehend! 11 Not the ‘entering into the mouth' it profanes the man, but the ‘proceeding from the mouth,' this, it profanes the man.' 12 Then His disciples having coming near, they said to Him, ‘You have known that the Pharisees, having heard the saying, they stumbled.' 13 And having answered, He said, ‘Every planting that not He planted, My heavenly Father, it will be uprooted. 14 You leave them! They are blind blind-conductors. And blind, if they should conduct, both – they will fall – into a pit.' 15 And Peter, having answered, he said to Him, ‘You expound to us this parable.'” Matthew 15:10-15 (CG).   Jesus gave a parable concerning what profanes a man. The disciples did not know what He was asking them to comprehend, and so they came to Him asking for its meaning. In the case of the parables just expounded to them in Chapter 13, after Jesus asked them if they comprehended all the parables He gave, it next says, “They say to Him, ‘Yes, Lord.'”   Their answer confirms that they fully understood the parables, just as He conveyed them. This should alert us to the fact that in the two parables about the concealed treasure in the field (verse 44) and the pearl of great value (verses 45 & 46), the man mentioned in each was referring to Jesus, not those in the church.   He had consistently used the man in the other parables as a description of Him and what He was doing in redemptive history. To change the subject would have confused the disciples, and they would have then responded in the negative here. But they fully understood that the man who found concealed treasure and the man who found the pearl of great value were the same subject.   Life application: When reading Jesus' parables, as with any of the unusual stories scattered throughout the Old Testament, remember that if they don't seem to make sense, it is because we are not thinking about what God is alerting us to, meaning the ongoing process of redemption as it relates to Jesus.   Unfortunately, this is so hard for us to remember that at times, translations will divert to other texts that have amended the meaning, or the translators will purposefully amend the translation because the main text doesn't seem to make sense to them. When they do this, the reader is left with a void in ever being able to understand what is being conveyed.   To overcome this, one should read the footnotes if the Bible has them. There, they will normally give the literal rendering, sometimes accompanied by a short explanation of why they made their change. These are not the commentaries often included in study Bibles, which are normally useless. Rather, the footnotes contain mechanical information about what is going on in the text or alternate texts for the reader to consider.   Try to remember to read these footnotes and mentally catalog what they are saying. If you don't understand, there may be an explanation in the prefix or in the addenda to the Bible telling you how to read and understand those footnotes. You will only get out of your time reading the Bible what you put into it. So be sure to read it and carefully study what is going on in it.   Learning to understand what is being conveyed in Scripture is a lifelong journey. So take steps every day in walking that path. You will be rewarded in your mind and soul, and God will be pleased with your pursuit of His wonderful word.   Lord God, thank You for this precious word You have given us. It is a delight to our minds and a joy to consider. In it, we can find that You are fixed on those who cherish You. We are like a pearl of great value that You have gone to infinite lengths to obtain. We may not understand why it is so, but Your word tells us it is. Thank You for this blessed reassurance. Amen.

Sunday, 26 October 2025   and cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth.” Matthew 13:50   “And they will cast them into the furnace of the fire. There, it will be the lamentation and the gnash of the teeth” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus, still explaining the parable of the seine, noted that at the end of the age messengers would come forth and separate the evil from the righteous. He now completes the parable, beginning with, “And they will cast them into the furnace of the fire.”   It was noted in the parable of the darnel that it could not be referring to the church age. This parable is the same. There is nothing recorded in Scripture that says there will be a separation of the good and the bad at the end of the church age as described in this parable.   Rather, there will be a separation of the saints from the unbelieving world. They will be taken in the twinkling of an eye. After that, the tribulation will come upon the world. It is only after the tribulation that those who survive that ordeal will be separated.   This will be done to ensure the millennium begins on a better note, being populated with those who are acceptable. Once the bad have been separated out and chucked into the fiery furnace, Jesus finishes with, “There, it will be the lamentation and the gnash of the teeth.”   As before, the words speak of great sadness and agony. Pursuit of the temporary pleasures of this life while neglecting the things of God will be rewarded with what the people deserve. There is nothing arbitrary, unfair, or capricious about this. Man will receive his just due for the things done while in the body.   God has offered a better hope to the people of the world in the giving of His Son. What we do with Jesus will be an eternity-defining decision.   Life application: By placing the conclusion of the parable of the darnel next to the conclusion of this parable, one can see how the two parallel –   “Therefore, just as it is gathered, the darnel, and fire – it consumed, thus it will be in the age's consummation. 41 The Son of Man, He will send His messengers and they will gather from His kingdom all the snares and those doing lawlessness. 42 And they will cast them into the furnace of the fire. There it will be the lamentation and the gnash of the teeth.”   “...they gathered the good into vessels, and the bad they cast out. 49 Thus it will be in the age's consummation. The messengers, they will go out and they will separate the evil from the righteous' midst. 50 And they will cast them into the furnace of the fire. There it will be the lamentation and the gnash of the teeth.”   The parables repeat the same essential information. One may ask, “Why would the Lord bother doing this? Wasn't one parable sufficient?” The reason is because He is making a point that we should accept as certain and sure to come to pass.   There isn't one gospel book, but four. And three of them more closely parallel in their presentation while providing new or different aspects of the information presented in the others. This is true with the Old Testament books of Kings and Chronicles to some extent.   In the case of these two parables, Jesus ensures us that what He says about the end times is not to be taken only as a spiritual teaching, but one that is just how things will be at the end of the age. The separation of the wheat from the darnel and the good fish from the bad does not only apply to Jews who enter the tribulation, but the whole world.   For Israel as a nation, though, the point of the tribulation is to bring them as a nation to realize that they missed the coming of their Messiah the first time. It is to bring restoration to the nation in order to fulfill the promises made to them in the Old Testament.   But the whole world of people, Jew and Gentile, must be separated. Those who are deemed worthy will enter the millennium. Those who are not will be cast into the furnace of fire. This is just how it is going to be. The repetition of the same general information in these parables ensures us that it is so.   Lord God, may we carefully evaluate Your word, holding fast to its truths and thoughtfully consider when You are giving us literal information that is to be accepted as such. May we not spiritualize those things that are intended to be taken literally. Help us to more rightly understand and process this wonderful word so that our thinking is mature and proper. Amen.  

Saturday, 25 October 2025   So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come forth, separate the wicked from among the just, Matthew 13:49   “Thus it will be in the age's consummation. The messengers, they will go out and they will separate the evil from the righteous' midst” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus noted that the good fish in the seine would be gathered into vessels, but the bad would be cast out. In explanation of that, He next says, “Thus it will be in the age's consummation.” The thought is similar to that of verse 39, where the same word, sunteleia, consummation, is used –   “Therefore, just as it is gathered, the darnel, and fire – it consumed, thus it will be in the age's consummation.”   The parable teaches a similar truth to that one. There is a time of things continuing on, and then there will be a time when things are brought to their consummation. Like the darnel being separated by the messengers from the wheat and cast into the fire, Jesus next says, “The messengers, they will go out and they will separate the evil from the righteous' midst.”   A new verb, aphorizó, to separate or set off by a boundary, is seen. It is derived from apo, away or from, and horizo, to mark out or bound (as in a horizon). Thus, it signifies a separation of the two by a set boundary.   There will be a separation of the two before things have come to their completion. Considering the end set for the darnel, the end for the bad fish will probably not be so great. What that end is will be seen in the next verse.   As with the parable of the wheat and darnel, the metaphor would have to be so stretched to fit the church age that it would lose much of its intent. There is no separation before the rapture that matches what Jesus is describing here. The people of the world will be going about their lives when, suddenly, and without prior notice, there will be a removal of saved believers.   Only after this will the world enter the tribulation. At the end of the tribulation, a separation will take place before those who are worthy will enter the millennium.   Life application: Jesus' words in John 3:18 should be remembered –   “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”   Paul repeats this thought in Romans 5 –   “Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned— 13 (For until the law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law. 14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned according to the likeness of the transgression of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come.” Romans 5:12-14   Jesus says that people are condemned already. Man doesn't need to do anything to be eternally separated from God. He is conceived and stands condemned. This is not because of committed sin by the person, but because of sin committed by Adam. As all are in Adam, all stand condemned already.   Jesus came to undo this. Despite being born of a woman (He is fully Man), He did not inherit Adam's seed, which is transmitted from father to child. Rather, His Father is God (He is fully God) and received His Father's righteous innocence concerning sin. He cut the line of sin in fallen man, thus fulfilling the sign of circumcision.   In living perfectly after He was born, meaning He had not committed sin, He became a suitable substitute for the sins of the world. By faith in what He has done, man can move from fallen Adam to the innocent risen Christ.   Understanding this, there is nothing cold, uncaring, or malicious in God's judgment of the darnel and bad fish. Rather, there is the perfection of love in the offering of His Son for fallen, corrupt, and already condemned humanity.   No person will be able to come before God and say, “My condemnation is unjust!” Rather, all people will acknowledge the rightness of the situation in relation to the perfect holiness of God. Be sure to get this right. Understanding that God is fully vindicated in His judgment is something people must be taught. Be sure to let those you talk to know that what He does is perfect and beautiful.   Glorious God Almighty, how great You are in Your judgments. We have no right to accuse You of wrongdoing or having an uncaring attitude toward our plight. Rather, what You have done is the height of loving attention to Your wayward creatures. How good and loving You are, O God. Amen.  

Friday, 24 October 2025   which, when it was full, they drew to shore; and they sat down and gathered the good into vessels, but threw the bad away. Matthew 13:48   “Which, when it was filled, having dragged upon the beach, and having sat, they gathered the good into vessels, and the bad they cast out” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus noted that the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet that gathers every kind in it. He continues that, saying, “which, when it was filled.”   This is where the skill of the fisherman is realized. There is a set time for letting down the net, and there is a time when the net is to be drawn in. Likewise, God alone will determine the times of the kingdom. There is no point in speculating on what the word does not provide. In fact, it is presumptuous to do so. Once the time has come, Jesus gives the next thought, saying, “having dragged upon the beach.”   A new word found only here is seen, anabibazó, to cause to go up. It is derived from ana, up or upward, and basis, a pace (as in a step). Thus, the sense is drawing up, one arm pull at a time. Once the net is entirely drawn up, it next says, “and having sat, they gathered the good into vessels.”   Another new word is seen, aggeion, a receptacle or vessel. It is derived from aggos, a pail. That in turn is derived from agkos, an arm. The arm is curved and is like our own personal carrying vessel when needed. So the words are believed to connect through that thought. There is the curved arm, the curved pail, and the pail leads to the vessel for the fish.   The net is hauled up, the men sit by it and begin sorting them, and the good ones are placed in the vessel, ready to become dinner for some hungry soul. As for the others, Jesus says, “and the bad they cast out.”   Whatever “bad” means to a fisherman, including being too small, being unclean according to Israel's law, or being dead already, fishermen normally chuck the bad ones back in the water as they perform their own function in God's creation. A different disposition will be seen for these bad fish. The point is that they are rejected by the fishermen, unsuitable for selling to the people.   Life application: It is noted above that the fisherman determines when the net will be drawn in. He is the one to decide the matter. It is his decision alone, and to second-guess him would be to accuse him of doing wrong with his own nets. It is his, and he can make the choice according to his plan.   As is usual, within the past week, the rapture date setters were wrong for the jillionth time since Jesus left. Websites were full of predictions that Jesus was coming to take His church on the 23rd of September. When this didn't happen (again!), those who published their false teaching immediately set out to justify why the Lord didn't follow their carefully set date.   How many times will you listen to such ridiculous people? A review of the top ten videos indicated millions of views. People, like dogs going back to munch on their own vomit, spent their precious time watching worthless information put out by false teachers.   The Bible does not tell us when the rapture will occur. In fact, Jesus explicitly told His disciples when He left that they (meaning them and all who follow) would not know –   “And He said to them, ‘It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority.'” Acts 1:7   Paul repeats Jesus' words concerning the timing of redemptive events –   “But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. 2 For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.” 2 Thessalonians 5:1, 2   Do you really suppose that God is going to violate His own word to speak through these false teachers? It will never happen. Stop wasting your time on the sensational. The Bible is not a book of God's errors or misstatements. It is a book of what He is doing in redemptive history.   The time that was wasted on these ridiculous videos, meaning millions of hours of productivity, could have been far better spent actually telling people about Jesus, actually learning what the word says, or even spent with family.   We are accountable for what we do with our time. Let us use it wisely –   “Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.” Colossians 4:5   Lord God, thank You for Your word. May we not treat it contemptuously, as if it is we who decide what it says. Rather, may we look for what You intend for us to see. Help us to identify false teachers and keep far from them. May our time interacting with You through Your word be a sweet time of learning and growing in You. Amen.  

Thursday, 23 October 2025   “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet that was cast into the sea and gathered some of every kind, Matthew 13:47   “Again, the kingdom of the heavens, it is like a seine having been cast into the sea, and from every kind having been gathered.” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus told the parable of the Pearl of Great Price. Next, He begins another parable, saying, “Again, the kingdom of the heavens, it is like a seine.”   A word found only here in Scripture is seen, sagéné. A seine or dragnet. It is a derivative of satto, to equip, “especially a pack-saddle (which in the East is merely a bag of netted rope)” HELPS Word Studies.   Such a net is curtain-like. It would be weighted, thus forming a circle for the fish as it dropped. As it is pulled out, the fish would be captured in it and hauled onto the shore or boat. As several of the disciples were fishermen, and as they probably all went out together while in the Galilee, they would all be aware of what Jesus was referring to.   Of this, Jesus next says, it is “having been cast into the sea.” The sea is where fish are, but Jesus is making a metaphor. So understanding the sea in the Bible will help us understand the intent. The sea has several overall connotations, including chaos or a place of chaotic existence, thus unpredictability. In such a place, there is danger, such as sea monsters.   It also gives the idea of the people groups of the earth, who by nature are generally chaotic, even if there are governments and some sense of order. That is seen, for example, in Revelation 17, where the Great Harlot sits on many waters, meaning in lands throughout the earth. There it says –   “The waters which you saw, where the harlot sits, are peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues.” Revelation 17:15   A similar analogy is seen in Daniel 7:2. One can think of the multitude of languages, cultural ideas, and norms, etc. Thus, there is a sense of the chaotic. The net is thrown into the sea, “and from every kind having been gathered...”   The verse stops in the middle of the thought, but one can see that there is a sense of a gathering from the sea. Without going any further, it cannot help but be seen that this extends beyond Israel. If Israel represented one type of fish, there would be harmony, not chaos. Though there may be various accents, there was one language to unite them, etc.   Life application: It is a chaotic world. Despite this, in modern times, there is the ability to supposedly overcome the chaos in ways never thought of before. In the past, if there were nations with distinct languages, say English and Chinese, there was an absolute need to have people proficient in both languages available in both nations for effective diplomacy to take place.   If there were an interpreter from China only, that interpreter could bias the translation on behalf of her country, thereby gaining an advantage. Only by having two independent translators verify one another could diplomacy truly be considered reliable.   This process required integrity, time, sound education, etc. Today, the world's languages are quickly being digitized, and in real time, languages are able to be interpreted in both languages through the power of computers. Curiously, there is the obvious play on this by the tech giant Google. The place where languages were separated was Babel –   “But the Lord came down to see the city and the tower which the sons of men had built. 6 And the Lord said, ‘Indeed the people are one and they all have one language, and this is what they begin to do; now nothing that they propose to do will be withheld from them. 7 Come, let Us go down and there confuse their language, that they may not understand one another's speech.' 8 So the Lord scattered them abroad from there over the face of all the earth, and they ceased building the city. 9 Therefore its name is called Babel, because there the Lord confused the language of all the earth; and from there the Lord scattered them abroad over the face of all the earth.” Genesis 11:5-9   In an assent to this event, the modern Google translator is called Babbel. It is as if they are attempting to undo what God had done. Obviously, God knew this would occur, but the point is that man's efforts, like at Babel, are being directed to uniting the people of the earth as if to show their primacy and ability to cast off God.   Nothing has changed. Man believes he has the ability to do anything. But there are underlying divisions in the world that would have to be dealt with. An example of this is found in Daniel 2:41-43. Such things must be dealt with, and it will lead to great slaughters of people in an attempt to harmonize the goal of world unity. The problem with that is that no two people think exactly the same. The only way to have absolute unity is to eradicate everyone else. God understands this. Hence, Jesus said –   “For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect's sake those days will be shortened.” Matthew 24:21, 22   How desperately man needs God's hand to direct him. Without that, we are all goners. Thank God for Jesus Christ, the Savior of mankind.   Gracious and glorious heavenly Father, thank You that we have a hope that extends beyond this tragic, fallen world. Because of our Lord Jesus, there is hope for humanity. Someday, we who believe the gospel will be gathered before You for all eternity. There will be no more war or conflict. Won't that day be wonderful? And so, we pray You speed the coming of it. May it be so. Amen.  

Wednesday, 22 October 2025   who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it. Matthew 13:46   “who, having found one highly valued pearl, having departed, he has sold all – as many as he had, and he purchased it” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus began the parable of the Pearl of Great Price. That continues with the words, “who, having found one highly valued pearl.”   A new word, polutimos, highly valued, is seen. It is derived from polus, much or many, and timé, a value. Thus, this signifies something of great value, a large sum of money, great honors, etc. Continuing, Jesus says, “having departed, he has sold all.”   Another new word is seen, pipraskó, to dispose of as merchandise or into slavery. One can see him taking his wares and selling them so that he has enough to make the purchase of this one pearl. He sold, “as many as he had, and he purchased it.”   The pearl merchant was willing to make this complete exchange to obtain this single pearl, knowing its value was more than what he already possessed. He saw the object, he understood its immense value, and he was willing to give up all else to obtain it.   As with the previous parable, this cannot be speaking merely of salvation during this dispensation, as pretty much every commentary states. If it is, the lesson would have to be stretched to the utmost extreme.   It is Jesus who purchased our salvation for us (1 Corinthians 6:20, 7:23, Ephesians 1:14, etc.), not the other way around. The parable follows the same pattern as noted in the previous parable –   *Another parable He near-set them, saying, “It is likened, the kingdom of the heavens, to a man having sown good seed in his field.” *Again, the kingdom of the heavens, it is like treasure having been concealed in the field, which a man, having found, he concealed... * Again, the kingdom of the heavens, it is like a man, a merchant...   Jesus is the merchant. In this case, a pearl merchant. The pearl is the effect of the gospel, meaning those who live by faith, trusting the Lord alone for their salvation. This is why Paul could say that even Abraham was included in the gospel –   “And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, ‘In you all the nations shall be blessed.' 9 So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham.” Galatians 3:8, 9   It explains why the “gospel” could be preached to Israel even before Jesus completed His work (as in Matthew 4:23, etc.). Jesus was willing to give up all He had to make this purchase –   “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.”  Philippians 2:5-8   It is through this that He made His purchase. This is just what it says, using the same Greek word, in 1 Corinthians 7:23, “You have been purchased [agorazó] at a price” (NAB).   A point about pearls should be considered. They are taken from shellfish, something deemed unclean under the Law of Moses. The point is that in a world full of unclean individuals, either for being condemned apart from the law or those who are condemned because of the law, God is looking for those of faith.   These comprise the pearl that is precious in God's eyes. It is not those who are self-boasting and proud of their deeds under the law that God is pleased with. God has set the parameters, and He has confirmed them in His use of metaphor. Be sure to be a person of faith. This is what God is most pleased with.   Life application: As with the previous parable, this analysis bucks against almost all others. The scholar John Gill (1697-1771) seems to have figured this out, but what he penned is otherwise pretty much ignored.   But it is unthinkable to equate what is offered freely to believers with what is stated here. It is Jesus who does the work. It is we who are prized above all in His eyes. For whatever unimaginable reason, the Bible reveals it is so. Even David struggled with this –   “What is man that You are mindful of him, And the son of man that You visit him?” Psalm 8:4   We cannot do a change-up switcheroo in the subject of these parables without coming to a faulty conclusion about what is being said. Jesus clearly stated in Matthew 13:37 that the Sower is the Son of Man.   Taking these two parables and changing the subject confuses the lessons. Jesus is the reason for Scripture's presentation. We are the reason Jesus came. Were it not so, He would have no need to depart heaven, giving up all. There would be no point in it.   Instead of trying to earn God's favor through the incorrectly taught explanation of these parables, stop and consider your value to God when you believe the gospel. How can it be that He would find those of faith so precious? And yet, it is so.   When you feel that you are lacking value, all you need to do is remember what Jesus Christ was willing to do to purchase you back from Satan's power. Be assured and be reassured that you, because of your faith in Him, are a part of the pearl of great price.   This perfectly describes why the gates of the New Jerusalem are pearls, as noted in Revelation 21:21. They are a reminder of this fact.   Heavenly Father, we cannot imagine what our value is in relation to what Jesus was willing to give up in order to buy us back to You. Whatever it is, may we be people of ongoing faith, accepting that You have done it and so it must be. Thank You for the care and attention that You have lavished upon us. Amen.

Tuesday, 21 October 2025   Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, Matthew 13:45   “Again, the kingdom of the heavens, it is like a man, a merchant, seeking beautiful pearls” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus gave the parable of the hidden treasure. He next turns to another parable, beginning with, “Again, the kingdom of the heavens, it is like a merchant man.”   The word emporos, merchant, is introduced. It will be seen four more times, all in Revelation 18. It is derived from en, in, and poreuomai, to traverse, go, depart, etc. This would be a wholesale merchant who moves trade. Thus, he is an “in-traveler.” In this case, he is “seeking beautiful pearls.”   Being a merchant, he would be the go-between for those in the pearl diving trade and the jewelers who set the stones. This is a person who understands the nature of pearls. There are various aspects of a pearl that increase or decrease its value.   In today's world, there are natural and cultured pearls. The natural ones are more valuable. At the time of Jesus, there were cultured pearls, but this was rare and limited to the area of China. Much later, in the late 1800s and on, they were cultured in Japan.   Natural pearls are prized for various aspects, such as size, luster, shape (perfect spheres being the most valuable), and color. Along with that, surface quality is also evaluated. Like anything that is prized among men, pearls have value based on their rarity. This traveling merchant specialized in pearls. He would have obsessed over every nuance, looking for the finest of them all.   Life application: Our search in life, if we appreciate quality, is to improve our surroundings and possess things that are different and special. It is true that many people are steeped in mediocrity, but even then, they will normally choose the better option of something if given the chance.   Looters, for example, are not the upper crust of society. They may live in rat holes and get a monthly welfare check, but when the power goes out and the getting is good, they will grab the 48” TV before a 36” TV. The fact that it has more value, either for showing off in the house or getting more when pawned to buy drugs, makes it the preferred target.   If we consider our place in this walk of life, we demonstrate wisdom if we are willing to search for that of the absolute highest value. But that will come down to what we think is of value.   Baseball fanatics may search for the rarest baseball card. Auto collectors may sell all they have to own a Stutz Bearcat. But these things, despite being rare, are just things. James speaks of priorities in his epistle –   “Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you! 2 Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. 3 Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have heaped up treasure in the last days.” James 5:1-3   Baseball cards can get stolen, lost, ruined, etc. Cars, no matter how well tended, corrode and require constant care. But they can be destroyed in a moment during an earthquake, fire, etc. In fact, nothing physical has any true lasting value. Time causes things to change, degrade, die, etc.   The wise person will look around himself at all the great things that have been created and say, “If this is so great, God who created it all must be even greater!” In understanding this and then taking it to heart, that person will begin to admire and cherish the Creator for who He is, even if that is all he knows about Him.   But what if the Creator has provided information about Himself that goes beyond the plainly evident world? And what if there are people who have come along and said things about the Creator that make a similar claim? Is there a way to know which is the true information and which is not?   This is the search of those who truly want to know. “How can I know if this information is truly from God or not?” This is a study that will lead to the most blessed joy of all when the truth is found. Why? Because the Creator is greater than everything else.   No longer will the temporary searches for beauty, uniqueness, or cash value matter. When one truly understands who God is and knows that he possesses God intimately, the things of this world no longer bear the importance we thought they did.   How can we know if the information in the Koran, the Sutri texts, or the Bible is correct? The answer is that it will match what must be true about the Creator. This is where we as humans need to use our thinking caps. But if we truly desire God, we will be willing to consider the things of God.   In the end, if you are willing to accept it, the Bible alone contains information that is truly from God. Don't trust this commentary at face value, though. Pick it up and read it! There you will find God because there you will find Jesus. And in finding Jesus, you will find what is most valuable of all.   Heavenly Father, how good You are to us. You have not only created a world filled with wonder and delight, but You have extended our grasp to interact with You, reaching into the infinite realm of Your love, goodness, and wisdom. May we be responsible with our time, seeking You all our days. It is a search that is well worth the time we spend. Amen.  

Monday, 20 October 2025   Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Matthew 13:44   “Again, the kingdom of the heavens, it is like treasure having been concealed in the field, which a man, having found, he concealed, and from the joy of it, he withdraws and all that he has he sells and he buys that field” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus finished the explanation of the parable of the darnel. He next continues, saying, “Again, the kingdom of the heavens, it is like treasure having been concealed in the field.” The parable of the darnel began in a similar manner. That was shown to be a parable not specifically intended for the church age, but for those who would or would not enter the millennial kingdom. This parable cannot be speaking of believers in the church.   There is nothing concealed about the gospel. It is something that has been, and continues to be, openly proclaimed throughout the world. Although nobody knows the gospel until it is told to them, it is a message that is proclaimed through preaching, tracts, knocking on doors, etc. Jesus continues His words, saying, “which a man, having found, he concealed.”   Ok, it's true. Too many Christians hear the gospel and never bother telling anyone else. They don't particularly care about evangelizing, handing out tracts, knocking on doors, or otherwise getting out of their safe space. They just hide it away. But that is not what one is supposed to do when hearing the gospel and accepting it.   This person found treasure in a field that doesn't belong to him. He hides it there, quite happy about his secret, “and from the joy of it, he withdraws.”   When someone receives the gospel, believing the message he heard, he is sealed with the Spirit. It is a done deal. There is no “coming back later” to secure the deal when the gospel is heard. It is ours at that moment, or whatever moment we finally decide to believe. As for the parable, Jesus next says, “and all that he has he sells and he buys that field.”   A new word is seen, agorazó, to go to market, but by implication to purchase. Unless you are dealing with false teachers bearing a false gospel, there is no purchasing the gospel. It ain't for sale. Believers do not need to wait. They do not need to sell anything. Nor do they need to buy the gospel. They only need to believe.   The parable is referring not to individuals but to Jesus. It is the same idea as that of the Parable of the Sower –   *Another parable He near-set them, saying, “It is likened, the kingdom of the heavens, to a man having sown good seed in his field.” *Again, the kingdom of the heavens, it is like treasure having been concealed in the field, which a man, having found, he concealed...   The field is the world (Matthew 13:38). Jesus is the man. The devil holds possession of the world (Matthew 4:9). Jesus was willing to forsake all, giving up everything in order to regain possession of the world.   There can be no kingdom until He accomplishes this task. But in His death, He made the purchase for all humanity possible (1 Corinthians 6:20, etc.). In His completed work, the kingdom is realized. Jesus explained this to Pilate in John 18:33-37. This is why Pilate ensured the words THE KING OF THE JEWS were inscribed on the title above Jesus' head.   Life application: It is true that this interpretation of the parable goes against the standard interpretation given throughout the church age. However, it is the only one that fits the typology of what is being conveyed.   Unfortunately, this parable has been so abused with faulty analyses over the past two thousand years that far too many people actually believe that they have to forsake everything in order to be saved. Even websites that normally provide a competent analysis of Scripture devolve into this.   They have to mix dispensations and take verses out of context in order to explain something to the church that has nothing to do with the church.   To be sure it is understood, let's review the gospel. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4 that the gospel he preached and by which, when you believe, you are saved is –   1) Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures. 2) He was buried, and 3) He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.   That is it. When you believe, you are saved. At that time, Paul says –   In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were   *Sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is *The guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession   All of this is “to the praise of His glory.”   You hear the word, you believe, you are saved, and you are sealed. That is it. Be sure to accept the wonderful gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ today!   Lord God, thank You for the saving message of Jesus. Amen.