Podcasts about Capernaum

Read OnlineIt happened that there was a man full of leprosy in one of the towns where Jesus was; and when he saw Jesus, he fell prostrate, pleaded with him, and said, “Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.” Luke 5:12What a perfect prayer! This leper, likely shunned by the townspeople, including his own family, had been reduced to a life of isolation and rejection. Some might have pitied him, but out of fear of contracting his dread disease, they kept their distance. The emotional and social isolation he endured would have been even more painful than the physical suffering caused by leprosy. This miracle takes place shortly after the people in Jesus' hometown of Nazareth rejected Him. The Nazarenes' rejection stemmed from a sense of entitlement; they saw themselves as God's chosen people and thus believed they were entitled to His grace and blessings. When Jesus confronted their false beliefs, they became hostile and even attempted to kill Him. As a result, He left Nazareth and continued His ministry in Capernaum and other towns. Jesus did not perform miracles to impress others or to win their esteem. Instead, He performed miracles for those who already exhibited deep faith. The miracles were not only intended to reveal His identity but were primarily acts of love meant to invite the faithful to believe more deeply. This leper is a perfect example of such faith. First, the man approached Jesus and “fell prostrate” before Him. In doing so, he professed his faith in Jesus as the Messiah. This act of faith was enough to open the floodgates of God's blessings. The leper believed and worshiped first, and because of this, God's grace was poured out upon him. Too often, we seek blessings first, as if we are entitled to anything from God. We might say, “Please do me this favor, Lord, and then I will believe.” But that is not how it works. Jesus is God and must be treated as such. Whether we are blessed or not, whether we suffer or not, we must worship God because He is God. This leper understood that. The leper's prayer for healing is also a model of humility and trust. He did not directly ask Jesus to heal him. Instead, he professed his faith in Jesus' ability to heal, saying, “Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.” This expression of faith unlocked the tender compassion of our Lord, who responded, “I do will it. Be made clean.” When you pray, do you tell God what He should do for you? Do you present Him with a list of your ideas and expectations? If so, try setting those aside. Begin your prayer by worshiping God simply because He is God. When it comes to your needs, place them before Him with trust, but avoid telling God what to do. God knows what is best for you. Presenting your needs to Him should not be a plea for Him to fulfill your will; rather, it should be an act of trust, believing that He will do what is best according to His will. We must desire nothing other than that.Reflect today on the example of this leper. Though the disease of leprosy is a dreadful affliction, the leper's model of prayer is truly admirable. Consider whether you follow his example. Love, worship, and profess your faith in God, and then entrust yourself to His providential care, ready to embrace His will no matter what it may be. This form of holy detachment will unleash God's mercy and provide you with what you need most—God's will. My miraculous Lord, too often I come to You with my needs, telling You what I want You to do for me. Please grant me a humble and faith-filled heart like that of the leper. May my first prayer always be one of worship. May my worship lead to trust so that Your will, not mine, may be done in my life. Jesus, I trust in You.Image:  NT140.Jesus Heals Ten Lepers by pcstratman, license CC BY-SA 2.0Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Read OnlineJesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news of him spread throughout the whole region. He taught in their synagogues and was praised by all. Luke 4:14–15This passage from Luke's Gospel takes place immediately after Jesus was baptized by John and spent forty days in the desert, enduring and overcoming the temptations of the evil one. He returned to Galilee “in the power of the Spirit.” Although Luke had not yet recorded any of Jesus' miracles, it becomes clear later in the chapter that Jesus had already performed some in Capernaum, and “news of him spread throughout the whole region.”What was it that caught the attention of so many people? In addition to the word spreading about His miracles, it's likely that the aura of sanctity He had begun to manifest also drew people in. Until that time, Jesus had lived a hidden life. Though He was perfect in every way, His divinity remained concealed within His humanity until the appointed time for His manifestation. Now that the time had come, the veil began to lift, and people started to take notice.Similarly, in our lives, there are times when God calls us to keep our faith concealed within the depths of our souls, to deepen our personal conversion. Then there are times when God lifts the veil and manifests His grace and mercy through us to others. This intentional manifestation of God's grace and glory must happen according to the power and timing of the Holy Spirit. It's not for us to decide how God wants to shine through us—it's up to Him.When you examine your life, what do you see as God's will for you right now? Perhaps your conversion is recent, and much is taking place interiorly. Maybe you are facing temptations and need to rest with our Lord in the desert, confronting and overcoming the evil one. Or perhaps this is a time when God wants to begin manifesting His holiness through you more clearly to others.Today's Gospel ends on a high note: “all spoke highly of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth.” That quickly changed, however, when our Lord chastised the people of Nazareth for being more interested in seeing a miracle than in embracing Him as the Anointed One of God, spoken of in the passage He had just read from Isaiah. Jesus' mission was to convert hearts and reveal His true identity as the Messiah. Because the people in His hometown were more interested in seeing a miracle, as if it were a magic trick, they missed the true purpose of His mission and blamed their hardness of heart on Jesus.Likewise, in our lives, when God chooses to manifest His divine grace through us, we should not expect everyone to be receptive. When we are changed by grace, that change will challenge others. Just as the people in Jesus' hometown were not ready to accept Who He was and is, we should anticipate that some might not accept that God is manifesting His grace and truth through us and reject us as those in Nazareth rejected our Lord. Reflect today on the beginning of Jesus' public ministry. As you do, consider whether God might be calling you to begin a “public ministry” of your own, in the way He wills. Be at peace with whatever reaction you receive. While some will rejoice with you, others might not. Have courage, listen to the Holy Spirit, and allow God's anointing to manifest Himself through you in any way He chooses. My divine Lord, in accord with Your Father's will, You concealed Your divinity during the first thirty years of Your earthly life. When the time was right, You began to lift the veil and reveal Your holiness and power. Please help me discern when to embrace a hidden life of prayer and conversion and when You wish to manifest Your holiness through me. Give me the courage to act always in accord with Your perfect will and perfect timing. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: James Tissot, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Today’s Topics: 1) Gospel – Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25 – When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, He withdrew to Galilee.  He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, that what had been said through Isaiah the prophet  might be fulfilled: Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen. From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.” He went around all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and illness among the people.  His fame spread to all of Syria, and they brought to Him all who were sick with various diseases and racked with pain, those who were possessed, lunatics, and paralytics, and He cured them.  And great crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, and Judea, and from beyond the Jordan followed Him. Memorial of Saint John Neumann, Bishop Saint John, pray for us!Bishop Sheen quote of the day 2, 3, 4) Terry discusses Pope Leo’s 10 New Year Resolutions for 2026

Friends of the Rosary,Today, January 5th, Day Twelve of Christmas, is in the U.S. the feast day of St. John Neumann, bishop (1811-1860) and the patron saint of Catholic Education [in the picture]. Born in Bohemia (current Czech Republic), after coming to the United States, he worked in establishing parishes and parish schools. In 1852, he was consecrated Bishop of Philadelphia and introduced the Forty Hours devotion.In today's Gospel (Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25), we see Christ Jesus in Capernaum and all of Galilee, teaching in synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel, and curing disease and illness among the people.“His fame spread to all of Syria,and they brought to him all who were sick with various diseasesand racked with pain,those who were possessed, lunatics, and paralytics,and he cured them. And great crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, and Judea,and from beyond the Jordan followed him.”And Our Lord only asked one thing: repentance from sins.“Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.”Related to this divine invitation, in the first reading, St. John tells us (John 3:22–4:6)“Beloved:We receive from him whatever we ask,because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him.And his commandment is this:we should believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ,and love one another just as he commanded us.Those who keep his commandments remain in him, and he in them,and the way we know that he remains in usis from the Spirit whom he gave us.”Ave MariaCome, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• ⁠January 5, 2026, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

Pastor Derek Walker of the Oxford Bible Church delves into the 2nd sign miracle in the Gospel of John: the healing of the nobleman's son at the point of death by His word over a distance of 25 miles (John 4:46-54). This encounter revealed the kind of faith God wants to see in us. Through this miracle, learn about the importance of faith, the power of Jesus' word, and how signs and wonders are meant to lead believers to a deeper trust in Christ. Explore how Jesus' miracles were more than just acts of healing—they were messages intended to inspire faith in His teachings.

Gospel Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25 When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee.  He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, that what had been said through Isaiah the prophet  might be fulfilled: Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen. From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.” He went around all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and illness among the people.  His fame spread to all of Syria, and they brought to him all who were sick with various diseases and racked with pain, those who were possessed, lunatics, and paralytics, and he cured them.  And great crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, and Judea, and from beyond the Jordan followed him. Reflection This entire week is focused on the coming of Jesus, the major transformation that's happening. John the Baptist is setting himself out of the picture, and into the picture comes this incredible figure of Jesus. And it's interesting that he goes to a Gentile town, not to Jerusalem. And there he starts his ministry, which is so impossible to believe that everyone he encountered, he would heal them. And it was just this beautiful image of a great light comes into the world so bright that it destroys pain and suffering and darkness and evil. It was almost too much for people to grasp, and that's exactly what happened. The beginning of his ministry was difficult because people had no idea what the kingdom of God was really about. Closing Prayer When Jesus came to initiate the kingdom of God, he changed everything. And the most important thing for us, and we pray for it always, is that we'll grasp fully what this new light and life really means. It's not just that we become the receiver of healing, but we also become the partner with God in the work of healing. And we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Follow - Pt 1 - How does a life get changed? Simon was just a fisherman in Capernaum. But when Jesus said, “Follow me,” he left it all behind. Has that happened to you yet? What might He have in mind for you, if you truly choose to leave it all and follow?

When Jesus was trying to preach in Capernaum, the crowd was so thick that so men got their paralyzed friend in front of Jesus by breaking through the roof. Jesus first forgave the man of his sins. That caused the Scribes to think Jesus was declaring He was God. He was! Then He proved it by telling the man to rise, pick up his bed and walk. The greater miracle was the forgiveness of sins. Have you experience it?

Series: N/AService: Wed Bible StudyType: SermonSpeaker: Matt LaGrone

The Eclipse Theophany: The foundational astronomical event of Christianity suppressed for millennia, now the subject of a groundbreaking academic paper. Presbyter Chat gets the first look and questions the author.The question isn't what are the implications - the question is what AREN'T the implications.Notes:The Theophanic Replacement Protocol: A Forensic Reconstruction of Divine Identity Theft, Textual Erasure, and the Formation of Nicene Christianity (DOI 10.5281/zenodo.17964659)Journal of Pre-Nicene Christian Studieshttps://journal.pre-nicene.org/Ancient Marcionite Church Publicly Proclaims Eclipse Theophanyhttps://www.prlog.org/13116512-ancient-marcionite-church-publicly-proclaims-eclipse-theophany.htmlNASA Eclipse Websitehttps://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/SEsearch/SEsearchmap.php?Ecl=00291124Marcionite Church Eclipse Theophany Pagehttps://www.marcionitechurch.org/Eclipse-Theophany.html"In the 15th year of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, Jesus descended into Capernaum, a city in galilee..." - Evangelion 1:1The Very First Biblehttps://www.theveryfirstbible.org/Learn more about Pre-Nicene Christianity: https://www.youtube.com/@prenicenetvPCRN Listen Live: https://fra-pioneer01.dedicateware.com:2135/stream

Wednesday, 10 December 2025   Then the scribes and Pharisees who were from Jerusalem came to Jesus, saying, Matthew 15:1   “Then they came to Jesus from Jerusalem, scribes and Pharisees, saying,” (CG).   In the previous verse, Chapter 14 closed by noting that the people in the area surrounding Gennesaret came to Jesus and were healed. It next says, “Then they came to Jesus from Jerusalem, the scribes and Pharisees, saying...”   Some texts leave out the word “the” before scribes and Pharisees, and the words are switched, saying “Pharisees and scribes.” The verse ending in the middle of the thought is not unprecedented, but it is unusual, as if it begs the reader to stop and consider who these men are. Charles Ellicott does a nice job of summing up Matthew's history of them thus far in the book –   “The presence of these actors on the scene is every way significant. They had been prominent in like accusations. It was by them that our Lord had been accused of blasphemy in forgiving sins (Matthew 9:3), of eating and drinking with publicans and sinners (Matthew 9:11), of disregarding fasts (Matthew 9:14), of casting out devils by Beelzebub (Matthew 12:24), of Sabbath-breaking (Matthew 12:2; Matthew 12:10). It was, we may believe, their presence in the synagogue of Capernaum which led our Lord to adopt (as in John 6:26-65) a form of teaching so unlike the usual tenor of that of His Galilean ministry. And now they return to the charge again with a new and characteristic accusation.”   As can be seen from those references, these men are legalistic, self-righteous snobs who look down on others without regard to Scripture, but according to their own standards of what should be done. Their precepts may have started with Scripture, but they go beyond what is written, setting up impossible standards for the daily conduct of most people who have lives to live.   Life application: Law is something given to control and regulate the actions of the disobedient. Paul explains this 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 Therefore, a law (whatever law is given) should be considered in how not issuing it will negatively affect the society. Despite this, the scribes and Pharisees issued religious rulings that harmed the people's ability to positively affect their society.   Thus, they hindered the people's ability to get by without changing their habits in a negative way to conform to the burdensome rules laid upon them. Jesus referred to this in Matthew 23 –   “Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to His disciples, 2 saying: ‘The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat. 3 Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do. 4 For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.'” Matthew 23:1-4   Every precept set forth by the Lord had a purpose. Sometimes it was expressly explained. Other times, the purpose can be inferred or understood apart from an explanation. But nothing was superfluous. For example –   “Speak to the children of Israel: Tell them to make tassels on the corners of their garments throughout their generations, and to put a blue thread in the tassels of the corners. 39 And you shall have the tassel, that you may look upon it and remember all the commandments of the Lord and do them, and that you may not follow the harlotry to which your own heart and your own eyes are inclined, 40 and that you may remember and do all My commandments, and be holy for your God.” Numbers 15:38-40   An explanation was provided for what might otherwise seem like a pointless law. The scribes and Pharisees had a way of inserting their own pet peeves and legalistic demands upon the people, forcing them to conform to their will, whether it made sense for society at large or not.   As you look around the world, and in particular your own city, state, county, or government, which political party is the one that imposes unnecessary, vindictive, or personally gratifying laws upon the people? When you see which it is, you know those are the enemies of a free-functioning, common-sense society. That will also be a party that works against what is godly and honoring of the Creator.   Which party is it that works to deregulate, clear the books of nonsense, and allow the people to function freely and with human dignity, while at the same time ensuring morality plays a key role in ensuring the people remain focused on what is healthy and good? These are the friends of the society at large.   Be sure to pay attention to these things. Despite any other supposedly positive benefits you will (at least in the short term) derive from the first category, you will ultimately suffer oppression and a failing society under them. Be sure to vote those scoundrels out before it is too late.   Lord God, we live in a world where we must interact with the authorities who are above us. If it is in our ability to have good and godly people above us, why would we not get engaged in the process? You have ordained that we live in this world. Therefore, You certainly expect us to participate in the world we live in. Help us to think clearly on this. Amen.

In Job 12 we have a continuation of his response to Zophar. This chapter tells us Job accepts that all that has happened to him is from the Almighty (Shaddai - a Hebrew word which expresses two different aspects of God's character - it means "the destroyers" and also, "the nourishers"). In chapter 42verses11 we are told that Job's suffering was from God. Job starts chapter 12 with supreme sarcasm, "No doubt you (my 3 friends) are the people, and wisdom will die with you" ESV verse 1; i.e. you're know-alls so why should I, Job, bother talking to you. Can't you see the wicked also prospering, he contends. In verse 10 we have another Hebrew parallelism i.e. the first expression meaningfully correlates to the second - the life of the beasts equates to the breath of humanity (Ecclesiastes 3verses19).Nahum was an Elkoshite from the southern kingdom of Judah. His name means "comfort" (a similar idea to the "parakletos" - Comforter of the New Testament). Jesus made Capernaum (city of comfort, or consolation) his base of operations in Galilee. The comfort of the prophecy of Nahum was that Judah's oppressor would be dealt with by the Almighty. The book was written between 624 AD and612 AD when Nineveh was overthrown by Babylon. As Egyptian power declined from the middle of the 7th century BC Assyria rose to prominence. Firstly, Nineveh and then Babylon assumed the dominant position in the threatening Assyrian development. Then in 612 BC Babylon conquered Nineveh and she no longer had a rival. Judah rejoiced for although the Babylonians, who God would bring against them in His chastisement, were exceedingly cruel they were more humane than their Ninevite brothers. Chapter 1 of Nahum deals with the Almighty's wrath against Nineveh. Verse 2 describes God's jealousy - Nineveh had been the nation who had brought the LORD's punishment upon God's guilty people. But the Assyrians had delighted in the cruelty meted out on Israel. Israel's Sovereign demonstrated His power over nature. When Yahweh is aroused to judge who can withstand His might. But after chastisement has been given our Potentate will compassionately pardon His people and destroy their oppressors. Chapter 2 details the destruction of Nineveh. All of Nineveh's powerful defenders and defences would be useless against the coming Babylonian onslaught. The panic within Nineveh is graphically portrayed. Colourful and emotional language describes the chaos experienced by the Ninevites. The den of the former ravening lion has itself become plundered.

Everything is possible when Jesus is in the room. But do we look at what is Holy as common, like in Nazareth, or do we honor the Lord as they did in Capernaum? A powerful message by Christopher Fränberg, Senior Pastor at SOS Church Stockholm.

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.  

Jesus began His healing with one extremely busy day. He preached, cast out a demon, healed Simon's mother-in-law, and that evening all the sick and cast demons out of all in Capernaum who came to his door. The next morning He was up before dawn to pray, and then on to other towns to preach on the coming kingdom.

Matthew 11:1 And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities.  11:2 Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples,  11:3 And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?  11:4 Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see:  11:5 The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.  11:6 And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.  11:7 And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind?  11:8 But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses.  11:9 But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet.  11:10 For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.  11:11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.  11:12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.  11:13 For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.  11:14 And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come.  11:15 He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.  11:16 But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows,  11:17 And saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented.  11:18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil.  11:19 The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.  11:20 Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not:  11:21 Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.  11:22 But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you.  11:23 And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.  11:24 But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee.  11:25 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.  11:26 Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.  11:27 All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.  11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.  11:30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Shared via Bible KJV( https://play.google.com/store/... )

Gospel Matthew 8:5-11 When Jesus entered Capernaum, a centurion approached him and appealed to him, saying, "Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, suffering dreadfully." He said to him, "I will come and cure him." The centurion said in reply, "Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed. For I too am a man subject to authority, with soldiers subject to me. And I say to one, 'Go,' and he goes; and to another, 'Come here,' and he comes; and to my slave, 'Do this,' and he does it." When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, "Amen, I say to you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith. I say to you, many will come from the east and the west, and will recline with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the banquet in the Kingdom of heaven.” Reflection What strikes me in this reading is the words. He was amazed. There's one other time in the scriptures that Jesus is amazed and it's a negative. And the other one, it is simply the fact that he looked at the neighbors and his friends that he grew up with, and when the he described who he was, they were absolutely super closed. Could not fathom it. This ordinary man could be something more than what he seems to be. In this case, it's someone has got an understanding, a clear understanding of the way the world works. The centurion was fully conscious of a system. When there is authority and when his authority over others, they tell them what to do. And they must respond. They do respond. That's the way the system works. That's always asking of those that listen to Jesus. Just understand this is how it works. God can do what he promises. Trust in him. Believe in him and it will lead to fullness, transformation, awakening. Full consciousness. Please take a moment to reflect and then I'll close with the prayer. Closing Prayer Father, it's interesting how many things and how many situations have taught us certain things. In some of the things that we've learned, we have to unlearn. We have to let go of. And so please, if there is anything it is that doesn't believe that Jesus can do what he promises. Free us from that. Free us so that we can receive and drink of his healing power. And we ask this in Jesus name. Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Jesus entered Capernaum,a centurion approached him and appealed to him, saying,"Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, suffering dreadfully."He said to him, "I will come and cure him."The centurion said in reply,"Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof;only say the word and my servant will be healed.For I too am a man subject to authority,with soldiers subject to me.And I say to one, 'Go,' and he goes;and to another, 'Come here,' and he comes;and to my slave, 'Do this,' and he does it."When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him,"Amen, I say to you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith.I say to you, many will come from the east and the west,and will recline with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacobat the banquet in the Kingdom of heaven."

In this week's message, we follow Jesus to Capernaum—the center of His ministry along the Sea of Galilee. Here, prophecy was fulfilled, disciples were called, demons fled, and lives were transformed. Pastor Jason walks through Mark 1 to show how Jesus' message (“The Kingdom of God is near”), His call (“Repent and believe”), and His invitation (“Follow Me”) still shape our lives today. Standing in the very synagogue where Jesus taught, we're reminded that His authority, His compassion, and His power are not ancient stories—they are present reality. Whether you're exploring faith or longing to grow as a disciple, this message will challenge you to leave complacency behind and rediscover the awe of following the Messiah.

From Caesarea Philippi to Capernaum, to the shores of Caesarea Maritima, our journey now leads us to the moment when Jesus enters Jerusalem as King—yet is rejected by the very people waiting for the Messiah. In today's teaching, we explore Jesus' prophetic actions, His parables, His heartfelt lament over Jerusalem, and the powerful parallels between Ezekiel's vision and the events leading up to the cross. Standing on the Mount of Olives, we're reminded of both the sorrow of rejection and the hope of His promised return. He entered once in victory, left in grief…and one day He will come again. The question we're left with is simple but weighty: When He returns, how will He find us?

As the Wonderful Counselor, Jesus provides perfect wisdom and care for all who come to him. For to us a child is born, To us a son is given; And the government shall be upon his shoulder, And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. - Isaiah 9:6 The Prophetic Context Matthew 4:12-13 Now when he heard that John [the Baptist] had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee. And leaving Nazareth he went and lived in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali.... Matthew 4:14-17 so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: "The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of Gentiles- the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned." From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." For to us a child is born, to us a son is given.... - Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder.... - Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. - Isaiah 9:6 The Preeminent Counselor 1. Jesus is all-wise.  2. Jesus is approachable.  3. Jesus is reliable. 4. Jesus is available. As the Wonderful Counselor, Jesus provides perfect wisdom and care for all who come to him. Applications: 1. Come to Jesus with all your struggles and sins. 2. Listen to Jesus through the Word of God. 3. Walk with Jesus through the Holy Spirit.

Have you ever noticed how protective we get about our spot at church? If you thought ‘yes' don't worry—I've been guilty myself. This week, Pastor Jeff gives the message as we staying in the story of the paralytic, but we're looking at a new perspective—the crowds in Capernaum. Those who showed up early, waited for Jesus, and weren't about to give up their place for anyone… even those in need.But when Jesus shows up, He doesn't address those waiting in the crowd—He uses the friends on the roof the show us what real faith and compassion look like.So here's the question we will be dealing with Sunday: are we making room for people who show up late to the party? Or are we guarding our seat? Let's unpack this together.--For the ONEWebsiteFacebookInstagramSunday SetlistConnect with us!How can we prayer for you? Let us know.

Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com    Do you remember Bob Hayes, the man who was named "World's Fastest Human"? He was a hero of 1964 Olympics, bringing home the Gold Medal in the 100 meter run, and being clocked at incredible 8.5 seconds in the final 110 yards of 400 meter relay run. After the Olympics, he became an all-pro wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys. His college coach said that if there had ever been a kid he wished was his, it was Bob Hayes. Then, in April 1979 Bob was convicted of selling narcotics to an undercover agent. He received two 5-year prison sentences. He went from the pinnacle of success to prison. Then terrible health issues due to drug abuse and the wrong lifestyle. According to Hayes, and those who cared most about him, his downfall was caused by his inability to choose the right circle.     1 Corinthians 15:33: "'Bad company corrupts good character'”. Company - not just friend, but group of friends- your circle Mark 2 2 Jesus returned to Capernaum, and a few days later the news went out that He was at home. 2 So many people gathered together that there was no longer room [for them], not even near the door; and Jesus was discussing with them the word [of God]. 3 Then they came, bringing to Him a paralyzed man, who was being carried by four men. 4 When they were unable to get to Him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above Jesus; and when they had dug out an opening, they let down the mat on which the paralyzed man was lying. 5 When Jesus saw their faith      **Thats the whole sermon right there!! Let me see your friends faith - That will tell me everything I need to know!        ITS NOT ABOUT THE CHOICES YOU MAKE… ITS ABOUT THE CIRCLE YOU MAKE!    You don't need the right friends you need the right circle. You can't choose your family - but you can choose your circle. You can't always choose your classmates, coworkers, neighbors or those who share your pew at church -  but you can always choose your *circle of influence*. AND YOU HAVE TO BE CAREFUL BECAUSE WITHOUT KNOWING…     **I was training a young man in my gym. He came in one day all concerned. He said he thinks he has a skin disease… something is really wrong with his hands. - They were callouses. But it happened so slow he did not realize it. The work of our circle is slow at first… but in time it becomes who we are. 

Matthew 8:1 When he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him. 8:2 And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. 8:3 And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. 8:4 And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them. 8:5 And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him, 8:6 And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. 8:7 And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him. 8:8 The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. 8:9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. 8:10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. 8:11 And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. 8:12 But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 8:13 And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour. 8:14 And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother laid, and sick of a fever. 8:15 And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them. 8:16 When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick: 8:17 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses. 8:18 Now when Jesus saw great multitudes about him, he gave commandment to depart unto the other side. 8:19 And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. 8:20 And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. 8:21 And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. 8:22 But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.

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.

Message: Truth from Jesus’ Visit to Capernaum Songs: Take the name of Jesus with you; He gave Her Water Host: Dennis Campbell – President/CEO – MissionGO The post Rev. George Francisco – Truth from Jesus’ Visit to Capernaum appeared first on MGO Radio/Canada's National Bible Hour.

#190 - What if you could trade flat maps and footnotes for sunrise on Sinai and sea spray in your face as you approach a harbor Paul once saw? That's the world filmmaker Craig Dehut invites us into—where sacred places become cinematic classrooms and faith is strengthened by seeing.Craig shares how Appian Media grew from a coffee-shop idea to a nonprofit producing free, high-quality Bible documentaries viewed more than 20 million times in over 160 countries. We dig into the nuts and bolts: small teams hauling Sony rigs, drones, and audio kits through Israel, Egypt, Turkey, and Greece; the scramble for permits that can change by sunset; and the art of capturing clean, honest moments among crowds at sites like the Church of the Nativity. Craig explains why their films lean into archaeology, geography, and culture—so viewers can picture Capernaum's streets, feel the Valley of Elah's creek bed, and re-read Scripture with sharper eyes.Beyond craft, we talk impact. Homeschool families use the series as living curriculum. Skeptics come for history and stay for the evidence. Teachers cue clips, kids ask to binge-read First Samuel, and lifelong believers say they finally “saw” Jerusalem. Craig opens up about the editing grind, the joy and exhaustion of 16-hour field days, and a bold ten-year plan to build a Genesis-to-Revelation visual journey. The goal is simple and ambitious: help people read better by helping them see better—turning the lands of the Bible into accessible, vivid learning for everyone.Watch the documentaries on YouTube, explore resources at AppianMedia.org, and if the mission resonates, consider supporting monthly to fuel future trips and post-production. If this conversation moves you, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review—what place from Scripture do you most want to see brought to life?Want to be a guest on Journey with Jake? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/journeywithjake Give me a follow on Instagram @journeywithjakepodcastVisit LandPirate.com to get your gear that has you, the adventurer, in mind. Use the code "Journey with Jake" to get an additional 15% off at check out. Visit geneticinsights.co and use the code "DISCOVER25" to enjoy a sweet 25% off your first purchase.

A paralyzed man hears that Jesus is in nearby Capernaum, and he knows exactly how he is going to get into Jesus' presence! Based on Mark 2:1-12. Show notes have been posted at retellingthebible.wordpress.com. Media in this Episode The following music was used for this media project: "AhDah" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Music: Rooftop Solitude, produced by Sascha Ende Link: https://ende.app/en/song/11994-rooftop-solitude http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Support Retelling the Bible If you would like to support the work that I do creating these stories, go to patreon.com/retellingthebible and choose a level of support! Contact me on Bluesky Facebook Reddit

Join Pastor Andy Comer in this exciting episode of Growing Forward, as he draws from his recent trip to Israel and takes us to Magdala, Capernaum, and the Mount of Olives to illustrate what it means to “go fishing” and thus, fulfill The Great Commission.The way Jesus outlines discipleship for His first followers and now for us is a three-part process: catching people for Christ, cleaning (equipping) them, and sending them out on mission. Sharing our faith with others is about so much more than just making converts; it's about growing God's Kingdom.This episode features a myriad of captivating photos that Andy took himself during his trip to Israel—we recommend watching along on YouTube so you don't miss them!

Episode NotesEpisode 96: Matthew 8-9 - Reporting Safe From a Cross-Reference TornadoNovember 11, 2025 - Host: Dr. Gregory HallIn this episode we'll be introducing you to the idea of a cross-reference tornado. That's the term I've given to those Bible stories that send you spinning through several other passages in rapid succession. It's a cross-reference tornado… and so hold on to Toto… cause were not in Kansas anymore. Resources Referenced and/or Read:Morris, L. (1992). The Gospel according to Matthew. W.B. Eerdmans; Inter-Varsity Press. - "By casting out demons outside Israel, Jesus shows that his authority is not limited by geography, ethnicity, or ritual purity. Evil spirits recognize and submit to him even in foreign soil — implying that God's reign is breaking into all creation, not just within the covenant land.This anticipates the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18–20), where the resurrected Christ claims, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” and sends his disciples “to all nations.” The Gerasene exorcism is an early foreshadowing of that global mission." Lindsey, R. (2009) 2nd ed. Jesus, Rabbi and Lord: A Lifetime's Search for the Meaning of Jesus' Words. Jerusalem Perspective, LLC.— specifically in chapter 13  titled “Healing Everywhere.” Available at www.JerusalemPerspective.comDr. Halvor Ronning discussed Dr. Robert Lindsey's work  on my first trip to Israel in 2007. We were in the synagogue in Capernaum. Dr. Robert L. Lindsey treats Matthew 9:2 in his bookRead... but not used in this episode: Ingolfsland, D. (2004). Review of Christianity in the Making, vol. 1: Jesus Remembered by James D. G. Dunn. Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society, 47(4), 715. "… in his discussion of a passage in which Jesus heals a paralyzed man and announces that the man's sins are forgiven (Mark 2, Matthew 9, Luke 5), Dunn argues that the passive form of the verb (ἀψἰδνται) shows that Jesus was not usurping a prerogative that belonged only to God, but was simply announcing forgiveness the way a modern priest would declare a penitent sinner forgiven. According to Dunn, the subsequent protest by the religious leadership occurred simply because Jesus exceeded his authority by pronouncing forgiveness outside of the Temple cult."Show Music:Intro/Outro - "Growth" by Armani Delos SantosTransition Music - produced by Jacob A. HallPodcast Website:The All-America Listener Challenge Updates: https://rethinkingscripture.comMy New Podcast Studio... The Upper Room: https://rethinkingscripture.com/podcast-episodes/More information about The Homes and Help Initiative: https://rethinkingscripture.com/homes-help-initiative/Sister site: RethinkingRest.comRethinking Rest... the Book is now available. The Rethinking Rest audiobook is available only on Audible: More information: https://rethinkingrest.com/the-book/Social Media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RethinkingScripture Twitter: @RethinkingStuffInstagram: Rethinking_ScriptureYouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6YCLg2UldJiA0dsg0KkvLAPowered and distributed by Simplecast.

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What do you do when you've prayed… and nothing's changed? When heaven feels silent, the pain is real, and all you have left is a word from Jesus?In John 4, a royal official with power, money, and influence faces the one thing he can't control, his dying child. Desperation drives him 20 miles uphill to find Jesus. And in one sentence, “Go; your son lives,” Jesus teaches him, and us, what faith really looks like when you're standing between pain and promise.This is the story of the Holy Gap: the sacred space between what God said and what you see. It's where faith must walk before it ever sees. It's where obedience becomes your worship, and waiting becomes your witness.In this teaching, you'll discover:How pain becomes the doorway that brings you to Jesus.Why faith matures in the hallway between the Word and the wonder.What it means to believe before you see, and how obedience activates the unseen miracle.The difference between crisis faith, confident faith, and contagious faith.How to walk through your own “Cana to Capernaum”, trusting the Word while waiting for the breakthrough.Faith isn't pretending the pain doesn't hurt, it's trusting that His Word still holds. Because when Jesus speaks, the miracle is already in motion.Come learn how to walk, worship, and wait well in the Holy Gap, between “Go” and “It is done.”

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Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com    Matthew 17:27   Payment of the Temple Tax 24 On their arrival in Capernaum, the collectors of the Temple tax came to Peter and asked him, “Doesn't your teacher pay the Temple tax?” 25 “Yes, he does,” Peter replied. Then he went into the house. But before he had a chance to speak, Jesus asked him, “What do you think, Peter? Do kings tax their own people or the people they have conquered?” 26 “They tax the people they have conquered,” Peter replied. “Well, then,” Jesus said, “the citizens are free! 27 However, we don't want to offend them, so go down to the lake and throw in a line. Open the mouth of the first fish you catch, and you will find a large silver coin. Take it and pay the tax for both of us.”   The little things:   But Jesus said ONE FISH is all you need!  …one crumb is all you need. Matthew 15:21 2 Kings 4 “a little oil” A few fish A couple pieces of bread Jn. 6:9   A mustard seed Mtt. 17:20    The widows mite She gave out of total obedience and complete trust Small things done in total obedience and trust ARE GREAT THINGS IN THE EYES OF GOD.   Its the little things - like the rock in your shoe!    Hebrews 12:15 Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.     **Don't miss the underlying application… Roots start with a seed. A small thing.    The fruit in your life is bitterness… your family is raised on bitterness.    We must be aware of the small things in life.    We tend to look for the meaning in life in the  - - - -    - Grand Gestures   - The Massive achievements -  The Headline Moments -    - Accomplishments due to great personal sacrifice      THERE IS AN AURORA AROUND PEOPLE WHO HAVE LEARNED TO LIVE IN BIG OBEDIENCE!  BUT HOW DID THEY LEARN IT?      Question? Can you give .10 out of a dollar? Can you give $100,000.00 out of a million?    IM NOT TALKING ABOUT MONEY OR PROSPERITY!   Does God want you prosperous? -… I have a problem with that prosperity gospel.    Ok, does God want you generous?  How you gonna be generous with what you don't have?   GOD WANTS YOU OBEDIENT GOD WANTS YOU GENEROUS GOD WANTS YOU! 

Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com    Matthew 17:27   Payment of the Temple Tax 24 On their arrival in Capernaum, the collectors of the Temple tax came to Peter and asked him, “Doesn't your teacher pay the Temple tax?” 25 “Yes, he does,” Peter replied. Then he went into the house. But before he had a chance to speak, Jesus asked him, “What do you think, Peter? Do kings tax their own people or the people they have conquered?” 26 “They tax the people they have conquered,” Peter replied. “Well, then,” Jesus said, “the citizens are free! 27 However, we don't want to offend them, so go down to the lake and throw in a line. Open the mouth of the first fish you catch, and you will find a large silver coin. Take it and pay the tax for both of us.”       Two other thoughts God takes Peters natural gifting, work and talent and does what he Can't do with them.    Jesus was with Peter and fishing and when Jesus had him fish Peter would catch a lot of fish… but not this time. Jesus says… the first fish you catch - look in its mouth. See if you fish you know that sometimes they are hitting in certain areas of the lake… when you find that spot - its lights out. But if they are not hitting there you move. If Peter was operating in the natural he would have cast his net… caught one fish and thought… nope, not here and moved on. God supplied it, but Peter still had to fish! He still had to do the work! He still had to obey.      Willy and the deck piece that he retired on.      JN. 2 - Christ first miracle.   Wine without planting, seasons, watering, weeding, fertilizing, getting the people to do the work, picking, stomping, bottling, aging and finally pouring…. He skips it all and goes straight to the blessing/answer.    One small act of obedience - Fill the pots with water… And he skips steps 1-20

7:1 Now when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum. 7:2 And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die. 7:3 And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant. 7:4 And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this: 7:5 For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue. 7:6 Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof: 7:7 Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed. 7:8 For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. 7:9 When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. 7:10 And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick. 7:11 And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people. 7:12 Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her. 7:13 And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not. 7:14 And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise. 7:15 And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother. 7:16 And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people. 7:17 And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judaea, and throughout all the region round about.

Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com    Matthew 17:27   Payment of the Temple Tax 24 On their arrival in Capernaum, the collectors of the Temple tax came to Peter and asked him, “Doesn't your teacher pay the Temple tax?” 25 “Yes, he does,” Peter replied. Then he went into the house. But before he had a chance to speak, Jesus asked him, “What do you think, Peter? Do kings tax their own people or the people they have conquered?” 26 “They tax the people they have conquered,” Peter replied. “Well, then,” Jesus said, “the citizens are free! 27 However, we don't want to offend them, so go down to the lake and throw in a line. Open the mouth of the first fish you catch, and you will find a large silver coin. Take it and pay the tax for both of us.”   Couldn't pay my taxes my first year at my Fathers church… walked in to his office - what am I going to do? I owe $4000. The phone rang… are you still wanting to sell your boat? I will give you 4k for it.      Tax collectors are trying to catch Jesus… How much money did you give for the new sign??? I thought you loved your church and God????     JESUS HAD THE -  Freedom to not pay taxes… but wisdom to pay taxes.  Freedom without wisdom is a stumbling block to others. Any virtue in and of itself is an evil. Aristotle    On this occasion Jesus chooses to not offend… but later he will flip tables in the temple.    There is an intimacy that one requires in order to know which one you choose? LESSON: I no longer question someones motives or actions if I know they are intimate with God.      Graceful compromise… Early on in our Marriage going to her relatives dinner… THE RIDE HOME. Why did you not say anything???   Invited to your spouses family dinner. They are all raving lunatics that hate religion, faith, Trump, puppies and chocolate… You don't need to go, but you gracefully compromise so that you might have a chance to love on them… and not give them a reason to be offended.      You are dining out and trying your best to share Christ with your server… but they are subpar at best… but you tip them generously anyway because you don't want to give them a reason to be further offended at the gospel or Christians.     Someone blows up at you at work… they tell human services you get pulled in and reprimanded. You just take it, smile and ask for forgiveness… because you know righteousness is more important than you being right.  This isn't weakness - its meekness. I could, but I won't!  WE SOMETIMES PROVOKE NEEDLESS OPPOSITION TRYING TO HARD TO BE RIGHT - RATHER THAN LOVING!      When we are right morally we may in fact be wrong spiritually… We can focus on Non essentials, Captious, making mountains out of mole hills.  We attack abortion and not share Christ Love We attack Socialism and not share Christ Love We attack Transgenderism and not share Christ love  We attack their music, clothes, Political stance, their theological stance, even their religion and choices…

A Sermon for the Nineteenth Sunday after Trinity St. Matthew 9:1-8 by William Klock In our Gospel St. Matthew writes that “Jesus got into the boat and crossed back over to his own town.”  Back to Capernaum.  From the far side of the Sea of Galilee.  From that place where he'd been confronted by a man filled with demons and cast those demons into a herd of pigs.  You know the story.  The demon-possessed pigs promptly stampeded into the sea and drowned themselves.  And that left the pig farmer and the local townspeople none too pleased with Jesus.  They pleaded with him to leave.  So he and the disciples got back into their boat and sailed across the Sea of Galilee.  And now he's back home in Capernaum.  Matthew's version of this story is the shortest on details.  Mark's version implies that Jesus was tired.  He went home to get a break from the crowds and it took a few days before anyone realised that he was home.  But when they figured it out, the crowds were back.  Before he knew it, they'd let themselves into his house and he was preaching.  It was mostly just ordinary people, but there were some scribes and Pharisees there in that packed and crowded room.  They had to keep an eye—or an ear—on Jesus. And that crowd posed a problem to four friends.  They had a fifth friend who was paralysed.  When they heard Jesus was back in town, these four men went and got their friend and carried him, cot and all, to Jesus' house.  Jesus was healing everybody else.  Surely he would heal their friend.  If they could get to him.  And they couldn't.  I can imagine them trying.  Asking politely if people might get out of the way.  Looking to see if maybe they could squeeze through a back door or a window, then going back and trying to push some people aside to get to the front door—all to no avail.  There was no way they'd ever get their friend into that house.  And that's when they had an idea.  The roof!  In those days, in that place, roofs were flat—they served as extra living space when it was hot and you needed to get out into a cooling breeze—but more importantly, roofs were made of rush and palms plastered between beams.  So these men take their friend to the roof and they start jabbing at the roof with sticks and kicking at it with their heels and pulling it apart with their hands, until they'd made a hole big enough to lower their friend down to Jesus. Now imagine Jesus, in the house, preaching to the crowd while that was going on upstairs.  Loud scratching and thumping.  And pretty soon bits of plaster and rush start falling.  Before too long there's a hole in the roof and everyone sees these guys looking down—probably a little sheepishly.  I wonder what went through Jesus' mind.  He was tired.  His rest had been cut short.  The crowd was one thing, but he really didn't need some yahoos tearing up his roof.  “Great!  There goes the damage deposit,” he's thinking to himself.  But pretty quickly, as they lowered their friend to him, he saw what was going on.  And I think Jesus smiled. Why?  Because Matthew writes that Jesus saw their faith and if Jesus was anything like me and most of the other pastors I know, the exhaustion, the frustration of not having a break, the annoyance at having these guys destroy his roof, I think it all would have melted away, because seeing the faith of these men made it all worth it.  And looking down at the paralyzed man, Jesus says to him, “Have courage!”  Take heart!  In other words, “Don't be afraid.”  Because I imagine some people might be afraid if their friends just tore a hole in the Messiah's roof to get them inside.  Because even if Jesus was smiling, the people around him were looking shocked and outraged and angry.  “How dare you dig a hole in the Messiah's roof!”  And so Jesus looks at him and says, “Your sins are forgiven!” Now, that's not what we might expect Jesus to say to this man.  Judging by Jesus' other encounters, we'd expect him to say something like, “Get up and walk; your faith has made you well.”  But instead, he tells the paralysed man that his sins are forgiven.  That's nice, but he's still lying there paralysed on his cot.  So why would Jesus say, “Your sins are forgiven”?  Brothers and Sisters, Jesus found a teaching moment in everything.  He'd healed people more times than anyone could count at that point, and that was a sign that the Messiah had come and that God's kingdom was breaking into the world.  But what did that really mean?  Well, remember that everyone had their own ideas about the Messiah and about the kingdom—and, most important, how they could have a share in it.  The people needed more than just to see miracles.  They needed to know more than that the Messiah had come; they desperately needed to know what the Messiah had come to do.  Jesus saw that group of scribes there in his house that day and saw a perfect opportunity.  Maybe they were legitimately curious to hear what Jesus had to say or maybe they were there just to criticise or report back to the priests or the Pharisees, but, right on cue, they hear Jesus' words—“Your sins are forgiven”—and he can see their outrage.  He could see how they scowled as they grumbled to each other about how blasphemous this was.  “Who can forgive sins except God?” they howled in Mark's telling of the story. Just as Jesus could see the faith of the paralysed man's friends as they lowered him through the hole in his roof, he could see the opposite in the grumbling scribes.  And so he asks them, “Why are your hearts so intent on evil?”  Of course, that just made them angrier.  “We're not the evil ones!” they say back.  “You are…you…you…you blasphemer!”  But Jesus goes on with the teaching moment and says to them, “Which is easier to say, “Your sins are forgiven,” or to say, “Get up and walk?”  But so that you may know that the son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—and now he turns back to the paralysed man—“Get up, take up your cot, and go home.” And the paralysed man got up, took up his cot, and went home.  I think there was probably a little more to it than that.  He probably stretched a bit and moved his arms and legs around and maybe jumped up and down a few times.  I think he probably laughed and yelled and gave a hug and many thanks to Jesus, but Matthew doesn't get bogged down in those sorts of details, because his point is—as usual—that when Jesus healed the man, he was healed.  There was no struggle or delay.  This was the same word God spoke in the beginning when he said, “Let there be light!” and there was light.  When Jesus told the man to get up, to take his cot, and to go home, that's exactly what the man did.  In Jesus, God's new creation had come.  And if that's all that had happened, the scribes would have had nothing to complain about. What really stuck in their craw was Jesus declaring the man's sins forgiven.  That made them mad.  Even for the Messiah, as far as they were concerned, that was too big a claim.  To heal the paralysed man?  That was good.  But if he had sins to forgive, his friends should have taken him to the temple in Jerusalem for that.  The priests there were the only ones with the authority to offer sacrifices for sin and to declare someone reconciled to God.  But the crowd understood and Matthew makes a point of saying that the crowd was afraid—afraid in the sense that they were awestruck by what had happened and knew that somehow and in some way the God of Israel was at work in and through Jesus—as if they'd just witnesses one of those great and awe-inspiring events from the Old Testament that no one in Israel had seen in a thousand years.  Matthew says they saw what had happened and that they praised God for giving such authority to men. The story is sort of the whole gospel story in a nutshell.  Jesus teaches and he heals—he does the things the Messiah was supposed to be doing.  He even foreshadows the resurrection when he tells the man to “get up”—or better to “Rise up!”  That's resurrection language.  This is what Jesus promises for everyone who trusts in him: He forgives our sins, he raises us to new life, and he invites us home—to live as his new creation in the presence of God.  But as far as the scribes and Pharisees were concerned, Jesus did all this the wrong way and that made it blasphemy. But Jesus wasn't worried about that.  You know when you're accused of something bad by someone and you just want to say, “Man, look in the mirror!”  Or that old thing your parents used to tell you when someone insulted you, “Consider the source.”  Or that line from a certain cartoon character, “Your boos mean nothing to me; I've seen what makes you cheer.”  Jesus flips around the accusation.  He exposes the wickedness in the hearts of those scribes and he does it for everyone to see.  He discredits them and their accusations.  He leaves them fuming.  You can imagine their red faces and how their mouths are moving, but they can't say anything.  And Jesus is left standing there full of authority and life and power. I wonder if this teachable moment popped into Jesus' head as the plaster rained down on him and the man was lowered through the hole.  The paralytic probably had an apologetic look on his face—like, “I'm really sorry, Jesus, for the hole in your roof.  Please forgive me and my friends.”  And Jesus realised that this was the perfect moment to say something about forgiveness—because this man and his friends and, in fact, all of Israel, that's what they really needed: forgiveness, not for making a hole in his roof, but for far more serious sins—for idolatry and for greed and for faithlessness and for all the ways they'd failed to live out their covenant with the Lord.  Israel needed a lot of things—just like the paralysed man did—but most of all she needed forgiveness.  In that, the paralysed man represents Israel and all her wrong expectations of the Messiah.  The Jews wanted the Messiah to solve all their problems.  For some that was healing sickness, for others it was casting out demons, for some it was getting everybody to keep the law better, and for others it was bashing Roman heads and destroying the pagan gentiles.  But not very many people understood that none of these things was the real problem.  The real problem was sin.  Sin is why the world is in the mess it's in.  Sin was why Israel was estranged from God.  The people had been unfaithful to the Lord.  He'd called them to be light in the darkness, but they'd hid their light under a basket.  More than anything else, they needed forgiveness, because forgiveness is the start; it's what paves the way for everything else to be set to rights.  Forgiveness is the way to new creation. I think that's the part of the story that gets most of our attention.  But notice that what Matthew puts at the heart of this story isn't the healing or the announcement of forgiveness.  The heart of the story is Jesus statement that the son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins and then the response of the people.  We miss this because we're not thinking like First Century Jews.  When Jesus calls himself the “son of man”, he's drawing on an image from Daniel 7.  The book of Daniel is about faithfulness in the midst of exile.  Israel had been defeated and the people taken off to Babylon. Worse, some like Daniel, were pressured to compromise, to bow to a pagan king and to pagan gods—to give up on the God of Israel and to give up on his promises.  And some did just that.  But Daniel stood firm and the Lord gave him a vision of those pagan kings cast down, of the God of Israel taking his throne, and the son of man “coming with the clouds of heaven…to be given dominion and glory and kingship, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him” (Daniel 7:13-14).  And yet, when Daniel asks what the vision means, he is told that this kingship and dominion “shall be given”—not to a single person, but “to the people, the holy ones of the Most High; their kingdom shall be an everlasting kingdom and all dominions shall serve and obey them” (Daniel 7:27). The son of man in Daniel's vision was a symbol for the faithful remnant of God's people—for those who stood firm in their faith in the God of Israel, who remembered his covenant, and who refused to bow to pagan gods and kings.  So when Jesus referred to himself as the son of man, this is what the scribes (and everyone else) would have been thinking of.  And this is why Matthew says at the end that the people praised God that this authority has been given not to a man—Jesus—but to men, plural.  Because up to this point, Daniel's vision had yet to be fulfilled.  The Maccabees, for example, had claimed to be that faithful remnant, but their kingdom didn't last.  The people who were that faithful remnant—people like Zechariah and Elizabeth and Mary and Joseph and Simeon and Anna, although they were probably too humble to actually claim being the faithful remnant—people like them knew all too well that the Lord had yet to grant them anything like authority and dominion.  That's what Mary's song, the one we call the Magnificat, is all about.  But here Jesus identifies himself with that vision.  In him the son of man is finally being granted that authority and dominion—that kingship that everyone thought of in connection with God's kingdom and the world finally being set to rights—and Jesus isn't just saying it or claiming it.  He proves it when he tells the paralysed man to get up, take his bed, and go home.  For the people there that day, this was bigger than just the Messiah.  Jesus could claim to be the “son of man”, but the son of man wasn't just one person, the son of man represented the whole faithful remnant in Israel.  We need to grasp the enormous hope embodied in those words of Jesus about the son of man.  It's not just Jesus who will take his throne.  He will.  But that he will take his throne also means that all the faithful will be vindicated as their enemies are cast down, and that they will finally share in that God-given authority and dominion.  So the people in crowded in Jesus' house that day recognised that in Jesus the Messiah, God's kingdom had finally come and that they would be part of it—not just as subject, but as kings and queens themselves.  Or to borrow from C. S. Lewis, the day was coming when these sons of Adam and daughters of Eve would once again take their rightful place in creation set to rights. This makes sense of another passage that often confuses people.  Twice Jesus said to his disciples “whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven”.  The first is in Matthew 16, after Jesus praises Peter for his confession, “You are the Messiah, the son of the living God”.  Jesus says to him and the others, “I will give you the keys of heaven”.  And in Matthew 18, in that passage about what we call “church discipline” and dealing with an unrepentant person, he repeats this statement about binding and loosing.  This is all “son of man” stuff.  Jesus isn't giving special authority to Peter alone because he's going to be the first pope.  In fact, he's not giving any special authority just to the apostles.  No, this is a gospel authority given to all of the faithful remnant, to everyone who by faith identifies with the Messiah.  This is a people who are not only given dominion or kingship—to rule alongside the Messiah—but who also share in his role as prophet and priest.  That's what this binding and loosing language is about.  As prophets, Jesus' people were to speak out against the sins of Israel and to rebuke her faithlessness, and as priests they were called to mediate the saving, the forgiving message of the gospel to the nation—and eventually to the whole world. This was good news and it explains why the crowds wouldn't give Jesus a break.  Israel's scriptures were full of promises, but so many of them had yet to be fulfilled.  Promises like Daniel's vision of the son of man.  Promises of forgiveness and of restoration and of dominion and authority.  Time and again, things would happen and people would think, “Oh!  This is it!”  But it never quite happened.  The remnant returned from their Babylonian exile, but things were never as they had been.  The Maccabees defeated the Greeks and established Judah's independence.  And for a little while it looked like the Lord's promises were on track to be fulfilled.  And then it all fell apart.  But the people knew that the Lord is faithful.  Time and again he had shown his faithfulness in Israel's past and they knew he would be faithful in their future.  Every year they ate the Passover and remembered the Lord's promises and looked forward in hopeful anticipation.  And now, here was Jesus, and he was actually doing the things the Lord had promised and he was doing them like no one had before.  They had faith.  They would be forgiven, their enemies would be cast down, and the faithful remnant—who were now gathering around Jesus the Messiah—in them the people of God would be restored and made new and would be the people the Lord had promised—a people full of his life and a people for the life of the world—prophets, priests, and kings.  The sons of Adam and the daughters of Eve would be forgiven their sins and would take their thrones and all would once again be right with the world.  This was good news! And Brothers and Sisters, this is still good news for us—maybe even more than it was for the people crammed in Jesus house that day.  In Jesus we see the faithfulness of God.  They were still looking forward in anticipation, but we can look back and see the whole picture and how Jesus fulfilled the Lord's promises and that ought to strengthen our faith and ought to give us reason to look forward to our future in hope, knowing that what God has begun in Jesus he will surely finish.  The world is often dark, we can feel small and alone, sometimes it feels like we're fighting a losing battle, but we can look back and see what the Lord has done and trust that he is faithful.  He always has been and he always will be. And this is good news because it tells us who we are.  I think that too often we look at passages like this, where Jesus talks about himself as the son of man and we forget that it's not just telling us something about Jesus.  The son of man represents a whole people.  Because Jesus has fulfilled the role of the son of man, that means that we his people, through our union with him, we have been caught up in that son of man identity, too.  Jesus has been given power and authority and dominion forever, and you and I share that with him.  It's authority to live and to proclaim the good news that he has died, that he has risen, and that he has come again and that he brings forgiveness and life.  And it's also the authority to speak as prophets to the world, to call out sin, to remind the world that the Lord will come in judgement to cleanse his creation, and to call men and women to repentance.  And hand in hand with that role, we have the authority of priests.  We're not only prophets, but priests, mediating the good news of Jesus and the life of God's spirit—mediating the redemption Jesus has made at the cross—to a sick world, desperately in need of forgiveness and life. Brothers and Sisters, think about that as you come to the Lord's Table this morning.  The bread and the wine reminds us of the forgiveness and the life and the hope we find at the cross, but they should also remind us who we are in Jesus.  We are Daniel's son-of-man people.  We are prophets, priests, and kings and we have been made so for the life of the world.  Seeing the faithfulness of God revealed in Jesus ought to move us—like the people that day in Jesus' house—to give God glory and there is no better way to glorify him than to be the people he has made us in Jesus and the Spirit, a people who live and proclaim his good news so that the world might see and know his faithfulness and give him glory. Let's pray: O God, because without you we are not able to please you, mercifully grant that your Holy Spirit may in all things direct and rule our hearts, that in his power we might be the gospel people who have made, that we might be faithful in making known your faithfulness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen.

Life often pushes us to our lowest points, leaving us feeling broken and wondering if recovery is possible. The story of a paralyzed man in Capernaum illustrates this struggle - confined to a mat, isolated and hopeless. However, four faithful friends refused to give up on him, carrying him through crowds and obstacles to bring him to Jesus. When they lowered him through the roof, Jesus first addressed his spiritual needs by forgiving his sins, then commanded him to rise and walk. The man who once lay helplessly on his mat now carried it as a testimony to God's healing power. This story reminds us that God provides people to help carry our burdens when we cannot bear them alone, and calls us to be mat-carriers for others in their darkest moments. Follow and subscribe to stay updated with our latest content: Youtube  | Facebook | Instagram | Central Wired Website

Today on Like It Matters Radio we are asking the question, “Who are my people?”. It was Dr. Martin Luther King who lived and died for the Dream; “I have a dream! That one day my 4 little children will live in a nation where they are not judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character. I have a dream today!” On April 4, 1968, as he stood on the second-floor balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee, he was assassinated! Well less than 60 years from his death, we have assassinated his dream as well. Today we seem to be all wrapped up in color again. Racism is openly government sponsored today. All that matters is one’s skin color to determine how justice is meaded out, who gets free money, good schools and sympathy and empathy. All we did was switch colors. White used to be good, and Black was not good. Nowadays, Black is the color of a victim and white is the color of a persecutor. The only thing that has changed is the preferred color. For those who don’t ‘group’ identify, this show is for you. Who are your people? If you are not wrapped up in skin color and which bathroom someone uses, then how do you identify “your people”? Jesus addressed this in a home in Capernaum, when he said, “Who is my Mother, and who is my brother, but he or she who does the will of my Father, that is my mother and that is my brother. Today on this hour of power Mr. Black will be joined by Joel Hillary. Joel has a podcast called, “The Jesus Magnet”. Joel is a follower of the risen King, he is a New Zealander who lives and missions in Thailand- Joel is my people. Listeners will be moved as he shares the stories and the power of the people he interviews and share incredible stories. Inspiration, Education and Application- that is what is on the menu for our People, those who want to be more and use Like It Matters Radio as a source of growth and encouragement! Be sure to Like and Follow us on our facebook page!www.facebook.com/limradio Instagram @likeitmattersradioTwitter @likeitmatters Get daily inspiration from our blog www.wayofwarrior.blog Learn about our non profit work at www.givelikeitmatters.com Check out our training website www.LikeItMatters.Net Always available online at www.likeitmattersradio.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

FROM TODAY'S RECAP: - James 1:13 - Isaiah 61:1-2 - 1 Kings 17:7-16 - 2 Kings 5 - Article: How Does Jesus' Temptation Link Him to Israel? - Article: The House of Peter: The Home of Jesus in Capernaum? - Article: Who Was Matthew in the Bible? - TBR Bibles Note: We provide links to specific resources; this is not an endorsement of the entire website, author, organization, etc. Their views may not represent our own. SHOW NOTES: - Follow The Bible Recap: Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | YouTube - Follow Tara-Leigh Cobble: Instagram - Read/listen on the Bible App or Dwell App - Learn more at our Start Page - Become a RECAPtain - Shop the TBR Store - Credits PARTNER MINISTRIES: D-Group International Israelux The God Shot TLC Writing & Speaking DISCLAIMER: The Bible Recap, Tara-Leigh Cobble, and affiliates are not a church, pastor, spiritual authority, or counseling service. Listeners and viewers consume this content on a voluntary basis and assume all responsibility for the resulting consequences and impact.

Jesus offers a stern warning to the villages of Capernaum, Bethsaida, and Chorazin, reminding us that there are real consequences for the choices of our lives. (Lectionary #459) October 3, 2025 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com  

Today's Topics: 1, 2, 3, 4) Joshua Charles joins Terry for Friday with the Fathers: Saint Irenaeus Gospel - Luke 10:13-16 - Jesus said to them, "Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would long ago have repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. But it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you. And as for you, Capernaum, 'Will you be exalted to heaven? You will go down to the netherworld.' Whoever listens to you listens to Me. Whoever rejects you rejects Me. And whoever rejects Me rejects the One Who sent Me." Bishop Sheen quote of the day

Gospel Luke 10:13-16 Jesus said to them, "Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would long ago have repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. But it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you. And as for you, Capernaum, 'Will you be exalted to heaven? You will go down to the netherworld.' Whoever listens to you listens to me. Whoever rejects you rejects me. And whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me.” Reflection To watch Jesus perform miracles was thought, in most people's minds, as the major way in which Jesus changed people's lives and drew them into his teaching. But the fact is that many people witness these miracles and never, ever believed in Jesus because they didn't listen to his message. It wasn't the power he had to heal, it was his message that they had to embrace. And if one focused only on one, the other just seemed to melt away. Jesus even had a hard time going to certain places because they were there only for a miracle. And Jesus longed for his message to take root in our hearts. Closing Prayer Father, we humans have a problem with power. If you give us a great gift that everybody recognizes and we feel empowered by that, our ego just goes crazy. We end up getting caught up in something that's about our self-importance. Bless us with a consistent focus on your message. Yes, we have power to help and to heal people, but the real issue is whether we are understanding the role that you have created for us. Giving us the wisdom we have to reach whatever level you wish, and not to let our ego start running the show. And we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Bible Story, we learn about Jesus' provision over Peter's taxes. Jesus also gives a stiff warning to those who would threaten the innocence of a child. This story is inspired by Matthew 17:24-27; Mark 9:33-41 & Luke 9:49-50; 17:1-2. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.Today's Bible verse is Matthew 17:27 from the King James Version.Episode 198: It was tax season in Capernaum and Peter had no money to spare. Yet Jesus was not caught off guard. He cared for Peter and his family and told him where to go and what to do to find the money needed. The next evening around dinner Jesus called on His disciples asking them what they were arguing about earlier that day. Embarrassed, they sheepishly remained silent. While Jesus shared with them that if they truly want to be great, they must put the needs of others above themselves.Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world's greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham.Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living.Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max BardProducer: Ben GammonHosted by: Pastor Jack GrahamMusic by: Andrew Morgan SmithBible Story narration by: Todd HaberkornSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After forty days of fasting in the wilderness, Jesus faces three temptations from Satan and responds with Scripture alone. Following John's arrest, Jesus moves to Capernaum in Galilee to begin His public ministry, fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy about light dawning in darkness. He calls four fishermen to follow Him and begins teaching in synagogues, preaching the kingdom, and healing throughout the region. Matthew 4 shows Christ succeeding where Israel failed and launching the mission that would transform the world.  The Rev. Roger Mullet, pastor of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Buffalo, WY, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Matthew 4.  To learn more about Prince of Peace, visit princeofpeacebuffalo.org. The Gospel of Matthew bridges Old and New Testaments, presenting Jesus as the promised Messiah who fulfills the Law we could never keep and establishes His kingdom of grace for all nations. Written by a tax collector transformed by pure grace, Matthew reveals Christ as the true Son of David and Emmanuel (God with us) who challenges us with the crushing demands of the Law in His Sermon on the Mount to the sweet comfort of the Gospel in His death and resurrection. From royal genealogy to glorious resurrection, this verse-by-verse study proclaims the One who conquered sin, death, and the devil for us, now delivering forgiveness, life, and salvation through Word and Sacrament as He remains with His church always, even to the end of the age.  Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God's Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

In this Bible Story, Jesus heals a man who was blind from birth. The young man who is healed is then questioned by the Pharisees, for they do not want to admit that Jesus is truly good and had the power to heal. The once blind man stands firm in declaring that no evil man could do what Jesus did. This story is inspired by John 9:1-38. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.Today's Bible verse is John 9:25 from the King James Version.Episode 196: As Jesus and His disciples were passing through the streets of Capernaum, they passed by a man who had been blind since birth. The disciples, misunderstanding the man's condition, thought that his blindness was a result of sin. But Jesus proved to them that the man was not blind because of sin but rather so God could be glorified in healing him. After Jesus had healed the man he was brought in front of the Pharisees to be questioned about his newfound sight. But as they were questioning the formerly blind man, his honest answers revealed their spiritual blindness.Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world's greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham.Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living.Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max BardProducer: Ben GammonHosted by: Pastor Jack GrahamMusic by: Andrew Morgan SmithBible Story narration by: Todd HaberkornSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Read OnlineJesus journeyed to a city called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd accompanied him. As he drew near to the gate of the city, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. A large crowd from the city was with her. Luke 7:11–12Try to imagine this mother. She had been married, she and her husband had a child, they raised their child, she and her son watched her husband die, and then she watched her son die and was participating in his funeral. Since he was her only son, she was now alone.When we think about this woman, it is easy to feel compassion for her. Her heart would have been filled with a sorrow that is tangible to anyone with empathy. Her heart might also have been filled with fear. At that time, a widow would have had a very difficult time taking care of herself in a rural village. With her husband gone, she would have had to rely upon her son to provide for her as she aged. But now that he was gone, her heart would have not only felt the pain of his loss, but also fear for her future. What would become of her? Who would provide food for her year after year? Would she be reduced to begging and poverty?It is in the context of this very real sorrow and fear that Jesus enters her life. We do not know if she knew anything about Jesus. It appears she was not one of His followers and might not have even heard about Jesus since He had not been ministering publicly for very long. Jesus' encounter with her and her dead son appears to be unplanned and unexpected. What is it that moves Jesus to raise this man from the dead? It does not appear to be a response to anyone's faith within the village. It is not even done at anyone's request. Instead, it appears to be done purely out of Jesus' compassion for this mother. At least that's how it seems at first read. And though Jesus clearly acted out of compassion for her, if we consider the entire context, there might also be a secondary motive.Jesus, his disciples and a large crowd were all walking together through this village. Since Jesus' miracles were normally performed in response to people's faith, it is most likely that faith was a contributing factor to this miracle. The faith that called forth this miracle, however, could only have come from the crowds of people who were walking with Jesus from Capernaum. The day prior, these same crowds witnessed Jesus heal the servant of a centurion. They clearly believed in Jesus. As they walked with Him and encountered this funeral procession, it was not only Jesus' heart that was moved with compassion, it was also the hearts of His followers. Therefore, as Jesus' followers witnessed this mother's sorrow and then witnessed Jesus' own human sorrow and compassion for her, they would have had hope that He would do something. Their hope would have been supernatural in origin, which means that it was also united with faith. By faith, they knew Jesus would act. Thus, in a very real way, the compassion, hope and faith of the people traveling with Jesus would have called forth His almighty power to heal, and Jesus responded.There are many ways to act as mediators of God's grace. One way to do so is by growing in compassion for others and hope in God. When we witness the sufferings of others, allow ourselves to feel compassion for them, manifest hope in the power of God to heal, and then stand there, in faith, waiting for God to act, God will be compelled to act. Our holy compassion, hope and faith act as a prayer to which God always responds. The crowds accompanying Jesus through the Village of Nain appear to have acted in this manner and, inspired by their witness, we, too, must act as intercessors for others in the same way.Reflect, today, upon anyone in your life who resembles this widow of Nain. Who is it that God wants you to notice and to feel compassion for? As your empathetic heart notices those who need your compassion, open yourself, also, to the supernatural gift of hope. Have divine hope that God will heal them. As you do, allow that hope to manifest faith in God and offer that compassion, hope and faith to God as your prayer for those who are in need.Most compassionate Lord, You are always attentive to our needs and our sorrows. Your Heart is filled with compassion for all. Please give me a truly empathetic heart so that I will see those in need. As I do, fill me with hope and faith that You will pour forth Your mercy upon them so that I will become an intercessor for all. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: Andreas F. Borchert, CC BY-SA 3.0 DE, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

In this Bible Story, the ministry of Jesus begins to take on form. Jesus preached with authority, healed with compassion, and cast out demons with power. His fame begins to grow rapidly. This story is inspired by Matthew 4:13-17, Matthew 13:54-58, Luke 4:14-32, John 4:43-54. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.Today's Bible verse is Luke 4:21 from the King James Version.Episode 180: As Jesus was walking the streets of Cana and Galilee, an official from Capernaum came running to Jesus begging Him to heal his son. Jesus, showing both compassion and tact, tells the man his son will live. And it was so. Jesus stayed in Galilee for a while longer, then made His way to the synagogue in Capernaum. While there a man, possessed by a demon, began to make a scene, but Jesus cast the demon out and set the man free using only His words. After a few weeks of healing and teaching, Jesus came back to His hometown of Nazareth where He was met with a less-than-warm welcome.Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world's greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham.Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living.This episode is sponsored by Medi-Share, an innovative health care solution for Christians to save money without sacrificing quality.Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max BardProducer: Ben GammonHosted by: Pastor Jack GrahamMusic by: Andrew Morgan SmithBible Story narration by: Todd HaberkornSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.