Podcasts about gennesaret

https://rumble.com/embed/v73ch96/?pub=84ufd Today’s Topics: Father Robert Elias joins Terry 1) Gospel – Mark 6:53-56 – After making the crossing to the other side of the sea, Jesus and His disciples came to land at Gennesaret and tied up there. As they were leaving the boat, people immediately recognized Him. They scurried about the surrounding country and began to bring in the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. Whatever villages or towns or countryside He entered, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and begged Him that they might touch only the tassel on His cloak; and as many as touched it were healed. Bishop Sheen quote of the day 2, 3, 4) Terry and Father Robert discuss the role of Mt. Tabor in Carmelite Spirituality

Friends of the Rosary,In today's Gospel, Mark the Evangelist (Mark 6:53-56) reports Jesus healing many people at Gennesaret.We hear that people brought the sick on mats from all over the region, and all of them were cured."Whatever villages or towns or countryside he entered, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak; and as many as touched it were healed."These miracles of Jesus were not spiritual or literary symbols.Like the first Christians, today we see these miracles for what they really were: actions of God breaking into our world.It was, and it is real healing, like the miracles attributed to the saints. Heaven is always helping us complete our mission as humans!Ave Maria!Come, 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• ⁠February 9, 2026, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

Dal Vangelo secondo Marco (5,53-56)In quel tempo, Gesù e i suoi discepoli, compiuta la traversata fino a terra, giunsero a Gennèsaret e approdarono.Scesi dalla barca, la gente subito lo riconobbe e, accorrendo da tutta quella regione, cominciarono a portargli sulle barelle i malati, dovunque udivano che egli si trovasse.E là dove giungeva, in villaggi o città o campagne, deponevano i malati nelle piazze e lo supplicavano di poter toccare almeno il lembo del suo mantello; e quanti lo toccavano venivano salvati.

+ Holy Gospel according to St. Mark 6: 53 – 56 After making the crossing, Jesus and his disciples came to land at Gennesaret and tied up there. As they were leaving the boat, people immediately recognized him. They scurried about the surrounding country and began to bring in the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. Whatever villages or towns or countryside he entered, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak; and as many as touched it were healed.The Gospel of the Lord

Read OnlineAfter making the crossing to the other side of the sea, Jesus and his disciples came to land at Gennesaret and tied up there. As they were leaving the boat, people immediately recognized him. Mark 6:53–54As soon as Jesus stepped out of the boat, the people “immediately recognized him.” Jesus and the Twelve had spent the previous day on the northeastern shore of the Sea of Galilee, in the remote territory near Bethsaida where they planned to be alone. When they arrived there, however, the crowds were waiting for them, so Jesus preached to thousands of people and then performed the miraculous feeding of five thousand.Afterward, Jesus sent the Twelve ahead of Him toward Capernaum, but the wind blew the disciples off course to the agricultural and fishing land of Gennesaret, a few miles south of Capernaum. It was during that nighttime sea voyage that Jesus walked on water and calmed the sea.Was it by accident that Jesus and the disciples arrived in Gennesaret rather than Capernaum? Likely not. Divine Providence guided everything Jesus did. The Father willed that Jesus minister to the people of that region, which He did with great power. The fact that the people immediately recognized Jesus speaks to their deep faith and spiritual sensitivity. Their recognition went beyond physical familiarity; their faith told them that He was the Messiah. As soon as they saw Him, their hearts were stirred. They gathered in great numbers, bringing many who were sick to Him and quickly sent word to the nearby villages to come quickly, for Jesus was there.Unlike the people of Nazareth, the people along the shore of the Sea of Galilee quickly manifested faith in Jesus. As a result, Jesus' miracles were numerous. Another sign that their faith was authentic was that the people did not act selfishly, trying to keep Jesus to themselves. Instead, their attention turned to those who needed Him the most, especially the sick and lame. This demonstrates the connection between faith and charity. True faith inspires an outpouring of love for others. We are not only grateful to God for the grace we receive, but we also immediately think of those in need—both those we know and others God places in our lives—and draw them to Jesus as well.Significantly, the people begged Jesus to let them “touch only the tassel on his cloak” (Mark 6:56). In the Torah, God commanded Moses to instruct the people to “make tassels for the corners of their garments, fastening a violet cord to each corner.” The tassels were meant to be a constant reminder of the Ten Commandments and their commitment to obey that covenant (cf. Numbers 15:37–41). Therefore, by touching the tassels Jesus wore in obedience to the Torah, the people were touching something sacred to them, worn by Him Who, as God, gave the people the Torah. By touching the tassels, the people not only honored the Torah but also reached out to its fulfillment in Jesus. Though they might not have fully understood what they were doing, their faith compelled them and they responded.Though today's Gospel is short, it is packed with faith, revealing numerous people flocking to Jesus with eagerness and divine hope. These people teach us how we must react to God's presence in our lives. Reflect today on the people of the land of Gennesaret who, upon recognizing Jesus in faith, “scurried about the surrounding country,” gathering many others who reached out in faith to touch the tassels Jesus wore. Consider whether you recognize Jesus' presence when you encounter Him. Do you recognize Him in the Eucharist, in your prayer, and in the people you encounter daily? When you do, do you immediately think of ways you can help bring others to Jesus? Do you reach out in faith, touching Jesus' tassels, believing with all certainty that His divine power will heal your soul and cure your weaknesses? Imitate these good people of Gennesaret, and Jesus' almighty power will flow generously into your life, just as it did to them. Most miraculous Lord, Your generosity knows no bounds when Your people seek You out in faith. Just as the people of Gennesaret recognized You in faith, You call me to do the same. I pray that I will always seek You out, and when I find You, will draw others to You. Jesus, I trust in You.Image via Adobe StockSource: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

Friday, 30 January 2026   When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” Matthew 16:13   “And Jesus, having come to the allotments – Caesarea, the Phillipi, He entreated His disciples, saying, ‘Whom they say, the men, Me to be, the Son of Man?'” (CG).   In the previous verse, the disciples finally clued in to what Jesus was trying to teach them. His words about the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees were speaking of their evil doctrine. Matthew now continues the narrative of their time after arriving on the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee, saying, “And Jesus, having come to the allotments – Caesarea, the Phillipi.”   A new word, Kaisareia, Caesarea, is introduced. It is derived from Kaisar, Caesar, a Latin word referring to the title of the Roman Emperor. Caesarea refers to two places in the area of Israel. The first is this location, Caesarea Philippi. Of this location, Albert Barnes says –   “There were two cities in Judea called Caesarea. One was situated on the borders of the Mediterranean (See the notes at Acts 8:40), and the other was the one mentioned here. This city was greatly enlarged and ornamented by Philip the tetrarch, son of Herod, and called Caesarea in honor of the Roman emperor, Tiberius Caesar. To distinguish it from the other Caesarea the name of Philip was added to it, and it was called Caesarea Philippi, or Caesarea of Philippi. It was situated in the boundaries of the tribe of Naphtali, at the foot of Mount Hermon.”   Having come to this general area, “He entreated His disciples, saying, ‘Whom they say, the men, Me to be, the Son of Man?'” Translations consider His words in one of two ways. One is “Whom do men say that I am? The Son of Man?”, or “Whom do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?”   The latter is correct. Jesus has referred to Himself as the Son of Man nine times already, making this the tenth. Peter's answer will also show that He is not asking if people say He is the Son of Man. Rather, He is asking what He, the Son of Man, is called by others. He is preparing them for a great pronouncement by asking this probing question first.   Life application: Jesus came to His own country in Matthew 13:53-58. He was rejected by them. In Matthew 14:1-12, the account of the beheading of John the Baptist was given. That was followed by the feeding of the five thousand in Matthew 14:13-21.   Jesus then walked on the sea, as is recorded in Matthew 14:22-33. From there, they came to the area of Gennesaret, at which time He fully saved all who simply touched Him. In Matthew 15:1-20, it then noted the traditions of the Jews which Jesus condemned, explaining that what comes out of a man is what defiles, not what enters into him.   That was then followed by His journey to the allotments of Tyre and Sidon, where the faith of the Canaanite woman was noted, and her daughter was saved. After that, Jesus went around the Sea of Galilee to the eastern side of it. There, He healed many and eventually fed four thousand. After feeding them, they crossed the Galilee, coming to the region of Magdala.   While there, He was accosted by the Pharisees and Sadducees who looked for a sign from heaven. He told them no sign would be given but the sign of Jonah. Once that was complete, they once again crossed the Sea of Galilee to the eastern side, being instructed on the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Now in the account, they have remained on this eastern side and gone north to the area of Caesarea Philippi.   This crisscrossing of the land and the Sea of Galilee all has a purpose. Jesus' movements are being used as a walking instructional tool in what God is doing in redemptive history. It is good to stop and reconsider where He has gone and where He is at any given time. By considering these things, we can follow what God is doing in reconciling the world to Himself through Jesus.   Each area visited, each topographical marker that is mentioned, and each thing Jesus does is being woven into a marvelous tapestry for us to ponder and learn from. Keep paying attention to the details, both from a micro and macro viewpoint. God is telling us a story of humanity's long trek back to Him, and it is all centered on Jesus.   Lord God, it would make no sense for You to send Your Son into the world unless there was something to be gained from it. His life of trials and burdens, culminating in His cross and resurrection, tells us that there is a great plan that has been put in place to bring Your people to a place we cannot even imagine at this time. We are grateful to be on this journey because of Jesus! Thank You for the sure hope we possess. Amen.

“He has done all things well.” The crowds marveled as Jesus made the deaf hear and the mute speak. In this episode of The Magnificent 37, we follow Jesus to Gennesaret, where the mere touch of His garment brings healing, and to the Decapolis, where He sighs toward heaven and commands, “Ephphatha” (Be opened!). These physical miracles point to the greater spiritual reality that Jesus opens our ears to hear His Word and loosens our tongues to confess His name, restoring the creation to its intended purpose of praising the Creator.   The Rev. Keith Lingsch, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Naples, FL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Mark 6:53–56 and Mark 7:31–37.   To learn more about Grace Lutheran, visit graceofnaples.com. Thy Strong Word kicks off the new year by dedicating our time to study "The Magnificent 37: The Miracles of Jesus." Christ didn't just speak the Word; He demonstrated it with power. From the quiet intimacy of water turning to wine at Cana to the earth-shaking reality of the empty tomb, the Gospels record thirty-seven distinct moments where Jesus suspended the laws of nature to reveal the power of his grace. This isn't just a list of "neat tricks" from history. It is a systematic walkthrough of how God breaks into our broken world to fix it. Why did Jesus curse a fig tree? Why did He need mud to heal a blind man? What does the coin in the fish's mouth teach us about being citizens of heaven and earth?  Host, Pastor Phil Booe and a lineup of guest pastors will take you through each event, verse by verse. We'll move past the Sunday School summary and get into the meat of the text, including the Old Testament connections, the cultural context, and the immediate comfort these signs bring to your life today.   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.

Psalm 26 tells us David's love for his God. The Psalmist delights in every opportunity to extol the virtues of his Sovereign. David also tells of his detesting of the ways of the wicked. Psalm 27 speaks of the LORD being the light (revealer of what is right and honourable) and salvation (the process of saving and bringing to His kingdom of the faithful believers). The writer tells of the Almighty's capacity to defend the upright. He speaks of his Creator's pull on the writer's heart to seek fellowship with his God. And the Psalm concludes with a love and loyalty to his God which exceeds that of any human bond. David encourages himself in the assurance that his God will not see him abandoned into the hand of his foes. Wait he says on Yahweh; you will never be disappointed by taking this course. Psalm 28 says that "Yahweh is the strength and shield" of the psalmist. The thoughts are similar to God's consoling promise to Abraham at the start of Genesis 15. The confidence of knowing God is always with, and surrounding His children with His all-powerful arms. Yahweh will repay both the wicked and the righteous according to their works (Romans 2verses5-11). The response that such understanding generates in God's people is outlined in verses 6-9. Slowly read aloud; and pause and ponder.In chapter 14 of Matthew Herod is struck with terror on hearing of the miracles of Jesus. Herod Antipas, a convert of the Sadducees (and therefore a non-believer in the resurrection of the dead) was convinced that John the Baptist had been raised from the dead. Our Lord is told of John's brutal decapitation and in response responds by seeking solitude to reflect. This is interrupted by a multitude seeking him out and he compassionately responds to their need of a shepherd to teach them. He feeds 5,000 of them and heals many. John 6 tells us that their desire was to take him by force and make him their king. Jesus summarily dispersed the crowd and went into a mountain to pray. He sent the Apostles by boat to the other side of the lake. When the storm arose, he came to them walking on the water. Peter alone showed the faith and courage to briefly do likewise. He was rescued by his Master. Finally, upon reaching the other side of the lake Jesus healed many at Gennesaret.Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow

1 Peter 1:11:1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia...John 1:35-421:35 The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples, 36 and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” 37 The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. 38 Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, “What are you seeking?” And they said to him, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are you staying?” 39 He said to them, “Come and you will see.” So they came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day, for it was about the tenth hour. 40 One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. 41 He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means Christ). 42 He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the son of John. You shall be called Cephas” (which means Peter).Luke 5:1-115:1 On one occasion, while the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he was standing by the lake of Gennesaret, 2 and he saw two boats by the lake, but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. 3 Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon's, he asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the people from the boat. 4 And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” 5 And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.” 6 And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking. 7 They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. 8 But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” 9 For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish that they had taken, 10 and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” 11 And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.

Wednesday, 31 December 2025   And behold, a woman of Canaan came from that region and cried out to Him, saying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon-possessed.” Matthew 15:22   “And you behold! A Canaanite woman from those same borders, having come, she croaked to Him, saying, ‘You compassionate me, Lord, Son of David! My daughter, she is demon-possessed badly'” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus left the land of the Gennesaret and departed to the allotments of Tyre and Sidon. With Him there, Matthew next records, “And you behold! A Canaanite woman.”   This is the only time that the word Chananaios, Canaanite, is seen in the New Testament. That is derived from Chanaan, Canaan, found twice in Acts. This was the early name of the land of Israel, having been named after Canaan, the grandson of Noah through Ham.   The meaning of the name Canaan (Hebrew kna'an) is debated. It is variously translated as Land of Purple, Low, Merchant, etc. The likely meaning is Low, Abased, Humble, Humiliated, something along these lines. This is based on the account of Genesis 9, where Canaan is first mentioned.   In Mark, it says of this same woman that she “was a Greek, a Syro-Phoenician by birth.” There is no contradiction in this. Syro-Phonecia is the area, and the term “Greek” is being applied as we might when we say of a person from Germany, “He is a European.” One is a wider explanation of a more precise designation. Albert Barnes provides the historical understanding –   “In ancient times, the whole land, including Tyre and Sidon, was in the possession of the Canaanites, and called Canaan. The Phoenicians were descended from the Canaanites. The country, including Tyre and Sidon, was called Phoenicia, or Syro-Phoenicia. That country was taken by the Greeks under Alexander the Great, and those cities, in the time of Christ, were Greek cities. This woman was therefore a Gentile, living under the Greek government, and probably speaking the Greek language. She was by birth a Syro-Phoenician, born in that country, and descended, therefore, from the ancient Canaanites. All these names might, with propriety, be given to her.”   Of this woman of Canaan, it next says, “from those same borders.” The meaning is based on the previous verse, that it is the “allotments – Tyre and Sidon.” Understanding this, Matthew continues, saying, “having come, she croaked to Him, saying, ‘You compassionate me, Lord, Son of David!'”   Nothing is said about how she knew of Jesus, but it is apparent that His fame had extended far and wide. In both Mark and Luke, by this time in the narrative, it was already acknowledged that people from Tyre and Sidon had come to see Jesus (Mark 3:8 and Luke 6:17). Thus, Jewish residents of that area had already gone to see Jesus, returned, and spoken of the things they saw.   Now, knowing He was in the area and understanding that He was the promised Messiah, indicated by the words “Son of David,” this Canaanite woman begs for compassion to be extended even to her, a Gentile.   But more, she is of the cursed line of Canaan. This is based on Noah's cursing of Canaan for what Ham did to him in Genesis 9. The last thing a person of such lineage might expect from the Jewish Messiah would be compassion. And yet, she faithfully came forward in hopeful expectation that He might listen to her plea, which was, “My daughter, she is demon-possessed badly.”   This woman, having heard of Jesus' capabilities, has placed the situation concerning her demon-possessed daughter in the hands of Jesus, hoping He will respond and cure her. Her faith is on prominent display, even if the level of it is not yet revealed.   Life application: In commentaries on this verse, both Cambridge and Vincent's Word Studies say something similar –   “...out of the same coasts] Literally, those coasts. Jesus did not himself pass beyond the borders of Galilee, but this instance of mercy extended to a Gentile points to the wide diffusion of the Gospel beyond the Jewish race.” Cambridge   “Lit., as Rev., from those borders; i.e., she crossed from Phoenicia into Galilee.”   They cannot accept that Jesus traveled outside of Galilee. This, despite two different words having been used to describe His going there. The first was in verse 21, where Jesus is said to have traveled to the “allotments – Tyre and Sidon.” The second, in verse 22, says “from those same borders,” meaning she was born, raised, and lived in the same area where Jesus had traveled to.   These scholars got it stuck in their heads that Jesus never left the area of Galilee based on what it says when He charged His disciples not to go in the way of the Gentiles and by His words that will say that He was sent to minister only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Because of this, their faulty deduction is that “Jesus never left the Galilee.”   Both of those statements were addressed in the comments of verse 15:21. It explicitly says Jesus traveled to this area. But once we have a presupposition stuck in our head, cognitive dissonance takes over, and we will do anything to justify falling in line with what we want the text to say.   What do you believe about the timing of the rapture? Have you got that in your head because of what you were taught? If so, the chances are that you will argue that point regardless of what the Bible actually says. That is unwise. We must be willing to acknowledge that we could be wrong.   Be sure to keep all things in their proper context. This is of paramount importance. From there, be willing to accept that what you think is true might be wrong. After that, do your study and don't violate the “context” issue if you find you might have been wrong. This is what most people do when faced with the reality that things aren't matching up with what they thought.   Context is king. So keep everything in its proper context. From there, stick to it at all times. Your doctrine will improve as long as you stick to what is said, regardless of what you think you know.   Lord God, none of us wants to be proven wrong. And none of us wants to betray the teachings that we received from a beloved pastor or teacher by contradicting what they taught us. And so, we put up a defense against change. Help us not to do this. May we be willing to go where Your word teaches, regardless of whether we find we were wrong. Help us to have this attitude at all times. Amen.

Tuesday, 30 December 2025   Then Jesus went out from there and departed to the region of Tyre and Sidon. Matthew 15:21   “And having departed thence, Jesus, He withdrew to the allotments – Tyre and Sidon” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus finished His explanation of the things that defile a man. Eating with unwashed hands was not among those things. Next, Matthew records, “And having departed thence.”   The last record of where they were was in the land of Gennesaret. That was noted in Matthew 14:34. The account doesn't say why they left, but some scholars assume it was to avoid the anger of the Pharisees whom He had shamed. Regardless of the reason, it next says, “Jesus, He withdrew to the allotments – Tyre and Sidon.”   This is not the first time that these two cities are mentioned, but it is the first time that it notes Jesus having gone to them. The first time, it was in reference to His works, which evidenced His being the Messiah –   “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, 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. 22 But I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgment than for you.” Matthew 11:21, 22   As for the terminology, it says that He went to the allotments of Tyre and Sidon. Thus, He may not have gone to these cities, but to the surrounding area. However, it would be inappropriate to assume that He didn't go there based on His words to the disciples about not going in the way of the Gentiles (Matthew 10:5) or His words concerning being sent only to the House of Israel, which will be stated in verse 24 of this chapter.   The reason for this is that, despite being Gentile cities, there was probably a sizeable Jewish presence there. Going to a Jewish home in a Gentile area would not violate either statement. He would remain in the “way of the Jews,” and He would be ministering to the House of Israel.   Of this visit, the Pulpit Commentary says –   “If, as Chrysostom suggests, Jesus, by going to these partly Gentile districts, wished to give a practical commentary on the abrogation of the distinction between clean and unclean (breaking down the wall of partition between Jew and Gentile), this lesson was given equally well by the acceptance and commendation of the Gentile woman's faith, even though Christ himself was outside of pagan territory.”   This is, as noted in a previous commentary, not an appropriate sentiment. It is true that Jesus fulfilled the law and set aside all dietary laws in its fulfillment. It is also true that the wall of partition is brought down in Christ. However, it is an unacceptable leap to assume that Jesus was there to “give a practical commentary on the abrogation of the distinction between clean and unclean.”   That is putting the cart before the horse. Only in the completed work of Christ is that realized. The introduction of the Gentile woman will be the same lesson to Israel as that stated by Him in Luke 4:23-27. God does not favor Jews over Gentiles, and His mercy towards Gentiles was evidenced concerning this in the past.   His point is the same there as it was with the centurion already noted in Matthew 8. God is looking for faith in people. He would rather have a faith-filled Gentile than an entire nation of Jews lacking faith. True as this is, it has nothing to do with Jesus hinting that the ceremonial parts of the law had been abrogated by Him.   If that was what He intended, and the people of Israel would have known this very well, they would have taken Him out and stoned Him. Even after the resurrection, the Jews still didn't get this. They insisted on maintaining the dietary laws scrupulously. Peter had to be explicitly told that this was not appropriate in Acts 10 before he was told to go to the house of Cornelius.   Life application: It must be trumpeted loudly that the dispensational model is a necessary part of what God is doing in order for us to rightly divide Scripture. Until it was fully laid out and explained, commentaries throughout the centuries were wholly incorrect in explaining what Jesus did and what the effects of His work meant for the people of the world.   Even to this day, churches that do not understand or properly teach dispensationalism have all kinds of aberrant doctrines they must contend with. Actual contradictions in their doctrine and theology arise because of mishandling this important precept.    It affects the doctrines of salvation, end times matters, law observance, and so much more. Be sure to study and remember the principal tenets of the dispensational model. In doing so, you will avoid many pitfalls that some of even the greatest teachers of Scripture have failed to get right.   Lord God, help us to rightly divide Your word, the word of truth. It is without error or contradiction. But when we misunderstand the context, we will have both creep up in our doctrine. Help us to get things right. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.

5 On one occasion, while the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he was standing by the lake of Gennesaret, 2 and he saw two boats by the lake, but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. 3 Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon's, he asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the people from the boat. 4 And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” 5 And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.” 6 And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking. 7 They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. 8 But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” 9 For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish that they had taken, 10 and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.”[a] 11 And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.

Friday, 19 December 2025   When He had called the multitude to Himself, He said to them, “Hear and understand: Matthew 15:10   “And having summoned the crowd, He said to them, ‘You hear and comprehend!'” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus finished citing the words of Isaiah, which He had said rightly referred to the scribes  and Pharisees. Next, He will begin a new thought, but one which is still connected to His ongoing words against these leaders of Israel. The words begin with, “And having summoned the crowd.”   This would be the crowd gathered in the land of Gennesaret, as noted in verse 14:34. They would have seen the ongoing dispute the scribes and Pharisees had with Jesus. With His words to them complete, He turns to the crowd to instruct them on the matter.   This is particularly important because the scribes and Pharisees would have been considered the cream of the crop in religious circles. The people would have heard them and accepted their word concerning such matters. And yet, Jesus had strongly refuted them, directly quoting Scripture to make His point.   With that complete, He turns to the crowd. One can see the scribes and Pharisees still there while Jesus ignores any further discourse with them. Instead, He addresses the people in what will turn out to be a stinging rebuke of these religious leaders. It will conclude His thoughts about what they presented to Him in verse 15:2. Understanding this, Matthew records, “He said to them, ‘You hear and comprehend!'”   The crowds have been filing away the thoughts of the scribes and Pharisees all their lives. Anytime they needed to know a matter, it would be these men who would be consulted for a definitive answer to their question.   In this case, however, Jesus will address the crowds directly. Saying, “You hear and comprehend,” is like saying, “Pay careful heed. I have an important matter for you to hear and then file away for future reference when these people come to you with their faulty conclusions concerning this matter.”   Life application: In any argument, be it religious, political, mechanical, structural, nuclear, etc., the only thing that matters is what is true. Truth can be defined as “that which corresponds to reality.” If two nuclear scientists disagree on the effects of adding tritium into the fission process when developing a nuclear bomb, there are certain parameters that can be determined by mathematical calculations.   The calculations will determine the truth of the matter. But if one scientist continues to disagree, building a bomb with the disputed amount of tritium and igniting it will resolve the matter. Likewise, if someone says that he wants to build a skyscraper in a certain way, there are calculations to determine if his plans will succeed or fail.   If a point of stress is misidentified or ignored, the entire structure could fail and come tumbling down. When debating religion, it doesn't matter how someone “feels” about a matter. If what he says contradicts Scripture, it doesn't matter if he claims the Spirit told him, God spoke to him, he had a dream or a vision, etc. If Scripture is God's standard in understanding Him, then such claims are irrelevant.   People all over the world, and also for the past two thousand years, have made claims about matters of faith, doctrine, inspiration, etc. And yet, none of them has added a single word to God's word. It is true that some have claimed such additions, like Ellen G. White of the Seventh Day Adventists and Joseph Smith of the Mormons.   However, their writings, which are supposedly inspired by God, have only caused division, confusion, and apostasy from the truth of Scripture.   Therefore, when talking to someone about matters of doctrine or theology, there must be a basis for any disagreement, meaning a standard by which the matter can be resolved. If someone claims he has had a dream that tells him something and it contradicts Scripture, then either Scripture is wrong, or his dream is false.   If the standard that is set is Scripture, then the dream, by default, must be false. However, if the claim is made that the dream is valid, there is no longer a standard by which the two can dispute the matter. You are now arguing apples and oranges. There is absolutely no point in continuing the discussion.   This is what Jesus faced. He was given a supposed standard. That standard was not in accord with Scripture. As such, He cited Scripture and ended the discussion, instead turning to the crowds to present information based on His conclusion.   Don't be duped into arguments with people who have no set standard that you can agree upon. You are wasting your time and will inevitably bolster their nutty ideas in their own minds and possibly in the minds of others.    Lord God, Your word instructs us concerning when to engage a dispute and when to step away from one. Give us wisdom to apply this to our own lives as we encounter those who have made claims on matters related to Scripture. Help us to know when to engage and when to disengage from such matters. Amen.

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.

Tuesday, 9 December 2025   and begged Him that they might only touch the hem of His garment. And as many as touched it were made perfectly well. Matthew 14:36   “And they invoked Him that only they might touch the tassel of His garment, and as many, they touched, they were rehabilitated” (CG).   In the previous verse, it's noted that the men of the area of Gennesaret recognized Jesus, and so they sent out to all the areas round about and brought to Jesus all that were sick. Now, to close out Chapter 14 (it is an exciting milestone as Matthew is 28 Chapters long), Matthew records, “And they invoked Him that only they might touch the tassel of His garment.”   This is the same hope-filled sign of faith that was seen in Chapter 9 –   “And, you behold! A woman, blood-flowing twelve years, having approached behind, she touched the tassel of His cloak. 21 For she said in herself, ‘If only I shall touch His cloak, I will be saved.' 22 And Jesus, having turned and having seen her, He said, ‘You take courage, daughter. Your faith, it has saved you.' And, the woman, she was saved from the very hour.” Matthew 9:20-22 (CG)   The people of Israel understood the significance of this tassel, and they knew that if they could get close enough to just touch it, there was the chance the Lord would favor them and heal their afflictions.   Being a tassel on the extremity of the garment meant that it was symbolically the furthest thing from His body. And yet, they felt that the power that radiated through this remote article would be sufficient to accomplish what they desired. It truly was an act of faith.   As a reminder concerning these tassels, they were mandated in the law by the Lord to spur the memory of the wearer of his obligation to the commands of the law. A blue cord was to be woven into them. This represented the law, blue being the color representing the law.   This extreme edge of the garment was the article they reached for. It is what Malachi prophesied hundreds of years earlier –   “But to you who fear My name The Sun of Righteousness shall arise With healing in His wings.” Malachi 4:2   The garments were cut in a way that they had four edges. The edge or wing of the garment is where the tassels would be affixed. Whether the people knew of the prophecy of Malachi, or whether the prophecy merely referred to the events surrounding Jesus' powers exuding even from these wings, the fact that the healing was prophesied means that a change should be expected in the people. Understanding this, Matthew continues, saying, “and as many, they touched, they were rehabilitated.”   A new word, diasózó, is seen. It is derived from dia, through, and sózó, to save. Thus, it signifies “to save thoroughly.” The people were thoroughly saved from their affliction and thus rehabilitated.   Life application: What is going on here? Why is this account placed where it is? One can review the history of Israel in his mind and see that what has happened in Chapter 14 is a snapshot of Israel's history in relation to the law. First, the account of John the Baptist being beheaded was given. Who is the only other person to have had a birthday celebration in Scripture? Pharaoh.   There is a reason why these two are mentioned. Pharaoh represents Egypt as its leader. Egypt typologically reflects living under the bondage of sin. It is Jesus who brought man out from under this bondage. But what is it that allows sin to wield its influence? Law.   Herod had John's head removed, picturing the end of the law. John is the last prophet of the law. Something new was coming to replace the law he proclaimed. It was Herodius' daughter who danced for Herod. Her name was Salome. Though not named in Matthew, the name still bears importance. It is from shalem, to be or make whole or complete. It signifies Peace.   Herodias is from the Hebrew arad, to flee or be free. She and Herod (same etymology) were condemned by John, the herald of the law, for their adulterous affair. They wanted to be free from the constraint of the law. Thus, Salome, Peace, was used to obtain this goal. In the beheading of John, the enmity between God and sinners is ended. Peace is restored.   With the law symbolically ended (Israel being brought out of Egypt). Jesus went to a deserted place across the sea, just as Israel was brought into the wilderness. The movement of Jesus from one place to another was across the Jordan. This is because the Jordan runs through the Sea of Galilee to the other side.   It is a picture of Israel's rejection of Jesus, even after the law was ended (in the picture of John's death). The Jordan pictures Jesus in His incarnation during His first advent, coming to die, as seen in the Superior Word Joshua sermons.   In the wilderness on the other side, Jesus is the Antitype of all of the implements prescribed under the law, such as the Ark, the Table of Showbread, the Menorah, etc. To understand this, one can review the Superior Word sermons of those passages.   The people of Israel joined Him in the desolate area where they were instructed and then provided the miracle of the bread and fish, just as Israel was provided the manna and quail in the wilderness. The five loaves symbolize God's grace, feeding His people, Jesus, the Bread of Life.   The two fish symbolize the two testaments of Scripture, which point to the abundance found in Christ Jesus. The twelve small baskets of remnants picture the remnant saved of the twelve tribes of Israel (Romans 11:5). The five thousand confirm the grace of God (5) and the completion of the cycle, where nothing is wanting and the whole cycle is complete (10).   The disciples then got into a boat to cross the sea. However, they were tossed about and almost perished. It is still reflective of the time when Israel walked in the wilderness for forty years. That is why the events are noted as being “amidst the sea” in Matthew 14:24.   Verse 25 specifically mentioned that Jesus departed unto them in the ship in the “night's fourth guarding.” Four is the number of material creation, the world number. It reflects the dispersion of the Jews around the world back to Israel and that they would finally cross over the waters in the end times.   Despite being alone on the sea, the Lord never really left them. He saved them from impending catastrophe, just as the Lord remained with Israel in the wilderness and just as He has remained with Israel for the past two thousand years, fully saving them as they individually looked to the cross. This was seen in the saving of Peter.   Peter's salvation on the water was noted, “And seeing the forcible wind, he feared, and having begun to submerge, he croaked, saying, ‘Lord, You save [sózó] me!'” That pictured the fulfillment of the individual salvation that was found while Israel was in the wilderness. This occurred when the fiery serpent was set on a pole, and “if a serpent had bitten anyone, when he looked at the bronze serpent, he lived” (Numbers 21:9).   Despite his failing faith and having his eyes temporarily misdirected, he was saved. As Peter was the apostle to the Jews, it makes a nice touch concerning his epistles, directed to the Jewish people. After being given this salvation, the boat arrived safely on the other shore. It anticipates Israel being brought safely to the end of their time of being without Christ.   Matthew specifically says the boat is said to have arrived in Gennesaret, Princely Garden. It anticipates the arrival of Israel in the land of promise (salvation in Christ) that had been anticipated since their rejection of Canaan (symbolizing their rejection of Christ) in Numbers 14.   Once arriving in Gennesaret, which is on the salvation side of the Jordan (Jesus in His first advent), the people flocked to Him, and for those who reached out to Him, there was total salvation. This anticipates the total salvation of Israel after their time of bondage under the law has ended. Touching the tassel with the blue cord (the law) signifies their acceptance of Jesus, the One who has fulfilled the law.   This chapter has been given as a brief snapshot of Israel's history in relation to Jesus, who is the Lord, Yehovah, incarnate. God is taking real historical events, such as a young girl dancing, the feeding of the multitude, the struggles amidst the sea, etc., and He is telling us that there is still a future for Israel, the people.   The importance of the law being opposed to grace is put on full display in this chapter. For those who want to live under the law, there is no hope. They remain “east of Jordan.” For those who are willing to be saved, they must come through Jesus to the other side. Give up law observance and be saved!   What a story of hope and ultimate redemption is found in the coming of Jesus Christ. Hallelujah!   Lord God, how good it is to know of the full and eternal salvation that is found in Jesus Christ our Lord. Thank You that even when our eyes may be misdirected from You for a moment, Your hand is still there, reaching out and saving us! Hallelujah and Amen.    

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.  

In this passage we are confronted with a striking picture of the grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ. When the boat lands at Gennesaret, the people, having recognized Jesus, bring forth their sick with great haste, begging only that they might touch the fringe of His garment. And we see that “as many as touched it were made well.” Here, therefore, we behold both the misery of mankind and the sufficiency and willingness of Christ to remedy all our many miseries.

“And ye shall be witnesses unto Me.” — Acts 1:8 In order to learn how to discharge your duty as a witness for Christ, look at His example. He is always witnessing: by the well of Samaria, or in the Temple of Jerusalem: by the lake of Gennesaret, or on the mountain's brow. He is […]

19/10/2025 Gospel Sermon on: Luke 5 : 1 - 11 1 So it was, as the multitude pressed about Him to hear the word of God, that He stood by the Lake of Gennesaret, 2 and saw two boats standing by the lake; but the fishermen had gone from them and were washing their nets. 3 Then He got into one of the boats, which was Simon's, and asked him to put out a little from the land. And He sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat. 4 When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, "Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch." 5 But Simon answered and said to Him, "Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net." 6 And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. 7 So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. 8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!" 9 For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish which they had taken; 10 and so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men." 11 So when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all and followed Him. Glory be to God forever.

Gospel Daily with Josh Weidmann Faith Over Form: Why Jesus Cares More About Your Heart Than Your Habits, Part 2Series: Encountering Jesus Scripture: Mark 6:53–56, Mark 7:1–30 Episode: 1435 Scripture Summary: In Mark 6:53–56, Jesus and His disciples arrive at Gennesaret, where people immediately recognize Him. Crowds bring the sick on mats, and wherever Jesus goes—villages, towns, or countryside—people beg to touch even the edge of His cloak, and all who touched Him were healed. This shows the growing belief in His healing power and compassionate authority. In Mark 7:1–30, Jesus confronts the Pharisees and teachers of the law, who criticize His disciples for not following ceremonial hand-washing traditions. Jesus rebukes them for honoring God with their lips but having hearts far from Him, accusing them of elevating human traditions over God's commandments. He then teaches that defilement comes from within—from the heart—not from external things. Later, Jesus travels to Tyre, where a Gentile womanbegs Him to heal her demon-possessed daughter. Though initially testing her faith, Jesus is moved by her humility and persistence, and He heals her daughter from a distance.

Gospel Daily with Josh Weidmann Faith Over Form: Why Jesus Cares More About Your Heart Than Your Habits, Part 1  Series: Encountering Jesus Scripture: Mark 6:53–56, Mark 7:1–30 Episode: 1434 Scripture Summary: In Mark 6:53–56, Jesus and His disciples arrive at Gennesaret, where people immediately recognize Him. Crowds bring the sick on mats, and wherever Jesus goes—villages, towns, or countryside—people beg to touch even the edge of His cloak, and all who touched Him were healed. This shows the growing belief in His healing power and compassionate authority. In Mark 7:1–30, Jesus confronts the Pharisees and teachers of the law, who criticize His disciples for not following ceremonial hand-washing traditions. Jesus rebukes them for honoring God with their lips but having hearts far from Him, accusing them of elevating human traditions over God's commandments. He then teaches that defilement comes from within—from the heart—not from external things. Later, Jesus travels to Tyre, where a Gentile womanbegs Him to heal her demon-possessed daughter. Though initially testing her faith, Jesus is moved by her humility and persistence, and He heals her daughter from a distance.

5:1 And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret, 5:2 And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets. 5:3 And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship. 5:4 Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. 5:5 And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. 5:6 And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. 5:7 And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. 5:8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. 5:9 For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken: 5:10 And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. 5:11 And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him. 5:12 And it came to pass, when he was in a certain city, behold a man full of leprosy: who seeing Jesus fell on his face, and besought him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. 5:13 And he put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will: be thou clean. And immediately the leprosy departed from him. 5:14 And he charged him to tell no man: but go, and shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing, according as Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them. 5:15 But so much the more went there a fame abroad of him: and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by him of their infirmities. 5:16 And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed. 5:17 And it came to pass on a certain day, as he was teaching, that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judaea, and Jerusalem: and the power of the Lord was present to heal them. 5:18 And, behold, men brought in a bed a man which was taken with a palsy: and they sought means to bring him in, and to lay him before him. 5:19 And when they could not find by what way they might bring him in because of the multitude, they went upon the housetop, and let him down through the tiling with his couch into the midst before Jesus. 5:20 And when he saw their faith, he said unto him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee. 5:21 And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, Who is this which speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone? 5:22 But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answering said unto them, What reason ye in your hearts? 5:23 Whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Rise up and walk? 5:24 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power upon earth to forgive sins, (he said unto the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy couch, and go into thine house. 5:25 And immediately he rose up before them, and took up that whereon he lay, and departed to his own house, glorifying God. 5:26 And they were all amazed, and they glorified God, and were filled with fear, saying, We have seen strange things to day.

St. Luke 5:1-11. Drawing on St. Luke's account of Christ calling His disciples to become fishers of men, this homily explores why marriages and parishes often falter when built on human strength alone. Fr. Anthony reminds us that brokenness, poor models, and cultural confusion cannot be overcome by willpower or good intentions, but only through Christ and His Church. Just as the apostles' empty nets were filled at the Lord's command, so too our families and parishes flourish when rooted in His blessing and obedience. --- Homily: Why is it so hard to build a good marriage (and parish)? Saint Luke 5:1-11; Fishers of Men So it was, as the multitude pressed about Him to hear the word of God, that He stood by the Lake of Gennesaret, and saw two boats standing by the lake; but the fishermen had gone from them and were washing their nets. Then He got into one of the boats, which was Simon's, and asked him to put out a little from the land. And He sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat. When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!” For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish which they had taken; and so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.” So when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all and followed Him (St. Luke 5:1-11). Introduction: How Christ Builds the Church This is a beautiful story from the ministry of Jesus Christ. It comes on the heels of his Baptism, his temptation by the devil in the wilderness, and the beginning of his preaching ministry in the synagogues of Galilee. In this Gospel, Christ has started building something very special; something that would never fall; something that would bring healing to broken humanity; something through which He would change the world. He began building the Church. And He did it with simple fishermen on the side of a lake. Continuation: We are Building, too We are participating in this work as well. We want to build something that will never fail; something that will bring healing to broken people; something that will transform a troubled place. We are building a parish. Today's Gospel provides a wonderful lesson for us on this very thing. In his homily on today's Gospel, St. Nikolai Velimirovich writes; “Except the Lord build the house, all who labor labor in vain.” (Psalm 126:1) If the builders build in God's name, they will build a palace, even their hands are weak and their material poor. If, though, the builders build in their own name, in opposition to God, the work of their hands will be brought down as was the Tower of Babel. There is no power that can bring God's work to ruin. Pagan palaces and cities fall into ruin, but God's huts remain standing. That which God's finger upholds stands more firmly than that which [the mythical titan] Atlas supports on his back… May the almighty Lord preserve us from the thought that we can achieve any good without His help and His blessing… May today's Gospel serve as a warning that such vain thoughts must never be formulated our souls. It speaks of how all men's efforts are in vain if God does not help them. While Christ's apostle's were fishing as men, they caught nothing; but when Christ commanded them to cast their nets once more into the sea, they caught such a great haul of fish that their nets tore. Why would anyone think they can build something worthwhile without Christ? I don't know. It is futile. We know better. But we do it all the time. Understanding the Curse of Sin: the example of marriage Let's look at the example of marriage. It can be so hard to get it right, and there are just so many ways to get it wrong. Why is it so hard? It isn't because people aren't trying. In fact, they are trying all kinds of things… but they aren't working very well. At best, some couples might end up with a marriage that lasts, but marriage was not just meant to endure. It's not supposed to be like a boxing match that makes it to the final round; with the two so tired they can hardly lift a glove and they just lean on one another gasping and looking forward to the bell (or, as is as likely to happen in marriages, the two just hang out in their separate corners doing their own thing until the final bell sounds). A good marriage does more than last, it brings joy to its members and its fruit brings happiness that endures from generation to generation. But why is this so rare? It should come as no surprise. Look how many people  come from broken families. It isn't their fault, but this really puts them behind the eight ball. They come from broken families and a broken world, so they have bad examples and have internalized all the wrong instincts. Brokenness has been imprinted in their minds and hearts; this cannot help but shape their actions, no matter how good and noble their intentions are. Even if they try to rise above and do things right, what examples are they going to follow? Television? Movies? TikTok?  Their friends? Their hearts? None of these is a reliable guide – all of them are fallen. If statistics are correct – and there is no reason to doubt them – our young men are learning more about how to relate to women from pornography than they are from anything good and real. And the expectations and self-respect of our young women are being shaped by this same blighted culture. Is there really any wonder that we are so bad at marriage? That even those young couples who try to get it right end up building a perverted parody of the kind of blessed union of flesh and spirit that we celebrate in the Mystery of Crowning? That we have far more “towers of Babel” than temples of true love? Reiterating the Problem… and the solution To repeat the Psalm; “Except the Lord build the house, all who labor labor in vain.” (126:1). We cannot overcome our own brokenness by trying harder or following the examples and guidance of people who are broken, too (St. Matthew 15:14; … if the blind lead the blind both will fall into a pit). An alcoholic cannot live a healthy life by trying harder; he has to admit his problem, heal and transform his heart and habits. And he has to let God be the foundation of this process. This is why twelve-step programs are so successful: they transform the hearts and habits of the repentant, with God as the foundation of the process. How many addicts do you know that continue ruining their lives because they think they can work everything out on their own? But alcoholics and philanderers do not just hurt themselves. We know from history and our own observations that the children of alcoholics and broken homes are cursed by both nature and nurture. Again, it isn't fair, but it is true. If we want the next generations to succeed then we have to be honest about both the cause and the cure of what ails them and us. The cause is our brokenness, and the cure is Christ Jesus. The cure is His Church. The cure is the Way of Holy Orthodoxy. All else is vanity. They are Towers of Babel. They are sand castles at a low tide. Back to Today's Gospel: becoming fishers of men The curse of sin is the very thing that Christ came to remove. To put it in very practical terms, Christ came to save your marriages, to heal your addictions, to restore your sanity, and to replace your sorrow, pain, and frustration with joy and eternal blessedness. That is to say, He came to save you from the very real, very specific, and very damning problems in your life. And not just yours, but everyone's. A world that was created good groans in agony, and our Lord loves it too much to allow that to continue. And so He became a man, He taught us, He died for us, He was resurrected and ascended into Glory, and, more to today's point, He established the Church to be the Ark of our salvation. What a beautiful image a boat is for the Church. Think about it: we are drowning in a sea of sin and trying to tread water amidst a storm of temptation. We cannot survive this on our own, and it does not help to band together – eventually, even the strongest swimmer must succumb to weakness; moreover, the weak are infamous for dragging the stronger down. It is a terrible situation to be drowning in this stormy sea. Our breaths are numbered, and we are sure to die in agony. It is only a matter of time. But into this bleak scene comes salvation: the apostles cast out their nets and pull us in to the safety of the boat. We can finally breath without struggling. It is calm in the boat. It is here that our real healing begins… then we are given our own nets.  Conclusion: we cannot catch men if we don't try; we cannot catch men if we don't learn how We are in the boat. Here at Christ the Saviour, we have the fullness of the faith (we are like a fractal of the Universal Church) so it is fair to say that we are the boat. But remember that bit earlier about how nature and nurture conspire against our marriages? You know me well enough by now to know that I wasn't just talking about marriage. Marriage is an image of the Church: the union of flesh with one another and the union of that one flesh with God (Ephesians 5:32). Why should we think that we are naturally any better at living as the Church than we are with marriage? The same forces work against us: we suffer from both nature and nurture. Just as good intentions are not enough for the children of broken homes, they are not enough for us as we try to build this parish. Without serious help, we will just end up building the equivalent of a miserable and failed marriage, another Tower of Babel, a perverse monument to our own fallenness. We cannot do it on our own.  We need help.   We need Christ. Without Him, we are like the Apostles in today's lesson before our Lord came; “toiling all night and catching nothing” (St. Luke 5:5). It had been a hard night for them and they had given up on catching anything; but then Christ came and told them to go back out, and they caught more than they could carry. So many that their boats almost broke. This parish has been through a lot.  There was a time when it was down to a handful of people.  Like Simon in today's lesson, we had good hearts and the best of intentions, but we were tired; and we had pretty much given up on catching fish. But the Lord has told us to get back out there and get it done. And so that is what we are doing.  Of course, we are smart in the ways of the world, and we are always tempted to rely on our own strength and our own hearts. But our hearts are broken and our strength will fail us. “Except the Lord build the house, all who labor labor in vain.” (126:1). But for those who put their trust in the Lord and in His way – there is no limit to the good that they can do. This is where we are. We have given our lives and the future of this parish to the Lord Jesus Christ.  Like Simon, we haven't always seen the point of what the Lord commands, but also like Simon, we follow Him. And we know the result of doing the Lord's will: the catch was so great that their nets were so full that they were all but bursting, and the ship could barely stay afloat.  Does this sound familiar?  The Lord has bless your commitment and your faith; and our growth has been so great that we wonder if our walls can hold the number of men, women, and children who have been pulled in to the safety of the Church. So great that we, like Simon calling for the second boat, are helping to plant missions and look for new properties to provide enough room. Because there is no reason to expect this growth to stop.  After all, there are a lot of people drowning in the waters around us. We cannot allow them to perish – it is God's will that all be saved. It is a tough calling. But we do not labor in vain: because we are building according to the Lord's command. We have been transformed fishers of men. To God be all glory and may He bless us as we do this work.

Monday –   Luke 5:1-11 One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret,[a] the people were crowding around him and listening to the word of God. 2 He saw at the water's edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. 3 He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”5 Simon answered, “Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”6 When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. 7 So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” 9 For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 10 and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon's partners.  Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don't be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” 11 So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”5 Simon answered, “Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”6 When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. 7 So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” ….. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don't be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” 

Gospel Reading: Luke 5:1-11At that time, as Jesus was standing by the lake of Gennesaret, he saw two boats by the lake; but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon's, he asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the people from the boat. And when he had ceased speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch." And Simon answered, "Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets." And when they had done this, they enclosed a great shoal of fish; and as their nets were breaking, they beckoned to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord." For he was astonished, and all who were with him, at the catch of fish which they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid; henceforth you will be catching men." And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.

SEPT 21 | V The Mission of the King | Mark 6:53-56"When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret and anchored there. As soon as they got out of the boat, people recognized Jesus.They ran throughout that whole region and carried the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. And wherever he went—into villages, towns or countryside—they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed."

SEPT 21 | V The Mission of the King | Mark 6:53-56"When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret and anchored there. As soon as they got out of the boat, people recognized Jesus.They ran throughout that whole region and carried the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. And wherever he went—into villages, towns or countryside—they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed."

SEPT 21 | V The Mission of the King | Mark 6:53-56"When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret and anchored there. As soon as they got out of the boat, people recognized Jesus.They ran throughout that whole region and carried the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. And wherever he went—into villages, towns or countryside—they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed."

SEPT 21 | V The Mission of the King | Mark 6:53-56"When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret and anchored there. As soon as they got out of the boat, people recognized Jesus.They ran throughout that whole region and carried the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. And wherever he went—into villages, towns or countryside—they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed."

SEPT 21 | V The Mission of the King | Mark 6:53-56"When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret and anchored there. As soon as they got out of the boat, people recognized Jesus.They ran throughout that whole region and carried the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. And wherever he went—into villages, towns or countryside—they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed."

SEPT 21 | V The Mission of the King | Mark 6:53-56"When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret and anchored there. As soon as they got out of the boat, people recognized Jesus.They ran throughout that whole region and carried the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. And wherever he went—into villages, towns or countryside—they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed."

SEPT 21 | V The Mission of the King | Mark 6:53-56"When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret and anchored there. As soon as they got out of the boat, people recognized Jesus.They ran throughout that whole region and carried the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. And wherever he went—into villages, towns or countryside—they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed."

SEPT 21 | V The Mission of the King | Mark 6:53-56"When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret and anchored there. As soon as they got out of the boat, people recognized Jesus.They ran throughout that whole region and carried the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. And wherever he went—into villages, towns or countryside—they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed."

6 He went away from there and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. 2 And on the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things? What is the wisdom given to him? How are such mighty works done by his hands? 3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. 4 And Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his relatives and in his own household.” 5 And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them. 6 And he marveled because of their unbelief. And he went about among the villages teaching. Jesus Sends Out the Twelve Apostles7 And he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. 8 He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in their belts— 9 but to wear sandals and not put on two tunics. 10 And he said to them, “Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you depart from there. 11 And if any place will not receive you and they will not listen to you, when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.” 12 So they went out and proclaimed that people should repent. 13 And they cast out many demons and anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them. The Death of John the Baptist14 King Herod heard of it, for Jesus' name had become known. Some said, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead. That is why these miraculous powers are at work in him.” 15 But others said, “He is Elijah.” And others said, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” 16 But when Herod heard of it, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.” 17 For it was Herod who had sent and seized John and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, because he had married her. 18 For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife.” 19 And Herodias had a grudge against him and wanted to put him to death. But she could not, 20 for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he kept him safe. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed, and yet he heard him gladly. 21 But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his nobles and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee. 22 For when Herodias's daughter came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests. And the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it to you.” 23 And he vowed to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half of my kingdom.” 24 And she went out and said to her mother, “For what should I ask?” And she said, “The head of John the Baptist.” 25 And she came in immediately with haste to the king and asked, saying, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.” 26 And the king was exceedingly sorry, but because of his oaths and his guests he did not want to break his word to her. 27 And immediately the king sent an executioner with orders to bring John's head. He went and beheaded him in the prison 28 and brought his head on a platter and gave it to the girl, and the girl gave it to her mother. 29 When his disciples heard of it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb. Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand30 jThe apostles returned to Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. 31 And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. 32 And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves. 33 Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they ran there on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. 34 When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things. 35 And when it grew late, his disciples came to him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the hour is now late. 36 Send them away to go into the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” 37 But he answered them, “You give them something to eat.” And they said to him, “Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread and give it to them to eat?” 38 And he said to them, “How many loaves do you have? Go and see.” And when they had found out, they said, “Five, and two fish.” 39 Then he commanded them all to sit down in groups on the green grass. 40 So they sat down in groups, by hundreds and by fifties. 41 And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing and broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the people. And he divided the two fish among them all. 42 And they all ate and were satisfied. 43 And they took up twelve baskets full of broken pieces and of the fish. 44 And those who ate the loaves were five thousand men. Jesus Walks on the Water45 Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. 46 And after he had taken leave of them, he went up on the mountain to pray. 47 And when evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land. 48 And he saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them. And about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them, 49 but when they saw him walking on the sea they thought it was a ghost, and cried out, 50 for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” 51 And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded, 52 for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened. Jesus Heals the Sick in Gennesaret53 When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret and moored to the shore. 54 And when they got out of the boat, the people immediately recognized him 55 and ran about the whole region and began to bring the sick people on their beds to wherever they heard he was. 56 And wherever he came, in villages, cities, or countryside, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and implored him that they might touch even the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well. The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Mk 6:1–56.

Today's Topics: 1) Gospel - Luke 5:1-11 - While the crowd was pressing in on Jesus and listening to the word of God, He was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret. He saw two boats there alongside the lake; the fishermen had disembarked and were washing their nets. Getting into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, He asked him to put out a short distance from the shore. Then He sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. After He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, "Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch." Simon said in reply, "Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing, but at Your command I will lower the nets." When they had done this, they caught a great number of fish and their nets were tearing. They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come to help them. They came and filled both boats so that the boats were in danger of sinking. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at the knees of Jesus and said, "Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man." For astonishment at the catch of fish they had made seized him and all those with him, and likewise James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners of Simon. Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men." When they brought their boats to the shore, they left everything and followed Him. Bishop Sheen quote of the day 2) Cardinal Cupich and Fr. James Martin ignore Minnesota shooter's transgenderism and call for treating the symptom with more gun control while ignoring the real cause https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/cardinal-cupich-fr-james-martin-ignore-minnesota-shooters-transgenderism-call-for-more-gun-control/?utm_source=twittercath 3) President Trump stops SIX wars, so when will he get the Nobel Peace Prize? 4) Psychology: Friend or foe? What do orthodox faithful Catholics believe about the book: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) https://jesseromero.com/blog/what-do-orthodox-faithful-catholic-exorcist-believe-about-diagnostic-and-statistical-manual-0

Gospel Luke 5:1-11 While the crowd was pressing in on Jesus and listening to the word of God, he was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret. He saw two boats there alongside the lake; the fishermen had disembarked and were washing their nets. Getting into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, he asked him to put out a short distance from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. After he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch." Simon said in reply, "Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing, but at your command I will lower the nets." When they had done this, they caught a great number of fish and their nets were tearing. They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come to help them. They came and filled both boats so that the boats were in danger of sinking. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at the knees of Jesus and said, "Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man." For astonishment at the catch of fish they had made seized him and all those with him, and likewise James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners of Simon. Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men." When they brought their boats to the shore, they left everything and followed him. Reflection What I love about this passage is that Jesus is revealing to his future disciples the essence of what he longs to accomplish while he is here on this planet. What he wants to do is to infuse people with his power, with his strength, and to be partners with him in the work of salvation history. You know, it's interesting that they weren't just called to a place where they would understand more about the mysteries of God, but they were going to be engaged in the work of God. This is so important for us to understand. It's not that we are so well versed in theology, it's that we are well versed in understanding the Spirit's presence within us. Closing Prayer Father, we have a shared task with you in this world. Bless us with confidence that you can fill us with the wisdom we need, the talent we need, the energy we need to do the work you've given us to do. Give us confidence and joy in participating in establishing the Kingdom of God with you. We ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While the crowd was pressing in on Jesus and listening to the word of God,he was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret.He saw two boats there alongside the lake;the fishermen had disembarked and were washing their nets.Getting into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon,he asked him to put out a short distance from the shore.Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat.After he had finished speaking, he said to Simon,"Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch."Simon said in reply,"Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing,but at your command I will lower the nets."When they had done this, they caught a great number of fishand their nets were tearing.They signaled to their partners in the other boatto come to help them.They came and filled both boatsso that the boats were in danger of sinking.When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at the knees of Jesus and said,"Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man."For astonishment at the catch of fish they had made seized himand all those with him,and likewise James and John, the sons of Zebedee,who were partners of Simon.Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid;from now on you will be catching men."When they brought their boats to the shore,they left everything and followed him.

John 14:12 12 Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.Matthew 14:22-33 22 Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. 23 After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, 24 and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.25 Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It's a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.27 But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid.”28 “Lord, if it's you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”29 “Come,” he said.Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”32 And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33 Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”Luke 9:1-6 9 When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, 2 and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. 3 He told them: “Take nothing for the journey—no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra shirt. 4 Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town. 5 If people do not welcome you, leave their town and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.” 6 So they set out and went from village to village, proclaiming the good news and healing people everywhere.Luke 5:1-11 5 One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret,[a] the people were crowding around him and listening to the word of God. 2 He saw at the water's edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. 3 He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”5 Simon answered, “Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”6 When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. 7 So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” 9 For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 10 and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon's partners.Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don't be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” 11 So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.John 3:1-21 3 Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2 He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.”3 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.[a]”4 “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother's womb to be born!”5 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit[b] gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You[c] must be born again.' 8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”[d]9 “How can this be?” Nicodemus asked.10 “You are Israel's teacher,” said Jesus, “and do you not understand these things? 11 Very truly I tell you, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. 12 I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? 13 No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man.[e] 14 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up,[f] 15 that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.”[g]16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. 19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.Isaiah 54:2 “Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes.

Bethany has seen a lot of change over all its years of ministry. Staff have come and gone for various reasons but in everything we always remember who we are and how far we have come. Even more so, we remember who He is and what He's done. Remembering how far we've come is worth celebrating. Remembering how good God is reminds us that He is worthy of our praise.Hebrews 12:1–2 (ESV)Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.Luke 5:1–11 (ESV)On one occasion, while the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he was standing by the lake of Gennesaret, and he saw two boats by the lake, but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon's, he asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the people from the boat. And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.” And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking. They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish that they had taken, and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.

Discover the profound lessons from Jesus walking on water in this inspiring sermon, "Jesus Takes a Walk." Dive into Mark 6:45-56 and explore how Jesus brings comfort and courage in the darkest storms of life. Learn how to trust God even when you feel forsaken, and uncover the truth about faith, hard-heartedness, and God's unwavering presence. Key Points from the Sermon: *Feeling Forgotten? Understand why God's people, from the Psalmists to Jesus Himself, have felt abandoned and how to find hope in those moments. * Jesus Sees You: Even in the darkest storms, Jesus sees your struggles and comes to you, treading the waves under His feet. * Faith Over Amazement: Discover the difference between being amazed by miracles and living by faith that transforms your life. * Softening Your Heart: Learn how to guard against a hardened heart and embrace the truths of God's Word. * Jesus' Power and Compassion: Witness the incredible healings at Gennesaret and the limitless compassion of Christ. Why Watch This Sermon? This sermon is perfect for anyone feeling overwhelmed, lost, or distant from God. It offers practical insights on trusting Jesus in life's storms, softening your heart to His truth, and experiencing His compassion and power. Whether you're seeking spiritual growth, encouragement, or a deeper understanding of faith, this message will inspire and uplift you. Share this video with someone who needs to hear this message of hope. Comment below: How has Jesus shown up in your storms? We'd love to hear your story! More sermons available at www.TreasuringGod.com

Gospel Reading: Matthew 14:22-34At that time, Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat by this time was many furlongs distant from the land, beaten by the waves; for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out for fear. But immediately he spoke to them, saying "Take heart, it is I; have no fear." And Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, bid me come to you on the water." He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus; but when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me." Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, "O man of little faith, why did you doubt?" And when they entered the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God." And when they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret.

Cory Morgan (Pastor of Modern Worship & Young Adults), "Into the Deep".                 4.  “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.  5.  You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.  6.  And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart.  7.  You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.  8.  You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.  9.  You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.          (Deuteronomy 6:4-9 ESV)          1.  On one occasion, while the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he was standing by the lake of Gennesaret,  2.  and he saw two boats by the lake, but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. 3.  Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon's, he asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the people from the boat.  4.  And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.”  5.  And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.”  6.  And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking.          7.  They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink.  8.  But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.”  9.  For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish that they had taken,  10.  and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.”  11.  And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.          (Luke 5:1-11 ESV)

Cory Morgan (Pastor of Modern Worship & Young Adults), "Into the Deep", Modern Worship Praise Team (11:15 Service).                 4.  “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.  5.  You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.  6.  And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart.  7.  You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.  8.  You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.  9.  You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.          (Deuteronomy 6:4-9 ESV)          1.  On one occasion, while the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he was standing by the lake of Gennesaret,  2.  and he saw two boats by the lake, but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. 3.  Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon's, he asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the people from the boat.  4.  And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.”  5.  And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.”  6.  And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking.          7.  They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink.  8.  But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.”  9.  For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish that they had taken,  10.  and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.”  11.  And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.          (Luke 5:1-11 ESV)

Today's Topics: 1) Gospel - Matthew 14:22-36 - Jesus made the disciples get into a boat and precede Him to the other side of the sea, while He dismissed the crowds. After doing so, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. When it was evening He was there alone. Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it. During the fourth watch of the night, He came toward them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea they were terrified. “It is a ghost,” they said, and they cried out in fear. At once Jesus spoke to them, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” Peter said to Him in reply, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” He said, “Come.” Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus stretched out His Hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” After they got into the boat, the wind died down. Those who were in the boat did Him homage, saying, “Truly, You are the Son of God.” After making the crossing, they came to land at Gennesaret. When the men of that place recognized Him, they sent word to all the surrounding country. People brought to Him all those who were sick and begged Him that they might touch only the tassel on His cloak, and as many as touched it were healed. Memorial of the Dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome Bishop Sheen quote of the day 2, 3, 4) Joshua Charles on why protestants have such an aversion to the Blessed Virgin Mary

Gospel  Matthew 14:22-36 Jesus made the disciples get into a boat and precede him to the other side of the sea, while he dismissed the crowds. After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When it was evening he was there alone. Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it. During the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified. “It is a ghost,” they said, and they cried out in fear. At once Jesus spoke to them, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” Peter said to him in reply, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” After they got into the boat, the wind died down. Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying, “Truly, you are the Son of God.” After making the crossing, they came to land at Gennesaret. When the men of that place recognized him, they sent word to all the surrounding country. People brought to him all those who were sick and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak, and as many as touched it were healed. Reflection I want to focus on Peter. He has a reputation of acting before he thinks things out. Sounds familiar to me. And one of the things I see in this story is the necessity of belief, the necessity to be convinced, when you're engaged in something that is not of your own doing. When you're used by a God who says, I want you to be the instrument of me to the world, and you find yourself in a place where you're not in charge. It's easy to be afraid. That's exactly what we see in Peter. He says, let me do what you ask me to do. And when he's doing it, he doesn't realize that he's not fully convinced that it will work, and he's afraid. And it again shows that when fear is there, it's often because we don't believe enough. All week long, we're listening to Jesus remind his disciples, you have to believe. You have to have a faith that is unshakable. Closing Prayer Father, when we experience a new world, a world of you working through us, it feels almost as if we're doing the impossible. And when we think it is impossible, that's when we fail, so bless us with conviction and faith. And we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jesus made the disciples get into a boatand precede him to the other side of the sea,while he dismissed the crowds.After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray.When it was evening he was there alone.Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore,was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it.During the fourth watch of the night,he came toward them, walking on the sea.When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified.“It is a ghost,” they said, and they cried out in fear.At once Jesus spoke to them, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.”Peter said to him in reply,“Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.”He said, “Come.”Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus.But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened;and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!”Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him,and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”After they got into the boat, the wind died down.Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying,“Truly, you are the Son of God.”After making the crossing, they came to land at Gennesaret.When the men of that place recognized him,they sent word to all the surrounding country.People brought to him all those who were sickand begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak,and as many as touched it were healed.

In chapter 14 verses 1-12 of Matthew Herod is struck with terror on hearing of the miracles of Jesus. Herod Antipas, a convert of the Sadducees (and therefore a non believer in the resurrection of the dead) was convinced that John the Baptist had been raised from the dead. Our Lord is told of John's brutal decapitation and in response seeks solitude to reflect. Verses 13-22 tell us that Jesus is interrupted by a multitude seeking him out and his compassionate response to their need of a shepherd to teach them: compare Numbers 27 verse 17. Jesus feeds 5,000 of them and heals many. John 6 tells us that their desire was to take him by force and make him their king. Jesus summarily dispersed the crowd and went into a mountain to pray. Verses 24-33 speak of Jesus sending the Apostles by boat to the other side of the lake. After praying on the mountain our Lord saw the Apostles toiling in rowing on a storm tossed sea and failing to make any progress. The Lord came to them through the storm, walking on the water. Peter alone showed the faith and courage to briefly do likewise. Though Peter's faith faltered he alone had the courage to walk on the Sea of Galilee at the request of his master. O that such trust in our master and such confidence was ours that Peter then displayed! Peter was rescued by his Master. Their port of destination was Capernaum - meaning the city of consolation. This speaks of our destination and finding comfort when our Lord, the Father's Son and our hope and consolation, has come. Verses 34-36 tell us that Jesus on reaching the other side of the lake Jesus healed many at Gennesaret.

In this episode of the Reformed Brotherhood, Jesse and Tony delve into the topic of demons and spiritual warfare, exploring what the Bible teaches about these spiritual entities and their activity in the world. The conversation begins with an examination of Job 1, where Satan appears in the heavenly court to accuse Job, demonstrating how God's sovereignty encompasses even the actions of the devil and his demons. The discussion emphasizes that while demons are real and dangerous, they operate under the ultimate authority of God, who uses even their actions to fulfill His purposes. The hosts also discuss the role of Christ's death and resurrection in fundamentally altering the influence and power of Satan and his demons. Drawing from Revelation 20, they explain how Christ's victory has “bound” Satan, limiting his ability to deceive the nations and opening the way for the Gospel to spread to all people. This pivotal event in redemptive history marks a shift in the spiritual realm, giving Christians the confidence to stand firm against spiritual opposition, knowing that the ultimate victory has already been won in Christ. Additionally, Jesse and Tony reflect on various Biblical accounts of demonic activity, such as the demoniac at Gennesaret and the failed exorcism by the seven sons of Sceva in Acts 19. These stories highlight the power of Jesus' name, the reality of spiritual warfare, and the dangers of invoking Christ's authority without true faith. The episode concludes with a call to Christians to prepare for spiritual battles through Scripture, prayer, and reliance on the power of Christ. Key Points: The Sovereignty of God Over Demons: The story of Job reveals that even Satan's actions are under God's control, serving His divine purposes. The Binding of Satan: Revelation 20 teaches that Christ's death and resurrection have limited Satan's ability to deceive the nations, enabling the spread of the Gospel. Biblical Accounts of Demonic Activity: Stories like the demoniac at Gennesaret and the seven sons of Sceva illustrate the power and authority of Christ over demons. Practical Lessons for Christians: Believers are called to stand firm in faith, armed with Scripture, and confident in Christ's ultimate victory over evil forces. Questions for Reflection: How does Job 1 demonstrate God's sovereignty over Satan and his actions? What does Revelation 20 teach us about the impact of Christ's resurrection on Satan's power? Why is it important for Christians to rely on true faith and not superficial invocations of Jesus' name in spiritual battles? How can Biblical accounts of demonic activity help us better understand the nature of spiritual warfare today? What practical steps can Christians take to prepare for spiritual opposition?

To become a follower of Jesus, visit: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/MeetJesus (NOT a Morning Mindset resource) ⇒ Get a copy of the MM Companion Journal: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/journal ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:   ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ FINANCIALLY SUPPORT THE MORNING MINDSET: (not tax-deductible) -- Become a monthly partner: https://mm-gfk-partners.supercast.com/ -- Support a daily episode: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/daily-sponsor/ -- Give one-time: https://give.cornerstone.cc/careygreen -- Venmo: @CareyNGreen ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ FOREIGN LANGUAGE VERSIONS OF THIS PODCAST: SPANISH version: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Spanish HINDI version: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Hindi CHINESE version: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Chinese  ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ CONTACT: Carey@careygreen.com  ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ THEME MUSIC: “King’s Trailer” – Creative Commons 0 | Provided by https://freepd.com/ ***All NON-ENGLISH versions of the Morning Mindset are translated using A.I. Dubbing and Translation tools from DubFormer.ai ***All NON-ENGLISH text content (descriptions and titles) are translated using the A.I. functionality of Google Translate. To become a follower of Jesus, visit: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/MeetJesus (NOT a Morning Mindset resource) ⇒ Get a copy of the MM Companion Journal: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/journal ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Mark 6:53–56 - [53] When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret and moored to the shore. [54] And when they got out of the boat, the people immediately recognized him [55] and ran about the whole region and began to bring the sick people on their beds to wherever they heard he was. [56] And wherever he came, in villages, cities, or countryside, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and implored him that they might touch even the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well. (ESV) ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ FINANCIALLY SUPPORT THE MORNING MINDSET: (not tax-deductible) -- Become a monthly partner: https://mm-gfk-partners.supercast.com/ -- Support a daily episode: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/daily-sponsor/ -- Give one-time: https://give.cornerstone.cc/careygreen -- Venmo: @CareyNGreen ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ FOREIGN LANGUAGE VERSIONS OF THIS PODCAST: SPANISH version: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Spanish HINDI version: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Hindi CHINESE version: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Chinese  ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ CONTACT: Carey@careygreen.com  ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ THEME MUSIC: “King’s Trailer” – Creative Commons 0 | Provided by https://freepd.com/ ***All NON-ENGLISH versions of the Morning Mindset are translated using A.I. Dubbing and Translation tools from DubFormer.ai ***All NON-ENGLISH text content (descriptions and titles) are translated using the A.I. functionality of Google Translate.