Podcast appearances and mentions of jesus matthew

Gift of the Spirit—Salvation (Acts 2:38, 11:17)Gifts of the Spirit—Service (1 Peter 4:10)Fruit of the Spirit—Character/Attitude (Gal 5:22-23)Love. Joy. Peace. [GOD]Patience. Kindness. Goodness. [OTHERS]Faithfulness. Gentleness. Self-control. [SELF]GentlenessPre-Christian use of the word “gentleness” (Greek: prautes):·     Aristotle (Greek Philosopher: 384-322 B.C.)—Balance between anger and passivity.·     Plato (Greek Philosopher: 428-348 B.C.)—Behavior of a ruler seeking power.·     Pinder (Greek Poet: 518-438 B.C.)—Mild and kind king.·     Herodotus (“Father of History”: 484-425 B.C.)—Opposite of anger.Gentleness: “Strength under control.” “Power harnessed.” Two Biblical Examples of Gentleness Moses (Numbers 12:3)Now the man Moses was very meek, more than all people who were on the face of the earth.Jesus (Matthew 11:29)Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Gentleness begins by being in the Word.Gentleness shapes my words.Gentleness shapes my actions. --------DAILY DEVOTIONAL WITH RON MOOREGet Ron's Daily Devotional to your inbox each morning; visit biblechapel.org/devo.CAREGIVINGDo you have a need we can pray for? Do you need someone to walk alongside you? Do you know of another person who needs care? Let us know at caregiving@biblechapel.org.GROWTH TRACKWe all have a next step - what's yours? To learn more about our Growth Track and to take your next step, biblechapel.org/connect.

Jesus has now begun to speak to the people in parables. They will all hear, but not everyone who hears Him will understand. The prophecies of Isaiah and king David are being fulfilled as we listen to our King.

What Does It Mean to Follow Jesus? | Matthew 16:24-27 | Bro. Josiah Conner

This podcast episode with Pastor Peter delves into the "house to house" season, a prophetic encouragement for the church to make diligent room for the Lord's spirit to move. Drawing extensively from David's Tabernacle as a blueprint for Jesus's church, the message outlines seven distinctives that connect us to the New Testament church, including open access into God's presence, ongoing singing and intercession mirroring heaven's throne room, prophetic direction, and the engagement of all nations. Pastor Peter emphasizes that all ministry flows out of ministering to the Lord first, preparing the church to fulfill its calling as a "house of prayer for all nations" (Isaiah 56:7) and implementing the "house of peace" strategy modeled by Jesus (Matthew 10, Luke 10). This strategy centers on prayer and hospitality in homes, acting as gates into communities where the gospel can freely spread, leading to a "quiet revival" where God's presence itself becomes the evangelism strategy. With the local area experiencing massive growth, the church is called to engage this "harvest field", making a personal decision like King David (Psalms 132) to prioritize Jesus, becoming like Him, and making room for Him in every aspect of life.

Sermon from Aaron Anderson on August 24, 2025

Sermon By: Pastor Roman Folia (The Gospel of Matthew pt. 39)

The mother and brothers of Jesus are very concerned about Him (Mark 3:21), and they have come to speak to Him. In our study today, Jesus will challenge His family, His followers, and all of us.

Our vision is clear: to see God's hope transform our cities one story at a time. In this powerful Vision Sunday message, Pastor Aaron McRae unpacks what it means to live as a people marked by transformation through Jesus and how our church is called to live out God's mission together.This year, we're focusing on four key mission strategies:1️⃣ Experiencing God's Love – discovering the life-changing reality of God's love through Jesus (1 John 4:7-10, Acts 2:47).2️⃣ Growing in Community – building authentic, soul-level relationships that strengthen our faith (Hebrews 10:24-25, Acts 2:42-47).3️⃣ Serving with Compassion – meeting needs in our church, city, and world with the heart of Jesus (Matthew 9:36).4️⃣ Multiplying Impact – raising disciples, leaders, and churches for lasting Kingdom impact (Ephesians 4:12-13).As we look toward our 50th anniversary in 2029, we are committed to being a Christ-centered community marked by love, generosity, and transformation. Imagine the impact if each of us lives out this vision daily—together, we'll see God move in ways we can't yet imagine.

Following Jesus comes with real costs, but in Him the eternal rewards far outweigh every sacrifice.

“Encountered by Jesus” Matthew 8:28-34 August 17, 2025 Pastor Tony Felich    ----more---- Matthew 8:28 And when he came to the other side, to the country of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men met him, coming out of the tombs, so fierce that no one could pass that way. [29] And behold, they cried out, “What have you to do with us, O Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?” [30] Now a herd of many pigs was feeding at some distance from them. [31] And the demons begged him, saying, “If you cast us out, send us away into the herd of pigs.” [32] And he said to them, “Go.” So they came out and went into the pigs, and behold, the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea and drowned in the waters. [33] The herdsmen fled, and going into the city they told everything, especially what had happened to the demon-possessed men. [34] And behold, all the city came out to meet Jesus, and when they saw him, they begged him to leave their region. An encounter with Jesus always brings about a response.           •  Defiance (28-32)           •  Deliverance (32)            •  Opposition (33-34)           •  Praise and testimony (Luke 8, Mark 5)

Preached during Joyful Hour Sunday Service | Pastor Elliot Lamptey.

This will be the last part of Jesus' second discourse. He will finish his message to His disciples by telling them that His message will bring division among friends and family. "He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it."

nm.redemptionaz.com

Tune in this week as Pastor Erick Willis continues our series through the book of Matthew, focusing on the baptism of Jesus outlined in Matthew 3:13-17.If you would like to partner with BLVD Church and what we are doing in the community, you can make an investment of support at https://blvd.church/give

Jesus has been preparing His apostles for the work that He is sending them out to do. They will preach the same message that He has been preaching, but they need to be aware of a few things, and so do we. "Do not be afraid, you are more valuable than many sparrows."

Mark Clark teaches from Matthew 16:13–19, emphasizing the difference between merely believing in Jesus and truly treasuring Him above all else. He reminds us that God doesn't use us because of who we are, but in spite of who we are.

The Radical Call of Jesus // Matthew 5–7 // CityBridge Community Church Jesus didn't come to lower the bar. He came to call people into a different way of living—His way. This week's message starts our Radical series with a walkthrough of the Sermon on the Mount. It's not about external rules. It's about a heart fully given to God. Sermon notes and discussion questions available at: https://www.citybridgechurch.org/messages Subscribe for weekly Sunday Messages on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Questions or feedback? DM us @citybridgecc or email info@citybridgechurch.org. Enjoyed the message? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts.

As we continue looking at the meta-narrative of Scripture, we cover the gospels and how they reveal Jesus as the world's long-awaited King and Messiah. Jesus is King, and He is calling for Himself a people from every nation, tribe, and tongue.

Join us every Sunday at 10am at River of Life church in Guilderland, NY Find us online at facebook.com/riveralbany or riveralbany.com. Podcasts of the Sunday message can be found on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, YT music, or Soundcloud.

In this episode, Pastor Jeff Reynolds is joined by David Tooley, Alex Watkins, and Keith Christopher for a meaningful conversation on faith, community, and spiritual growth. Pastor Jeff asks the group a powerful question: “How do you position yourself in your life to do what God says?” The ministers share honest reflections on how they intentionally seek God in their daily lives and offer practical, encouraging tips that anyone can apply to grow closer to Him. Whether you're just beginning your faith journey or looking to deepen your walk with God, this conversation offers wisdom and inspiration for your everyday life.   ---   This episode of The Beyond Sunday Podcast unpacks the sermon “Be Grounded in Jesus | Matthew 7:15–28.” Jesus warns us about false prophets and calls us to build our lives on the solid foundation of His Word. We explore what it means to truly know Him—not just in words, but in obedience—and reflect on how the storms of life reveal where we've placed our trust.   Submit a question - bit.ly/BeyondSundayQuestions

WE have been introduced to the twelve apostles of Jesus and now He is sending them out to the towns and villages to preach His message. "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." Before they go, they're going to need to understand a few things.

Give generously to the poor (Prov 19:17) because to do so is giving generously to Jesus (Matthew 25:40) and because Jesus gave generously to us (Ephesians 2:8).

Pastor Randy Lightbourne IT'S STILL NO OTHER WAY (JESUS) MATTHEW 26:36-44Welcome to the "Real Knows Real" where the powerful, fiery preaching of Pastor Randy Lightbourne ignites hearts and challenges listeners to deeper faith and decisive action. Each week, Pastor Lightbourne brings dynamic messages filled with conviction, urgency, and a passionate call to make your calling and election sure. Are you ready to move beyond surface-level spirituality into a profound and transformative relationship with God? Pastor Randy Lightbourne isn't here to entertain but to inspire and provoke meaningful change through heartfelt, scripturally grounded sermons. With a voice that resonates with authority and compassion, Pastor Lightbourne pushes us to critically examine our spiritual standing, encouraging us to live authentically and wholeheartedly for Christ. Whether you're navigating spiritual uncertainty or seeking renewed purpose and clarity, this podcast will speak directly to your soul. Through deeply engaging biblical insights, and an unrelenting passion for truth, Pastor Lightbourne illuminates the path toward a genuine and committed Christian life. Your spiritual journey demands urgency and conviction—make no mistake, now is the time to solidify your walk with God. Prepare to be inspired, convicted, and set ablaze for the glory of God, with the ministry of Pastor Randy!Blessings Abound!

What will we do with what we've learned from Jesus? ---  Jesus was the greatest teacher the world has ever known, and His teachings continue to shape lives still today. Not far from His ministry base of Capernaum, a hill on the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee is traditionally known as the site from which Jesus delivered His Sermon on the Mount. In this beautiful place, Jesus sat down and shared a paradigm-shifting message that became the most famous sermon in history – the greatest sermon ever preached!  Sermon Notes: http://bible.com/events/49467066 Submit a Question: bit.ly/BeyondSundayQuestions

Join us every Sunday at 10am at River of Life church in Guilderland, NY Find us online at facebook.com/riveralbany or riveralbany.com. Podcasts of the Sunday message can be found on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, YT music, or Soundcloud.

This episode marks the beginning of the second discourse of Jesus in Matthew's gospel. It is known as the mission discourse and it is the record of the words of our Lord as He spoke to His disciples and sent them out to preach and to say, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."

The Ministry of Jesus - Matthew 4:23-25

Entrusting Your Life to Jesus - Matthew 17:14-27All Scripture is breathed out by God and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. - 2 Tim. 3:16-17All the Scriptures were perfectly written between 1500 BC & 100 A.D. But the printing press wasn't created until A.D. 1455. That means every fragment and copy of the Bible was hand-copied before the printing press.Why we can fully trust that the Bible we have from copies is TRUE:Tens of thousands of copied manuscripts, unlike any ancient document.Remarkable consistency across 2 MILLION pages of biblical text.Understandable differences as copies were made over centuries.Earliest texts to help clarify what the original text said.In today's text we are going to see Jesus interact with people during some very frustrating moments in life. We will see Him exhort us all with words and deeds that show we can entrust our lives to Him.Matthew 17:14-27Disciples have to entrust family member's health to Jesus - V. 14-18Jesus' words in verse 17 seem harsh at first, but remember that He had just been up on the mountain and got to interact with ancient saints known for great faith and focused living for God. But now he's back with disciples caught up in unbelief and petty arguing.Mark 9:21-24 lets us know that Jesus can do anything we ask Him to do. We can approach Him with full confidence that if healing now is His will, it will happen. But if you struggle to believe that, use this father's words to voice your prayer to Jesus – “Lord I believe; help my unbelief.”Disciples have to entrust their frustrations to Jesus - V. 19-21When you are frustrated and ‘in the flesh' sin blocks you from focused prayers and successful ministry to others. You are blocked from trusting God and entrusting your situation to God.“If I regard iniquity (sin) in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.” - Ps. 66:18The key to faith is not the amount of it but the object of it. What confidence our faith in Jesus brings! If it is His will for the mountain of our circumstance to move, He will say ‘Yes' to our prayer. If He says ‘No' or ‘Wait,' we can be confident the no will be for a greater ‘Yes.'“Even a small amount of faith can move a mountain, assuming that the move is in God's will.” - David JeremiahDisciples have to entrust what distresses them to Jesus - V. 22-23Suffering and death are not the worst things that will happen to a believer – failure to live by faith in the midst of our circumstances is. Prosperous circumstances and things going our way often keep us from growing faith.Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. - 1 Peter 4:1-2Disciples have to entrust their finances to Jesus - V. 24-27With all the travel and experiences Peter must have been physically and emotionally exhausted when he got home to Capernaum. And what does he encounter there? The tax man!This tax was the Temple tax going all the way back to Exodus 30. Men over 20 years of age were to pay this tax every year for the upkeep of God's house in Jerusalem.Knowing all things, including what Peter was feeling, verse 25 says Jesus spoke to him first. Jesus knew Peter needed encouragement in this time of distress, and He gave it to Peter. He knows you and I need it too!Jesus is saying He is the Son of God here. Prince's don't have to be taxes in their father's house. Since Jesus is the Son of God, He doesn't need to pay taxes to support His Father's house!A stader was worth 4 drachma, enough to pay off their tax bill and model good citizenship.

Trendon Albers delivers a powerful word on knowing who Jesus is and how HIs triumphant entry into Jerusalem was predicted in the book of Zechariah. Those that knew of the prophecy knew who Jesus was, while those that didn't know didn't know who He was. We are called to be in His word to know who our Lord is. Join us every Sunday at 8:30 and 10:30am and Wednesdays at 7:00pm!

In moments of desperation and weakness, we often wonder if God sees us—or if He cares. In Matthew 9:18–26, Jesus responds to a grieving father and a suffering woman with compassion and power, revealing His heart for the broken. Guest Pastor Josh Moody proclaims the hope of a Savior who welcomes our faith, however small, and brings healing, life, and restoration.

Jesus has been teaching on top of the mountain for some timenow and He has told us some marvelous things about ourselves, about our Fatherin heaven, and about the kingdom of God. These verses cover the last part ofthe sermon on the mount. Let us hear Him.

The following audio was recorded at Stone Oak Bible Church. For more information about our church or for more resources, visit us at www.stoneoakbible.com

Following Jesus - Matthew 4:18-22

Following Jesus - Matthew 4:18-22

The God Who Knows Us Better Than We Know Ourselves is a powerful devotional that explores Peter’s journey from boldness to denial—and Jesus’ divine insight into his heart. It reminds us that even when we believe we’re ready, God’s timing is intentional. Jesus sees not only who we are now, but also who we are becoming. If you’re feeling stuck in a season of waiting or wondering why God hasn’t “put you in the game,” this episode will bring clarity, encouragement, and comfort. ✨ Highlights: Luke 22:31–34 sets the scene: Jesus warns Peter about Satan’s plans—and reveals Peter’s future denial. Peter, full of confidence, says he’s ready for prison or death… but Jesus knows the truth. The devotional reflects on how our zeal doesn’t always match our maturity—and how Jesus intercedes and lovingly guides us. Just like Peter, we may overestimate our readiness, but God sees the full picture of our hearts, trials, and future impact. Encouragement for believers who feel overlooked or underused: God plays the long game, and His plans are rooted in both mercy and foresight.

Birth of a King G'day and welcome to Partake! We are now on day 11 of our series "Glimpses", looking at the story of the Bible in 30 days, from the time of creation through to the time of the fullness of redemption! We looked together at the Covenants in the Old Testament as a set of stairs from Creation through to what we call the New Covenant. Now, we have started looking at the documents which record the life of Jesus Christ, who as Christians, claim to fulfil those Covenants we talked about. His birth is the most celebrated around the world and He transcends cultures, peoples and languages. Jesus Christ is the most unique person in all of recorded history. He is also the most divisive person to be found at any time and anywhere. Almost everyone has an opinion about him, even if that opinion is based on ignorance, silence or misinformation. Climbing the staircase! Like climbing a staircase, step by step, we looked at together through the Covenants and we caught glimpses of God sending a saviour or messiah for the world. We discovered that God was planning the time when He would step into history as this saviour person, who we believe to be the man, Jesus Christ. We looked at the Covenants that God made with people, which all looked forward to this saviour, messiah and king. These covenants were to Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses and David. This King was to be their hope - their saviour. Jesus' genealogy as recorded in the Gospels takes his physical line back to Abraham via David. Abraham as we saw was the father of Israel and David the King with a promise from God to have a king on the throne forever. Jesus grew into maturity as any young Jewish boy did. Life Events You can read about the events leading up to the birth of Jesus Christ in the following passages from the Bible: Matthew 1:1-17; Luke 1:26-38; Luke 2:1-18; John 1v1-18 Documented in history and affirmed by most secular and non-Christian sources. Here are the events surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ and his early childhood from the Gospel record: His Pre-existence - John 1:1-5 His Genealogy - Matthew 1:1-17, Luke 3:23-38 Angel Gabriel visits Mary - Luke 1:26-38 Angel appears to Joseph in a dream - Matthew 1:18-25 His Birth in Bethlehem - Matthew 1:25, Luke 2:1-7 Shepherds visit him at the manger - Luke 2:8-20 His circumcision and presentation in the Temple according to the Covenant Law of Moses - - Luke 2:21-38 Wise men present gifts in house - Matthew 2:1-12 Joseph's family including Jesus escape to Egypt with Jesus - Matthew 2:13-15 Herod's wrath on Bethlehem's children - Matthew 2:16-18 Herod dies in Spring of 4 BC - Matthew 2:19 Joseph's family including Jesus settles in Nazareth - Luke 2:39 Events in his childhood - Luke 2:40-52 Luke 2v1-7, 21-24. Please do make a note of the names of history recorded by Luke to date the birth of the man, Jesus: Now it happened in those days, that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be enrolled. This was the first enrollment made when Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to enroll themselves, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David; to enroll himself with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him as wife, being pregnant. It happened, while they were there, that the day had come that she should give birth. She brought forth her firstborn son, and she wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a feeding trough, because there was no room for them in the inn. When eight days were fulfilled for the circumcision of the child, his name was called Jesus, which was given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. When the days of their purification according to the law of Moses were fulfilled, they brought him up to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord"), and to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, "A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons." Birth of Jesus Christ That Jesus was a human male is not really disputed. However, the birth of Jesus Christ is extraordinary at every level. He was born of a woman, which in itself tells us that at least in a prenatal state, he was nurtured and formed as any other male baby was and is. On the physical level, Jesus was born as any person is, but as regards his conception, He was conceived like no other person - conceived by the Holy Spirit (Luke 1v35). This was so that Jesus would not be given the sinful nature past that all humans have. Jesus was fully human and fully divine. Other documents, outside of the Bible from that time period also attest to Jesus and his existence. What's in a name? When Jesus was born, his name imbued the very reason he was born. His conception and birth were extraordinary at every level. So important is our understanding of the birth of Jesus that no fewer than 4 angels come to give us a full picture of the event. Do you think that his parents, Joseph & Mary ever gazed upon him, and thought "How misnamed he is!" They did not, because they knew the very purpose for which he was born. Did Jesus ever think of how misnamed he was? Certainly not! His name means one who saves, or a rescuer. The entirety of his birth, life and death were centred on this very role. His role was to save all those who would follow Him. Further up the staircase! As we look through the remainder of this series we will discover together how and why He was born to be this messiah, saviour and king we caught glimpses of in the Old Testament. We will see that Jesus confirms God's promises, that he reveals God as a Father and that he gave us an example of how to live life to the full. We shall also see how his life was the catalyst for a religious revolution. He was not merely a man who received some special power. He was not some strange creation that was half man and half God, with his human nature somehow absorbed into the divine. He was, as we shall see in this series, much more than those ideas! In our next study we will look at Jesus' Mission and Identity. Thank you! Right mouse click or tap here here to download as a MP3 audio file

"Judge not, that you be not judged." This is a commandment from Jesus that we will hear and consider today. What does Jesus mean? How can we follow this commandment and do it in a way that is pleasing to Him and to our Father? Jesus will tell us, and we always want to do this His way.

The post Sermon On The Mount Series: Footsteps Of Jesus (Matthew 5: 1-12) appeared first on First Baptist Church of Olney.

As we stand here and listen to the Savior of the world, we are still amazed at His gracious words and the authority with which He delivers them. Danny and Robert will listen to Him closely with the full intention of learning More About Jesus.

Tom Logue - June 29th 2025 The mountain was full of need—and every need found healing at the feet of Jesus. This week in our The King & His Kingdom series, we slowed down with just three verses: Matthew 15:29–31. The crowd came up the mountain carrying the blind, the lame, the mute, the broken—and laid them at Jesus' feet. He welcomed them. He healed them. And the result? Worship. This message invites us to do the same: to bring ourselves and those we love—our wounds, weariness, and weakness—to the feet of Jesus. His presence is not a place for the polished, but for the desperate. And His response is always full of compassion. Learn more about our church: https://restoredtemecula.church Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/restoredtemecula and Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/restoredtemecula #TheFeetOfJesus #Matthew15 #JesusHeals #BringThemToJesus #TheKingAndHisKingdom #RestoredTemecula #ChristianSermon #HealingAndWorship #FaithInAction #BiblicalTeaching Share this message with someone who needs to hear it! Chapters (00:00:15) - Welcome to Restored Templeecula Church(00:00:49) - God's Presence in the Church(00:01:50) - King and His Kingdom(00:02:50) - Prayer for the Holy Spirit(00:04:42) - Jesus the Healer and the Crowd(00:08:58) - Jesus Healing a Crowd of Lawbreakers(00:13:31) - One Man's Transformation in God's Love(00:18:46) - Whenever God heals, it's undeserved(00:22:38) - Beautiful Things Happen at the Feet of Jesus(00:26:08) - At the Feet of Jesus(00:29:42) - Get yourself to the Feet of Jesus(00:33:47) - Laying at the Feet of Jesus(00:38:48) - Come to the Feet of Jesus

In Matthew 28:16-20 we learned that we make disciples by Jesus' authority and because of his presence.

Wednesday, 25 June 2025   As they departed, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? Matthew 11:7   “And these going, Jesus, He began to speak to the crowds about John: ‘What you went out into the wilderness to view? A reed wavering by wind?'” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus finished His words to the disciples of John, saying, “And blessed, he is, who if not he should stumble in Me.” Matthew next notes, “And these going.”   It is referring to the departure of John's disciples, carrying Jesus' words back to him. As they are departing, “Jesus, He began to speak to the crowds about John.”   This is specifically noted by Matthew to ensure that we can see what transpired. The words of Jesus about stumbling would have left John with a negative feeling about his ministry and his efforts. He would feel that he had failed the Lord, and prison was his just due because of it.   Likewise, any in the crowd who heard it, including the disciples, might come to an erroneous conclusion about John. They may laugh off his ministry as a failure, shun his message, look down on him for having been so weak, etc.   Any such thing may come to the minds of the people. Jesus, not wanting anyone to assume they were somehow better than John, or that his ministry was a failure, will speak about him to correct such thoughts.   And He is doing it while the disciples are departing. Thus, these would be the last words they would hear and carry to John. As such, Jesus begins with, “What you went out into the wilderness to view?”   It is a probing question. The people went out in the wilderness to see John, but what was the impetus behind it? Curiosity? Looking for enlightenment? Freedom from a day of boredom? Each person went out for his own reasons. Jesus wants them to consider their reasoning.   The word Jesus uses, theaomai, indicates to look closely at, notice, view, etc. It is the root of théatron, a spectacle in a theater, something one carefully sees and contemplates.   The fact that they had gone out into the wilderness to see John and that they were now there with Jesus meant that the connection between the two was likely the reason why they were now with Jesus. As such, Jesus next asks, “A reed wavering by wind?”   Here are two new words. The first is kalamos, a reed. This is a general word for reed which includes a reed such as the one mentioned now, and which would have grown in regularly flooded areas. This would probably include types of reeds from tall grass to stronger reeds like cane.   This can be deduced from other uses of the word where this same word describes a reed used to beat Jesus (Matthew 27:30), to put a sponge doused with vinegar on it to give Jesus a drink (Matthew 27:48), as a pen (3 John 1:13), and as a measuring rod (Revelation 21:15).   The word corresponds to the Hebrew word qaneh, a reed or a cane, which is translated at times as calamus, a sweet-smelling fragrance derived from cane.   The second new word is saleuó, to waver. It is used to describe agitation, something shaken, etc. Figuratively, it can signify being disturbed (shaken) in the mind, such as in 2 Thessalonians 2:2. In this verse, it signifies the wavering of reeds as the wind blows across them.   The intent of Jesus' question is to alleviate any perceptions by the people that maybe Jesus felt John may have been a vacillator or unsure of his teachings. He did not want such a thought to arise in their minds. This is all the more likely because people in general, including Israel as seen in the Bible, are just like this.   It is a common trait among people to waver and vacillate. Single reeds do not normally pop up. Rather, they come up in clumps or even thick lines. The wind will blow over them and they will all waver. Thus, it would be a common trait possessed by the people that they may have now thought John possessed as well. Jesus will correct this thinking.   Life application: Of this verse, Bengel states, “The world praises to the face, reviles behind the back.” The people went out to see John. They probably felt his words were sound and reasonable. In fact, that idea is seen in the comparable passage to this one in Luke 7:29. After hearing Jesus' words about John, they “justified God, having been baptized with the baptism of John.”   But would they have done so if Jesus hadn't corrected their thinking first? People tend to hear things and then respond according to what the speaker is saying without really thinking things through, especially when gathered in crowds. If Jesus had said, “John was a great guy, but he really let the ball drop,” the people would have agreed and reviled John from that point forward.   Instead of justifying God, they would justify themselves. “Yeah, we left John for Jesus because John was a failure!” This is how fickle humans can be. A great example of this is when Paul and Barnabas spoke to the people in Lystra. In one breath, they were calling them gods. In the next, they were preparing to stone them.    It happened again to Paul on Malta, where the people called him a murderer and a few minutes later a god. Jesus is setting the stage to explain the importance of John's ministry while at the same time getting the people to see that they need to be careful in quick, rash judgments about things.   As we read the Bible, we should allow it to mold us to be people who are steady, clear-thinking, and willing to justify God rather than ourselves. We are the ones who are easily swayed. God's purposes and plans are unchanging and unwavering. How He presents them (such as in various dispensations) is what we need to learn so that we don't come to faulty conclusions about what He is doing.   Glorious God, help our minds to be clear and unvacillating as we consider Your word. When we see things that seem contradictory, we can know it is not so because You are God, unchanging and reliable. Therefore, the perception is faulty on our part. As this is so, help us to contemplate and understand what we are unclear about. Help us in this, O God. Amen.  

Matthew 26:14-25

Matthew 23:36-39