Matthew 15:21-39

Jesus Performs More Miracles (also see Mark 7:24-37), Jesus Feeds 4000 (Mark 8:1-10)

Following the encounter with the Pharisees, Jesus went further north to the region of Tyre and Sidon. There a Canaan woman whose daughter was demon-possessed approached Him and asked Him to heal her daughter. Keep in mind the daughter was not with her. Jesus replied by saying, "I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel....It is not good to take the children's bread and throw it to the little dogs." (15:24) Now, I'm not sure if you had the same reaction as I did. I thought whoa that was very mean. But then I remembered the fact that the gospel was first to be preached to the Jews then the Gentiles so using Jesus's analogy, you can't feed the children's pet dogs without feeding the children first. But this woman instead of taking Jesus's comment begrudgingly,  was persistent and humbled herself by saying, "Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their master's table." (15:26) She acknowledges Jesus statement but says she's willing to take whatever blessing that was left over. As a result of her faith, Jesus commanded the healing of her daughter and immediately she was healed.

The rest of the passage illustrates Jesus's compassion as He heals the lame, bind, mute, maimed, and many others. Similar to the feeding of the 5000, after preaching to a large multitude of 4000 people Jesus did not want to send them away without them being fed. The disciples said "Where could we get enough bread in the wilderness to fill such a great multitude?' (15:33) What baffles me is the fact that not too long ago Jesus fed 5000 people with only 5 loaves and 2 fish, this time around there were 7 loaves and a few more fish. How in the world did the disciples forget such a miracle?!? I think this speaks volume into how we forget about the great things God has done for us.

Life Application: When faced with very difficult situations in our lives, let us remember the past and how God came through so many times. Remember the amazing things He has done and believe that He will continue to do amazing things in our lives.

Dear God, please help me to remember the wonderful things you have done in my life and continually look up to you for help even when a solution seems non-existent or far away.

Hi Folks

Welcome back! Actually I'm welcoming myself back. I apologize for my hiatus and a few of you readers have certainly called me out. It's been a hectic past few months moving and starting a new job and a start to a new chapter in my life. But things are calm now and I'm back and my prayer is that God will give me the strength and perseverance to continually update this blog. I hope this is an encouragement to you because it certainly is for me! Once again your comments and thoughts are graciously welcomed! Below is today's post.

Matthew 15:1-20

Debate Over Tradition (also see Mark 7:1-23)

The Pharisees as always wanted a reason to scrutinize Jesus and his disciples for not following 'tradition'. In this case, the disciples were found eating with unwashed hands. It is custom for Jews to wash their hands in a special way before dining. This custom is one of hundreds developed by Jewish teachers over the century to ensure that the people properly kept God's law. Now Jesus blasted them for being such hypocrites by citing an example in which they do not follow God's law but skew its interpretation to fulfill their selfish desires. Jesus reminds them, "For Moses said, "Honor your father and your mother, and He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death." (15:10) But the Pharisees annulled this rule vowing the resources they would have used to financially help their parents as Corban (a dedication to God). As a result they were not longer obligated to give it to their parents, because it now belonged to God. Now that's selfish! And Jesus called them out! He says "Not what goes into the mouth defile a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man." (15:11) In the book of Mark this is further explained but saying, "because it does not enter his heart but his stomach, and is eliminated..." (Mark 7:19) Word!

Life Application: It's easy for us to create a set of 'rules' that aren't necessarily biblical to make us feel better about our relationship with Christ. Rather we need to stick to what God has revealed in His word about how we should live our lives. It's not about what we do but where our heart is.

Dear God, my desire is to follow your commandments and only yours. May I not create my own system of what is right and wrong but may I obey what you have already established.*

*tomhogsed.com

Matthew 14:22-36

Jesus Walks on Water (also see Mark 6:45-52, John 6:14-21)

Following Jesus' encounter with the multitudes, He went up to the mountains to pray and instructed the disciples to go ahead of Him on the boat. The boat began to experience some turmoil in the middle of the sea. Jesus went to where His disciples were by walking on the sea. (Quite the most unconventional way of saving someone). When the disciples saw Him, they were filled with fear and said "It is a ghost!" (14:26). But Christ calms them down by saying, "Be of good cheer! It is I: do not be afraid." (14:27). Peter then asks Jesus that if it was really Him walking on the water, He should ask Peter to join Him on the water. He obviously thought he would be safer with Jesus than on the boat which was still unstable. Jesus says "Come." (14:29) But when it became windy Peter was afraid and he began to sink but immediately Jesus stretched out His hands and saved him saying, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" (14:31). Amazed by what had just happened the rest of the disciples worshiped Jesus saying "Truly You are the Son of God." (14:33). When they reached their destination to Gennesaret, Jesus performed many more miracles.

Life Application: Peter had the faith that if that was Jesus walking on water, Jesus would also have the power to have Peter come to Him by walking on water. It is very easy to relate with Peter. A lot of times we ask God to do something for us. We initially believe He is capable of doing it but when difficult situations arise like a "boisterous wind" doubt begins to creep into our minds and we lose faith that He is able to come through. When you have faith in Christ, you are able to do remarkable things.

Dear God, life is unpredictable and difficult at times, but please help me to realize that you are a place of refuge. Give me an unwavering type of faith and the belief that with You, I can do anything.

Matthew 14:1-21

Death of John the Baptist/ Jesus Feeds 5000

So not only was Jesus rejected by His own people, people believed He was John the Baptist (JtB) who had risen from the dead. Here's an account of how JtB died. Herod Antipas (one of the sons of Herod the Great), had divorced his wife to marry his brother, Herod Philip's wife, Herodias, who happened to be his niece as well. Sheesh - incest. Of course, JtB called him out and publicly challenged the lawfulness of the marriage. Unfortunately, John landed himself in jail for doing that. Herod had no intentions of killing him because he knew many people regarded JtB as a prophet, but Herodias on the other was not too keen to have JtB alive. It was Herod's birthday and Herodias daughter gave an awesome performance that pleased Herod. He made an oath to give her whatever she wanted. Her mother Herodias ceased this opportunity to have JtB killed and had John beheaded and his head given on a platter. Sad. When Jesus was told of the devastating murder of his cousin, the bible says He left to be in a deserted place by himself. People still followed Him but "when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick."(14:14). PAUSE. Jesus had just heard about the death of a family member, was trying to grieve, but was bombarded by people who simply were concerned about their wants/needs. Jesus did not turn these people away or said come back next time. He didn't scold them for being insensitive to His pain. But rather, He was compassionate and took the time to attend to their needs and performed one of the greatest miracles by feeding 5000 (possibly more since only men were counted) with only 5 loaves and two fish.

Life Application: John the Baptist was a man who lived his life giving up everything to serve and prepare the way for Christ. He took a stance for the truth and was not afraid to call people out. Are you willing to stand up for the truth? Would you confront someone who you knew was doing something biblical wrong? An important lesson to learn here is that just because we live our lives for Christ does not mean everything in our lives is going to be okay or even remotely close to it. John was not only brutally murdered but was beheaded! Matthew 5:10 says, "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

Jesus' demonstration of compassion is remarkable. He had a heart of compassion in moments of pain. Grieving is necessary but when you're in a position to help others during your moments of grieve - do it! Don't be selfish in thinking you're the only one in the world going through pain.

Dear God help me to stand up for truth and against sin despite of the cost. Please give me a heart for compassion and bring the needs of others to my attention so if able, I can help and respond with the love of God.

Matthew 13:24-58

Jesus and Parables cont.

Parable of the Tares is an illustration about a sower who sows good seeds in his field "but while he slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way." (13:25) Tares are pretty much weeds but disguised as wheat but when they grow the difference between the two crops are evident. The servants of the sower concerned, asks if they should uproot the tares from the field. The sower replies "Let them both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, "First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn."" (13:30) The tares/weeds represents those who pretend to be Christians but truly do not have relationship with God and instead are children of the devil. Notice that Jesus says the two groups of people will not be separated until harvest/judgment. The fate of each group will be clearly just. (13:42-43)

Parable of the Net (13:47-50) is very similar to that of the tares. It emphasizes that there will be a separation of the righteous and the wicked at the final judgement.

Life Application: We are surrounded by people who profess to be Christians but are really not. Some of these people even attend our churches. At times it's tempting to call them out on it but Jesus is telling us it is not our duty to judge the character or motives of other people - they will be judged at judgment. Instead focus on your salvation and live in obedience to God.

Parables of the Mustard Seed and the Yeast (13:31-35) - Jesus describes the kingdom of heaven as a mustard seed and leaven (yeast). The short parables are used to illustrate the small beginnings of the Christian movement, appearing insignificant at first, but has far-reaching results.

Parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl (13:36-43) - The kingdom of heaven is described as something so precious and treasured that is worth selling everything for. There is a cost to inheriting salvation.

Parable of the Householder (13:51-53) - Jesus here describes every teacher of the law who is instructed about the kingdom of heaven like an owner who brings out new treasures as well as old. Jesus is illustrating the importance of the Old Testament and the New Testament. The NT purpose was to give greater understanding of the OT.

Life Application: Reflect: How much do you value heaven?

After his teachings with parables, Jesus returns back to his hometown of Nazareth. He taught in their synagogue and did all sorts of mighty works. But because he was so familiar, they were offended and rejected Him. They said, "Is this not the carpenter's son? Is not His mother called Mary?..." (13:55) Jesus said to them "Only in his hometown an in his own house is a prophet without honor." (13:57). Jesus did not do many mighty works in that town because of their unbelief.

Life Application: Rejection is part of preaching the gospel. And it even hurts more when we receive such rejection from those who are familiar to us like family and friends. Don't be discouraged, pray for them and just keep pressing on.

Dear God, help me to focus on my salvation and not be distracted by those who are not wholeheartedly serving you. Give me a discerning heart to know who those types of people are in my life. Also please help me to faithfully serve you despite of rejection I might face.

Matthew 13:1-23

Jesus and Parables

This chapter is filled with parables illustrated by Jesus. A parable is a simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson. His disciples asked him why he spoke in parables. Jesus' response was "...I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand." (13:13) Jesus' parables are clear to those who were humble and anxious to know the truth but were merely words of confusion to those who do not believe and were spiritually blind.

Parable of the Soils/Sower (also see Mark 4:1-20, Luke 8:4-15)

Jesus illustrates the tale of a sower who went out to sow and his sowing fell on four types of ground. The sower is God and the seed represents the Gospel. The different types of soils represent different types of people and the condition of their hearts when they receive the word of God.

1. wayside (13:4, 19) - person who hears the word but is easily distracted by Satan because they do not understand it.

2. rocky/stony places (13:5-6, 20-21) - person who hears the word, receives with joy but because they are not rooted in it, abandons the word.

3. thorns (13:7, 22) - person who hears the word but still loves the world more than the word. These people are professing Christians but are more focused on the carnal.

4. good soil (13:8, 23) - person who hears the word, understands it, and yields good fruits.

Life Application: The first 3 types of soils represent people who profess to be Christians but are not genuine believers and followers of Christ. As Christians, there should be evidence of change in our lives from those living in the world. We need to bear fruit. These are the fruits of the Spirit. (see Galatians 5:22-26) We're not going to be perfect but true faith in the gospel means we have truly repented of our sins and faithfully accepted the salvation that has been offered to us. Reflect - What kind of soil am I? How much fruit am I bearing for Christ?

Dear God, please help me to demonstrate that Your gospel has fallen on good soil by the way I live my life and the fruit I produce.