An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah.” So he left them and departed. —Matthew 16:4, in our reading plan today. Earlier, in Matthew 12:39-40, we read that Jesus told his disciples the same thing: But he answered them, … More What we hear twice, we remember better
February 14 Matthew 16:1-12 (ESV) The Pharisees and Sadducees Demand Signs 16:1 And the Pharisees and Sadducees came, and to test him they asked him to show them a sign from heaven. 2 He answered them, [1] “When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.’ 3 And in the morning, ‘It … More February 14 Matthew 16:1-12
J.C. Ryle on Matthew 15: We read, that “great multitudes came to him, having with them the lame, blind, mute, maimed, and many others.” Many of them, no doubt, had journeyed many miles, and gone through great fatigues. Nothing is so difficult and troublesome, as to move sick people. But the hope of being healed … More Come to Jesus for healing- both body and soul
February 13 Matthew 15:21-39 (ESV) The Faith of a Canaanite Woman 21 And Jesus went away from there and withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon. 22 And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and was crying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed … More February 13 Matthew 15:21-39
Jesus quoted Isaiah in Matthew 15:9-10, part of our reading plan today: “‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’” John Piper preached a sermon, “Worship is an End in Itself” based on this passage, and … More Vain worship vs genuine worship
February 12 Matthew 15:1-20 (ESV) Traditions and Commandments 15:1 Then Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem and said, 2 “Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat.” 3 He answered them, “And why do you break the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition? 4 For God … More February 12 Matthew 15:1-20
Here is J. C. Ryle with encouragement gleaned from our passage today, Matthew 14:22-36, which describes Jesus walking on the water in the midst of a storm. There is encouragement here for all true Christians. Let them know that there is nothing created, which is not under Christ’s control. “All things serve Him.” He may allow … More HIS billows. Under HIS control.
February 11 Matthew 14:22-36 (ESV) Jesus Walks on the Water 22 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24 but … More February 11 Matthew 14:22-36
Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass, and taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And they all ate and were satisfied. … More J.C. Ryle: A supernatural multiplication
February 10 Matthew 14:1-21 (ESV) The Death of John the Baptist 14:1 At that time Herod the tetrarch heard about the fame of Jesus, 2 and he said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist. He has been raised from the dead; that is why these miraculous powers are at work in him.” 3 For Herod had seized John and … More February 10 Matthew 14:1-21
Knowing God through His Word ... Day by Day 