As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him. J.C. Ryle comments on Matthew 9:9 He can take a tax collector, and make him an apostle. He can change any heart, and make … More Ryle: He can change any heart, and make all things new.
January 22 Matthew 9:1-13 (ESV) Jesus Heals a Paralytic 9:1 And getting into a boat he crossed over and came to his own city. 2 And behold, some people brought to him a paralytic, lying on a bed. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven.” 3 And behold, some … More January 22 Matthew 9:1-13
And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. (Matthew 8:25-27, part of our read-through-the-Bible plan for today) J. C. Ryle … More Ryle: The prayer even of “little faith” is heard
January 21 Matthew 8:23-34(ESV) Jesus Calms a Storm 23 And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. 24 And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. 25 And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” 26 And he … More January 21 Matthew 8:23-34
A few comments on Matthew 8:18-20 “Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go”: After witnessing the miracles of Jesus, many folks thought following Him might be more “glamorous” than it really was. I imagine that Jesus may have received many spontaneous offers like this. We, too, tend to buy in to the prosperity gospel … More Prosperity Gospel?
January 20 Matthew 8:14-22 (ESV) Jesus Heals Many 14 And when Jesus entered Peter’s house, he saw his mother-in-law lying sick with a fever. 15 He touched her hand, and the fever left her, and she rose and began to serve him. 16 That evening they brought to him many who were oppressed by demons, and he cast … More January 20 Matthew 8:14-22
January 19 Matthew 8:1-13 (ESV) Jesus Cleanses a Leper 8:1 When he came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him. 2 And behold, a leper [1] came to him and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.” 3 And Jesus [2] stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I will; be clean.” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. 4 And … More January 19 Matthew 8:1-13
A very sobering passage from Matthew today (read Matthew 7:15-29) Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, … More J.C. Ryle: Rottenness of religion exposed
January 18 Matthew 7:15-29 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear … More January 18 Matthew 7:15-29
Today we read Matthew 7:1-14. Here is encouragement from John Piper, in the introduction to a sermon “Ask Your Father in Heaven” on Matthew 7:7 Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. When you pause to consider that God is infinitely strong … More Pause to consider the incredible privilege of prayer
Knowing God through His Word ... Day by Day 