From Dave Guzik’s Commentaries on the Bible: He used parables so that the hearts of those rejecting would not be hardened further. The same sun that softens the wax hardens the clay; and so the very same gospel message which breaks down honest hearts and leads to repentance, hardens the hearts of the dishonest and … More One purpose of parables
And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”—Matthew 12:49-50 ESV J.C. Ryle comments: Mark how He speaks of every one who does the will of His Father in heaven. … More A mighty love
For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. The men of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at … More How did Jesus view the Old Testament?
I tell you, something greater than the temple is here. And if you had known what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the guiltless. For the Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath.” —Matthew 12:6-8 ESV J. C. Ryle comments: The plain truth is, that our Lord … More Sabbath: blessing or burden?
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. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. —Matthew 11:29-30 ESV J.C. Ryle comments at Grace Gems: No doubt there is a cross to be carried, if we … More Ryle: No more burden than as feathers to a bird
What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is he of whom it is written, “‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.’ Truly, I say to you, among those born of women … More More than a prophet
Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. —Matthew 10:29-31 ESV J.C. Ryle, with a reminder on God’s sovereignty: Nothing … More Ryle: No such thing in reality as chance, accident, or luck
“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before … More Wolves and sheep: “Grace is full of marvels!”
When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” —Matthew 9:36-38 ESV … More Pity, potential and prayer
Matthew 9:14-15 Then the disciples of John came to him, saying, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” And Jesus said to them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they … More The Bride of Jesus
Knowing God through His Word ... Day by Day 