“Now when they drew near Jerusalem, and came to Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, ‘Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Loose them and bring them to Me. And if anyone says anything to you, you shall say, the Lord has need of them, and immediately he will send them.’ All this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying: ‘Tell the daughter of Zion, behold, your King is coming to you, lowly, and sitting on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey.’” Matthew 21:1-5
Jesus sent two disciples. I am so glad that Jesus calls and sends people to do His bidding and doesn’t just do it Himself. He gives us a wide array of opportunities to serve Him. When I resided in Hong Kong, I took Bibles into Christians living in China. They were free gifts. I, and others like me, humorously called ourselves, “donkeys for Jesus.” We carried Jesus on our backs in the sense that He is the Word of God.
Jesus called for the foal of a donkey, a specific kind of donkey, to fulfill the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9 that was spoken hundreds of years before this event.
Horses were kept by great men for war. In His state of humiliation, Jesus rides on a donkey colt. It was the custom in Israel for the judges to ride upon white donkeys (See Judges 5:10), and their sons on donkey colts (See Judges 12:14). Christ entered Jerusalem as the Judge of Israel.
Jesus borrowed the young donkey. 2 Corinthians 8:9 says, “for our sakes Christ became poor.” He came in meekness, not in majesty.
“So the disciples went and did as Jesus commanded them. They brought the donkey and the colt, laid their clothes on them, and set Him on them. And a very great multitude spread their clothes on the road; others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road. Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: ‘Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!’ And when He had come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, ‘Who is this?’ So the multitudes said, ‘This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee.’” Matthew 21:6-11
The disciples fetched the donkey and her colt. The owner willingly lent them. It is likely that the mother donkey was led to walk alongside her colt to keep it calm in the midst of the crowd.
Many people spread their clothes on the road before Jesus. We have a saying, “He would give you the shirt off your back” to refer to a very generous person. These people were willing to risk the loss of their clothing to make a statement. Others took the time to cut down branches from palm trees and lay them on the road. This was a grass roots movement. Not government officials dipping into public funds to honor one of their cronies! This was the so called common man and woman yielding time, energy and treasure to Jesus Christ. The crowds called Him the Son of David, a reference to Messiah. They quoted Psalm 118:26 from the Bible about Jesus.
They loudly praised Jesus! The entire city was moved with amazement! Jesus, the prophet, had arrived. The people of Jerusalem embraced the miracle worker of Galilee!
“Then Jesus went into the temple of God and drove out all those who bought and sold in the temple and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. And He said to them, ‘It is written, My house shall be called a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves.’ Then the blind and the lame came to Him in the temple, and He healed them. But when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that He did, and the children crying out in the temple and saying, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David!’ they were indignant and said to Him, ‘Do You hear what these are saying?’ And Jesus said to them, ‘Yes. Have you never read, out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have perfected praise?’ Then He left them and went out of the city to Bethany, and He lodged there.” Matthew 21:12-17
Jesus did not remain on the donkey colt. He did not receive honor without returning action. He turned the tables on greedy profiteers. He drove them out of God’s house.
Have modern day merchants turned humble Christ-events into a money making industry? How much is spent on merchandise that has nothing to do with the Son of God being born in a manger? How much paraphernalia is sold in connection to His death and resurrection? Have these celebrations degenerated from revelations of God’s glory into glut-fests for the flesh?
I John 2:15-17 says, “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.”
What happened after Jesus drove worldliness out of the temple? Miracles! Matthew 21:14 says, “The blind and the lame came to Him (Jesus) at the temple, and He healed them.”
Who was angry at Jesus? The chief priests and scribes were. They asked Jesus if He heard what the children were saying about Him? They had referred to Him as Messiah when they called Him the Son of David. Jesus asked the chief priests and scribes a question in return. He asked them if they had read Psalm 8:2 which prophesied of babes and nursing infants yielding perfect praise to God. Then, Jesus set a good example for us. He got away from these argumentative people.
Jesus lodged in Bethany. Bethany is two miles east of Jerusalem. It is likely that He stayed at the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. This was where He raised Lazarus from the dead. It was where Jesus stayed during His final days before His death and resurrection.
“Now in the morning, as He returned to the city, He was hungry. And seeing a fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it but leaves, and said to it, ‘Let no fruit grow on you ever again.’ Immediately the fig tree withered away. And when the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, ‘How did the fig tree wither away so soon?’ So Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, be removed and be cast into the sea, it will be done. And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.’” Matthew 21:18-22
Jesus cursed a fig tree and it immediately withered. The disciples wanted to know how Jesus did this miracle. He assured them that with faith in God they could do what He did to the fig tree and even do it on a grandeur scale such as removing a mountain into a sea. Whatever things they asked God in prayer, believing, they would receive.
The context of this passage is important to its interpretation. What was Jesus looking for when He entered the temple in Jerusalem? He was looking for a house of prayer for all nations. What did He find? He found secular-type merchandising happening and no prayer. His curse on the fig tree and its subsequent death was symbolic of what was going to happen to the temple in Jerusalem. Within a generation, 40-years, it would be totally destroyed and gone. The task Jesus prepared His disciples to do was to destroy false religion and build up authentic faith in God.
“Now when He came into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people confronted Him as He was teaching, and said, ‘By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority?’ But Jesus answered and said to them, ‘I also will ask you one thing, which if you tell Me, I likewise will tell you by what authority I do these things: the baptism of John—where was it from? From heaven or from men? And they reasoned among themselves, saying, ‘If we say, from heaven, He will say to us, why then did you not believe him? But if we say, from men, we fear the multitude, for all count John as a prophet.’ So they answered Jesus and said, ‘We do not know.’ And He said to them, ‘Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.’” Matthew 21:23-27
Jesus offended the traditions-based impersonal managers of religion in Jerusalem. Jesus walked with common people. He was a friend of sinners. He led adulterers to believe in God. He wept with people. He healed wounds. He multiplied food for the hungry. He served people expecting nothing in return. By what authority was Jesus doing deeds that did not line up with theirs?
Jesus promised to give them an answer if they answered His question first? Jesus wanted to know if they believed that John’s baptism was of God or not. He flipped the script on them. They engineered a question that could turn people against Him no matter how He answered it, so He gave them a similar question. That silenced them! But Jesus was not done them...
“But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘Son, go, work today in my vineyard.’ He answered and said, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he regretted it and went. Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, ‘I go, sir,’ but he did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?’ They said to Him, ‘The first.’ Jesus said to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him; but tax collectors and harlots believed him; and when you saw it, you did not afterward relent and believe him.’” Matthew 21:28-32
Jesus convicted the religious leaders of being less repentant than tax collectors and harlots. They needed to adopt the humility of despised sinners who recognized their need for change, repented, and believed in Jesus, rather than relying on self-righteousness
“Hear another parable: there was a certain landowner who planted a vineyard and set a hedge around it, dug a winepress in it and built a tower. And he leased it to vinedressers and went into a far country. Now when vintage-time drew near, he sent his servants to the vinedressers, that they might receive its fruit. And the vinedressers took his servants, beat one, killed one, and stoned another. Again he sent other servants, more than the first, and they did likewise to them. Then last of all he sent his son to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ But when the vinedressers saw the son, they said among themselves, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and seize his inheritance.’ So they took him and cast him out of the vineyard and killed him. ‘Therefore, when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those vinedressers?’ They said to Him, ‘He will destroy those wicked men miserably, and lease his vineyard to other vinedressers who will render to him the fruits in their seasons.’” Matthew 21:33-41
Jeremiah 25:30 says, “He [God] will give a shout, as those who tread grapes, against all the inhabitants of the earth.” In Isaiah 5:3-6, God says that He expected His Jerusalem vineyard “to bring forth good grapes,” but it brought forth wild grapes. Thus, He decided to take away its hedge, break down its wall, burn it and let it be trampled down. In Revelation 14:19, God uses the imagery of a grape harvest to symbolize His wrath. “The angel thrust his sickle into earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.”
In the Bible, God uses the imagery of rebellious vineyard keepers as a metaphor for people bound for wrath. Jesus prophesied to the religious leaders of what they would do to Him and what God would do to them. The difference is that Jesus would recover from murder, but they would not bounce back from God’s wrath.
“Jesus said to them, ‘Have you never read in the Scriptures: the stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes? Therefore, I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it. And whoever falls on this stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder.’ Now when the chief priests and Pharisees heard His parables, they perceived that He was speaking of them. But when they sought to lay hands on Him, they feared the multitudes, because they took Him for a prophet.” Matthew 21:42-46
Jesus quoted from Psalm 118:22-23 to them. His promise to the ill-religious religious leaders was that they would lose their positions, and people from another nation would take their place. 1 Peter 2:9 describes the people of the nation that would replace them: “You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” This new nation consists of both Jews and Gentiles who profess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
“Whoever falls on this stone will be broken, but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder.” The choice before the religious leaders was the choice before every person. We can be broken before God and saved or be crushed into dust by Him in judgment. [1]
The chief priests and Pharisees would have arrested Jesus, but they feared the multitudes, because they took Him for a prophet.
In Mattew 21:11, the crowds said of Jesus, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee.” In Matthew 16:13-14, when Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” They responded, saying, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” In Luke 24:19, two disciples spoke of Jesus as “A prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people.”
Thus, to properly understand and proclaim Jesus Christ, we need to view Him from a prophetic perspective and understand that our role as we seek to serve and honor Him is also prophetic.
When Jesus said in Matthew 28:19-20 to make disciples of all the nations, He meant for us to listen to Him and to proclaim from Him what we have learned to others. Be prophetic!
In 1 Corinthians 14:1, Paul wrote, “Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.” Speaking God’s Word under the unction and anointing of the Holy Spirit is what pleases God and helps reveal Him to people.
There’s a difference between speaking about God when one does not know God and speaking for God because you know Him and He moves you by His Holy Spirit to speak for Him. No one can properly represent God without having a personal relationship with Him.
Even when we know God through His Word and by His indwelling Spirit, it is best to humbly ask Him to help us accurately align our proclamation with His words in the Bible.
In Revelation 19:10; 22:18-19; 10:11, our Lord provides for us three guidelines for prophecy.
Revelation 19:10 says, “The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” Point people to Jesus!
Revelation 22:18-19 says, “If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” Deuteronomy 4:2 says the same thing about the books of Moses, “You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you.” In 1 Corinthians 14:32, Paul wrote, “The spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.” True prophetic proclamations line up with Scripture.
2 Timothy 3:16 says, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” 2 Peter 1:20-21 says, “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.”
The Bible is God’s inspired Word. It is the final, infallible, and absolute guide for faith and practice. The Bible is true for all areas of life, overriding culture, tradition, and personal feelings.
Revelation 10:11 says, “You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, tongues, and kings.” Bible prophecy must continue to be proclaimed to people everywhere.
How can we best help people? What is the most charitable act?
1 Corinthians 1:21 says, “For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.” The proclamation of God’s Word yields eternal life for those who receive Him.
Romans 10:17 says, “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” Psalm 119:130 says, “The entrance of Your words gives light. It gives understanding to the simple.”
Throughout history, great reforms and awakenings have occurred when people begin to testify for the Word of God boldly and gladly and do so for the glory of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
“Dear Heavenly Father, please send forth Your Word to and fro the earth very swiftly and please grant people everywhere ears to hear and hearts to receive it. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.”
[1] Enduring Word Commentary
Outcomes I seek: To glorify Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior - To build people's faith in Christ
Thursday, February 26, 2026
The Prophetic Ministry of Jesus Christ – Matthew 21
The Heavenly Father has granted to me a wonderful relationship with Him through faith in His Son and by filling me with His Holy Spirit. I want everyone to experience God's love and salvation.
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Grateful For God’s Wages – Matthew 20
“For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. Now when he had agreed with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. And he went out about the third hour and saw others standing idle in the marketplace, and said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right I will give you.’ So, they went. Again he went out about the sixth and the ninth hour and did likewise. And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing idle, and said to them, ‘Why have you been standing here idle all day?’ They said to him, ‘Because no one hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right you will receive.’” Matthew 20:1-7
The landowner is Jesus. Hebrew 1:2 says that “God has appointed His Son to be heir of all things, by whom also He made the worlds.” Jesus is hiring laborers. In Matthew 9:37-38, He said, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” He is looking for laborers like His twelve disciples. On the one hand. learners, and on the other hand, doers.
The denarius represents eternal life. Romans 6:23 says that “the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Our sins earned for us death, but Jesus offers eternal life to us as a gift. The “denarius” that Jesus gives to us His followers cost Him His life. His hands and feet were pierced. His back was scourged. His body dwelt in a tomb for three days. Then, He resurrected on the third day. His promise is eternal life for all who believe in Him. The focus is on the landowner’s generosity.
Our salvation is based on what Jesus did, not on our own works. Therefore, the wage is the same to every believer. However, in Matthew 19:28-30, Jesus promised rewards to those who made great sacrifices for the kingdom of heaven’s sake.
Jesus keeps calling idle people even at the eleventh hour. The “eleventh hour” in the Bible refers to the final, late-afternoon hour (around 5 PM) of the workday. Yes, Jesus gives idle people something to do until He return but the denarius symbolizes the gift of eternal life.
“So, when evening had come, the owner of the vineyard said to his steward, ‘Call the laborers and give them their wages, beginning with the last to the first.’ And when those came who were hired about the eleventh hour, they each received a denarius. But when the first came, they supposed that they would receive more; and they likewise received each a denarius. And when they had received it, they complained against the landowner, saying, ‘These last men have worked only one hour, and you made them equal to us who have borne the burden and the heat of the day.’ But he answered one of them and said, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? Take what is yours and go your way. I wish to give to this last man the same as to you. Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things? Or is your eye evil because I am good?’ So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen.” Matthew 20:8-16
Hebrews 9:27 says, “It is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.” The payment of wages moment symbolizes the distribution of eternity to believers in Jesus. Every believer in Jesus receives eternal life. This reward is based on what Jesus did for us.
In Matthew 18:23-26, Jesus compared the kingdom of heaven to a king who settled accounts with his servants. One servant owed the king a debt that he could never repay. He fell down before the king and begged him for patience. The king had compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt.
We all need the compassion of the King of kings and the Lord of lords to forgive our sin.
The first supposed that they would receive more than those who came to Christ later. They complained against the Lord. They had borne the burden and the heat of the day. The Lord asked them, “Is your eye evil because I am good?” Jesus said, “The last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen.” Salvation is by grace. We must embrace this truth.
“Now Jesus, going up to Jerusalem, took the 12 disciples aside on the road and said to them, ‘Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death, and deliver Him to the Gentiles to mock and to scourge and to crucify. And the third day He will rise again.” Matthew 20:17-19
Jerusalem is where Jesus would be betrayed, scourged, spit on, insulted, crucified and where He would resurrect from the dead. Did Jesus complain about His “wage?” Was His wage fair? Did He deserve it? Jesus was treated more unfairly than any other human being. 1 Peter 2:22 says that Jesus “committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth.”
“Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Him with her sons, kneeling down and asking something from Him. And He said to her, ‘What do you wish?’ She said to Him, ‘Grant that these two sons of mine may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on the left, in Your kingdom.’ But Jesus answered and said, ‘You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, and be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?’ They said to Him, ‘We are able.’ So He said to them, ‘You will indeed drink My cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with; but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared by My Father.’” Matthew 20:20-23
John and James were with their mother when she asked Jesus for seats at His right and left hand for her sons. She asked the question. They responded to the reply of Jesus. Yes, they will know Jesus and the power of His resurrection. They will know, as Paul writes in Philippians 3:10, fellowship with Jesus in His sufferings. They will be conformed to His death. They will drink from the Lord’s cup of suffering. They will be baptized with His baptism of pain. But at this point, they need to be content with the promise of a “denarius” wage, namely, eternal life with God.
“And when the ten heard it, they were greatly displeased with the two brothers. But Jesus called them to Himself and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.’” Matthew 20:24-28
Jesus directed His disciples to die to self and to live for God and others. The moments that I feel best about myself is when Jesus pours His love out through me to others. I praise my Heavenly Father when empowers me to be selfless by His grace.
“Now as they went out of Jericho, a great multitude followed Him. And behold, two blind men sitting by the road, when they heard that Jesus was passing by, cried out, saying, ‘Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David!’ Then the multitude warned them that they should be quiet; but they cried out all the more, saying, ‘Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David!’ So Jesus stood still and called them, and said, ‘What do you want Me to do for you?’ They said to Him, ‘Lord, that our eyes may be opened.’ So Jesus had compassion and touched their eyes. And immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed Him.“ Matthew 20:29-34
They were blind. They cried out. A crowd told them to be quiet. They cried louder. They spoke of Jesus as the “Lord, Son of David.” The two blind man professed in the presence of many that Jesus is Messiah... that’s what “Lord, Son of David” means.
Jesus gave the two blind men the opportunity to confess their need. When they did, He had compassion on them and healed them. His grace gave them seeing eyes. They followed Jesus.
In Matthew 20, Jesus confronted calls for justice with the message of equal grace to all based on what He did for our salvation. Have we been treated unfairly? Jesus was betrayed, scourged, and crucified. Did He complain about His “wage?” 1 Peter 2:22 says that Jesus “committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth.” Romans 5:8 says, “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” To be like Jesus is to embrace grace, and to be grateful for the promise of eternity with God.
The landowner is Jesus. Hebrew 1:2 says that “God has appointed His Son to be heir of all things, by whom also He made the worlds.” Jesus is hiring laborers. In Matthew 9:37-38, He said, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” He is looking for laborers like His twelve disciples. On the one hand. learners, and on the other hand, doers.
The denarius represents eternal life. Romans 6:23 says that “the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Our sins earned for us death, but Jesus offers eternal life to us as a gift. The “denarius” that Jesus gives to us His followers cost Him His life. His hands and feet were pierced. His back was scourged. His body dwelt in a tomb for three days. Then, He resurrected on the third day. His promise is eternal life for all who believe in Him. The focus is on the landowner’s generosity.
Our salvation is based on what Jesus did, not on our own works. Therefore, the wage is the same to every believer. However, in Matthew 19:28-30, Jesus promised rewards to those who made great sacrifices for the kingdom of heaven’s sake.
Jesus keeps calling idle people even at the eleventh hour. The “eleventh hour” in the Bible refers to the final, late-afternoon hour (around 5 PM) of the workday. Yes, Jesus gives idle people something to do until He return but the denarius symbolizes the gift of eternal life.
“So, when evening had come, the owner of the vineyard said to his steward, ‘Call the laborers and give them their wages, beginning with the last to the first.’ And when those came who were hired about the eleventh hour, they each received a denarius. But when the first came, they supposed that they would receive more; and they likewise received each a denarius. And when they had received it, they complained against the landowner, saying, ‘These last men have worked only one hour, and you made them equal to us who have borne the burden and the heat of the day.’ But he answered one of them and said, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? Take what is yours and go your way. I wish to give to this last man the same as to you. Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things? Or is your eye evil because I am good?’ So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen.” Matthew 20:8-16
Hebrews 9:27 says, “It is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.” The payment of wages moment symbolizes the distribution of eternity to believers in Jesus. Every believer in Jesus receives eternal life. This reward is based on what Jesus did for us.
In Matthew 18:23-26, Jesus compared the kingdom of heaven to a king who settled accounts with his servants. One servant owed the king a debt that he could never repay. He fell down before the king and begged him for patience. The king had compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt.
We all need the compassion of the King of kings and the Lord of lords to forgive our sin.
The first supposed that they would receive more than those who came to Christ later. They complained against the Lord. They had borne the burden and the heat of the day. The Lord asked them, “Is your eye evil because I am good?” Jesus said, “The last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen.” Salvation is by grace. We must embrace this truth.
“Now Jesus, going up to Jerusalem, took the 12 disciples aside on the road and said to them, ‘Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death, and deliver Him to the Gentiles to mock and to scourge and to crucify. And the third day He will rise again.” Matthew 20:17-19
Jerusalem is where Jesus would be betrayed, scourged, spit on, insulted, crucified and where He would resurrect from the dead. Did Jesus complain about His “wage?” Was His wage fair? Did He deserve it? Jesus was treated more unfairly than any other human being. 1 Peter 2:22 says that Jesus “committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth.”
“Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Him with her sons, kneeling down and asking something from Him. And He said to her, ‘What do you wish?’ She said to Him, ‘Grant that these two sons of mine may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on the left, in Your kingdom.’ But Jesus answered and said, ‘You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, and be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?’ They said to Him, ‘We are able.’ So He said to them, ‘You will indeed drink My cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with; but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared by My Father.’” Matthew 20:20-23
John and James were with their mother when she asked Jesus for seats at His right and left hand for her sons. She asked the question. They responded to the reply of Jesus. Yes, they will know Jesus and the power of His resurrection. They will know, as Paul writes in Philippians 3:10, fellowship with Jesus in His sufferings. They will be conformed to His death. They will drink from the Lord’s cup of suffering. They will be baptized with His baptism of pain. But at this point, they need to be content with the promise of a “denarius” wage, namely, eternal life with God.
“And when the ten heard it, they were greatly displeased with the two brothers. But Jesus called them to Himself and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.’” Matthew 20:24-28
Jesus directed His disciples to die to self and to live for God and others. The moments that I feel best about myself is when Jesus pours His love out through me to others. I praise my Heavenly Father when empowers me to be selfless by His grace.
“Now as they went out of Jericho, a great multitude followed Him. And behold, two blind men sitting by the road, when they heard that Jesus was passing by, cried out, saying, ‘Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David!’ Then the multitude warned them that they should be quiet; but they cried out all the more, saying, ‘Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David!’ So Jesus stood still and called them, and said, ‘What do you want Me to do for you?’ They said to Him, ‘Lord, that our eyes may be opened.’ So Jesus had compassion and touched their eyes. And immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed Him.“ Matthew 20:29-34
They were blind. They cried out. A crowd told them to be quiet. They cried louder. They spoke of Jesus as the “Lord, Son of David.” The two blind man professed in the presence of many that Jesus is Messiah... that’s what “Lord, Son of David” means.
Jesus gave the two blind men the opportunity to confess their need. When they did, He had compassion on them and healed them. His grace gave them seeing eyes. They followed Jesus.
In Matthew 20, Jesus confronted calls for justice with the message of equal grace to all based on what He did for our salvation. Have we been treated unfairly? Jesus was betrayed, scourged, and crucified. Did He complain about His “wage?” 1 Peter 2:22 says that Jesus “committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth.” Romans 5:8 says, “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” To be like Jesus is to embrace grace, and to be grateful for the promise of eternity with God.
The Heavenly Father has granted to me a wonderful relationship with Him through faith in His Son and by filling me with His Holy Spirit. I want everyone to experience God's love and salvation.
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Being With God – Matthew 19
“Now it came to pass, when Jesus had finished these sayings, that He departed from Galilee and came to the region of Judea beyond the Jordan. And great multitudes followed Him, and He healed them there.” Matthew 19:1-2
The distance from the Sea of Galilee to the region of Judea beyond the Jordan (Perea, near Jericho) is about 80-90 miles. This journey took 3 to 4 days if one walked 20-25 miles per day.
In the previous chapter, Jesus spoke of not offending little ones. He urged His disciples to forgive offenders. As Jesus made His way to area beyond the Jordan River, the number of people following Him grew into a large crowd. He healed the sick among them.
“The Pharisees also came to Him, testing Him, and saying to Him, ‘Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for just any reason?’ And He answered and said to them, ‘Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning made them male and female, and said, for this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh? So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let not man separate.’ They said to Him, ‘Why then did Moses command to give a certificate of divorce, and to put her away?’ He said to them, ‘Moses, because of the hardness of your hearts, permitted you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so. And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery.” Matthew 19:3-9
While Jesus focused on teaching and healing, the religious leaders focused on testing. Their greatest concern was expressed in a question about freedom to divorce for any reason. Jesus made three strong statements to urge married couples to stay together. First, “what God has joined together, let not man separate.” Secondly, divorce flows from hard of hearts. Thirdly, divorce and remarriage, except for reason of infidelity, is adultery.
“Jesus interpreted the meaning of the word uncleanness in the Mosaic Law, showing that it refers to sexual immorality, not just anything that might displease the husband. Therefore, divorce – and the freedom to remarry without sin – is only permitted in the case of sexual immorality.” [1]
1 Corinthians 7:15 adds abandonment by an unbelieving spouse as a cause for divorce. This can include those who make a verbal profession of faith, but who live in chronic unrepentance and their actions significantly undermine the marital union.
If the Pharisees had heard what Jesus said in Matthew 18 about not offending a little one, and about forgiving offense, they would have learned keys to preserving relationships. The Lord helps us to realize our own short-comings in relationships, not to place unrealistic expectations on our spouses, and to forgive one another when we sin.
“His disciples said to Him, ‘If such is the case of the man with his wife, it is better not to marry.’ But He said to them, ‘All cannot accept this saying, but only those to whom it has been given: for there are eunuchs who were born thus from their mother’s womb, and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake. He who is able to accept it, let him accept it.’” Matthew 19:10-12
Jesus responded to His disciples’ pivot from marriage to celibacy. He spoke of three kinds of eunuchs. Those born without the capacity for marriage. Those who are incapacitated from marriage by others. Those who choose to live celibately for the kingdom of heaven’s sake.
In 1 Corinthians 7:34, Paul said that the one who is unmarried because of his or her calling should be holy both in body and in spirit. Therefore, eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake should live in peace with their celibacy.
“Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.’ And He laid His hands on them and departed from there.” Matthew 19:13-15
In Matthew 18:3, Jesus said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.” In Matthew 19:13, the disciples rebuked people from bringing children to Jesus as though children’s ministry was not worth His time or attention, or perhaps thinking they were too young to be taught about God. Jesus wanted little children to come to Him.
China’s government currently violates the right of children (anyone under age of 18) from being taught about Jesus. “Since 2018, stricter regulations ban Sunday schools, youth religious groups, and Bible studies for minors. Schools promote atheism, and authorities enforce these rules by monitoring churches. Churches often have signs that say, ‘No minors.’ Both state-sanctioned and ‘underground’ house churches face restrictions on conducting youth ministry, with risks of raids for non-compliance. While some parents might privately teach their children at home, any organized or public teaching of the Bible to minors is prohibited by authorities.” [2]
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them. For of such is the kingdom of heaven.” He laid His hands on them to likely pray for and/or bless them.
“Now behold, one came and said to Him, ‘Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?’ So He said to him, ‘Why do you call Me good? No one is good but one, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.’ He said to Him, ‘Which ones?’ Jesus said, ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not bear false witness, honor your father and your mother, and you shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ The young man said to Him, ‘All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?’ Jesus said to him, ‘If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.’ But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.” Matthew 19:16-22
The role of the Law is to convict us of our sinful nature. We all fall short of the glory of God and need God’s forgiveness. The role of the Gospel is to give us the good news that Jesus Christ kept the Law perfectly on our behalf. When we believe in Jesus, God places the merits of His Son Jesus Christ into our account.
C.F.W. Walther wrote, “The Law tells us what we are to do. The Gospel reveals to us what God is doing. The Law speaks of our works. The Gospel speaks of the great works of God. The Law gives people a sense of right and wrong. The Gospel is an invitation to partake of heavenly blessings. The Law is to be preached to sinners who feel secure to keep sinning. The Gospel is be preached to sinners who feel alarmed about their sins. The Law contains threats for sinners. The Gospel contains no threats at all, but only words of consolation. The Law produces thirst; it leads the hearer to hell and slays him. The Gospel refreshes the hearer and leads him to heaven. In the Law we hear the tenfold summons, ‘Thou shalt.’ The Gospel does not require anything good that man must furnish: not a good heart, not a good disposition, no improvement of his condition, no godliness, no love either of God or men. It issues no orders, but it changes man. The Gospel plants love into his heart and makes him capable of all good works. It demands nothing, but it gives all. Should not this fact make us leap for joy?” [3]
“Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.’ When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, ‘Who then can be saved?’ But Jesus looked at them and said to them, ‘With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’” Matthew 19:23-26
The Gospel is “with God all things are possible.”
“Then Peter answered and said to Him, ‘See, we have left all and followed You. Therefore, what shall we have?’ So Jesus said to them, ‘Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on 12 thrones, judging the 12 tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses, brothers, sisters, father, mother, wife, children, or lands, for My Name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.’” Matthew 19:27-30
My sister in the Lord, Anne Hepburn has often been heard to say, “God is no man’s debtor.” Another missionary, Jean Cameron, once said to me, “You cannot outgive God.” The Lord gives to us more everyday of our life than we can earn or deserve, and yet, He promised to us who leave houses, beloved family members, and property behind that we shall receive a hundredfold and eternal life. Jesus promised thrones to us who follow Him. I will just be so happy to be with Him in eternity forevermore. Being with God is the greatest blessing of all.
[1] Enduring Word Commentary
[2] Google Sources
[3] “The Proper Distinction between Law and Gospel,” by C. F. W. Walther, Concordia Publishing House, 1929
The distance from the Sea of Galilee to the region of Judea beyond the Jordan (Perea, near Jericho) is about 80-90 miles. This journey took 3 to 4 days if one walked 20-25 miles per day.
In the previous chapter, Jesus spoke of not offending little ones. He urged His disciples to forgive offenders. As Jesus made His way to area beyond the Jordan River, the number of people following Him grew into a large crowd. He healed the sick among them.
“The Pharisees also came to Him, testing Him, and saying to Him, ‘Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for just any reason?’ And He answered and said to them, ‘Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning made them male and female, and said, for this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh? So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let not man separate.’ They said to Him, ‘Why then did Moses command to give a certificate of divorce, and to put her away?’ He said to them, ‘Moses, because of the hardness of your hearts, permitted you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so. And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery.” Matthew 19:3-9
While Jesus focused on teaching and healing, the religious leaders focused on testing. Their greatest concern was expressed in a question about freedom to divorce for any reason. Jesus made three strong statements to urge married couples to stay together. First, “what God has joined together, let not man separate.” Secondly, divorce flows from hard of hearts. Thirdly, divorce and remarriage, except for reason of infidelity, is adultery.
“Jesus interpreted the meaning of the word uncleanness in the Mosaic Law, showing that it refers to sexual immorality, not just anything that might displease the husband. Therefore, divorce – and the freedom to remarry without sin – is only permitted in the case of sexual immorality.” [1]
1 Corinthians 7:15 adds abandonment by an unbelieving spouse as a cause for divorce. This can include those who make a verbal profession of faith, but who live in chronic unrepentance and their actions significantly undermine the marital union.
If the Pharisees had heard what Jesus said in Matthew 18 about not offending a little one, and about forgiving offense, they would have learned keys to preserving relationships. The Lord helps us to realize our own short-comings in relationships, not to place unrealistic expectations on our spouses, and to forgive one another when we sin.
“His disciples said to Him, ‘If such is the case of the man with his wife, it is better not to marry.’ But He said to them, ‘All cannot accept this saying, but only those to whom it has been given: for there are eunuchs who were born thus from their mother’s womb, and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake. He who is able to accept it, let him accept it.’” Matthew 19:10-12
Jesus responded to His disciples’ pivot from marriage to celibacy. He spoke of three kinds of eunuchs. Those born without the capacity for marriage. Those who are incapacitated from marriage by others. Those who choose to live celibately for the kingdom of heaven’s sake.
In 1 Corinthians 7:34, Paul said that the one who is unmarried because of his or her calling should be holy both in body and in spirit. Therefore, eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake should live in peace with their celibacy.
“Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.’ And He laid His hands on them and departed from there.” Matthew 19:13-15
In Matthew 18:3, Jesus said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.” In Matthew 19:13, the disciples rebuked people from bringing children to Jesus as though children’s ministry was not worth His time or attention, or perhaps thinking they were too young to be taught about God. Jesus wanted little children to come to Him.
China’s government currently violates the right of children (anyone under age of 18) from being taught about Jesus. “Since 2018, stricter regulations ban Sunday schools, youth religious groups, and Bible studies for minors. Schools promote atheism, and authorities enforce these rules by monitoring churches. Churches often have signs that say, ‘No minors.’ Both state-sanctioned and ‘underground’ house churches face restrictions on conducting youth ministry, with risks of raids for non-compliance. While some parents might privately teach their children at home, any organized or public teaching of the Bible to minors is prohibited by authorities.” [2]
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them. For of such is the kingdom of heaven.” He laid His hands on them to likely pray for and/or bless them.
“Now behold, one came and said to Him, ‘Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?’ So He said to him, ‘Why do you call Me good? No one is good but one, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.’ He said to Him, ‘Which ones?’ Jesus said, ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not bear false witness, honor your father and your mother, and you shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ The young man said to Him, ‘All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?’ Jesus said to him, ‘If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.’ But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.” Matthew 19:16-22
The role of the Law is to convict us of our sinful nature. We all fall short of the glory of God and need God’s forgiveness. The role of the Gospel is to give us the good news that Jesus Christ kept the Law perfectly on our behalf. When we believe in Jesus, God places the merits of His Son Jesus Christ into our account.
C.F.W. Walther wrote, “The Law tells us what we are to do. The Gospel reveals to us what God is doing. The Law speaks of our works. The Gospel speaks of the great works of God. The Law gives people a sense of right and wrong. The Gospel is an invitation to partake of heavenly blessings. The Law is to be preached to sinners who feel secure to keep sinning. The Gospel is be preached to sinners who feel alarmed about their sins. The Law contains threats for sinners. The Gospel contains no threats at all, but only words of consolation. The Law produces thirst; it leads the hearer to hell and slays him. The Gospel refreshes the hearer and leads him to heaven. In the Law we hear the tenfold summons, ‘Thou shalt.’ The Gospel does not require anything good that man must furnish: not a good heart, not a good disposition, no improvement of his condition, no godliness, no love either of God or men. It issues no orders, but it changes man. The Gospel plants love into his heart and makes him capable of all good works. It demands nothing, but it gives all. Should not this fact make us leap for joy?” [3]
“Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.’ When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, ‘Who then can be saved?’ But Jesus looked at them and said to them, ‘With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’” Matthew 19:23-26
The Gospel is “with God all things are possible.”
“Then Peter answered and said to Him, ‘See, we have left all and followed You. Therefore, what shall we have?’ So Jesus said to them, ‘Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on 12 thrones, judging the 12 tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses, brothers, sisters, father, mother, wife, children, or lands, for My Name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.’” Matthew 19:27-30
My sister in the Lord, Anne Hepburn has often been heard to say, “God is no man’s debtor.” Another missionary, Jean Cameron, once said to me, “You cannot outgive God.” The Lord gives to us more everyday of our life than we can earn or deserve, and yet, He promised to us who leave houses, beloved family members, and property behind that we shall receive a hundredfold and eternal life. Jesus promised thrones to us who follow Him. I will just be so happy to be with Him in eternity forevermore. Being with God is the greatest blessing of all.
[1] Enduring Word Commentary
[2] Google Sources
[3] “The Proper Distinction between Law and Gospel,” by C. F. W. Walther, Concordia Publishing House, 1929
The Heavenly Father has granted to me a wonderful relationship with Him through faith in His Son and by filling me with His Holy Spirit. I want everyone to experience God's love and salvation.
Monday, February 23, 2026
Unless You Be Converted – Matthew 18
“At that time, the disciples came to Jesus, saying, ‘Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in My Name receives Me.’” Matthew 18:1-5
Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? “Unless you are converted and become as little children you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew Henry, author of the Matthew Henry Commentary, quoted his father, Philip Henry, as saying, “The first person that needs to be converted by the Bible text is the preacher.” [1]
Once, I met a man who told me that he had been a pastor for 26 years before he was born again. He preached and prayed what others taught him to say and pray but lacked a personal relationship with Christ. In 1 Peter 1:7, Peter wrote that the genuineness of our faith will be tested by fire. When the pastor’s faith was tested by fire, he realized his need for a personal relationship with Christ. He needed to be born again and live by the power of God.
Many have been blessed by the ministries of Joni Eareckson Tada and Nick Vujicic. Like children, they depend on our Heavenly Father to help them survive and thrive in a world that tends to mock and despise people who cannot take care of themselves.
“Joni Eareckson Tada is a renowned international disability advocate, author, artist, and founder of ‘Joni and Friends,’ which has delivered over 225,000 wheelchairs and Bibles worldwide. Paralyzed in a 1967 diving accident, she learned to paint with her mouth, authored over 50 books, and was instrumental in passing the Americans with Disabilities Act.” [2]
“Nick Vujicic, born without arms or legs, is a renowned motivational speaker, author, and founder of the non-profit ‘Life Without Limbs.’ He has inspired millions, delivering over 3,000 speeches in over 70 countries. He authored a bestselling book, ‘Life Without Limits.’” [3]
In John 12:24, Jesus told His disciples Andrew and Philip, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain.” The seed must be converted by God to produce fruit. It must die before being reborn.
Andrew the fisherman had survived numerous storms and hardships. He fed his family via hard work and careful planning. But when it came to serving God, Andrew had to die to himself and admit that he was at a loss of how to do so. He needed God to teach him every inch of the way.
At first, Andrew’s brother, Peter, was extremely self-confident. In Luke 22:31, Jesus warned Peter that Satan wanted to sift him as wheat. In Luke 22:32, Jesus told Peter, “When you are converted, strengthen your brothers.” Peter needed a test that he could not pass so he would learn to lean on Jesus for guidance and strength.
Before Jesus was crucified, Peter denied Jesus three times. In Acts 4:19-20, Peter, full of the Holy Spirit, stood before the same group of men who crucified Christ, and said to them, “We cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” He had strong convictions.
Martin Luther wrote, “Get the tree [Christ], and you will get His fruit.”
To be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, we cannot have a better than others mindset. We must have a childlike mindset that depends on our Heavenly Father to serve Him well.
Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in My Name welcomes Me.”
“But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe to the world because of offenses! For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes! ‘If your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life lame or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into the everlasting fire. And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire. Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven. For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost.” Matthew 18:6-11
Jesus used scary images to warn us against offending little people. He spoke of an offender drowning in the sea with a millstone around his neck. He spoke of cutting off a hand, a foot and gouging out an eye. These are the kind of scenes that scary movies are made of. Yet, Jesus says it is better to suffer these losses than to offend one of God’s little ones.
Jesus said the angels of these little ones “always see the face of my Father... For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.” Bullies offend the “little ones” that the heavenly Father loves. According to Matthew 9:13, Mark 2:17, and Luke 5:32, Jesus came to call sinners to repentance, not the righteous. He came for those who knew their need of Him not for those who believed they were self-sufficient.
“What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying? And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray. Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.” Matthew 18:12-14
Jesus wants us to find the one who lacks a personal relationship with God.
“Moreover, if your brother sins against you, go, and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.” Matthew 18:15-17
The circle of people who care is to grow wider when an offender rejects the good counsel of one. If he rejects the counsel of the whole church body, he is to be put out from the fellowship. However, even this severe consequence has the goal of bringing him to his senses and to Jesus.
The offender is to be treated as a heathen and a tax collector. In Corinthians 5:6, Paul asked the Corinthian Christians, “Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump?” According to 1 Corinthians 5:1, they had a man in their fellowship that was committing adultery with his father’s wife (likely his stepmother). In 1 Corinthians 5:5, Paul spoke of “delivering such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.” That’s called tough love. It requires faith that God will do what is best for everyone involved.
“Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again, I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My Name, I am there in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:18-20
In regards to binding and loosing, or locking and releasing, Charles Spurgeon wrote, “Each church has the keys of its own door. When those keys are rightly turned by the assembly below, the act is ratified above.”
The Greek word for “agree” means “to symphonize.” Adam Clarke wrote, “It means a perfect agreement of the hearts, desires, wishes, and voices, of two or more persons praying to God.”
“Then Peter came to Him and said, ‘Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.’” Matthew 18:21-22
According to 2 Chronicles 36:20-21, the exile in Babylon lasted 70 years “to fulfill the Word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed her Sabbaths. For as long as she lay desolate, she kept Sabbath.”
God based the length of the exile on the years of unkept Sabbath years. For 490 years the Jews did not give the land a rest. To make up for every seventh-year (Sabbath-year) they defied, God gave them a year in captivity. 490 divided by 7 equals 70.
How many times did Jesus tell Peter that he should forgive a brother who sinned against him? He told Peter “70 x 7.’’ That is 490 times which is the number of years that God forgave the Israelites for not keeping the Sabbath year rest.
How often have we sinned against God? Jesus urges us to forgive those who sin against us.
“Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him 10,000 talents. But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made. The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, ‘Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt. But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me what you owe!’ So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ And he would not, but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt. So when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they were very grieved and came and told their master all that had been done. Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’ And his master was angry and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. ‘So, My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.’” Matthew 18:23-35
Jesus spoke of the kingdom of heaven in terms of compassion and forgiveness towards debtors.
Has anyone done you wrong? Forgive them.
A King’s servant had received more from his king than he could ever repay. At a servant’s pay rate, this servant needed to work 200,000 years to pay back his debt to the king. One talent was roughly 20 years of wages making 10,000 talents equal to roughly $6 billion in labor value. [4]
How much would we owe God if He required payment for everything that He does for us? How much is each part of our body worth? How much should He charge us for the air we breathe and the ground we walk on? How about for the sun, the moon and the stars? How about for sending His Son to redeem us from our sin? Ultimately, we owe God all that we have and are.
The servant in the parable said to his king, “Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.” The king knew he could never repay his debt to him but had compassion and forgave him.
Jesus Christ paid off a debt we could never repay in a lifetime. He cancelled it completely. What’s more, God adopted us into His family. Such immeasurable grace!
Tragically, the forgiven servant took God’s grace lightly. He had a fellow servant imprisoned for owing him a debt of 100 denarii. 100 denarii is worth USD 4.28. [5] It should have been repaid, but compared to the great debt the creditor was forgiven by his king, it was small. The forgiven servant did not forgive his fellow servant though he begged for patience.
Have you ever locked someone up for a debt they owe you? Stopped communicating with them? Given them distance rather than closeness?
Previously, in this article, I quoted Jesus and Paul in regards to removing an unrepentant offender from the fellowship, but even then, the goal was to help him repent and to be restored to God and into the fellowship of those who love God.
The unforgiving servant’s action grieved his fellow servants. They reported his misbehavior back to the king. The king confronted him saying, “You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?” The king handed the man over to torturers.
Jesus said, “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.”
Recently, I asked the Lord for help with pain caused to me by broken relationships. He spoke to me from 2 Corinthians 12:9, saying, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” He told me to overcome pain by His grace not by my strength.
Psalm 147:3 says that God heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Rather than expecting myself or others to do miraculous healings of deep wounds, I need the Lord to do the miracle. I admit my need of His grace. God is my very present help in time of need.
In John 15:13, Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” Then, in Romans 5:6-8, Paul wrote, “For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
“Heavenly Father, please convert us to love as You love. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.”
[1] Google sources
[2] Ibid
[3] Ibid
[4] Ibid
[5] Ibid
Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? “Unless you are converted and become as little children you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew Henry, author of the Matthew Henry Commentary, quoted his father, Philip Henry, as saying, “The first person that needs to be converted by the Bible text is the preacher.” [1]
Once, I met a man who told me that he had been a pastor for 26 years before he was born again. He preached and prayed what others taught him to say and pray but lacked a personal relationship with Christ. In 1 Peter 1:7, Peter wrote that the genuineness of our faith will be tested by fire. When the pastor’s faith was tested by fire, he realized his need for a personal relationship with Christ. He needed to be born again and live by the power of God.
Many have been blessed by the ministries of Joni Eareckson Tada and Nick Vujicic. Like children, they depend on our Heavenly Father to help them survive and thrive in a world that tends to mock and despise people who cannot take care of themselves.
“Joni Eareckson Tada is a renowned international disability advocate, author, artist, and founder of ‘Joni and Friends,’ which has delivered over 225,000 wheelchairs and Bibles worldwide. Paralyzed in a 1967 diving accident, she learned to paint with her mouth, authored over 50 books, and was instrumental in passing the Americans with Disabilities Act.” [2]
“Nick Vujicic, born without arms or legs, is a renowned motivational speaker, author, and founder of the non-profit ‘Life Without Limbs.’ He has inspired millions, delivering over 3,000 speeches in over 70 countries. He authored a bestselling book, ‘Life Without Limits.’” [3]
In John 12:24, Jesus told His disciples Andrew and Philip, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain.” The seed must be converted by God to produce fruit. It must die before being reborn.
Andrew the fisherman had survived numerous storms and hardships. He fed his family via hard work and careful planning. But when it came to serving God, Andrew had to die to himself and admit that he was at a loss of how to do so. He needed God to teach him every inch of the way.
At first, Andrew’s brother, Peter, was extremely self-confident. In Luke 22:31, Jesus warned Peter that Satan wanted to sift him as wheat. In Luke 22:32, Jesus told Peter, “When you are converted, strengthen your brothers.” Peter needed a test that he could not pass so he would learn to lean on Jesus for guidance and strength.
Before Jesus was crucified, Peter denied Jesus three times. In Acts 4:19-20, Peter, full of the Holy Spirit, stood before the same group of men who crucified Christ, and said to them, “We cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” He had strong convictions.
Martin Luther wrote, “Get the tree [Christ], and you will get His fruit.”
To be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, we cannot have a better than others mindset. We must have a childlike mindset that depends on our Heavenly Father to serve Him well.
Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in My Name welcomes Me.”
“But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe to the world because of offenses! For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes! ‘If your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life lame or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into the everlasting fire. And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire. Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven. For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost.” Matthew 18:6-11
Jesus used scary images to warn us against offending little people. He spoke of an offender drowning in the sea with a millstone around his neck. He spoke of cutting off a hand, a foot and gouging out an eye. These are the kind of scenes that scary movies are made of. Yet, Jesus says it is better to suffer these losses than to offend one of God’s little ones.
Jesus said the angels of these little ones “always see the face of my Father... For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.” Bullies offend the “little ones” that the heavenly Father loves. According to Matthew 9:13, Mark 2:17, and Luke 5:32, Jesus came to call sinners to repentance, not the righteous. He came for those who knew their need of Him not for those who believed they were self-sufficient.
“What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying? And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray. Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.” Matthew 18:12-14
Jesus wants us to find the one who lacks a personal relationship with God.
“Moreover, if your brother sins against you, go, and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.” Matthew 18:15-17
The circle of people who care is to grow wider when an offender rejects the good counsel of one. If he rejects the counsel of the whole church body, he is to be put out from the fellowship. However, even this severe consequence has the goal of bringing him to his senses and to Jesus.
The offender is to be treated as a heathen and a tax collector. In Corinthians 5:6, Paul asked the Corinthian Christians, “Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump?” According to 1 Corinthians 5:1, they had a man in their fellowship that was committing adultery with his father’s wife (likely his stepmother). In 1 Corinthians 5:5, Paul spoke of “delivering such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.” That’s called tough love. It requires faith that God will do what is best for everyone involved.
“Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again, I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My Name, I am there in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:18-20
In regards to binding and loosing, or locking and releasing, Charles Spurgeon wrote, “Each church has the keys of its own door. When those keys are rightly turned by the assembly below, the act is ratified above.”
The Greek word for “agree” means “to symphonize.” Adam Clarke wrote, “It means a perfect agreement of the hearts, desires, wishes, and voices, of two or more persons praying to God.”
“Then Peter came to Him and said, ‘Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.’” Matthew 18:21-22
According to 2 Chronicles 36:20-21, the exile in Babylon lasted 70 years “to fulfill the Word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed her Sabbaths. For as long as she lay desolate, she kept Sabbath.”
God based the length of the exile on the years of unkept Sabbath years. For 490 years the Jews did not give the land a rest. To make up for every seventh-year (Sabbath-year) they defied, God gave them a year in captivity. 490 divided by 7 equals 70.
How many times did Jesus tell Peter that he should forgive a brother who sinned against him? He told Peter “70 x 7.’’ That is 490 times which is the number of years that God forgave the Israelites for not keeping the Sabbath year rest.
How often have we sinned against God? Jesus urges us to forgive those who sin against us.
“Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him 10,000 talents. But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made. The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, ‘Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt. But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me what you owe!’ So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ And he would not, but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt. So when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they were very grieved and came and told their master all that had been done. Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’ And his master was angry and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. ‘So, My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.’” Matthew 18:23-35
Jesus spoke of the kingdom of heaven in terms of compassion and forgiveness towards debtors.
Has anyone done you wrong? Forgive them.
A King’s servant had received more from his king than he could ever repay. At a servant’s pay rate, this servant needed to work 200,000 years to pay back his debt to the king. One talent was roughly 20 years of wages making 10,000 talents equal to roughly $6 billion in labor value. [4]
How much would we owe God if He required payment for everything that He does for us? How much is each part of our body worth? How much should He charge us for the air we breathe and the ground we walk on? How about for the sun, the moon and the stars? How about for sending His Son to redeem us from our sin? Ultimately, we owe God all that we have and are.
The servant in the parable said to his king, “Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.” The king knew he could never repay his debt to him but had compassion and forgave him.
Jesus Christ paid off a debt we could never repay in a lifetime. He cancelled it completely. What’s more, God adopted us into His family. Such immeasurable grace!
Tragically, the forgiven servant took God’s grace lightly. He had a fellow servant imprisoned for owing him a debt of 100 denarii. 100 denarii is worth USD 4.28. [5] It should have been repaid, but compared to the great debt the creditor was forgiven by his king, it was small. The forgiven servant did not forgive his fellow servant though he begged for patience.
Have you ever locked someone up for a debt they owe you? Stopped communicating with them? Given them distance rather than closeness?
Previously, in this article, I quoted Jesus and Paul in regards to removing an unrepentant offender from the fellowship, but even then, the goal was to help him repent and to be restored to God and into the fellowship of those who love God.
The unforgiving servant’s action grieved his fellow servants. They reported his misbehavior back to the king. The king confronted him saying, “You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?” The king handed the man over to torturers.
Jesus said, “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.”
Recently, I asked the Lord for help with pain caused to me by broken relationships. He spoke to me from 2 Corinthians 12:9, saying, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” He told me to overcome pain by His grace not by my strength.
Psalm 147:3 says that God heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Rather than expecting myself or others to do miraculous healings of deep wounds, I need the Lord to do the miracle. I admit my need of His grace. God is my very present help in time of need.
In John 15:13, Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” Then, in Romans 5:6-8, Paul wrote, “For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
“Heavenly Father, please convert us to love as You love. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.”
[1] Google sources
[2] Ibid
[3] Ibid
[4] Ibid
[5] Ibid
The Heavenly Father has granted to me a wonderful relationship with Him through faith in His Son and by filling me with His Holy Spirit. I want everyone to experience God's love and salvation.
Sunday, February 22, 2026
Transfigured – Matthew 17
“Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’” Matthew 17:1-4
In the previous chapter, Jesus spoke to the disciples about His death and resurrection, and about their need to deny themselves, to pick up their crosses and follow Him. Now, He leads them up a high mountain where He is transfigured before them.
The face of Jesus became as bright as the sun and His clothes like light. So, it must have been difficult for the disciples to look in His direction. Perhaps, they shaded their eyes with hands at their foreheads. Their eyes squinting due to the intensity of the light.
They see Moses and Elijah talking with Jesus. What a blessing that they should see such a sight on this side of heaven! How did they know who these two men were? It was a revelation from God. Peter wanted to make a tabernacle for each of them.
“Remarkably, these two Old Testament persons appeared and spoke with the transfigured Jesus. Moses had lived some 1400 years before; Elijah some 900 years before; yet they were alive and in some sort of resurrected, glorified state.” [1]
“Traditionally, Christian interpreters have seen Moses and Elijah as representatives of the Law and the Prophets, respectively. This makes good sense, for Moses is known in Scripture as the great lawgiver and Elijah is one of the most prominent old covenant prophets. Moreover, Jesus said that He fulfilled the Law and the Prophets in Matthew 5:17, so it is unsurprising that Moses and Elijah would appear in the transfiguration as witnesses to Him. As Augustine of Hippo writes in his sermon on the transfiguration account in Matthew 17, ‘The grace of the Gospel receives witness from the Law and the Prophets.’”
The Old Testament prophets frequently tie the day of restoration and salvation to a new exodus. Peter recognized this new exodus had come, as he asked to build tents, or booths (tabernacles), for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. He likely sought to prolong the profound moment. In Mark 9:7-8, God spoke and called him and the other disciples to listen to Jesus, who would reveal to them the right understanding of the event.” [2]
What did Moses, Elijah and Jesus talk about? Luke 9:31 says that they “spoke of His decease which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.” Luke 9:51 says that “He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem.” Soon, Jesus would be in glory with Moses and Elijah!
“When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only – it is significant that their entire focus was forced upon Jesus once again.” [3]
“While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!’ And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid. But Jesus came and touched them and said, ‘Arise, and do not be afraid.’ When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.” Matthew 17:5-8
The name David in Hebrew means beloved. Thus, when God spoke from the cloud and called Jesus My Beloved Son, He was saying that the man standing before them was the Son of David. He is the Promised One. God affirmed that He was well pleased with Jesus, and that people should listen to Him. Moses and Elijah had done their part, now, they were to honor Jesus.
“Now as they came down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, ‘Tell the vision to no one until the Son of Man is risen from the dead.’ And His disciples asked Him, saying, ‘Why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?’ Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Indeed, Elijah is coming first and will restore all things. But I say to you that Elijah has come already, and they did not know him but did to him whatever they wished. Likewise, the Son of Man is also about to suffer at their hands.’ Then the disciples understood that He spoke to them of John the Baptist.” Matthew 17:9-14
Malachi 4:5 says, “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.” “The first coming of Jesus did not bring the great and dreadful day of the Lord. Malachi 4:5 is probably best identified with the appearance of the two witnesses of Revelation 11:3-13. The Second Coming of Jesus happens after they appear. Revelation 11:15 says, “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!” [4]
“Yet there was also a sense in which Jesus could rightly say ‘Elijah has come already.’ Elijah had arrived in the work of John the Baptist, who ministered in Elijah’s spirit and power (Luke 1:17).
There are parallels between Elijah and John the Baptist. Elijah and John were zealous for the Lord. Both prophets boldly rebuked sin in high places. Both called sinners to repent. Both attracted multitudes. Both experienced the fury of a king and his wife. Both lived simply. Both lived in the wilderness for a time. [5]
“And when they had come to the multitude, a man came to Him, kneeling down to Him and saying, ‘Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and suffers severely; for he often falls into the fire and often into the water. So I brought him to Your disciples, but they could not cure him.’ Then Jesus answered and said, ‘O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him here to Me.’ And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him; and the child was cured from that very hour.” Matthew 17:15-18
Back to work! When Jesus came down from that glorious moment with Moses, Elijah and the heavenly Father speaking with Him, He was met by a needy father. The father had seen his son fall into fire and water due to epileptic seizures. He had hoped that the disciples of Jesus would heal his son, but they were unable to set him free from the demons that tormented him.
Jesus lamented due to the perversity and faithlessness of Israel. Throughout history there have been people who suffered greatly for the Word of God, but they held to it and believed it. For example, the Christians whom the Roman Emperors fed to wild beasts. The reformers who were burnt at the stake by the Catholic Church because they proclaimed that faith in Christ alone was sufficient for salvation. In 2026, we have people like Joni Eareckson Tada and Nick Vujicic. Joni loves Jesus and sings His praises though she has been a quadriplegia for nearly 60 years. Nick was born without arms or legs. At 43 years old, he travels and speaks about his testimony of faith in Jesus Christ. His ministry is known as Life Without Limbs. Isreal demanded so many signs from Jesus but yielded so little fruit of faith in Him.
“His season of ministry before the cross was coming to an end, and perhaps He felt frustration that the disciples did not have more faith.” [6]
Jesus rebuked the demon. It came out. The man’s son was cured from that very hour.
“Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, ‘Why could we not cast it out?’ So Jesus said to them, ‘Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, move from here to there, and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.’” Matthew 17:19-21
“Jesus laid the inability of the disciples to cast out the demon at their unbelief. To be successful in a battle against demons, there must be trust in God who has complete authority over them.
The faith that we must have has more to do with what kind of faith it is than with how much faith there is. A small amount of faith, as small as a mustard seed (a very small seed), can accomplish great things if that small amount of faith is placed in the great and mighty God.
We show our faith in and reliance on God through prayer and fasting. It displays an occupation with and dependence on Jesus. Sometimes we pray dispassionately, almost asking God to care about things we care little or nothing about.” [7]
How much more would be accomplished in the earth if we fasted and prayed out of concern for those who are suffering and perishing without Christ’s intervention?
“Now while they were staying in Galilee, Jesus said to them, ‘The Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men, and they will kill Him, and the third day He will be raised up.’ And they were exceedingly sorrowful.” Matthew 17:22-23
The time of Jesus’ visible earthly ministry was coming to a close. Soon, Judas would betray Jesus in exchange for 30 pieces of silver. A Roman soldier would drive spikes through His hands and feet. His breathing would cease. His body would dwell motionless for three days in a tomb. Then, on the third day, He would resurrect from the dead.
Were His disciples exceedingly sorrowful because they only dwelt on His words about His death and not about His words on the resurrection? Perhaps, it was because they did not want Jesus to suffer such great agony. However, the suffering had to happen due to humanity’s sin.
“When they had come to Capernaum, those who received the temple tax came to Peter and said, ‘Does your Teacher not pay the temple tax?’ He said, ‘Yes.’ And when he had come into the house, Jesus anticipated him, saying, ‘What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth take customs or taxes, from their sons or from strangers?’ Peter said to Him, ‘From strangers.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Then the sons are free. Nevertheless, lest we offend them, go to the sea, cast in a hook, and take the fish that comes up first. And when you have opened its mouth, you will find a piece of money; take that and give it to them for Me and you.’” Matthew 17:24-27
Before Peter verbalized a question to Jesus, Jesus gave Peter the answer. Jesus, being divine, was omniscient.
The temple tax or fee applied to every Jewish man. R.T. France wrote, “Payment could be made in person at the Passover festival in Jerusalem…but collections were made in other areas... a month earlier. This incident therefore takes place about a month before Passover.” [8]
“Nevertheless, lest we offend them, go...” Jesus was not obligated to pay the tax, but recognized the importance of avoiding needless controversy, and so paid the tax.
“Jesus trusted in the miraculous provision of God. It’s not every day... that someone catches a fish and takes a coin out of its mouth. Jesus used God’s provision to pay His taxes.” [9]
This miracle of “paying the price” foreshadowed the redemptive work of Jesus for all people. Jesus paid the debt for our sin and left us debtless before God. Praise the Lord!
At the beginning of this chapter, Jesus was transfigured. His transfiguration is good news for us. 1 Corinthians 15:42-43, 49 says, “The body is sown in corruption. It is raised in incorruption. It is sown in dishonor. It is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness. It is raised in power. And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man.”
The Gospel says that just as the earthly body of Jesus was transfigured into a glorious heavenly body, we who have believed in Him and professed Him, shall also receive a glorious heavenly body. This hope is especially meaningful and inspirational to people with bodies like Joni Eareckson Tada and Nick Vujicic. However, at the same time, I have heard them say that they mainly just want to be with Jesus because His love for them on earth has been so wonderful.
[1] Enduring Word Commentary
[2] learn.ligonier.org/devotionals/peters-terror-and-gods-response
[3] Enduring Word Commentary
[4] Ibid
[5] Ibid
[6] Ibid
[7] Ibid
[8] Ibid
[9] Ibid
In the previous chapter, Jesus spoke to the disciples about His death and resurrection, and about their need to deny themselves, to pick up their crosses and follow Him. Now, He leads them up a high mountain where He is transfigured before them.
The face of Jesus became as bright as the sun and His clothes like light. So, it must have been difficult for the disciples to look in His direction. Perhaps, they shaded their eyes with hands at their foreheads. Their eyes squinting due to the intensity of the light.
They see Moses and Elijah talking with Jesus. What a blessing that they should see such a sight on this side of heaven! How did they know who these two men were? It was a revelation from God. Peter wanted to make a tabernacle for each of them.
“Remarkably, these two Old Testament persons appeared and spoke with the transfigured Jesus. Moses had lived some 1400 years before; Elijah some 900 years before; yet they were alive and in some sort of resurrected, glorified state.” [1]
“Traditionally, Christian interpreters have seen Moses and Elijah as representatives of the Law and the Prophets, respectively. This makes good sense, for Moses is known in Scripture as the great lawgiver and Elijah is one of the most prominent old covenant prophets. Moreover, Jesus said that He fulfilled the Law and the Prophets in Matthew 5:17, so it is unsurprising that Moses and Elijah would appear in the transfiguration as witnesses to Him. As Augustine of Hippo writes in his sermon on the transfiguration account in Matthew 17, ‘The grace of the Gospel receives witness from the Law and the Prophets.’”
The Old Testament prophets frequently tie the day of restoration and salvation to a new exodus. Peter recognized this new exodus had come, as he asked to build tents, or booths (tabernacles), for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. He likely sought to prolong the profound moment. In Mark 9:7-8, God spoke and called him and the other disciples to listen to Jesus, who would reveal to them the right understanding of the event.” [2]
What did Moses, Elijah and Jesus talk about? Luke 9:31 says that they “spoke of His decease which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.” Luke 9:51 says that “He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem.” Soon, Jesus would be in glory with Moses and Elijah!
“When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only – it is significant that their entire focus was forced upon Jesus once again.” [3]
“While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!’ And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid. But Jesus came and touched them and said, ‘Arise, and do not be afraid.’ When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.” Matthew 17:5-8
The name David in Hebrew means beloved. Thus, when God spoke from the cloud and called Jesus My Beloved Son, He was saying that the man standing before them was the Son of David. He is the Promised One. God affirmed that He was well pleased with Jesus, and that people should listen to Him. Moses and Elijah had done their part, now, they were to honor Jesus.
“Now as they came down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, ‘Tell the vision to no one until the Son of Man is risen from the dead.’ And His disciples asked Him, saying, ‘Why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?’ Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Indeed, Elijah is coming first and will restore all things. But I say to you that Elijah has come already, and they did not know him but did to him whatever they wished. Likewise, the Son of Man is also about to suffer at their hands.’ Then the disciples understood that He spoke to them of John the Baptist.” Matthew 17:9-14
Malachi 4:5 says, “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.” “The first coming of Jesus did not bring the great and dreadful day of the Lord. Malachi 4:5 is probably best identified with the appearance of the two witnesses of Revelation 11:3-13. The Second Coming of Jesus happens after they appear. Revelation 11:15 says, “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!” [4]
“Yet there was also a sense in which Jesus could rightly say ‘Elijah has come already.’ Elijah had arrived in the work of John the Baptist, who ministered in Elijah’s spirit and power (Luke 1:17).
There are parallels between Elijah and John the Baptist. Elijah and John were zealous for the Lord. Both prophets boldly rebuked sin in high places. Both called sinners to repent. Both attracted multitudes. Both experienced the fury of a king and his wife. Both lived simply. Both lived in the wilderness for a time. [5]
“And when they had come to the multitude, a man came to Him, kneeling down to Him and saying, ‘Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and suffers severely; for he often falls into the fire and often into the water. So I brought him to Your disciples, but they could not cure him.’ Then Jesus answered and said, ‘O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him here to Me.’ And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him; and the child was cured from that very hour.” Matthew 17:15-18
Back to work! When Jesus came down from that glorious moment with Moses, Elijah and the heavenly Father speaking with Him, He was met by a needy father. The father had seen his son fall into fire and water due to epileptic seizures. He had hoped that the disciples of Jesus would heal his son, but they were unable to set him free from the demons that tormented him.
Jesus lamented due to the perversity and faithlessness of Israel. Throughout history there have been people who suffered greatly for the Word of God, but they held to it and believed it. For example, the Christians whom the Roman Emperors fed to wild beasts. The reformers who were burnt at the stake by the Catholic Church because they proclaimed that faith in Christ alone was sufficient for salvation. In 2026, we have people like Joni Eareckson Tada and Nick Vujicic. Joni loves Jesus and sings His praises though she has been a quadriplegia for nearly 60 years. Nick was born without arms or legs. At 43 years old, he travels and speaks about his testimony of faith in Jesus Christ. His ministry is known as Life Without Limbs. Isreal demanded so many signs from Jesus but yielded so little fruit of faith in Him.
“His season of ministry before the cross was coming to an end, and perhaps He felt frustration that the disciples did not have more faith.” [6]
Jesus rebuked the demon. It came out. The man’s son was cured from that very hour.
“Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, ‘Why could we not cast it out?’ So Jesus said to them, ‘Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, move from here to there, and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.’” Matthew 17:19-21
“Jesus laid the inability of the disciples to cast out the demon at their unbelief. To be successful in a battle against demons, there must be trust in God who has complete authority over them.
The faith that we must have has more to do with what kind of faith it is than with how much faith there is. A small amount of faith, as small as a mustard seed (a very small seed), can accomplish great things if that small amount of faith is placed in the great and mighty God.
We show our faith in and reliance on God through prayer and fasting. It displays an occupation with and dependence on Jesus. Sometimes we pray dispassionately, almost asking God to care about things we care little or nothing about.” [7]
How much more would be accomplished in the earth if we fasted and prayed out of concern for those who are suffering and perishing without Christ’s intervention?
“Now while they were staying in Galilee, Jesus said to them, ‘The Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men, and they will kill Him, and the third day He will be raised up.’ And they were exceedingly sorrowful.” Matthew 17:22-23
The time of Jesus’ visible earthly ministry was coming to a close. Soon, Judas would betray Jesus in exchange for 30 pieces of silver. A Roman soldier would drive spikes through His hands and feet. His breathing would cease. His body would dwell motionless for three days in a tomb. Then, on the third day, He would resurrect from the dead.
Were His disciples exceedingly sorrowful because they only dwelt on His words about His death and not about His words on the resurrection? Perhaps, it was because they did not want Jesus to suffer such great agony. However, the suffering had to happen due to humanity’s sin.
“When they had come to Capernaum, those who received the temple tax came to Peter and said, ‘Does your Teacher not pay the temple tax?’ He said, ‘Yes.’ And when he had come into the house, Jesus anticipated him, saying, ‘What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth take customs or taxes, from their sons or from strangers?’ Peter said to Him, ‘From strangers.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Then the sons are free. Nevertheless, lest we offend them, go to the sea, cast in a hook, and take the fish that comes up first. And when you have opened its mouth, you will find a piece of money; take that and give it to them for Me and you.’” Matthew 17:24-27
Before Peter verbalized a question to Jesus, Jesus gave Peter the answer. Jesus, being divine, was omniscient.
The temple tax or fee applied to every Jewish man. R.T. France wrote, “Payment could be made in person at the Passover festival in Jerusalem…but collections were made in other areas... a month earlier. This incident therefore takes place about a month before Passover.” [8]
“Nevertheless, lest we offend them, go...” Jesus was not obligated to pay the tax, but recognized the importance of avoiding needless controversy, and so paid the tax.
“Jesus trusted in the miraculous provision of God. It’s not every day... that someone catches a fish and takes a coin out of its mouth. Jesus used God’s provision to pay His taxes.” [9]
This miracle of “paying the price” foreshadowed the redemptive work of Jesus for all people. Jesus paid the debt for our sin and left us debtless before God. Praise the Lord!
At the beginning of this chapter, Jesus was transfigured. His transfiguration is good news for us. 1 Corinthians 15:42-43, 49 says, “The body is sown in corruption. It is raised in incorruption. It is sown in dishonor. It is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness. It is raised in power. And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man.”
The Gospel says that just as the earthly body of Jesus was transfigured into a glorious heavenly body, we who have believed in Him and professed Him, shall also receive a glorious heavenly body. This hope is especially meaningful and inspirational to people with bodies like Joni Eareckson Tada and Nick Vujicic. However, at the same time, I have heard them say that they mainly just want to be with Jesus because His love for them on earth has been so wonderful.
[1] Enduring Word Commentary
[2] learn.ligonier.org/devotionals/peters-terror-and-gods-response
[3] Enduring Word Commentary
[4] Ibid
[5] Ibid
[6] Ibid
[7] Ibid
[8] Ibid
[9] Ibid
The Heavenly Father has granted to me a wonderful relationship with Him through faith in His Son and by filling me with His Holy Spirit. I want everyone to experience God's love and salvation.
Saturday, February 21, 2026
The Offense of the Cross – Matthew 16
“Then the Pharisees and Sadducees came and testing Him asked that He would show them a sign from heaven. He answered and said to them, ‘When it is evening you say, it will be fair weather, for the sky is red; and in the morning, it will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and threatening. Hypocrites! You know how to discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times. A wicked and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign shall be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.’ And He left them and departed.” Matthew 16:1-4
According to Matthew 15:39, Jesus is now in the region of Magdala. In Matthew 15:29, He was on the Mount of Beatitudes near Capernaum. He has traveled just over two miles to the shore of the Sea of Galilee. Magdala was a prosperous fishing village.
In Matthew 15:31-32, Jesus made the lame to walk, the blind to see, the mute to speak and the maimed unmaimed. In Matthew 15:36-38, He multiplied seven loaves of bread and a few fish to feed over 4,000 men besides women and children. They all ate and were filled.
After all the miracles Jesus did, what did the Pharisees and Sadducees want from Jesus? A sign!
Hypocrites! The Pharisees and Sadducees asked Jesus a nonsensical question. He had done more signs than could be counted. He had massive crowds following Him. As in the days of Jeremiah, these leaders were behaving in wicked and adulterous ways. They were rejecting the prophetic Word of God. He told them to look for the sign of Jonah. Then, He left them.
In Matthew 12:39-40, Jesus told the Pharisees that “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 sign that He gave to them would come about as they betrayed Him to the Gentiles. They would crucify Israel’s Messiah. He would die, be buried and resurrect on the third day.
“Now when His disciples had come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread. Then Jesus said to them, ‘Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees.’ And they reasoned among themselves, saying, ‘It is because we have taken no bread.’ But Jesus, being aware of it, said to them, ‘Oh you of little faith, why do you reason among yourselves because you have brought no bread? Do you not yet understand, or remember the five loaves of the 5,000 and how many baskets you took up? Nor the seven loaves of the 4,000 and how many large baskets you took up? How is it you do not understand that I did not speak to you concerning bread?—but to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.’ Then they understood that He did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” Matthew 16:5-12
Jesus used the lack of bread among them as a teaching moment. He warned His disciples against Pharisaic leaven. Their leaven was doubt about Jesus despite the many signs that He did. Twice, Jesus had multiplied a few loaves of bread and a few fish to feed a multitude of people. No one but God had ever fed such great multitudes in wildernesses. No one in the Bible had done as many healing miracles as He did. Yet, the Pharisees and Sadducees blocked all these miracles out of their minds. They focused on how His ministry did not line up with theirs.
“When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi...” Matthew 16:13
“The distance to Caesarea Philippi from Magdala was approximately 25 to 35 miles. It was a journey that took roughly 2 to 3 days on foot. This journey involved traveling... from below sea level to the base of Mount Hermon, which is about 1,150 feet above sea level.” [1]
“...Jesus... asked His disciples, saying, ‘Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?’ So they said, ‘Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.’ He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Simon Peter answered and said, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’ Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My Church, and the Gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.’” Matthew 16:13-19
Caesarea Philippi was a center of pagan worship and Roman political power. It was filled with shrines to the Greek god Pan and a temple dedicated to Caesar Augustus (known as ‘son of God’ and ‘Lord’). By asking His question there, Jesus directly challenged these false powers.
The area has a cave called the “Gates of Hades” making Jesus’ declaration that ‘the Gates of Hades shall not prevail’ against His Church timely. Peter’s proclamation of Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of the Living God in that place was also timely. [2]
Some, like King Herod, thought Jesus was John the Baptist. Some thought of Him as Elijah, Jeremiah or one of the prophets. Elijah, Jeremiah and the prophets spoke truth in Israel while others prophesied lies. So, people who lived when Jesus lived perceived Him as a truth-teller.
Jesus asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter spoke up and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Peter had the correct answer because the Heavenly Father revealed it to him. Jesus promised to build His Church on the profession of Him. The Gates of Hades shall not prevail against this truth. Jesus gave the keys to the kingdom of heaven to Peter because Peter believed in and professed Him before people. Jesus Messiah is the One who lock doors and opens doors.
In Revelation 3:7-8, Jesus said to the messenger of the church in Philadelphia, “These things says He who is holy. He who is true. He who has the key of David. He who opens and no one shuts and shuts and no one opens. I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My Word, and have not denied My Name.” Jesus has the keys to the kingdom. He shares them with those who profess Him.
“Then He commanded His disciples that they should tell no one that He was Jesus the Christ. From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day. Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, ‘Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!’ But He turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.’” Matthew 16:20-23
On the one hand, Jesus confirmed to His disciples that He was indeed the Son of God and Messiah. On the other hand, He confirmed to them that the religious leaders in Jerusalem would kill Him, However, after three days, Jesus would resurrect from the dead.
Peter was not ready for this conversation. He just had a happy moment. He rightly professed Jesus as the Son of God. Jesus affirmed Peter’s profession of Him as God’s Son.
But when Jesus spoke of being killed and resurrected after three days, Peter exclaimed, “Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You.” He went from speaking for God to speaking for Satan. Jesus rebuked such speech.
On May 17, 1958, Billy Graham spoke of why people don’t want to hear about the cross—and why we must come to terms with what the cross says to all of us, in order to be saved. Below are some excerpts from that message:
“This expression ‘the offense of the cross’ sounds strange to our modern ears. Because, you see, we have a beautiful cross on our churches. We have crosses around our necks. We never think of it as a scandal and as an offense. And yet the Bible says it’s a stumbling block. It’s an offense. It’s a scandal among men. It’s a base and despised thing.”
“The cross was a place to execute criminals. It was a place where the vilest died. And when I see Christ hanging on the cross, I say with Isaiah, ‘There is no beauty that I should desire Him.’”
“And I’ve found in my own ministry that I can preach anything else, and it’s called popular. It pleases the ear. But when I come to the heart of Christianity, when I come to the cross and the blood and the resurrection, that is the stumbling block. That’s the thing people do not want to hear. That’s the thing that is an offense, and yet it’s that very thing that is the heart of the Gospel. Without the cross, there is no salvation, there is no forgiveness.”
“God said, ‘I’ll meet the human race only one place. That is the cross.’ And if you haven’t been to the cross, there is no salvation and there is no forgiveness.”
“The cross is an offense because it says to the world, ‘You’re a sinner.’ The cross said to the thief who was dying on the other cross, ‘You’re a sinner. You’d better repent.’ And the thief did repent. He confessed his sins. And he said, ‘Remember me when You come into Your kingdom.’ And Jesus turned to him and said, ‘Today you will be with Me in Paradise.’ Christ forgave him right there. But, first, the cross condemned his sins and made him confess and acknowledge that he was a sinner.”
“The Pharisees fasted twice a week. They paid tithes. And yet Jesus, in the most scathing language, denounced them... There is no pride in the world as terrible as religious pride. Proud of our religion, proud of the things we do, when down inside we are filled with pride, jealousy, envy, backbiting and gossiping.”
“And when I come to the foot of the cross, the first thing I have to say is, ‘I am a sinner.’”
“You cringe and say, ‘No, no, no. Don’t expose me.’”
“God says that someday every secret thing will be brought out. And when I stand at the judgment in that day, I shall plead only one thing... I had my sins cleansed by His blood. I claim to be going to Heaven only on the merit and the ground of Jesus and His death at the cross.”
“Even though it may seem foolish and irrational, and it may not seem the right thing to do, and people may laugh at it, yet God says He has chosen the preaching of the cross to bring men to Himself.” [3]
Jesus affirmed Peter when he spoke rightly but rebuked him when he did not. His affirmation and rebuke of Peter stemmed from love. In Revelation 3:19, Jesus said to the messenger of the church in Laodicea, “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.”
“Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works. Assuredly, I say to you, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.’” Matthew 16:24-28
Jesus called His disciples to embrace His cross and follow Him. If they wanted to preserve their lives, they must lose them for His sake.
Before the Apostle John died, Jesus gave him a vision of His glorious return. In Revelation 19:11-16, John testified, “I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a Name written that no one knew except Himself. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His Name is called The Word of God. And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And He has on His robe and on His thigh a Name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.”
Previously, Jesus came to earth to reveal to us how we could have a relationship with the heavenly Father. He atoned for our sins on the cross. He resurrected from the dead for our resurrection.
The next time Jesus comes, He shall destroy all that is contrary to God. Thus, it is vital that each of us come to the foot of His cross and ask that His atoning blood be applied to our lives.
Romans 5:9 says, “Since we have now been justified by His blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through Him.” Ephesians 1:7 says, “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.” 1 John 1:7 says, “...And the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.”
If you haven’t been to the cross of Jesus Christ, come, confess your sin, and be cleansed today!
[1] Google Sources
[2] Ibid
[3] billygraham.ca/stories/why-does-the-cross-offend-people
According to Matthew 15:39, Jesus is now in the region of Magdala. In Matthew 15:29, He was on the Mount of Beatitudes near Capernaum. He has traveled just over two miles to the shore of the Sea of Galilee. Magdala was a prosperous fishing village.
In Matthew 15:31-32, Jesus made the lame to walk, the blind to see, the mute to speak and the maimed unmaimed. In Matthew 15:36-38, He multiplied seven loaves of bread and a few fish to feed over 4,000 men besides women and children. They all ate and were filled.
After all the miracles Jesus did, what did the Pharisees and Sadducees want from Jesus? A sign!
Hypocrites! The Pharisees and Sadducees asked Jesus a nonsensical question. He had done more signs than could be counted. He had massive crowds following Him. As in the days of Jeremiah, these leaders were behaving in wicked and adulterous ways. They were rejecting the prophetic Word of God. He told them to look for the sign of Jonah. Then, He left them.
In Matthew 12:39-40, Jesus told the Pharisees that “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 sign that He gave to them would come about as they betrayed Him to the Gentiles. They would crucify Israel’s Messiah. He would die, be buried and resurrect on the third day.
“Now when His disciples had come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread. Then Jesus said to them, ‘Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees.’ And they reasoned among themselves, saying, ‘It is because we have taken no bread.’ But Jesus, being aware of it, said to them, ‘Oh you of little faith, why do you reason among yourselves because you have brought no bread? Do you not yet understand, or remember the five loaves of the 5,000 and how many baskets you took up? Nor the seven loaves of the 4,000 and how many large baskets you took up? How is it you do not understand that I did not speak to you concerning bread?—but to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.’ Then they understood that He did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” Matthew 16:5-12
Jesus used the lack of bread among them as a teaching moment. He warned His disciples against Pharisaic leaven. Their leaven was doubt about Jesus despite the many signs that He did. Twice, Jesus had multiplied a few loaves of bread and a few fish to feed a multitude of people. No one but God had ever fed such great multitudes in wildernesses. No one in the Bible had done as many healing miracles as He did. Yet, the Pharisees and Sadducees blocked all these miracles out of their minds. They focused on how His ministry did not line up with theirs.
“When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi...” Matthew 16:13
“The distance to Caesarea Philippi from Magdala was approximately 25 to 35 miles. It was a journey that took roughly 2 to 3 days on foot. This journey involved traveling... from below sea level to the base of Mount Hermon, which is about 1,150 feet above sea level.” [1]
“...Jesus... asked His disciples, saying, ‘Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?’ So they said, ‘Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.’ He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Simon Peter answered and said, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’ Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My Church, and the Gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.’” Matthew 16:13-19
Caesarea Philippi was a center of pagan worship and Roman political power. It was filled with shrines to the Greek god Pan and a temple dedicated to Caesar Augustus (known as ‘son of God’ and ‘Lord’). By asking His question there, Jesus directly challenged these false powers.
The area has a cave called the “Gates of Hades” making Jesus’ declaration that ‘the Gates of Hades shall not prevail’ against His Church timely. Peter’s proclamation of Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of the Living God in that place was also timely. [2]
Some, like King Herod, thought Jesus was John the Baptist. Some thought of Him as Elijah, Jeremiah or one of the prophets. Elijah, Jeremiah and the prophets spoke truth in Israel while others prophesied lies. So, people who lived when Jesus lived perceived Him as a truth-teller.
Jesus asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter spoke up and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Peter had the correct answer because the Heavenly Father revealed it to him. Jesus promised to build His Church on the profession of Him. The Gates of Hades shall not prevail against this truth. Jesus gave the keys to the kingdom of heaven to Peter because Peter believed in and professed Him before people. Jesus Messiah is the One who lock doors and opens doors.
In Revelation 3:7-8, Jesus said to the messenger of the church in Philadelphia, “These things says He who is holy. He who is true. He who has the key of David. He who opens and no one shuts and shuts and no one opens. I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My Word, and have not denied My Name.” Jesus has the keys to the kingdom. He shares them with those who profess Him.
“Then He commanded His disciples that they should tell no one that He was Jesus the Christ. From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day. Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, ‘Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!’ But He turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.’” Matthew 16:20-23
On the one hand, Jesus confirmed to His disciples that He was indeed the Son of God and Messiah. On the other hand, He confirmed to them that the religious leaders in Jerusalem would kill Him, However, after three days, Jesus would resurrect from the dead.
Peter was not ready for this conversation. He just had a happy moment. He rightly professed Jesus as the Son of God. Jesus affirmed Peter’s profession of Him as God’s Son.
But when Jesus spoke of being killed and resurrected after three days, Peter exclaimed, “Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You.” He went from speaking for God to speaking for Satan. Jesus rebuked such speech.
On May 17, 1958, Billy Graham spoke of why people don’t want to hear about the cross—and why we must come to terms with what the cross says to all of us, in order to be saved. Below are some excerpts from that message:
“This expression ‘the offense of the cross’ sounds strange to our modern ears. Because, you see, we have a beautiful cross on our churches. We have crosses around our necks. We never think of it as a scandal and as an offense. And yet the Bible says it’s a stumbling block. It’s an offense. It’s a scandal among men. It’s a base and despised thing.”
“The cross was a place to execute criminals. It was a place where the vilest died. And when I see Christ hanging on the cross, I say with Isaiah, ‘There is no beauty that I should desire Him.’”
“And I’ve found in my own ministry that I can preach anything else, and it’s called popular. It pleases the ear. But when I come to the heart of Christianity, when I come to the cross and the blood and the resurrection, that is the stumbling block. That’s the thing people do not want to hear. That’s the thing that is an offense, and yet it’s that very thing that is the heart of the Gospel. Without the cross, there is no salvation, there is no forgiveness.”
“God said, ‘I’ll meet the human race only one place. That is the cross.’ And if you haven’t been to the cross, there is no salvation and there is no forgiveness.”
“The cross is an offense because it says to the world, ‘You’re a sinner.’ The cross said to the thief who was dying on the other cross, ‘You’re a sinner. You’d better repent.’ And the thief did repent. He confessed his sins. And he said, ‘Remember me when You come into Your kingdom.’ And Jesus turned to him and said, ‘Today you will be with Me in Paradise.’ Christ forgave him right there. But, first, the cross condemned his sins and made him confess and acknowledge that he was a sinner.”
“The Pharisees fasted twice a week. They paid tithes. And yet Jesus, in the most scathing language, denounced them... There is no pride in the world as terrible as religious pride. Proud of our religion, proud of the things we do, when down inside we are filled with pride, jealousy, envy, backbiting and gossiping.”
“And when I come to the foot of the cross, the first thing I have to say is, ‘I am a sinner.’”
“You cringe and say, ‘No, no, no. Don’t expose me.’”
“God says that someday every secret thing will be brought out. And when I stand at the judgment in that day, I shall plead only one thing... I had my sins cleansed by His blood. I claim to be going to Heaven only on the merit and the ground of Jesus and His death at the cross.”
“Even though it may seem foolish and irrational, and it may not seem the right thing to do, and people may laugh at it, yet God says He has chosen the preaching of the cross to bring men to Himself.” [3]
Jesus affirmed Peter when he spoke rightly but rebuked him when he did not. His affirmation and rebuke of Peter stemmed from love. In Revelation 3:19, Jesus said to the messenger of the church in Laodicea, “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.”
“Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works. Assuredly, I say to you, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.’” Matthew 16:24-28
Jesus called His disciples to embrace His cross and follow Him. If they wanted to preserve their lives, they must lose them for His sake.
Before the Apostle John died, Jesus gave him a vision of His glorious return. In Revelation 19:11-16, John testified, “I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a Name written that no one knew except Himself. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His Name is called The Word of God. And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And He has on His robe and on His thigh a Name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.”
Previously, Jesus came to earth to reveal to us how we could have a relationship with the heavenly Father. He atoned for our sins on the cross. He resurrected from the dead for our resurrection.
The next time Jesus comes, He shall destroy all that is contrary to God. Thus, it is vital that each of us come to the foot of His cross and ask that His atoning blood be applied to our lives.
Romans 5:9 says, “Since we have now been justified by His blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through Him.” Ephesians 1:7 says, “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.” 1 John 1:7 says, “...And the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.”
If you haven’t been to the cross of Jesus Christ, come, confess your sin, and be cleansed today!
[1] Google Sources
[2] Ibid
[3] billygraham.ca/stories/why-does-the-cross-offend-people
The Heavenly Father has granted to me a wonderful relationship with Him through faith in His Son and by filling me with His Holy Spirit. I want everyone to experience God's love and salvation.
Friday, February 20, 2026
The Tale of Two Priests – Matthew 15
“Then the scribes and Pharisees who were from Jerusalem came to Jesus, saying, ‘Why do Your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat bread.’ He answered and said to them, ‘Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition? For God commanded, saying, honor your father and your mother and he who curses father or mother, let him be put to death. But you say, whoever says to his father or mother, whatever profit you might have received from me is a gift to God—then he need not honor his father or mother. Thus, you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition. Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: these people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’” Matthew 15:1-9
How did they do it? They managed to promote rebellion against God’s Word while appearing to be devoted to Him. They were doing the work of demons while appearing as angels.
These deceivers questioned Jesus as to why His disciples transgressed the tradition of their elders. According to F.F. Bruce, “The ‘elders’ here are not the living rulers of the people, but the past bearers of religious authority. They elevated traditions above the actual plain meaning of the Biblical texts. One such Rabbi taught, ‘He sins as much who eats with unclean hands, as he that lies with a harlot.” [1] That is not in the Bible, but that was a tradition that they taught as though it was God’s Word.
Jesus condemned their malfeasance. God’s commandment to honor parents was plain and simple, but these loophole creating lawyers, set a new precedent, saying, “Gifts to God” (or to their bank accounts) had replaced that outdated commandment.
Jesus called them hypocrites. Hypocrites are performers. Their acting school taught people how to appear devoted to God while condoning various artistic forms of rebellion against Him.
“When He had called the multitude to Himself, He said to them, ‘Hear and understand: not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man.’” Matthew 15:10-11
In Acts 10, the Lord gave to Peter a vision of heaven opened and an object like a great sheet descending to him. All kinds of non-kosher animals were in it. A voice said to him, “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” Now in Mark 7:19, Jesus had “declared all foods clean.” Peter had never ate non-kosher foods before, but God insisted that they were now kosher. Next, the Lord called Peter to enter the house of a Gentile and to preach the Gospel to him and to those gathered with him. The lesson here is that the Gospel of Christ cleanses souls. Food has nothing to do with one’s eternal salvation, but rejecting Jesus Messiah, the Savior from sin, does.
“Then His disciples came and said to Him, ‘Do You know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?’ But He answered and said, ‘Every plant which My heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. Let them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch.’” Matthew 15:12-14
The reference to uprooting connects the message of Jesus to the Word of God via the prophet Jeremiah. Jeremiah 1:10 says, “See, I have this day set you over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out and to pull down, to destroy and to throw down, to build and to plant.” The false teaching of the Pharisees needed to be uprooted. Just like the false prophets in Jeremiah’s day, the spiritually blind Pharisees were leading their followers toward a deep ditch.
The ditch was destruction. “According to the ancient historian Flavius Josephus, approximately 1.1 million people were killed during the 70 AD siege of Jerusalem, with most being Jewish victims of famine, disease, and the conflict. Another 97,000 people were enslaved.” [2]
“Then Peter answered and said to Him, ‘Explain this parable to us.’ So Jesus said, ‘Are you also still without understanding? Do you not yet understand that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and is eliminated? But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. These are the things which defile a man, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile a man.’” Matthew 15:15-20
In John 8:3-5, the scribes and Pharisees brought to Jesus a woman caught in adultery. They said to Him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses, in the law, commanded us that such should be stoned. But what do You say?”
The religious leaders were ready to stone the woman, but what happened to the man? Had they been so focused on their traditions of clean hands and Sabbath keeping that they failed to discern that the sin of adultery involves two people?
Stones would have eliminated the adulterous woman, but not the adultery in their hearts. In John 12:42-43, the religious authorities “loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.” In Luke 16:14, they were lovers of money and mockers of Jesus. Only Jesus Messiah, whom they rejected, could create in them clean hearts. The fruit of the Spirit does not come from keeping external rituals, it comes from Jesus. He baptizes believers in Him with the Holy Spirit.
“Then Jesus went out from there and departed to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a woman of Canaan came from that region and cried out to Him, saying, ‘Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon-possessed.’ But He answered her not a word. And His disciples came and urged Him, saying, ‘Send her away, for she cries out after us.’ But He answered and said, ‘I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.’ Then she came and worshiped Him, saying, ‘Lord, help me!’ But He answered and said, ‘It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.’ And she said, ‘Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.’ Then Jesus answered and said to her, ‘O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.’ And her daughter was healed from that very hour.” Matthew 15:21-28
What did Jesus say about Tyre and Sidon in Matthew 11:21-22? He told the Jews living in Chorazin and Bethsaida that if He had done the mighty works that He did among them in Tyre and Sidon, the Gentiles there would have repented long ago. Now, a Canaanite woman from Tyre and Sidon, comes to Jesus. She cried out to Him for mercy. She addressed Him as Lord. She acknowledged Him as the Son of David (another name for Messiah). She believed Jesus could set her daughter free from severe demon-possession.
At first, Jesus did not respond to her. His disciples urged Him to send her away. She kept crying. Jesus told her that His mission was to the lost sheep of Israel. She worshiped Him. She pleaded, “Lord, help me!” He answered, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.” “Little dogs” was a nicer expression than “dogs.” The Gentiles made pets of little dogs. She agreed with Jesus, but was resolute, saying, “Yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus healed her daughter, saying, “O woman, great is your faith.”
The woman had prayed, “Lord, help me” and her severely demon-possessed daughter was set free from that hour forward. “Lord, help me” has been my go-to prayer in times of distress. I remember saying this prayer so often when I crossed the border from British Hong Kong into Communist China. I knew He heard me. I knew His help would be the difference between a successful mission and one that ended horribly. Jesus always helped me.
“Jesus departed from there, skirted the Sea of Galilee, and went up on the mountain and sat down there. Then great multitudes came to Him, having with them the lame, blind, mute, maimed, and many others; and they laid them down at Jesus’ feet, and He healed them. So the multitude marveled when they saw the mute speaking, the maimed made whole, the lame walking, and the blind seeing; and they glorified the God of Israel.” Matthew 15:29-31
Jesus departed from the region of Tyre and traveled back to the shores of Galilee. This was a distance of 30-40 miles. When he arrived there, He went up into a mountain that overlooked the Sea of Galilee. That mountain was likely Mount Eremos which is now called the Mount of the Beatitudes. It was near Capernaum in the northwest corner of the Sea of Galilee.
In Matthew 5-7, Jesus sat on the Mount of Beatitudes and gave the people three chapters worth of Biblical revelation. In Isaiah 2:3, the Lord foretold of a day when people would say, “Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us His ways, and we shall walk in His paths. For out of Zion shall go forth the Law.” In Matthew 15, Jesus and many people are on the Mount of Beatitudes. This time, people with various types of disabilities were laid at His feet and He healed them. The maimed became unmaimed. Mute people spoke. Lame people walked. Blind people became able to see. People glorified the Lord!
“Now Jesus called His disciples to Himself and said, ‘I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now continued with Me three days and have nothing to eat. And I do not want to send them away hungry, lest they faint on the way.’ Then His disciples said to Him, ‘Where could we get enough bread in the wilderness to fill such a great multitude?’ Jesus said to them, ‘How many loaves do you have?’ And they said, ‘Seven, and a few little fish.’” Matthew 15:32-34
The healed people on the mountain remained with Jesus for three days despite having nothing to eat. Can you imagine people enjoying Bible teaching for three days without food provided? That was quite a miracle! Jesus spoke of His compassion for them. He did not want them to faint from hunger. The disciples reminded Jesus that they were in a wilderness. Jesus wanted to know how much food was available. The answer was seven loaves of bread and a few fish.
“So He commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground. And He took the seven loaves and the fish and gave thanks, broke them, and gave them to His disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitude. So they all ate and were filled, and they took up seven large baskets full of the fragments that were left. Now those who ate were 4,000 men, besides women and children.” Matthew 15:35-38
Where are the food trucks and the cooks to feed 4,000 men besides women and children? No where! Where are the chairs? No need. They sat on the ground. The power of Jesus to improvise on a next to zero budget greatly simplified the logistics of serving many people. Everybody ate and was filled. Seven large baskets full of fragments remained.
“And He sent away the multitude, got into the boat, and came to the region of Magdala.” Matthew 15:39
Jesus, the Good Shepherd, filled the souls and stomachs of His sheep. Thus, He fulfilled what was prophesied of Him in Psalm 23:2-3, 5: “He makes me to lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His Name’s sake. You prepare a table before me... My cup runs over.”
Matthew 14 tells the tales of two kings. King Herod was cruel. King Jesus was kind. Matthew 15 tells the tale of two priests. The Pharisees as a collective one play-acted for pay and perks. Jesus Messiah spoke truth freely and filled souls with overflowing blessings from God. He received poor treatment but returned love.
[1] Enduring Word Commentary
[2] Google sources
How did they do it? They managed to promote rebellion against God’s Word while appearing to be devoted to Him. They were doing the work of demons while appearing as angels.
These deceivers questioned Jesus as to why His disciples transgressed the tradition of their elders. According to F.F. Bruce, “The ‘elders’ here are not the living rulers of the people, but the past bearers of religious authority. They elevated traditions above the actual plain meaning of the Biblical texts. One such Rabbi taught, ‘He sins as much who eats with unclean hands, as he that lies with a harlot.” [1] That is not in the Bible, but that was a tradition that they taught as though it was God’s Word.
Jesus condemned their malfeasance. God’s commandment to honor parents was plain and simple, but these loophole creating lawyers, set a new precedent, saying, “Gifts to God” (or to their bank accounts) had replaced that outdated commandment.
Jesus called them hypocrites. Hypocrites are performers. Their acting school taught people how to appear devoted to God while condoning various artistic forms of rebellion against Him.
“When He had called the multitude to Himself, He said to them, ‘Hear and understand: not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man.’” Matthew 15:10-11
In Acts 10, the Lord gave to Peter a vision of heaven opened and an object like a great sheet descending to him. All kinds of non-kosher animals were in it. A voice said to him, “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” Now in Mark 7:19, Jesus had “declared all foods clean.” Peter had never ate non-kosher foods before, but God insisted that they were now kosher. Next, the Lord called Peter to enter the house of a Gentile and to preach the Gospel to him and to those gathered with him. The lesson here is that the Gospel of Christ cleanses souls. Food has nothing to do with one’s eternal salvation, but rejecting Jesus Messiah, the Savior from sin, does.
“Then His disciples came and said to Him, ‘Do You know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?’ But He answered and said, ‘Every plant which My heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. Let them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch.’” Matthew 15:12-14
The reference to uprooting connects the message of Jesus to the Word of God via the prophet Jeremiah. Jeremiah 1:10 says, “See, I have this day set you over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out and to pull down, to destroy and to throw down, to build and to plant.” The false teaching of the Pharisees needed to be uprooted. Just like the false prophets in Jeremiah’s day, the spiritually blind Pharisees were leading their followers toward a deep ditch.
The ditch was destruction. “According to the ancient historian Flavius Josephus, approximately 1.1 million people were killed during the 70 AD siege of Jerusalem, with most being Jewish victims of famine, disease, and the conflict. Another 97,000 people were enslaved.” [2]
“Then Peter answered and said to Him, ‘Explain this parable to us.’ So Jesus said, ‘Are you also still without understanding? Do you not yet understand that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and is eliminated? But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. These are the things which defile a man, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile a man.’” Matthew 15:15-20
In John 8:3-5, the scribes and Pharisees brought to Jesus a woman caught in adultery. They said to Him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses, in the law, commanded us that such should be stoned. But what do You say?”
The religious leaders were ready to stone the woman, but what happened to the man? Had they been so focused on their traditions of clean hands and Sabbath keeping that they failed to discern that the sin of adultery involves two people?
Stones would have eliminated the adulterous woman, but not the adultery in their hearts. In John 12:42-43, the religious authorities “loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.” In Luke 16:14, they were lovers of money and mockers of Jesus. Only Jesus Messiah, whom they rejected, could create in them clean hearts. The fruit of the Spirit does not come from keeping external rituals, it comes from Jesus. He baptizes believers in Him with the Holy Spirit.
“Then Jesus went out from there and departed to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a woman of Canaan came from that region and cried out to Him, saying, ‘Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon-possessed.’ But He answered her not a word. And His disciples came and urged Him, saying, ‘Send her away, for she cries out after us.’ But He answered and said, ‘I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.’ Then she came and worshiped Him, saying, ‘Lord, help me!’ But He answered and said, ‘It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.’ And she said, ‘Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.’ Then Jesus answered and said to her, ‘O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.’ And her daughter was healed from that very hour.” Matthew 15:21-28
What did Jesus say about Tyre and Sidon in Matthew 11:21-22? He told the Jews living in Chorazin and Bethsaida that if He had done the mighty works that He did among them in Tyre and Sidon, the Gentiles there would have repented long ago. Now, a Canaanite woman from Tyre and Sidon, comes to Jesus. She cried out to Him for mercy. She addressed Him as Lord. She acknowledged Him as the Son of David (another name for Messiah). She believed Jesus could set her daughter free from severe demon-possession.
At first, Jesus did not respond to her. His disciples urged Him to send her away. She kept crying. Jesus told her that His mission was to the lost sheep of Israel. She worshiped Him. She pleaded, “Lord, help me!” He answered, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.” “Little dogs” was a nicer expression than “dogs.” The Gentiles made pets of little dogs. She agreed with Jesus, but was resolute, saying, “Yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus healed her daughter, saying, “O woman, great is your faith.”
The woman had prayed, “Lord, help me” and her severely demon-possessed daughter was set free from that hour forward. “Lord, help me” has been my go-to prayer in times of distress. I remember saying this prayer so often when I crossed the border from British Hong Kong into Communist China. I knew He heard me. I knew His help would be the difference between a successful mission and one that ended horribly. Jesus always helped me.
“Jesus departed from there, skirted the Sea of Galilee, and went up on the mountain and sat down there. Then great multitudes came to Him, having with them the lame, blind, mute, maimed, and many others; and they laid them down at Jesus’ feet, and He healed them. So the multitude marveled when they saw the mute speaking, the maimed made whole, the lame walking, and the blind seeing; and they glorified the God of Israel.” Matthew 15:29-31
Jesus departed from the region of Tyre and traveled back to the shores of Galilee. This was a distance of 30-40 miles. When he arrived there, He went up into a mountain that overlooked the Sea of Galilee. That mountain was likely Mount Eremos which is now called the Mount of the Beatitudes. It was near Capernaum in the northwest corner of the Sea of Galilee.
In Matthew 5-7, Jesus sat on the Mount of Beatitudes and gave the people three chapters worth of Biblical revelation. In Isaiah 2:3, the Lord foretold of a day when people would say, “Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us His ways, and we shall walk in His paths. For out of Zion shall go forth the Law.” In Matthew 15, Jesus and many people are on the Mount of Beatitudes. This time, people with various types of disabilities were laid at His feet and He healed them. The maimed became unmaimed. Mute people spoke. Lame people walked. Blind people became able to see. People glorified the Lord!
“Now Jesus called His disciples to Himself and said, ‘I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now continued with Me three days and have nothing to eat. And I do not want to send them away hungry, lest they faint on the way.’ Then His disciples said to Him, ‘Where could we get enough bread in the wilderness to fill such a great multitude?’ Jesus said to them, ‘How many loaves do you have?’ And they said, ‘Seven, and a few little fish.’” Matthew 15:32-34
The healed people on the mountain remained with Jesus for three days despite having nothing to eat. Can you imagine people enjoying Bible teaching for three days without food provided? That was quite a miracle! Jesus spoke of His compassion for them. He did not want them to faint from hunger. The disciples reminded Jesus that they were in a wilderness. Jesus wanted to know how much food was available. The answer was seven loaves of bread and a few fish.
“So He commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground. And He took the seven loaves and the fish and gave thanks, broke them, and gave them to His disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitude. So they all ate and were filled, and they took up seven large baskets full of the fragments that were left. Now those who ate were 4,000 men, besides women and children.” Matthew 15:35-38
Where are the food trucks and the cooks to feed 4,000 men besides women and children? No where! Where are the chairs? No need. They sat on the ground. The power of Jesus to improvise on a next to zero budget greatly simplified the logistics of serving many people. Everybody ate and was filled. Seven large baskets full of fragments remained.
“And He sent away the multitude, got into the boat, and came to the region of Magdala.” Matthew 15:39
Jesus, the Good Shepherd, filled the souls and stomachs of His sheep. Thus, He fulfilled what was prophesied of Him in Psalm 23:2-3, 5: “He makes me to lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His Name’s sake. You prepare a table before me... My cup runs over.”
Matthew 14 tells the tales of two kings. King Herod was cruel. King Jesus was kind. Matthew 15 tells the tale of two priests. The Pharisees as a collective one play-acted for pay and perks. Jesus Messiah spoke truth freely and filled souls with overflowing blessings from God. He received poor treatment but returned love.
[1] Enduring Word Commentary
[2] Google sources
The Heavenly Father has granted to me a wonderful relationship with Him through faith in His Son and by filling me with His Holy Spirit. I want everyone to experience God's love and salvation.
Thursday, February 19, 2026
The Tale of Two Kings – Matthew 14
“At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the report about Jesus and said to his servants, ‘This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in Him.’ For Herod had laid hold of John and bound him and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife. Because John had said to him, ‘It is not lawful for you to have her.’ And although he wanted to put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.” Matthew 14:1-5
In Herod’s head, Jesus was John the Baptist resurrected from the dead. A formerly beheaded man doing miracles? Imagine how such thoughts disturbed him! John had indicted Herod of breaking the Law of Leviticus 20:21 which says, “If a man takes his brother’s wife, it is impurity. He has uncovered his brother’s nakedness. They shall be childless.”
Herod Antipas reminds me of King Saul in the Old Testament. King Saul mistook his son-in-law, David, as a threat to his throne. 1 Samuel 16:14 says that King Saul was troubled by an evil spirit from the Lord. The evil spirit yielded torment, paranoia, and fits of rage.
“But when Herod’s birthday was celebrated, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod. Therefore he promised with an oath to give her whatever she might ask. So she, having been prompted by her mother, said, ‘Give me John the Baptist’s head here on a platter.’ And the king was sorry; nevertheless, because of the oaths and because of those who sat with him, he commanded it to be given to her. So he sent and had John beheaded in prison. And his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother. Then his disciples came and took away the body and buried it and went and told Jesus.” Matthew 14:6-12
How many of us would consider an audience with a king a great honor? Daniel 4:17 says that “The most High rules in the kingdom of men and gives it to whomsoever He will. He sets up over it the basest of men.” Herod Antipas definitely qualified as one of the basest of men.
Antipas was one of at least 14 children Herod the Great had by at least 8 wives. He and all of Herod the Great’s sons were educated in Rome. When Herod the Great died in 4 BC, Antipas was given the Galilee and ruled that region where Jesus of Nazareth lived.
In 26 AD, Antipas journeyed to Rome from Jerusalem to visit his half-brother Philip, Philip’s wife Herodias and their child Salome. Antipas had known Philip’s wife Herodias since he was a child. She was the daughter of another of his brothers – a brother that his father had executed. [1]
Being king, Antipas was to ensure that people obeyed the laws of the land. Sadly, he broke the law and executed a man who kept it. The Jewish historian Josephus recorded that some Jews viewed the crushing defeat of Herod’s army by Aretas IV as divine wrath for his sin against John. Later, Roman Emperor Caligula banished Herod and Herodias to Gaul (modern day France). [2]
During Herod’s birthday celebration, the daughter of Herodias, Salome, pleased him with a dance. How much did her entertainment cost? It costed John the Baptist his head!
How much is entertainment costing people today?
“The U.S. Media and Entertainment industry is the largest in the world at $649 billion of the $2.8 trillion global market.” [3] 2.8 trillion dollars exceeds the annual monetary value of all goods and services of 211 of the 218 countries in the world. $649 billion exceeds the annual monetary value of all goods and services of 191 of the 218 countries in the world. [4] That’s the cost in dollars alone! What about all the time and talent spent on making and using it?
After Herod executed John, John’s disciples buried his body and reported the news to Jesus.
“When Jesus heard it, He departed from there by boat to a deserted place by Himself. But when the multitudes heard it, they followed Him on foot from the cities. And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them and healed their sick.” Matthew 14:13-14
Jesus set an example for us. He stepped away from ministry to be by Himself after the death of someone that He loved dearly. However, that time of solitude did not last long.
People heard where Jesus was. A great crowd of people came out of the city on foot and found Him. Jesus was moved with compassion at the sight of them and began healing them.
“When it was evening, His disciples came to Him, saying, ‘This is a deserted place, and the hour is already late. Send the multitudes away, that they may go into the villages and buy themselves food.’ But Jesus said to them, ‘They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.’ And they said to Him, ‘We have here only five loaves and two fish.’ He said, ‘Bring them here to Me.’ Then He commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass. And He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitudes. So they all ate and were filled, and they took up 12 baskets full of the fragments that remained. Now those who had eaten were about 5,000 men, besides women and children.” Matthew 14:15-21
Much had already happened on this day. The disciples wanted the crowds to be responsible to purchase their own food. Jesus commanded the people to sit down. He fed them bread and fish. Thousands of people ate, and there was twelve large baskets of bread leftover.
One king, Antipas, executed a good man to pay for his entertainment. Another king, Jesus, gave thousands of people free food.
“Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary. Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out for fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.’ And Peter answered Him and said, ‘Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.’ So He said, ‘Come.’ And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, ‘Lord, save me!’” Matthew 14:22-30
Jesus sent the disciples out to sea on a boat while He dismissed the crowds. After the crowds departed, Jesus went up on a mountain to pray.
It was the fourth watch of the night – between 3-6 am – when wind and waves attacked the disciples. Their boat was in the middle of the Sea of Galilee which is about 7-8 miles wide.
Where was Jesus? He was walking across this tumultuous sea (perhaps a couple of miles) toward the disciples. They thought He was a ghost. They cried out in fear.
Jesus calmed the disciples down.
Peter’s response to Jesus was surprising. He wanted Jesus to command him to walk on the water. Jesus had one word for Peter. It was, “Come.” Peter walked on water until he looked at the wind. Then, he became afraid and began to sink. He cried out to Jesus to save Him.
“And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?’ And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, ‘Truly You are the Son of God.’” Matthew 14:31-33
I am so grateful to Jesus for each time He has stretched out His hand and saved me from danger.
The disciples worshipped Jesus. This is one of those verses that is good for those who doubt the deity of Messiah. If Jesus were only a man, to worship Him would be idolatry. The disciples knew that Jesus was the Son of God.
When they had crossed over, they came to the land of Gennesaret. And when the men of that place recognized Him, they sent out into all that surrounding region, brought to Him all who were sick, and begged Him that they might only touch the hem of His garment. And as many as touched it were made perfectly well.“ Matthew 14:34-36
Praise God for the men of Gennesaret. When they recognized Messiah, they brought the sick to Jesus for healing. They begged Jesus to let the sick touch the hem of His garment.
The hem of Jesus’ garment is interpreted by scholars as the tzitzit (tassels) on the corner of His tallit (prayer shawl). These fringes represented God’s commandments, authority, and, through prophetic tradition, healing wings.
The Greek word “kraspedon” in the Gospels refers to the tassels or fringes on the edge of a garment, not just the cloth hem. The act of touching the fringe relates to Malachi 4:2, which prophesies that “the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings.” The Hebrew word for wings, “kanaph” can also mean the corners or edges of a garment.
To touch these tassels was to connect oneself to God’s promises and to trust in His power. The shawl represented Messiah’s prayer life. As many as touched it were made perfectly well.
I am so glad that Messiah prays for us.
Matthew 26:36, Mark 14:32 and Luke 6:12 speak of Jesus redeeming time in prayer.
In 1 John 2:1. Jesus is our “Advocate with the Father.” An advocate is one who pleads a case for another. An advocates stand in the place of those who cannot speak for themselves. Jesus, as our Advocate, stands in our place before the Father and pleads on our behalf.
Romans 8:34 says that Christ Jesus is at the right hand of God interceding for us. Hebrews 7:25 says of Jesus, “He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.”
In Matthew 14, we have the tales of two kings. One spent his authority and power on pleasing himself, while the other poured out His life for those who looked to Him for help. Which king is more worthy of our time, talent and treasure than the other?
[1] Sandra Sweeny Silver (1937–2021), “The Rise and Fall of the House of Herod”
[2] Google sources
In Herod’s head, Jesus was John the Baptist resurrected from the dead. A formerly beheaded man doing miracles? Imagine how such thoughts disturbed him! John had indicted Herod of breaking the Law of Leviticus 20:21 which says, “If a man takes his brother’s wife, it is impurity. He has uncovered his brother’s nakedness. They shall be childless.”
Herod Antipas reminds me of King Saul in the Old Testament. King Saul mistook his son-in-law, David, as a threat to his throne. 1 Samuel 16:14 says that King Saul was troubled by an evil spirit from the Lord. The evil spirit yielded torment, paranoia, and fits of rage.
“But when Herod’s birthday was celebrated, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod. Therefore he promised with an oath to give her whatever she might ask. So she, having been prompted by her mother, said, ‘Give me John the Baptist’s head here on a platter.’ And the king was sorry; nevertheless, because of the oaths and because of those who sat with him, he commanded it to be given to her. So he sent and had John beheaded in prison. And his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother. Then his disciples came and took away the body and buried it and went and told Jesus.” Matthew 14:6-12
How many of us would consider an audience with a king a great honor? Daniel 4:17 says that “The most High rules in the kingdom of men and gives it to whomsoever He will. He sets up over it the basest of men.” Herod Antipas definitely qualified as one of the basest of men.
Antipas was one of at least 14 children Herod the Great had by at least 8 wives. He and all of Herod the Great’s sons were educated in Rome. When Herod the Great died in 4 BC, Antipas was given the Galilee and ruled that region where Jesus of Nazareth lived.
In 26 AD, Antipas journeyed to Rome from Jerusalem to visit his half-brother Philip, Philip’s wife Herodias and their child Salome. Antipas had known Philip’s wife Herodias since he was a child. She was the daughter of another of his brothers – a brother that his father had executed. [1]
Being king, Antipas was to ensure that people obeyed the laws of the land. Sadly, he broke the law and executed a man who kept it. The Jewish historian Josephus recorded that some Jews viewed the crushing defeat of Herod’s army by Aretas IV as divine wrath for his sin against John. Later, Roman Emperor Caligula banished Herod and Herodias to Gaul (modern day France). [2]
During Herod’s birthday celebration, the daughter of Herodias, Salome, pleased him with a dance. How much did her entertainment cost? It costed John the Baptist his head!
How much is entertainment costing people today?
“The U.S. Media and Entertainment industry is the largest in the world at $649 billion of the $2.8 trillion global market.” [3] 2.8 trillion dollars exceeds the annual monetary value of all goods and services of 211 of the 218 countries in the world. $649 billion exceeds the annual monetary value of all goods and services of 191 of the 218 countries in the world. [4] That’s the cost in dollars alone! What about all the time and talent spent on making and using it?
After Herod executed John, John’s disciples buried his body and reported the news to Jesus.
“When Jesus heard it, He departed from there by boat to a deserted place by Himself. But when the multitudes heard it, they followed Him on foot from the cities. And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them and healed their sick.” Matthew 14:13-14
Jesus set an example for us. He stepped away from ministry to be by Himself after the death of someone that He loved dearly. However, that time of solitude did not last long.
People heard where Jesus was. A great crowd of people came out of the city on foot and found Him. Jesus was moved with compassion at the sight of them and began healing them.
“When it was evening, His disciples came to Him, saying, ‘This is a deserted place, and the hour is already late. Send the multitudes away, that they may go into the villages and buy themselves food.’ But Jesus said to them, ‘They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.’ And they said to Him, ‘We have here only five loaves and two fish.’ He said, ‘Bring them here to Me.’ Then He commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass. And He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitudes. So they all ate and were filled, and they took up 12 baskets full of the fragments that remained. Now those who had eaten were about 5,000 men, besides women and children.” Matthew 14:15-21
Much had already happened on this day. The disciples wanted the crowds to be responsible to purchase their own food. Jesus commanded the people to sit down. He fed them bread and fish. Thousands of people ate, and there was twelve large baskets of bread leftover.
One king, Antipas, executed a good man to pay for his entertainment. Another king, Jesus, gave thousands of people free food.
“Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary. Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out for fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.’ And Peter answered Him and said, ‘Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.’ So He said, ‘Come.’ And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, ‘Lord, save me!’” Matthew 14:22-30
Jesus sent the disciples out to sea on a boat while He dismissed the crowds. After the crowds departed, Jesus went up on a mountain to pray.
It was the fourth watch of the night – between 3-6 am – when wind and waves attacked the disciples. Their boat was in the middle of the Sea of Galilee which is about 7-8 miles wide.
Where was Jesus? He was walking across this tumultuous sea (perhaps a couple of miles) toward the disciples. They thought He was a ghost. They cried out in fear.
Jesus calmed the disciples down.
Peter’s response to Jesus was surprising. He wanted Jesus to command him to walk on the water. Jesus had one word for Peter. It was, “Come.” Peter walked on water until he looked at the wind. Then, he became afraid and began to sink. He cried out to Jesus to save Him.
“And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?’ And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, ‘Truly You are the Son of God.’” Matthew 14:31-33
I am so grateful to Jesus for each time He has stretched out His hand and saved me from danger.
The disciples worshipped Jesus. This is one of those verses that is good for those who doubt the deity of Messiah. If Jesus were only a man, to worship Him would be idolatry. The disciples knew that Jesus was the Son of God.
When they had crossed over, they came to the land of Gennesaret. And when the men of that place recognized Him, they sent out into all that surrounding region, brought to Him all who were sick, and begged Him that they might only touch the hem of His garment. And as many as touched it were made perfectly well.“ Matthew 14:34-36
Praise God for the men of Gennesaret. When they recognized Messiah, they brought the sick to Jesus for healing. They begged Jesus to let the sick touch the hem of His garment.
The hem of Jesus’ garment is interpreted by scholars as the tzitzit (tassels) on the corner of His tallit (prayer shawl). These fringes represented God’s commandments, authority, and, through prophetic tradition, healing wings.
The Greek word “kraspedon” in the Gospels refers to the tassels or fringes on the edge of a garment, not just the cloth hem. The act of touching the fringe relates to Malachi 4:2, which prophesies that “the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings.” The Hebrew word for wings, “kanaph” can also mean the corners or edges of a garment.
To touch these tassels was to connect oneself to God’s promises and to trust in His power. The shawl represented Messiah’s prayer life. As many as touched it were made perfectly well.
I am so glad that Messiah prays for us.
Matthew 26:36, Mark 14:32 and Luke 6:12 speak of Jesus redeeming time in prayer.
In 1 John 2:1. Jesus is our “Advocate with the Father.” An advocate is one who pleads a case for another. An advocates stand in the place of those who cannot speak for themselves. Jesus, as our Advocate, stands in our place before the Father and pleads on our behalf.
Romans 8:34 says that Christ Jesus is at the right hand of God interceding for us. Hebrews 7:25 says of Jesus, “He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.”
In Matthew 14, we have the tales of two kings. One spent his authority and power on pleasing himself, while the other poured out His life for those who looked to Him for help. Which king is more worthy of our time, talent and treasure than the other?
[1] Sandra Sweeny Silver (1937–2021), “The Rise and Fall of the House of Herod”
[2] Google sources
[3] trade.gov/media-entertainment
[4] worldometer.info/gdp/gdp-by-country
The Heavenly Father has granted to me a wonderful relationship with Him through faith in His Son and by filling me with His Holy Spirit. I want everyone to experience God's love and salvation.
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