BIBLE IN TEN

Matthew 12:1

Saturday, 19 July 2025
 
At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. And His disciples were hungry, and began to pluck heads of grain and to eat. Matthew 12:1
 
“In that time, Jesus, He went – the Sabbaths – through the grainfields, and His disciples, they hungered, and they began to pluck kernels and eat” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Chapter 11 finished with Jesus’ words concerning His yoke being handy and His burden being light. Chapter 12 now begins with, “In that time.”
 
It is a particular time, noted by the word kairos (a particular time or season) rather than chronos (time as it marches on). In other words, Matthew is highlighting the season in which they are walking. Of this phrase, Barnes notes –
 
“Luke 6:1 fixes the time more particularly. He says that it was ‘the second Sabbath after the first.’ To understand this, it is proper to remark that the ‘Passover’ was observed during the month ‘Abib,’ or Nisan, answering to the latter part of March and the first of April. The feast was held seven days, commencing on the fourteenth day of the month Exodus 12:1-28; Exodus 23:15, on the "second" day of the paschal week. The law required that a sheaf of ‘barley’ should be offered up as the first-fruits of the harvest, Leviticus 23:10-11. From this day was reckoned seven weeks to the feast of ‘Pentecost’ Leviticus 23:15-16, called also the feast of weeks Deuteronomy 16:10, and the feast of the harvest, Exodus 23:16. This second day in the feast of the Passover, or of unleavened bread, was the beginning, therefore, from which they reckoned toward the Pentecost. The Sabbath in the week following would be the ‘second Sabbath’ after this first one in the reckoning, and this was doubtless the time mentioned when Christ went through the fields.”
 
Understanding the time of year, Matthew next records, “Jesus, He went – the Sabbaths – through the grainfields.”
 
There are two new words. The first is sabbaton, the Sabbath. It is the seventh day of the week corresponding to the day of rest from the labors of creation noted in Genesis 2. It became a mandatory requirement for the Hebrew people, being first introduced as such in Exodus 16. It was to be a day of rest, including no secular work of any type.
 
The word is often in the plural, indicating the weekly nature of the appointment. This is like someone in English saying, “My Sundays are always set for church time.”
 
The second new word is sporimos, a word coming from sporos, scattering (and thus, sown). As such, it refers to a planted field. While on a Sabbath, Jesus is walking through the fields, which would have included both barley and wheat at this time of year. It was also ready for harvesting. However, He is not alone, as indicated by the words, “and His disciples.”
 
It is a group of Jesus and His disciples walking through the grainfields. As they did, it says that “they hungered.” This helps to explain the use of the word kairos rather than chronos. One can walk through the grainfields in September, and there won’t be anything to harvest. However, at this time of year, there would be stalks all around coming to full maturity. As such, Matthew notes, “and they began to pluck kernels and eat.”
 
There is another new word here, tilló, to pluck or pick in order to pull off. The word will only be seen here, in Mark 2:23, and Luke 6:1. All three uses refer to the same incident. As for the words, they seem innocuous enough. Here is a group of people walking through the grainfield. As they walk, they are hungry. Because they are hungry, they take the time to pick some grains and eat them.
 
From our modern thinking, one might think, “What are they doing, they have no right to eat someone else’s grain.” That would be incorrect. In the law, it says –
 
“When you come into your neighbor’s vineyard, you may eat your fill of grapes at your pleasure, but you shall not put any in your container. 25 When you come into your neighbor’s standing grain, you may pluck the heads with your hand, but you shall not use a sickle on your neighbor’s standing grain.” Deuteronomy 23:24, 25
 
Thus, they are doing nothing wrong in eating in this regard as they go through the fields. Their actions are in accordance with the law concerning that particular aspect of the matter.
 
Life application: Jesus came to fulfill the law. The gospels are a record of His life and actions in relation to the law. This is one of the main purposes for which they are recorded, and it is the reason why there are three separate but similar gospels known as the synoptics.
 
They provide a witness and testimony to the conduct of the Messiah as He lived under the law. In Leviticus 18:5, it says –
 
“You shall therefore keep My statutes and My judgments, which if a man does, he shall live by them: I am the Lord.”
 
From the time of the giving of the law until the time of Jesus, the record of Israel, including every person of Israel, was a record of failure. The law promised life to the one who would do the things of the law. And yet, they all died, generation after generation. Elijah was taken directly to heaven for a particular purpose. If he had remained, he would have died too.
 
Jesus came. He was born under the law. The gospels record His life under the law, demonstrating that He was without sin. It is the reason why Jesus is alive to this day. He prevailed over the law, even in His death, because His death was in fulfillment of the law. Because of this, He rose again. It is the sure proof that He was without sin and that He is God because all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
 
Only God incarnate was born and lived without sin. Therefore, when we see an account about Jesus’ life, even if we think there is wrongdoing, such as His disciples picking and eating someone else’s grain, we can be certain that what occurs is acceptable according to Scripture. Be sure to think about why the law records things as it does. In it, we will find Jesus’ perfection highlighted for us.
 
Lord God, it is marvelous to think about what You have done, coming under the law that You gave to Israel, living it out perfectly in the Person of Jesus, and then granting us the life that You possess while redeeming us from sin and death. Thank You, O God, for Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
 

Matthew 11:30

Friday, 18 July 2025
 
For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:30
 
“For My yoke – handy, and My burden – it is light” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus told His hearers to take His yoke upon themselves and learn from Him because He is benignant and lowly of heart. In doing this, He promised rest for their souls. He now continues with the closing words of the chapter, “For My yoke – easy, and My burden – it is light.”
 
He introduces two new words. The first is chréstos, easy. It is derived from chraomai, to treat or use. As such, it signifies employed, but by implication, it would mean useful while being kind or good. There is no direct English word that blends kind and good, but the word was a common slave name in the Greco-Roman world. A slave who was both kind and good may have been called Handy.
 
The second new word is phortion, signifying a burden. It is the diminutive of phortos, an invoice. As such, the word figuratively refers to a task or service as a burden.
 
Jesus explains here why they should take His yoke upon them. His yoke is one that is handy to have, being useful and good, while at the same time it is essentially burden-free. The fulfillment of the law by Him is something that is beneficial to all because it removes that burden from us. It is always available and good (handy) because it is offered to all people. When it is accepted, the results are eternal in nature.
 
Life application: Why anyone would want to put themselves back under the yoke of the law is hard to figure out. The easy example of tithing is a perfect illustration. Those who are having financial troubles cannot give cheerfully if they cannot afford dinner. And yet preachers will beat a precept from the Law of Moses over the people’s heads as if it still applies.
 
No matter what law it is, if Jesus has fulfilled it, we are free from it. We are no longer being imputed sin (2 Corinthians 5:19). By law is the knowledge of sin (Romans 3:20). This doesn’t mean we should go out and do wrong things. It means we are to rest in the grace of Christ and not try to take up the burden that He has already carried for us. In doing so, we will only offend God who sent Jesus to do what we could never do.
 
Lord God, thank You for the infinite grace of our Lord Jesus Christ! Amen.
 

Matthew 11:29

Thursday, 17 July 2025
 
Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:29
 
“Lift My yoke upon you, and you learn from Me, for benignant I am, and lowly of heart, and you will find rest – your souls” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus said to those around Him, “You come to Me, all those laboring and having been encumbered, and I, I will give rest to you.” He now continues His words, beautifully calling His people to Himself, beginning with, “Lift My yoke upon you.”
 
The word zugos, a yoke or a pair of scales, is introduced. The word is derived from the root of zeugnumi, to join. This joining is usually by a yoke. Thus, it speaks of a coupling. Figuratively, it is applied to servitude, such as by law. This is just how both Peter and Paul will later use it –
 
Peter: “Now therefore, why do you test God by putting a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? 11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved in the same manner as they.” Acts 15:10, 11
 
Paul: “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. 2 Indeed I, Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing.” Galatians 5:1, 2
 
Jesus is using the same figurative language. He is telling those who will hear that what He offers is available. By saying this, He is conveying the thought, “All people are slaves to something. I offer you my yoke, which is far preferable to the one you now bear.” In coming under Jesus’ yoke, He next says, “and you learn from Me, for benignant I am.”
 
It is the same word used in Matthew 5:5 where Jesus said –
 
“Blessed – the benignant,   For they – they will inherit the land.”
 
The word gives the sense of being mild or humble. Added to that, He continues with, “and lowly of heart.”
 
Here, the word tapeinos, lowly, is introduced. It signifies depressed, as in (figuratively) humiliated. This could be in circumstances or in disposition. Jesus is indicating that because of His gentle and lowly disposition, the yoke that He offers will be similar in its effect upon those who accept it. Because of this, He provides a sure promise to those who accept it, saying, “and you will find rest – your souls.”
 
Another new word, anapausis, is provided. It is a noun signifying intermission. By implication, it gives a sense of recreation or rest. It is the noun form of the verb just introduced in the previous verse. Jesus is saying that in taking on His yoke, something normally associated with work, toil, and physical effort, a person will instead receive rest for their souls.
 
The thoughts, seemingly contradictory, are expressed based on His position as the Messiah. He indicated in the previous verses that in knowing Him, one would then know the Father. Jesus was sent on a mission, specifically to fulfill the law that stood opposed to the people. This law, as indicated above by both Peter and Paul, is a yoke of bondage.
 
One must work in order to be pleasing to God under the law. But because of sin, the works remain unacceptable. However, Jesus had no sin. He lived life under the law perfectly. He is indicating, even before His completion of the law, that He would accomplish all that is necessary for the law to be fulfilled. In doing this, what He will offer is not a yoke of bondage, but one of humility.
 
His subjugation under the law will lead to His exaltation. His labors will be complete, and He offers the fruit of His labors to all who will believe.
 
Life application: Applying these words of Jesus to those in the church does not violate the dispensational model. He is referring to an action which is future to the point in time at which He states it. As such, it is an action that is open to all when that point is met.
 
Jesus was in the process of fulfilling the law. If He had failed to do so, the words of this verse would be nullified. Of course, He would not fail, and He did not fail. It was a given that He would prevail. As such, He could rightly proclaim these words, offering Himself as the provider of rest even before He had finished His labors.
 
In the completion of His efforts, what He accomplished is now available to any and all who will accept the premise. Though spoken to Israel while under the law, they are words anticipating the ending of the law and the granting of rest. Therefore, they reflect an ongoing offer to any and all who will accept His yoke.
 
This is the point of the words of Peter and Paul. They are telling the people of the world that law observance is not the way to please God, except as it was observed by Jesus. In coming to Christ, our yoke is that of “law fulfilled” not “law to be fulfilled.” Thank God for His tender mercies in sending Jesus to make this our happy state of servitude.
 
Lord God, thank You that the yoke we take upon ourselves through Christ Jesus is one of being Your bondservant under His fulfillment of the law and the paying of humanity’s sin-debt. We no longer have to bear the burden of sin. Instead, we can be free in the Lord to serve You in a state of rest, refreshment, and eternal joy. Hooray for Jesus! Amen.
 

Matthew 11:28

Wednesday, 16 July 2025
 
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28
 
“You come to Me, all those laboring and having been encumbered, and I, I will give rest to you” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus spoke of the intimate connection of knowing the Father and the Son, and that knowing the Father can only come through the Son’s revelation of Him. Next, Jesus speaks some of the most comforting words found in all of Scripture, beginning with, “You come to Me.”
 
As noted, He just spoke of the Father/Son relationship. He is now building on that thought, not stating something disconnected from it. It is the hope of the human soul to be reconciled to God, to know that He hears and will respond to our prayers, and to feel assured that the relationship between the two is sound.
 
Even people who deny this know deep inside that it is true. When the greatest crises of life arrive, we utter prayers and ask God for relief. We want Him to favor our steps and bless our efforts. It is instilled in us, and such knowledge must be suppressed. Jesus is essentially saying, “If you want the favor of the Father, come to Me.” He next defines who He is referring to, saying, “all those laboring and having been encumbered.”
 
The first word, kopiaó, was already seen in Matthew 6:28. It signifies to labor, toil, be wearied, etc. The second word, phortizó, translated as encumbered, is new. It signifies to load up, as in a vessel or on an animal. Figuratively, it gives the sense of overburdening. A single word that fits this thought is “encumbered.”
 
The words speak of those who are working to please God, feeling the weight and burden of both the law and their sin, which is imputed from violating the law. Add in the doctrines of the leaders of Israel, and the weight upon the people’s souls would have been a heavy burden. And yet, in their attempts to be pleasing through their efforts, they only felt more disconnected from God.
 
This is the problem with law. It seizes the moment and traps us, just as it did with our first father. Paul carefully and precisely details this in Romans. The weight and burden of the law could never provide rest to the people. On the other hand, Jesus emphatically declares, “and I, I will give rest to you.”
 
Here is a new verb, anapauó. It signifies completing a process. The thought is that of giving or experiencing rest after a needed task is complete. One can think of finishing a job and stopping for refreshment.
 
What is one of the main purposes of the plan of redemption? It is to return man to the state of rest that existed at the beginning –
 
“Thus the heavens and the earth, and all the host of them, were finished. 2 And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. 3 Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made.” Genesis 2:1-3
 
This is why Jesus spoke of the Father/Son relationship before speaking of the granting of rest. The word used by Jesus here is not the same as a Sabbath rest, but it would be what one does on a Sabbath rest. There is the week of toil followed by the Sabbath. The rest that occurs on that day would be the refreshing effect that is realized.
 
God rested from His labors. That state of rest was set forth for man to eternally enjoy His Creator in a harmonious relationship. But that relationship was disrupted through sin. Sin came by a violation of law.
 
Adding more law to man only increased the knowledge and imputation of sin. Jesus, without yet explaining how He would do it, asks those around Him to trust Him. The rest that was lost would be restored through Him. To make that happen, Jesus said this in John’s gospel –
 
“But Jesus answered them, ‘My Father has been working until now, and I have been working.’” John 5:17
 
“But I have a greater witness than John’s; for the works which the Father has given Me to finish—the very works that I do—bear witness of Me, that the Father has sent Me.” John 5:36
 
The Father is working through the Son to effect the redemption of man. Jesus is the One who offers and grants God’s rest to His people. As it says in Hebrews 4:3, “For we who have believed do enter that rest...”
 
Life application: Jesus has promised rest, the rest offered by the Father through Him, to His people. How would this come about? What works can we do to be right with God? Paul says in Romans 7 –
 
“What shall we say then? Is the law sin? Certainly not! On the contrary, I would not have known sin except through the law. For I would not have known covetousness unless the law had said, ‘You shall not covet.’ 8 But sin, taking opportunity by the commandment, produced in me all manner of evil desire. For apart from the law sin was dead. 9 I was alive once without the law, but when the commandment came, sin revived and I died. 10 And the commandment, which was to bring life, I found to bring death. 11 For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it killed me. 12 Therefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good.” Romans 7:7-12
 
The law only exacerbates man’s problems. When there is no law, there is no imputation for wrongdoing. But when a law is introduced, violating that law brings about guilt. This is why Jesus came. He was born under the law to fulfill it for those who could never do so. In His fulfillment of the law, He now imparts His righteousness to those who trust Him and His accomplishments.
 
In believing this good news, a person moves from law to grace. There is no longer the imputation of sin because that person is no longer under law. This is what Jesus is telling the people. He is the offering of God for release from the burden and toiling that man faces. He is the One to grant God’s rest. Through Him, harmony between the Creator and His creatures is restored.
 
“This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.” John 6:29
 
Lord God, thank You for the giving of Your Son for our transgressions. He has lifted our burden! He has restored us to You! In Him, we have found Your promised rest. Thank You, O God, for Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Matthew 11:27

Tuesday, 15 July 2025
 
All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him. Matthew 11:27
 
“All, it was delivered to Me by My Father. And none, he knows the Son if not the Father, nor any he knows the Father if not the Son, and whom if the Son He should will to reveal” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus acknowledged the Father’s decisions, noting that it was satisfaction before Him. Now, to build upon that thought, He next says, “All, it was delivered to Me by My Father.”
 
The context of the word “all” determines the meaning. He has just referred to things hidden by the Father from the wise and prudent but which have been revealed to infants. Jesus is saying that these hidden things have been delivered to Him by His Father. He is the central focus of the illumination of the plan that the Father has set forth. From there, He continues with, “And none, he knows the Son if not the Father.”
 
Jesus has rebuked the cities where His miracles took place. He came in the Father’s name because He is the Messiah. Only the Father knew this at first because He was with the Father in the beginning. Eventually, the time came for God to reveal Himself in the Person of Jesus, the incarnate Word and the Son of God. Only the Father could reveal this because He came from the Father –
 
 “Jesus said to them, ‘If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come of Myself, but He sent Me.’” John 8:42
 
God could have established His covenant with the Peruvians or the Thai people. Instead, it was with Israel. He chose them to reveal Himself and His plans and purposes. At a certain point, He could have chosen someone named Ben Gad to witness to Israel. Instead, He chose Isaiah. He could have chosen Gibeah to be His capital, but He instead chose Jerusalem.
 
God has been guiding the plan of redemption in a carefully set forth and methodically implemented way that ultimately leads to the coming of Christ. Along the way, He selected people to receive, write, and compile His word. The word tells of Christ Jesus, but not everyone has accepted that premise. But the Father knows the Son. Likewise, Jesus continues, saying, “nor any he knows the Father if not the Son.”
 
Because Jesus came from God, He intimately knows the Father. They are in eternal union. The knowledge of the Father is thus to be understood as knowing the Son. Again, Jesus said this to them explicitly –
 
“Then they said to Him, ‘Where is Your Father?’Jesus answered, ‘You know neither Me nor My Father. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also.’” John 8:19
 
Jesus unambiguously ties the knowledge of Himself to having knowledge of the Father. If the Son is rejected, the Father is by default rejected. It would make no sense to say, “I want that piece of bread, but I don’t want the dough in it.” The dough is the bread, and the bread is the dough. How much more is God One!? He is. He is unchanging. He is One. With this stated, His words of this verse finish with, “and whom if the Son He should will to reveal.”
 
Jesus uses the same word, apokaluptó, to take off the cover and thus disclose, that He just used in verse 11:25. He is tying the two thoughts together –
 
...You revealed them to infants
... and whom if the Son He should will to reveal
 
The hidden things of God are revealed by God. His word didn’t come through the Edomites or Moabites. It came through Israel. God revealed Himself to Abraham, He covenanted with him, and continued His revelation through a particular chosen line. He presented Himself to Israel at Mount Sinai in a formal, covenant-making way.
 
He revealed His faithfulness to them despite their constant turning from Him. He sent His word through the prophets. He judged, exiled, and returned the people at the time of the Babylonian exile. He faithfully maintained them under foreign rule, and He sent His Messiah into the world at the time prophesied in His word.
 
And there stood Jesus, the fulfillment of all that God laid forth from the beginning. And yet, despite His works that validated His messiahship, the people refused to believe. The wise and sagacious of Israel, the stewards of God’s word, failed to believe their own writings –
 
“And the Father Himself, who sent Me, has testified of Me. You have neither heard His voice at any time, nor seen His form. 38 But you do not have His word abiding in you, because whom He sent, Him you do not believe. 39 You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. 40 But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life.” John 5:37-40
 
Despite their failure to acknowledge the Son and thus the Father, there are those who believe. These are those to whom the Father and the Son are revealed –
 
“He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: 13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 1:11-13
 
The choice of revealing by God is not active in the sense that God says, “I will make this person believe and this person not believe.” Rather, the choosing spoken of here is in the sense of, “I will present My Son to the world. Some will believe Him, some will not. Those who do are those whom I have chosen to reveal Myself to.” Paul confirms this when he says –
 
“Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20 but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance.” Acts 26:19, 20
 
Paul could have said, “I just cannot accept these things. I am checking into a hospital to clear my head and get back to my work. However, he had sufficient evidence to support his calling. He chose to accept it, and he continued on in his apostleship from there.
 
Life application: Because of what Jesus says in His words in Matthew 11:27, and because it aligns with everything He said and that the Bible proclaims concerning a right relationship with God, there is a formula we must consider.
 
Jesus is not physically here among us today. Jesus has claimed that we cannot know the Father without knowing Him. We cannot know Jesus, because of His absence, without knowing the word that tells of Him –
 
You cannot know God without knowing Jesus.
You cannot know Jesus without knowing the word that reveals Jesus.
Therefore, you cannot know God without knowing the word.
 
Read and know the Bible if you desire to know, be pleasing to, and have a right relationship with the God who created all things. And when you read it, look for Jesus. In finding Jesus, you will find the Father –
 
“Do not think that I shall accuse you to the Father; there is one who accuses you—Moses, in whom you trust. 46 For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me; for he wrote about Me. 47 But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words?” John 5:45-47
 
The word tells of Jesus. To accept the writings of the word, one must accept Jesus. And in knowing Jesus, God will be made manifest –
 
“No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.” John 1:18
 
Jesus is the One who exegetes the Father, declaring Him to the world. Look to Jesus and you will find God.
 
Lord God, help us to fix our eyes on Jesus. In doing so, we will have our eyes on You because You have revealed Yourself through Him. May we always come to Your word with this in mind as we seek out Your glory in the manner You have chosen to reveal it. Amen.

Matthew 11:26

Monday, 14 July 2025
 
Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight. Matthew 11:26
 
“Yes, Father, for thus it was satisfaction before You” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus acknowledged the Father’s plan concerning the reception of His revelation to the people. It is hidden from the wise and sagacious, and yet it is revealed to infants. Because of this, He next says, “Yes, Father, for thus it was satisfaction before You.”
 
Jesus introduces the term eudokia, a noun signifying satisfaction. It is that which is good or beneficial to someone. What God does is an extension of Himself. When He created, it was proclaimed good. The goodness of the creation was a result of His goodness. The wisdom in creation is an extension of His wisdom.
 
In the plan of redemption, there is no room for haughtiness. When God came in the Person of Jesus, He was lowly before others, even to the point of washing their feet. He possessed all of heaven’s power and authority, and yet, He did not use that which was at His disposal to secure obedience from His creatures, rule over His world, or seek protection from the torture of the cross.
 
If the Creator is mild and meek in this manner, it is to be expected that people will likewise reflect this quality when coming to Him for salvation.
 
Life application: Considering Jesus’ words to His Father, it is a remarkable attestation as to why those who observe the law since Jesus’ fulfillment of it are so odious to God. He came in the Person of Jesus, placing Himself under the law that He gave to Israel. He fulfilled it on behalf of those who could never meet its demands, as evidenced by almost 1500 years of people living and dying under it.
 
No person was found worthy to attain life through the law. But Jesus, because He is God, was both qualified and capable of fulfilling it, and He did. It is through His effort that relief from sin and the law is granted.
 
For a person to place himself, or continue to place himself, under the law after hearing about what Jesus did, is to essentially say, “Great job, God. You did well, but I can do even better.” It is essentially a slap in the face of Christ, rebuking Him for daring to say that we must come to Him by faith, apart from our efforts.
 
Let us not be found in such an arrogant state, dismissive of the work accomplished by God Himself in order to bring us reconciliation with Him.
 
“Therefore, when He came into the world, He said:‘Sacrifice and offering You did not desire,But a body You have prepared for Me.6 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sinYou had no pleasure.7 Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come—In the volume of the book it is written of Me—To do Your will, O God.’” Hebrews 10:5-7
 
Jesus came to do the will of the Father. He did just that. Through His effort, the law is annulled. If you want to be pleasing to God, trust in what He has done, not in what you think you can do. To God be the glory.
 
Lord God, forgive us for making everything about ourselves. May we exalt and glorify You. May we hold fast to Your goodness in the giving of Jesus for our reconciliation and fellowship. Praise be to You alone, O God. Amen.

Matthew 11:25

Sunday, 13 July 2025
 
At that time Jesus answered and said, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes. Matthew 11:25
 
“In that time, Jesus answering, He said, ‘I acknowledge You, Father, Lord “the heaven and the earth” that You hid these from wise and sagacious, and You revealed them to infants’” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus told Capernaum that it would be sufferable on Judgment Day for Sodom in comparison to them. He now openly speaks to the Father with words based on how these things have played out, beginning with, “In that time, Jesus answering.”
 
As often occurs in Scripture, the word answer is not in response to a question but a matter. Jesus has been speaking about the judgment of God upon those who should have known better. As a response to that thought, He continues with, “He said, ‘I acknowledge You, Father.’”
 
The word exomologeó is used. It was already seen in Matthew 3:6. The word signifies to acknowledge. By extension, that can mean to confess, such as in confessing (acknowledging) one’s sins, professing one’s allegiance, etc. Jesus is acknowledging the ways of His Father who is “Lord ‘the heaven and the earth.’”
 
It is an all-encompassing thought that indicates what is expressed in Isaiah 55 –
 
“‘For My thoughts are not your thoughts,Nor are your ways My ways,’ says the Lord.9 ‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth,So are My ways higher than your ways,And My thoughts than your thoughts.’” Isaiah 55:8, 9
 
That this is what is expressed is seen in Jesus’ next words, “that You hid these from wise and sagacious.”
 
The word sunetos is introduced. It signifies someone who can mentally put things together. It may be deemed as intelligence where one plus one equals two. It may be a form of prudence, as in “this and this together are not safe and should not be mixed,” etc. The word sagacious fits because it describes someone with keen mental discernment and who possesses and uses good judgment.
 
In God’s infinite wisdom, He makes the most important matters of all those that must be received by faith. The wise and sagacious will spend their effort working out matters, relying on their own wits, experience, and mental acuity to come to conclusions. Such a person trusts in self, not in God, for the answer to a matter. On the other hand, Jesus says, “and You revealed them to infants.”
 
An infant is not capable of deep thought. He cannot process information because he has no experience or training to do so. He is given instruction, and he will trust that one who has the wisdom is rightly instructing him. This is what Jesus says about those He has been referring to.
 
Chorazin, Bethsaida, Capernaum, and Israel at large had all of Jesus’ words and miracles to attest to who He is. However, they failed to accept Him by simply believing what their eyes saw and what the Father had said in His word. They were trying to process a Messiah in their minds that fit a different paradigm, and they missed the simplicity of what Jesus presented.
 
As such, Jesus is acknowledging the wisdom of God because of how things had been laid out by Him. Surely, His ways are higher than the ways of man.
 
Life application: The words of Jesus are later reflected in the words of Paul –
 
“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written:‘I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,And bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.’20 Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21 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. 22 For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; 23 but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” 1 Corinthians 1:18-25
 
Paul tells us that the simplicity of the gospel is something most intelligent and prudent people will stumble over. They cannot grasp that God has brought man’s salvation down to simple belief. Their great intellects will call out to them, “You can do it! You can figure out how to please God with your wisdom.”
 
But God has said, “I have done it all. I just want you to trust Me. Have faith that I will carry you through.” This is nonsense to those who look at their own power, determination, wisdom, etc.  It is the “I” problem that seems hopelessly instilled in humanity. Only those who trust like a little child will set themselves aside.
 
Later in the same passage, Paul says not many of those higher categories will do so. He doesn’t say none will. Some are so prudent that they know they will never be prudent enough. Such a person will acknowledge, “I can’t attain to Your station, O God. Receive me despite my failings. I trust in Jesus.”
 
This is what God expects from His creatures... trust. Have faith in what God has done. It is sufficient to restore you to Him.
 
Lord God, help us to be people of faith. May we be willing to remove ourselves from the salvation equation and trust You, wholly and without reservation, to restore us to You. Your plan is set, it is recorded, and You ask us to believe. May our hearts be tender and do so. Amen.
 

Matthew 11:24

Saturday, 12 July 2025
 
But I say to you that it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment than for you.” Matthew 11:24
 
“Moreover, I say to you that it will be sufferable – land Sodom – in Judgment Day than you” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus noted that if the miracles done in Sodom had been done in Capernaum, it would have remained till that day. And more! He continues with, “Moreover, I say to you that it will be sufferable – land Sodom – in Judgment Day than you.”
 
The thought is the same as that of Tyre and Sidon in comparison to Chorazin and Bethsaida in verse 22. Just as the judgment of those two Jewish cities would be weightier than for the two wicked Gentile cities, so would the judgment of Capernaum be in comparison to that of Sodom.
 
The people of those cities would have been offended at such a thought. The judgment on Sodom because of their vile deeds was a key theme in their Scriptures. To be compared to Sodom, and then to be condemned as more deserving of judgment than it, would have been the highest form of offense.
 
Jews reading that today would still find it offensive. No wonder so many hear Jesus’ words and find them offensive. Until one understands the reason, the pronouncement would seem intolerable. However, with greater revelation comes greater responsibility.
 
The city of Sodom may have been filled with sexual deviants who rejected the natural order for humanity, but they only had the general revelation of God to guide them. Capernaum had the full body of Old Testament Scriptures to instruct them.
 
In seeing Jesus’ miracles and not making the connection of Him to being the fullest revelation of God ever made manifest, they were more worthy of condemnation than the perverted city of Sodom.
 
Life application: Imagine the guilt of those who have read the entire Bible, understood the evidence for the coming of Jesus, His fulfillment of the promises of God, His atoning death, internment, and resurrection, and then rejecting what they have read!
 
What more can God have done than what is recorded in Scripture to make it evident that He has fulfilled every promise concerning the restoration of life for those who believe? At some point, faith must be a part of the equation. Five days after Jesus ascended, some Jew may have arrived in Israel who had never heard of His coming.
 
He couldn’t say, “Ok, God, please send Jesus back so I can verify what these men say is true.” Nor could he ask for a video recording of it all to make sure He really did what had been claimed. For that Jew, faith must now come into play.
 
The same is true with us. People who sit on YouTube all day watching videos from false teachers about their visions and divine revelations are using faith in believing what they are being told. Their faith is just misdirected.
 
Though not a video recording of Jesus’ life, the Bible is a record of it nonetheless. It was carefully compiled over the centuries, slowly and methodically expressing God’s ongoing hand in the plan of redemption. When that plan was fully expressed, the final word of Scripture, the word Amen at the end of Revelation 22:21, was penned.
 
Now, we have everything necessary to competently know what God has done. From there, we can decide if the evidence is sufficient for us to accept and believe. Assuredly, it is. There is no need to look for further evidence from God concerning visions, prophecies, and revelations on YouTube. The word has been sealed.
 
Trust what God has presented, accept the gospel message of Jesus Christ, and be saved. To reject what is penned there, due to the complete nature of the revelation expressed, means that the one who is rejecting it is worthy of great condemnation. Don’t be such a person. Believe and be saved! Trust what God in Christ has done by believing the message found in the pages of the Holy Bible!
 
Heavenly Father, may we not neglect the truth of Your word, but read it, accept it, and apply it to our walk with You all the days of our lives. In it is found life, because in it we find Jesus. Thank You for what You have done in the sending of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Yes, thank You, O God. Amen.
 

Matthew 11:23

Friday, 11 July 2025
 
And you, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will be brought down to Hades; for if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. Matthew 11:23
 
“And you, Capernaum, the ‘until heaven you having been elevated,’ until Hades, you will be descended. For if in Sodom they occurred – the miracles, the ‘having occurred in you’ – it remained, if until the day” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus referred to the difference between Tyre and Sidon and Chorazin and Bethsaida on the day of judgment. Next, He says, “And you, Capernaum.”
 
More miracles of Jesus are recorded in Capernaum than in any other city. It was essentially His staging area, going and returning to it while ministering to other cities. So notable were His miracles there that in Luke 4:23, it says –
 
“He said to them, ‘You will surely say this proverb to Me, “Physician, heal yourself! Whatever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in Your country.”’”
 
In other words, the word about His miracles in Capernaum had extended beyond there, filling the ears of people in other cities. It is 52 miles from Capernaum to Nazareth, indicating that what the people saw in Capernaum was more than a curious event spoken by a couple of friends, but a word that was conveyed with such excitement that it was passed on until many were made aware of what transpired. Of Capernaum, Jesus next calls it, “the ‘until heaven you having been elevated.’”
 
Here, Jesus introduces the word hupsoó, to exalt. Specifically, it means to raise high or lift up. Metaphorically, the idea of exaltation is then seen.
 
The meaning is that because of Jesus’ ministry there, the people had been provided the highest form of God’s favor. They saw Jesus’ miracles, they witnessed His perfection, they heard His instruction, etc.
 
The incarnate Word of God made that city His dwelling and focal point for ministering to the nation of Israel. No greater favor could ever be imagined. What they saw and heard was more of a revelation of God’s favor and call upon the nation than that of any prophet before, including Moses. But because of their hardened hearts, Jesus says, “until Hades, you will be descended.”
 
Though they had the keys to heaven itself extended to them in the Person of Jesus and the ministry He conducted among them, they chose to reject Him and continue life apart from His saving grace.
 
Instead of continuing to be exalted to heaven, they would be cast down to Hades, meaning Sheol, the place of the dead, awaiting the final judgment. Unfortunately for the city, their judgment will not be a happy one. Jesus next says, “For if in Sodom.”
 
Without going any further, it is a note of utter contempt. Capernaum is being contrasted to the city representative of the epitome of wickedness in the Old Testament. The story of Sodom is recorded in Genesis, but it is referred to almost twenty times elsewhere in the Old Testament.
 
The city was so wicked that its misdeeds reached the ears of the Lord in heaven. It was judged and destroyed by fire. However, Jesus continues, saying that if “they occurred – the miracles, the ‘having occurred in you’ – it remained, if until the day.”
 
About two thousand years had passed since the time of Sodom’s destruction, and yet, Jesus says that if the miracles that were performed in Capernaum were performed in Sodom, the wicked city would have turned and been so affected by what He had done that they would have remained, without destruction, until that day.
 
Having said that, the destruction of Capernaum eventually came about in approximately the 7th century AD. The town was completely abandoned in the 11th century.
 
Life application: To this day, the stories concerning Jesus’ ministry are read and remembered by Christians. We believe, by faith, that what is recorded in the New Testament is a true account of what Jesus did as He ministered among the people.
 
Stories have been written, songs have been sung, plays have been presented, and movies have been made concerning the great things Jesus did. The church has been founded on the deeds of the Messiah, and it has proclaimed this message throughout the world.
 
In nations and cultures of people throughout the world, tears have been shed and hearts have been converted through the words about Jesus, just as He said would happen. During this same time, the name of Jesus has been used as a curse among the people of Israel.
 
There has been a wall of enmity put up against Him that seemed impenetrable. However, that wall has slowly but steadily been broken open over the past century. With each passing year, more Jews hear and accept the word concerning Jesus Christ.
 
Someday, as incredible as it seems at this point, the entire nation will proclaim that Jesus is Lord to the glory of God. Seeing the state of affairs in the world and the alignment of the nations in relation to biblical prophecy, it doesn’t seem like it will be a long time until these things come about.
 
Keep sharing the word! Keep studying the Bible! The message of Jesus is what changes the course of history for the lives of people. Their eternal destiny goes from condemnation to salvation upon the acceptance of the gospel. So be ready to share it at all times!
 
Heavenly Father, help us to be diligent in our study and in our sharing of Your word. May we be faithful to this calling and willing to get the word out. The world needs Jesus. Each person in the world needs Jesus. May we be willing to share this wonderful story of hope and redemption. Amen.

Matthew 11:22

Thursday, 10 July 2025
 
But I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgment than for you. Matthew 11:22
 
“Moreover, I say to you, it will be sufferable – Tyre and Sidon – in Judgment Day than you” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus rebuked the cities of Chorazin and Bethsaida, noting that if the miracles done in them had been done in the wicked cities of Tyre and Sidon, they would have reconsidered their ways. He continues this thought, beginning with, “Moreover.”
 
It is a new adverb, plén. It is derived from pleión, greater than, more excellent, etc. There is a sense of addition to something, furthering, or going beyond. One can see the etymological root of the modern word plenty, signifying a fullness. The word moreover gives the sense in this verse.
 
He has noted that Tyre and Sidon would have reconsidered their ways. Now, He adds to that with “Moreover.” The added words are not happy ones for His audience as He proclaims, “I say to you, it will be sufferable Tyre and Sidon – in Judgment Day than you.”
 
Tyre and Sidon were judged by God and destroyed. Chorazin and Bethsaida could expect nothing less. But more, when the day of judgment that lies ahead comes, it will be more sufferable for those wicked cities than for the inhabitants of Israel. It is axiomatic to say that with more revealed light comes greater responsibility and greater consequences for disobedience.
 
These words should have terrified the people, bringing them to a state of reconsideration and turning to Him. Two thousand years later, the ruins of those cities stand as a witness that they were destroyed. When the day of judgment comes, those who did not accept Jesus as their Messiah will regret their rejection of Him.
 
Life application: In Jewish society, there is the sense that they are God’s people, His chosen and elect, and that this means they are in a good position with Him. Is it true that they are God’s people? The answer depends on the context of the words.
 
They are Israel, chosen of God for His purposes. This is based on the covenant they made with Him at Sinai. However, they are not God’s people, saved and going to heaven, through the New Covenant in Jesus’ blood.
 
Jesus’ words here should tell any reasonable reader of the Bible that the rejection of Jesus means condemnation. The false teaching in the church that Israel is currently God’s people, as if they are in a right standing with Him, must be rejected.
 
Paul’s carefully chosen words concerning Israel in Romans 9-11 show that this is not the case. He cites Scripture showing that the church is “My people,” and that Israel has a remnant that is spared at this time. Jesus calls them a “synagogue of Satan” in Revelation 2:9 & 3:9.
 
When you hear a Jew say, “We are the chosen people,” a common claim, the obvious question should be, “Chosen for what?” It is not for licentiousness, arrogance, and idolatry. They were chosen to reveal the righteous judgment of God. In failing to adhere to the Mosaic Covenant and in failing to enter the New Covenant, they have been under the punishments of the law noted in Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28.
 
This is what the law does, it brings judgment. People who are in churches, supposedly returning to the “Hebrew Roots” of the faith, are only bringing condemnation upon themselves. We don’t need more law. We need Jesus, the Fulfiller of the law, to save us from God’s righteous judgment.
 
Thank God that He sent Jesus, born of a woman (the condemned line of humanity), born under the law (the standard set for the righteous judgment of God), to free us from condemnation and its associated punishments.
 
Let us receive what He has done, be freed from “self” in our attempt to be right with God, and continue to trust Jesus until the Day He comes for His people. In the meantime, we should pray for Israel to have their eyes opened to the terrible plight it remains in.
 
Without Jesus, their judgment will be greater than that of Tyre and Sidon on judgment day. They have God’s word, Tyre and Sidon didn’t. His word speaks of Jesus. In rejecting Jesus, they, by default, call judgment down upon themselves.
 
Lord God, the people of Israel are Your people, chosen for a particular purpose. However, they are not right with You because they have rejected Jesus. Being chosen at this time means being chosen for judgment and condemnation as a demonstration of Your righteousness. May they come quickly to Jesus and find Your righteousness in Him for salvation. Amen.

Matthew 11:21

Wednesday, 9 July 2025
 
“Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. Matthew 11:21
 
“Woe, you, Chorazin! Woe, you, Bethsaida! For if in Tyre and Sidon, they occurred – the miracles, those done in you – if in sackcloth and ashes formerly they reconsidered” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus began to rebuke the cities where He did His mighty works because they did not reconsider their ways. Now, to state His displeasure at them, and to reveal to them their fate, He begins with, “Woe, you, Chorazin!”
 
The word ouai, woe, is introduced. It is a primary exclamation of grief. Also, the name Chorazin is first seen here. It is a city in Galilee. The origin of the name is uncertain. Studying Hebrew root words that may be connected to the Greek transliteration, Abarim defines it as possibly Smoking Furnace.
 
The city is about two- and one-half miles north of a location known as Tel Hum. It remains a ruin to this day. Parts of the city are identifiable, such as the synagogue. This and its houses and buildings are built from locally obtained hard black basalt. Some of the walls that remain are up to six feet high. Next, Jesus says, “Woe, you Bethsaida!”
 
The name is from Beith, house, and tsayad, a huntsman. Thus, it means Hunter’s House. However, being by the Sea of Galilee, some think the hunting is referring to fish and call it Fisher’s House. It is where Phillip, Andrew, and Peter came from as seen in John 1:44. The location is still known and visited today. Of these cities, Jesus says, “For if in Tyre and Sidon, they occurred – the miracles.”
 
Turos, Tyre, and Sidón, Sidon, are both first mentioned here. The Hebrew name of Tyre is Tsor. This comes from tsor, flint, or tsur, rock. Thus, it is the fortified city, Rock. Sidon is from the Hebrew tsud, to lie alongside. Therefore, it signifies to hunt, chase, etc., due to the thought of lying in wait. As such, it is a place of fishing, and it is named after those who lie alongside as they fish. Thus, Fishery is its name.
 
These are cities that were destroyed by the Lord’s judgment. Ezekiel was told to prophesy against Tyre in Ezekiel 26. Ezekiel 27 records a lamentation over Tyre. Ezekiel 28 begins with a proclamation against the king of Tyre and then continues in lamentation over the city. That is followed by a proclamation against Sidon in Ezekiel 28:20-24.
 
The Lord spent a great deal of time laying out His words against them. His descriptions and judgments put them on par with Sodom and Gomorrah as far as examples of wickedness resulting in punishment. Despite that, Jesus tells Chorazin and Bethsaida that if those terrible, wicked cities saw the miracles that Jesus did, “those done in you – if in sackcloth and ashes formerly they reconsidered.”
 
The adverb palai, formerly, is introduced. It is believed to come from palin, again. As such, it gives the sense of retrocession. It can mean all this time, a long time ago, already, formerly, etc. Jesus is saying that in the past, when they were wickedly going about life, there would have been a change in them.
 
The implication here is obvious. God used three chapters of Ezekiel, plus other references to Tyre and Sidon in His word (such as Isaiah 23), to reveal their wickedness. And yet, Jesus says that the hearts of these cities were humbler than those of Chorazin and Bethsaida.
 
If Jesus had gone to them and done His miracles at their time of judgment, they would have done what Nineveh did, reconsidering their ways and demonstrating that change in heart by adorning themselves with sackcloth and ashes.
 
Both of these words are also new. The first is sakkos, coming from the Hebrew saq, a mesh. It is the course material that would be only fitting in a time of mourning. This would be contrasted to the normal garments where life was going well. The other word, spodos, is a primary word signifying ashes.
 
The point Jesus is making, and which He will continue to make, is that if God destroyed these cities for their wickedness, how much more do Chorazin and Bethsaida deserve to be destroyed? They have not reconsidered their ways, but God knew that the hearts of Tyre and Sidon would have.
 
Life application: The meaning of the story of Jonah is a story that mirrors what Jesus is saying here. This is not the usual interpretation that is provided due to translational difficulties in Jonah 4, but when it is properly understood, it is clearly seen that God is contrasting the wickedness of Israel with the wickedness of Nineveh.
 
Nineveh reconsidered its ways, and God relented from His judgment upon it. Israel, with much greater revelation than Nineveh, refused to reconsider and receive their Messiah. Jesus will use exactly this symbolism in Matthew 12 and Luke 11. Israel didn’t pay heed, and they were destroyed and exiled.
 
But the great covenant-keeping nature of God has spared them for another day. He has faithfully saved them, even through judgment, to bring them into the New Covenant. If He is this faithful to Israel through a covenant cut through the blood of bulls and goats, how much more do you think He will save you through the shed blood of Jesus Christ?
 
We are often just as unfaithful as Israel in our hearts and actions, but if we are in Christ, He will carry us through to a good end. Be assured and reassured in this.
 
Lord God, thank You for Your infinite love and grace as is revealed in our Lord and Savior Jesus. Amen.
 

Matthew 11:20

Tuesday, 8 July 2025
 
Then He began to rebuke the cities in which most of His mighty works had been done, because they did not repent: Matthew 11:20
 
“Then He began to defame the cities in which they occurred – the most of His miracles – because they reconsidered not” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus referred to His conduct, having come eating and drinking, which was contrasted to how John conducted himself. He then noted that wisdom is justified from her children. His next words begin to explain the severity of ignoring this wisdom, beginning with, “Then He began to defame the cities in which they occurred.”
 
The word oneidizó, to defame was previously seen in verse 5:11. It is derived from oneidos, to reproach or disgrace, a word probably akin to onoma, name. Thus, a defaming is indicated.
 
The cities to be mentioned were part of Israel. They were thus filled with Jews who thought that their cultural makeup and national identity were what made them acceptable to God, regardless of their hearts and actions. Jesus will correct them on this as He continues.
 
Matthew, intending to show why Jesus’ words to these cities are justified, next notes what it is that occurred in them, which is “the most of His miracles.”
 
The Scriptures concerning the coming Messiah were read in synagogues. The people would have talked about what the Messiah would have been like as they gathered for feasts and other events. When Jesus came and began performing His miracles, most of which were in the surrounding cities, they should have recognized Him and turned their minds. However, it next says, “because they reconsidered not.”
 
The people saw the miracles He performed, but they didn’t heed the words He or John had uttered. Both of them proclaimed the same words to the people –
 
“And in those days, comes John the Baptist, proclaiming in the desolate of Judea, 2 and saying, ‘Reconsider! For it has neared – the kingdom of the heavens!’” Matthew 3:1, 2
 
“From then, Jesus, He began to proclaim and to say, ‘Reconsider! For it has neared – the kingdom of the heavens!’” Matthew 4:17
 
There was to be a turning of the mind, a reconsideration, concerning their conduct before the Lord. However, Jesus will reveal the true situation of the conduct of these cities.
 
Life application: Jesus is the Word of God. He spoke words on the Father’s behalf that were to be heeded. A spoken word that is heard but not heeded means the speaker’s intent behind the words has been ignored. James says –
 
“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; 24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. 25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.” James 1:22-25
 
This appeal from James, and the rebuke of the cities by Jesus, were not something new for the people of Israel. They were told to heed the word and do what it said. At the time of Ezekiel, the Lord spoke, saying –
 
“As for you, son of man, the children of your people are talking about you beside the walls and in the doors of the houses; and they speak to one another, everyone saying to his brother, ‘Please come and hear what the word is that comes from the Lord.’ 31 So they come to you as people do, they sit before you as My people, and they hear your words, but they do not do them; for with their mouth they show much love, but their hearts pursue their own gain. 32 Indeed you are to them as a very lovely song of one who has a pleasant voice and can play well on an instrument; for they hear your words, but they do not do them. 33 And when this comes to pass—surely it will come—then they will know that a prophet has been among them.” Ezekiel 33:30-33
 
Israel failed to heed and went into exile. Even while in exile, they ignored the word through Ezekiel. Jesus came with the final message to the people under the law. A new covenant was coming. In rejecting Jesus’ call to reconsider, they rejected His message.
 
Today, we have been given instructions about how to conduct our lives in relation to God. First, we are to accept the gospel, receiving by faith what God has done through Jesus. But that is not the end of our responsibilities.
 
We are to learn the word and apply it to our lives. Those who go to church and hear the word but who then leave without allowing it to mold them have missed the point of going to church. And it may be that the church doesn’t even properly present the word.
 
Our lives are short. We should make every effort possible to use our time wisely, learning the word and applying it to our walk. Don’t just be hearers of the word, but doers. In this, God will be pleased.
 
Lord God, thank You for Your word that can safely guide us through this troubled walk of life. May we wisely accept its teachings and faithfully apply them to our lives. In this, You will surely be pleased. Be with us in this walk, O God. Amen.