BIBLE IN TEN

Saturday, 18 July 2026
 
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?’ Matthew 21:25
 
“The ‘immersion, John’, whence it was? From heaven or from men?” These, also, they deliberated with themselves, saying, ‘If we should say, “From heaven’, He will say to us, ‘Through why, therefore, not you believed him?’” (CG)
 
In the previous verse, it said that Jesus, while speaking to the chief priests and elders, said that He would answer their question if they would first answer His question. Continuing, He now asks that question, beginning with, “The ‘immersion, John’.”
 
His question deals with John the Baptist’s work, meaning his immersing people as described earlier in Matthew. As John’s main mission was to baptize people based on acknowledging wrongdoing and reconsidering their ways, the “immersion, John” encompasses his entire ministry, all of which was as a precursor, preparing the people for the coming of the Messiah. His specific question concerning that is, “whence it was?”
 
In other words, these leaders had just come to Jesus asking by what authority He was doing what He did. Specifically, who gave Him the authority? Jesus, taking the initiative, asks the same basic question concerning John’s call to baptize. Where did that authority come from? He continues, asking, “From heaven or from men?”
 
It is a logical question. These leaders want to know who gave Jesus His authority. But John openly and explicitly testified concerning Jesus, as recorded in John 1. Therefore, before they can rightly understand Jesus’ authority, they would first need to understand and confess John’s source of authority. Was it sent by God, or was it something that he or another man conjured up? Having asked that, it next says of the leaders, “These, also, they deliberated with themselves.”
 
One can see they are in a pickle. If they knew the answer, they would just say it directly, unless there was a reason why they didn’t want to admit it publicly. Therefore, either they don’t know the answer, which means they have no right to know where Jesus’ authority came from, or (because John testified concerning Jesus) they knew and were unwilling to state what they believed to be true.
 
If this were the case, they would again have no right to an answer from Jesus. In their deliberations, they were “saying, ‘If we should say, “From heaven”, He will say to us, “Through why, therefore, not you believed him?”’”
 
This reveals the first part of the reason for the pickle they are in. If John’s commission was from God, then they would have to admit that Jesus was the Messiah. John openly proclaimed Him as the One, testifying that He was the promised Messiah –
 
“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, ‘Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is He of whom I said, ‘After me comes a Man who is preferred before me, for He was before me.’ 31 I did not know Him; but that He should be revealed to Israel, therefore I came baptizing with water.’32 And John bore witness, saying, ‘I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Him. 33 I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, “Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.” 34 And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.’” John 1:29-34
 
Life application: As noted before, Jesus is not being disrespectful to these leaders. He is making an obvious case that in asking Him for the source of His authority, they would only entrap themselves by His answer when they gave it. He is giving them a chance to back up from whatever their plans were and to think the matter through logically.
 
Would it change their hearts or minds toward Jesus? Probably not. But it would allow Him to continue His ministry until the time appointed by the Father. If they thought about John’s source of authority and decided he was sent by God, maybe some of them would be determined to accept John’s words and believe in Jesus.
 
If they rejected John’s ministry, thus rejecting the One who sent him, then they would never accept Jesus. Instead, they would look for another way to have Him removed. That is what will come about, but before it does, there are a few days of His ministry left. A great deal of important information will be recorded concerning what He will tell the people of Israel.
 
He will detail what will come upon them because of their rejection of Him. Someday, the words He will speak in these final days will be evaluated by them, and they will see that He is, in fact, the Messiah they rejected so long ago. The leader’s failure to provide a response to Jesus at this time has allowed Jesus’ words to continue on as necessary for the people’s future eyes to be opened.
 
Lord God, Israel, and indeed the whole world, have difficult times ahead. As wickedness increases, our time is drawing short. Someday, You will call Your church home, and the world will have to decide where they stand in relation to Jesus. We pray that before that day comes, many eyes will be opened to the truth of His glory. Amen.

Friday, 17 July 2026
 
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: Matthew 21:24
 
“Answering, also, the ‘Jesus’, He said to them, ‘I will entreat you, I also, word one, which if you should say to Me, I also to you, I will say in where-such authority these I do.’” (CG)
 
 In the previous verse, the chief priests and elders of the people confronted Jesus, asking by what authority He was doing the things He was doing. Matthew next records, “Answering, also, the ‘Jesus’, He said to them, ‘I will entreat you, I also, word one.’”
 
As with Hebrew, a “word” signifies more than just a word. It can signify a matter, cause, concern, inquiry, request, and so much more. Following that, English uses it in various ways as well. We might say, “What’s the good word today?” That means more than a word in a Cryptoquip or some other puzzle. We are asking about how a person is doing, what they are up to, etc.
 
In this case, Jesus is asking these leaders to explain something. If they will adequately respond, then He will continue in one way. If they cannot or if they refuse to respond, He will continue in another way. Their response to the word He entreats them to give is thus conditional, as He next says, “which if you should say to Me, I also to you, I will say in where-such authority these I do.”
 
They have asked Jesus under what authority He is acting. The answer might not be difficult to provide, but because Jesus has set a condition, it means they must be careful in how they answer. In such a situation, there will always be some sort of blowback to giving the wrong response. However, if they respond with a proper explanation to His request, they will have their answer from Him.
 
One could say, “That is disobedient to the rulers of the land, something the law does not allow.” Because of this, we can already guess that the question He will ask them will put them on the spot concerning the authority of the law, or it will bear on the source of the law, where it came from, or how it came about.
 
This is a logical assumption because if they cannot sufficiently explain His request, they will actually have no right to know under whose authority Jesus was acting. We can use this same tactic when dealing with judges, politicians, taxing authorities, etc.
 
Where does authority come from? In the case of these leaders, their authority is derived from the Law of Moses. It is what established them as the people of the Lord in a unique way. As such, these men must work within the confines of that body of law to justify their requests, decisions, and mandates.
 
Life application: In the US, the thing that establishes the law of the land is not the Congress, the judicial system, or the president. The US Constitution is the framework that establishes the government and all bodies that operate within the government.
 
This is why the left has attempted to call the Constitution an “organic document,” as if it is alive and changing with time and circumstance. They reject the early writings, which were foundational to understanding the purpose behind the writing and approval of the Constitution.
 
But there is a reason for each thing mandated in the Constitution. To reject the reason behind those mandates empties them of any reasonable purpose. And so, of course, they relish in ignoring that intent. Further, if the constitution is organic and changing, then it is up to whatever government is in power to clip it according to their supposed skill at pruning what is unnecessary.
 
This is how bad people operate. They have no care for the duly established basis for whatever government they live under. Instead, they work against the recognized authority. In the case of the US, the recognized authority for the operation of the government is, first and foremost, the US Constitution. In working against that, they violate the words of Scripture, which were ever on the minds of the Founding Fathers –
 
“Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.” Romans 13:1
 
John Adams said, “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious People. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” Understanding this, it is evident why those who hate God and what is moral, just, and proper will do their best to undermine the authority and rigid structure of the Constitution.
 
Thank God that there is hope in Christ for a better life beyond this one. Jesus’ question will be one that deals with authority. If they cannot answer His question, they have no right to know what they have asked Him.
 
People ask for answers from God all the time, but unless they are asking through His Mediator, they have no right to an answer. This is the glory of knowing Jesus: we can come to God through Him and ask questions, hoping for a response that will give us wisdom, comfort, and hope. He will answer according to His wisdom. Someday, this will be in a manner we cannot even imagine at this time. Hold fast to Jesus. Great things lie ahead for His redeemed.
 
Lord God, some of us live in godly nations. Some of us live under difficult, ungodly rulers. You have appointed our times and places, and we must live through them as best we can and in accord with Your word. But our hope isn’t in this life. No! Our hope is in the life that is ahead when we are in Your presence under a new, eternal rule in the presence of Jesus. May that day be soon. Amen.
 

Thursday, 16 July 2026
 
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?” Matthew 21:23
 
“And having come, Him, into the temple, they approached Him, teaching, the chief priests and the ‘elders, the people’, saying, ‘In where-such authority these, You do? And who to You, He gave the authority, this?’” (CG)
 
In the previous verse, Jesus told His disciples, “And all, as much – if you should ask in the prayer, believing, you will receive.” With that thought now complete, it next says, “And having come, Him, into the temple.”
 
The very place He was surely referring to in metaphor in the previous verses is where He has come to again. Once in the temple, “they approached Him, teaching.”
 
The temple complex was massive. Being the time of the Passover, there would have been innumerable visitors there to see the sights and to join in conversations, meet old friends, etc. Jesus may have picked a spot and started teaching His disciples. As He talked, others walking by might be curious and start listening as well. Because of this, any number of people might gather around to hear. This is something Jeremiah was instructed to do –
 
“In the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, this word came from the Lord, saying, 2 ‘Thus says the Lord: ‘Stand in the court of the Lord’s house, and speak to all the cities of Judah, which come to worship in the Lord’s house, all the words that I command you to speak to them. Do not diminish a word. 3 Perhaps everyone will listen and turn from his evil way, that I may relent concerning the calamity which I purpose to bring on them because of the evil of their doings.’” Jeremiah 26:1-3
 
Jeremiah would have begun speaking, and the people would have flocked to hear what was being proclaimed. Jesus likewise spoke in the temple. When He did, they came, “the chief priests and the ‘elders, the people’.”
 
When Jeremiah spoke, it is noted in Jeremiah 26 that “the priests and the prophets and all the people heard Jeremiah.” Later, the princes of Judah came to judge the matter of Jeremiah’s proclamation in the New Gate of the Lord’s house. Thus, this being challenged by the leaders at Jesus’ time is something that is not without precedent. There is a teaching going on that has come to the attention of the chief priests and the elders. Therefore, they were “saying, ‘In where-such authority these, You do?’”
 
These men had a right to maintain order in the temple complex. Thus, it is a natural question for them to ask. They have heard Jesus’ words and are questioning His authority to say what He was saying. In Jeremiah’s case, he was accused of wrongdoing. Therefore, his response was, “The Lord sent me to prophesy against this house and against this city with all the words that you have heard” (Jeremiah 26:12). As for those confronting Jesus, they continue, saying, “And who to You, He gave the authority, this?”
 
Again, it is a natural question to ask. If Jesus is at the temple teaching, He must feel He had a right or commission to do so. His response to them will show, however, that they are doing more than just trying to maintain order. From what He says, it can be deduced that they already knew Him and His teachings, just as the people would have known Jeremiah claimed to be a prophet of the Lord.
 
Therefore, Jesus’ answer will be one that challenges their own positions on matters that had transpired in the recent past. What He asks them will be intended to get them to consider their stand concerning those things. There is nothing disrespectful in His words. Rather, they are intended to probe them in an attempt to reveal their state before the Lord as His representatives in the religious and civil lives of the people.
 
Life application: When Jeremiah spoke to the princes and people, he plainly told them why he was speaking as he did. After doing so, he said –
 
“Now therefore, amend your ways and your doings, and obey the voice of the Lord your God; then the Lord will relent concerning the doom that He has pronounced against you. 14 As for me, here I am, in your hand; do with me as seems good and proper to you. 15 But know for certain that if you put me to death, you will surely bring innocent blood on yourselves, on this city, and on its inhabitants; for truly the Lord has sent me to you to speak all these words in your hearing.” Jeremiah 26:13-15
 
His job was to proclaim the word of the Lord. Jesus, the Lord, spoke to the people about matters that He was sent by the Father to convey to the people. In hearing the word of the Lord, choices then have to be made. The main thing we must determine is, “Is this the word of the Lord or a doctrine in accordance with it?”
 
At Jeremiah’s time, there were false prophets galore. The people had to listen to what was said, determine who was telling the truth, and then go forward from that point. The same was true in Jesus’ time. Now, these things are recorded for us to read and consider. Is the Bible the word of God? If it is, then it should be listened to.
 
God doesn’t force us to accept His word. He has put it out for people to read and consider. Other religions have their own supposed sacred texts as well. Within the greater umbrella of Christian faith, there are writings that some claim are supposedly on the same level of authority as the Bible. The Roman Catholic Church has teachings that they hold to as preeminent in their theology, which are separate from the Bible.
 
The Mormons have a third “testament” that they claim is inspired. The Seventh-Day Adventists have the supposedly inspired writings of Ellen G. White. Many people accept extra-biblical writings, such as the Apocrypha, the Book of Enoch, etc. It is our responsibility to consider God, if He has given us His word, and what that word is or is not. 
 
This sacred task has been given to humanity, and we should carefully consider what we will believe and why. Jesus is being asked about His authority. If God gave Him authority to convey God’s word, we should be willing to listen. These things are important. Let us pay heed to the word that God has given for us to know Him, treating it with respect and care.
 
Lord God, we are humans, limited by time and the ability to obtain and remember knowledge. We desire to honor You in the way that You expect of us. Therefore, lead us to Yourself through Your word. May we not be misdirected from this task all our days. Help us in this, O God. Amen.
 

Wednesday, 15 July 2026
 
And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.” Matthew 21:22
 
“And all, as much – if you should ask in the prayer, believing, you will receive.” (CG)
 
In the previous verse, it was noted to the disciples by Jesus that if they had faith without doubt, they could do what was done to the fig tree and have a mountain removed and cast into the sea. Jesus next says, “And all, as much – if you should ask in the prayer.”
 
The definite article before prayer limits this statement to something particular. If it said, “And all, as much – if you should ask in prayer...” it would be an open promise for any and every prayer. But that is not the case. As such, the surrounding context needs to be considered. Jesus just gave two examples of what “the prayer” consisted of –
 
“Answering, also, the ‘Jesus’, He said to them, ‘Amen, I say to you, if you should have faith, and not you should waver, not only the ‘the fig tree’ you will do, but and-if the ‘mountain, this’, you should say, ‘You be borne, and you be cast into the sea, it will become.’”
 
As discussed in that commentary, the two thoughts, meaning the fig and the mountain, equate to overcoming the law. The first was the ending of the Levitical system of the temple sacrifices as the spiritual connection to God (the fig).
 
The second, the mountain (explained as Horeb), equated to the ending of the law in one’s life. Understanding this, “the prayer” is one of trusting in something new to bring restoration between the pray-er and God. Therefore, Jesus continues, “believing, you will receive.” This is beautifully reflected in Hebrews 4 –
 
“Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it. 2 For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it. 3 For we who have believed do enter that rest, as He has said:‘So I swore in My wrath,“They shall not enter My rest,”’” Hebrews 4:1-3
 
Prayer cannot be actualized into reality without faith. Without it, the words, “believing, you will receive,” equate to, “lacking faith, you will not receive.”
 
Those of Israel who stand with one foot in the grace camp and one foot in the law camp have not believed. They are trying to merit God’s favor through two conflicting camps. In essence, “Well, if Jesus doesn’t work out, I always have the law to fall back on.” This is why Hebrews 6:6 says –
 
“if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame.”
 
One cannot “fall back” on the law. If he does, there is no suitable sacrifice under that obsolete economy to save him. Jesus’ sacrifice is a one-time-and-for-all-time sacrifice. To go back to the law is to recrucify Him because He would have to die again for the law to be fulfilled in that person’s life. Such will never be the case.
 
Life application: Jesus is speaking to people who are under the law. The law had not yet ended through His sacrificial death. He is doing what the prophets of old did by using metaphor to convey truths to the people.
 
That metaphor is then to be properly understood when it is fulfilled in Jesus’ completed work. This is how the lesson of the fig tree is to be considered and understood. The verse being evaluated today has been so misapplied and abused by people that it means (in their thinking) that anybody with faith should be able to do anything or get anything they want.
 
“I can, by faith, receive a big bank account.” Actually, you probably should get to work and start saving for that.
“I can overcome any obstacle, including this. I claim this problem will go away.” Well, maybe the Lord sent that problem to chastise you and get you to learn a lesson, just as the Bible says will happen.
“I claim this promotion.” What if there are two Christians vying for it and they both “claim” it?
 
Do you see the fallacy in thinking regarding such things? Jesus did not give us an unlimited spending credit card for prosperity and fulfilling selfish desires. He gave His disciples a very specific promise based on a truth that explains the final thought. Without maintaining the context, what is said has no meaning at all. They are just words without any connection to reality.
 
Be circumspect in your understanding of what is happening in Scripture. It is not about us individually, even if it affects us as individuals. It is about what God is doing to restore people to Himself. The audience in this case is the Hebrew people, under the law, who need to be brought out from that unproductive economy and into a glorious new one. Keep the context!
 
Glorious Lord God, thank You for providing everything necessary for us to be saved through the work of Jesus Christ. Through faith in the gospel, we have full, final, finished, and forever release from the need for us to do anything except believe to be brought back to You. Thank You that it is so. Amen.

Tuesday, 14 July 2026
 
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. Matthew 21:21
 
“Answering, also, the ‘Jesus’, He said to them, ‘Amen, I say to you, if you should have faith, and not you should waver, not only the ‘the fig tree’ you will do, but and-if the ‘mountain, this’, you should say, ‘You be borne, and you be cast into the sea’, it will become.’” (CG)
 
In the previous verse, the disciples marveled and wanted to know how the fig tree desiccated so quickly. With that, Matthew next records, “Answering, also, the ‘Jesus’, He said to them, ‘Amen.’”
 
When Jesus begins a thought with Amen, He intends for His hearers to pay close attention. The matter is something that they should more than just listen to, but consider it carefully. In this case, He next says, “I say to you, if you should have faith, and not you should waver.”
 
The author of Hebrews defines what faith is –
 
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1
 
Faith is something that requires confidence that something will take place. A person may say, “I have faith that you will pay me back.” It is unknown if that will actually take place, but because of past performance, a trust in the individual, the surety of consequences for failure to comply, or some other reason, the person trusts that the debt will be repaid.
 
Wavering is a state of letting one’s faith weaken for any multitude of reasons. We may have faith that a wedding will take place, but because of ten thousand little things creeping up, we may start to question if there aren’t forces behind the scenes working to ensure the wedding never takes place. In such a case, we can double down and say, “I am confident of this outcome.” In the case of Jesus’ words, He continues, saying, “not only the ‘the fig tree’ you will do.”
 
In other words, if His disciples have faith that they can do what Jesus did to the fig tree, it will come to pass. If the withering of the fig tree was a metaphor of the ending of the Levitical system of sacrifices under the law, and that a new and better connection to God through Jesus’ work has been established, then if they believe in Jesus’ fulfillment of the law, they will have that new and better connection to God.
 
There is no reason to assume that Jesus is speaking of literally killing a fig tree to make a point. It is the metaphor that matters. Jesus’ work is what ends the law in the lives of His disciples. Jesus’ work is what allows full, final, and forever access to God through the better connection He establishes. From there, He next says, “but and-if the ‘mountain, this’, you should say, ‘You be borne, and you be cast into the sea’, it will become.”
 
A new word is seen here, the conditional particle, kan, and-if. It is derived from kai, and, and ean, if. Combining the two results in kan, “and-if.” As for the conditional words, there is no reason to assume Jesus is speaking about a literal mountain, as if the disciples had the authority to have mountains physically moved at their command.
 
Jesus was heading to Jerusalem. The place where the Temple Mount was. For all we know, He may have pointed at the city, or even the temple visible within the city, and said His words. The term “mountain of the temple,” or literally “mountain, the house,” is something that would have been known to them from Micah 3:12. Thus, this is not a stretch at all. Whatever took place, He is essentially stating that the mountain of the law, described by Paul in Galatians 4, is what He is referring to –
 
“Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not hear the law? 22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons: the one by a bondwoman, the other by a freewoman. 23 But he who was of the bondwoman was born according to the flesh, and he of the freewoman through promise, 24 which things are symbolic. For these are the two covenants: the one from Mount Sinai which gives birth to bondage, which is Hagar— 25 for this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia, and corresponds to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children— 26 but the Jerusalem above is free, which is the mother of us all.” Galatians 4:21-26
 
The Law was given at Horeb. It is what Jerusalem and the temple worship were all about. Jesus just made a metaphor using the fig tree to make a point concerning a spiritual connection to God. There is no reason to assume He is not continuing the use of metaphor. If one believes in the full, final, finished, and forever all-sufficient work of Jesus Christ, the “mountain” of the law will be cast into the sea (a picture of chaos).
 
The law is an obstacle to a relationship with God, not a means of a right relationship with Him, except as it is fulfilled in Jesus’ work. As such, Jesus is giving advanced instruction in what He was about to accomplish and how it would eventually be realized through the use of metaphor.
 
Life application: By taking verses such as Matthew 21:21 out of their intended context, people make many wholly inappropriate claims concerning spiritual matters, as if they have the authority to do even the most unrealistic things.
 
At the same time, others arrogantly hint that those around them are lacking faith because they haven’t claimed their way into health, prosperity, etc. This type of theology is wholly inappropriate and demonstrates a shallow understanding of the word of God.
 
Catchy verses are pulled out of their intended context and thrown around like talismans. If the entire Bible is read while keeping passages in their intended dispensational context, people would find out that those being butchered in Africa are just as loved and tended to as those who have million-dollar houses, fancy cars, and who take long vacations.
 
God’s love for a person does not necessarily transfer to wealth, health, and overall prosperity. His love for His people is based on their faith in Him. The Bible promises a future where all trials, sadness, and difficulties will be behind us. But this is not a promise for our lives at this time. If those things come about, that is great. We can thank God for the abundance.
 
But it is better to live in poverty with strong faith in Jesus than to live in wealth without it. Fix your eyes, hearts, and affections on Him regardless of what you are going through. Have faith in His promises at all times. This is what will please the Lord more than anything else.
 
Lord God, help us to be people of faith, not just when things are going well, but at all times. May our lives and actions be honoring of You while we walk in faith, anxiously anticipating what lies ahead. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.

Monday, 13 July 2026
 
And when the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, “How did the fig tree wither away so soon?” Matthew 21:20
 
“And having seen, the disciples, they wondered, saying, ‘How, straightaway, it desiccated, the fig tree?’” (CG)
 
In the previous verse, Jesus cursed the fig tree, telling it that no fruit would grow on it again. Matthew recorded that the fig desiccated straightaway. As noted, Mark’s gospel gives more detailed information on the event. Unfortunately, the Pulpit Commentary says, “St. Mark's more accurate account.”
 
There is a world of difference between a “more detailed account” and a “more accurate account.” There is nothing inaccurate about Matthew’s record. The word translated as “straightaway” means that it took place forthwith. For example, in Acts 16:33 it says, “And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately [parachréma] he and all his family were baptized.”
 
The event happened straightaway, but it wasn’t like they were standing there and were suddenly baptized. It was the next event in their lives that took place. This is just what was the case in the life of the fig. It went from being alive and vibrant with leaves to being desiccated and dead. Understanding there is nothing inaccurate about Matthew’s words, he next records, “And having seen, the disciples, they wondered.”
 
In Mark 11:21, it says, “And Peter, remembering, said to Him, ‘Rabbi, look! The fig tree which You cursed has withered away.’” Of this, Barnes says, “Peter said this, Mark 11:21 Matthew means only to say that this was said to him; Mark tells us which one of them said it.”
 
Barnes equates Matthew’s words to Peter’s exclamation. That is incorrect. Peter noticed it and made his exclamation, but all of the disciples, once they noticed the tree, would have wondered at the matter, just as Matthew records.
 
Again, there is no contradiction, just more detailed information. Once this was noticed by all of them, they were “saying, ‘How, straightaway, it desiccated, the fig tree?’”
 
Even if someone put poison around a tree, it may die immediately, but it would take time for it to desiccate. In the case of this fig, it died and desiccated overnight. By the morning, as they passed it again, it was completely desiccated.
 
This is what happened to the Law of Moses and the effectiveness of the temple to bring restoration between God and men. Jesus’ passion began in the morning. By the afternoon, He had died on the cross. At that time, Matthew records –
 
“Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split.” Matthew 27:51
 
Jesus was tried, sentenced, and crucified. From there, the next thing to take place, meaning straightaway, was that the law was ended. Free, full, and forever access to God was granted, and the temporary and cumbersome connection to God that came through the Law of Moses was ended. The metaphor of the fig tree was realized in its fullness just a few days after Jesus gave it.
 
Life application: As you can see, commentaries are tools for us to learn information, but they are written down by fallible humans. No one is without errors in thinking. All of us are subject to biases, presuppositions, and cognitive dissonance.
 
When reading commentaries on the Bible, be careful to sift through them, asking questions as you go. Questions like, “How did they come to this conclusion?”, “Why did they say that?”, “Why did they say, ‘more accurate?’”, etc., are important questions to ask when we read something that doesn’t sound right.
 
Such questions will cause us to slow down and think through what we might otherwise have taken for granted. Once we do that, we form a brain squiggle that acknowledges that their commentary is correct. From that point on, it becomes more difficult to overwrite that bad information.
 
So don’t assimilate thoughts without thinking them through. You will benefit in your study by going slowly, carefully, and methodically through whatever you are reading. God’s word is important. We should not make unfounded assumptions, nor assimilate others’ unfounded assumptions concerning it.
 
Lord God, may our time in Your word be methodical, precise, and carefully considered at all times. It is far too precious not to spend it wanting to know Your intent for us. It is a great, wonderful, and precious word that tells us of our Lord and Savior, Jesus. Amen.
 

Sunday, 12 July 2026
 
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. Matthew 21:19
 
“And having seen ‘fig tree, one’ upon the road, He came upon it, and nothing, He found in it, if not leaves only. And He says to it, ‘Not more from you fruit it should be, to the age.’ And it desiccated straightaway, the fig tree.” (CG)
 
In the previous verse, Jesus returned to the city early. As He went, He was hungry. Matthew continues with, “And having seen ‘fig tree, one’ upon the road.”
 
A new word is seen, suké, fig tree. It is derived from sukon, a fig. In the Garden of Eden, this is the third tree mentioned by name. The first was the tree of life. The next was the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. The third is implicitly mentioned in the fig leaves referred to in Genesis 3:7. If there are fig leaves, then there is a fig tree to put forth the leaves. Of this fig tree, “He came upon it, and nothing, He found in it, if not leaves only.”
 
Another new word is seen, phullon, a sprout, thus a leaf. The tree had sprouted leaves. Thus, it was a show of liveliness and health. However, that is all there was. No fruit was evident on it. Mark adds the words “the ‘for season, not it was, figs.’”
 
The earliest types of figs will appear before the spring leaves unfurl, around the Passover. At this time, they are unripe early figs known as taksh. That serves as an early indicator of the expected harvest. The first ripe figs are generally around May or June, with the main harvest being August to September.
 
Jesus went to the tree because it said in the previous verse that He was hungry. Even if He knew that the first figs would not be ready, He could at least expect to see fruit on the tree, expecting there to be some if it had leaves. This is human nature. We may be hungry for something and just curiously go to the tree to see what it is doing, even if we know that the tree is not yet ready with ripe fruit.
 
In the case of this fig, because it had leaves, it would be expected to have fruit (as noted, the fruit will appear before the leaves). With no figs on it, this was an unproductive fruit tree – flashy with leaves but lacking any hope for a harvest. As such, Matthew next says, “And He says to it, ‘Not more from you fruit it should be, to the age.’”
 
Another new word is seen, méketi, no more. It is from the negative particle mé, not, never, etc., and eti, yet, more, still, etc. Jesus’ words mean that the fig tree, which has failed to bear fruit, will continue to do so “to the age,” meaning henceforth. There will never again be a time when this fig tree bears fruit. With that stated by Him, it next says, “And it desiccated straightaway, the fig tree.”
 
And yet, another new word is seen, parachréma, instantly or immediately. Mark’s gospel further explains what happened. Jesus spoke the words to the tree. After that, Jesus went to Jerusalem and turned over the money tables, etc., and then He went out of the city. At that time, it says, “Now in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots.”
 
In other words, the same condensed nature of Matthew’s gospel that was seen in the previous verses is seen again here. Thus, the word “straightaway” means “within 24 hours.” There is no contradiction, just more detail concerning the matter.
 
As has been explained in previous commentaries, the fig is a symbol of a connection to God or its lack thereof. In the Garden of Eden, after the fall took place, it said, “Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings.”
 
There was a showy presentation of fig leaves, but there was no fruit. The connection to God had been severed. The fig that Jesus has cursed is a metaphor of where He was going, meaning to the temple in Jerusalem. It was a place that was showy and seemingly alive, but it was dead, having never brought a single place to the life it promised –
 
“And you will guard My enactments and My verdicts, which he will do them, the man, and he will live in them. I, Yehovah.” Leviticus 18:5 (CG)
 
The temple, which is the place where the Law of Moses is centralized for the people of Israel, never bore fruit to life eternal. Therefore, in cursing the tree, a metaphor for the officiating of the Law of Moses, He took away its right to bear life. Rather, it bore death, and it would continue to bear death, including the death of Jesus.
 
Only with the introduction of the New Covenant would the fruit of life and a restored connection to God be realized. The Law of Moses had run its course as an attempt to restore life. Its time had come to an end. One can clearly see that those who now attempt to obtain life through the law are performing a self-condemning act.
 
The temple that will be rebuilt for law observance will be the Antichrist’s temple. It is wholly opposed to what God in Christ has done. People should mourn over what lies ahead, not excitedly rejoice in it.
 
Life application: As noted in the commentary on verse 17, there are quite a few possibilities for the meaning of Bethany. Now that the living metaphor has been explained, we can guess at the likely meaning of the name. It would be House of Figs, based on the Hebrew təenah.
 
It would thus be the “House of the connection to God.” Jesus was there, went to the temple, on the way there, He saw the fig tree, the expected symbol of a connection to God. However, it had no fruit, just as the connection to God was lacking in the Law of Moses and the temple in which the rites of the law were officiated.
 
Hence, Jesus cursed the fig as a metaphor of the ending of the law. Henceforth (to the age), the temple and the law would never again be acceptable to God as an expected bearer of fruit. For fourteen hundred and fifty years, it had failed. Something new was coming, something glorious.
 
Stick with the New Covenant. In pursuing the law, you will only find death and continued separation from God.
 
Lord God, may we be responsible Christians who trust solely in the merits of Jesus Christ our Lord for our interactions with You. May we never assume that we can merit Your favor apart from Him. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.

Saturday, 11 July 2026
 
Now in the morning, as He returned to the city, He was hungry. Matthew 21:18
 
“Daybreak, also, returning to the city, He hungered.” (CG)
 
In the previous verse, it said that Jesus went out of the city to Bethany, where He overnighted there. It next says, “Daybreak.”
 
There is a difference in texts here. Some use the adverb prói, translated as early. Others use the noun próia, the earliest part of the day, meaning the time around daybreak. At this early time, it next says, “also, returning to the city.”
 
As it was the time of the Passover, Jesus knew that every hour was precious. Therefore, He set out early to head back to Jerusalem. Along the way, His actions will form a living parable. That begins to be seen with the next words, “He hungered.”
 
This highlights His human nature. He was bound to the same rules of physical operations as anyone else. It is natural to be hungry after a night of sleeping, conversing, or whatever went on throughout the night. His physical needs, however, are something seen elsewhere. Matthew’s purpose for including this will be seen as the account continues to unfold.
 
Life application: Understanding Jesus’ nature, an overall doctrine known as Christology, is important. Slight variations in how Jesus is perceived can lead to great theological error. One of the heresies concerning His nature is known as Docetism. This teaches that Jesus only appeared to be human.
 
The word is derived from the Greek word dokein, “to seem.” This heresy makes the claim that Jesus’ physical body was an illusion or phantom, thus denying His true incarnation, suffering, and death.
 
The reason for this stems from the Docetist belief that matter is inherently evil or corrupt. Because of this, they felt that the divine Son of God could not have taken on real human flesh. The heresy is similar to Gnosticism, a view that the spiritual realm is good but the material world is evil.
 
This heresy was strongly opposed by right-thinking members of the early church, defending the truth that Jesus was fully human in a tangible, physical body. In denying Jesus’ true humanity, the heresy of Docetism would undermine core Christian doctrines, such as the Incarnation and the substitutionary atonement provided by Jesus.
 
Orthodox theology adamantly avows that Jesus was truly human. It was necessarily so for Him to die for human sins. At the same time, He must also be truly divine for Him to save humanity. To have been only human, He would have inherited Adam’s sin through a human father. Being born of Mary and of God, no sin traveled from His Father.
 
Jesus Christ is the God/Man. Without this, man is left without hope in a corrupt and fallen world. Even though God proclaimed the material creation to be good in Genesis 1, sin has caused a breach in its goodness that can only be overcome through the incarnation.
 
Hold fast to the truth of God in Christ. Subtle heresies can easily pull a person away from what is sound and appropriate concerning Jesus’ nature.
 
Lord God, thank You that Christ Jesus our Lord shared in our humanity, thus enabling us to be restored through His perfect substitutionary death. We exalt You, O God, for what You have done to bring us back to Yourself. Amen.
 

Friday, 10 July 2026
 
Then He left them and went out of the city to Bethany, and He lodged there. Matthew 21:17
 
Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at the “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen)
 
You can also read this commentary, scrolling with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).
 
“And having left them, He proceeded out of the city to Bethany, and He overnighted there.” (CG)
 
In the previous verse, Jesus cited Scripture to the chief priests and scribes, noting that out of the mouths of babes and nursing infants the Lord had perfected praise. Matthew next records, “And having left them, He proceeded out of the city to Bethany.”
 
Of this, Ellicott says, “And went out of the city into Bethany.—St. Mark, as already noticed, places the incident that follows on the morning that followed the triumphal entry, and before the cleansing. We have to choose, there being an obvious error of arrangement in one or other of the narratives, between the two, and the probability seems on the whole in favour of the more precise and more vivid record of St. Mark.”
 
It is an appalling sentiment. There is no need to “choose” which we will believe. Nor is there an “obvious error of arrangement.” If Matthew is presenting categorical information, he is perfectly entitled to skip a day’s affairs without mentioning the greater detail of Mark’s narrative.
 
Mark notes that Jesus went to Bethany one night. The next night, he says, “When evening had come, He went out of the city” (Mark 11:18). That is immediately followed with, “Now in the morning.” Does Ellicott think Jesus stood outside the gates of the city all night and then walked back in?
 
Rather, He went somewhere. Logically, He went back to Bethany, as Matthew says in this verse being analyzed. Matthew skipping over a day does not mean we have to choose which gospel is correct. Nor does it mean there is an obvious error. As for Matthew’s words, he introduces the location Béthania, Bethany.
 
Depending on the root word from Hebrew, it can have one of several meanings: House of Answer, Business, Affliction, Singing, Date, Figs, etc. The root ‘ana (with an ayin) alone fits several of these possibilities. The root ‘ana (with an aleph) fits others. Without first understanding whatever typology is being conveyed, being dogmatic about one name over the other may mean you are barking up the wrong tree.
 
As for going to Bethany, it is a short distance from Jerusalem, being situated on the eastern slopes of the Mount of Olives. It is said to be about two miles (or three kilometers) from the city. Understanding this, it next says, “and He overnighted there.”
 
A new word is seen here, aulizomai. It is found only here and in Luke 21:37. It is from aulé, a yard (as in open to the wind). Thus, the word literally signifies passing the night in the open air. If there were twelve of them plus Jesus (and any other disciples), even if they went to someone’s house, it is unlikely all of them would sleep in a single house. Thus, it very well could mean that they made a bonfire in the backyard and slept there. There is no reason not to take this word in its literal sense.
 
Life application: Once again, we see a scholar, in this case a well-known and reputable scholar, calling into question the reliability of the word. However, if you take the two accounts and simply drop a day out of Matthew’s because he is narrowing the focus of his attention on particular details, the accounts in Matthew and Mark coincide.
 
After the people’s cries of Hosanna as Jesus entered the area, Mark 11:11 says, “And Jesus went into Jerusalem and into the temple. So when He had looked around at all things, as the hour was already late, He went out to Bethany with the twelve.”
 
From there, He went back to Jerusalem the next day. Matthew, writing categorically, left off that note, not finding a single sentence about it being late necessary. As for the timing of the cursing of the fig tree, which doesn’t seem to match, understanding that Matthew is still writing categorically, that issue is also resolved.
 
Take time to look at the accounts and see where the focus is. Then think about why there is a difference. Instead of dismissing things, contemplate. If you don’t come to a resolution, it still doesn’t mean there is an error. It means that you have not yet determined why there are variations in the account.
 
As has been explained before, we have three synoptic gospels. If all three followed exactly the same details, critics would say the texts were corrupt because they were just copied one from another. If they don’t match in every detail, critics then say the texts are corrupt because they provide seemingly contradictory information.
 
There is no winning with people who intentionally do not want to believe the accounts are reconcilable. Trust that God is as in control of His word as He is of the workings of the universe. In the end, even if we don’t understand everything in the Bible at this time, we will see how it all lines up someday. Until then, keep reading, researching, contemplating, and considering.
 
Lord God, the evidence that the Bible is Your word is overwhelming. In the places where we don’t understand what is going on, help us to keep our faith that what is presented is there for a purpose. It is a great and precious word. Thank You for it because it tells us about Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Amen.

Thursday, 9 July 2026
 
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 infantsYou have perfected praise’?” Matthew 21:16
 
“And they said to Him, ‘You hear what these, they say?’ The ‘also Jesus’, He says to them, ‘Yes. Never, you read that, “From ‘mouth, infants and sucklings’ You prepared praise.”’?” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, the chief priests and the scribes were jealous of Jesus and how the youths praised Him. They were outraged, “And they said to Him, ‘You hear what these, they say?’”
 
These jealous leaders thought they were supposed to be the highlight of people’s visit to the temple complex. Like someone visiting the White House would want to see the president, the chief priests and scribes would have thought they were the point of the masses’ desire to be there.
 
But like going to the White House, there is a reason beyond the person sitting at the President’s desk that the White House exists. The temple was erected to honor the Lord. With the children crying out, “Hosanna to the Son of David,” they were honoring the Lord who had sent His Messiah, someone of greater importance than the temporary leaders of Israel.
 
Scripture gave them the authority to minister, but each was only an incidental part of the ongoing line of priests. On the other hand, Scripture again and again pointed to the coming Messiah.
 
If Jesus were the fulfillment of those types and prophecies, He deserved their adoration. This outraged the self-aggrandizing leaders at the temple. As such, Matthew next records, “The ‘also Jesus’, He says to them, ‘Yes. Never, you read...’”
 
Once again, as He commonly did, Jesus answered their question with another question. He affirms that He, in fact, heard their cries of exaltation, but His question is then directed to their own Scriptures. If their Scriptures approve of what is occurring, the leaders could not reasonably find fault in it. And so He continues, saying, “that, ‘From ‘mouth, infants and sucklings’ You prepared praise.’?”
 
A new word is seen, thélazó, to suckle. It is derived from thélé, a nipple. Thus, it signifies a suckling infant. The word translated as “prepared” has been seen in Matthew 4:21, where it referred to the mending of nets. It signifies to complete thoroughly. It is as if God had fully prepared His praise through the praises of these little ones.
 
The quote itself is from the Greek translation of Psalm 8:2 – 
 
“Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou perfected praise” (Brenton Septuagint).
 
While the leaders of the temple complex were moaning about the prospects of Jesus being the Messiah, it was the little ones in the compound who had recognized what the leaders had intentionally shut their eyes to. As Jesus cited Scripture to back up their conduct, they would be silenced for the time being, unable to argue against what Scripture said would be the case.
 
The words of Jesus are a note concerning the incarnation. The Psalm notes that it is the Lord, Yehovah, who is the focus of attention by the babes and nursing infants. However, Jesus’ words imply that the praise given to Him fulfills the words of that Psalm. As such, it signifies that He is the Lord incarnate.
 
Life application: In once Christian nations, those who do not accept the authority of Scripture have taken over many governments. In doing so, there is no longer an established scriptural basis that is recognizable for right and proper conduct.
 
In other words, Christians will appeal to Scripture to justify their moral codes. But if those in government reject Scripture’s authority, there is an apples-against-oranges attitude. The philosophies of the warring bodies have nothing in common to agree on.
 
But more, those opposed to the Christian message hypocritically misuse the contents of Scripture to shut up or confound the masses who have no idea what “context” their hypocritical citations belong in. The reason their citations are hypocritical is that they wholly reject the authority of Scripture, and yet they cite Scripture to form illicit doctrines that have nothing to do with Scripture.
 
What Christians must be prepared to do when challenged about such things is to be bold enough to ask what right those citing Scripture have to cite it. In other words, “Oh, you are citing Scripture. Therefore, you must accept the authority of Scripture. Is this so?”
 
The trap is now set for them. If they acknowledge the authority of Scripture (which they normally won’t), and if the Christian properly cites Scripture that condemns the actions of these detestable people, then they no longer have an argument in their misciting of Scripture.
 
Care and planning must be made to fend off the unholy attacks by such people. If handled properly, their hypocritical position will be evident, just as when Jesus challenged the leader of His day.
 
Lord God, may we carefully defend against those who mishandle Your word, considering how to rightly challenge them and then demonstrating where their hypocrisy lies. Give us wisdom in this so that we can stand against their ungodly attacks. Amen.
 

Wednesday, 8 July 2026
 
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 Matthew 21:15
 
“Having seen, also, the chief priests and the scribes, the ‘wonderfuls’ that He did, and the boys croaking in the temple, and saying, ‘Hosanna! The ‘Son, David’,’ they outraged.” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, the blind and the lame came to Jesus in the temple, and He healed them. Matthew next records, “Having seen, also, the chief priests and the scribes.”
 
These are the religious leaders at the temple. The chief priests would be the high priest, the leaders of the divisions of the priests, and anyone else considered to be in a leadership position among the priests. Any of these there at the time might be included in the statement. They, along with the scribes, saw “the ‘wonderfuls’ that He did.”
 
It is a new word found only here in Scripture, the adjective thaumasios, something wondrous or wonderful. Being a neuter plural, it is taken substantively as a noun in English. But for a literal rendering, it says “the ‘wonderfuls’”, meaning all of the wonderful things that Jesus had done and was doing.
 
One can almost sense the jealousy running through them as they walked around basking in their superior position within society, and yet unable to accomplish any of these “wonderfuls” that Jesus was accomplishing, one after the other. Along with that, it next says, “and the boys croaking in the temple.”
 
Matthew uses the masculine pais rather than the neuter paidion. Although scholars argue for “children,” the masculine signifies boys. The reason for the use of the masculine may be that Matthew was remembering Jesus in the Court of Israel, the Men’s Court, where women were not permitted.
 
Either way, they were “croaking.” The word krazó, to croak like a raven, is used. It identifies a notable crying out in various contexts, such as fear, desperation, elation, etc. Matthew notes this younger group croaking “and saying, ‘Hosanna! The ‘Son, David’.’”
 
This younger group had gotten caught up in the jubilation of the crowd that had ushered Jesus into Jerusalem. They were openly calling out with the implication that Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah, indicated by their words. Because of this, it says of the leader that “they outraged.”
 
The word was first seen in Matthew 20:24 when the ten apostles were outraged at James and John for presuming to be placed at Jesus’ right and left in His kingdom. The same unhealthy jealousy has filled Israel’s leaders, as Jesus stole the spotlight among the people because of what He was accomplishing.
 
Life application: Jealousy is one of those things that wells up in us, often because of our own inadequacies. We may not be as strong, wealthy, oratorically blessed, handsome, etc., as someone else. Because of this, we may fail to obtain something we desire because of this limitation.
 
In such cases, we covet what they have. If that desire becomes too great, it can lead to any of a host of unacceptable outcomes, including murder. This is just what will happen to Jesus. In the very act supposedly upholding the Law of Moses, the jealousy of Israel’s leaders overtook them.
 
They coveted Jesus’ superior ability to properly treat the masses in various ways, as evidenced by the use of the word “wonderfuls.” This is seen at this same general time by the words of the Pharisees in John 12 –
 
“Therefore the people, who were with Him when He called Lazarus out of his tomb and raised him from the dead, bore witness. 18 For this reason the people also met Him, because they heard that He had done this sign. 19 The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, ‘You see that you are accomplishing nothing. Look, the world has gone after Him!’” John 12:17-19
 
The jealousy in them welled up into coveting what Jesus was obtaining. Because of that, the leaders eventually plotted murder and had Jesus crucified. This is what law does. It causes these things to spring up in us and brings about death –
 
“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.” Romans 7:7-11
 
This doesn’t mean that we won’t covet without law, but that the law is what brings about the knowledge of the matter and the penalty associated with it that would not have come about otherwise. The leaders of Israel didn’t get this. People all over the world, even in churches, still are not getting it. What we need is Jesus to free us from the body of death in which we exist.
 
Despite the leaders’ evil actions leading to Jesus’ death, without that having occurred, we would remain forever separated from God. Thus, despite evil having been the motive behind their actions, the result was what God had purposed for restoring us to Himself.
 
Think of the wisdom and glory of God, who was able to put this marvelous plan of redemption together and have it come about. Thank God for Jesus Christ, who died so that we could be reconciled to God once and forever. Hallelujah to our God.
 
Lord God, thank You for the wisdom and beauty of the good news of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
 

Tuesday, 7 July 2026
 
Then the blind and the lame came to Him in the temple, and He healed them.  Matthew 21:14
 
“And they approached Him, blind and lame, in the temple, and He cured them.” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus said, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’” With that noted, Matthew next says, “And they approached Him, blind and lame, in the temple.”
 
At the end of Chapter 20, as Jesus healed the blind men at Jericho, it said, “And immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed Him.” If they followed Him to Jerusalem, it may be that they were with Him as He entered the temple. If so, it would be obvious to those who were healed that Jesus could heal the blind at the temple as well.
 
Even if those men didn’t follow as far as Jerusalem, others who were there in Jericho and saw what Jesus did would have implored the blind and lame to seek Him out while He was there. With the unholy use of the temple taken care of, a more suitable use for bringing God glory was to be seen in these needy souls. Thus, Matthew notes, “and He cured them.”
 
As seen in earlier commentaries, this was one of the expected roles the Messiah would fulfill –
 
“Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened,And the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.6 Then the lame shall leap like a deer,And the tongue of the dumb sing.” Isaiah 35:5, 6
 
Jesus was sent by His Father on a mission to accomplish all things in the Law and Prophets. He set about completing that mission, and He continued through His last week before the cross.
 
Life application: Take time today to pray for people in your church to want to know God more intimately by wanting to know His word more fully. Those who think they can bypass this fundamental and basic step in knowing Him more personally are not thinking clearly.
 
It is true that we can be deeply in love with God by knowing the simple gospel. Many people lived lives full of love for Him without having a copy of His word, but to know Him intimately, and to understand what He expects of us more fully, there is no substitute for reading and contemplating Scripture.
 
It is truly our lifeline back to Him. Be sure to read it and to pray for others to want to do so as well. The word is what will bring about true change in the hearts and minds of those who have received Jesus.
 
Lord God, thank You for our precious Lord Jesus, who is so meticulously revealed to us in Your wonderful word. May we have the deepest hunger and desire to know You by knowing Him. And we will know Him when we know Your word. Help us to be responsible in this matter. Amen.