BIBLE IN TEN

Matthew 20:29

Wednesday, 17 June 2026
 
Now as they went out of Jericho, a great multitude followed Him. Matthew 20:29
 
“And they, proceeding from Jericho, it followed Him, ‘crowd, great’.” (CG)
 
In the previous verse, Jesus explained that He did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many. The narrative continues, saying, “And they, proceeding from Jericho.”
 
This is the first mention of Hiericho, Jericho, in the New Testament. Depending on the root of the name, it has two possible meanings: Place of Fragrance or Place of the Moon. The account says that they, meaning Jesus and the disciples, were proceeding from Jericho.
 
This has caused a great deal of difficulty based on the words of Luke 18, where it says, “He was coming near Jericho” when the account occurred. This should not be a problem. The accounts can be reconciled by understanding the full picture.
 
Jesus is nearing Jericho (Luke 18:35). A blind man sat by the road begging. As Jesus approached, he heard the multitude. It does not say where he is, just that he heard the multitude as they were passing (meaning him) by (Luke 18:26). He asked what was going on and heard it was Jesus who was coming. He starts to cry out, having no idea where Jesus is, just that He is coming. People tell him to be quiet. It then happens that as Jesus and His disciples are on their way out of Jericho, the multitude followed Him (Matthew 20:29). It is at this time that Jesus will heal the blind. This is why it says in Luke 19:1, “And having entered, He traversed the ‘Jericho’” (CG).
 
The assumption people make from Luke’s account is that the blind were on the entrance side of Jericho. But that is only an assumption. Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. The blind would have heard the commotion from the very beginning of the ruckus as the entire city went out to see Jesus. The perspectives are given by each gospel writer:
 
Luke says He was coming near Jericho.
Mark says they came to Jericho.
Matthew says they were proceeding from Jericho.
 
Luke records the beginning of the encounter as Jesus approached Jericho: the blind man heard the crowd and began crying out. Matthew and Mark record the point at which the healing is associated with Jesus’ departure from Jericho. Whether the cry began on the approach and culminated near the departure, or whether the locality of Jericho is being described from different sides of the city/region, the accounts need not contradict. Luke 19:1 confirms that Jesus entered and passed through Jericho in connection with the same movement, so the event belongs to the whole Jericho passage, not necessarily to a single frozen instant at one gate.
 
When Jesus got to the other side of Jericho as He passed through, He would have come to where the blind man was (while exiting the city), and the two parties would have finally met. It is Luke 19:1 that solves this otherwise difficult and wholly misunderstood situation. Since the beginning, excuses have been made to justify the event. To read some of them, go to the Pulpit Commentary on Matthew 20:29.
 
The problem is that at times, the gospels present information categorically rather than chronologically. However, it is evident throughout the gospels that this is not the case. Unless something is described with a time marker, there is no reason to assume the information is chronological instead of categorical.
 
We tend to assume that everything happened all at once when reading the accounts, but the man is blind. He would not have gotten up and gone to the other side of Jericho. He would have sat and called out, hoping someone would assist him. But the accounts all say otherwise, saying to him that he should be quiet. As such, “he cried out all the more” (Luke 18:39 et al.).
 
To “hear” and to “be present with” are not the same things for a blind person as they are for the seeing. The people would have flocked to Jesus as He entered. The blind would have sat in misery-filled anticipation until Jesus finally exited. Understanding this “supposed” discrepancy, it next says, “it followed Him, ‘crowd, great’.”
 
This would include those who travelled with Jesus, those who met up with Him on His nearing Jericho, and those who were in Jericho who flocked to Him.
 
Life application: There are other supposed contradictions in Jesus’ movements as He traveled from the Galilee to and through Jericho. Some were mentioned in earlier commentaries. There are also supposed contradictions in the account of the healing that will take place. These are not contradictions.
 
However, when coming to the narratives found in Scripture, we have to insert ourselves into the surrounding events. After giving several options to resolve the matter discussed above, options which span nineteen hundred years of scholarly study, the Pulpit Commentary sadly says, “Inspiration extends not to petty circumstances, and the credibility of the gospel depends not on the rectification of such minutiae.”
 
That is a cheap and inexcusable way of handling God’s “inspiration.” If God inspired the word, then there will be a resolution to the matter. God deals in minutiae. He created the universe, and yet a single atom will not be out of place. He set forth His plan of salvation, and not a single saved person will be forgotten by Him. If God weren’t in the details, the whole universe would collapse in on itself.
 
By placing ourselves in the narrative and seeing it (at least in a non-visual way) as the blind saw it, there is no contradiction at all. If Luke 19:1 didn’t exist, the matter would be more difficult to reconcile. Despite this, if Luke 19:1 were not included, we could make our own assumptions, knowing that God had a reason for saying things the way He did.
 
Unfortunately, without having the right information, errors will naturally seem to arise. The NKJV does not say “And” in Luke 19:1. It says, “Then Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.” That would cause a real contradiction. But the Greek kai (and), not tote (then), is used. It is simply a statement of fact that Jesus entered and passed through without regard to time.
 
Commentaries will also muddy the waters. Benson says, “Jesus entered and passed through Jericho — Namely, after performing the miracle recorded at the close of the preceding chapter.” This is an assumption (as noted above) that the account of the events is chronological rather than categorical.
 
The thought Benson presents is that Jesus was entering Jericho, He healed the blind, and then proceeded through Jericho. But taking Matthew, Mark, and Luke together, along with considering Luke 19:1, there is no discrepancy.
 
Regardless of the fumbling of fallible man, God’s word will be vindicated. Be careful not to assume that a commentary (even this one) is correct until you have fully thought through what is being said. If you still cannot come to a resolution on the matter, you can still have faith that God is in the details. All will be made clear someday.
 
If this is true with His word, it is true with you as well. He is there with you as you struggle through life. Trust that it is so. Keep your eyes, heart, and affections on Him. You will be rewarded for your faith on that day when you stand before Him.
 
Lord God, thank You that we possess a sure word about what You are doing to bring us back to Yourself. Thank You that Jesus is in the details, and that we are on the right and proper path back to You. Help us to walk in faith each step of the way. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.
 

Matthew 20:28

Tuesday, 16 June 2026
 
just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many. Matthew 20:28
 
“Just as the ‘Son, the Man’, not He came to be attended to but to attend, and give the ‘soul, His’ – ransom for many.” (CG)
 
In the previous verse, Jesus told the disciples that whoever desires to be first among them should be their slave. With that noted, He next explains why this is to be so in His kingdom, saying, “Just as the ‘Son, the Man’.”
 
Referring to Himself, Jesus highlights His humanity. He is fully human. Thus, His example is one that is understandable and attainable in the stream of human existence by others, even if it is not what is normally expected of greatness or preeminence. In this example He sets forth, He notes that “not He came to be attended to.”
 
This would have been evident to the disciples, even if they didn’t really pay attention to it throughout their days together. People didn’t come to Jesus to serve Him. The disciples followed Him and learned from Him. They also did the things He directed, such as telling Peter to get a fish in which he would find a coin in its mouth, but there is nothing about people coming to Him and serving Him in a designated capacity.
 
There is a note in Luke 8:2, 3 about the women who helped provide for Him from their substance, but that is not so much attending to Him as one would think of a servant or slave, but as helpers assisting the ministry of which He was the leader.
 
Examples such as Martha serving while Mary listened to Jesus cannot be used to dismiss Jesus’ words here. Those were duties people do in their regular lives. Jesus being present was incidental to the fact. In other words, Martha would have served anyone who came into her house in a similar manner.
 
Jesus’ words are referring to a person who actively allowed people to serve Him because they were under Him and designated to do so. And so, to explicitly state that the opposite was true, He continues, saying, “but to attend.”
 
The disciples had seen Jesus tirelessly serving the masses, tending to them, even at His own expense. He didn’t expect people to come to His castle and meet His every need. He was in the thick of the masses of Israel, tending to their needs, both physical and spiritual.
 
In just a short time from His words to these disciples, He would give them a visual, tangible lesson of servitude, which is recorded in John 13:1-17. The Creator and Sustainer of all things would wash their feet, instructing them on what it means to live a life of servitude. And more, Jesus says, “and give the ‘soul, His’ – ransom for many.”
 
A new word is seen, lutron, something to loosen with. As such, it signifies a redemption price, as in one paying a sum to loosen another’s bonds. The word is found only here and in the parallel passage in Mark 10:45. However, it is also used in the Greek translation of the Old Testament over twenty times, including key passages, such as Exodus 21:30, Leviticus 19:20, Proverbs 13:8, and Isaiah 45:13.
 
The word is used to translate specific Hebrew words (such as pidyon, geulah, and kopher) to indicate a redemption price or ransom paid to liberate individuals, such as slaves, captives, or those subject to the death penalty.
 
The meaning of Jesus’ words is clear and unambiguous. Jesus would give His soul, meaning His life, as a ransom payment for others. This, then, would be the ultimate ministration of His life on behalf of those He came to attend to.
 
Life application: As noted above, Jesus was among the people of Israel, actively serving them with His life, and yet, the disciples probably never stopped to think, “Jesus is spending all His time serving others.”
 
They would have heard the teaching and thought, “He sure is a great Teacher.” They would have seen the miracles and thought, “He has the most incredible healing abilities.” But they probably didn’t put two and two together to conclude, “Jesus is the most stupendous Servant we have ever seen.”
 
And yet, this is exactly what He was doing. The teaching, healing, counseling, and training were all forms of service which permeated His existence. As Christians, we can get so myopic about things that we miss the greater picture of what is going on in the world around us.
 
Some focus so heavily on Israel that they miss what God is doing in the church. Some focus so heavily on the church that they miss what God is doing in regard to Israel. We might focus so much on helping that we never take time to teach personal responsibility. We might focus so much on doctrine that we forget about evangelizing.
 
This doesn’t mean that we don’t each have our own specialty that we can excel at. But we should not become so focused on our specialty that we forget that others are doing great things that are not necessarily directly related to what we are doing.
 
A church that teaches sound doctrine may not have a lot of converts, but a church with very basic doctrine may get multitudes saved. One is not better than the other. Rather, they have different abilities and capabilities that should be considered.
 
It is great to have converts. People’s eternal destinies are changed by that. But it is also great that people don’t just get converted and then stagnate. There needs to be proper doctrine taught that will keep people from being led astray.
 
Let us not get bogged down in our own little circle where we forget that God is doing a great work of building His church with an almost innumerable number of specialties, all of which overlap and are intended to bring His purposes together into a perfect body someday.
 
Lord God, may we be ready to recognize the value of what others are doing, seeing the importance and effect of their efforts, and acknowledging them as such. It took the disciples of Jesus quite a while to figure out what He was doing. May we be willing to carefully evaluate all You have going on in order to build Your people into an everlasting dwelling. Amen.

Matthew 20:27

Monday, 15 June 2026
 
And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave— Matthew 20:27
 
“And whoever, if he wills in you to be first, let him be your slave.” (CG)
 
In the previous verse, Jesus told the disciples that whoever desires to be great among them should be their attendant. In that He contrasted megas, great, with diakonos, attendant (a deacon). The word diakonos is likely derived from two words signifying through and dust. One other supposed root would make it through, and to run (such as errands).
 
Either way, the one who is great is to be the one who either scurries through the dust, getting dirty helping others, or he is to be running errands for others. Jesus now continues the contrast, saying, “And whoever, if he wills in you to be first.”
 
In this, Jesus uses the word prótos. It means first in time, place, order of importance, etc. It speaks of the position of preeminence. If someone desires to be preeminent in God’s eyes among those he associates with, Jesus says, “let him be your slave.”
 
The word is doulos, a slave. It is derived from deó, to bind. One can see the idea of a person being bound in some manner, and thus in subjection to another. He may be bound with shackles or with something as simple as an understanding that he is another’s property, but he is bound and without any inherent rights within the relationship.
 
Jesus has turned the idea of what greatness and being preeminent are upside down. With these points set forth, the disciples were probably thoroughly confused at what He was trying to tell them. In the next verse, He will explain why these things are the way they are. However, even until the time leading up to His cross, they will not truly understand what He is talking about.
 
After that event and the subsequent resurrection, the mental tumblers will begin to click.
 
Life application: Greatness has many forms, and it is perceived differently by various people. Suppose someone has a lot of money and is being driven somewhere very important in a limousine.
 
The car hits a major pothole and receives significant damage. The driver cannot fix it, communications are down, and the weather is horrifying. The meeting will not take place, money will be lost, the competition will gain the advantage, and calamity may be the result.
 
Along comes an old farmer in his beat-up old pickup. He just left Bible study where they looked over Matthew 20. He sees there is trouble, pulls over, and gets out in the terrible weather. It is so bad that rolling down the window to explain the situation practically floods the limo. The farmer walks around, looks things over, and gives a thumbs-up that he can take care of it.
 
For the next forty minutes, he lies in the mud, fixing the car, smacking his knuckles, cutting his hand, and missing mom’s home-cooked dinner while rectifying the situation. He never said, “I’ll do it for this much.” He just got to work and fixed it.
 
Once the job was done and he was certain the car would make it, he explained what the problem was, told them what to do as soon as they could for a permanent, reliable fix, bid them good night, handed them a tract (a bit wet, bloody, and muddy), and headed back to his truck without saying another word.
 
Who is the greatest in this encounter? The businessman will make it just on time if the patch holds. He will secure a big deal, and life will continue to be cushy. The farmer gets home, apologizes for being late, soaked, and covered in mud. His wife tends to his wounds. She never asks what happened and he never explains. It’s just another day in his wonderful, simple life. Who is the greatest in this encounter?
 
Someone has to drive a limo while the man does his business. Someone has to get the gas out of the ground for a car to run. Someone has to provide the electrical skills to get the motors to run the lights. Someone needs to cook dinner.
 
What is greatness? Think about it from Jesus’ perspective.
 
Lord God, help us to have hearts filled with faith in You. When this is the case, whatever our job is will be one of joyful service, considering others, and desiring to bring glory to You. May it be so in our lives. Amen.
 

Matthew 20:26

Sunday, 14 June 2026
 
Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. Matthew 20:26
 
“Not thus, also, it will be in you, but whoever if he wills in you to ‘great, become’, let him be your attendant.” (CG)
 
In the previous verse, Jesus noted that the rulers of the nations subjugate their people and the “greats” dominate them. Despite that being the normal way of the world, He continues, “Not thus, also, it will be in you.”
 
The paradigm in Christ’s kingdom will not be in accord with that of the nations, which is one of authority ruling with power and pressure. Without even hearing His words, we can go back to the beginning and see what it was like in Eden.
 
Though little is recorded, and what was said may have been left unrecorded, it can be seen that the Lord gave great freedom to the man. There was a law, but it was at the extreme end of anything considered oppressive.
 
He was allowed the freedom to eat anything he wanted, with one exception. And more, the one exception was made with freedom of choice as to whether he would eat it or not. He was, however, given the warning of negative consequences if he did. There was no hint of subjugation or domination.
 
In Christ’s coming, the same was true. Jesus was their leader. Even if they didn’t know His nature at the time, they knew He was sent from God. And they were given the choice of continuing to follow Him or not –
 
“From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. 67 Then Jesus said to the twelve, ‘Do you also want to go away?’68 But Simon Peter answered Him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’”
 
Knowing these things already, Jesus begins to define what kingdom greatness is like, saying, “but whoever if he wills in you to ‘great, become’, let him be your attendant.”
 
Rather than being forced, greatness is based on the will of the person, meaning free will desires for pleasing the ruler. But in order to please Him, in His eyes, it is for the one seeking that position to be an attendant to others.
 
The idea of “self” that is found in the nation’s rulers is turned upside down. Rather, Jesus desires selflessness. Instead of demanding service, voluntary servitude is seen.
 
Life application: In the United States, the same attitude that is found in Jesus’ words is laid out for those in positions of power in the same verbiage that is seen in Jesus’ words. People who work for the governing body are said to enter “public service.”
 
The words form an ideal that is sadly lacking in the hearts and minds of most government officials today. Instead of the government serving the people, it engages in ruling tyrannically over them. This is especially so on the left side of the aisle.
 
Those in the democrat party (which has essentially become socialist, leaning toward communist) want total governmental control over all aspects of life. This model, failed as it is, has seen the extermination of hundreds of millions of people around the world. It is an ideology of total subjugation and dogged domination.
 
Those at the top are not “servants” of the public, but power-seeking executioners, waiting with bated breath for anyone to reverence God, demonstrate a desire for personal freedom, or uphold biblical morality. When this is seen, they are pursued as if they are terrorists.
 
The struggle is real, and at some point, the people will relinquish their heritage, and the American experiment will end. People cannot seem to live in a society without desiring control, even to the point of bondage.
 
Jesus’ kingdom will never allow such an attitude. The Head of the kingdom gave up everything to come in the form of a bondservant to redeem His people. He will, therefore, ensure that the idea of “public service” is upheld in an eternal manner.
 
The shackles of this fallen world will be forever removed. Hallelujah for Jesus. He has made possible that which man cannot fully attain. All praises to our God.
 
Lord God, it is very hard not to want to have authority and rule in some fashion or another. We feel that “our way is the right way,” often to the point where we want to impose it on others. But Lord, what is revealed in Your word is truly the right way. May we be willing to follow that path at all times. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.

Matthew 20:25

Saturday, 13 June 2026
 
But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Matthew 20:25
 
“The ‘also Jesus having summoned them’, He said, ‘You have known that the ‘rulers, the nations’ they subjugate them, and the greats, they dominate them.’” (CG)
 
In the previous verse, it said that when the ten heard what was requested by James and John, the other ten were displeased with them. In response to this tiff, Matthew records, “The ‘also Jesus having summoned them’.”
 
He called all of them toward Himself. This wasn’t just an inappropriate request that needed to be corrected. Rather, the attitude of the ten was not right as well. They were upset that James and John had tried to get an early start on what one of them might have been entitled to. Thus, pride in position filled them all. Therefore, “He said, ‘You have known that the ‘rulers, the nations’ they subjugate them.’”
 
A new word is seen here, katakurieuo, to lord against. Hence, it signifies control, subjugation, and the exercising of dominion over others. It is a stern word, the intent of which is seen in Acts 19:16 –
 
“Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered [katakurieuo] them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.”
 
Of this clause, the majority of versions translate the word ethnos as “Gentiles.” As if there is a distinction between Israel and the surrounding nations. This is incorrect. Israel is one of the nations of the world, and it was ruled by those who subjugated it. This was true from the first king onward.
 
It was something these disciples would be keenly aware of as they followed Jesus, knowing that Herod had already had John the Immerser beheaded. John pointed the way to Jesus, so they would be on their guard concerning their own situation.
 
The people of Israel were even warned by the Lord, right from the mouth of Samuel in 1 Samuel 8:10-17, what treatment they could expect from a king. Along with that, Jesus continues, saying, “and the greats, they dominate them.”
 
Another new word is seen, katexousiazó, to have (wield) full privilege over. It will only be seen again in the parallel passage found in Mark 10:42. This is something the people of Israel were keenly aware of in their own society. The “greats” included the Herodians, Scribes, Pharisees, and Sadducees.
 
They wielded authority over the people without a care about their value, something testified to in the gospels. Jesus will speak of this later in Matthew –
 
“The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. 3 Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do. 4 For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.” Matthew 23:2-4
 
Life application: The Pulpit Commentary, in line with other commentaries, says the following concerning this verse –
 
“Exercise dominion over them; i.e. over the Gentiles. Κατακυριεύουσιν [katakurieuousin], lord it over - significant of an absolute and oppressive domination. Exercise authority upon them; i.e. over the Gentiles (κατεξουσιάξουσιν) [katexousiaxousin]; use authority harshly and severely. The heathen, when they are raised to pre-eminence, employ their power cruelly and in order to gain their own ends and purposes, and aspire to superiority only with such objects in view.”
 
There is a problem when evaluating the Scripture from an Israeli/Gentile view, something that happens throughout biblical commentaries. Israel was a nation filled with power-hungry, sinful people. At times, the Bible uses the Hebrew term goy (Gentile/nation) to describe them –
 
“Alas, sinful nation [goy],A people laden with iniquity,A brood of evildoers,Children who are corrupters!They have forsaken the Lord,They have provoked to angerThe Holy One of Israel,They have turned away backward.” Isaiah 1:4
 
The only thing that makes Israel holy is the Lord. Without the Lord’s sanctifying them, they are no better than the other nations. In the church, the only thing that makes us holy is Jesus. When we are sanctified by the blood of Christ, we are set apart as holy. However, we can, like Israel, be filled with sinful thoughts, words, and deeds.
 
Thus, our position of holiness is something we should strive to live out. But in our attempts at doing so, we need to realize that even under the very best conditions (in regard to our conduct), we will always fall short of the true holiness of God.
 
Let us be careful not to elevate Israel as a people, or ourselves as the church, to a status that doesn’t actually exist. This is the reason the instructions for the Lord’s Supper are given –
 
“Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.” 1 Corinthians 11:27-29
 
Let us remember our lowly state before God. There is no merit on our part because we are His people. Our relationship with Him is one of God’s infinite grace, having been poured out on us.
 
Lord God, may our lives be an acceptable offering to You. Our lives are often filled with sinful desires, bad thoughts towards others, enmity, strife, greed, and so on. We may not have all of these, but each of us is driven by some at one point or another. Thank You for Your grace that has accepted us as we are. Help us to live lives worthy of that calling. Amen.

Matthew 20:24

Friday, 12 June 2026
 
And when the ten heard it, they were greatly displeased with the two brothers. Matthew 20:24
 
“And having heard, the ten, they outraged about the two brothers.” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus informed the sons of Zebedee that they would indeed drink His cup and be baptized with His baptism. However, He informed them that to sit at His right and left was not His to give, but for those prepared by His Father. With those words complete, it next says, “And having heard, the ten.”
 
This means the other ten apostles who had been called aside in verse 17, and who would have included Matthew, the one writing about what occurred. Of them, it says, “they outraged about the two brothers.”
 
A new word is seen, aganakteó, to be greatly indignant. It is only seen seven times, all in the synoptic gospels. One can see them missing the point of Jesus’ words and being upset that James and John asked for this honorable seating at their expense.
 
Apparently, they all had the same aspiration and didn’t like that these two stepped forward, bringing their mother to sweeten the deal. Each of them was thinking about an earthly royal court with earthly rewards and honors. They hungrily desired to obtain special rank and privilege in such a setting.
 
Whether they still had this ambition at the time of the ascension, they certainly still had the notion of an earthly kingdom on their mind at that time –
 
“Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, ‘Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?’ 7 And He said to them, ‘It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. 8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.’” Acts 1:6-8
 
It is clear that throughout all of Jesus’ ministry, they continued to misunderstand what God was doing in redemptive history. That continued in Acts as they struggled with the issue of Gentiles, law observance, etc.
 
Jesus had purposefully withheld much so that they could learn to simply trust His unfolding plan. The directive hand of God would effectively bring about what He purposed as they, along with us, have watched it unfold.
 
Life application: Nothing has changed in the hearts of many believers as they strive to find power and position within churches. People stand ready to curry the pastor’s favor, willing to cut others apart with their tongues in an attempt to be heightened in the eyes of those in charge.
 
An example from right at the beginning concerning such personal dysfunction is found in 3 John –
 
“I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, does not receive us. 10 Therefore, if I come, I will call to mind his deeds which he does, prating against us with malicious words. And not content with that, he himself does not receive the brethren, and forbids those who wish to, putting them out of the church.” 3 John 1:9, 10
 
It’s hard to understand how a person who was nothing but a johnny come lately would not receive a person who had been with Jesus throughout His ministry. But his name is recorded in Scripture, letting us know that such people exist. It is a sure indication that more like him are to be expected in the years to come.
 
Churches are filled with them. Imagine the backstabbing and corruption in larger denominations like Roman Catholicism. Power struggles that should not exist fill them because the focus is on self, not the furtherance of Christ’s gospel and instruction in His word.
 
Let us consider these things and do our utmost to be people willing to serve, considering that Jesus set the example from the beginning. It is what Paul implores us to reflect on in Philippians 2:1-11. Take time to read that today.
 
Lord God, may we carefully consider our situation in the world, knowing that we are just temporary vessels to be used for a short span of time to further the knowledge of You in a world that desperately needs to hear it. May our hearts be humble, and may our feet be ready to share the good news every chance we get. Amen.
 

Matthew 20:23

Thursday, 11 June 2026
 
So He said to them, “You will indeed drink My cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with; but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared by My Father.” Matthew 20:23
 
“And He says to them, ‘The ‘indeed, ‘cup, Mine’,’ you will drink, and the immersion, the ‘I, I am immersed’ you will be immersed. The, also, to sit from ‘rights, Me’, and from ‘lefts, Me’, not it is Mine – these to give, but those it has been prepared under the ‘Father, Mine’.’” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus told the sons of Zebedee that they didn’t realize what they were asking. He asked them if they could drink the cup He was to drink from and to be immersed with the immersion that He was to be immersed with. They boldly claimed that they were able. In response to that, it next says, “And He says to them, ‘The ‘indeed, ‘cup, Mine’,’ you will drink.’”
 
Jesus’ cup refers to His coming passion. His words do not mean that they would suffer vicariously for others, something Jesus alone could do. Rather, as the Head of the church, those who follow Him will enter into His suffering simply by being His follower. The level at which that occurs for these two is not addressed. Jesus merely states it as a fact.
 
Acts 12:2 reveals that James was killed with the sword by Herod. John’s suffering began at the cross as he watched Jesus die. From that time on, his life was wholly sold out to whatever trials or persecutions came his way. Thus, he was a living martyr, a living witness to the sufferings of Christ throughout his years. Toward the end of them, he wrote to the church –
 
“I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.” Revelation 1:9
 
There is a tradition that he survived being boiled in oil, but there is nothing to substantiate that beyond the tradition itself. Regardless, his life was long and was given over to the call of Christ. Jesus continues, saying, “and the immersion, the ‘I, I am immersed’ you will be immersed.”
 
As noted in the previous verse, Jesus’ immersion was His death on the cross. He died for the sins of the world. This is not what James and John would do, nor could they. However, they were immersed with Christ’s immersion, something all believers participate in when they come to Christ –
 
“In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, 12 buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.” Colossians 2:11, 12
 
Christ died for sin, while believers die to sin in Christ. Thus, we are immersed into His immersion. This is referring to what occurs when one receives Jesus, not an outward display of water baptism. Water baptism is a command given by Jesus as an identifying sign of the inner change that has taken place. Jesus continues, saying, “The, also, to sit from ‘rights, Me’, and from ‘lefts, Me’, not it is Mine – these to give.”
 
At first, this seems contradictory to Revelation 3:21 –
 
“To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.”
 
Jesus has full authority to grant to those who come to Him their place in His kingdom. This would include the position to His left and right, but there is an order and a propriety in all things, including the process of granting such a position. Therefore, Jesus continues, saying, “but those it has been prepared under the ‘Father, Mine’.”
 
The words “under the ‘Father, Mine’” mean “under His authority or direction.” Jesus could not grant what He had not yet received. The Father ordained that Jesus was to be born under the law, live without sinning under the law, and die in fulfillment of the law. For Him to say that He would grant these positions before His work was done would be improper.
 
This is reflected in the opening words of Romans –
 
“Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God 2 which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures, 3 concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, 4 and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.” Romans 1:1-4
 
As noted, there is an order to all things. Jesus had to follow what was prescribed by the Father, fulfilling His will before He could make such a determination as to who would sit in such a position. Thus, they are positions that are, as He said, “prepared under the ‘Father, Mine’.”
 
Life application: The cup of Jesus’ suffering is one that those who follow Him will participate in. The manner in which it takes place will be different for all. Paul speaks of this in 2 Corinthians –
 
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. 6 Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. 7 And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-7
 
The fact that we have accepted Jesus means that we have partaken of the cup of Jesus’ suffering. Any suffering beyond that will be based on our interactions within the world as followers of Christ. If someone were to move to a country where evangelism is forbidden and started evangelizing, he may be fined, imprisoned, or executed.
 
The choice to go to that country was voluntary. He could have stayed in his hometown and been a plumber. As a plumber, someone might say, “I will never hire that guy. He has a Jesus bumper sticker.” That suffering was also voluntary. He did not need to put the sticker on his car.
 
The level and type of suffering we will receive beyond participating in Jesus’ suffering through faith in His completed work may be up to us, or it may be a result of our environment. The Christians in Nigeria will certainly agree to that. They are slaughtered by the thousands because of the name of Jesus.
 
Therefore, what occurs to any of us in our Christian walk will result from both personal choices as well as individual circumstances that are often beyond our control. No matter what, we should not fear in our walk in this world. We are His, and He will deliver us from this body of death to eternal life with Him.
 
Lord God, help us to have an eternal perspective in regard to our walk with You. Whatever happens here is temporary and will come to an end. But what lies ahead is eternal. May we not squander this short life we possess when it could be used for Your glory, each step of the way. Amen.

Matthew 20:22

Wednesday, 10 June 2026
 
But Jesus answered and said, “You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?”They said to Him, “We are able.” Matthew 20:22
 
“Answering, also, Jesus, He said, ‘Not you have known what you ask! Are you able to drink the cup, the ‘I, I am about to drink,’ or the immersion, the ‘I, I am immersed’ to be immersed?’They say to Him, ‘We are able.’” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, the mother of Zebedee’s sons asked Jesus to grant that her two sons could sit on His right and left sides in His kingdom. In response, Matthew records, “Answering, also, Jesus, He said, ‘Not you have known what you ask!’”
 
As noted in the previous verse, a question like this can cause real problems for the one being asked. His mind will have to consider every contingency that may arise in the future, something such a spur-of-the-moment question will not normally allow.
 
Because of this, a tension arises between granting and not granting the request. In the case of Jesus, no such tension would arise. He would know and understand all future possibilities, including the negatives such a question would entail.
 
In this case, one of the immediate negatives is that the asker, not the one being asked, really has no idea what they (the verb is plural) are truly asking for. In the case of this question, Ellicott correctly states, “That nearness to Him in His glory could be obtained only by an equal nearness in suffering.”
 
It isn’t that they counted such a cost. Rather, they have no idea about such a cost. They think Jesus will be hailed by the people as the Messiah and Israel’s King, but there is not an inkling in their mind what He will go through for that to come about.
 
As this is so, these two men have actually put themselves ahead of Jesus. They are asking for a position in Jesus’ kingdom before He has gone through what is necessary to obtain that kingdom. It is true that their request is conditional on His securing the kingdom, but because of their ignorance of what that involves, it’s like saying, “Whatever happens that causes You to be king, we want to be there on seats with You when it is over.”
 
This is a natural human way of looking at things, and it is just what Jonathan did with David when he was set to become the king –
 
“And he said to him, ‘Do not fear, for the hand of Saul my father shall not find you. You shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you. Even my father Saul knows that.’” 1 Samuel 23:17
 
Jonathan assumed that the future was set by his words, but God’s plans and purposes must come to pass according to His will. Jesus, knowing what lies ahead in His ministry, hints that it will not be what these two men think, asking, “Are you able to drink the cup, the ‘I, I am about to drink’?”
 
The cup signifies one’s lot, good and bad. When one drinks from a cup of sweetness, the sweetness becomes a part of that person, invigorating him. When he drinks hemlock, it becomes a part of him, destroying his life. Jesus had come to deal with sin in humanity. Such a cup would mean God’s wrath on sin would be poured out. Israel sinned, and they received God’s cup of wrath –
 
“Awake, awake!Stand up, O Jerusalem,You who have drunk at the hand of the LordThe cup of His fury;You have drunk the dregs of the cup of trembling,And drained it out.” Isaiah 51:17
 
Jesus’ cup would be sufficient to deal with all of the sins of humanity. Thus, it would be a terrifying cup of wrath and judgment. He continues, asking, “or the immersion, the ‘I, I am immersed’ to be immersed?”
 
Immersion signifies a change in direction and even in nature. John’s immersion was one of repentance, turning from sin and returning to the way of the Lord. Jesus’ immersion is found in the cross. It is the instrument of His immersion, going from life with God in Christ to immersion in death and separation from God for man’s sin.
 
These together, the cup and the immersion, were what Jesus was destined for. And they were not for His sake but for the world. Despite this, and having no clue what this meant, the brothers chimed in with words of confidence. Matthew records, “They say to Him, ‘We are able.’”
 
It is a noble and confident affirmation lacking any comprehension of what lay ahead for Jesus.
 
Life application: Imagine what God in Christ was willing to do to restore us to Himself. He was under no obligation to suffer the indignation, torture, and humility of the cross in order to restore us to Him. And yet, He willingly did it.
 
What value does God see in us? It is hard to figure but it is there. His infinite goodness meant setting aside His glory and taking on a frail, human form. And His humanity went through all the struggles and trials humans face. And then it went through more when He was judged for our sins.
 
If you feel you are lacking value, look to the cross of Christ. You have infinite value in God’s eyes when you accept the gospel and follow Jesus in faith.
 
Lord God, it is beyond our comprehension when we try to consider what the cross of Jesus truly signifies. It is the highest point of our existence when we to look and accept what it means. Everything changes from that moment on. Thank You, O God, for Jesus Christ our Lord. Thank You. Amen.
 

Matthew 20:21

Tuesday, 9 June 2026
 
And He said to her, “What do you wish?”She said to Him, “Grant that these two sons of mine may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on the left, in Your kingdom.” Matthew 20:21
 
“The ‘Also He said’ to her, ‘What do you desire?’ She says to Him, ‘You said that they might sit, these, the ‘two sons of mine,’ one from ‘rights, You’, and one from ‘lefts, You’, in the ‘kingdom, Yours’.” (CG)
 
In the previous verse, the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons, kneeling before Him and asking a petition from Him. Matthew continues with, “The ‘Also He said’ to her, ‘What do you desire?’”
 
When put in a position like this, all a person can do is wait for whatever is coming. It is reminiscent of what occurred between the Lord and Abraham –
 
“Then the men turned away from there and went toward Sodom, but Abraham still stood before the Lord. 23 And Abraham came near and said, ‘Would You also destroy the righteous with the wicked?’” Genesis 18:22, 23
 
Human beings have emotions and desires, wants and needs, and hopes and aspirations. Laying them before the Lord is one of the most common things we do. Jesus sees that what is being requested is obviously of great importance to them. With his question asked, “She says to Him, ‘You spoke.’”
 
The words mean she is asking for an authoritative statement to be made, essentially a declaration. Her request is “that they might sit, these, the ‘two sons of mine,’...”
 
She is asking for a decree to be made concerning her two sons. To sit in this case is not yet defined, but it means to hold a position. Israel “sat” in Egypt, the king “sits” on his throne, etc. A position is being requested. If it is made, it is something that will stand. People do this to other people, and it quite often puts them in a difficult position.
 
The reason for this is that a lifetime of contingencies may lie ahead that cannot be known at the time. Thus, when such a request is made, it can really put a person on the spot. As for the specific request, it is that “one from ‘rights, You’, and one from ‘lefts, You’.”
 
The plural, rights and lefts, is a way of expressing the totality of one’s side. This is common in Hebrew as well. But it is not unknown in English. We may say, “I am boxed in by my surroundings.” Such plural use gives a fuller sense than would be carried with a singular.
 
In this case, she is asking for her sons to sit in the fullness of Jesus right hand and left hand. The right hand is the preeminent position of honor, power, and authority. To be one’s “right-hand man” means he has full authority to exercise the superior’s will, just as Joseph had full authority over Pharaoh’s house. 
 
At that time, Pharaoh said, “...only in regard to the throne will I be greater than you.” The left side is one step down in prominence. If the one on the right cannot fulfill his duty, the one on the left would assume it.  As for this place of authority, she is asking for, it is “in the ‘kingdom, Yours’.” 
 
Jesus had said they were going to Jerusalem. He had made a statement that they did not understand, but it appeared the promised earthly kingdom was at hand, something that the nation fully expected when they hailed Him on Palm Sunday –
 
“Then those who went before and those who followed cried out, saying:‘Hosanna!Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!10 Blessed is the kingdom of our father DavidThat comes in the name of the Lord!Hosanna in the highest!’” Mark 11:9, 10
 
Because of the nearness of what was anticipated, she has come forward now, seizing the moment in anticipation of her sons being Jesus’ chief men when that day arrived.
 
Life application: The sons of Zebedee have already been called “Sons of Thunder” by Jesus, as recorded in Mark 3:17. They had been a part of Jesus’ inner circle, having been invited to events that only they and Peter were privy to, such as the transfiguration and the raising of Jairus’ daughter.
 
It is evident from John’s gospel that Jesus had a special spot in His heart for John, even allowing him to sit next to Him at the Last Supper. Peter was impulsive and was openly rebuked by Jesus in Matthew 16. Thus, these two seemed like a logical choice to be Jesus’ chief men.
 
Though it may seem presumptuous to us, they probably felt that they had a right to their request already and wanted it solidified with their mother’s appeal.
 
In the end, they will get two distinct places of honor from Jesus. James will be the first apostle to die, while John will be the last. As such, they were granted special honor by Jesus in one way, even if it was not what they expected as they stood with their mother before Jesus.
 
Lord God, thank You for hearing our pleas, misguided as they may be. You know when to grant our requests and when they are inappropriate. Our hearts are opened to You, and we often are overzealous in what we desire. Thank You that You know what is best for us and respond according to Your wisdom. Amen.
 

Matthew 20:20

Tuesday, 8 June 2026
 
Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Him with her sons, kneeling down and asking something from Him. Matthew 20:20
 
“Then she approached Him, the mother – the ‘sons, Zebedee’, with the ‘sons, hers’, worshipping and asking something from Him.” (CG)
 
In the previous verse, Jesus told the twelve about His coming passion and the resurrection that will occur on the third day. Matthew next records, “Then she approached Him, the mother – the ‘sons, Zebedee’.”
 
This would be Salome, as can be determined from two separate sets of verses –
 
“And many women who followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to Him, were there looking on from afar, 56 among whom were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee’s sons.” Matthew 27:55, 56
 
“There were also women looking on from afar, among whom were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the Less and of Joses, and Salome, 41 who also followed Him and ministered to Him when He was in Galilee, and many other women who came up with Him to Jerusalem.” Mark 15:40, 41
 
Some also place her as the sister of Mary, the mother of Jesus –
 
“Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.” John 19:10
 
This is possible, but Mark’s “many other women” means that it must remain speculation. Next, Matthew records that she came “with the ‘sons, hers’.” These are specified elsewhere, such as in Mark’s record of this event, as James and John –
 
“Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Him, saying, ‘Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask.’” Mark 10:35
 
It is apparent that the request of James and John (as cited in Mark 10) is mingled with the actions of their mother. Whether they or she initially instigated the event, they were all aware of it and probably figured that Jesus would incline towards their appeal if it was made through their mother. Whatever the case, she came “worshipping.”
 
The word proskuneó, which has been seen ten times already, is used. It is a derivative of pro, to or toward, and either kuón, dog, or kyneo, to kiss. Either way, the sense is understood. It is like a dog that comes to the feet of a master or kissing the feet of a superior.
 
Thus, it implies a sense of worship. In conjunction with her humble prostration, it says, “and asking something from Him.”
 
Unitedly, they have a petition from Jesus. One can tell by the mother’s inclusion that is something beyond a regular request.
 
Life application: Of this event, Cambridge, who was obviously there at the time of Jesus, making a video of the event, says –
 
“St Mark begins ‘And James and John the sons of Zebedee came unto him, saying, &c.’ For once St Matthew is more graphic and true to detail than St Mark.”
 
I mean, how else could they state this unless they were on the same “See the Messiah” tour? The utterly ridiculous nature of their comment is indicative of some arrogant buffoon who has decided what must be true and what must be a fabrication in God’s word.
 
Without ever considering that the two accounts could easily be melded together into one scene, they have derided the word of God and claimed that one account is “superior” to the other. To say “more...true to detail” means that the other account is less true to detail.
 
Rather than such an arrogant and dismissive comment, John Gill handles the variance between the two with logic –
 
“These two disciples, having observed what Christ had said concerning the twelve disciples sitting on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel, and what he had just related, concerning his rising again the third day, which they might understand of some display of his glory; and concluding from all this, that the setting up of his temporal monarchy was at hand, inform their mother of it, and move to her, to use her interest with Christ, in their favour: and which they did, partly to shun the envy and ill will of the rest of the disciples; and partly, to conceal their own pride and vanity; as also, they might think a request from her, on their behalf, would be more easily granted: accordingly, she agreeing to the motion, they all three came, as Matthew relates, and the mother is the mouth, and speaks for her sons; so that they may be said to make such a request by her, she representing them; or they joined in the petition with her; or as soon as she had made it, they seconded it, and made it their own.”
 
Be humble with God’s word. Don’t be arrogant or a know-it-all. Someday, you will have to stand before its Author and give an account concerning how you treated it.
 
Lord God, help us to remember to always handle Your word with respect and care. May we never diminish its sacred contents. You are God. Help us to accept Your word as trustworthy and reliable, seeking to understand the difficult parts with humility. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.
 

Matthew 20:19

Sunday, 7 June 2026
 
and deliver Him to the Gentiles to mock and to scourge and to crucify. And the third day He will rise again.”  Matthew 20:19
 
“and they will surrender Him to the Gentiles unto the ‘mock, and flog, and crucify’, and the third day, He will rise up.” (CG)
 
In the previous verse, Jesus reminded His twelve that in going up to Jerusalem, He would be betrayed to the chief priests and scribes who would condemn Him to death. He finishes this thought, saying, “and they will surrender Him to the Gentiles.”
 
Despite the chief priests and scribes condemning Jesus to death, they did not have the authority to crucify Him. As such, the gospels bear out that they went to the Gentiles to have the sentence against Jesus executed. Once in Gentile hands, however, there was more that would be expected. He was delivered “unto the ‘mock, and flog, and crucify’.”
 
For the first time, Jesus specifically notes the means by which He would be killed. It is a new word, stauroó, to impale. But that must be understood not as being pierced through the entire body, but through parts of the body, being affixed to something, such as a cross, pole, wall, etc.
 
In the case of Jesus’ coming crucifixion, there is a debate whether the cross He bore was only the lintel, which was then affixed to a standing tree or pole, or if He bore the entire cross.
 
One theory, clearly refuted by verses in the gospels, is that Jesus was affixed to a single stake. In such a case, His hands would be pierced above His head with His body hanging below them. However, Matthew 27:37 says that the accusation against Him was put above His head. Therefore, that is not how He was crucified. As for His death, which is certain when one is crucified by the Romans, Jesus says, “and the third day, He will rise up.”
 
This is stated in all three synoptic gospels. Jesus would rise on, not after, the third day. It is confirmed in Acts and the epistles as well. It is an important point that many miss, instead assuming that it was three days and then Jesus arose at the start of the fourth day.
 
Life application: Of Jesus’ words, it says in Luke –
 
“But they understood none of these things; this saying was hidden from them, and they did not know the things which were spoken.” Luke 18:33
 
Mark adds in another thought, saying, “But they did not understand this saying, and were afraid to ask Him” (Mark 9:32).
 
Jesus spoke the word concerning His passion directly to the men. He told them exactly what would happen. And yet they didn’t understand, and they were afraid to ask. If you have read the Bible a few times, you begin to realize there are things you just don’t understand.
 
This usually isn’t the case the first few reads through because most people cannot process all that is being thrown at them. Like hearing a song on the radio or learning a new language, it takes a bit of repetition to begin to understand the lyrics of the song or the variation of the words in a language.
 
The same is true with reading the Bible. After a few times through, distinctions in various accounts begin to show up. If this is the word of God, it is telling us something that is true, just like Jesus’ words to the apostles. And yet, we struggle with what is said.
 
Instead of feeling foolish and not asking, and instead of not wanting to bother God, as if He is too busy with other things, He is pleased with our wanting to know what His word is saying. And so, it should be natural to us to call out, “Lord, I don’t understand what is going on here. Show me what you are telling us in Your word.”
 
If you do this, you will often find that very soon after, you will read a commentary, hear someone talking about, or get led to another part of the Bible that exactingly explains what you were wanting to know. God is there, waiting for you to talk to Him. That is called “prayer.”
 
Prayer doesn’t need to be on your knees with your eyes closed and your hands clasped. It is communication between you and God in whatever manner establishes the link. From there, a sense of fellowship is established, and He gladly responds to your petition. That is, of course, if you are in Christ. If you are not, no reply should be expected.
 
But if you are in Christ, you are God’s child through adoption. Your heavenly Father is waiting for you to talk to Him. So open thy mouth, and speak. He will not be bothered at all.
 
Lord God, Your word is big and difficult for us to grasp when we first start into it. It continues to be that way as we dig deeper. But You gave it to us. And so, coming to You is the appropriate way to have it revealed to us. Help us to remember this and to seek Your face when we come to things we do not understand. Open our eyes, O God, to see wonderful things in Your word. Amen.
 

Matthew 20:18

Saturday, 6 June 2026
 
“Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death, Matthew 20:18
 
“You behold! We ascend to Jerusalem, and the ‘Son, the Man’, He will be surrendered to the chief priests and scribes, and they will sentence Him – death.” (CG)
 
In the previous verse, it said Jesus was going up to Jerusalem. Taking His twelve disciples aside, He readied to speak to them, saying, “You behold! We ascend to Jerusalem.”
 
It is a fact they were aware of. Thus, the meaning is, “Something should be expected when we ascend to Jerusalem.” With that in mind, He continues, saying, “and the ‘Son, the Man’, He will be surrendered.”
 
This is the third time Jesus has spoken of this event. It is why He specifically said, “We ascend to Jerusalem.” What He referred to in the past will now be realized –
 
“From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day.” Matthew 16:21
 
“Now while they were staying in Galilee, Jesus said to them, ‘The Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men, 23 and they will kill Him, and the third day He will be raised up.’ And they were exceedingly sorrowful.” Matthew 17:22, 23
 
The first time He spoke of this was just after Peter’s words, acknowledging that Jesus is the Messiah. The second time was shortly after the transfiguration. When they had come down the mountain, and the afflicted boy was healed, He told them of what was ahead. Now, in accord with His previous words, He confirms to them that the time has come. He will be surrendered “to the chief priests and scribes.”
 
These are the religious leaders of Israel. They would be the ones to make various decisions according to the Law of Moses concerning what should be done with transgressors of the law. Despite standing Jesus before their council and finding He had done nothing in violation of the law, Jesus notes, “and they will sentence Him – death.”
 
How could their Messiah and the Son of God, as confirmed before those two previous warnings, be sentenced to death? The disciples, despite hearing Jesus’ words, will be seen not to have understood Him at all.
 
Life application: How often do we hear someone say something and we don’t process it in the manner they intended? Later, when whatever they said comes to pass, we may say, “I thought you were joking” or “I just didn’t get what you were saying.”
 
This is common because we tend to hear what we want to hear. Unfortunately, we do this with God’s word as well. There are pastors, preachers, and teachers of the Bible who purposefully ignore the word, speak against it, or say it has an error.
 
When we hear this, we might say, “Those are really bad people. Look how they treat the word!” And yet, in our own doctrine or beliefs concerning the Bible, we may do exactly the same thing. Do we accept that the Earth is billions of years old? Then we are treating the Bible in the same manner.
 
Do we have a female Bible teacher or pastor? If so, we have rejected what God’s word says concerning such things. When we hear the story of Samson, do we say, “That is just an exaggeration” concerning something reported about him? What right do we have to make such a claim?
 
It is one thing to misunderstand what we are being told, but to block out the clearly spoken (and then recorded) word of God, we make ourselves the arbiter of what God’s word says. Of course, there must be a context to every passage in Scripture. If we are rightly handling the context, then the fault will lie with those who are not doing so. But when something is explicit and in context, we must accept what God has said.
 
It is important to have this attitude. Just because we don’t understand a particular issue, we should still work within the framework of what God has said, accepting it by faith as reliable.
 
Lord God, help us to have the right attitude concerning Your word, never second-guessing what is plainly stated for us. It may be that a translation is faulty or an analysis is wrong, so give us the wisdom to check those things out. But what is said that is plain and clear, may we accept it and apply it to our walk before You. Amen.