BIBLE IN TEN

Matthew 15:5

Sunday, 14 December 2025
 
But you say, ‘Whoever says to his father or mother, “Whatever profit you might have received from me is a gift to God”—Matthew 15:5
 
“And you, you say, ‘Whoever, he should say to father or mother, “Gift – whatever if from me you should benefit”’” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus cited the fifth commandment and then a penalty found in Exodus for cursing one’s father or mother. He continues His words to the scribes and Pharisees, emphatically saying, “And you, you say.”
 
The stress indicates a teaching of these men that will come into conflict with the laws just cited from Exodus 20 and 21. In essence, “God says this, and you, you say this...” The treacherous teaching they say is, “Whoever, he should say to father or mother, ‘Gift – whatever if from me you should benefit.’”
 
A new word is seen in this verse, ópheleó, to be useful, to benefit, to profit, etc. The parents could have received benefits from the child, but that is no longer the case because it has been given as a gift.
 
The words make little sense to us because the idea has to be understood from the cultural practices of the people. The inserted words of many translations, to God, help provide clarity. A person has parents he is required by law to tend to. However, if he gives the gift to God, it becomes sacred and can no longer be used for common purposes. Charles Ellicott gives a suitable explanation –
 
“If he had once devoted his property once said it was ‘corban,’ or a gift to God - it could not be appropriated even to the support of a parent. If a parent was needy and poor, and if he should apply to a son for assistance, and the son should reply, though in anger, ‘It is devoted to God; this property which you need, and by which you might be profited by me, is “corban” - I have given it to God;’ the Jews said the property could not be recalled, and the son was not under obligation to aid a parent with it. He had done a more important thing in giving it to God. The son was free. He could not be required to do anything for his father after that. Thus, he might, in a moment, free himself from the obligation to obey his father or mother.”
 
In the end, this shows a mean-spirited attitude towards one’s parents by giving a gift to God, something the leaders would be all too happy to receive, and thus denying the parents what was otherwise commanded by God. Once it was devoted to God, even though it violated the law by denying the parents what he was responsible for, it was henceforth out of reach for that proper purpose.
 
Life application: There are all kinds of ways of getting around obligations. Some are good and some are devious. Some are legal, the legality of some may be questionable, and some are obviously illegal. Man has contrived many ways of getting around what they are directed to do.
 
In some cases, the government itself makes allowances for getting around paying taxes. These usually benefit people who have the money to do so, such as gift and inheritance taxes. However, some countries allow money to be given to churches or other charitable organizations that would otherwise have been taken as taxes.
 
These usually start with good intent. A charitable organization, such as a food ministry to the poor, is set up. People can give to it and get a tax deduction. The problem is that the food organization begins funneling money off to other things, still legally, that really have nothing to do with helping others.
 
This has gotten completely out of control in the US, where organizations like BLM were receiving millions of dollars for really perverse purposes. All the while, the people who set the organization up were pocketing millions.
 
At the same time, because of the hard left ideology of those in the government, real charitable organizations, based on Christian values, were being targeted or denied tax-exempt status in order to frustrate their efforts.
 
The path people will normally take is the bad one. Tax exemption programs are a great place for people to do devious things. When you give to such organizations, be sure to check them out thoroughly. Don’t just assume that what you are giving is being handled properly.
 
If a preacher has a Learjet, you can bet he also has a giant house, maybe two or three. Is that where you want your money to go? Be wise and discerning in how you give. It is important.
 
Lord God, help us to have discernment in how we spend our money. There are a lot of teachers and preachers of Your word who have hidden agendas that do nothing to further the gospel or an understanding of Your word. We pray that You direct us so that we don’t get duped by those who appear one way but are not at all what they seem. Amen.
 

Matthew 15:4

Saturday, 13 December 2025
 
For God commanded, saying, ‘Honor your father and your mother’; and, ‘He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.’ Matthew 15:4
 
“For God, He enjoined, saying, ‘You honor your father and your mother,’ and the ‘disparaging father or mother,’ death – he expires!” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus challenged the scribes and Pharisees, asking why they sidestepped the commandment of God because of their traditions. He now explains how they were doing this, beginning with, “For God, He enjoined.”
 
There is a difference in source texts here. Some use the word legó, to speak or say. Others use the word entellomai, to enjoin. Either way, the word of God, when spoken to the people as a matter of law, is to be taken as a command. As for what God enjoined, Matthew continues, “saying, ‘You honor your father and your mother.’”
 
Another new word, timaó, to prize, is seen. The sense is to fix a valuation upon, and thus to reverence or honor. One will fix a value on something based on how he perceives its value.
 
If someone finds a stick, if he has need of it for a fire, the value set upon it is that it will be burned. However, if he finds a Van Gogh painting and knows what it is worth, he will put a high value on it and give it an honorable place on his wall.
 
Jesus cites the fifth commandment, that of honoring the parents. In Exodus 20:12, as the people gathered before God at Mount Sinai, they were commanded that parents are to be highly esteemed in the eyes of His people. This was repeated by Moses in Deuteronomy 5:16.
 
As a command of God, the parents are to be honored. And more, as this was His command, there were penalties for not upholding the edict. That is seen in His next words, “and the ‘disparaging father or mother,’ death – he expires!’”
 
Still another new word is seen, kakologeó, to revile. It is derived from kakos, worthless, and logos, something said. As such, it would be to speak a word of worthlessness about another. A good word to match the intent is to disparage.
 
This precept is explicitly stated in Exodus 21:17. In this command of God to His people, to ensure that reverence was paid to the parents, the penalty for disparaging them was that their lives were forfeit. They were to be put to death. The forceful way Jesus states this penalty to these men is a clear indication to them that when He finishes, they will understand this is what they deserve.
 
Life application: When a person is given a word from a higher up that he is expected to be obedient to, how he responds to that word is an implicit assignment of value to the Lord who gave the word.
 
When a person is given a word from a boss to do something, he may ignore it, showing contempt for what he was told to do, and thus contempt for the boss who told him to do it. The same is true with parents, an official statute from a city, county, state, or national body, or even God.
 
In Jesus’ words, and as will be analyzed in just a few verses, it will be seen that these people honor (the same Greek word, timaó) Him with their lips, but their hearts are far from Him. In other words, they pay lip service to Him, but their will and intent, as it is worked out, actually disparage Him.
 
We could say, “Well then! They got what they deserved when the temple was destroyed and the people were carried away in the Roman dispersion.” However, every time we are disobedient to the word that has been given to us, meaning the directives that apply in any given dispensation, and as the context demands, we are doing exactly what Jesus rebukes the leaders of Israel for.
 
But more to the point, we may not even know what the Lord’s word to us is. So, we could say, “I wasn’t disparaging God. If I had known, I would have done what the word said.” This is a feeble excuse, and it actually shows a contempt for the word of God, and thus Him, because we didn’t even bother to check and know what God expects of us.
 
For us, the old saying, “Ignorance of the law is no excuse,” could more rightly be stated, “Ignorance of God’s word is inexcusable.” Think the matter through. We heard the word of salvation. We accepted the proposition and Jesus saved us, sealing us with the Holy Spirit. Our eternal state has now been changed from condemnation to salvation.
 
Does this eternity-changing state mean anything at all to us? In ages past, not knowing God’s precepts may have been excusable. There were no Bibles at hand, and those who believed were at the mercy of the competency and caring of the one who possessed maybe the only copy of the word for many miles.
 
Today, however, a Bible can be obtained for free anywhere and at any time. If you are connected to the internet, you have no excuse. If you have a church you attend that cares about the word, it is certain they will give you a copy of the Bible. A used Bible that has never been opened can usually be picked up at a Goodwill for a dollar or two, meaning less than you spend on the cheapest of your daily purchases.
 
Don’t make excuses! Get a Bible, pick the thing up, and read it, honoring God as you do. And then, be sure to do what it says, meaning in the proper context of the church age, thus honoring God through obedient adherence to what He expects of you. Anything less is truly unacceptable.
 
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Colossians 3:16, 17
 
Glorious God, may our honoring of You be in spirit and in truth, not with lip service but no heart for You and what You expect of us. You are God. May we remember this and understand our lowly state before You without Your kind mercies as extended to us in the Person of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Matthew 15:3

Friday, 12 December 2025
 
He answered and said to them, “Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition? Matthew 15:3
 
“And answering, He said, to them, ‘Through what – also you, you sidestep the ‘God’s commandment’ through your tradition?’” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, the scribes and Pharisees came to Jesus and asked why His disciples transgressed the tradition of the elders because they didn’t wash their hands when they ate bread. Matthew next records, “And answering, He said, to them, ‘Through what – also you, you sidestep.
 
Jesus returns the same word they just used, parabainó, to sidestep, to them. In doing this, He doesn’t defend His apostles, nor does He condemn the traditions they practice, as if they are contrary to God’s laws. Rather, in doing so, He elevates the gravity of the matter, noting that in their own lives, they are sidestepping “the ‘God’s commandment.’”
The word entolé signifies an injunction that is authoritative in nature and that focuses on the end result of a command. As it is God’s injunction, the end result is that His people are to obey it. And yet, these hypocrites stood there arguing over a manmade precept, which, as Jesus says, is “through your tradition?”
 
Jesus stood on the word of God. There was no suitable evidence for a second oral code. And even if it existed, it would have become so corrupted that whatever was originally spoken would have been lost eons earlier. This is why the law was written down. It was a safeguard to protect what God intended for His people.
 
Despite this, these scribes and Pharisees sidestepped what God had authored through Moses. Instead, they placed their own corrupt, self-serving, and self-aggrandizing traditions above God’s word.
 
Life application: The Bible does not forbid traditions. Nor does it find fault in having traditions. An example of Jewish traditions being followed by Jesus is found in the gospels. In Matthew 26:30, it says, “And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.”
 
This is generally accepted as a note concerning the singing of the Hallel, which is found in Psalms 113-118, and which is followed by the Great Hallel, where Psalm 136 is sung. If this is so, it is a tradition. There is nothing in Scripture instructing the people to do this. As such, it cannot be considered mandatory. Rather, it is a cultural tradition that became accepted and standard.
 
Rather than getting bogged down in a verbal tiff with the scribes and Pharisees over such things, He directly accused them of violating God’s laws. No matter what right they had to impose their human precepts on others in such matters, they had no right to ever violate one of God’s laws.
 
As an example, a woman in a congregation may stand up and complain about how the Lord’s Supper is no longer served at that church on a rectangular silver platter. However, the denomination may have prescribed that all Lord’s Supper presentations would be the same at each church so that visitors would always feel at home.
 
In this tradition, a rectangular silver platter was mandated, and each church was given one. Regardless of the reason why it was no longer being used (for all we know, it got stolen by the lady’s son, who was a noted thief!), she has stood up and accused the church of violating the denomination’s tradition, instructing the pastor that he was not shepherding the church as a sound leader.Instead of addressing the issue of the platter itself or the tradition that prescribed it, the pastor says, “And why are you violating God’s laws over a tradition? Go read the pastoral epistles and you will find that your instruction to me violates Scripture!”
 
This is what Jesus has done. He has maintained the integrity of God’s word without getting bogged down in a verbal spat over a far less important issue. When the crime of violating God’s law is presented, no further argumentation by the accuser will hold any weight at all.
 
When debating things with people, there is no need for a tit-for-tat verbal exchange. If someone makes a claim that is inappropriate, address the issue of greater weight and ignore what will lead to pointless argumentation.
 
Heavenly Father, give us the wisdom to carefully consider our interactions with others so that when we have a dispute between ourselves, we can quickly end it without it getting out of hand. This does take wisdom, and we come to You asking for it so that we will be free of shameful words that could otherwise arise. Amen.

Matthew 15:2

Thursday, 11 December 2025
 
“Why do Your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat bread.” Matthew 15:2
 
“Through what – Your disciples, they sidestep the tradition of the elders? For they wash not their hands when they may eat bread” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Chapter 15 began with the scribes and Pharisees from Jerusalem coming to Jesus. Matthew next records the question they asked Him, “Through what – Your disciples, they sidestep the tradition of the elders?”
 
Two new words are seen here. The first is parabainó, to go contrary to. It is derived from para, near or to the side, and the base of basis, a step. Thus, it literally signifies to sidestep. This is what the disciples were being accused of, sidestepping a tradition.
 
The next new word is paradosis, a transmission, and thus a tradition that is orally communicated.
 
The elders held to certain traditions that went beyond the law, but which they meticulously adhered to. Jesus’ disciples didn’t observe those traditions, and this had the scribes and Pharisees miffed. These “oral traditions” were claimed to have been handed down from Moses and were held to be on the same level as the written instruction.
 
This is nonsense, and it gave these leaders the opportunity to heap whatever burdens on the people they desired. As for the particular tradition they held to, Matthew continues, saying, “For they wash not their hands when they may eat bread.”
 
Mark 7:2 adds information to provide clarity –
 
“Now when they saw some of His disciples eat bread with defiled, that is, with unwashed hands, they found fault.”
 
These leaders were upset that the washing traditions, which were very cumbersome, were not observed by the disciples. To them, it was an act of uncleanliness that was intolerable to behold. But these were not God’s laws. They were only man-made traditions. Because of their stand, Jesus will have strong words of condemnation for them.
 
Life application: Nothing has changed in many churches in relation to traditions being raised in importance to the level of Scripture. In fact, tradition has replaced the word of God to the extent that the Bible is almost an afterthought.
 
This is especially so in Roman Catholic and Orthodox denominations, where the Bible is rarely or never read or taught. It may be in the church, but it sits unopened and is a showpiece. This is true to some extent in many other denominations as well. Many of the older mainstream denominations might pay lip service to Scripture, but that is about all one will get.
 
Think of it! The only source that tells us about the basis for our faith, meaning God in Christ, is ignored. So, where does their source of religion come from? The answer is from the heads of men, just like the traditions of the Jews.
 
This is a deplorable place to be. God has intricately woven together the pages of Scripture to give us information about ourselves and our relationship to Him. Instead of searching out His word, and thus searching out Him and what He is doing in redemptive history, we make stuff up, call it church, and the people never come to a right understanding of who Jesus is and why He is so important to us.
 
May we never be found in such a deplorable state. May our eyes be opened to the goodness of God as found in Jesus Christ, and as is conveyed to us in the pages of Scripture.
 
Lord God, give us the wisdom to pursue You and Your precious word all the days of our lives. It is a treasure of wisdom, knowledge, and blessing for those who will open it and consider its words. Yes, Lord, may we spend our days of this life wisely, learning what You have conveyed to us about Yourself. Amen.

Matthew 15:1

Wednesday, 10 December 2025
 
Then the scribes and Pharisees who were from Jerusalem came to Jesus, saying, Matthew 15:1
 
“Then they came to Jesus from Jerusalem, scribes and Pharisees, saying,” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Chapter 14 closed by noting that the people in the area surrounding Gennesaret came to Jesus and were healed. It next says, “Then they came to Jesus from Jerusalem, the scribes and Pharisees, saying...”
 
Some texts leave out the word “the” before scribes and Pharisees, and the words are switched, saying “Pharisees and scribes.” The verse ending in the middle of the thought is not unprecedented, but it is unusual, as if it begs the reader to stop and consider who these men are. Charles Ellicott does a nice job of summing up Matthew’s history of them thus far in the book –
 
“The presence of these actors on the scene is every way significant. They had been prominent in like accusations. It was by them that our Lord had been accused of blasphemy in forgiving sins (Matthew 9:3), of eating and drinking with publicans and sinners (Matthew 9:11), of disregarding fasts (Matthew 9:14), of casting out devils by Beelzebub (Matthew 12:24), of Sabbath-breaking (Matthew 12:2; Matthew 12:10). It was, we may believe, their presence in the synagogue of Capernaum which led our Lord to adopt (as in John 6:26-65) a form of teaching so unlike the usual tenor of that of His Galilean ministry. And now they return to the charge again with a new and characteristic accusation.”
 
As can be seen from those references, these men are legalistic, self-righteous snobs who look down on others without regard to Scripture, but according to their own standards of what should be done. Their precepts may have started with Scripture, but they go beyond what is written, setting up impossible standards for the daily conduct of most people who have lives to live.
 
Life application: Law is something given to control and regulate the actions of the disobedient. Paul explains this to Timothy –
 
“But we know that the law is good if one uses it lawfully, 9 knowing this: that the law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, 10 for fornicators, for sodomites, for kidnappers, for liars, for perjurers, and if there is any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine, 11 according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God which was committed to my trust.” 1 Timothy 1:8-11
Therefore, a law (whatever law is given) should be considered in how not issuing it will negatively affect the society. Despite this, the scribes and Pharisees issued religious rulings that harmed the people’s ability to positively affect their society.
 
Thus, they hindered the people’s ability to get by without changing their habits in a negative way to conform to the burdensome rules laid upon them. Jesus referred to this in Matthew 23 –
 
“Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to His disciples, 2 saying: ‘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 23:1-4
 
Every precept set forth by the Lord had a purpose. Sometimes it was expressly explained. Other times, the purpose can be inferred or understood apart from an explanation. But nothing was superfluous. For example –
 
“Speak to the children of Israel: Tell them to make tassels on the corners of their garments throughout their generations, and to put a blue thread in the tassels of the corners. 39 And you shall have the tassel, that you may look upon it and remember all the commandments of the Lord and do them, and that you may not follow the harlotry to which your own heart and your own eyes are inclined, 40 and that you may remember and do all My commandments, and be holy for your God.” Numbers 15:38-40
 
An explanation was provided for what might otherwise seem like a pointless law. The scribes and Pharisees had a way of inserting their own pet peeves and legalistic demands upon the people, forcing them to conform to their will, whether it made sense for society at large or not.
 
As you look around the world, and in particular your own city, state, county, or government, which political party is the one that imposes unnecessary, vindictive, or personally gratifying laws upon the people? When you see which it is, you know those are the enemies of a free-functioning, common-sense society. That will also be a party that works against what is godly and honoring of the Creator.
 
Which party is it that works to deregulate, clear the books of nonsense, and allow the people to function freely and with human dignity, while at the same time ensuring morality plays a key role in ensuring the people remain focused on what is healthy and good? These are the friends of the society at large.
 
Be sure to pay attention to these things. Despite any other supposedly positive benefits you will (at least in the short term) derive from the first category, you will ultimately suffer oppression and a failing society under them. Be sure to vote those scoundrels out before it is too late.
 
Lord God, we live in a world where we must interact with the authorities who are above us. If it is in our ability to have good and godly people above us, why would we not get engaged in the process? You have ordained that we live in this world. Therefore, You certainly expect us to participate in the world we live in. Help us to think clearly on this. Amen.

Matthew 14 and 2 Chronicles

Exploring the Connection Between Matthew 14 and 2 Chronicles
For BibleInTen.com  By DH, 9th December 2025
Welcome back to Bible in Ten!
In the last episode, we explored how every event in Matthew 14 functions as a living re-enactment of the entire history of Israel. Building on the astounding groundwork laid in the previous commentary - where CG showed how Israel’s past and future are woven typologically and chronologically into Matthew’s narrative - we now turn to yet another beautiful structural pattern in Scripture.
Matthew’s Gospel contains 28 chapters, and remarkably, it mirrors the first 28 books of the Old Testament as arranged in the Christian Bible. So in this episode, having concluded our walk through Matthew 14, we’ll now look at its fascinating counterpart: Book 14 of the Old Testament, 2 Chronicles.
 
The Pattern: Matthew as the Echo of the Old Testament 
The Gospel of Matthew has been recognised for its deep structural connection to the Old Testament, and one striking pattern is how each chapter of Matthew echoes themes found in the corresponding book from the Old Testament.
Superior Scholars of the Word like Charlie Garret from the Superior Word have explained this pattern before.    Check out the episode linked in the description “the book of Matthew an introduction part 2 a” https://www.bibleinten.com/the-book-of-matthew-an-introduction-part-iia/  
As book 1, Genesis introduces origins and genealogies, Matthew 1 opens with the genealogy of Christ. As book 2, Exodus recounts Israel’s deliverance and early threats against God’s chosen deliverer, Matthew 2 presents Jesus’ birth, the flight into Egypt, and Herod’s murderous rage. This pattern continues throughout the Gospel, with Matthew’s chapters reflecting, summarizing, or re-framing the major themes of each Old Testament book.   So that the readers of the Old Testament have another source of proof to consider when evaluating the authority of the New Testament.   God certainly is not through with the Jew!
 
Whether or not Matthew intended this one-to-one mapping seems unlikely but, All Scripture is God breathed and so we can say God did intend them!   Furthermore we can therefore gain further confidence in book order and authority of the Scriptures as presented in the Christian Bible. The parallels are rich and unmistakable, showing Jesus as the fulfillment, continuation, and climax of Israel’s story from Genesis to 2nd Chronicles.
And the parallels are stunning.
2 Chronicles: Israel’s Story in Summary   2 Chronicles is more than a historical account but contains a pattern of national Israel’s spiritual trajectory.
Parallel 1 - Sound advice is rejected.   (2 Ch. 10)
Parallel 2 - Death Ends an Era    (2 Ch. 11)
Parallel 3 - The people enter wilderness/exile.  (2 Ch. 12)
Parallel 4 - God remains faithful.   (2 Ch 21)
Parallel 5 - Out of Control and under threat.  (2 Chr 36)
Parallel 6 - Restoration under a new leader (2 Chr 36:22-23)
Now let us consider how every one of these six steps reappears in the same sequence in Matthew 14.
Parallel #1: Sound advice is rejected
2 Chronicles
Rehoboam rejects the counsel of the elders.      IN 2 Chronicles 10:6-8  (ICB)
6 There were some elders who had helped Solomon make decisions during his lifetime. So King Rehoboam asked them what he should do. He said, “How do you think I should answer these people?”
7 They answered, “Be kind to these people. Please them and give them a kind answer. If you do, they will serve you always.”
8 But Rehoboam did not listen to the advice the elders gave him. 
Matthew 14
Herod plays a similar role.  He rejects John the Baptist, the final prophet under the Law.  Matthew 14 opens with the murder of the prophet
Parallel #2: Death Ends an Era  
2 Chronicles  
After Solomon’s death, the kingdom fractures. Rehoboam wants to fight and restore unity, but God says:
“You shall not go up or fight against your brothers… for this thing is from Me.”  2 Chronicles 11:4
At this moment where God:
cuts off the northern tribes from the Davidic monarchy,
ends the united kingdom,
begins a new era: Judah and Israel now separated.
Matthew 14
John the Baptist’s death signals the end of the old covenant era.The Law and the Prophets are closing; the Messiah’s ministry moves into a new phase.
Just as Solomon’s death closed an age, John’s death announces another ending—and a new beginning.
Parallel #3: Wilderness as Divine Reset 
2 Chronicles
Israel repeatedly enters “wilderness experiences”: exile, loss, scattering and yet God preserves them and promises restoration.
Israel abandons God (12:1).God sends Shishak of Egypt to strip them of security (12:2-4).A prophet says: “You have abandoned Me; therefore I have abandoned you.” (12:5)Judah is thrown into deep distress  - a wilderness-like, spiritual low point.They humble themselves (12:6).God responds with partial deliverance, not destruction (12:7-8).
 
Matthew 14
Immediately after John’s death, the people follow Jesus into a desolate place.
Here,
a remnant gathers,
they receive teaching,
they are fed miraculously.
Like Chronicles, in the wilderness is the place where God uses to reset the story.
Parallel #4: The Remnant Theme  
2 Chronicles
God preserves a remnant who will return and rebuild.   “Yet the LORD was not willing to destroy the house of David,  because of the covenant”   2 Chronicles 21:7
Matthew 14
Jesus feeds the remnant in the wilderness:5 loaves → God’s graceBread in the wilderness → Jesus the Bread of Life12 baskets of Leftovers → abundance for the true Israel
Both narratives insist: Israel is not destroyed; God preserves His people.  God is not finished with Israel.   “All Israel will be Saved” after the Church Age has finished (Romans Chapter 9-11 & the entire book of Revelation)
Parallel #5: Israel “Out of control and Under Threat” 
2 Chronicles
The exile is described as being:
Scattered,   2 Chronicles 36:19-20 (implied scattering through destruction and captivity)
under threat,
carried far away,   
“He carried into exile to Babylon those who had escaped from the sword…”
2 Chronicles 36:20
yet preserved,    2 Chronicles 36:21
 “The land enjoyed its sabbath rests… until the seventy years were completed…”   This verse shows God’s intentional preservation of His plan, His land, and His people during exile.
and finally brought home by God (2 Chr 36:23).
Matthew 14
The disciples - symbolizing Israel - enter a boat and are:
tossed by waves,
in danger,
alone in the night,
visited by their God,
saved by His hand,
and brought safely to the other shore.
This exile-and-return is played out on the Sea of Galilee.
With the physical visitation of Jesus the God marking this encounter of added signficance.
Peter’s rescue mirrors the believers individual walk:Beginning with faith in Jesus the Lord, then failing to keep our eyes on Jesus, sinking, crying out and saved.
Parallel #6: Restoration Under a New Leader  
2 Chronicles Ends With…
A new ruler: Cyrus
A new beginning
A return to the land
A restoration of worship
Matthew 14 Ends With…
Recognition that Jesus is the God
Safe arrival in Gennesaret “Princely Garden” - a fore shadow of the Renewed Kingdom of the Lord to come
Healing, restoration, and grace
Israel symbolically entering the promise of a renewed covenant
Jesus is greater than Cyrus, His arrival on this land not only blessed the people in the land at the time, but it also symbolises his own future return which brings an infinitely greater restoration, when Jesus the Lord returns and the curse on the earth is reversed!
CONCLUSION  
The cohesion between 2 Chronicles and Matthew 14 reinforces typological assertions in the previous episode to be valid, correct and intentional.
Matthew 14 isn’t just a miracle chapter, or a super exciting day in the life of Jesus as it has most often been presented in sunday school but It’s Israel’s salvation history - from Israel leader rejection to Israel people exile, preservation and individual salvation offer and final restoration - retold through Jesus in a magnificent way.
2 Chronicles closes the Old Testament storyline. Matthew 14 shows Jesus stepping into that story as its fulfillment.
He is the Prophet rejected, the God who walks on the sea, the Savior who brings His people home.
 

Matthew 14:36

Tuesday, 9 December 2025
 
and begged Him that they might only touch the hem of His garment. And as many as touched it were made perfectly well. Matthew 14:36
 
“And they invoked Him that only they might touch the tassel of His garment, and as many, they touched, they were rehabilitated” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, it’s noted that the men of the area of Gennesaret recognized Jesus, and so they sent out to all the areas round about and brought to Jesus all that were sick. Now, to close out Chapter 14 (it is an exciting milestone as Matthew is 28 Chapters long), Matthew records, “And they invoked Him that only they might touch the tassel of His garment.”
 
This is the same hope-filled sign of faith that was seen in Chapter 9 –
 
“And, you behold! A woman, blood-flowing twelve years, having approached behind, she touched the tassel of His cloak. 21 For she said in herself, ‘If only I shall touch His cloak, I will be saved.’ 22 And Jesus, having turned and having seen her, He said, ‘You take courage, daughter. Your faith, it has saved you.’ And, the woman, she was saved from the very hour.” Matthew 9:20-22 (CG)
 
The people of Israel understood the significance of this tassel, and they knew that if they could get close enough to just touch it, there was the chance the Lord would favor them and heal their afflictions.
 
Being a tassel on the extremity of the garment meant that it was symbolically the furthest thing from His body. And yet, they felt that the power that radiated through this remote article would be sufficient to accomplish what they desired. It truly was an act of faith.
 
As a reminder concerning these tassels, they were mandated in the law by the Lord to spur the memory of the wearer of his obligation to the commands of the law. A blue cord was to be woven into them. This represented the law, blue being the color representing the law.
 
This extreme edge of the garment was the article they reached for. It is what Malachi prophesied hundreds of years earlier –
 
“But to you who fear My nameThe Sun of Righteousness shall ariseWith healing in His wings.” Malachi 4:2
 
The garments were cut in a way that they had four edges. The edge or wing of the garment is where the tassels would be affixed. Whether the people knew of the prophecy of Malachi, or whether the prophecy merely referred to the events surrounding Jesus’ powers exuding even from these wings, the fact that the healing was prophesied means that a change should be expected in the people. Understanding this, Matthew continues, saying, “and as many, they touched, they were rehabilitated.”
 
A new word, diasózó, is seen. It is derived from dia, through, and sózó, to save. Thus, it signifies “to save thoroughly.” The people were thoroughly saved from their affliction and thus rehabilitated.
 
Life application: What is going on here? Why is this account placed where it is? One can review the history of Israel in his mind and see that what has happened in Chapter 14 is a snapshot of Israel’s history in relation to the law. First, the account of John the Baptist being beheaded was given. Who is the only other person to have had a birthday celebration in Scripture? Pharaoh.
 
There is a reason why these two are mentioned. Pharaoh represents Egypt as its leader. Egypt typologically reflects living under the bondage of sin. It is Jesus who brought man out from under this bondage. But what is it that allows sin to wield its influence? Law.
 
Herod had John’s head removed, picturing the end of the law. John is the last prophet of the law. Something new was coming to replace the law he proclaimed. It was Herodius’ daughter who danced for Herod. Her name was Salome. Though not named in Matthew, the name still bears importance. It is from shalem, to be or make whole or complete. It signifies Peace.
 
Herodias is from the Hebrew arad, to flee or be free. She and Herod (same etymology) were condemned by John, the herald of the law, for their adulterous affair. They wanted to be free from the constraint of the law. Thus, Salome, Peace, was used to obtain this goal. In the beheading of John, the enmity between God and sinners is ended. Peace is restored.
 
With the law symbolically ended (Israel being brought out of Egypt). Jesus went to a deserted place across the sea, just as Israel was brought into the wilderness. The movement of Jesus from one place to another was across the Jordan. This is because the Jordan runs through the Sea of Galilee to the other side.
 
It is a picture of Israel’s rejection of Jesus, even after the law was ended (in the picture of John’s death). The Jordan pictures Jesus in His incarnation during His first advent, coming to die, as seen in the Superior Word Joshua sermons.
 
In the wilderness on the other side, Jesus is the Antitype of all of the implements prescribed under the law, such as the Ark, the Table of Showbread, the Menorah, etc. To understand this, one can review the Superior Word sermons of those passages.
 
The people of Israel joined Him in the desolate area where they were instructed and then provided the miracle of the bread and fish, just as Israel was provided the manna and quail in the wilderness. The five loaves symbolize God’s grace, feeding His people, Jesus, the Bread of Life.
 
The two fish symbolize the two testaments of Scripture, which point to the abundance found in Christ Jesus. The twelve small baskets of remnants picture the remnant saved of the twelve tribes of Israel (Romans 11:5). The five thousand confirm the grace of God (5) and the completion of the cycle, where nothing is wanting and the whole cycle is complete (10).
 
The disciples then got into a boat to cross the sea. However, they were tossed about and almost perished. It is still reflective of the time when Israel walked in the wilderness for forty years. That is why the events are noted as being “amidst the sea” in Matthew 14:24.
 
Verse 25 specifically mentioned that Jesus departed unto them in the ship in the “night’s fourth guarding.” Four is the number of material creation, the world number. It reflects the dispersion of the Jews around the world back to Israel and that they would finally cross over the waters in the end times.
 
Despite being alone on the sea, the Lord never really left them. He saved them from impending catastrophe, just as the Lord remained with Israel in the wilderness and just as He has remained with Israel for the past two thousand years, fully saving them as they individually looked to the cross. This was seen in the saving of Peter.
 
Peter’s salvation on the water was noted, “And seeing the forcible wind, he feared, and having begun to submerge, he croaked, saying, ‘Lord, You save [sózó] me!’” That pictured the fulfillment of the individual salvation that was found while Israel was in the wilderness. This occurred when the fiery serpent was set on a pole, and “if a serpent had bitten anyone, when he looked at the bronze serpent, he lived” (Numbers 21:9).
 
Despite his failing faith and having his eyes temporarily misdirected, he was saved. As Peter was the apostle to the Jews, it makes a nice touch concerning his epistles, directed to the Jewish people. After being given this salvation, the boat arrived safely on the other shore. It anticipates Israel being brought safely to the end of their time of being without Christ.
 
Matthew specifically says the boat is said to have arrived in Gennesaret, Princely Garden. It anticipates the arrival of Israel in the land of promise (salvation in Christ) that had been anticipated since their rejection of Canaan (symbolizing their rejection of Christ) in Numbers 14.
 
Once arriving in Gennesaret, which is on the salvation side of the Jordan (Jesus in His first advent), the people flocked to Him, and for those who reached out to Him, there was total salvation. This anticipates the total salvation of Israel after their time of bondage under the law has ended. Touching the tassel with the blue cord (the law) signifies their acceptance of Jesus, the One who has fulfilled the law.
 
This chapter has been given as a brief snapshot of Israel’s history in relation to Jesus, who is the Lord, Yehovah, incarnate. God is taking real historical events, such as a young girl dancing, the feeding of the multitude, the struggles amidst the sea, etc., and He is telling us that there is still a future for Israel, the people.
 
The importance of the law being opposed to grace is put on full display in this chapter. For those who want to live under the law, there is no hope. They remain “east of Jordan.” For those who are willing to be saved, they must come through Jesus to the other side. Give up law observance and be saved!
 
What a story of hope and ultimate redemption is found in the coming of Jesus Christ. Hallelujah!
 
Lord God, how good it is to know of the full and eternal salvation that is found in Jesus Christ our Lord. Thank You that even when our eyes may be misdirected from You for a moment, Your hand is still there, reaching out and saving us! Hallelujah and Amen.
 
 

Matthew 14:35

Monday, 8 December 2025
 
And when the men of that place recognized Him, they sent out into all that surrounding region, brought to Him all who were sick, Matthew 14:35
 “And, having known Him, the men of that place, they sent to all that surrounding, and they brought to Him all those having sickly” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Matthew noted that when Jesus and the disciples had crossed over the sea, they came to the land of Gennesaret. He next records, “And, having known Him, the men of that place.”
 
Jesus would have been known in the area because of previous visits. But more, John 6 notes –
 
“On the following day, when the people who were standing on the other side of the sea saw that there was no other boat there, except that one which His disciples had entered, and that Jesus had not entered the boat with His disciples, but His disciples had gone away alone— 23 however, other boats came from Tiberias, near the place where they ate bread after the Lord had given thanks— 24 when the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, nor His disciples, they also got into boats and came to Capernaum, seeking Jesus. 25 And when they found Him on the other side of the sea, they said to Him, ‘Rabbi, when did You come here?’” John 6:22-25
 
Jesus would have been known by those He first encountered, but more who had been on the other side of the Sea of Galilee with Him the day before, which had included some of those who had already returned, would have come to meet up with Him again.
 
In their excitement at having Jesus there, it next says, “they sent to all that surrounding.”
 
The word went out all around the area of Gennesaret, telling the residents that Jesus was again in the area, probably telling about what had happened the day before with the feeding of the five thousand, along with the healings that were performed, and so Matthew notes of these residents, “and they brought to Him all those having sickly.”
 
In the small nation of Israel, the ministry of Jesus was filled with a constant stream of needs. It was a continuous rush of people desiring the healing touch of the Master.
 
Life application: Considering the small size of Israel at the time of Jesus’ ministry, both in land size and population, imagine the amount of physical suffering that is experienced around the world at any given time.
 
And when things are physically wrong with us, it is hard to focus on other things. Depending on the type of sickness and the level of pain, things can be so debilitating that there is nothing else we can think about. We may even take drugs to ease the pain, but they deaden our senses to the world around us.
 
God is not unaware of, nor uncaring about, these things. However, we are the ones who turned away from Him. For most of the world, we still do not regard Him as He expects, meaning through the offering of His Son.
 
And yet, because of the physical pains, wars, crime, and other suffering we see around us, we blame God and say we want nothing to do with Him. The fickle nature of this thinking is hard to imagine once we understand who God is and what He has done for us in giving Jesus to bring us back to Himself.
 
But even believers, at times, show a disdain for what God has done, blaming Him for our troubles and trials, as if He owes us. Jesus and the apostles’ words are clear, however. There will be suffering, pain, loss, wars, and natural disasters until the time when God renews all things.
 
We cannot expect to be isolated from such calamities. This is why it is important to read the Bible and understand what it tells us. When we know that this world will continue to be out of whack and that we can expect to be included in the things that happen, we can then focus on what lies ahead.
 
Even with the troubles of this life, we have a hope that transcends it. Let us remember this and hold fast to our confession of faith.
 
Lord God, despite the trials and woes of this life, we thank You for the promises that are sure to come. We have the certain hope of an eternity of joy and blessing far above anything we can imagine at this time. Thank You that we have this hope. If this life were all there was, it would be a futile, vain existence indeed. Thank You for Jesus and all that comes through knowing Him! Amen.

Matthew 14:34

Sunday, 7 December 2025
 
When they had crossed over, they came to the land of Gennesaret. Matthew 14:34
 
“And, having through-crossed, they came to the of land Gennesaret” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Matthew noted that those in the boat came and worshiped Jesus, saying, “Truly! You are God’s Son!” Next, he records, “And, having through-crossed.”
 
The word, used in Matthew 9:1, signifies to cross through from one side to another. They safely made the journey, despite the storm. Having come to the other side, it next says, “they came to the land of Gennesaret.”
 
This is a new and rare word, found only once in each of the three synoptic gospels, Gennésaret. It is a word of Hebrew origin. Strong’s thinks it may be related to the name Kinnereth, and would thus mean Harps. This seems unlikely.
 
Another possibility is that it is derived from gan, garden, and Sharon. Thus, it would signify the Garden of Sharon. Another likely possibility would be Garden of Princes, the second half coming from the plural of the Hebrew sar, a prince. However, the plural may designate a fulness as in Princely Garden or Garden of the Prince (Hitchcock).
 
Of this location, the Topical Lexicon says – 
 
“Gennesaret denotes the fertile plain that stretches for roughly three miles along the north-western shore of the Sea of Galilee. Bounded by the rising hills of Naphtali on the west and washed by the fresh waters of the lake on the east, the plain is celebrated in both Jewish and later historical sources for its mild climate, abundant springs, and astonishing productivity. Josephus wrote that it produced ‘every fruit’ in profusion and that its temperate air allowed for continuous harvests. Numerous thermal and cold springs join to form streams that empty into the lake, creating a natural irrigation system. The plain’s prominence made its name a convenient designation not only for the shoreline but for the entire lake itself, hence ‘Lake of Gennesaret’ (Luke 5:1) as an alternate title for ‘Sea of Galilee’ or ‘Sea of Tiberias.’”
 
John’s gospel says that they were heading towards Capernaum when they left the other side. That is in the general area, Capernaum being to the north and Magdala to the south.
 
Life application: Despite having terrible times on the Sea of Galilee, struggling against the winds and waves, the appearance of Jesus taught the disciples a valuable lesson concerning who He is and our capabilities when we focus, or fail to focus, on Him.
 
After the ordeal, the sea was calmed, and the boat safely arrived on the other shore. This trip can be equated to our lives. We set out with confidence in where we are going, planning on a particular trip to take a certain amount of time, with a safe arrival at a designated location.
 
Nobody plans a trip and says, “We’ll leave at 6:47 tomorrow, fly to Atlanta, switch planes, and continue towards Montana, but we will encounter terrible turbulence at 3:47 in the afternoon, lose the left wing of the aircraft, and die in a fiery inferno as the plane crashes into the side of a remote mountain.”
 
We don’t know the future, so how can we plan such an event? But despite having a set schedule for arriving at Helene, Montana, we also don’t know if we will actually get there or not. Our life is a journey where risk is involved. For most of us, we attempt to make it on our own effort, and usually without God.
 
But then the troubles come, and for those who are the Lord’s, we remember Him, pick up our Bibles, and find Him there with us, reassuring us that He is present with us. With the knowledge of His presence, and with our eyes fixed on Him, we can do the miraculous in this life.
 
And when our journey is through, we will arrive safely on the next shore. Jesus has absolutely assured us that this is so. His word will never fail, and so let us not get disheartened, no matter what the trial. Nothing can prevent us from being brought safely into God’s presence after this life is complete.
 
“Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:37-39
 
Lord God, our walk can be a walk of confidence and surety if we simply pick up the word, trust what it says, and apply faith in that to our lives. Otherwise, we are like rudderless ships tossed about on a sea of confusion and without hope. But because we know Your word, we know that You are there with us, ever faithful and tenderly guiding us to our final shore. Amen.
 

Matthew 14:33

Saturday, 6 December 2025
 
Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.” Matthew 14:33
 
“And those in the boat, having come, they worshiped Him, saying, ‘Truly! You are God’s Son!’” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, it was noted that when Jesus and Peter got into the boat, the wind ceased. Overcome by the events they have seen and experienced, it next says, “And those in the boat.”
 
The words may suggest that there were more than just the disciples in there. The boats on the Sea of Galilee would not be very large, but they may have been large enough to carry some others along. Either way, the boat was big enough for them to get up and move around. That is seen in the word translated as “having come.”
 
The word is omitted by some texts and most modern Bibles. However, it would be the natural reaction to such events. Peter wanted to come to Jesus. This certainly wasn’t limited to him, but he was the one who called out, and so he was the one who was petitioned to come.
 
Once those on the boat saw what had transpired, especially the sudden calming of the sea, it would be natural to come forward to be near Jesus. This was because “they worshiped Him.”
 
Jesus was well known to them and the One who instructed them. It is true that if someone encountered such events in the presence of an unknown person, he may want to stay back a bit and worship from a distance. But because of their familiarity with Jesus, they wanted to be nearer to Him when bowing before Him.  
 
The words are natural, and as would be expected. With that noted, Matthew next notes that they were “saying, ‘Truly! You are God’s Son!’”
 
The words lack a definite article, as in, “You are the Son of God.” Despite this, it is at least an acknowledgment that Jesus was ordained by God in a unique way. He had walked on the water, and the weather was under His control. At this point, they may have been thinking of someone in the line of Moses who did such things under the authority of the Lord.
 
Jesus had also healed the people and multiplied the bread. Therefore, they may also have been thinking of someone like Elijah or Elisha, who had healed and/or multiplied bread under the authority of the Lord. Even until the later points of the gospel narratives, a true and complete understanding of who Jesus was continued to escape the disciples.
 
To be dogmatic and state that the disciples thought Jesus was “the Son of God,” meaning deity, at this point would be stretching what the disciples actually believed. Even after the resurrection, they required schooling to understand who Jesus was and the things that pertained to Him –
 
“Then He said to them, ‘These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.’ 45 And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures.” Luke 24:44, 45
 
Life application: There are several views concerning who “the sons of the God” are in Genesis 6. The predominant view is the sensational view, meaning that these were angel/human hybrids. Though sensational and, therefore, exciting, it doesn’t at all match up with the rest of Scripture.
 
Being a son of “the God” signifies a person who is in a right relationship with God or one who is set in contrast to such a relationship. The structure of the early Genesis account is presented in such a way that thoughts are introduced and then they are explained in a following passage.
 
For example, the thought concerning the creation of man is presented in Genesis 1. However, that is more fully explained in Genesis 2. The thought of being obedient to the law given by God and the penalties for not doing so are seen in Genesis 2, but the example of the test concerning the law is seen in Genesis 3.
 
The thought of the promise of a return to a right state in the presence of God is seen in Genesis 3, and the anticipation of that by Eve, and the knowledge that it is lost to her is seen in Genesis 4.
 
The state of a disobedient line of people who are separated from the line of those who remain friendly to God is seen in Genesis 4. The line of those who are in a right relationship with God and who will eventually lead to the Messiah is seen in Genesis 5. This particular line that is set apart to God is meticulously detailed in Genesis 5, and it is explained by the words “sons of the God” in Genesis 6.
 
Themes are introduced and then expanded upon. Contrasts are set up to distinguish those who are out of favor with God from those who are in favor with God. This continues to develop throughout the book. For example, like the ungodly line of Cain being introduced, followed by the godly line, the generations of Ishmael are detailed in Genesis 25:12-18, followed by the generations of Isaac beginning in Genesis 25:19.
 
The generations of Esau are given in Genesis 36. This is followed by the story of Jacob’s offspring and what happens to them, which continues to highlight the line of those in a right standing with “the God.”
 
To suddenly introduce a concept, such as angels sleeping with men, is wholly out of line with this carefully detailed pattern of what God is doing. It is a faulty analysis that fails to understand what God is doing in Scripture and why He highlights things in the manner he does. Yes, it is sensational, but it is also incorrect.
 
If you want proper theology concerning “the sons of the God,” stay away from the idea that angels came in and started having sex with human women. It is an unbiblical and unreasonable proposition.
 
Lord God, it is fun and exciting to watch monster movies, but such things are not based in reality. Why would we treat Your word as if it were an exception to what we already know about the world around us? Give us wisdom to keep Your word in its proper context. Be glorified in our pursuit of Your superior word. Amen.

Matthew 14:32

Friday, 5 December 2025
 
And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. Matthew 14:32
 
“And they, having gone into the boat, it ceased – the wind” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus stretched out His hand to retrieve Peter from sinking. At the same time, He told him his faith was little and asked why he doubted. The narrative continues with astonishing words, “And they, having gone into the boat, it ceased – the wind.”
 
A new word is seen, kopazó, to tire. Figuratively, it then means to relax and thus to cease. All three of its uses will be in relation to the wind dying down. One can see that the wind and waves were for the instruction of the disciples. If Jesus wanted to, He could have ceased the winds earlier.
 
Likewise, He could have let the storm wear itself out and then started across the sea. But He departed from the area of the feeding of the five thousand while it was still stormy, at a point when the men had been straining to cross for a long time.
 
Peter, despite his bravado, would have been tired from the long day and then the long, difficult night. His ability to focus and keep up a faithful spirit would have been diminished. All such things came into play as he croaked out to Jesus to rescue him on the water.
 
Once Peter’s faith and ability to focus on the Object of his desire were shown to be weak, the storm was no longer needed. The winds that had distracted him gave way to calmness.
 
Life application: This account conveys a truth that we should all be aware of and prepared for. When our minds and bodies are tired, we can get more irritable, misdirected, prone to making mistakes, and even prone to sin, each depending on the surrounding circumstances.
 
When we are in such a state, we should remind ourselves to act carefully, respond to circumstances or to others circumspectly, and ask the Lord to guide us in whatever is set before us.
 
The main thing to remember is to be determined to fix our eyes on the Lord Jesus. The storms around us and the weariness that results from them will weaken our resolve. If we are not in a condition to go forward, we should have the wisdom to tell ourselves this or to let those we are in the battle with know that we they are not capable of handling the challenge.
 
This, rather than barging ahead and relying on our own strength, is a display of wisdom. As Clint Eastwood said in one of his movies, “A man’s got to know his limitations.” When we fail to know our limitations and work within them, only disaster will result.
 
“When the Philistines were at war again with Israel, David and his servants with him went down and fought against the Philistines; and David grew faint. 16 Then Ishbi-Benob, who was one of the sons of the giant, the weight of whose bronze spear was three hundred shekels, who was bearing a new sword, thought he could kill David. 17 But Abishai the son of Zeruiah came to his aid, and struck the Philistine and killed him. Then the men of David swore to him, saying, ‘You shall go out no more with us to battle, lest you quench the lamp of Israel.’” 2 Samuel 21:15-17
 
David’s son, Solomon, wrote that there is a time for everything under the sun. It is ok to understand that there are times to act and times to refrain from acting if we are incapable of doing so. If we fail in this, we may damage our testimony or bring harm to ourselves or others.
 
Lord God, give us wisdom to walk in this world in tune with who we are and with our eyes fixed steadily on Jesus. When we cannot be effective in what we plan to do, give us the wisdom to see this. If You will strengthen us for the task, we can proceed. But if it is time to step back from it, help us to know this as well. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.
 

Matthew 14:31

Thursday, 4 December 2025
 
And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” Matthew 14:31
 
“And immediately, Jesus, having extended the hand, He seized him, and He says to him, ‘Little-faithed! Into why – you doubted?’” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Peter saw the tumultuous wind and became afraid. Along with that, he began to sink, calling out to Jesus to save him. It next says, “And immediately, Jesus, having extended the hand, He seized him.”
 
A new word, epilambanomai, to seize the hand, is seen here. It is derived from epi, upon, and lambanó, to take. Thus, it is to seize upon. Peter is in the process of sinking. Jesus is firmly fixed on the top of the water, and so He reaches down to Peter to rescue him.
 
The scene is amazing to contemplate. It defies the sense of logic that each of us would normally consider. Despite being completely out of the ordinary, there is no reason to assume that it is impossible. Not understanding how something works does not mean that it doesn’t actually work. With Jesus reaching out to Peter, it next says, “and He says to him, ‘Little-faithed!’”
 
It is a sentiment He uses elsewhere. In Peter’s case, his faith allowed him to step out of the boat and begin walking, but it didn’t keep him from being distracted in obtaining the goal. One can see that faith in something isn’t the entire scope of the matter. Peter lacked faith in all directions at once. That is seen in the next words, “Into why – you doubted?”
 
Peter’s faith said, “I see Jesus, I can get to Him.” Hence, he started out on the water. However, once he took his eyes off the Object of his faith, he saw the boisterous wind and lacked faith that he could overcome it.
 
As noted in the previous commentary, it isn’t that Peter lacked faith. Rather, it became misdirected and overwhelmed by another issue he wasn’t confident he could handle. As such, Jesus says he doubted.
 
Life application: As can be seen, faith comes in varying degrees, but it also has to overcome many side challenges to be effective. If we were to extend the scenario in which Peter is in, we could add lightning, sharks, a pirate vessel (arrr matey), and other obstacles to his ability to stay afloat.
 
At what point will Peter’s faith crack? As long as he keeps his eyes on the Object, Jesus, the other challenges would not be able to affect him. But that may be hard to do when a resounding bolt of lightning crashs between the two of them. In an instant, Peter’s faith in his ability to continue without being killed by lightning might falter, and down he would go.
 
However, maybe the lightning flashes so brilliantly that it highlights Jesus in an exceptional way, actually boosting his faith. However, the pirate ship was able to spot him in the flash and sends off a round from a cannon. Peter sees the giant splash as the pirates adjust their cannon for another shot, and down he goes.
 
Each thing that distracts us from the goal we are set on attaining has its own faith challenge that we must overcome. Apply that thought to your own life. You want to do a particular thing. You know you are fully competent to do it. And yet, the side issues each bring a challenge that your faith in yourself or your abilities says, “I don’t think I can do that.”
 
How do we overcome such things? The answer is to keep our eyes on the Object of our faith. If what you are pursuing is sanctioned by the Lord, you have to know that it will come to pass. But if you continuously allow life’s distractions that cause you to lack faith in the challenge they present, you will never attain your goal.
 
You don’t really need to have all the confidence in the world concerning all things, though. You are finite, and it isn’t possible to adjust to every scenario that will arise in the course of time. Rather, you need to have confidence that Jesus can handle them.
 
If Peter said, “I can’t handle the sharks, lightning, or pirates, but I know Jesus has said I can come to Him. Therefore, I will make it to Him,” then he would have prevailed. This is why Paul says what he says in Philippians –
 
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:12, 13
 
Let us have faith that if we are working in accord with the will of the Lord, we will prevail in what we desire to do. If it isn’t, then it will not come to pass. This isn’t a fatalistic attitude. Rather, we are to strive for what we want but know that the Lord may not want it for us. If we don’t strive to obtain the goal, it will certainly never be realized.
 
Lord God, help us in our faith. It gets challenged from ten thousand angles at a time, and we get distracted from the goal we are trying to attain. Help us to focus on the fact that You are with us in what we do. Because of Jesus, if it is meant to come about, it will. The side issues will never thwart what You have approved. Help us to remember this. Amen.