BIBLE IN TEN

Matthew 15:8

Wednesday, 17 December 2025
 
‘These people draw near to Me with their mouth,
And honor Me with their lips,
But their heart is far from Me. Matthew 15:8
 
“He neared Me, this people – the mouth,And the lips – he honors Me,And their heart, it distances far from Me” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus called the scribes and the Pharisees hypocrites. He then noted that Isaiah had rightly spoken of them. What Isaiah said is next cited by Jesus, saying –
 
“He neared Me, this people – the mouth.” The words begin the quote of Isaiah 29:13. It is what people do when they speak about, praise, thank, or petition the Lord. They will draw near to Him with the mouth. The words are in a common Hebrew form of speaking.
 
First, the people are referred to in the singular through a masculine verb, as if one man, “He neared me.” It is then explained by the words, “this people.” From there, the plural is given when speaking of the individual mouth of each person, “their mouth.”
 
The Lord acknowledges this form of expression. As a collective, the people truly near themselves to the Lord. And more, He acknowledges, “And the lips – he honors Me.”
 
It happened all over Israel as people would call out, honoring the Lord with their lips. One can think of any apostate church. They will draw themselves near to the Lord in their words. In those words, there will be great words of honor and adoration for God. However, it is all done falsely as Jesus next notes while still citing Isaiah, “And their heart, it distances far from Me.”
 
A new word is seen, the adverb porró, far. It is derived from the preposition pro, forward (as in proceed, project, etc.). Thus, it refers to something at a distance. The point is that even though the people openly draw near to the Lord, honoring Him with their lips, the true substance of who they are (the heart) remains a far distance from Him.
 
One can think of a church with a lesbian preacher or priest, such as is quite common in many mainstream denominations today. They stand in the pulpit, raise their hands, and say, “We honor You, Lord of the universe. We call on You to send Your Spirit upon us anew today.”
 
The fact is that if they were honoring the Lord, she wouldn’t have been appointed, and she wouldn’t be a lesbian. There is no heart for the Lord. Instead, there is a show-and-pretend religion. This type of pretense allows people to claim they are right with God when their lives and actions deny any relationship with Him at all.
 
One can see the patterns in Isaiah’s words that are common in Hebrew writings –
 
“He neared Me, this people – the mouth,And the lips – he honors Me,And their heart, it distances far from Me”
 
Nearing and honoring are set in parallel and then contrasted to distancing. The mouth and the lips are set in parallel and then contrasted to the heart. At the same time, the first two clauses are reversed in order, though parallel in thought. In the third line, the word “far” is given to accentuate the truth of the matter. The structure calls out for thought and then an active consideration of the state of those it is referring to.
 
Life application: One of the joys of reading many different translations is that the mind can think differently when seeing things laid out differently. The translators of the LSV disagree, saying, “While some readers may prefer paragraph breaks in narrative and line breaks in poetic portions for the purpose of readability, it was the decision of the translators to mimic the style of the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek autographs in presenting God’s word as a continuous text block. ... Furthermore, the modern trend even extended to differentiating the words of Christ in red letters, as if God’s word should be divided in such a way. The LSV is the polar opposite, regarding the entirety of Scripture as God-breathed, with its different genres of literature resting on a level playing field.”
 
That is ridiculous. First, the translators admit that there are purposeful markers within the text that naturally break the flow of the reading for the mind of the reader. Why shouldn’t such marks be variously employed for the modern reader in his own language?
 
But more poignantly, as noted above, there is almost no punctuation or capitalization in the original manuscripts. There are also no chapter or verse divisions. To use their logic in a consistent way would mean that they should do the same thing and have everything follow a simple block format with no other markings, including capitalization, punctuation, etc. It would be insane for an English reader to even bother reading such a translation, and so these changes are made.
 
A third point is that between the Old and New Testaments in their version, a painting is included in the hard copy translation. Where is that found in the original manuscripts? As nice as the painting is, was that painted by God as breathed out through His Spirit? Obviously not. It is a hypocritical thing to say one thing and do another. These and many other translational changes by them demonstrate that their words in the preface do not align with their translation at all.
 
As for the text itself with the various formatting differences, at what point does it become “wrong” to make a translation more understandable for the reader? This is the fallacy of the beard, and the LSV translators entered into it just when the beard was enough to tickle the faces of baby readers who first pick it up. Others have a beard a bit longer and can tickle even toddlers. While others choose for the beard to be fully grown and mature.
 
Don’t get legalistic! Get into the word! How it is formatted is something each reader will find suitable to his own needs. So, look through the next Bible you want to read, see if it will help you in your reading, and buy that one.
 
Lord God, You have given us the freedom to translate Your word, highlighting nuances for the benefit of the reader, setting parts off for greater clarity and understanding, and so forth. Thank You for those who have done the hard work so that we can more fully appreciate this wonderful word You have given us. Amen.

Matthew 15:7

Tuesday, 16 December 2025
 
Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: Matthew 15:7
 
“Hypocrites! Well, Isaiah, he prophesied concerning you, saying,” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus told the scribes and Pharisees that they had invalidated the commandment of God through their tradition. He continues, sharply criticizing them for this, saying, “Hypocrites!”
 
The word has been seen several times already, but this is the first time Jesus has directly called these men “hypocrites” to their faces. The word comes from two separate words signifying under and judge. It is a person who judges like a performer under a mask. Thus, he is two-faced.
 
This is exactly how these men were in their ungodly teachings while claiming to be the epitome of godly examples to the people. Of this sort, Jesus said to them, “Well, Isaiah, he prophesied concerning you, saying.”
 
The words of Isaiah are words of Scripture, given by God through a prophet. Without yet reading what words Jesus will cite, we can already guess that His reference to these men will not be favorable concerning them and their actions.
 
Life application: These scribes and Pharisees had an agenda. The conversation began with them asking Jesus why His disciples transgressed the traditions of the elders. Although the tone of their voice is unknown, the very question implies that they felt somehow better than Jesus and His disciples because these supposed religious leaders do something that others don’t do.
 
It is a way of attempting to shame others into compliance with their lifestyles, values, morals, etc. This is a common way that people handle such things. Look at the world around you at any given time, and you will see people doing this constantly.
For example, people are currently in the habit of shaming others if they disagree with all sorts of perverse lifestyles, such as homosexuality. The news media and Hollywood elites shame people because of their skin color, as if being anything but black is bad.
 
In Christianity, people who read the KJV will constantly demean and shame those who don’t, as if the translation they are reading makes them less of a Christian. One key aspect of all such matters is that the one who is making the accusation is the one who has no valid argument for his stand.
 
The shaming, when understood from this perspective, is an underhanded attempt not to do right, but to do what is wrong. Those who are doing right have no need to shame others in such a manner. They can call out what is wrong based on their properly aligned position.
 
For example, nature itself tells us that homosexuality is a perversion of what is normal. Being abnormal, there is no moral justification for such a stand. Therefore, the way to make people accommodate this type of behavior must be pressed from a position of weakness. Shaming others is an inevitable tactic that must be employed to silence those who oppose the behavior.
 
Shaming someone because of his skin color is a ridiculous proposition. A person is born with skin. It isn’t the skin that makes the person. That is an incidental mark of who he is, like the color of his eyes or the size of his foot. How the person behaves within society, regardless of skin color, is what makes him valuable or worthless.
But for those who have an agenda against a predominantly white society, shaming the majority because of their skin color serves their purpose. Let them go to China and try that with yellow skin!
 
As for cults, those who hold to an untenable position, like KJV Onlyism, will attempt to justify the unjustifiable in their doctrine, covering up errors in their own text as if they don’t exist. At the same time, they will shame others because of the Bible they read, using fallacious thinking and verbal attacks in an attempt to embarrass others into acquiescing to their ridiculous stand.
 
Be ready to defend your stand on why you believe homosexuality is wrong, why it is ok for you to have whatever color skin you have, and why you read one version of the Bible rather than another.
And these are only three of innumerable examples of such things you should be aware of in the world in which you exist. Jesus didn’t cave to shamers, and neither should you.
 
Glorious God, thank You for the words of Scripture that give us insights into how to live and operate in the world You have placed us in. May we not be ashamed of our stand for the gospel or the truths contained in Your word. Help us to boldly stand on what Your word teaches, knowing that Your word is truth. Amen.
 

Matthew 15:6

Monday, 15 December 2025
 
then he need not honor his father or mother.’ Thus you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition. Matthew 15:6
 
“And no, not he should honor his father or his mother. And you invalidated God’s commandment through your tradition” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus began explaining the hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees in regard to the issue of tending to one’s parents as commanded by the law. He continues that, saying, “And no, not he should honor his father or his mother.”
 
By the leaders’ granting the people to take their gifts and dedicate them in this fashion, a practice that was derived from tradition, they created a rift in people’s proper adherence to God’s prescription. That is stated by Jesus with the words, “And you invalidated God’s commandment through your tradition.”
 
The word akuroó, to invalidate, is first seen here. It will be used in the comparable passage in Mark 7:13 and then only again in Galatians 3 concerning the surety of the covenant of promise given to Abraham that is not invalidated by the temporary Law of Moses –
 
“And this I say, that the law, which was four hundred and thirty years later, cannot annul [akuroó] the covenant that was confirmed before by Godin Christ, that it should make the promise of no effect. 18 For if the inheritance is of the law, it is no longer of promise; but God gave it to Abraham by promise.” Galatians 3:17, 18
 
These leaders were essentially saying, “Isn’t it more important to give your gifts to God than to keep them around, taking up space, cluttering up your lives and your homes?” They knew full well that by convincing people they were doing a service to God that they would rush to give. Never mind that these leaders would be on the receiving end of such gifts in one way or another and that the parents would be left unattended to in their old age.
 
The perverse nature of the doctrine is laid bare by Jesus, shaming the people for their greed, dishonesty, and outright hypocrisy. God doesn’t need their gifts. Rather, what He wants from His people is obedience to His prescriptions.
 
“Hear, O My people, and I will speak,O Israel, and I will testify against you;I am God, your God!8 I will not rebuke you for your sacrificesOr your burnt offerings,Which are continually before Me.9 I will not take a bull from your house,Nor goats out of your folds.10 For every beast of the forest is Mine,And the cattle on a thousand hills.11 I know all the birds of the mountains,And the wild beasts of the field are Mine.12 If I were hungry, I would not tell you;For the world is Mine, and all its fullness.13 Will I eat the flesh of bulls,Or drink the blood of goats?14 Offer to God thanksgiving,And pay your vows to the Most High.15 Call upon Me in the day of trouble;I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.” Psalm 50:7-15
 
Life application: Do you ever hear preachers or teachers making an appeal for donations that includes catchphrases like seed offering, increase, multiply, tithe, tithing, tithes, pleasing to God, firstfruits, opening the storehouses of heaven, and so on?
 
If you hear these things, be sure not to give to such people. If you are giving to receive in return, you are giving for the wrong reason. If you are giving because someone told you that you are going to make God happy by giving them money, you are giving for the wrong reason.
 
God is happy with your faith, praise, and thanksgiving. He doesn’t need your money, even if His people do. If His people do, and you are able to give, then do so without expecting anything in return. Be cheerful in your giving, or don’t give. Giving grudgingly will not lead to future rewards.
 
Glorious Lord God, we come before You to praise You for who You are, to thank You for Your grace and tender mercies, and to glorify You for the salvation You have granted to us through simple belief in the full, final, finished, and forever work of Jesus Christ. We believe and we thank You. All praises to You, O God. Amen.

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.