BIBLE IN TEN

Matthew 14:12

Saturday, 15 November 2025
 
Then his disciples came and took away the body and buried it, and went and told Jesus. Matthew 14:12
 
“And his disciples, having come, they lifted the body and they interred it. And having come, they told Jesus” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, John’s head was brought to Herodias’ daughter on a platter. From there, she took it to her mother. With that noted, it next says, “And his disciples.”
 
This refers not to Jesus’ disciples but John’s. They probably tended to John while in prison, such as bringing him meals, stopping by to talk, and so forth. Upon going to the prison to attend to him, someone would have let them know that John had been beheaded. With that understood, it next says, “having come, they lifted the body and they interred it.”
 
A new word, ptóma, is seen here. It is derived from piptó, to fall. It signifies a ruin, but specifically a lifeless body, meaning a corpse, carrion, etc. The disciples determined to ensure that John’s body was treated with dignity after the sad treatment he had received at the hands of Herod.
 
As for its disposal, almost all translations say “buried” here, but this is not the way bodies were handled in Israel at the time. Rather, they were placed in tombs to decay. Normally, after some amount of time, the bones would be collected and placed in ossuaries, or they would be stored in a single section of a tomb. This is what probably would have been the case with John’s body as well. Once John’s body was interred, it says, “And having come, they told Jesus.”
 
This would be the natural extension of such a series of events. What seems likely, although unstated, is that these disciples would henceforth follow Jesus. If so, the death of John would have immediately changed the course of their lives in more than one way.
 
Life application: It is quite often the case that at some point after a tragedy, death, or catastrophe, something good will result. At the time of the event, things seem overwhelming, and sadness or grief may take hold of us for a spell. Eventually, however, when our minds have adjusted and our lives have settled, we can look back and process the unfolding of events.
 
When we do, we can often see how what seemed a one-way street of woe was actually a path that turned onto another road of opportunity for joy and a new direction in life. However, some people never accept this and stay wallowing in their misery, blaming God for the events that brought them so much grief.
 
But this is God’s world, we are His creatures, and He has a right to choose the events of our lives. Instead of holding things against Him, we should take time to evaluate what has taken place and how it fits into the greater picture of our continued existence.
 
When we do, we will be able to see how things brought us into a new dynamic with new hopes and possibilities. So, let us take the time to grieve, but not to get stuck there. Rather, as Solomon noted, there is a time for everything. And as the author of Lamentations notes, the compassions of the Lord are new every morning.
 
Wait for time to heal the wounds of life, and look for the hand of the Lord to be with you each day as He sends His gracious favor to you in the process. You will find out that this is how He works in the lives of His people.
 
Lord God, thank You for Your tender mercies. There is trial, trouble, tribulation, and catastrophe in this life, but there are still wonderful blessings that come to us, even in such times. May we focus our minds on You, even as we struggle through this life. Surely, when we do, things will always make sense as we continue through our walk on the path to You. Amen.

Matthew 14:11

Friday, 14 November 2025
 
And his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother. Matthew 14:11
 
“And his head, it was carried upon a platter, and it was given to the damsel, and she carried to her mother” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, it was noted that Herod sent and he beheaded John in prison. It next says, “And his head, it was borne upon a platter.”
 
The word pheró, to bear, is introduced here. HELPS Word Studies says, “properly, to bear, carry (bring) along, especially temporarily or to a definite (prescribed) conclusion (defined by the individual context).”
 
Once John was beheaded, it was placed upon a platter, being carried to its now rightful owner according to the oath made by Herod. It next says, “and it was given to the damsel.”
 
Something new concerning Herodias’ daughter is seen here. She is called a damsel, a little girl. It explains why she went to her mother (as recorded in Mark) to determine what she should ask for when the oath and offer were extended to her by Herod.
 
From the prison where John was beheaded, it was borne by an attendant and taken to Herodias’ daughter. She was the one who had pleased Herod in the dance and to whom the promise was made. Therefore, the burden of carrying it to its final destination was accomplished by her. As it says, “and she bore to her mother.”
 
Nothing beyond this is recorded concerning what happened to the head. Some extra-biblical comments about it have been made, but the Bible itself is silent on the matter.
 
Life application: In the story of the life of King David, the account of David encountering Goliath on the battlefield is recorded. There it says –
 
“So it was, when the Philistine arose and came and drew near to meet David, that David hurried and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine. 49 Then David put his hand in his bag and took out a stone; and he slung it and struck the Philistine in his forehead, so that the stone sank into his forehead, and he fell on his face to the earth. 50 So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone, and struck the Philistine and killed him. But there was no sword in the hand of David. 51 Therefore David ran and stood over the Philistine, took his sword and drew it out of its sheath and killed him, and cut off his head with it.” 1 Samuel 17:48-51
 
A bit later, it says, “And David took the head of the Philistine and brought it to Jerusalem, but he put his armor in his tent” (1 Samuel 17:54).
 
To understand the significance of what occurred in that account, sermons from the Superior Word detail the events and their typological significance in detail. One thing that can be deduced about the beheading of John is connected to that account concerning Goliath.
 
Everything about the law is associated with death. God gave Adam a law in the Garden of Eden. Adam violated that law, and it brought about his death (Genesis 2:17), and it also brought about death in humanity (Romans 5:12). Even Jesus, who was under the Law of Moses, died in fulfillment of it. It was a necessary death for grace to be bestowed.
 
John the Immerser was the final prophet under the law. He was the herald of the coming of Christ. As such, he was destined to die as an example of the law’s power of death over life. Only in coming to Christ’s completed work is the matter reversed, and life, meaning life in Christ, prevails over death.
 
As terrible as the account concerning John the Baptist is, we are being instructed in the difference set forth between Adam’s failure and Christ’s victory. This includes the death of John, who proclaimed law to the world.
 
The law had to come to an end for grace to be bestowed. John is the one who brought it to that point. Jesus is the One who then acted, completing the task and offering something far more glorious to the people of the world. Let us never forget the lesson of law vs. grace. Hold fast to the grace of God as it is revealed in the Person and work of Jesus Christ, our Lord.
 
Lord God, in the end, it is all about what You are doing in Christ Jesus for the people of the world. Help us to remember this and to hold fast to this truth. We don’t need more law! What we need is grace. Thank You for the grace offered through His completed work. Amen.

Matthew 14:10

Thursday, 13 November 2025
 
So he sent and had John beheaded in prison. Matthew 14:10
 
“And, having sent, he beheaded John in the prison” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, despite being grieved, Herod commanded that what Herodias’ daughter asked for was to be given to her. Because of that, it next says, “And, having sent, he beheaded John in the prison.”
 
The word apokephalizó, to decapitate or behead, is first seen here. It is from apo, from or away, and kephalé, head. The meaning is clear. A separation between the body and the head is realized.
 
Of this word, it is in the third person singular. The action, though carried out by an executioner, is laid at the feet of Herod: “he beheaded.” It cannot be thought that the word is referring to the executioner, because none is identified in the previous words, even if one is implied. The nearest antecedent, being Herod, places him as the responsible agent for John’s death.
 
There is a dispute concerning where the execution took place. If Herod was in one location and the prison in another, then there would be a day or two separation between the beheading and its presentation to Herodias’ daughter.
 
It could also be that this birthday party took place in the location where the prison was. In reality, it doesn’t matter. The narrative ties the event of John’s beheading to the request of the daughter. The dance took place, the oaths were made, the request to fulfill the oath was stated, and the king ordered the beheading.
 
If the Bible wanted us to know the other details, it would have included them. However, the fact that the execution took place immediately after the request is what the narrative is concerned with.
 
Life application: There is often as much to learn from what is not stated in Scripture as what is. When details are specifically left out, we can know that they were omitted for a reason.
 
For example, if there is a narrative about a particular person, and it notes that he went to seven different named locations, and then he had various things occur at a particular place, but the name of that place is never given, it means that the name is left out to not mar the typology that is being presented.
 
This happens quite often. A list of people is mentioned, and their names are given. However, another person who is mentioned many times, such as a servant or a friend, is never identified beyond his position. We have no idea what his name is, despite being mentioned repeatedly.
 
Pay attention to such things. Information is being conveyed within stories and the record of particular events. Each name or description provides some sort of detail that God is using to continue His typological and pictorial presentations for us to learn other truths from.
 
Nothing is superfluous in the word of God. It all has bearing on what He is doing. Looking to discern His intent will allow us to understand why odd or obscure stories have been selected from history and included in His word.
 
In the end, it is all pointing to Jesus and what occurs in relation to Him in the greater context of redemptive history.
 
Lord God, thank You for the intricacy and incredible depth of Your word. The smallest child can pick it up and find You and the key to eternal salvation and fellowship with You. And yet, the greatest scholar can pick it up and find something to challenge him to the point of mental fatigue as he struggles to plumb the depths of Your word. What a treasure it is! Amen.
 

Matthew 14:9

Wednesday, 12 November 2025
 
And the king was sorry; nevertheless, because of the oaths and because of those who sat with him, he commanded it to be given to her. Matthew 14:9
 
“And grieved, the king, but through the oaths and those co-reclining, he commanded it given” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Herodias’ daughter made her petition to Herod to give her the head of John the Immerser on a platter. In response, Matthew records, “And grieved, the king.”
 
A new word is seen, lupeó. It signifies distress. Reflexively, it thus signifies to be sad or grieved. In his impulsiveness, Herod opened his mouth without thinking. It has now cost him because he failed to consider that this girl might first go to her mother and seek her advice. In doing so, the mother would know exactly how far she could go without stepping over a line that was not to be crossed.
 
It is true that Herodias’ advice would put Herod in a personal bind, but it was not something that he would refuse to grant. As such, Herod grieved that he had been outsmarted in the matter of John, something that had probably already come up between him and his wife previously. Despite the uncomfortable request, Matthew next says, “but through the oaths.”
 
The plural, oaths, goes back to verse 14:7 where it said, “with an oath he assented.” He made an oath and then restated it as a binding surety that he was being sincere. When such a proclamation is made, it would show a lack of character to withdraw the offer, thus breaking the vow stated with such adamancy. Along with his oath was the added embarrassing note, saying, “and those co-reclining.”
 
Not only had Herod made a vow and then assented to it, but he had done so in the presence of others. For him to withdraw his words, even after such a request, would mean that when these men spoke to him in the future, they would always wonder if his words would match his actions.
 
The girl’s request was exceedingly embarrassing, but not impossible to grant, petition. Therefore, “he commanded it given.”
 
Herod, maybe laughing as a disguise for his horror, ordered his men to have John’s head removed and brought forward. Not only would this be a trying evening for him personally, but it would be an event that would bring him notoriety and shame in the eyes of those who heard about it. It would also add a gruesome sight for those who were in attendance to remember and consider when invited to dinner with the king in the future.
 
Life application: Despite all of the gore to be seen on TV and in movies, and even in the news to some extent, seeing a dead person close up for the first time is always a shocking event.
 
One of the common things seen inside a mortuary when a first-time visitor is brought in is for the person to stop, step backwards, and place his hand over his mouth. There is a sense of mental horror that a dead person is really right there in front of his eyes. This isn’t just a Hollywood movie or a prop in play, but a human being who is no longer alive.
 
Stepping back is a mentally horrified reaction that death somehow can be avoided if enough distance is put between the person and the corpse. And the hand over the mouth usually occurs because people somehow equate death to an influence that actually permeates the air. Covering the mouth and nose is not based on a reaction to smell, but the presence of death itself, as if it can be breathed in.
 
Imagine being at the banqueting hall of royalty and seeing the platter with John the Immerser’s head on it. If it was covered with linen, the mind could escape the truth of what was under it. However, with the linen removed, anyone who had never seen a dead person in closed quarters would probably react as those first-time visitors who enter a morgue will react.
 
When looking at a dead person, we can remember that the person lying there is dead for a reason. Ultimately, it is because of the results of sin. Now consider those who saw Jesus when He died. His body was removed from the cross, and He was carried away to be interred.
 
Those in attendance, if they understood theology, would know that sin caused Jesus’ death. What they would not know is that it wasn’t His sin that did so. However, an astute person standing by the tomb on the third day, seeing Jesus alive and well a well, would be able to theologically process the information. Jesus died because of sin. Jesus rose again. Therefore, Jesus must not have had any sin.
 
But if the wages of sin is death, then how could Jesus have died in the first place? If that person understood the Scriptures, had heard the words of Jesus during His ministry, and considered the true role of the coming Messiah, he would be able to say, “I get it!”
 
Jesus Christ really died, He was truly interred in the tomb, and He truly rose again. The magnitude of what Jesus did is the highlight of all human existence since the creation of man. From time to time, we must stop and consider what God in Christ has done for us. The lifeless body of Jesus signifies the removal of our sin. The resurrection of Jesus proves to us that it is so and that it is permanent. Thanks be to God for Jesus Christ our Lord.
 
“And when he has made an end of atoning for the Holy Place, the tabernacle of meeting, and the altar, he shall bring the live goat. 21 Aaron shall lay both his hands on the head of the live goat, confess over it all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions, concerning all their sins, putting them on the head of the goat, and shall send it away into the wilderness by the hand of a suitable man. 22 The goat shall bear on itself all their iniquities to an uninhabited land; and he shall release the goat in the wilderness.” Leviticus 16:20-22
 
Lord God, thank You for the death, internment, and resurrection of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Matthew 14:8

Tuesday, 11 November 2025
 
So she, having been prompted by her mother, said, “Give me John the Baptist’s head here on a platter.” Matthew 14:8
 
“And having been instigated by her mother, she says, ‘You give me here upon a platter the head of John the Immerser’” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Herod offered by oath whatever Herodias’ daughter asked for. With his offer made, it next says, “And having been instigated by her mother.”
 
A new word, found only here in the New Testament, is seen, probibazó, to instigate. It is derived from pro, before, and biazó, to force. Thus, it is to force forward, hence, to instigate as one prods another to take a certain action.
 
Mark 6:24 fills in the detail left out by Matthew, saying, “So she went out and said to her mother, ‘What shall I ask?’” Her response, still in Mark 6:24, was, “The head of John the ‘Immersing’!” That is then explained by Matthew with his continued words, where “she says, ‘You give me here upon a platter the head of John the Immerser.’”
 
Another new word is seen, pinax, a platter. It is a variant form of plax, a molding board, meaning a flat surface. Going along with her mother’s instigation, the young lady requests the immediate execution of John, seen in the word “here,” with his head presented to her.
 
It is a rather gross request, but young ladies will be young ladies, and she was obedient to her mother’s instigation. Thus, the request was set before Herod in regard to her mother’s desire.
 
Life application: As tragic as John’s beheading was, the fact that he would die before Jesus has already been hinted at. In John 11:11, Jesus said, “Amen! I say to you, not he has risen in ‘born of women’ greater than John the Immerser, but the least in the kingdom of the heavens, he is greater than he.”
 
If John were to have survived until after Jesus’ death, he would have certainly believed the good news of the resurrection and been a part of the church age. Therefore, John’s death had already been factored into things as they unfolded.
 
Despite this, there is a hope for those who died in faith in the promises of God. In Daniel 12, it says –
 
“At that time Michael shall stand up,The great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people;And there shall be a time of trouble,Such as never was since there was a nation,Even to that time.And at that time your people shall be delivered,Every one who is found written in the book.2 And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake,Some to everlasting life,Some to shame and everlasting contempt.3 Those who are wise shall shineLike the brightness of the firmament,And those who turn many to righteousnessLike the stars forever and ever.” Daniel 12:1-3
 
After the church age, the world will enter into the tribulation. It will be a terrible time on earth, but once that is over, those who were of faith will be raised to eternal life. This included Daniel, as stated to him in Daniel 12:13. As such, it is certain it will be inclusive of all who died before the coming of Jesus who were people of faith, including John the Immerser.
 
We don’t need to worry that God’s plan is out of control, and we do not need to fret over comments by people who claim God is somehow unfair or uncaring when they make negative comments over things, like John’s beheading, as if it demonstrates God is not good.
 
This life is temporary, and unless the Lord comes first at the rapture, we are all going to die. It really doesn’t matter how that occurs. Once you are dead, that’s it. As we are told in John 6:33, the flesh profits nothing. What matters is what we do with this life now.
 
Be sure to focus on Jesus, trust Him even in the most difficult of times or circumstances, and trust His word. In the end, good things are in store for those who do so.
 
Lord God, thank You for the promises set forth in Your word for us. We are undeserving of the least of Your mercies, and yet, You have promised us that great things are in store for Your people. Help us to focus on this as we walk in this world of troubles, trials, and wickedness that hem us in. Amen.

Matthew 14:7

Monday, 10 November 2025
 
Therefore he promised with an oath to give her whatever she might ask. Matthew 14:7
 
“Whence with an oath He assented to give her what if she should ask” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, it was noted that Herod had a birthday celebration and that Herodias’ daughter danced for him, pleasing him. Matthew continues the narrative, saying, “Whence with an oath He assented to give her what if she should ask.”
 
The word that confirms the oath is homologeó, to assent. It signifies “to voice the same conclusion” (HELPS Word Studies). What is probably intended is affirming a matter by repeating it, a common Hebrew form of speaking, such as, “I vow with a vow to do this thing,” or “Vowing with a vow, he confirmed his word.” In this case, the repetition is seen in the exchange as recorded in lengthier statements in Mark 6 –
 
“And when Herodias’ daughter herself came in and danced, and pleased Herod and those who sat with him, the king said to the girl, ‘Ask me whatever you want, and I will give it to you.’ 23 He also swore to her, ‘Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half my kingdom.’”
 
Herod was enamored with the girl’s dancing and wanted to reward her for it publicly, something that would demonstrate his magnanimity to those around him. When assenting to his oath, he binds himself to whatever she asks. It is not a wise way of engaging in gift giving. However, being the king, the one who is offered something with such an oath would not be expected to abuse the request, thus eliciting the disfavor of the king.
 
Life application: In Scripture, people are seen to make vows that can be taken as rash and unwise. A glaring example of this is found in Judges 11 –
 
Then the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jephthah, and he passed through Gilead and Manasseh, and passed through Mizpah of Gilead; and from Mizpah of Gilead he advanced toward the people of Ammon. 30 And Jephthah made a vow to the Lord, and said, “If You will indeed deliver the people of Ammon into my hands, 31 then it will be that whatever comes out of the doors of my house to meet me, when I return in peace from the people of Ammon, shall surely be the Lord’s, and I will offer it up as a burnt offering.”
32 So Jephthah advanced toward the people of Ammon to fight against them, and the Lord delivered them into his hands. 33 And he defeated them from Aroer as far as Minnith—twenty cities—and to Abel Keramim, with a very great slaughter. Thus the people of Ammon were subdued before the children of Israel.
34 When Jephthah came to his house at Mizpah, there was his daughter, coming out to meet him with timbrels and dancing; and she was his only child. Besides her he had neither son nor daughter. 35 And it came to pass, when he saw her, that he tore his clothes, and said, “Alas, my daughter! You have brought me very low! You are among those who trouble me! For I have given my word to the Lord, and I cannot go back on it.”
 
Jephthah made a vow that, unfortunately, cost him the life of his daughter. He understood that despite the consequences of his vow, it was one made to the Lord, and it had to be fulfilled. The reason for this story being included in Scripture is to make a point about what God is doing in redemptive history concerning salvation and His favor or rejection of a particular people group.
 
To understand what is going on in that passage, you can refer to the Superior Word sermons on Judges 11. As for our words today, a point made by Jesus and which is repeated by both Paul and James is that when we speak, we are to refrain from making vows concerning such matters.
 
Instead, we are to let our Yes be Yes and our No be No. In other words, when we say we are going to do or not do something, our integrity should be so accepted by others that they know we will perform our word. Additional vows and oaths are unnecessary and will detract from what the Lord expects of us.
 
This does not mean that we are not to make any oath at all. In society, we must swear oaths in court, on legal documents (with our signature, for example), etc. But when speaking, we should refrain from people thinking there is any necessity to go beyond a simply stated affirmation concerning our intent.
 
Lord God, help us to be people of integrity where others can trust our words, taking them at face value. Help us to remember that when we speak, You are being evaluated through the performance and accomplishment of what we say. Help us to remember this and follow through, to Your glory. Amen.

Matthew 14:6

Sunday, 9 November 2025
 
But when Herod’s birthday was celebrated, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod. Matthew 14:6
 
“And being Herod’s birthday, she danced, the daughter of Herodias, in the midst. And she pleased Herod” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, it was noted that although Herod wanted to put John the Immerser to death, he feared the multitude because they reckoned him to be a prophet. It next says, “And being Herod’s birthday.”
 
A new word is seen: genesia, birthday. It is the plural of genesis, which means birth, origin, and genealogy. It signifies one’s recurring birthday or the ceremonies accompanying it. Despite being plural, rendering it in the singular is to accommodate the standard usage in English. On his birthday, “she danced, the daughter of Herodias.”
 
This was Salome, the daughter of Herodias by her former husband. Victorian-era commentaries on this condemn the matter as if it were the most inappropriate event imaginable, remarking how sensual and voluptuous the scene must have been. Ellicott’s comments reflect their general sentiment –
 
“Dances in filmy garments that but half concealed the form, commonly of an impure or voluptuous nature, were common enough both at Eastern and Roman banquets, the guests being simply spectators. But the dancers were, for the most part, women who made it their calling, like the nautch-girls of India; and it was a new thing, at which every decent Jew would shudder, for the daughter of a kingly house to come-thus into a shameless publicity and expose herself to the gaze of the banqueters.” Charles Ellicott
 
One must wonder what such scholars do with the contents of the Song of Songs! Dances have been common at public and private gatherings for all of human history. Cultural norms set the parameters for such things, and it is only the most prudish sort that would condemn such things without considering them in more than their own limited context. Of Salome’s dancing, it next says it was “in the midst.”
 
The meaning is that she would have been in the midst of the room, hall, etc., with those in attendance gathered around. When dances or performers came in, the people would direct their attention to the event. In the case of Salome’s dancing, it next says, “And she pleased Herod.”
 
Another new word is seen, areskó. It signifies to be agreeable and thus, to please. In Romans 8:8, Paul says that those who are in the flesh cannot please [areskó] God. Herod saw the dance and found it satisfying.
 
Life application: One of the ridiculous standards set forth in the Jehovah’s Witnesses is that they do not celebrate birthdays. Their reasoning is that only two birthday celebrations are noted in Scripture, and both are held by bad guys, Pharaoh and Herod.
 
Therefore, they illogically deduce that God finds the celebration of birthdays unacceptable. Such a conclusion is based on several fallacies. One of them is what is known as an argument from silence.
 
An argument from silence is when one makes a faulty conclusion based on it not being stated in a source. Yes, there are two examples of birthdays in the Bible, but they merely present the basis for what occurs in the surrounding narrative. There is no need to mention other birthdays, but because no other birthdays are mentioned, the supposedly obvious conclusion is that nobody else observed them, and those who did were bad people.
 
Another fallacy that accompanies their inane logic is known as a slippery slope. There are various types of slippery slope fallacies, such as the causal, precedential, and conceptual. The conceptual argument is that because no clear line between two concepts on a spectrum exists, there is no meaningful difference between them.
 
So if Pharaoh and Herod had birthdays and they resulted in negative events or had negative effects, then all birthdays must result in negative outcomes. This is also known as the fallacy of the beard. A person doesn’t shave for 12 hours, and he develops a shadow on his face. By the next morning, he has stubble. In two days, he will have bristly hairs.
 
At what point is it called a beard? The argument is ridiculous, whether it is based on a birthday or a beard. The thought process is unclear and has no basis in reality. Unfortunately, such fallacies are not limited to the Jehovah’s Witnesses. They permeate the thinking of the people of the world, including those in the church.
 
Because of this, all sorts of legalism creep into churches. That is as harmful as a liberal attitude toward Scripture. Whether adding in rules and regulations that have nothing to do with biblical intent, or ignoring things made explicit in Scripture because they don’t suit personal mores, the results will always be unhealthy, even detrimental.
 
Learn about fallacies and remember to think clearly and critically when evaluating the reasons why people come to conclusions. Quite often, you will see where the faulty thinking lies, and you will be able to avoid it.
 
Lord God, may we learn to think clearly and critically about what Your word presents. Help us not get caught up in things that pull our hearts and minds away from focusing on You. At the same time, may we live our lives in the manner that will bring You glory while also enjoying the lives You have given us here in this world. Amen.
 

Matthew 14:5

Saturday, 8 November 2025
 
And although he wanted to put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet. Matthew 14:5
 
“And desiring to kill him, he feared the multitude for they held him as a prophet” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, it was noted that John had told King Herod that having his brother Philip’s wife was unlawful. Therefore, Matthew continues with words concerning Herod’s attitude toward John, saying, “And desiring to kill him.”
 
In Mark, it notes that Herodias wanted to kill him, but she couldn’t because Herod feared John “knowing that he was a just and holy man, and he protected him” (Mark 6:20). No contradiction should be considered between the two.
 
It should be obvious to anyone who has been accused by another that Herod was certainly miffed at John when he was confronted with his wrongdoing and scolded for it. Being king, he probably thought, “I’ll just have this guy killed... problem solved!”
 
However, after thinking about it, he would have then reconsidered, something Herodias was unwilling to do. As for Herod, the account next says, “he feared the multitude for they held him as a prophet.”
 
These words align with the thought given in Mark and match the suggested state of Herod just noted. Herod was confronted with his sin. He didn’t like it, and Herod wanted him killed. However, after thinking it through and realizing this would not be a popular course of action, he renounced that thought.
 
The prophets were often hated by everyone. They called out sin in the people, and depending on the overall attitude of the populace, they could go from being popular with the commoners to being hated by them as well. In John’s case, he not only called out for people to turn to the Lord, but he also proclaimed the immediate coming of the Messiah.
 
This would have been very popular with the commoners who had to suffer under the rule of the dirty priests, the oppressive kings, and the even more oppressive hand of Rome, to whom even these lesser positions were responsible. Add in the arrogant and controlling attitude of the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Scribes, and they would have been elated at the thought of a new rule under the Messiah.
 
On the other hand, these people in positions of power and authority would openly claim they were happy about the coming of the Messiah, but only so far as He would continue to allow them to retain their exalted positions.
 
Regardless of what the leaders thought, the people were happy with John as a prophet and could have thrown the nation into turmoil if Herod executed him, especially when it was Herod who was violating the law and which brought about John’s words of rebuke.
 
Life application: It should come as no surprise when a Bible preacher is not liked by people in general. His job is to preach the whole counsel of God. In doing so, the general population will not like his message because it highlights sin in humanity.
 
This is not something people want exposed in their lives, even if nobody else is aware of it. Scripture exposes each individual’s sinful state in relation to God. People would rather hate the messenger than acknowledge their sin.
 
People in the church will also get miffed at preachers. If someone believes people can lose their salvation, but the preacher rightly explains why this is incorrect, the preacher will be mocked and spoken against by those who disagree with him.
 
The safest way to avoid such things is not to address them at all. Hence, some preachers have churches that fill stadiums because they give easy messages that the masses won’t feel intimidated by. Those who may have personal views on particular doctrines are never challenged on them.
 
For the preacher, it is a safe and often effective walk on a path of mediocrity that keeps money coming in, people content in their weekly church experience, and nobody is seemingly harmed by it.
 
But this is incorrect. People must be made aware of what the Bible expects and approves of and disapproves of. If not, they will not be properly prepared for the true challenges of a close walk with the Lord in a fallen world of choices that must be made to stay in line with what He expects from His people.
 
Consider what it is that you want when you select a church. If you are wise, you will desire to attend where the Bible is fully explained, even from those sections that can cause division and animosity. After all, they too are a part of God’s word.
 
Lord God, be with us as we pursue a right understanding of Your word. Open the eyes of our pastors and teachers to rightly understand and properly teach Your word so that we will know what is correct. Amen.

Matthew 14:4

Friday, 7 November 2025
 
Because John had said to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” Matthew 14:4
 
“For John, he said to him, ‘Not it permits for you to have her’” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, it was noted that Herod had bound John and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife. That continues now with the words, “For John, he said to him, ‘Not it permits for you to have her.’”
 
John, being a prophet of the Lord, was careful to uphold the word of the Lord. In the case of Herod, it was especially important to call out his misdeeds because, as the record of the kings of Israel bears witness, as the leadership of the nation goes, so goes the nation.
 
When a king was willing to violate the law, the people would see this and gladly follow suit. With the turn of a page, the history of Israel as recorded in Scripture often goes from prosperity and a tendency to follow the Lord to corruption and rejection of Him and His law. The example of the king was the preeminent reason for this, time and again.
 
In the case of Herod, as noted in the commentary of the previous verse, he had taken his brother’s wife. Therefore, he was guilty of committing adultery, thus violating the seventh commandment –
 
“You shall not commit adultery.” Exodus 20:14
 
He was also guilty of breaking the moral codes recorded in Leviticus –
 
“You shall not uncover the nakedness of your brother’s wife; it is your brother’s nakedness.” Leviticus 18:16
 
Also, it is implicit that he first broke the tenth commandment –
 
“You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s.” Exodus 20:17
 
The term “neighbor” extends to any such situation, be it an actual neighbor or any other person, such as one’s brother. It was John’s responsibility to highlight the illegal actions of Herod, calling them out for the people to know that even someone of such a high position was not above God’s law.
 
Life application: The tenth commandment is a secret commandment when it is violated, except as it is then displayed in the actions of an individual. Nobody may know that another covets his neighbor’s wife. But the Lord does.
 
One can see that the Lord is not merely evaluating the external deeds we do, but He is searching our hearts, looking at the intent behind our actions. If one covets his neighbor’s wife for ten years, not another soul might know it. But then, in a fit of passion, he may take whatever action is needed to have her.
 
Once this occurs, that coveting has become another violation of the law. It may even lead to a third. First, there is the taking of another man’s wife, like King David did. From there, murder follows suit, as King David did. And it all started with the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and/or the pride of life.
 
Any of these can step in and lead to catastrophe for us if we are not constantly in tune with the Lord. As human beings, we are not above temptation and falling prey to our temptations. And so, we should constantly be talking to the Lord, interacting with Him in our hearts and minds while staying in His word to remind us of our position in relation to Him.
 
“Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.” James 1:12-15
 
Lord God, be with us in our frailties and weaknesses. You fashioned us. You know our limitations and or proclivities. So help us to be attentive to You and our relationship with You. May You give us wisdom and strength to overcome those things which lure us into sin. May it be so, to Your glory. Amen.

Matthew 14:3

Thursday, 6 November 2025
 
For Herod had laid hold of John and bound him, and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife. Matthew 14:3
 
“For Herod, having seized John, he bound him, and he placed in prison for Herodias, his brother Phillip’s wife” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Herod exclaimed his belief that John the Immerser had risen from the dead, which is why he had the miracle powers working in him. The narrative will now explain what led to John’s imprisonment. That begins with the words, “For Herod, having seized John.”
 
Herod himself was behind the arrest of John. One can already sense that his conscience was nagging at him as the narrative begins. Something about John’s death came about because of Herod. Understanding this, the narrative continues, saying, “he bound him, and he placed in prison.”
 
Cambridge notes the location of this prison –
 
“At Machærus, in Peræa, on the eastern side of the Dead Sea, near the southern frontier of the tetrarchy. Here Antipas had a palace and a prison under one roof, as was common in the East. Cp. Nehemiah 3:25, ‘The tower which lieth out from the king’s high house that was by the court of the prison.’ It was the ordinary arrangement in feudal castles.”
 
The reason Herod put him in prison is stated as, “for Herodias, his brother Phillip’s wife.”
 
To understand the abbreviated thought, and in anticipation of the words of the next verse, Albert Barnes states –
 
This Herodias was a granddaughter of Herod the Great. She was first married to Herod Philip, by whom she had a daughter, Salome, probably the one that danced and pleased Herod. Josephus says that this marriage of Herod Antipas with Herodias took place while he was on a journey to Rome. He stopped at his brother's; fell in love with his wife; agreed to put away his own wife, the daughter of Aretas, King of Petraea; and Herodias agreed to leave her own husband and live with him. They were living, therefore, in adultery; and John, in faithfulness, though at the risk of his life, had reproved them for their crimes. Herod was guilty of two crimes in this act:
 
Of “adultery,” since she was the wife of another man.
 
Of “incest,” since she was a near relation, and such marriages were expressly forbidden, Leviticus 18:16.
 
John was the last prophet under the Law of Moses. His duty was to call the people to repentance in preparation for the coming of the Messiah. Instead of the king turning and accepting his wrongdoing like David, he doubled down in his sin like so many of the biblical kings under the law had done.
 
And like so many of those kings, he acted against the Lord’s prophet, attempting to silence him from publicly exposing his deeds.
 
Life application: Under the New Covenant, there is no Law of Moses for believers to condemn people with by living it out for them to see. However, there is the truth, like during the time of Noah, that the world is accountable to God for its actions.
 
Paul says, “because the law brings about wrath; for where there is no law there is no transgression” Romans 4:15. And yet, he speaks elsewhere about the law of conscience –
 
“...for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, 15 who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them) 16 in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.” Romans 2:14-16
 
Because of conscience, especially since the coming of Christ and His fulfillment of the Law of Moses, it is still right for believers to call out wrongdoing in others, particularly those in positions of authority.
 
In the world, this has been a dicey thing to do at times. It is becoming that way again in much of the world. Like in the times of Noah, the whole world is marching towards ungodliness and actively pursuing wickedness. Despite this, believers need to stand fast on what is wholesome and morally proper.
 
Numerous denominations and churches have caved to the inappropriate and ungodly mores of fallen humanity. This only makes it more important for Christians to be ready to speak out concerning what is proper.
 
Not only are we tasked to evangelize the masses within society, but we need to do so with those who are supposedly members of the church. Let us continue to be beacons of light, even if the whole world is clamoring to be rid of us. This is right and proper, and it is what the ancients are remembered for –
 
“These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14 For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. 15 And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.” Hebrews 11:13-16
 
Lord God, despite the trouble it is bound to bring us, help us to stand firm on Your word, openly living out what is expected of us for others to see. When the chance comes for us to defend Your word or to speak against the immorality around us, may we boldly do so, knowing that there is a reward ahead for the stand we take. Amen.
 

Matthew 14:2

Wednesday, 5 November 2025
 
and said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him.” Matthew 14:2
 
“and he said to his servants, ‘This, he is John the Immerser! He, he is aroused from the dead, and through this the miracles work in him!’” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, it said that Herod the tetrarch heard the words about Jesus. Now, that continues, saying, “and he said to his servants, ‘This, he is John the Immerser!’”
 
Both Matthew 16 and Luke 9 show that there was speculation about who Jesus was. Among them, there were three predominant views –
 
“When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, ‘Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?’14 So they said, ‘Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.’” Matthew 16:13, 14
 
The reason Herod was certain that Jesus was actually John the Baptist will be the subject of the coming verses. Through verse 12, it will explain Herod’s interactions with John and members of his household that led him to a seemingly neurotic state concerning John. Of this deduction made by Herod, he emphatically continues, saying, “He, he is aroused from the dead.”
 
The word dead is plural. In English, “dead” is normally a cumulative word, especially when preceded by a definite article. Herod is stating that John was among those who had been dead, but he had somehow been raised from among them. The emphatic nature of his words shows that he was certain this was the case. As a result of this, he continues, saying, “and through this the miracles work in him!”
 
Herod ties the power of working miracles as the result of being raised from the dead. This confirms the words concerning John recorded in John’s gospel –
 
“Then many came to Him and said, ‘John performed no sign, but all the things that John spoke about this Man were true.’”  John 10:41
 
In his life, John didn’t perform any signs. However, Herod says, “through this,” meaning through the resurrection, he was now able to perform signs. If one thinks this through, it shows the ridiculous stupidity of his thought process.
 
If John were raised from the dead, after losing his head, that itself would be the greatest miracle, not any of the others instead. And more, it shows without any ambiguity at all that Herod thought that the dead could be raised.
 
Life application: Have you ever talked to someone about Jesus and been told that he didn’t believe it is possible for the dead to rise? It is not uncommon for people to hold this view.
 
And yet, the same type of people accept that the universe exploded itself into existence and then put itself together in such a way as to create the precision of life on planet Earth. Along with that, it planned the placement of the sun, moon, and earth, so that eclipses can take place with absolute predictability and precision, the seasons are perfectly marked to support life and return at the exact time necessary for the cycle to continue, etc.
 
Others claim that life is sacred and killing a person, even if he has committed the most horrendous of crimes, is wrong. And yet the same people claim that killing the unborn or euthanizing the physically or mentally defective and elderly is perfectly acceptable.
 
Still others believe that ghosts exist, demons can live within people, various gods have control over events in nature, or things coincide within the span of time in order to have certain objectives met according to predetermined plans (things understood by divination, for example).
 
People can accept the most ridiculous propositions, including people rising from the dead (like Herod’s belief about John the Baptist), but they turn around and deny that the dead can actually rise when presented with the evidence concerning Jesus.
 
It is as if we have a default setting in us that says, “If the true God is involved in the process, it cannot be true.” However, we will accept the exact same type of evidence without reservation once the true God is taken out of the picture.
 
God created and made everything perfect for man to inhabit the earth. “No, it cannot be!” God says that life is sacred and that when someone violates that principle, he must be executed. Jesus came to die for the sins of all people, including murderers. He died for them and rose again. “No, it cannot be!”
 
Jesus rose again, proving there is more than the material realm that is working in the world around us. “No, it cannot be!”
 
If you encounter such unclear thinking, as frustrating as it is, you can use their unclear reasoning (if they are willing to consider your thoughts) to show them that they already believe what they deny, and that what they need to do is to reconsider the source of their belief, going from a non-God centered reality to a God-centered reality.
 
It is not always easy, but if you have the time to work with people by learning what they accept or do not accept, you can then help them understand the hypocritical thoughts going on in their head, assisting them to realign their thinking to what is sound and reasonable.
 
Lord God, You have changed our hearts and minds to go from a state of unbelief to one of accepting the proposition concerning the good news of Jesus. Help us to now work with others to think clearly about what we believe, demonstrating to them why our thoughts are reasonable. We know the truth of Your word, so help us to present it to others so that they can see it as well. Amen.

Matthew 14:1

Tuesday, 4 November 2025
 
At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the report about Jesus Matthew 14:1
 
“In that time, Herod the tetrarch, he heard the ‘Jesus hearing’” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Chapter 13 ended with words concerning Jesus’ not doing many miracles in Nazareth due to their faithlessness. Chapter 14 now begins with, “In that time, Herod the tetrarch.”
 
A new word is seen, tetrarchés. It signifies the ruler of the one-fourth part of a country or region. In other words, he is not a ruler of a country with three other rulers. Instead, his rule covers one-fourth of the area of a county.
 
Thayer’s Lexicon notes that “the word lost its strict etymological force, and came to denote ‘the governor of a third part or half of a country, or even the ruler of an entire country or district provided it were of comparatively narrow limits; a petty prince.’”
 
Of this particular Herod, Charles Ellicott provides the following description –
 
“The son of Herod the Great by Malthace. Under his father’s will he succeeded to the government of Galilee and Peræa, with the title of Tetrarch, and as ruler of a fourth part of the Roman province of Syria. His first wife was a daughter of Aretas, an Arabian king or chief, named in 2Corinthians 11:32 as king of the Damascenes. Herodias, the wife of his half-brother Philip (not the Tetrarch of Trachonitis, Luke 3:1, but son of Herod the Great by Mariamne, and though wealthy, holding no official position as a ruler), was daughter of Aristobulus, the son whom Herod put to death, and was therefore niece to both her husbands. Prompted partly by passion, partly by ambition, she left Philip, and became the wife of Antipas (Jos. Ant. xviii. 5, §4). The marriage, at once adulterous and by the Mosaic law doubly incestuous, shocked the conscience of all the stricter Jews. It involved Antipas in a war with the father of the wife whom he had divorced and dismissed, and it was probably in connection with this war that we read of soldiers on actual duty as coming under the teaching of the Baptist in Luke 3:14. The prophetic spirit of the Baptist, the very spirit of Elijah in his dealings with Ahab and Jezebel, made him the spokesman of the general feeling, and so brought him within the range of the vindictive bitterness of the guilty queen.”
 
Concerning this Herod, Matthew records, “he heard the ‘Jesus hearing.’” In other words, the news (it is a noun signifying “a hearing”) of Jesus was circulating everywhere. He heard of this exciting news, and it set the stage for what lies ahead. Today, such a hearing might be precipitated by a statement like, “Have you heard the news about the guy from Nazareth, Jesus? He is incredible!”
 
Such a statement is the hearing. Herod heard it and will react to it.
 
Life application: Some of the translations of this verse say, the fame of Jesus, the news of Jesus, the report of Jesus, the reports of Jesus, heard about Jesus, the hearing of Jesus, concerning Jesus, etc. Various smaller changes from some of these exist.
 
Don’t think that because a translation doesn’t exactly match the original that there is an error. The intent is essentially the same. Some versions give a thought-for-thought rendering. Some attempt to give a closer rendering of each word, but amend it to sound more common to the hearing of the audience.
 
A literal, or close to literal, translation can be extremely unpleasant to listen to and tiring to the mind to read. Trying to make sense of the structure of the original language while also trying to understand the intent in a reasonable way is much more difficult with a direct rendering of each word.
 
Also, there is the consideration that different people will come up with different words to describe the same original word. Therefore, at times, there are going to be a seemingly infinite number of differences in translations, but they all will carry the same message to some extent.
 
We should never tolerate purposeful manipulation of the text, something that scholars will search for and highlight. Such manipulations have occurred in the New World Translation of the Jehovah’s Witnesses as well as some Hebrew Roots Movement translations.
 
In order to meet their perverse agenda, such manipulations are underhandedly introduced. If you are looking for a new translation to read, be sure to check up on whatever you are leaning towards buying, just in case someone has identified such things.
 
But be sure to check the source you are reading as well. Some commentaries on Bible translations are biased towards one translation, the KJV, for example. Therefore, they will find all other versions damnable. That is not a healthy way of looking at such things either.
 
In the end, just keep reading the word. Keep thinking about what God has done in the giving of Jesus. Let the word of God dwell in you richly. It will bring delight to your heart, joy to your day, and contentment to your soul as you consider the eternal blessings that lie ahead for the redeemed of the Lord.
 
Lord God, thank You for allowing us to enter into the study of another chapter of the book of Matthew. We anticipate a great adventure as we analyze it day by day. Give us the clarity of mind that is needed to properly understand what is being conveyed. Amen.