Matthew 15:7 Hypocrisy is a problem we still struggle with today. Pretending to be pious while excusing your own sin comes naturally to us because of our sinful nature. Hypocrisy sickens us, and yet we are all guilty of it to some extent. Indeed, many who claim to hate it most are the most hypocritical.…
Matthew 15:6 The keeping of oaths has caused no end of confusion in Judaism. Their rules concerning oaths are quite confusing. They uphold them as very important, and will even break commandments in order to keep them. Bible Reading: Job 21:1-23:17Scripture Memory: 1 John 3:20 “For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our…
Matthew 15:5 There was, in Jesus day, a practice of avoiding the commandment to honor one’s parents. Though this may not have been practiced widely, the fact of its very existence proves Jesus’ point. The Jews, even today, have devised clever ways of getting around the inconveniences that keeping the law of God puts upon…
Matthew 15:4 Both of these commandments are quoted straight from the Old Testament. The first is found in Exodus 20:12, and the second in Exodus 21:17. They are both very clear in their meaning, and, in context, are not meant to be modified or watered down. One of the things we easily miss here is…
Matthew 15:3 Jesus was not afraid to challenge the Jewish leaders by questioning their traditions. The authority of God’s law is absolute. He had no fear that they would try to deny this fact. Many times when Jesus answers the Pharisees we might wonder why he got into these arguments with them. However, notice that…
Matthew 15:2 We have to understand that, in the minds of the scribes and Pharisees, breaking the traditions of the elders was a very serious offense. Indeed, they had, in this day, elevated the opinions of the Jewish teachers of the law above the law itself. Thus, this rule concerning the washing of hands was…
Matthew 15:1 The scribes and Pharisees had a reputation to uphold. Unlike the Sadducees, who depended upon political leverage, the scribes and pharisees had to maintain their popularity to maintain their influence. As a result, they were ready to put their resources towards riding themselves of this thorn in their side. Coming from Jerusalem would…
Matthew 14:36 What we can easily miss here is why the touching of Jesus’ garment was employed in these miracles. The woman with the issue of blood lived in this same area, and these people had likely heard her story. Thus, it was not the individuals who needed healing that sought to be healed in…
Break Once a year I like to take a short break from my blog. I will resume on either 9-11 or 9-12. Have a great, long, weekend! Bible Reading: Ezra 8:1-Esther 8:17 Journal Entries 13247-13253 (or 13254)
Matthew 14:35 These men recognized Christ from before, and worked hard to bring people to him. Though they may not have had any more faith than the disciples, Jesus blessed their efforts and healed many. We forget that Jesus performed miracles for many that we might think of as undeserving. Indeed, it took more effort…