August 14, 2024
DAILY BIBLE READING – Matthew Chapter 15
1 Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying,
2 Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.
3 But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?
4 For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.
5 But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me;
6 And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.
7 Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying,
8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
10 And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand:
11 Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.
12 Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying?
13 But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.
14 Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.
15 Then answered Peter and said unto him, Declare unto us this parable.
16 And Jesus said, Are ye also yet without understanding?
17 Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught?
18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.
19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:
20 These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.
21 Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon.
22 And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil.
23 But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.
24 But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
25 Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me.
26 But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it to dogs.
27 And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.
28 Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.
29 And Jesus departed from thence, and came nigh unto the sea of Galilee; and went up into a mountain, and sat down there.
30 And great multitudes came unto him, having with them those that were lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, and cast them down at Jesus’ feet; and he healed them:
31 Insomuch that the multitude wondered, when they saw the dumb to speak, the maimed to be whole, the lame to walk, and the blind to see: and they glorified the God of Israel.
32 Then Jesus called his disciples unto him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way.
33 And his disciples say unto him, Whence should we have so much bread in the wilderness, as to fill so great a multitude?
34 And Jesus saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven, and a few little fishes.
35 And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground.
36 And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.
37 And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets full.
38 And they that did eat were four thousand men, beside women and children.
39 And he sent away the multitude, and took ship, and came into the coasts of Magdala.
King James Version. Public Domain
Commentary
Introduction
Matthew Chapter 16 is a central section of the Gospel that addresses important themes of faith, the identity of Jesus, and the requirements of discipleship. It begins with a confrontation between Jesus and the religious leaders of his time and leads to profound teachings about the true nature of his mission and the role of his disciples. The chapter also includes Peter’s significant confession and the first announcement of Jesus’ suffering and resurrection.
Commentary
The Request for a Sign from the Pharisees (Verses 1-4):
At the beginning of the chapter, the Pharisees and Sadducees demand a sign from heaven from Jesus to prove his authority. Jesus rejects their demand and calls them hypocrites, as they can interpret the signs of the weather but are unable to recognize the spiritual signs of the times. He refers to the sign of the prophet Jonah as the only sign that will be given to them, alluding to his own resurrection. This encounter highlights the blindness and unbelief of the religious leaders, who, despite the clear signs of God in Jesus, are not willing to believe in him.
Warning Against the Leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees (Verses 5-12):
As Jesus and his disciples move on, Jesus warns them about the “leaven” of the Pharisees and Sadducees. The disciples initially do not understand that Jesus is speaking metaphorically, referring to the false teachings and hypocrisy of these religious groups. Jesus reminds them of the miracles of the feedings to make them realize that they should not worry about material bread but should guard against false spiritual nourishment. This passage underscores the danger of false teachings and the need to rely on God’s truth.
Peter’s Confession (Verses 13-20):
In the region of Caesarea Philippi, Jesus asks his disciples who people say he is, and finally, who they believe he is. Peter responds with the famous confession: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus praises Peter for this revelation, which did not come from human wisdom but from God. Jesus declares that on this “rock” (Peter), he will build his church, and the gates of hell will not overcome it. This passage is crucial for understanding the authority and role of the church as established by Jesus himself.
The First Announcement of Jesus’ Suffering and Resurrection (Verses 21-23):
After Peter acknowledges Jesus as the Messiah, Jesus begins to speak openly about his forthcoming suffering, death, and resurrection. Peter, who was just praised for his faith, tries to prevent Jesus from this path, which Jesus sharply rebukes: “Get behind me, Satan!” These words show how easily even a faithful disciple can misunderstand divine plans when viewed from a human perspective.
The Demands of Discipleship (Verses 24-28):
Jesus then explains that anyone who wants to follow him must deny themselves and take up their cross. This passage emphasizes the radical commitment required of Jesus’ followers. It is not about saving one’s earthly life but losing it for Jesus’ sake to find true life. The question “What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?” places eternal destiny above all worldly successes and riches.
Summary
Matthew Chapter 16 brings together significant theological and practical teachings concerning both the identity of Jesus and the requirements for his followers. The warnings against false teachings and the emphasis on spiritual insight lead to the central confession that Jesus is the Christ. The announcement of Jesus’ suffering and the call to self-denial and cross-bearing challenge disciples and all believers to examine their faith and commitment. This chapter places faith at the center and stresses the need to recognize the signs of the times and be ready to follow Jesus’ path to the end.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages Chapter 54—The Good Samaritan
This chapter is based on Luke 10:25-37.
Read online here
Commentary
Introduction
Chapter 54 of “The Life of Jesus” delves into the Parable of the Good Samaritan, a story that conveys profound lessons about true religion and neighborly love. Jesus uses this parable to emphasize the importance of compassion and practical love, which go beyond mere formalism. It demonstrates that the true expression of faith lies in the willingness to help others, regardless of their cultural or religious differences. In a time when self-righteousness and exclusion were prevalent, Jesus places the commandment of love above all other commandments.
Commentary
The Parable of the Good Samaritan is one of Jesus’ most profound and instructive parables, revealing the essence of true religion. It is not about outward rituals or formal religious practices, but about the active exercise of love, compassion, and mercy towards others, regardless of their background, faith, or social status. Jesus uses this story to expose the hypocritical attitude of the religious leaders of his time and to highlight the central importance of neighborly love.
The Good Samaritan represents the contrast between theoretical religiosity and practical, living love for one’s neighbor. While the priest and the Levite—religious authorities—pass by the injured man, it is the Samaritan, an outsider, who demonstrates true divine mercy. The parable underscores that true piety is not about distancing oneself from others but about caring for those in need and standing by them in their distress.
Through this parable, Jesus challenges his listeners and all believers to live out God’s love not just in words but in actions. He shows that a true neighbor is not just someone close to us, but anyone who needs our help. This teaching is a call to break down barriers of prejudice and self-righteousness and to cultivate an attitude of impartial mercy.
Summary
The Parable of the Good Samaritan powerfully illustrates the necessity of placing love for one’s neighbor and mercy above formal religious practices. Jesus makes it clear that true religion is not in the mere observance of rituals but in actively helping those in need. The Samaritan, who shows compassion despite cultural hostility, serves as a model of genuine divine love. The parable challenges us to break down barriers and see every person as our neighbor, whom we can help. This teaching remains a timeless reminder that love for God and our neighbor is the essence of the law and the life of faith.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages Chapter 55—Not With Outward Show
This chapter is based on Luke 17:20-22.
Read online here
Commentary
Chapter 55 focuses on Jesus’ central message that the Kingdom of God is not manifested through outward signs or worldly power, but rather begins within the individual. This teaching sharply contrasted with the expectations of the Pharisees and many Jews, who were anticipating a visible, earthly kingdom. Jesus emphasized that the Kingdom of God is a spiritual state that grows in the hearts of believers, independent of external circumstances or worldly forms of government.
Jesus taught his disciples that the true glory of his mission does not lie in worldly splendor, but in the spiritual renewal of individuals through the Holy Spirit. It was only after his ascension and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit that the disciples fully grasped the scope of Jesus’ mission. They came to understand that Christ’s kingdom is not established through earthly laws or power structures, but through the transformation of the heart and the following of Christ.
This message remains relevant today: the Kingdom of God is not built through political power or external reforms, but through inner renewal and living according to the teachings of Christ. Believers are called to seek not worldly glory, but to walk in humility and self-denial, following the path of Christ, who brought true light and life into the world.
Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/15-08-2024-matthew-chapter-16-believe-his-prophets/
