August 12, 2024
DAILY BIBLE READING – Matthew Chapter 13
1 The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side.
2 And great multitudes were gathered together unto him, so that he went into a ship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore.
3 And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow;
4 And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up:
5 Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth:
6 And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.
7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them:
8 But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.
9 Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.
10 And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?
11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.
12 For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.
13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.
14 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:
15 For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.
17 For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.
18 Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower.
19 When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.
20 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;
21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.
22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.
23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.
24 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:
25 But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.
26 But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.
27 So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?
28 He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?
29 But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.
30 Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.
31 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field:
32 Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.
33 Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.
34 All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them:
35 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.
36 Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field.
37 He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man;
38 The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one;
39 The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels.
40 As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world.
41 The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity;
42 And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
43 Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.
44 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.
45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls:
46 Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.
47 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind:
48 Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away.
49 So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just,
50 And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
51 Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea, Lord.
52 Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.
53 And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these parables, he departed thence.
54 And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works?
55 Is not this the carpenter’s son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?
56 And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things?
57 And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house.
58 And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.
King James Version. Public Domain
Commentary
Introduction
Matthew chapter 14 provides us with a striking insight into the events surrounding the ministry of Jesus, demonstrating His divine power and highlighting the challenges of faith. The chapter is divided into three distinct sections: the tragic end of John the Baptist, the miracle of feeding the five thousand, and the remarkable experience of Jesus and Peter on the stormy sea. Each of these sections contains profound theological and spiritual lessons that continue to inspire and provoke reflection today.
Commentary
The Death of John the Baptist (Verses 1-12):
This chapter begins with a grim event: the martyrdom of John the Baptist. Herod Antipas, driven by guilt and fear, believes that Jesus is the resurrected John, endowed with supernatural powers. John had the courage to rebuke Herod for his unlawful relationship with Herodias, his brother’s wife. This boldness eventually led to his imprisonment and execution. The macabre scene of John’s head being presented on a platter reveals the dark power plays and the abuse of power and influence. John’s death reminds us of the cost of discipleship and the courage required to stand for the truth, even in the face of danger and death.
The Feeding of the Five Thousand (Verses 13-21):
After hearing the news of John the Baptist’s death, Jesus withdraws to a solitary place. However, the crowds follow Him, and moved by compassion, Jesus heals the sick and teaches the people. In the evening, He demonstrates His divine power by feeding a vast crowd of five thousand men, not counting women and children, with only five loaves of bread and two fish. This miracle is not only a display of His power over the material world but also a symbol of the Bread of Life that Jesus Himself is. It reminds us that God is capable of multiplying even the smallest resources when they are faithfully offered to Him.
Jesus and Peter Walking on the Water (Verses 22-33):
On the night following the feeding, Jesus sends His disciples ahead while He prays alone. During the fourth watch of the night, Jesus comes to them, walking on the water, which terrifies the disciples as they think He is a ghost. Peter, full of faith, asks Jesus to allow him to walk on the water toward Him. However, when he notices the wind and the waves, he begins to sink and cries out for help. Jesus saves him and admonishes him for his weak faith. This episode is a powerful lesson on trust and doubt. Peter’s experience shows how easily we can falter in faith when we are distracted by the challenges and storms of life instead of keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus.
Healings in Gennesaret (Verses 34-36):
After crossing the lake, Jesus arrives in the land of Gennesaret, where people immediately recognize Him and bring a multitude of sick to Him. Many ask only to touch the edge of His cloak, and all who do so are healed. This underscores Jesus’ boundless power and His desire to help all who come to Him in faith.
Summary
Matthew chapter 14 is a powerful testament to the divine authority of Jesus and His profound humanity. It begins with the tragic death of John the Baptist, reminding us of the cost of discipleship. It continues with the miracle of feeding the five thousand, demonstrating God’s ability to transcend the natural and provide for His people. Finally, the episode of Peter walking on the water highlights the importance of trusting in Jesus, even amidst life’s storms. The subsequent healings in Gennesaret emphasize that Jesus is the healer who touches the hearts and bodies of all who come to Him. This chapter encourages us to trust in the divine care and limitless power of Jesus as we continue our journey of faith.
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.
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