“But so that we may not cause offense, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours.”

Matthew 17

“But so that we may not cause offense, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours.” v27

Jesus desires us to spread the gospel everywhere to all people.  We are to eliminate all barriers between us the unbelieved so that nothing hinders others to hear and accept the good news of Jesus Christ.

I fail to heed this call.  With my own mom and I let my own grudge about my upbringing with her get in the way.  Because growing up my mom was not who I wanted her to be, I hold a grudge...and because I continue to hold this grudge, it gets in the way of me sharing Jesus with her in such a way that she actually sees Jesus in me.  Lord help me!

My Prayer: Lord, You are so full of compassion and kindness for ALL of your children.  You are available all of the time for anyone regardless of their sin, condition, or circumstances.  All are equal in Your eyes and You approach and help all equally.  You have helped and blessed me certainly beyond what I deserve.  I am selfish and I have a hardened heart.  Thank You that You love me anyway but please forgive me Jesus.  Help me also turn from this sin.  Help me become the son that I need to be so that my mom can see Jesus in me and for her to both accept Jesus in her heart and to have a dynamic abundant and life giving relationship with You Jesus Christ.

“Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

Matthew 17

“Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” v20

Of interest here is how Jesus gives the twelve disciples full authority to "drive out impure spirits " in Matthew chapter 10, yet His disciples are unable to heal the man's son in Matthew 17:16.

Jesus' response implies that the disciples lacked faith.  Perhaps there faith was in themselves or they lacked confidence...I am not sure but again the heart condition is key.  We need confidence but this confidence must lie in Jesus alone.

The reference to the parable of the mustard seed is also key - see also 13:31-32:

He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.”

 
My Prayer:  Lord Jesus, it is without doubt that You can move mountains and accomplish anything.  You conquered sin and death and all for us!  How amazing.  I am not deserving of such blessing.  I neglect You and am easily distracted by earthly and world concerns - worry.  Thank You that You love me anyway but please forgive me Jesus.  Help me turn from such sin and help me be the man You intend for me.

“This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”

Matthew 17

“This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” v5

God the Father, much like He did when John baptized Jesus:

As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:16-17

The difference here is that God the Father instructs (implores is more like it) the disciples to LISTEN to Jesus.  Peter is easily distracted, much like Martha was when Jesus visits, and we should remain focused because Satan is everywhere and is active as I posted a couple of days ago.

We need to fix our eyes on Jesus and finish the race.

My Prayer:  Lord Jesus, You are pure, holy, perfect, and blameless.  Yet You took our place on the cross and nailed our sin as well as Your life to the cross so that we would not be slaves to sin and so that we could have eternal life in heaven with You.  What an amazing gift - the best gift ever given now and forevermore!  I know I am not worthy of such a gift.  Like Peter and Martha I am easily distracted.  Thank You that You love me anyway but please forgive me Jesus.  Help me turn from such sin and help me be the man You intend for me.

"For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done."

Matthew 16

"For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done." v27

As I sit here thinking about how I can have a more interesting job, I SHOULD be thinking about how I can be more pleasing to the Lord with what I do with my time here on earth.

As I have learned in BSF, Jesus demands that He is our #1 priority.  In fact in Matthew 22, it says:

Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

 

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. Matthew 22:34-38

In addition, we are to DO not just believe as it states in James:

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. James 1:22-25

It also says in Luke to be a lamp on a stand versus a lamp under a table:

“No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light.  Luke 8:16

 It must be clear that I am both a believer and a do-er.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God full of love for me and You act out of love for me every day - You are an active and living God that is always at work for me and for all of Your children.  I am not deserving of such rich blessing and love.  I am lazy and not in action for You Jesus.  Thank You that You love me anyway but please forgive me and help me turn from such sin.  Help me be the man You intend for me Jesus. Help me both believe and act in Your name 

Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”

Matthew 16

Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” v23

Wow...is this a rebuke or what!  First, Peter attempts to rebuke Jesus in verse 22. This is quite bold and again it goes to our proper relationship with Jesus and that He is Lord and His will is pure, holy, and perfect - who are we to question his will!?  We should of course recognize Peter's side of the story in that we are human...and Jesus explicitly makes this point that Peter is focused on "human concerns".  

Key for me to understand is that Satan is very real and if biblical heroes like Peter have evil thoughts then I of course do...and in spades!  I must recognize this and also ask Jesus to invade my heart renew my mind as Paul indicates in Romans: 

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are pure, holy and perfect...blameless.  Yet You went to cross and died for me...for me!  Amazing.  I am not worthy of such a sacrifice.  I am full of anger, impatience, pride, harsh words and so much more...forgive me Jesus.  Help me turn from such sin.  Help me be the man You intend for me.

“Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven."

Matthew 16

“Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven." v17

God imparts truth...and only God.  Truth does not come from flesh and blood but only from God.  We may think that truth comes from books or people but it does not...it comes from God.  Science and God can co-exist and we must understand that God provides those who forward science with their abilities to reason.

In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul writes about how God distributes all spiritual gifts and how He creates the church as a body for all of these gifts to work together as a healthy body.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are truth and all comes from You.  Everything...You are all knowing and almighty.  You don't need me...yet You love me and even died for me.  You are an active, loving, and patient God.  I am not worthy of such love and blessing.  I think highly of myself - too highly.  I am full of pride.  Thank You that You love me anyway Jesus but please forgive me and help me turn from this sin.  Help me be the man You intend for me.

"But be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”

Matthew 16

"But be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” v11

Jesus here talks about false teachings and false prophets.  Yet I can deceive myself, so in a way I am my own false prophet and false teacher based on how I misunderstand or misuse God's word.  This is dangerous and it is even one of the ten commandments:

“You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name." Exodus 20:7

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are the one and only true God, the source of all truth and knowledge. As it says in James 1:17 every good and perfect gift comes from above.  I need not go anywhere else for truth nor should I trust in myself for truth.  Yet I often do and this is sin.  Thank You that You love me anyway but Lord Jesus please forgive me.  Help me find truth only in You.  Help me be the man You intend for me.
 

 

"A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.”

Matthew 16

Here the Pharisees and Sadducees come to Jesus and demand a sign...to prove He is the King of Kings, who He says He is.  To this Jesus responds:

^"A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.” v4

We must understand that we are poor in spirit, that we are sinful.  If we recognize our need for Jesus we don't need proof...we have faith in trust that He us freed us from our sin...that we can turn from our sin, believe in Jesus, follow Him, and have eternal life.  We will have no more a sign than Jonah was to the Ninevites.

Furthermore, we know not to test our Lord because Jesus says not to:

Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. 

For it is written:

“He will command his angels concerning you,
    and they will lift you up in their hands,
    so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.”

   

Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'” Matthew 4:5-7

My Prayer: Lord, You are a great God...I don't need to ask for evidence of Your greatness.  I have seen this greatness in my own life...transformed as a father, as a husband, as a man.  I have seen miracle and life change in others.  I have seen Your hand in nature....You are truly the King of Kings and my Lord and Savior.  I am not worthy of such a God....the love and blessing You provide.  I am selfish...I am critical and there is more sin...too much to mention.  Thank You that You love me anyway but please forgive me Jesus!  Help me be the man You intend for me.

“I have compassion for these people..."

Matthew 15

“I have compassion for these people..." v32

Jesus once again challenges us to both serve those in need and to trust in Him that He can do it all.  There is nothing Jesus cannot do...He can heal, feed, teach, etc. 

I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

My Prayer: Lord, You are almighty, creator of heaven and earth and everything in between.  Capable of all and knowing of all.  You love deeply...beyond what my words can express or even imagine.  And You died for me...amazing!  I am not worthy of being even in Your presence yet alone being worthy of Your love or even Your death...I lack patience, I am critical of others and I worry.  Thank You that You love me anyway but please forgive me Jesus.  Help me turn from this sin and help me be the man You intend for me. 

“Yes it is, Lord,” she said. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.”

Matthew 15

“Yes it is, Lord,” she said. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.” v27

The Canaanite woman pleads with Jesus for the healing of her daughter yet, it seems this is insufficient for Jesus.

The woman challenges Jesus statement that "[i]t is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.”  Her response seems to be in contrast with Jesus' teachings in verse 24 "I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.” Yet Jesus knows that ultimately He will empower Peter and all His disciples to reach all the lost regardless of faith or origin - Jews and Gentiles everywhere.  Jesus is for all of us, regardless of who we are, where we are, and what we have done.  If we humbly come to Him and invite Him into our heart, He will take us into His kingdom.

My Prayer: Lord You are so gracious and merciful...patient and forgiving.  My words and my worship offering is so woefully insufficient for who You are.  I am not worthy of Your love and forgiveness.  I lack faith and trust in You.  Thank You that You love me anyway but please forgive me Jesus.  Help me turn from this sin.  Help me be the man You intend for me.

"For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander."

Matthew 15

"For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander." v19

I know that there a great number of earthly and worldly influences that are sinful and I am to avoid these influences.  I should not only avoid these influences but also seek God and ask Him to transform my heart.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Romans 12:2

I am amazed at what God has done in my life to transform my heart.  What a great God He is!

My Prayer: Lord, I have witnessed miracles in my life many times over...You have softened my heart about others...You have helped me be less selfish.  You have helped me be less critical and more caring towards others.  There is more...too much to mention.  I am not deserving of such blessing...I continue to sin in these areas and more!  Thank You that You love me anyway but please forgive me Jesus. Help me turn from this sin and help me be the man You intend for me.

"What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.”

Matthew 15

^"What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.” v11

I have often read about Jesus wants us to to speak encouraging words and He knows how our mouths often don't and this reflects our heart condition.

Although Jesus has worked miracles in softening my heart and controlling my tongue, I continue to need help in this area.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are great God full of mercy, compassion and patience for me.  I am not deserving of such blessing because I continue to be harsh with my words.  Thank You that You love me anyway but please forgive me for my sin and help me turn from this sin.  Help me be the man You intend me to be.

“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

Matthew 14

“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” v28

When all the disciples saw someone they did not know walking on the water, they were terrified.  Jesus quells their fear and Peter, with a child like faith says "more"...in the same way that a child when does when a parent does something cool the child says "daddy, more!".  I am not sure what the other disciples felt but you can get a clue by reading in Mark 6:

They were completely amazed, for they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened. Mark 6:51-52

It's difficult for a child to have a hardened heart and Jesus wants us to yearn for Him in the same way that Peter yearns for Jesus.

My Prayer:  Jesus, You are truly and amazing God and You never cease to amaze me.  You creation and Your works are all miracles beyond my words and imagination and again I know You are an active, loving caring God that is working in my life all the time.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worthy of such love and blessing.  I am easily distracted by earthly and worldly concerns, I am selfish, and I am critical of others.  Thank You that You love me anyway but please forgive me and help me turn from these sins. Help me also be the man You intend for me.



 

They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.

Matthew 14

They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. v20

What's remarkable is how the disciples have previously seen Jesus perform many miracles already, yet they for some reason asked Jesus to send away those who gathered to follow Jesus - presumably because the disciples did not have enough food.  Question in my mind is: why didn't the disciples just ask Jesus to provide food...perhaps because the disciples were tired and just did not want to deal with them?  Their statement about it getting late is telling:

As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.” v15.

Question for me is: do I think of myself above others, particularly those in need?  Challenging question indeed...

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You have time for me anytime of the day or night for whatever reason.  You never tell me to go away.  What a great and loving God You are.  I am not deserving of such love.  Instead I am selfish.  Thank You that You love me anyway but please forgive me Jesus.  Help me turn from this sin.  Help me be the man You intend for me.

When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.

Matthew 14

When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick. v13-14

After John is beheaded, I would imagine Jesus feels a need to mourn.  This is implied by v14 which indicates that Jesus "withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place."  Jesus lands and although He desires to have quiet time (see also Mark 6), perhaps to mourn for John with the disciples, he makes time for those in need.  This is challenging to me because I always make excuses for not serving others.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are SO available - all the time, any place, and for any reason.  I call Your name and You are there.  How great You are!  And You are a great teacher also...teaching via parables with such patience!  Jesus I am not deserving of such love.  I am yet again selfish.  Thank You that You love me but please forgive me.  Help me be the man You intend for me.  Forgive me for my selfishness, help me turn from this sin.

"...for John had been saying to him: “It is not lawful for you to have her.” Herod wanted to kill John, but he was afraid of the people, because they considered John a prophet." v4-5

Matthew 14

"...for John had been saying to him: “It is not lawful for you to have her.” Herod wanted to kill John, but he was afraid of the people, because they considered John a prophet." v4-5

Is my faith strong enough to withstand challenges to the extent that when I confront sin is my faith strong enough to give me peace about whatever consequences I may face regarding my stand on faith and sin?

I hope so.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God who was not only pure, holy, and blameless as a human being, but also a human being that was willing to die for me.  I know Your love for me is great.  I am not worthy of such love.  I am full of stress and anxiety.  Thank You that You love me anyway but please forgive me.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.

And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.

Matthew 13

And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith. v58

The power of Jesus is available to everyone who has faith:

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you...Acts 1:8

I need to first recognize this.  Then I need to have faith.  Without faith there is no power.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are indeed omnipotent...creator of heavens and earth and everything in between.  You have created many miracles in my life and I am not worthy of such blessing.  I am impatient, I am selfish, and I am harsh with others.  Thank You that You love me anyway but please forgive me and help me turn from these sins.  Help me be the man You intend for me.