[When asked why his disciples didn’t do the ceremonial hand washing,] Jesus replied, “And why do you, by your traditions, violate the direct commandments of God? For instance, God says, ‘Honor your father and mother,’ and ‘Anyone who speaks disrespectfully of father or mother must be put to death.’ But you say it is all …
Some Pharisees and teachers of religious law now arrived from Jerusalem to see Jesus. They asked him, “Why do your disciples disobey our age-old tradition? For they ignore our tradition of ceremonial hand washing before they eat.” —Matthew 15:1-2 NLT Key Thought Isn’t it interesting how some criticisms come disguised as questions?! “Why do…?” The …
After [Jesus and the disciples] had crossed the lake, they landed at Gennesaret. When the people recognized Jesus, the news of his arrival spread quickly throughout the whole area, and soon people were bringing all their sick to be healed. They begged him to let the sick touch at least the fringe of his robe, …
When [Jesus and Peter] climbed back into the boat [after Jesus rescued Peter from sinking], the wind stopped. Then the disciples worshiped [Jesus]. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed. —Matthew 14:32-33 NLT Key Thought The ultimate goal of experiencing Jesus’ presence and power in our lives is to lead to our praise …
Then Peter called to [Jesus as he was walking on the water], “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and …
‘On the Savior, Not the Storm’ – Matthew 14:28-31 Read More »
[While Jesus was praying alone], the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, …
Immediately after [the feeding of the 5,000], Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone. —Matthew 14:22-23 …
That evening 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 food for themselves.” But Jesus said, “That isn’t necessary — you feed them.” “But we have only five loaves of bread and two …
As soon as Jesus heard the news [about Herod executing John the Baptist], he left in a boat to a remote area to be alone. But the crowds heard where he was headed and followed on foot from many towns. Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion …
Herod wanted to kill John, but he was afraid of a riot, because all the people believed John was a prophet. But at a birthday party for Herod, Herodias’s daughter performed a dance that greatly pleased him, so he promised with a vow to give her anything she wanted. At her mother’s urging, the girl …