Reading: Matthew 17:14-21 We know the story about the disciples not being able to cast out the demon from a boy. The boy was then brought to Jesus, Jesus rebuked the demon, it came out, and the boy was healed. In private the disciples asked Jesus why they could not drive the demon out, and…
Reading: Matthew 17:1-13 “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” – Matthew 17:5 Are we taking heed of the Father? Are we listening to Jesus? Father, forgive me for the times when I fail to read your Word or pray. 29 “Therefore since we are God’s offspring,…
Reading: Matthew 16:21-28 Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling-block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.” Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross…
Reading: Matthew 16:13-20 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man but by my Father in heaven.” (vv.15-17) And blessed…
Reading: Matthew 16:5-12 When we read the Word of God and it makes us feel uneasy about some of our habits, practices and lifestyle—what do we find ourselves doing? Do we run to people who tell us a different interpretation of things and make us feel better? Do we seek comfort in highly acclaimed books…
Reading: Matthew 16:1-4 How could we be sure that Jesus is the Messiah? Aside from the sign of Jonah (i.e., three days in the belly of the fish; see also Matt.17:23), we have the Law and the Prophets (the Old Testament!)—they all attest to Him! “And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained…
Reading: Matthew 15:29-39 His disciples answered, “Where could we get enough bread in this remote place to feed such a crowd?” The miraculous feeding of the five thousand had just happened, and yet the disciples were anxious where to get bread for the four thousand—which is even a thousand lower. Oh God! Forgive us for…
