Daily Writing

Thursday, 11 December 2025

“Why do Your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat bread.” Matthew 15:2

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at the “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen)

You can also read this commentary, scrolling with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

“Through what – Your disciples, they sidestep the tradition of the elders? For they wash not their hands when they may eat bread” (CG).

In the previous verse, Chapter 15 began with the scribes and Pharisees from Jerusalem coming to Jesus. Matthew next records the question they asked Him, “Through what – Your disciples, they sidestep the tradition of the elders?”

Two new words are seen here. The first is parabainó, to go contrary to. It is derived from para, near or to the side, and the base of basis, a step. Thus, it literally signifies to sidestep. This is what the disciples were being accused of, sidestepping a tradition.

The next new word is paradosis, a transmission, and thus a tradition that is orally communicated.

The elders held to certain traditions that went beyond the law, but which they meticulously adhered to. Jesus’ disciples didn’t observe those traditions, and this had the scribes and Pharisees miffed. These “oral traditions” were claimed to have been handed down from Moses and were held to be on the same level as the written instruction.

This is nonsense, and it gave these leaders the opportunity to heap whatever burdens on the people they desired. As for the particular tradition they held to, Matthew continues, saying, “For they wash not their hands when they may eat bread.”

Mark 7:2 adds information to provide clarity –

“Now when they saw some of His disciples eat bread with defiled, that is, with unwashed hands, they found fault.”

These leaders were upset that the washing traditions, which were very cumbersome, were not observed by the disciples. To them, it was an act of uncleanliness that was intolerable to behold. But these were not God’s laws. They were only man-made traditions. Because of their stand, Jesus will have strong words of condemnation for them.

Life application: Nothing has changed in many churches in relation to traditions being raised in importance to the level of Scripture. In fact, tradition has replaced the word of God to the extent that the Bible is almost an afterthought.

This is especially so in Roman Catholic and Orthodox denominations, where the Bible is rarely or never read or taught. It may be in the church, but it sits unopened and is a showpiece. This is true to some extent in many other denominations as well. Many of the older mainstream denominations might pay lip service to Scripture, but that is about all one will get.

Think of it! The only source that tells us about the basis for our faith, meaning God in Christ, is ignored. So, where does their source of religion come from? The answer is from the heads of men, just like the traditions of the Jews.

This is a deplorable place to be. God has intricately woven together the pages of Scripture to give us information about ourselves and our relationship to Him. Instead of searching out His word, and thus searching out Him and what He is doing in redemptive history, we make stuff up, call it church, and the people never come to a right understanding of who Jesus is and why He is so important to us.

May we never be found in such a deplorable state. May our eyes be opened to the goodness of God as found in Jesus Christ, and as is conveyed to us in the pages of Scripture.

Lord God, give us the wisdom to pursue You and Your precious word all the days of our lives. It is a treasure of wisdom, knowledge, and blessing for those who will open it and consider its words. Yes, Lord, may we spend our days of this life wisely, learning what You have conveyed to us about Yourself. Amen.

 

Wednesday, 10 December 2025

Then the scribes and Pharisees who were from Jerusalem came to Jesus, saying, Matthew 15:1

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at the “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen)

You can also read this commentary, scrolling with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

“Then they came to Jesus from Jerusalem, scribes and Pharisees, saying,” (CG).

In the previous verse, Chapter 14 closed by noting that the people in the area surrounding Gennesaret came to Jesus and were healed. It next says, “Then they came to Jesus from Jerusalem, the scribes and Pharisees, saying…”

Some texts leave out the word “the” before scribes and Pharisees, and the words are switched, saying “Pharisees and scribes.” The verse ending in the middle of the thought is not unprecedented, but it is unusual, as if it begs the reader to stop and consider who these men are. Charles Ellicott does a nice job of summing up Matthew’s history of them thus far in the book –

“The presence of these actors on the scene is every way significant. They had been prominent in like accusations. It was by them that our Lord had been accused of blasphemy in forgiving sins (Matthew 9:3), of eating and drinking with publicans and sinners (Matthew 9:11), of disregarding fasts (Matthew 9:14), of casting out devils by Beelzebub (Matthew 12:24), of Sabbath-breaking (Matthew 12:2; Matthew 12:10). It was, we may believe, their presence in the synagogue of Capernaum which led our Lord to adopt (as in John 6:26-65) a form of teaching so unlike the usual tenor of that of His Galilean ministry. And now they return to the charge again with a new and characteristic accusation.”

As can be seen from those references, these men are legalistic, self-righteous snobs who look down on others without regard to Scripture, but according to their own standards of what should be done. Their precepts may have started with Scripture, but they go beyond what is written, setting up impossible standards for the daily conduct of most people who have lives to live.

Life application: Law is something given to control and regulate the actions of the disobedient. Paul explains this to Timothy –

“But we know that the law is good if one uses it lawfully, ⁹ knowing this: that the law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, ¹⁰ for fornicators, for sodomites, for kidnappers, for liars, for perjurers, and if there is any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine, ¹¹ according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God which was committed to my trust.” 1 Timothy 1:8-11

Therefore, a law (whatever law is given) should be considered in how not issuing it will negatively affect the society. Despite this, the scribes and Pharisees issued religious rulings that harmed the people’s ability to positively affect their society.

Thus, they hindered the people’s ability to get by without changing their habits in a negative way to conform to the burdensome rules laid upon them. Jesus referred to this in Matthew 23 –

“Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to His disciples, ² saying: ‘The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. ³ Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do. ⁴ For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.’” Matthew 23:1-4

Every precept set forth by the Lord had a purpose. Sometimes it was expressly explained. Other times, the purpose can be inferred or understood apart from an explanation. But nothing was superfluous. For example –

“Speak to the children of Israel: Tell them to make tassels on the corners of their garments throughout their generations, and to put a blue thread in the tassels of the corners. ³⁹ And you shall have the tassel, that you may look upon it and remember all the commandments of the Lord and do them, and that you may not follow the harlotry to which your own heart and your own eyes are inclined, ⁴⁰ and that you may remember and do all My commandments, and be holy for your God.” Numbers 15:38-40

An explanation was provided for what might otherwise seem like a pointless law. The scribes and Pharisees had a way of inserting their own pet peeves and legalistic demands upon the people, forcing them to conform to their will, whether it made sense for society at large or not.

As you look around the world, and in particular your own city, state, county, or government, which political party is the one that imposes unnecessary, vindictive, or personally gratifying laws upon the people? When you see which it is, you know those are the enemies of a free-functioning, common-sense society. That will also be a party that works against what is godly and honoring of the Creator.

Which party is it that works to deregulate, clear the books of nonsense, and allow the people to function freely and with human dignity, while at the same time ensuring morality plays a key role in ensuring the people remain focused on what is healthy and good? These are the friends of the society at large.

Be sure to pay attention to these things. Despite any other supposedly positive benefits you will (at least in the short term) derive from the first category, you will ultimately suffer oppression and a failing society under them. Be sure to vote those scoundrels out before it is too late.

Lord God, we live in a world where we must interact with the authorities who are above us. If it is in our ability to have good and godly people above us, why would we not get engaged in the process? You have ordained that we live in this world. Therefore, You certainly expect us to participate in the world we live in. Help us to think clearly on this. Amen.

 

Tuesday, 9 December 2025

and begged Him that they might only touch the hem of His garment. And as many as touched it were made perfectly well. Matthew 14:36

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at the “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen)

You can also read this commentary, scrolling with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

This commentary contains an additional set of parallels on Matthew 14 from Daniel Higgins in England. (Click Here to listen).

To review the Matthew 14 translation on YouTube (Click Here). To review it on Rumble (Click Here).

“And they invoked Him that only they might touch the tassel of His garment, and as many, they touched, they were rehabilitated” (CG).

In the previous verse, it’s noted that the men of the area of Gennesaret recognized Jesus, and so they sent out to all the areas round about and brought to Jesus all that were sick. Now, to close out Chapter 14 (it is an exciting milestone as Matthew is 28 Chapters long), Matthew records, “And they invoked Him that only they might touch the tassel of His garment.”

This is the same hope-filled sign of faith that was seen in Chapter 9 –

“And, you behold! A woman, blood-flowing twelve years, having approached behind, she touched the tassel of His cloak. ²¹ For she said in herself, ‘If only I shall touch His cloak, I will be saved.’ ²² And Jesus, having turned and having seen her, He said, ‘You take courage, daughter. Your faith, it has saved you.’ And, the woman, she was saved from the very hour.” Matthew 9:20-22 (CG)

The people of Israel understood the significance of this tassel, and they knew that if they could get close enough to just touch it, there was the chance the Lord would favor them and heal their afflictions.

Being a tassel on the extremity of the garment meant that it was symbolically the furthest thing from His body. And yet, they felt that the power that radiated through this remote article would be sufficient to accomplish what they desired. It truly was an act of faith.

As a reminder concerning these tassels, they were mandated in the law by the Lord to spur the memory of the wearer of his obligation to the commands of the law. A blue cord was to be woven into them. This represented the law, blue being the color representing the law.

This extreme edge of the garment was the article they reached for. It is what Malachi prophesied hundreds of years earlier –

“But to you who fear My name
The Sun of Righteousness shall arise
With healing in His wings.” Malachi 4:2

The garments were cut in a way that they had four edges. The edge or wing of the garment is where the tassels would be affixed. Whether the people knew of the prophecy of Malachi, or whether the prophecy merely referred to the events surrounding Jesus’ powers exuding even from these wings, the fact that the healing was prophesied means that a change should be expected in the people. Understanding this, Matthew continues, saying, “and as many, they touched, they were rehabilitated.”

A new word, diasózó, is seen. It is derived from dia, through, and sózó, to save. Thus, it signifies “to save thoroughly.” The people were thoroughly saved from their affliction and thus rehabilitated.

Life application: What is going on here? Why is this account placed where it is? One can review the history of Israel in his mind and see that what has happened in Chapter 14 is a snapshot of Israel’s history in relation to the law. First, the account of John the Baptist being beheaded was given. Who is the only other person to have had a birthday celebration in Scripture? Pharaoh.

There is a reason why these two are mentioned. Pharaoh represents Egypt as its leader. Egypt typologically reflects living under the bondage of sin. It is Jesus who brought man out from under this bondage. But what is it that allows sin to wield its influence? Law.

Herod had John’s head removed, picturing the end of the law. John is the last prophet of the law. Something new was coming to replace the law he proclaimed. It was Herodius’ daughter who danced for Herod. Her name was Salome. Though not named in Matthew, the name still bears importance. It is from shalem, to be or make whole or complete. It signifies Peace.

Herodias is from the Hebrew arad, to flee or be free. She and Herod (same etymology) were condemned by John, the herald of the law, for their adulterous affair. They wanted to be free from the constraint of the law. Thus, Salome, Peace, was used to obtain this goal. In the beheading of John, the enmity between God and sinners is ended. Peace is restored.

With the law symbolically ended (Israel being brought out of Egypt). Jesus went to a deserted place across the sea, just as Israel was brought into the wilderness. The movement of Jesus from one place to another was across the Jordan. This is because the Jordan runs through the Sea of Galilee to the other side.

It is a picture of Israel’s rejection of Jesus, even after the law was ended (in the picture of John’s death). The Jordan pictures Jesus in His incarnation during His first advent, coming to die, as seen in the Superior Word Joshua sermons.

In the wilderness on the other side, Jesus is the Antitype of all of the implements prescribed under the law, such as the Ark, the Table of Showbread, the Menorah, etc. To understand this, one can review the Superior Word sermons of those passages.

The people of Israel joined Him in the desolate area where they were instructed and then provided the miracle of the bread and fish, just as Israel was provided the manna and quail in the wilderness. The five loaves symbolize God’s grace, feeding His people, Jesus, the Bread of Life.

The two fish symbolize the two testaments of Scripture, which point to the abundance found in Christ Jesus. The twelve small baskets of remnants picture the remnant saved of the twelve tribes of Israel (Romans 11:5). The five thousand confirm the grace of God (5) and the completion of the cycle, where nothing is wanting and the whole cycle is complete (10).

The disciples then got into a boat to cross the sea. However, they were tossed about and almost perished. It is still reflective of the time when Israel walked in the wilderness for forty years. That is why the events are noted as being “amidst the sea” in Matthew 14:24.

Verse 25 specifically mentioned that Jesus departed unto them in the ship in the “night’s fourth guarding.” Four is the number of material creation, the world number. It reflects the dispersion of the Jews around the world back to Israel and that they would finally cross over the waters in the end times.

Despite being alone on the sea, the Lord never really left them. He saved them from impending catastrophe, just as the Lord remained with Israel in the wilderness and just as He has remained with Israel for the past two thousand years, fully saving them as they individually looked to the cross. This was seen in the saving of Peter.

Peter’s salvation on the water was noted, “And seeing the forcible wind, he feared, and having begun to submerge, he croaked, saying, ‘Lord, You save [sózó] me!’” That pictured the fulfillment of the individual salvation that was found while Israel was in the wilderness. This occurred when the fiery serpent was set on a pole, and “if a serpent had bitten anyone, when he looked at the bronze serpent, he lived” (Numbers 21:9).

Despite his failing faith and having his eyes temporarily misdirected, he was saved. As Peter was the apostle to the Jews, it makes a nice touch concerning his epistles, directed to the Jewish people. After being given this salvation, the boat arrived safely on the other shore. It anticipates Israel being brought safely to the end of their time of being without Christ.

Matthew specifically says the boat is said to have arrived in Gennesaret, Princely Garden. It anticipates the arrival of Israel in the land of promise (salvation in Christ) that had been anticipated since their rejection of Canaan (symbolizing their rejection of Christ) in Numbers 14.

Once arriving in Gennesaret, which is on the salvation side of the Jordan (Jesus in His first advent), the people flocked to Him, and for those who reached out to Him, there was total salvation. This anticipates the total salvation of Israel after their time of bondage under the law has ended. Touching the tassel with the blue cord (the law) signifies their acceptance of Jesus, the One who has fulfilled the law.

This chapter has been given as a brief snapshot of Israel’s history in relation to Jesus, who is the Lord, Yehovah, incarnate. God is taking real historical events, such as a young girl dancing, the feeding of the multitude, the struggles amidst the sea, etc., and He is telling us that there is still a future for Israel, the people.

The importance of the law being opposed to grace is put on full display in this chapter. For those who want to live under the law, there is no hope. They remain “east of Jordan.” For those who are willing to be saved, they must come through Jesus to the other side. Give up law observance and be saved!

What a story of hope and ultimate redemption is found in the coming of Jesus Christ. Hallelujah!

Lord God, how good it is to know of the full and eternal salvation that is found in Jesus Christ our Lord. Thank You that even when our eyes may be misdirected from You for a moment, Your hand is still there, reaching out and saving us! Hallelujah and Amen.

The following commentary is submitted by Daniel Higgens from the UK to complement what is seen in Matthew 14

Notes between 2nd Chronicles and Matthew 14
Daniel Higgins, 30th November 2025

The Gospel of Matthew has been recognised for its deep structural connection to the Old Testament, and one striking pattern is how each chapter of Matthew echoes themes found in the corresponding book of the Hebrew Bible. As Genesis introduces origins and genealogies, Matthew 1 opens with the genealogy of Christ. As Exodus recounts Israel’s deliverance and early threats against God’s chosen deliverer, Matthew 2 presents Jesus’ birth, the flight into Egypt, and Herod’s murderous rage. This pattern continues throughout the Gospel, with Matthew’s chapters reflecting, summarizing, or re-framing the major themes of each Old Testament book. Whether or not Matthew intended a one-to-one mapping, the parallels are rich and unmistakable, showing Jesus as the fulfillment, continuation, and climax of Israel’s story from Genesis to 2nd Chronicles.

Comparing book 14 with Matthew 14

The commentary for 9th December on Matthew 14:36 includes a summary of the entire chapter and argues that Matthew 14 retells Israel’s history through real historical events which also carry a rich and beautiful typological symbolism.  To support that with 2 Chronicles, we can show that 2 Chronicles already summarizes Israel’s history in a way that parallels the patterns in Matthew 14.

2 Chronicles is not just history—it is the canonical summary of Israel’s story in the Hebrew Bible. It lays out the cycle that Matthew 14 symbolically reenacts:

1. Prophet sent to warn about Law
2. Prophet rejected / killed
3. People enter wilderness experiences
4. God remains faithful despite their failure
5. A remnant is preserved
6. Promise of restoration and return

Every one of these appears both in 2 Chronicles and in Matthew 14

1. Israel’s Leadership Rejects God’s Law and His Messengers

2nd Chronicles theme:

From Joash to Ahaz to Manasseh to Zedekiah, the kings of Judah repeatedly reject the covenant and silence the prophets.  2 Chronicles 36:15–16 is the climax:

“They mocked the messengers of God, despised His words, and scoffed at His prophets…”

Matthew 14 parallel:

Herod, a corrupt ruler like those in Chronicles, rejects God’s last prophet of the law (John the Baptist).

2. Killing the Prophet Marks the End of an Era

2nd  Chronicles theme:

The death of Zechariah son of Jehoiada (2 Chr 24:20–22) is a prototype because it foreshadows and sets the pattern for what will happen repeatedly in Israel’s history—particularly the final collapse described in 2 Chronicles 36 and the later rejection of John the Baptist in Matthew 14.

• The prophet confronts the king
• The king murders the prophet
• This act signals national judgment and the end of a covenant era.

The book ends with the death/exile/judgment pattern repeated.

“They mocked the messengers of God, despised His words, and scoffed at His prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose… and there was no remedy.” 2 Chronicles 36:15–16

Matthew 14 parallel:

John the Baptist is:

• The last prophet under the law
• Killed by a corrupt king
• Signaling that the “old era” is ending  “…After being given this salvation, the boat arrived safely on the other shore. It anticipates Israel being brought safely to the end of their time of being without Christ.” – CG, December 9th

Just as Zechariah’s death marked the end of an age, John’s death announces that a new covenant is near.

3. Wilderness Experiences as a Divine Reset

2nd Chronicles theme:

Israel repeatedly goes through “wilderness-like” periods—humiliation, exile, lack—
followed by God’s faithfulness and provision.

The exile is the final “wilderness,” where:

• The people are scattered
• God preserves a remnant
• God promises to restore them (Cyrus’ decree in final verses)

Matthew 14 parallel:

After John (law/prophet) is killed:

• The people go into a desolate place (wilderness).
• God preserves a remnant
• “In the wilderness on the other side, Jesus is the Antitype of all of the implements prescribed under the law, such as the Ark, the Table of Showbread, the Menorah, etc. To understand this, one can review the Superior Word sermons of those passages.” – CG, December 9th

Chronicles presents the wilderness/exile as necessary for restoration.
Matthew 14 plays out the same cycle in miniature.

4. The Remnant Theme

2nd Chronicles theme:

Though judgment comes, a remnant survives. This remnant returns, rebuilds, and receives new mercies from God.

Matthew 14 parallel:

After feeding the five thousand:

“The people of Israel joined Him in the desolate area where they were instructed and then provided the miracle of the bread and fish, just as Israel was provided the manna and quail in the wilderness. The five loaves symbolize God’s grace, feeding His people, Jesus, the Bread of Life..” – CG, December 9th

Matthew, and 2nd Chronicles, shows Israel is not destroyed. A remnant remains for restoration.

5. Israel’s Exile as “Tossed on the Sea”

2nd Chronicles theme:

The exile is depicted as:

• Scattering (“He carried into exile to Babylon the remnant…”  2 Chronicles 36:20)
• Danger from sword, destruction, temple burning etc (2 Chronicles 36:17–19)
• God preserving His people “far away”   “Those who escaped from the sword he carried away to Babylon,…” 2 Chronicles 36:20
• Eventually bringing them back to the land.

“This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: ‘The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and He has appointed me to build Him a house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Whoever there is among you of all His people, may the Lord his God be with him; [a]go up then!’”  2 Chronicles 36:23

Matthew 14 parallel:

The disciples (representing Israel) are:

• Tossed about on the sea
• In danger of perishing
• Saved by the Lord
• Brought safely to the other side

“The disciples then got into a boat to cross the sea. However, they were tossed about and almost perished. It is still reflective of the time when Israel walked in the wilderness for forty years. That is why the events are noted as being “amidst the sea” in Matthew 14:24.

Verse 25 specifically mentioned that Jesus departed unto them in the ship in the “night’s fourth guarding.” Four is the number of material creation, the world number. It reflects the dispersion of the Jews around the world back to Israel and that they would finally cross over the waters in the end times.

Despite being alone on the sea, the Lord never really left them. He saved them from impending catastrophe, just as the Lord remained with Israel in the wilderness and just as He has remained with Israel for the past two thousand years, fully saving them as they individually looked to the cross. This was seen in the saving of Peter..” – CG, December 9th

This is a perfect typological parallel to the exile return narrative that 2 Chronicles ends with.

6. Restoration Under a New Leader (Cyrus / Christ)

2 Chronicles ending:

The last verses of 2 Chronicles announce:

• A new beginning
• A new leader who brings them back
• A restoration of worship
• A new covenant moment

Matthew 14 ending:

• “Peter’s salvation on the water was noted, “And seeing the forcible wind, he feared, and having begun to submerge, he croaked, saying, ‘Lord, You save [sózó] me!’” That pictured the fulfillment of the individual salvation that was found while Israel was in the wilderness. This occurred when the fiery serpent was set on a pole, and “if a serpent had bitten anyone, when he looked at the bronze serpent, he lived” (Numbers 21:9).
• Despite his failing faith and having his eyes temporarily misdirected, he was saved. As Peter was the apostle to the Jews, it makes a nice touch concerning his epistles, directed to the Jewish people. After being given this salvation, the boat arrived safely on the other shore. It anticipates Israel being brought safely to the end of their time of being without Christ.
• Matthew specifically says the boat is said to have arrived in Gennesaret, Princely Garden. It anticipates the arrival of Israel in the land of promise (salvation in Christ) that had been anticipated since their rejection of Canaan (symbolizing their rejection of Christ) in Numbers 14.
• Once arriving in Gennesaret, which is on the salvation side of the Jordan (Jesus in His first advent), the people flocked to Him, and for those who reached out to Him, there was total salvation. This anticipates the total salvation of Israel after their time of bondage under the law has ended. Touching the tassel with the blue cord (the law) signifies their acceptance of Jesus, the One who has fulfilled the law..” – CG, December 9th

Jesus is the greater Cyrus, the true Restorer.

 

Matthew 14 (CG)

1 In that time, Herod the tetrarch, he heard the ‘Jesus hearing,’ ² and he said to his servants, “This, he is John the Immerser! He, he is aroused from the dead, and through this the miracles work in him!” ³ For Herod, having seized John, he bound him, and he placed in prison for Herodias, his brother Phillip’s wife. ⁴ For John, he said to him, “Not it permits for you to have her.” ⁵ And desiring to kill him, he feared the multitude, for they held him as a prophet.

⁶ And, being Herod’s birthday, she danced, the daughter of Herodias, in the midst. And she pleased Herod. ⁷ Whence with an oath, He assented to give her what if she should ask. ⁸ And having been instigated by her mother, she says, “You give me here upon a platter the head of John the Immerser.” ⁹ And grieved, the king, but through the oaths and those co-reclining, he commanded it given. ¹⁰ And, having sent, he beheaded John in the prison. ¹¹ And his head, it was borne upon a platter, and it was given to the damsel, and she bore to her mother. ¹² And his disciples, having come, they lifted the body and they interred it. And having come, they told Jesus.

¹³ And Jesus, having heard, He withdrew thence in a boat to a desolate place by Himself. And the crowds, having heard, they followed Him afoot from the cities. ¹⁴ And Jesus, having withdrawn, He saw a great crowd, and He gut-wrenched upon them and He cured their sick. ¹⁵ And evening having come, they came to Him, His disciples, saying, “Desolate, it is, this place, and the hour, it passed already. You dismiss the crowds that, having departed into the villages, they should buy themselves food.”

¹⁶ And Jesus, He said to them, “They have no need to depart. You, you give, them to eat.”

¹⁷ And they, they say to Him, “Not we have here, if not five loaves and two fish.”

¹⁸ And He said, “You carry to Me here – them.” ¹⁹ And having commanded the crowds to recline upon the grass, having taken the five loaves and the two fish, having up-looked to the heaven, He blessed, and having broken, He gave to the disciples the loaves, and the disciples to the crowds. ²⁰ And they ate all, and they gorged, and they lifted the superabounding pieces – twelve handbaskets full. ²¹ And those eating, they were about five thousand men, besides women and children.

²² And immediately, Jesus, He compelled His disciples to in-step into the boat and precede Him to the beyond until which He dismissed the crowds. ²³ And having dismissed the crowds, He ascended to the mountain, off alone, to pray. And evening, having arrived, He was there solo. ²⁴ And the boat, already it was amidst the sea being tormented by the waves, for the wind, it was contrary.

²⁵ And the night’s fourth guarding, Jesus, He departed unto them, walking upon the sea. ²⁶ And the disciples, having seen Him walking upon the sea, they were agitated, saying that it is a phantasm. And from fear, they croaked.

²⁷ And immediately, Jesus, He spoke to them, saying, “You embolden! I, I am! You fear not!”

²⁸ And having answered Him, Peter, he said, “Lord, if You – You are – You command me to come to You upon the waters.”

²⁹ And He said, “You come!” And having descended from the boat, Peter, he walked upon the waters to come unto Jesus. ³⁰ And seeing the forcible wind, he feared, and having begun to submerge, he croaked, saying, “Lord, You save me!”

³¹ And immediately, Jesus, having extended the hand, He seized him, and He says to him, “Little-faithed! Into why – you doubted?” ³² And they, having gone into the boat, it ceased – the wind.

³³ And those in the boat, having come, they worshiped Him, saying, “Truly! You are God’s Son!”

³⁴ And, having through-crossed, they came to the land of Gennesaret. ³⁵ And, having known Him, the men of that place, they sent to all that surrounding, and they brought to Him all those having sickly. ³⁶ And they invoked Him that only they might touch the tassel of His garment, and as many, they touched, they were rehabilitated.

 

Monday, 8 December 2025

And when the men of that place recognized Him, they sent out into all that surrounding region, brought to Him all who were sick, Matthew 14:35

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at the “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen)

You can also read this commentary, scrolling with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

“And, having known Him, the men of that place, they sent to all that surrounding, and they brought to Him all those having sickly” (CG).

In the previous verse, Matthew noted that when Jesus and the disciples had crossed over the sea, they came to the land of Gennesaret. He next records, “And, having known Him, the men of that place.”

Jesus would have been known in the area because of previous visits. But more, John 6 notes –

“On the following day, when the people who were standing on the other side of the sea saw that there was no other boat there, except that one which His disciples had entered, and that Jesus had not entered the boat with His disciples, but His disciples had gone away alone— ²³ however, other boats came from Tiberias, near the place where they ate bread after the Lord had given thanks— ²⁴ when the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, nor His disciples, they also got into boats and came to Capernaum, seeking Jesus. ²⁵ And when they found Him on the other side of the sea, they said to Him, ‘Rabbi, when did You come here?’” John 6:22-25

Jesus would have been known by those He first encountered, but more who had been on the other side of the Sea of Galilee with Him the day before, which had included some of those who had already returned, would have come to meet up with Him again.

In their excitement at having Jesus there, it next says, “they sent to all that surrounding.”

The word went out all around the area of Gennesaret, telling the residents that Jesus was again in the area, probably telling about what had happened the day before with the feeding of the five thousand, along with the healings that were performed, and so Matthew notes of these residents, “and they brought to Him all those having sickly.”

In the small nation of Israel, the ministry of Jesus was filled with a constant stream of needs. It was a continuous rush of people desiring the healing touch of the Master.

Life application: Considering the small size of Israel at the time of Jesus’ ministry, both in land size and population, imagine the amount of physical suffering that is experienced around the world at any given time.

And when things are physically wrong with us, it is hard to focus on other things. Depending on the type of sickness and the level of pain, things can be so debilitating that there is nothing else we can think about. We may even take drugs to ease the pain, but they deaden our senses to the world around us.

God is not unaware of, nor uncaring about, these things. However, we are the ones who turned away from Him. For most of the world, we still do not regard Him as He expects, meaning through the offering of His Son.

And yet, because of the physical pains, wars, crime, and other suffering we see around us, we blame God and say we want nothing to do with Him. The fickle nature of this thinking is hard to imagine once we understand who God is and what He has done for us in giving Jesus to bring us back to Himself.

But even believers, at times, show a disdain for what God has done, blaming Him for our troubles and trials, as if He owes us. Jesus and the apostles’ words are clear, however. There will be suffering, pain, loss, wars, and natural disasters until the time when God renews all things.

We cannot expect to be isolated from such calamities. This is why it is important to read the Bible and understand what it tells us. When we know that this world will continue to be out of whack and that we can expect to be included in the things that happen, we can then focus on what lies ahead.

Even with the troubles of this life, we have a hope that transcends it. Let us remember this and hold fast to our confession of faith.

Lord God, despite the trials and woes of this life, we thank You for the promises that are sure to come. We have the certain hope of an eternity of joy and blessing far above anything we can imagine at this time. Thank You that we have this hope. If this life were all there was, it would be a futile, vain existence indeed. Thank You for Jesus and all that comes through knowing Him! Amen.

 

 

Sunday, 7 December 2025

When they had crossed over, they came to the land of Gennesaret. Matthew 14:34

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at the “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen)

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“And, having through-crossed, they came to the of land Gennesaret” (CG).

In the previous verse, Matthew noted that those in the boat came and worshiped Jesus, saying, “Truly! You are God’s Son!” Next, he records, “And, having through-crossed.”

The word, used in Matthew 9:1, signifies to cross through from one side to another. They safely made the journey, despite the storm. Having come to the other side, it next says, “they came to the land of Gennesaret.”

This is a new and rare word, found only once in each of the three synoptic gospels, Gennésaret. It is a word of Hebrew origin. Strong’s thinks it may be related to the name Kinnereth, and would thus mean Harps. This seems unlikely.

Another possibility is that it is derived from gan, garden, and Sharon. Thus, it would signify the Garden of Sharon. Another likely possibility would be Garden of Princes, the second half coming from the plural of the Hebrew sar, a prince. However, the plural may designate a fulness as in Princely Garden or Garden of the Prince (Hitchcock).

Of this location, the Topical Lexicon says –

“Gennesaret denotes the fertile plain that stretches for roughly three miles along the north-western shore of the Sea of Galilee. Bounded by the rising hills of Naphtali on the west and washed by the fresh waters of the lake on the east, the plain is celebrated in both Jewish and later historical sources for its mild climate, abundant springs, and astonishing productivity. Josephus wrote that it produced ‘every fruit’ in profusion and that its temperate air allowed for continuous harvests. Numerous thermal and cold springs join to form streams that empty into the lake, creating a natural irrigation system. The plain’s prominence made its name a convenient designation not only for the shoreline but for the entire lake itself, hence ‘Lake of Gennesaret’ (Luke 5:1) as an alternate title for ‘Sea of Galilee’ or ‘Sea of Tiberias.’”

John’s gospel says that they were heading towards Capernaum when they left the other side. That is in the general area, Capernaum being to the north and Magdala to the south.

Life application: Despite having terrible times on the Sea of Galilee, struggling against the winds and waves, the appearance of Jesus taught the disciples a valuable lesson concerning who He is and our capabilities when we focus, or fail to focus, on Him.

After the ordeal, the sea was calmed, and the boat safely arrived on the other shore. This trip can be equated to our lives. We set out with confidence in where we are going, planning on a particular trip to take a certain amount of time, with a safe arrival at a designated location.

Nobody plans a trip and says, “We’ll leave at 6:47 tomorrow, fly to Atlanta, switch planes, and continue towards Montana, but we will encounter terrible turbulence at 3:47 in the afternoon, lose the left wing of the aircraft, and die in a fiery inferno as the plane crashes into the side of a remote mountain.”

We don’t know the future, so how can we plan such an event? But despite having a set schedule for arriving at Helene, Montana, we also don’t know if we will actually get there or not. Our life is a journey where risk is involved. For most of us, we attempt to make it on our own effort, and usually without God.

But then the troubles come, and for those who are the Lord’s, we remember Him, pick up our Bibles, and find Him there with us, reassuring us that He is present with us. With the knowledge of His presence, and with our eyes fixed on Him, we can do the miraculous in this life.

And when our journey is through, we will arrive safely on the next shore. Jesus has absolutely assured us that this is so. His word will never fail, and so let us not get disheartened, no matter what the trial. Nothing can prevent us from being brought safely into God’s presence after this life is complete.

“Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. ³⁸ For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, ³⁹ nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:37-39

Lord God, our walk can be a walk of confidence and surety if we simply pick up the word, trust what it says, and apply faith in that to our lives. Otherwise, we are like rudderless ships tossed about on a sea of confusion and without hope. But because we know Your word, we know that You are there with us, ever faithful and tenderly guiding us to our final shore. Amen.