Matthew (Written)

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)

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 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.

 

Saturday, 6 December 2025

Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.” Matthew 14:33

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 those in the boat, having come, they worshiped Him, saying, ‘Truly! You are God’s Son!’” (CG).

In the previous verse, it was noted that when Jesus and Peter got into the boat, the wind ceased. Overcome by the events they have seen and experienced, it next says, “And those in the boat.”

The words may suggest that there were more than just the disciples in there. The boats on the Sea of Galilee would not be very large, but they may have been large enough to carry some others along. Either way, the boat was big enough for them to get up and move around. That is seen in the word translated as “having come.”

The word is omitted by some texts and most modern Bibles. However, it would be the natural reaction to such events. Peter wanted to come to Jesus. This certainly wasn’t limited to him, but he was the one who called out, and so he was the one who was petitioned to come.

Once those on the boat saw what had transpired, especially the sudden calming of the sea, it would be natural to come forward to be near Jesus. This was because “they worshiped Him.”

Jesus was well known to them and the One who instructed them. It is true that if someone encountered such events in the presence of an unknown person, he may want to stay back a bit and worship from a distance. But because of their familiarity with Jesus, they wanted to be nearer to Him when bowing before Him.

The words are natural, and as would be expected. With that noted, Matthew next notes that they were “saying, ‘Truly! You are God’s Son!’”

The words lack a definite article, as in, “You are the Son of God.” Despite this, it is at least an acknowledgment that Jesus was ordained by God in a unique way. He had walked on the water, and the weather was under His control. At this point, they may have been thinking of someone in the line of Moses who did such things under the authority of the Lord.

Jesus had also healed the people and multiplied the bread. Therefore, they may also have been thinking of someone like Elijah or Elisha, who had healed and/or multiplied bread under the authority of the Lord. Even until the later points of the gospel narratives, a true and complete understanding of who Jesus was continued to escape the disciples.

To be dogmatic and state that the disciples thought Jesus was “the Son of God,” meaning deity, at this point would be stretching what the disciples actually believed. Even after the resurrection, they required schooling to understand who Jesus was and the things that pertained to Him –

“Then He said to them, ‘These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.’ ⁴⁵ And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures.” Luke 24:44, 45

Life application: There are several views concerning who “the sons of the God” are in Genesis 6. The predominant view is the sensational view, meaning that these were angel/human hybrids. Though sensational and, therefore, exciting, it doesn’t at all match up with the rest of Scripture.

Being a son of “the God” signifies a person who is in a right relationship with God or one who is set in contrast to such a relationship. The structure of the early Genesis account is presented in such a way that thoughts are introduced and then they are explained in a following passage.

For example, the thought concerning the creation of man is presented in Genesis 1. However, that is more fully explained in Genesis 2. The thought of being obedient to the law given by God and the penalties for not doing so are seen in Genesis 2, but the example of the test concerning the law is seen in Genesis 3.

The thought of the promise of a return to a right state in the presence of God is seen in Genesis 3, and the anticipation of that by Eve, and the knowledge that it is lost to her is seen in Genesis 4.

The state of a disobedient line of people who are separated from the line of those who remain friendly to God is seen in Genesis 4. The line of those who are in a right relationship with God and who will eventually lead to the Messiah is seen in Genesis 5. This particular line that is set apart to God is meticulously detailed in Genesis 5, and it is explained by the words “sons of the God” in Genesis 6.

Themes are introduced and then expanded upon. Contrasts are set up to distinguish those who are out of favor with God from those who are in favor with God. This continues to develop throughout the book. For example, like the ungodly line of Cain being introduced, followed by the godly line, the generations of Ishmael are detailed in Genesis 25:12-18, followed by the generations of Isaac beginning in Genesis 25:19.

The generations of Esau are given in Genesis 36. This is followed by the story of Jacob’s offspring and what happens to them, which continues to highlight the line of those in a right standing with “the God.”

To suddenly introduce a concept, such as angels sleeping with men, is wholly out of line with this carefully detailed pattern of what God is doing. It is a faulty analysis that fails to understand what God is doing in Scripture and why He highlights things in the manner he does. Yes, it is sensational, but it is also incorrect.

If you want proper theology concerning “the sons of the God,” stay away from the idea that angels came in and started having sex with human women. It is an unbiblical and unreasonable proposition.

Lord God, it is fun and exciting to watch monster movies, but such things are not based in reality. Why would we treat Your word as if it were an exception to what we already know about the world around us? Give us wisdom to keep Your word in its proper context. Be glorified in our pursuit of Your superior word. Amen.

 

Friday, 5 December 2025

And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. Matthew 14:32

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 they, having gone into the boat, it ceased – the wind” (CG).

In the previous verse, Jesus stretched out His hand to retrieve Peter from sinking. At the same time, He told him his faith was little and asked why he doubted. The narrative continues with astonishing words, “And they, having gone into the boat, it ceased – the wind.”

A new word is seen, kopazó, to tire. Figuratively, it then means to relax and thus to cease. All three of its uses will be in relation to the wind dying down. One can see that the wind and waves were for the instruction of the disciples. If Jesus wanted to, He could have ceased the winds earlier.

Likewise, He could have let the storm wear itself out and then started across the sea. But He departed from the area of the feeding of the five thousand while it was still stormy, at a point when the men had been straining to cross for a long time.

Peter, despite his bravado, would have been tired from the long day and then the long, difficult night. His ability to focus and keep up a faithful spirit would have been diminished. All such things came into play as he croaked out to Jesus to rescue him on the water.

Once Peter’s faith and ability to focus on the Object of his desire were shown to be weak, the storm was no longer needed. The winds that had distracted him gave way to calmness.

Life application: This account conveys a truth that we should all be aware of and prepared for. When our minds and bodies are tired, we can get more irritable, misdirected, prone to making mistakes, and even prone to sin, each depending on the surrounding circumstances.

When we are in such a state, we should remind ourselves to act carefully, respond to circumstances or to others circumspectly, and ask the Lord to guide us in whatever is set before us.

The main thing to remember is to be determined to fix our eyes on the Lord Jesus. The storms around us and the weariness that results from them will weaken our resolve. If we are not in a condition to go forward, we should have the wisdom to tell ourselves this or to let those we are in the battle with know that we are not capable of handling the challenge.

This, rather than barging ahead and relying on our own strength, is a display of wisdom. As Clint Eastwood said in one of his movies, “A man’s got to know his limitations.” When we fail to know our limitations and work within them, only disaster will result.

“When the Philistines were at war again with Israel, David and his servants with him went down and fought against the Philistines; and David grew faint. ¹⁶ Then Ishbi-Benob, who was one of the sons of the giant, the weight of whose bronze spear was three hundred shekels, who was bearing a new sword, thought he could kill David. ¹⁷ But Abishai the son of Zeruiah came to his aid, and struck the Philistine and killed him. Then the men of David swore to him, saying, ‘You shall go out no more with us to battle, lest you quench the lamp of Israel.’” 2 Samuel 21:15-17

David’s son, Solomon, wrote that there is a time for everything under the sun. It is ok to understand that there are times to act and times to refrain from acting if we are incapable of doing so. If we fail in this, we may damage our testimony or bring harm to ourselves or others.

Lord God, give us wisdom to walk in this world in tune with who we are and with our eyes fixed steadily on Jesus. When we cannot be effective in what we plan to do, give us the wisdom to see this. If You will strengthen us for the task, we can proceed. But if it is time to step back from it, help us to know this as well. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.