Matthew 14-16: Day 042: Journey Through the Bible in a Year

February 12, 2022

Matthew 14-16
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Day 042: Journey Through the Bible in a Year
Focus Verses for Today: Matthew 15:18-20

Take a moment to ask God to help you understand today’s reading: Matthew 14-16. Now take a few moments to read Matthew 14-16 and contemplate what you have just read. Take some time for personal prayer with God. Let today’s journey begin!

Commentary: John the Baptist is killed by Herod the tetrarch (son of the Herod who attempted to kill Jesus as a child). After being informed of the death of John, whom Jesus knew and likely considered a friend, Jesus continued to minister and assist both Jews (feeding of the 5,000) and Gentiles (feeding of the 4,000), unusual at that time. Perhaps Jesus was trying to grieve for John’s loss, but He set aside His grief, for the sake of others. However, Jesus, like us, needed to spend time with His Heavenly Father and sent his disciples on ahead. Peter is a rather rash disciple, making him easily relatable. He is quick to believe and act, but will doubt, second-guess himself after he begins to act. He also often speaks before he thinks, but, when he is in trouble, he looks to Jesus for forgiveness and guidance. Peter’s faith was hard-learned, just as ours must be.

Focus Verses: Matthew 15:18-20 – Uncleanliness comes, not from words and actions, but from the heart. The Pharisees were focused on acting clean, instead of living a clean life. How is your heart? How can you guard your heart against uncleanliness?

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