Scripture: Matthew 14:13–36, Matthew 15:1–20
Observation: There are two sections in this passage of
Matthew. The first talks about what
Jesus did when He heard that his cousin had been murdered. We talked some about this in a previous
study. Jesus did what most of us would
do when we lose someone close to us – he withdrew for a time, but then we see
Jesus, full of compassion, ministering to the needs of others, and then again
withdrawing for prayer. (14:13-23)
After this time He continued his work
and ministry of healing. (14:22-36) Once
again we see this work being challenged by the scribes and the Pharisees. He pointed them back to the law, the Ten
Commandments, and again told them a parable or a story. (15:1-20)
In this parable we see again the great need for deep understanding of
the truths of God. It is not enough to
know the law; He wants us to know the intent and the spirit by which He
intended us to keep it. As we have seen
so much already in the Book of Matthew – His intent, as always, is to get His
Word in our hearts. This is what is
important to be clean, not just the outward appearances, but our inner thoughts
and motives.
Application: Let the Lord search our hearts today and
cleanse us from anything that is not of Him.
Prayer: Father in Heaven, May we find times today to
withdraw and be alone with You as Jesus did.
In these times Father may we be willing to have our hearts examined by You
and cleansed from anything that does not please You. Help us to be full of understanding. Shine Your light into all the crevices. Fill our hearts and minds with things of Your
Word, not just for knowledge, but so that we can live out Your love and grace
with all those who come in our path today.
In Jesus’ mighty, saving, cleansing name I pray. Amen & Amen.
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