Category: Bible Reading & Meditation

“Jesus turned on Peter and said, ‘Get out of My sight, you satan! You are trying to make Me trip and fall. You are not judging by God’s standards but by man’s.’ ” —Matthew 16:23 By the grace of the heavenly Father, Simon Peter made a great act of faith by professing Jesus as the Messiah, “the Son of the living God!” (Mt 16:16) In a short time, however, by denying the cross and “not judging by God’s standards but by man’s” (Mt 16:23), Peter showed that he did not understand what he had professed. This shows the astounding proclivity...

“At about three in the morning, [Jesus] came walking toward them on the lake.” –Matthew 14:25 When Jesus walked on the water, He showed that He had the authority and power to “quickly crush Satan” under His feet (Rm 16:20) and to heal all diseases (see Mt 14:36). Jesus walks not just on water but on tidal waves and tempests. Because “full authority has been given” to Jesus “both in heaven and on earth” (Mt 28:18), “He is always able to save those who approach God through Him” (Heb 7:25). Jesus is the “Pantocrator,” the all-powerful God (see Rv 1:8)....

“At about three in the morning, [Jesus] came walking toward them on the lake.” –Matthew 14:25 When Jesus walked on the water, He showed that He had the authority and power to “quickly crush Satan” under His feet (Rm 16:20) and to heal all diseases (see Mt 14:36). Jesus walks not just on water but on tidal waves and tempests. Because “full authority has been given” to Jesus “both in heaven and on earth” (Mt 28:18), “He is always able to save those who approach God through Him” (Heb 7:25). Jesus is the “Pantocrator,” the all-powerful God (see Rv 1:8)....

“When Jesus heard this, He withdrew by boat from there to a deserted place by Himself.” –Matthew 14:13 This was one of the worst days in Jesus’ life. He had just received the bad news that His friend and relative, St. John the Baptizer, had been beheaded. It was John who baptized Jesus in the Jordan (see Mt 3:13-16). He and Jesus had a special bond. Now John was dead, murdered, beheaded. Jesus had to get away, go off by Himself, and receive healing from His Father. He got in the boat and intended to go to a deserted place...

“All things are vanity!” –Ecclesiastes 1:2 King Solomon, who is credited with writing the book of Ecclesiastes, was one of the richest people in history (see 1 Kgs 10:14ff). He had seven hundred wives and three hundred concubines (1 Kgs 11:3). He could get anything he wanted any time he wanted. Many people today are trying hard to become more like Solomon. They want to be able to relax “for years to come,” “eat heartily, drink well,” and enjoy themselves (Lk 12:19). Solomon, who ought to know, says they are fools (see Lk 12:20), for “all things are vanity!” (Eccl...