Author: newlifenarrabri

Reflection on Matthew 16:1-11

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Scripture

Then at last they understood that he wasn’t speaking about the yeast in bread, but the deceptive teachings of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

Observation

The Pharisees and Sadducees come to Jesus demanding a sign to prove His authority. Jesus tells them that they know how to predict the weather from the signs in the sky, but they don’t know how to interpret the signs of the times. The only sign they will receive is the sign of Jonah.

Later, Jesus tells His disciples to be aware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees. The disciples think he’s talking about bread. Jesus reminds them of the feeding miracles. and then they understand that He was talking about the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

Application

Whereas the Old Covenant was about physical signs, such as animal sacrifices, a temple, a land, the New Covenant is a spiritual reality. We are the temple. We are the living sacrifices.

The disciples were tripped up by thinking physically, when Jesus wanted them to think spiritually.

Many christians make similar mistakes. The yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees must have included legalism and keeping rules. Many christians judge others and themselves according to outward behaviour, but God looks at the heart.

Some want to observe the Old Testament feasts, forgetting that the feasts are all fulfilled in Christ. Why would we observe the Old Testament Pentecost when the reality of the Holy Spirit is already in us?

We are the children of the Living God, regardless of whether we follow the law or not. The only thing that matters is our relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.

Prayer

Thank you, Father for your everlasting love. Amen

Reflection on Matthew 15:32-39

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Scripture

They all ate as much as they wanted.

Observation

After three days of teaching and healing, Jesus tells His disciples that He is concerned that the people have no food left. The disciples reply, “Where would we get enough food here in the wilderness?”

Jesus tells the people to sit down, and He gives thanks to God for the bread and fish that He has. He gives them to the disciples to distribute the food to the crowd.

Everyone has as much food as they want, and there is a huge amount of leftovers – seven baskets. There are four thousand men plus women and children.

Application

The footnotes in my Bible say this crowd was mainly Gentiles while those at the feeding of the 5,000 had been mainly Jews.

The blessings of the Kingdom flow out to the whole earth because of Jesus. We should be thankful for this because we are now able to enter God’s kingdom.

I was struck in this passage by the references to God feeding the Jews in the wilderness during the Exodus from Egypt. In particular, the Bible tells us in both cases that everyone could eat as much as they wanted.

God’s vision is never stingy or limited. He always gives more than enough. Our responsibility is to receive what he gives and pass it on to others. In God’s kingdom, there is never a lack because He gives enough for everyone.

Prayer

Thank you, Lord, for your grace. Thank you that there is always enough to share and that the blessings continue to multiply. Amen.

Quote for the Day

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Self-governance happens when the values and purpose we are pursuing become intrinsic—applied voluntarily because of our conviction. This internal dynamic creates a renewal in our character and a realisation about ‘who we are’. Michael Rowell