In today’s reading Jesus is withdrawing from the
multitudes and spending more time alone with His disciples,
preparing them for His crucifixion. We must keep in mind
that even the disciples, at this point, were thinking of an
earthly and political kingdom, and they did not understand
Jesus’ teaching about the cross. It was necessary,
therefore, that Jesus prepare them for this great testing
experience.
There are three main sections in chapter 14: (1)
The death of John the Baptist (verses 1-12). (2) The
feeding of the 5,000 (verses 13-21). (3) The miracle of the
storm (verses 22-36). There are also three characteristics
of this present age in relation to the servants of God: (1)
Persecution (verses 1-12)–Christ’s servants will suffer
and die for Him. (2) Provision (verses 13-21)–Christ’s
servants will administer the Bread of Life to men. (3)
Protection (verses 22-36)–Christ will pray for His
servants and rescue them.
In chapter 15 Jesus is withdrawing from the
Pharisees (verse 21) into the region of Tyre and Sidon;
from there into Galilee (verse 29); and, finally, from
Galilee to the coast of Magdala (verse 39). Keep in mind
that during this period He was avoiding open trouble with
Jewish leaders, while continuing to teach His disciples and
prepare them for His death on the cross. Verses 1-20 should
be labeled, “Truth versus Tradition,” and verses 21-39,
“Jesus and the Gentiles.”
MEMORY VERSE FOR TODAY:
Man now can be:
Redeemed.
Ephesians 1:7
In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins,
according to the riches of his grace.