In an apparently shocking contrast, Jesus calls out the religious insiders for hypocrisy and exposes their sin, while ultimately welcoming an outsider who comes to him in humble faith. He makes it clear that religious ritual is worthless as a means to cleanse from sin. Only humble faith in the Son of David has any power. Where have religion and ritual become a mask for sin in our lives? Are we casting ourselves solely upon the mercy of Jesus for our cleansing and acceptance before God?

In an apparently shocking contrast, Jesus calls out the religious insiders for hypocrisy and exposes their sin, while ultimately welcoming an outsider who comes to him in humble faith. He makes it clear that religious ritual is worthless as a means to cleanse from sin. Only humble faith in the Son of David has any power. Where have religion and ritual become a mask for sin in our lives? Are we casting ourselves solely upon the mercy of Jesus for our cleansing and acceptance before God?

Neither the raging sea nor the incurable disease has any power when confronted by the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the One who walks on water and speaks peace to the fearful. He is the One whose touch brings healing from even the cruelest disease. And as we come to him with our hearts diseased by sin and our spirits oppressed by fear, he has power today to bring healing and wholeness.

Neither the raging sea nor the incurable disease has any power when confronted by the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the One who walks on water and speaks peace to the fearful. He is the One whose touch brings healing from even the cruelest disease. And as we come to him with our hearts diseased by sin and our spirits oppressed by fear, he has power today to bring healing and wholeness.

When we come to Jesus, he satisfies the deepest needs and longings of our soul. Here in these verses, Jesus has compassion on a needy crowd and provides for them from heaven. We see his heart of kindness, and his power to provide. His heart is the same today, and his power undiminished.

When we come to Jesus, he satisfies the deepest needs and longings of our soul. Here in these verses, Jesus has compassion on a needy crowd and provides for them from heaven. We see his heart of kindness, and his power to provide. His heart is the same today, and his power undiminished.

One of the great surprises of the ministry of Jesus is the way in which people took offense at his gracious teaching. Here in these verses we see Jesus rejected, and John the Baptist beheaded. So we should not be surprised if the world around us rejects the good news of Jesus Christ.

One of the great surprises of the ministry of Jesus is the way in which people took offense at his gracious teaching. Here in these verses we see Jesus rejected, and John the Baptist beheaded. So we should not be surprised if the world around us rejects the good news of Jesus Christ.

There is no greater joy in the Christian life than living together in life-giving Christian community. There is no greater privilege in the Christian life than joining arms with brothers and sisters in the great work of the gospel. It is this privilege and joy that Paul models for us in his own networks of relationships – and then commends to each one of us.

There is no greater joy in the Christian life than living together in life-giving Christian community. There is no greater privilege in the Christian life than joining arms with brothers and sisters in the great work of the gospel. It is this privilege and joy that Paul models for us in his own networks of relationships – and then commends to each one of us