My Daily bible Study - Matthew 2

[Frances]

Matthew (This book seems to have been written for new believers)

Matthew 1

What does the Text say? - Jesus Christ's genealogy in the royal line of David, showing Jesus Christ is descended from Abraham, through king David's royal line to Joseph, Jesus' legal father; His conception and Joseph's reaction to Mary's pregnancy.

Application? - I may not be proud of everyone in my family tree but none of them can prevent me from being accepted by God, and serving Him.

Quote ;- (David Pawson) ''Matthew is keen for readers to understand that the prophets spoke of the birth to a virgin, the slaughter of the innocents, the flight into Egypt, and the return to Galilee. The phrase 'that it might be fulfilled, which was spoken by the prophets' occurs 13 times . . . where Matthew quotes Micah, Hosea, Jeremiah, and Isaiah.''

[Frances]

Matthew 2

What does the Text say? - Wise men (educated men) number and nationality unknown, were led to Jesus by a star, taking gifts symbolizing wealth, worship and death, they came from the east to find the Baby born to be King of the Jews. They asked king Herod where He was, who then asked those knowledgeable regarding Scripture, and discovered (Micah 5:1) the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem; he told the wise men to return to tell him where exactly Jesus was so he could go to worship Him too. The star continued to lead the wise men to Jesus and they gave Him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. God warned them not to trust Herod, so they went home another way. Joseph was told, in a dream, to take his family to safety in Egypt as Herod intended to kill Jesus; so they went at night and stayed in Egypt - meanwhile Herod killed all male children 2years old and under in and around Bethlehem (Jeremiah 31:15). When Herod was dead God told Joseph to go back to Israel (Numbers 24:8). Hearing Herod's son Archelaus reigned in Judah he went to Nazareth (Judge 13:5).


Application? - Do I take note of, and investigate, unusual "natural" occurrences? Do I seek enlightenment from the Lord? Do I recognise the deviousness of those who want to 'use' me? Do I recognize personal messages from God as opposed to 'thoughts' that come from my own desires or from Satan? Am I determined to fulfill God's Purpose for my life? Am I willing to do whatever, and go wherever, God tells me, as soon as possible? Do I take necessary precautions for the safety of others.

[Frances]

Matthew 3

What does the Text say? - Living in poverty, and speaking of repentance, John the Baptist prepared the people to be receptive to Jesus Christ, fulfilling Isaiah 40:3. Many folk went to John, confessed their disobedience to God and were baptised (immersed in water). John said that repentance, to be meaningful, involves a determination to live to please God in future - a change in lifestyle. Being descended from Abraham (or in my case confessing Jesus Christ my Lord) does not mean God turns a blind eye to Sin. John's Ministry would be followed by One who would Baptise with the Holy Spirit and fire. Jesus demonstrated His humanity by going to be baptised too, to 'fulfill all righteousness'; as He came out of the water the Spirit of God descended on Him 'like a dove' (like a flash of sunlight?) and God acknowledged Jesus to be His Son - authenticating His Ministry.

Application? - I must eradicate everything from my life that displeases God. I must not make excuses for, or try to justify, my Sin. Have I been baptised in / immersed in water? Am I determined that, to the best of my ability, everything I do and say will be pleasing to God? or do I rely on a ceremony or former heartfelt repentance to protect me from God's Wrath now, and in Eternity? Have I been Baptised in the Holy Spirit - ie. experienced my personal Pentecost? Has God accepted me as His child??(Romans 8:14). Is He pleased with me?

[Frances]

Matthew 4

What does the Text say? - Jesus went without earthly food to be nourished with Spiritual food by His heavenly Father. He was tempted to received adulation from crowds of people by spectacularly demonstrating His Power to turn stones into bread, throw Himself off the highest place of the Temple, and worship / obey the devil. Each time Jesus answered from God's Word, as He was intent on Glorifying God and completing the task He came to earth to do. The Word of God has great Power. When John the Baptist had completed the task for which he had been born and was in prison, Jesus was able to start His Work on earth. Jesus knew He would need special friends who would learn from Him and could be relied on to proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom of God after His own task on earth was completed. He Called 4 disciples, Peter, Andrew, James and John. Jesus became very famous and drew great crowds of people from near and far, including from the decapolis (which it is suggested were 10 gentile towns).

What does it mean to me? - Am I willing to go without the good things of life and be Guided by God? When I am tempted to show off the Holy Spirit will give me the Power to be humble and be obedient to God instead. God's angels, though unseen, will help me. The Word of God has the Power to counter the devil's attacks. Do I follow Jesus? Why? Out of curiosity? Excited by the spectacular? To learn of God from Him? Or to be His disciple, to always be with Him and obey Him? Am I willing to give up everything I have to do His Will? Am I Jesus' disciple or just His follower?

[Frances]

Matthew 5:1-20

What does the Text say? - Jesus went up a mountain to teach His disciples. He said knowing one’s need to be right with God is a Blessing that can lead to understanding; mourning over one’s spiritual condition is a Blessing as it encourages the mourner to embrace God's way; those who obey God (as a well trained horse obeys it's rider) will inherit the land He gave their ancestors (physical and spiritual); those to whom being in a right relationship with God is of prime importance will constantly learn more of His Will for them, those who are merciful to others will obtain mercy themselves from God, those whose hearts are pure will see God and recognise His Work, those who encourage others to make their Peace with God and obtain His Forgiveness will become His sons; those who are persecuted because God considers them righteous are citizens of heaven; those who are mocked and persecuted and lied about because they are true to God will be Blessed by Him, so they should rejoice and be very glad because God will reward them as He Rewarded the prophets of old. Jesus' disciples are the salt of the earth - to be a preservative and enable the flavour of Christ to spread everywhere they go; His true disciples will embody His Light and Life, so Glorifying God. Jesus had no intention of denigrating the Law of Moses, or what the prophets had said, instead He would fulfill all the prophets had said about the Messiah and elucidate the full meaning of that Law.

Application? - Do I go to Jesus, or other people, to be taught about God and His Ways? Do I know the importance of being right with God? Does God's opinion of me really concern me? Do I always obey God in every way whatever He tells me to do? Is my desire to please God more insistent than my desire for food or drink? Am I always merciful to others? Is my heart pure? or are there any areas that I (erroneously) hope God disregards? Do I encourage others to repent trusting Jesus' Sacrifice and Resurrection, and to live to please Him? Am I persecuted because I choose to believe God's Word is true from beginning to end? Does my presence on earth make any difference to the Kingdom of God? Does my life Glorify God? I must not disregard any part of God's Law - however, the true meaning of all of it needs more consideration than the actual words written by Moses.

[Frances]

Mathew 5:21-48

What does the Text say? - Jesus said anger towards a brother, even calling anyone a fool, deserves the same punishment as murder and if anyone remembers a brother holds anything against them they should resolve the issue before making an offering to God; every effort to resolve differences out of court is wise; looking at a woman lustfully is as bad as committing adultery; any part of your body that encourages you to sin should be discarded eg an eye or a hand; divorcing your wife for anything other than adultery causes not only her, but anyone she may marry, to commit adultery; you must always be true to your word and not swear for it is from the Evil one; do not do the evil to others that they have done to you; love your enemies, do only good to those who curse you, hate you, are spiteful to you, and persecute you (eg. Luke 10:30-37), so that you may become God's sons, for He requires perfection from His people and rewards those who forgive others.

Application - Am I ever angry with anyone? Have I ever called anyone a fool? If I don't make every effort to discover what others have against me, repent of any un-Godly actions, and make restitution, God will not accept what I give to Him. If I ever look at a member of the opposite sex lustfully I have as good as committed adultery with them. I must be determined not to 'play with fire' in any shape or form, realising the dangers of allowing what could lead to Sin to gain a foothold in my life. God intends sexual intercourse to be confined to the marriage of one man and one woman. Expletives are not pleasing to God and I must be true to my word at all times. I must not 'pay back' others for wrongs they have done to me, but surprise them by my generosity. I must only do good to everyone, even those intent on my destruction. Does God consider me perfect? (I doubt it!!)

Quote (David Pawson) "Here are just a few examples" (of the beatitudes) "If you have called somebody and idiot you are a murderer. The Law of Moses said 'Do not get into bed with a woman you are not married to' but Jesus says 'Do not even look at a girl and wish you could'. . . . We are told not to worry, for if we worry we libel the King of Heaven . . . . This is the lifestyle of the Kingdom and these chapters provide excellent material for someone recently converted. The vital point to grasp is that they are not saved by but for such a lifestyle."

[Frances]

Matthew 6

What does the Text say? - Jesus Said you will be Judged in the same way and to the same extent that you judge others. Get the plank out of your own eye before trying to remove a speck of dust from someone else's eye. Do not cast pearls before swine. Ask and you'll receive, seek and you'll find, knock and the door will be opened. Do for others as you'd like them to do for you. The gate to Life is narrow and the gate to destruction is wide. Beware of false prophets who come in sheep’s clothing, but are in fact ravening wolves. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Only those who do God's Will will enter the Kingdom of Heaven A wise person builds their house on rock, not sand. Jesus taught with Authority.

Application? - I must not condemn others or I'll be condemned in the same way. My view of others may well be distorted by my lack of understanding. I must use common sense and tact when speaking of Christianity to unbelievers or I may do more harm than good. When I am seeking to do God's Will He will open doors of service and encourage me to ask for what He wants to give, and I must ensure what I do for others is what they want me to do, not what I want to do for them.

[Frances]

Matthew 7

What does the Text say? - You will be Judged by God in the same way, and to the same extent, that you judge others. Get the plank out of your own eye before trying to remove the speck of dust from someone else's. Do not cast pearls before swine. Ask and you'll receive, seek and you'll find, knock and the door will be opened to you. Do to others as you'd like them to do to/for you. The gate to Life is narrow and the gate to destruction wide. Beware of false prophets who come in sheep’s clothing but are, in fact, ravening wolves. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Only those who do God's Will shall enter the Kingdom of Heaven. A wise person builds their house on rock not sand. Jesus taught with Authority.

What does it mean to me? - I must not condemn others or God will condemn me in the same way. My view of others may well be distorted by my lack of understanding. I must use common-sense and tact when speaking of Christianity to unbelievers (but not water it down), or I will cause more harm than good. When I ask God for something, while seeking to do His Will, He will be encouraged to open relevant doors for me to serve Him, and encourage me to ask for what He wants to give. I must do as I would be done by - as what I prefer may not be to other’s choice I must try to please them, not myself. I will only share God's Heavenly home if I go to Him through faith in Jesus' death and resurrection on my behalf. I must be aware that some delightful people will 'rearrange' Scripture to make it appear more acceptable and lead folk away from Jesus Christ. Do I? Do I bear good Fruit for God? Do I always ensure I am doing God's Will? Am I building my life on God's Word or worldly wisdom? Do I recognise the Authority Jesus Christ has?

Quote:- (Dr Henry H. Halley) Jesus warned, and prophesied of false teachers, so did (other) New Testament writers, again and again. The most devastating obstacle to the progress of Christianity . . . has been it's ruthless corruption at the hands of it's own promoters - besmirched almost beyond recognition.

[Frances]

Matthew 8

What does the Text say? - A leper trusted Jesus to cleanse him, and He did. A centurion trusted Jesus to Heal his servant, so He did. Jesus also Healed Peter's mother-in-law, then in the evening He cast out demons and Healed the sick. Jesus fulfilled prophecies about the Messiah. He indicated that those who followed Him must be prepared to have no home and that He must come first with them. He left crowds to Minister to just two needy men. Jesus disciples were afraid of a great tempest when Jesus was asleep with them in a boat - when Jesus rebuked the wind and waves all became calm. When they arrived in Gadara two demon-possessed men met Jesus, He sent the demons into a herd of pigs and they were drowned; the people of the city begged Jesus to go away.

What does it mean to me? - Before trusting Jesus to cleanse me I had the 'leprosy' of Sin. Jesus Word is sufficiently Powerful to release and Heal, He doesn't need to touch, so neither do I when ministering in His Name. He acts on believing prayer. Do I pray for others, believing He will Heal them too? Peters' mother-in-law served Jesus after He Healed her; am I intent on serving Him? He Healed all who were sick (not just some). Am I willing to leave the limelight to minister to one or two needy folk? Do I get anxious in difficult situation even though I know Jesus is with me and I am obeying Him, or relax knowing He is in control? I must remember that doing God's Will does not necessarily mean public acclaim, I may be told to leave. I must also remember the demon-possessed men went to Jesus not to His disciples; so prior to casting out demons I must ensure the person concerned has accepted Jesus as their Saviour and Lord and is trusting Him – not me.

[Frances]

Matthew 9

What does the Text say? - Jesus went away when unwelcome. Jesus demonstrated His Power on earth by Forgiving a paralytic’s Sins enabling him to walk. Matthew followed Jesus when He called Him, then Jesus sat at a table with other tax collectors and 'outcasts' from society, which the Pharisees thought demeaned Him. Jesus wants mercy not sacrifice. He has come to Call sinners to repentance. Jesus said His disciples would mourn and fast when He was no longer with them, also that no one repairs an old garment with new cloth or the cloth will tear, or puts new wine into old wineskins or skin will burst and be ruined. A ruler said his daughter had just died but would live if Jesus laid His Hands on her, so Jesus went with him; on the way a woman who had been menstruating non-stop for twelve years touched the hem of Jesus' robe and was Healed - Jesus said her faith had made her well. Then He raised the ruler's little girl to life again. Jesus said to two blind men "according to your faith it will be done for you" then they could see. Jesus cast a demon out of a man unable to speak, and he spoke. After that Jesus traveled to all the cities and villages preaching and Healing every disease. He said He needs labourers to gather His harvest.

Application? - If I am ever foolish enough to beg Jesus to leave me alone, He will go away. Does some unrepented Sin paralyse me in some area? Do I introduce all those I associate with to Jesus? Do I fast longing to hear from the Lord, or hoping it will encourage Him to do what I want? Do I recognise Jesus' Power and totally trust Him to Heal me and bring me to Life? Jesus will act on my behalf according to my faith and His knowledge of what is best for me in the long-run. Do I feel compassion for those who don't know Jesus as Saviour and Lord? What do I do about it? Am I labourer in the Lord's harvest field? Do I pray for more labourers?

Quote:- (David Pawson) "Jesus gave His teaching in the context of His deeds and He performed miracles in the context of His Teaching . . . we need the balance of Word and deed. We also need to be told . . . what Christ has done for us and then be faced with what we are to do for the Lord. We are led astray if we focus on one and not the other. . . the Power of the Kingdom releases us from sin, so that we may live in the purity of the Kingdom . . .We cannot teach people how to live the Christian life without giving them the teaching in the framework of what Christ achieved for them on the cross."

[Frances]

Matthew 10

What does the Text say? - Jesus disciples were Simon Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, Labbaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon and Judas Iscariot. Jesus gave His disciples Power to cast out unclean spirits and to Heal all kinds of sickness and disease and sent them out, not to the Gentiles or Samaritans but only to the people of Israel, preaching the nearness of the Kingdom of Heaven and Healing the sick, cleansing lepers, raising the dead, and casting out demons - giving freely to others as they received from Him; they were to carry no money or extra clothing, to stay with those open to Him. At each home they visited offering peace (which would be returned to them if the household was not open to Christ) and taking nothing from those who do not accept what they say. Jesus sent them out as sheep among wolves, so they must be wise and innocent of all wrong; even so, they would be arrested but mustn't worry as the Holy Spirit would tell them what to say. Parents and siblings would cause their death, they would be hated because of Jesus, but those who endured to the end would be Saved. When persecuted in one place they must go to another, but must not fear those who kill the body, but fear God who is able to destroy the soul and body - He will take care of them. Whoever publicly acknowledged Jesus their Lord would be acknowledged by Him to His Father in Heaven, but He will disregard all who deny Him. Jesus didn't come to bring physical peace on earth but to divide people into those who adhere to Him above all else, and those who don't - those who value Life with Him above all else will have it. Jesus will regard all things done (good or bad) for one of His disciples as being done for Him personally.

Application? - If I am truly submitted to Jesus He will give me His Power to do His Will. - do I use God’s Power for His Purposes? Do I trust God to provide my needs while I constantly obey Him? Do I offer the Lord's Peace to each household I visit? Do I expect to be accepted by everyone? or remember that Jesus said His followers would be treated badly? Do I ensure that those who reject the Gospel are not badly influenced by my presentation of it, or my action? Am I most concerned to please mankind or God? which do I fear most? If I tell others, and act as though, Jesus is my Lord He will acknowledge that I belong to Him, if I deny Him He will deny that He knows me. It is not unusual for a Christian to be alienated from family and/or friends. Do I love anyone more than I love Jesus? Will I remain faithful to Jesus even if it means I will be mistreated or killed? Do I do all I am able for those in need?

Quote:- (David Pawson) “There is . . . a considerable volume of teaching on Judgment from the lips of Jesus Himself. What is more, a close examination of the context of each warning about Hell will reveal that all but two were given to born-again believers. . . Starting to follow Jesus is no ticket to Heaven. Followers must fear Hell themselves if they are to remain ‘on the way’. Eg. “Do not fear those who can kill your body and after that do nothing; rather fear Him who can destroy body and soul in Hell.” He is actually addressing Christian missionaries (His disciples) just before He sends them out to declare and demonstrate the Kingdom. He does not say the fear of Hell should be part of their message to sinners, but rather that t hey should fear it themselves. . . . Christians should fear finishing up on God’s rubbish heap. . .”

[Frances]

Matthew 11

What does the Text say? - Jesus went to the cities to teach and preach. John the Baptist sent two of his disciples to ask Jesus if He was the Messiah or not. Jesus replied 'tell John what you see and hear, ‘the blind see, the lame walk, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life and the Gospel is preached' and also that John was Blessed because he was not jealous of what God enabled Jesus to do. Then Jesus told the crowd that John had fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah (40:3) and is 'Elijah who is to come (Luke 1:17), also ’the Kingdom of heaven is advancing forcefully and violent people are attacking it’. Before John came all the prophets looked forward to the time of Jesus. Some people will find fault whatever God's servants do. Jesus cursed the cities where He had performed great miracles, because they did not repent. The only people who know Father God and Jesus Christ are those who receive that revelation from Jesus Himself; He gives Rest to the weary and burdened, if they will join themselves to Him.

What does it mean to me? - Am I jealous of those who do greater things than I do for the Lord? or am I grateful for the task God has given them and the ability necessary to accomplish it? Do I use all the ability I have? Am I a messenger for Jesus Christ? Do I prepare folk to receive Him? Do I find fault with those who don't worship God as I do? Would Jesus be justified in cursing my town because the people don't repent? Do I walk and work with Jesus? Am I as meek as a well trained and obedient horse? Am I learning more of Jesus and His Ways each day? Have I experienced His Peace and Rest in stressful situations? Have I discovered that His yoke is easy and His burden light?

Quote:- (David Pawson) "We tend to be rather more keen on Blessings, forgetting that Jesus uttered curses as well In Jesus' day there were 250,000 people living on the shores of Galilee in 4 major cities. Today there is just one town. Why? Jesus said "Woe to you, Chorazin . . .Bethsaida . . . Capernaum . . .' and they have all disappeared. The only town He didn't curse was Tiberias and it is still there."

[Frances]

Matthew 12

What does the text say? Jesus, the Son of Man, is Lord of days dedicated to God, He is greater than any Law; He desires 'mercy not sacrifice'. When, to 'test' Jesus, He was asked if it was lawful to Heal on the Sabbath He said anyone would rescue a sheep from harm on the Sabbath, and a man was more valuable than a sheep, so it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath; He told a man with a withered hand to stretch it out, and it became whole - then the Pharisees discussed how to destroy Jesus. Knowing of their discussions Jesus went elsewhere followed by many people and He Healed them all. Then He Healed a demon-possessed blind and mute man, enabling him to speak and see, so people began wondering if He could be their Messiah. Accused of working for the devil, Jesus told the Pharisees He cast out demons by the Finger of God, and that those not helping Him gather folk into God's Kingdom were sending folk away from Him; also those speaking against Himself would be forgiven, but those speaking against the Holy Spirit would never be Forgiven. Everyone will have to give an account of every idle word they've said, and will either be justified or condemned. When some scribes and Pharisees asked Jesus to prove His ability by doing a miracle He declined, except for likening His forthcoming death and resurrection to the time Jonah was inside the whale; also saying the men of Nineveh, who had repented at Jonah's preaching, would condemn those who didn't repent when they heard Jesus. When demons are cast out, if the person, though cleansed, is not filled (with Holy Spirit), the demon will return with 7 more. Jesus said whoever does the Will of God is His brother, sister or mother - indicating that His earthly relatives had no special place in His Kingdom.

Application? - I am responsible for keeping the Sabbath (Sunday in my case) Holy myself, but I must not do so dogmatically at the expense of others. (eg. Although I do not buy anything on a Sunday, if taking someone to hospital on Sunday necessitated buying petrol I would do so). Healing others in Jesus' Name is suitable 'work' for Holy days. I cannot keep secrets from Jesus Christ. If I am like Jesus I will not quarrel, or shout, nor will I crush anyone's spirit, but will encourage justice for all, as I encourage everyone to trust Jesus’ death and resurrection on their behalf. If I am not obeying God I am actively encouraging others to disobey Him too. If I blaspheme the Holy Spirit (eg. by saying He did something He did not, or give credit for His Work to another) I will not be Forgiven by God. The quality of Fruit in my life, and my words will be my judge. Do I always seek demonstrations of God's Power? or am I content to trust His Word? I must not cast out demons from those who are not Christians, or they may eventually become in a worse state than previously. I must follow Jesus’ example and not exalt Jesus earthly parents or siblings above anyone who serves Jesus Christ.

[Frances]

Matthew 13

What does the text say? - Jesus taught a multitude, who were on the shore, speaking in parables (earthly stories with heavenly meanings) from a boat. He told of seed sown that was either eaten by birds, falling on stones, sprouting quickly then withering equally fast, or where thorns choked the young plants, and also some that fell on good ground where they produced a good crop; Jesus said the Kingdom of Heaven is like someone sowing good seed but inferior plants grew in the same place, so both were allowed to grow together until Harvest, then the harvest from the good seed would be kept but the rest burnt. Jesus said the Kingdom of Heaven is like a tiny mustard seed which grows into a large tree that birds nest in. The Kingdom of Heaven is also like yeast that makes dough for bread rise; and like treasure in a field that someone would sell all they have to buy the field; or to buy expensive pearls. The Kingdom of Heaven is also like a trawl net, gathering all kinds of fish the good to be kept and the rest thrown away - just as the angels will separate the 'just' and the wicked at the end of the Age, throwing the 'wicked into a furnace. Every writer who understands the meaning of the Parables and the Old Testament will share New and Old truths. Jesus returned to Nazareth, where He was rejected because the people had known Him and His earthly family since He was a boy - so He didn't do many miracles there because of their unbelief.

Application? - Is my heart stony, thorny or good ground for the Word of God? Do I really understand the deeper meaning of the parables and how they apply to me? or think of them as pleasant stories? Is my life bearing Fruit for the Lord? or is it unfruitful - either because I have allowed worldly cares to come between me and the Lord, or because I have allowed my original faith in Him to have withered and died? Is living with unbelievers restricting my spiritual growth? Am I in good ground - in a church where I receive good teaching and have fellowship with those dedicated to serving the Lord? Am I continuing to grow spiritually, able to shield those sheltering from the storms of life? Do I meditate on God's Word, enabling His Word to constantly nourish me? Do I act like a Christian but bear un-Godly Fruit? Am I willing to give up what is precious to me to serve the Lord better? At the end of the Age will I be safe with the Lord, or cast to the flames? Have I been rejected in my home town because of my association with Jesus Christ? He was too!!!

Quote:- (David Pawson) "We should not worry if 3 out of every 4 seeds come to nothing . . . the kingdom of Satan will grow alongside the Kingdom of God until they are separated at the final harvest. The mustard seed . . . paralleled the growth of the Church . . . Jesus tells us not to worry about bad converts . . . we must wait until the 'fish' are finally brought to shore on the last day . . ."

[Frances]

Matthew 14

What does the text say? - John the Baptist was beheaded on Herod's orders, as a result of a promise made to Herodias' daughter. When Jesus heard John was dead He went by boat, by Himself, to a deserted place. A large crowd heard where He had gone and followed Him on foot. When He saw them all Jesus had compassion on them and Healed the sick. In the evening when His disciples wanted Jesus to send the crowd away to get food, Jesus told them to feed the multitude themselves, but only 5 loaves and 2 fish were available; He Blessed the food, broke it, and gave it to the disciples to distribute - and everyone in the crowd of 5,000 men plus women and children had sufficient, and 12 basketfuls of left-overs were collected (1 basket from each disciple who had previously eaten his own meal ?). Jesus sent the disciples away in the boat while He sent the crowd away, then went up the mountain by Himself to pray. The disciples were in the boat in a rough sea during the night when they saw Jesus walking on the water and thought He was a ghost and were afraid. Immediately Jesus told them not to be afraid. Peter asked Jesus to command Him to walk to Him on the water - Jesus said "Come". Peter started to walk to Jesus, but, noticing the wind and waves, began to sink, and cried out 'Lord, save me'. Jesus caught him and said "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" When they got into the boat the wind ceased. The others in the boat worshipped Jesus, recognising Him to be the Son of God. They went to Gennesaret where sick folk from the surrounding area were brought to Him, begging to touch the hem of His garment - and as many as touched it were made perfectly well.

Application? - Have I ever made a rash promise? Do I persuade others to kill (the reputation) of those who offend me? If I want to be alone but am surrounded by those who need me, do I get annoyed or fulfill their needs? Do I share what I have with those who have similar needs to mine? Jesus will always fulfill my needs. Do I trust Jesus enough to leave my 'comfort zone' to 'walk on water' (do what would be impossible without Him) Do I, first, ensure that I am totally submitted to Jesus, that He has Commanded me to do it, and I'm not just assuming He will save me from the result of my presumption? When I am obeying the Lord I can still drown in difficulties if I take my eyes of faith off of Him. Am I trusting God to allow me the degree of physical, mental and spiritual Health that is right for me at the present time? Do I work with Him towards that end, taking wise physical, mental and spiritual exercise?