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I really love this passage toward the end of today’s reading, where Jesus calls Peter the rock! Right after Jesus has instructed his disciples to beware of the “yeast” of the religious leaders, the disciples have a moment to respond. The religious leaders of Jesus’ time have gotten caught up in legalism. Some of them… Read more
Did you pause, blink, and squint at Jesus during his interaction with the Gentile woman in today’s chapter? This conversation can be deeply confusing. At first glance, it can seem like Jesus is distant, dismissive, and even rude. And the metaphor about dogs? Jarring. So what’s happening here? Let’s unpack the context … First, what… Read more
Ah, yes—today we read the famous Jesus walking on water story! For even casual observers of Jesus’ “greatest hits,” we’ve probably heard this passage taught as an invitation to see ourselves in Peter’s shoes. In other words, how are we like Peter, lacking in faith? The common interpretation of this is: “Just doubt less and… Read more
I’ve often heard this passage described as a contrast between two leaders. First, we encounter Herod, a man so caught up in his own wickedness that he has John the Baptist executed. He married his brother’s wife and then his niece, both of whom were condemned in Leviticus. The author of Matthew paints Herod as… Read more
