Day 5

Reading: MATTHEW 14-16

Journal

The death of John the baptist must've had dealt a hard blow to Jesus. The feeding of the five thousand and walking on water once again demonstrated the provision and power of the King, and differentiated Jesus from the rest of the religious founders and teachers in human history as One with absolute authority and authenticity.

While the multitudes continued to seek Jesus for their own needs and benefits, the religious leaders were trying to tempt and trap Jesus to discredit Him. When the traditions of men, which are so dearly held and honored above God's Word, are being confronted and challenged, it invariably leads to antagonism and hostility. The shadow of the cross now looms over the head of the Son of God.

In the midst of all these unpleasant encounters and heavy burdens, a little light shone in the most unexpected place where Jesus had retired for a much needed rest in solitude. The faith of a Gentile woman, in fact a Canaanite, brought warmth to the Savior's heart and won His approval. The Lord is still looking for such display of persistent faith as He work tirelessly among His people in this world that rejects His love and truth. Will we be the ones that bring delight to His heart?

Who do you say that I am? (Matthew 16:15)

This is the most important question that must be answered, not by giving mere verbal conformity, but by wholehearted commitment. Anything less will receive the same reprove that Jesus reserved for the religious leaders:

This people draws near to me with their mouth, and honors me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. (Matthew 15:8)

Ponder & Meditate

There are things in this life which will be lost even after we obtain them, some of which once lost will never be gotten back. However, there are certain things which have lasting values and can never be lost. What is it that the people of the world seek after, and what will they lose as a result of gaining it? What do we seek after? What is it that we really want? Are we prepared to pay the price?

For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what does it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? (Matthew 16:25-26)

Interesting Fact

Fish is commonly mentioned in the four gospels, as in the case of the five loaves and two fishes. The early disciples also used the fish and other symbols (bread, grapes, dove) to illustrate elements of their belief.

The Greek word for fish is ΙΧΘΥΣ (ichthus) and is cleverly used as a short form for "Ίησοῦς Χριστός, Θεοῦ Υἱός, Σωτήρ", (Iēsous Christos, Theou Yios, Sōtēr) which, when translated into English means "Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior". Iota (i) is the first letter of Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous), which is Greek for "Jesus".