Mini Commentary (9/26/09)

Alright, I've got some before today, I'll post those some other day. But I thought I'd just start with the verses that stood out today!

Matthew 15:32-39 "Jesus Feeds 4,000"

This is a repeat miracle of the first "Feeding of the 5,000". It's amazing to think that Jesus did this twice! Both times he blessed a small amount of food and fed thousands of people! Many don't even realise that Jesus performed this act twice and sometimes even blend the two events into one.

Matthew 17:21

"However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting."

Jesus is finishing telling his disciples how faith can move mountains. It seems that some people read the proceeding verses to this one by themselves without finishing and reading v. 21. Sure, through faith in God, we can do great and mighty things, however, as Jesus points out, the "moving mountains" type require much praying and fasting. And why shouldn't they? If anyone who is a Christian with a little bit of faith could move mountains, what glory would that bring to God? But if someone prayed and fasted and petitioned God for something great to happen (Not just on a whim, but with a real reason), the glory would then go to God!

Matthew 17:25

"...And when he had come into the house, Jesus anticipated him, saying, "What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth take customs or taxes from their sons or from "strangers?"

In this section, people came and asked Simon Peter if Jesus would pay the temple tax. As Peter came back to the house where Jesus was, Jesus asked him concerning whether kings tax their own sons. Peter answered that kings never tax their own sons. What Jesus is hinting at here is that technically, he is God's Son, so technically, He shouldn't have to pay a "temple tax"! This is such a cool section, who would have thought of that but Jesus? Oh, and for those who are wondering, Jesus sent Peter to catch a fish (who would have a coin in it's mouth) and pay the tax anyway.

That's all for today!