Banquet With The King

Monday, July 20, 2026

What Defiles You?

Then Jesus called to the crowd to come and hear. "All of you listen," he said, "and try to understand. It's not what goes into your body that defiles you; you are defiled by what comes from your heart." ... Then Jesus went into a house to get away from the crowd, and his disciples asked him what he meant by the parable he had just used. "Don't you understand either?" he asked. "Can't you see that the food you put into your body cannot defile you? Food doesn't go into your heart, but only passes through the stomach and then goes into the sewer." (By saying this, he declared that every kind of food is acceptable in God's eyes.) And then he added, "It is what comes from inside that defiles you. For from within, out of a person's heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. All these vile things come from within; they are what defile you." Mark 7:14-15, 17-23 (Underlined to answer question.)

Then Jesus called to the crowd to come and hear. "Listen," he said, "and try to understand. It's not what goes into your mouth that defiles you; you are defiled by the words that come out of your mouth." Then the disciples came to him and asked, "Do you realize you offended the Pharisees by what you just said?" Jesus replied, "Every plant not planted by my heavenly Father will be uprooted, so ignore them. They are blind guides leading the blind, and if one blind person guides another, they will both fall into a ditch." Then Peter said to Jesus, "Explain to us the parable that says people aren't defiled by what they eat." "Don't you understand yet?" Jesus asked. "Anything you eat passes through the stomach and then goes into the sewer. But the words you speak come from the heart—that’s what defiles you. For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander. These are what defile you. Eating with unwashed hands will never defile you." Matthew 15:10-20

Meditate on Jesus’ explanation.

Would sushi "defile" you?
It is not what you eat...but your
heartfelt thoughts that can make you impure.

What defiles you? What makes you unclean? Jesus is very specific. Out of a person's heart come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. It isn’t what you eat that defiles you since that food goes through you. It is what is in your heart. So, what is in your heart? What’s your thought pattern…your focus? Will you let Jesus change you? Are you willing to let your behavior from your heart, not just your mind, be changed? Are you willing to be forgiven, to be transformed? Jesus offers forgiveness from all those sins that He calls out in these passages. He went to the cross just for our sins. Will you accept His forgiveness?

What do we learn about Jesus from these passages of Scripture today?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, forgive me for wallowing in my selfishness and the very sins that You explained are defiling me…all humankind. Thank You for forgiveness—for that gift of faith that allows me to accept what You have done for me.

Verses of Salvation ~ For it is by grace [God's remarkable compassion and favor drawing you to Christ] that you have been saved [actually delivered from judgment and given eternal life] through faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [not through your own effort], but it is the [undeserved, gracious] gift of God; not as a result of [your] works [nor your attempts to keep the Law], so that no one will [be able to] boast or take credit in any way [for his salvation]. Ephesians 2:8-9 AMP

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

Scripture quotations taken from the Amplified® Bible (AMP),

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm

Sunday, July 19, 2026

Traditions!

One day some Pharisees and teachers of religious law arrived from Jerusalem to see Jesus. They noticed that some of his disciples failed to follow the Jewish ritual of hand washing before eating. (The Jews, especially the Pharisees, do not eat until they have poured water over their cupped hands, as required by their ancient traditions. Similarly, they don't eat anything from the market until they immerse their hands in water. This is but one of many traditions they have clung to—such as their ceremonial washing of cups, pitchers, and kettles.) So the Pharisees and teachers of religious law asked him, "Why don't your disciples follow our age-old tradition? They eat without first performing the hand-washing ceremony." Jesus replied, "You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you, for he wrote, 'These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship is a farce, for they teach man-made ideas as commands from God.' For you ignore God's law and substitute your own tradition." Then he said, "You skillfully sidestep God's law in order to hold on to your own tradition. For instance, Moses gave you this law from God: 'Honor your father and mother,' and 'Anyone who speaks disrespectfully of father or mother must be put to death.' But you say it is all right for people to say to their parents, 'Sorry, I can't help you. For I have vowed to give to God what I would have given to you.' In this way, you let them disregard their needy parents. And so you cancel the word of God in order to hand down your own tradition. And this is only one example among many others." Mark 7:1-13 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Meditate on worship.

It probably took about seven hours for those Pharisees to walk from Jerusalem to Capernaum, where Jesus and His disciples were staying. Those Pharisees were observant, judgmental people. Do you think they were a bit boastful themselves? They were probably thinking… “Look at me…I do everything right…I follow all the laws, beginning with washing my hands before meals. I am holier than thou.” The Pharisees didn’t come to see Jesus to learn from Him, but to criticize and rebuke Him.

Hand washing station in a Jerusalem hotel.
Follow the tradition--the ritual of pouring water over one's hands.

Well—it was the Pharisees who got rebuked. Traditions! Can’t you just hear that song from “Fiddler on the Roof?” Traditions! The Pharisees were following traditions, not God’s law. The directives given in Leviticus were mainly for the priests—but the Pharisees changed them to apply to everyone and apply to other instances, not just rituals of sacrifice and purification. Still, to this day, some Jews observe hand-washing traditions. You will see hand-washing stations at hotels, restaurants, and even at the Wailing Wall.

Jesus called the Pharisees out on their changing of God’s commands. They weren’t honoring their parents with the Jewish tradition of giving money to the synagogue or Temple instead of taking care of their parents. What kind of loving treatment is that? I continually keep remembering discussions Jesus had about “Love God. Love others as ourselves.” Honestly, would those Pharisees want to be treated the way that they were encouraging others? Would they want to be neglected instead of respectfully taken care of? Of course not! But they could afford an expensive nursing home—wait! They didn’t have nursing homes in Biblical times, did they? You can be assured that those Pharisees weren’t concerned about elderly parents…or even themselves when they got old. They just wanted to discredit Jesus and His disciples. Jesus could see them for the hypocrites they were. Do you see them as that?

What do we learn about Jesus from this scripture passage today?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, open our eyes that we would see ourselves as You see us.

Verses of Salvation ~ So I died to the law—I stopped trying to meet all its requirements—so that I might live for God. My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless. For if keeping the law could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die. Galatians 2:19-21

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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Saturday, July 18, 2026

What Do You Want From Jesus – The Bread of Life?

Jesus just fed 5,000 men and families.
What other miracle do they need?

The next day the crowd that had stayed on the far shore saw that the disciples had taken the only boat, and they realized Jesus had not gone with them. Several boats from Tiberias landed near the place where the Lord had blessed the bread and the people had eaten. So when the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they got into the boats and went across to Capernaum to look for him. They found him on the other side of the lake and asked, "Rabbi, when did you get here?" Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, you want to be with me because I fed you, not because you understood the miraculous signs. But don't be so concerned about perishable things like food. Spend your energy seeking the eternal life that the Son of Man can give you. For God the Father has given me the seal of his approval." They replied, "We want to perform God's works, too. What should we do?" Jesus told them, "This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent." They answered, "Show us a miraculous sign if you want us to believe in you. What can you do? After all, our ancestors ate manna while they journeyed through the wilderness! The Scriptures say, 'Moses gave them bread from heaven to eat.'" Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, Moses didn't give you bread from heaven. My Father did. And now he offers you the true bread from heaven. The true bread of God is the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world." "Sir," they said, "give us that bread every day." Jesus replied, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. John 6:22-35 (Underlined for clarity.) [Continue reading through John 6:71.]

Meditate on Jesus’ miracles and what people wanted.

What do you want from Jesus? Jesus was very specific about what God expected people to do… spend your energy seeking the eternal life that the Son of Man can give you and believe. These people said, “Show us a miraculous sign if you want us to believe in you. What can you do?” Do you need a miraculous sign to believe in Jesus today? On what do you spend your energy?

Are you hungry? Do you want a slice of bread…or some spiritual food? Jesus declared to these people that He was the “true bread of God…the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world." Do you want this life—eternal life—that Jesus offered then…and now? You’ll be filled with spiritual life—never to be hungry for it again. What a great feeling! I’ve got that.

These folks wanted to perform God’s works, too. What should we do? Is that something of which we want to be a part? Sure, I’d like to heal people just like Jesus did. But here Jesus said, just believe. Later, speaking with His disciples, we have His recorded words that give us hope of helping others.

"I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.” John 14:12

Hope of serving…of doing the same works. What do you think? What do you want from Jesus, the Bread of Life?

What do we learn about Jesus from this long scripture passage today?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, I believe in You. You are the Son of God…You are God. Powerful. Compassionate. Loving. Everything we have or want comes from God the Father. Help us to believe and to be like You in our willingness to serve others for You.

Verse of Salvation ~ Protect me, for I am devoted to you. Save me, for I serve you and trust you. You are my God. Psalm 86:2

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.

Friday, July 17, 2026

Where is Gennesaret? What Happens There?

After they had crossed the lake, they landed at Gennesaret. They brought the boat to shore and climbed out. The people recognized Jesus at once, and they ran throughout the whole area, carrying sick people on mats to wherever they heard he was. Wherever he went—in villages, cities, or the countryside—they brought the sick out to the marketplaces. They begged him to let the sick touch at least the fringe of his robe, and all who touched him were healed. Mark 6:53-56

After they had crossed the lake, they landed at Gennesaret. When the people recognized Jesus, the news of his arrival spread quickly throughout the whole area, and soon people were bringing all their sick to be healed. They begged him to let the sick touch at least the fringe of his robe, and all who touched him were healed. Matthew 14:34-36

Meditate on healing.

Gennesaret is on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee, not far from Capernaum where Jesus spent much of His ministry. People there had obviously heard about Jesus and His miracles. Can you imagine them rushing around and bringing their sick to Him? Someone must have spread the story of the woman with the blood issue (see Mark 5:24-34) who touched His cloak, or most likely the tassels on His prayer shawl. Jesus proclaimed to her that her faith had made her well. She believed that Jesus could heal her. He did. Could He heal these others? Their faith would make them well.

Bird of Paradise
Israel
Do you have the faith of the Bird of Paradise?
It is a flower...not an animal.
Trust in the Lord.

Why doesn’t that happen today? Good question. Did everyone who came to Jesus get healed? We don’t have a record or the statistics on that, but we can certainly assume, yes. We can trust that for each healing miracle that we read about, there were many more that were not recorded. So, again, why doesn’t that happen today? How many times have you prayed for someone…and they were not healed? God has a plan. Does that include prolonged suffering? Does that mean that since we have a finite length of days, that our days are numbered and this is God’s way of allowing that to happen? So many questions? Still, we just have to have the faith to trust Him. To believe that whether our requests are in His will or not, they will be answered in His time and in His will. Do we need to beg Him as the people at Gennesaret did? Asking politely is part of our culture, but as we get desperate, we may be down on our knees pleading for mercy. I’ve been there. Have you? Trust Him. That is the only and best answer we have. Have faith. Faith is what made that woman well. Faith—the belief in what we cannot see is expressed in many verses in the Bible. Here are a few.

Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see. Hebrews 11:1

You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it." Matthew 21:22 (Jesus)

But when Jesus heard what had happened, he said to Jairus, "Don't be afraid. Just have faith, and she will be healed." Luke 8:50 (The little girl was raised from the dead.)

You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror. James 2:19

Faith. Have you got it? Do you believe in Jesus as your own Savior? Will you trust Him—whether you are healed or your prayers seem unanswered?

What do we learn about the character of Jesus from these scripture passages?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, I trust You. I believe that You still have the power to heal…just like You did when You walked this earth. I don’t understand why some prayers seem to go unanswered or that the answer is “not yet” or just “No,” but I still trust that You hear my prayers and that You are my advocate before the Father, as John wrote: My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the truly righteous one. 1 John 2:1 Does all illness indicate sin? May that never be. I trust You, for You are the Creator, Redeemer, Savior, and friend. Thank You.

Verses of Salvation ~ Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help. Then your salvation will come like the dawn, and your wounds will quickly heal. Your godliness will lead you forward, and the glory of the LORD will protect you from behind. Then when you call, the LORD will answer. 'Yes, I am here,' he will quickly reply. Remove the heavy yoke of oppression. Stop pointing your finger and spreading vicious rumors! Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon. The LORD will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring. Isaiah 58:7-11

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

The best summertime birthday cake is a cool, refreshing ice cream cake.

Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie

1 package Oreo cookies, crushed or grated in the food processor

1 cube of unsalted butter, softened

2 cartons of Reese’s Peanut Butter ice cream, slightly softened

1 bag of large Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup candy bars (about 16 individual cups), frozen, and crushed

Chocolate fudge sauce

Cool Whip or canned whipped cream

Garnish of choice

Mix soft butter and crushed cookies. Press into a 9X12-inch glass casserole dish. Freeze for a few minutes. Cut one carton of ice cream into about ½ inch slices and spread evenly over cookie crust. Top with crushed candy. Spread remaining carton of ice cream over the crushed candy. Freeze until firm, several hours or overnight. Drizzle with chocolate fudge sauce. Garnish with whipped cream, or dollops of Cool Whip. Freeze again, or serve immediately. Additional garnish with some small Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, peanuts, or even some Marchino cherries…and candles. Light. Sing and Enjoy!

Happy Birthday, Melissa!

May God continue to bless you as you seek and serve Him.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.

Thursday, July 16, 2026

Thoughts on Meditation

Only fools say in their hearts, "There is no God." They are corrupt, and their actions are evil; not one of them does good! God looks down from heaven on the entire human race; He looks to see if anyone is truly wise, if anyone seeks God. Psalm 53:1-2 (A meditation of David.)

Meditate on those verses. That is what David did. Every day I suggest meditating on the scripture for the day.

What is meditation for the Christian? It is not about emptying the mind or achieving inner silence, but about engaging the heart and mind with God’s Word and character. The goal is to commune with God, align our thoughts with His will, and allow His truth to transform the believer’s life. It seeks to heighten the personal relationship based on the love of God and love for God. We need to keep moving towards God. Keep Moving to Keep Moving. If you are not moving towards Him, you are falling away from Him...continually.

Acknowledging that we need the Lord is the best first step in building our relationship with Him. What other things besides reading God’s Word daily will get or keep us spiritually strong? Is just reading the Bible enough? Should we meditate on it? Seriously and deeply think about the meaning of God’s written words? We are given instructions several times in the Bible to do just that. Meditate.

I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor and your wonderful miracles. Psalm 145:5 NLT

O God, we meditate on your unfailing love as we worship in your Temple. Psalm 48:9 NLT

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14 NLT

Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions. I am only a foreigner in the land. Don't hide your commands from me! I am always overwhelmed with a desire for your regulations. You rebuke the arrogant; those who wander from your commands are cursed. Don't let them scorn and insult me, for I have obeyed your laws. Even princes sit and speak against me, but I will meditate on your decrees. Your laws please me; they give me wise advice. Psalm 119:18-24 NLT

How I delight in your commands! How I love them! I honor and love your commands. I meditate on your decrees. Zayin Remember your promise to me; it is my only hope. Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles. The proud hold me in utter contempt, but I do not turn away from your instructions. I meditate on your age-old regulations; O LORD, they comfort me. Psalm 119:47-52 NLT

LORD, sustain me as you promised, that I may live! Do not let my hope be crushed. Sustain me, and I will be rescued; then I will meditate continually on your decrees. But you have rejected all who stray from your decrees. They are only fooling themselves. Psalm 119:116-118 NLT

Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. Joshua 1:8 NLT

God had given Joshua the command to be strong and courageous. He repeated it a couple of times to make sure Joshua got the message. Another command God gave Joshua was to study this Book of Instruction continually. Study all the time—continually. That is, without ceasing. Other translations (KJV and NASB) translate “study” as “the word of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate….” Concentrate on that verse.

Meditation is also emphasized in another favorite Psalm.

But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night. Psalm 1:2 NASB

Meditate. Think about and finding delight –joy in God’s word all day and night. God created evening and morning…the light He called “day” and the darkness He called “night” as in Genesis 1:5. Without that would we have only day or only night? We need both to balance out our life—so that we can find rest.

[WHEN?] Meditate on it day and night [WHY?] so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. [HOW?] To obey God’s word, a person has to know it, and knowing it takes an intentional effort. Meditating on the word is one technique for studying God’s word. There is so much more to studying than meditating. If we memorize God’s word, then we have a constant source for mediation.

Even while we are doing other things, we can meditate on God’s word. Those words we have hidden in our hearts, MEMORIZED, so that even when we can’t read it, it is there for us to think about and ponder. For me, I can think on His word…just a verse or so…while I make the bed, brush my teeth, do the dishes, or go for a walk. Multitasking is possible. How about for you? Can you find a time to meditate on God’s word…day and night?

Another word for Meditate is Ponder –

How amazing are the deeds of the LORD! All who delight in him should ponder them. - Psalm 111:2 NLT (Read Psalm 111:1-10)

I remember the days of old. I ponder all your great works and think about what you have done. Psalm 143:5 NLT

Final Thought to flex your spiritual muscles:

Help me understand the meaning of your commandments, and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds. Psalm 119:27

Discussing the Bible with others is really important to me. I think the Holy Spirit moves in among the people with whom I regularly study the Bible and gives us inspiration and understanding that none of us gets on our own. The interaction and discussion are vital to our own spiritual growth. Flexing that spiritual muscle and makes us stronger. It helps us apply God’s word to our lives. Relating words that were written more than two thousand years ago to life today in a different culture sometimes seems nearly impossible…but with God all things are possible and His word is amazingly always relevant. How does He do that? Discuss that with one of your Christian friends soon. Read. Meditate. Study. Apply. That is pretty much the flexing of the spiritual muscle for today. Keep Moving to Keep Moving.

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, You give us strength to Keep Moving in so many ways. You give us strength physically and spiritually—for we can do all things through You. Help us to encourage others to flex their spiritual muscles, too. Thank You!

Verse of Salvation ~ LORD, sustain me as you promised, that I may live! Do not let my hope be crushed. Sustain me, and I will be rescued; then I will meditate continually on your decrees. Psalm 119:116-117 NLT

Comments? Let me hear from you by writing in the comments section below.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.

Wednesday, July 15, 2026

He Really is the Son of God!

When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. Then the disciples worshiped him. "You really are the Son of God!" they exclaimed. Matthew 14:32-33

Then he climbed into the boat, and the wind stopped. They were totally amazed, for they still didn't understand the significance of the miracle of the loaves. Their hearts were too hard to take it in. Mark 6:51-52

Then they were eager to let him in the boat, and immediately they arrived at their destination! John 6:21

Meditate. Amazed?

The calm Sea of Galilee.
Immediately their boat was at their destination.
The Peter boat experience - Israel.

From these scripture passages, it looks like the disciples had mixed emotions. They worshiped Jesus as the Son of God after He walked on the water and calmed the sea. Walked on water! Who can do that? I agree with their amazement! Jesus is so powerful—healing people and feeding 5,000 men and their families. They didn’t understand the significance of that miracle of feeding all those people. Do we? Jesus miraculously, after thanking God the Father for the bread and fish, divided those few loaves of bread and a couple of fish between a multitude of people. How can that be? It really was a miracle.

Mark notes that the boat was immediately at their destination. Another miracle? They were probably tired from rowing…and suddenly they were across the Sea of Galilee. Amazing. Jesus continued to do incredible, considerate, and astounding things.

What do we learn about the character of Jesus from these passages written by different individuals? The accounts are all interrelated, happening at the same time. What is Jesus telling us?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, You continue to amaze the disciples…and us. You are powerful and yet compassionate. You are a friend and encourager. Thank You for revealing Yourself to us…to the whole world. Help us not to be hard-hearted, but to understand You and Your mission, recognizing that we need to share You and Your love with others.

Verse of Salvation ~ But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation. 1 Thessalonians 5:8

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.

Tuesday, July 14, 2026

Look Who is Walking on Water!

Then Peter called to him, "Lord, if it's really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water." "Yes, come," Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. "Save me, Lord!" he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. "You have so little faith," Jesus said. "Why did you doubt me?" Matthew 14:28-31

Meditate on trust.

A calm day on the Sea of Galilee, Israel

Can you imagine the trust that Peter felt as he started climbing out of the boat? Didn’t he feel the wind…and see the whitecaps on the Sea of Galilee? No. He was focusing on Jesus—his Lord and Master. The great Teacher. Then Peter felt the wind—not just a little breeze. He saw those white caps and was frightened that he would drown before he got to Jesus. "Save me, Lord!" That is just what we call out to Jesus when we get a little worried—when we doubt. Save me—help me. Those who stayed in the boat worshiped. They could see the miracle of Jesus walking on the water—and didn’t feel compelled to go out and join Him. He would be to the boat soon enough. They could see that He was God’s Son. He had power that no one else had. He could walk on water. If you were there, would you have been getting out of the boat with Peter, or staying in the boat and worshiping Jesus as He walked toward the boat?

Jesus is challenging us to have faith. Don’t doubt that He can help you. How will you respond to Him today? What do you learn about Jesus' character from this passage?

Prayer ~ Dear God—if ever I doubt, help my unbelief. I trust You—Father, Jesus, and Holy Spirit—to work miracles in my life and in that of my family, friends, and neighbors. I worship You in spirit and in truth. May You guide and direct us all as we trust and worship You.

Verse of Salvation ~ For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved. Romans 10:10

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.

Monday, July 13, 2026

Who is Walking on Water?

He saw that they were in serious trouble, rowing hard and struggling against the wind and waves. About three o'clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. He intended to go past them, but when they saw him walking on the water, they cried out in terror, thinking he was a ghost. They were all terrified when they saw him. But Jesus spoke to them at once. "Don't be afraid," he said. "Take courage! I am here!" Mark 6:48-50

They had rowed three or four miles when suddenly they saw Jesus walking on the water toward the boat. They were terrified, but he called out to them, "Don't be afraid. I am here!" John 6:19-20

About three o'clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, "It's a ghost!" But Jesus spoke to them at once. "Don't be afraid," he said. "Take courage. I am here!" Matthew 14:25-27

Meditate on water, walking, wisdom, fear, and courage.

Ancient boat in a museum at the Sea of Galilee.
Thought to be from the time of Jesus.
Found in 1986 in Israel.

It is pretty dark still at three o’clock in the morning. It’s no wonder that the disciples were terrified. They thought that Jesus was a ghost! Jesus is the light of the world—did it seem like He was glowing? Fear! Plain old fear! That is what they felt…and they had nowhere to escape. They were in a boat in the middle of the Sea of Galilee. It is about eight miles wide. It was dark, but here came this figure on top of the water—walking towards them. Not sinking. I’d be afraid, too. How about you? What was the intent of this image?

Then Jesus spoke. "Don't be afraid." "Take courage! I am here!" Courage. Ahhh. They could breathe a sigh of relief. No ghost. They recognized that voice. It was their Teacher, their Rabbi, their friend. Jesus. No fear. Peace and calm. Is that what you would feel if Jesus suddenly appeared out of nowhere to you? Peace. No fear. I think that His commanding voice, peaceful and reassuring, gave them just that…peace. I would trust Jesus at His word. Don’t be afraid. Take courage.

What do we learn about the character of Jesus in this passage?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, thank you for Your reassuring words to not be afraid. I recognize that You are the Son of God…You are God. As written in First John, “All who declare that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God. We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world. Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.”1 John 4:15-18. I trust You—and in that I will take courage…and not be afraid.

Verse of Salvation ~ Dear brothers and sisters, be patient as you wait for the Lord's return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen. You, too, must be patient. Take courage, for the coming of the Lord is near. James 5:7-8

Share your thoughts about fear, courage, and trust in the comments below.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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