Daily Bible Reading – July 2021, God’s Word of FaithНамуна

July 31

Introduction

Today’s reading begins with the Pharisees and Sadducees asking Jesus to perform a miracle. The Pharisees dedicated themselves to studying and teaching the Jewish Scriptures, and the Sadducees taught that the most important thing was going to the Temple and offering sacrifices there. Jesus knew that they were testing him, and he responded by referencing the miracle of Jonah. Jesus was comparing the time he would spend in the grave with the time Jonah spent inside a large fish (see Jonah 1—2). Today’s reading concludes with Jesus warning his disciples to guard themselves from the dishonest teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

Today’s Scripture Reading 

Matthew 16:1-12

Today’s Key Verse: Matthew 16:4b

[Jesus said:] “The only miracle you will be given is the miracle of Jonah.”

Reflect

It is only a little later in chapter 16 (verse 21) when Jesus speaks to his disciples for the first time about his suffering and death. But in verse 4, Jesus’s response to the Pharisees and Sadducees was a reference to his impending death and resurrection. What do you think their thoughts were when they heard those words?  

Reread verse 6. When yeast is put in a batch of dough made of flour and water, it makes the whole batch rise and expand.  Jesus was saying that the dishonest teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees affected the whole people of Israel the way a little bit of yeast makes a whole batch of bread dough rise. Have you ever been confronted with dishonest teaching?  In what ways can you guard yourself from false teaching? 

Pray

Lord Jesus, lead me by your teachings which are true and my source of hope. Strengthen my faith, and help me to guard against false teachings and to listen to your voice. Amen.

Prayer Concern

The ability to discern false teachings

Congratulations on completing this reading plan! You may continue your journey with Daily Bible Reading by starting the plan “God’s Word of Promise.” Tomorrow’s reading will be Genesis 28:1-22:  God reiterates the promise of land and progeny that had been made to Jacob’s ancestors.