The Heart of the Matter

Matthew 14-15

Herod - is evil! John is beheaded and his head presented on a plate. In 14:5 he wants to have John put to death. Then after promising Herodias' daughter "whatever she might ask", in 14:9
we see that Herod is "grieved".

The Herodian family tree is complex. Herod the Great had 10 wives and many sons and grandson's named Herod. The marriage of Herod and Herodias violated the purity code against marrying close relatives (Lev. 18:16, 20:21). John the Baptist was an advocate of the Torah and therefore had attacked Herod's royal honor and the legality of the marriage.

The interesting thing about the placement of this story is that it comes after Matt. 12:48-50 where Jesus gives no preferential treatment to family. "Who is mother and who are my brothers?" The Herod story shows the problem with overvalued family relationships and the pressure of social relationships.

The feeding of the 5000 is the only story recorded in all 4 gospels. There is also an additional feeding that takes place in both Matthew and Mark.

Peter walks on water. Was he testing Jesus? Or testing his own faith. Did you noticed what frightened Peter in verse 30?

In 15:1-20 it appears the Pharisees have some loophole in the law so people don't have to take care of their aging parents if they give money to the synagogue. Jesus reminds them they are to honor their parents. It's the law!

15:8-9 is another quote from Isaiah (29:13). The intent of the heart is at stake when Jesus takes on the rule enforcers. What are some things in our world today that violate holiness? First thing that pops into my mind is a very difficult subject - immigration. What would Jesus think how we as Christians might act in addressing that very hot topic? It's complicated.

Will catch up more this afternoon. Have a great day!