Daily Bible Reading “Jesus is Risen” (Matthew 28:1-20)

Posted on March 30, 2024 by Deborah H. Bateman

Jesus is Risen

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Matthew 28:1-20. In this Scripture, Jesus had risen from the grave. It was the dawn of the first day of the week and Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to visit the grave. What did they find when they got there?

There was a great earthquake and the angel of the Lord descended from heaven and rolled back the stone from the door of the grave, and sat on it. His appearance was as bright as lightning and his clothes were as white as snow. It scared the soldiers so badly they fainted. How would you have reacted if you were one of the soldiers at the tomb that day?

The angel told the women not to be afraid, he knew they were looking for Jesus and told them, “He is not here, He is risen, Come, see where He laid.” Then the angel told the women to go and tell His disciples Jesus had risen and He would be in Galilee waiting for them. Can you imagine how scared and excited the women were? As the women were hurrying to go tell the disciples the news, Jesus met them, and they bowed down at His feet and worshiped Him. Jesus told them to go tell the disciples to meet Him in Galilee.

The soldiers who were keeping watch over Jesus’ grave went to the city to tell the chief priests what happened. The chief priests and elders bribed the soldiers with a large sum of money and told them to say the disciples came and stole Jesus’ body during the night. Matthew says that story was still being reported among the Jews.

The disciples went to Galilee to meet Jesus where He told them to meet Him. When they saw Him they worshiped Him, but some of them doubted. Jesus told them, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” This is something we should be still doing today, going and telling people about Jesus. Thank God for our risen Lord.

Daily Bible Reading:

Matthew 28:1-20

1 In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.
2 And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.
3 His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:
4 And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.
5 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.
6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
7 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.
8 And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.
9 And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.
10 Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.
11 Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done.
12 And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers,
13 Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept.
14 And if this come to the governor’s ears, we will persuade him, and secure you.
15 So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.
16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.
17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.
18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Things to think about:

How would you react if you went to visit a grave and an angel of the Lord was there?

How happy do you think Mary and the other Mary were to see Jesus?

Do you wonder why some of the disciples doubted when Jesus told them previously He would meet them in Galilee?

Do you think even they found it hard to believe He had risen?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You the Bible tells us Jesus is Risen. Thank You for the sacrifice He made on the cross for our sins. Help us to never forget what a wonderful gift You have given us through Your Son. Help us to go and tell people about Jesus and how they can be saved from their sins. In Jesus’ name, we pray. We love You, LORD. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. – Matthew 28:6

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– Excerpt from The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ by Deborah H. Bateman

Christian Music Video: “Alive” ~ Natalie Grant

Featured Book:

The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ by Deborah H. Bateman

About the book:

The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ is a Daily Bible Reading Study by Deborah H. Bateman, which takes you through the book of Matthew. The book of Matthew is the first book in the New Testament of the Bible. It begins with the genealogy of Jesus Christ and His birth.

The Book of Matthew goes into Jesus’ ministry on earth, including the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus’ parables, and Jesus’ final days, including His death, burial, and resurrection. The book concludes with the great commission.

The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ includes fifty-seven daily devotionals which contain a brief commentary, the daily Bible Scripture, a few questions to think about, and a prayer of the day. It is a great book for individual daily devotions or a group Bible study. You will be inspired and encouraged in your walk with Christ by reading this book.

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

Happy Easter to you and your family,

Deborah

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Recipe for Life

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Daily Bible Reading “Jesus was Buried in a Tomb” (Matthew 27:55-66)

Posted on March 28, 2024 by Deborah H. Bateman

Jesus was Buried in a Tomb

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Matthew 27:55-66. In this Scripture, Jesus was buried in a tomb that was hewn from a rock by Joseph of Arimathaea, who was a disciple of Jesus. Joseph went to Pilate and begged for the body of Jesus.

Pilate commanded Jesus’ body to be delivered to Joseph. Joseph took His body and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth and laid it in the tomb he prepared. Then he rolled a huge stone in front of the door of the sepulcher and left. Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, who followed Jesus from Galilee, were sitting against the sepulcher. Can you see in this Scripture how much some of Jesus’ followers loved Him by the way they took care of Him after His death?

We see John’s record of this in John 19:38-42:
38 And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus.
39 And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight.
40 Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury.
41 Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein was never man yet laid.
42 There laid they Jesus therefore because of the Jews’ preparation day; for the sepulchre was nigh at hand.

The next day, the chief priests and Pharisees went to Pilate and told him that Jesus said after the third day He would rise again. They asked Pilate to make the tomb secure, so the disciples couldn’t take the body of Jesus away during the night and say He had risen. Pilate gave them a soldier to take to the tomb to secure the tomb and keep watch over it. Was a soldier going to keep God’s will from taking place?

Daily Bible Reading:

Matthew 27:55-66

55 And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him:
56 Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee’s children.
57 When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus’ disciple:
58 He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered.
59 And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth,
60 And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.
61 And there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulchre.
62 Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate,
63 Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again.
64 Command therefore that the sepulchrebe made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first.
65 Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can.
66 So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.

Things to think about:

Who were some of Jesus’ devout followers during this time?

Who was the man who went to Pilate and requested Jesus’ body?

Why did the chief Priests and Pharisees want the tomb to be guarded?

Do you believe?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for Your Son, Jesus, who came into this world, lived, and died for our sins. As we read this Scripture of Jesus’ burial, our hearts are heavy, just knowing what He went through so our sins might be covered by the blood. Thank You for making a way for us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. We love You, Lord. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from …

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Galilee, ministering unto him: – Matthew 27:55

– Excerpt from The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ

Christian Music Video: Rise Again – Dallas Holm

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Suggested Scripture for Bible Journaling or Memorization:

And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him: – Matthew 27:55

Featured Book:

The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ

by Deborah H. Bateman

About the book:

The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ includes fifty-seven daily devotionals which contain a brief commentary, the daily Bible Scripture, a few questions to think about, and a prayer of the day. It is a great book for individual daily devotions or a group Bible study.

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

Recipe for Life

PS. Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Come back again tomorrow. Please invite your friends and family to join us for Bible Study.

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Daily Bible Reading “Jesus Goes to Gethsemane to Pray” (Matthew 26:31-45)

Posted on March 27, 2024 by Deborah H. Bateman

Jesus Goes to Gethsemane to Pray

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Matthew 26:31-45. In this Scripture, Jesus tells the disciples they’ll all be offended. What did Jesus mean by saying they’ll be “offended”? The word “offended” means to cause one to distrust and desert one who he ought to trust and obey. Then, Jesus quotes them Zechariah 13:7: “I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.”

Jesus instructs them that when He has risen again, He’ll meet them in Galilee. Peter says to Jesus, “Even though all men will be offended by Him, he won’t be offended by Jesus.”

Jesus warns Peter that he would deny Him three times that very night before morning comes. Peter and all the disciples still claim they may die with Jesus, but they won’t deny Him.

When Jesus and the disciples arrive at Gethsemane, Jesus tells the disciples to sit and wait for Him, while He goes to pray.

He took Peter, and James and John, the two sons of Zebedee. Jesus told them He was very sorrowful, even unto death and asked them to stay with Him and keep watch.

Then Jesus went a bit farther and fell on His face and prayed, saying, “O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.” Can you imagine the agony Jesus must have felt, knowing what was about to happen to Him?

Jesus came back to the disciples and found them sleeping. He rebuked them saying, “Couldn’t you watch with me for one hour?” Jesus reminds them to watch and pray, so they wouldn’t be tempted because the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. This is good advice for us today because it is our flesh we still have to deal with as long as we live.

Jesus went away and prayed the same prayer two more times, and both times He returned and found the disciples sleeping.

Finally, He tells them, “Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.”

Daily Bible Reading:

Matthew 26:31-45

31 Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.
32 But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.
33 Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended.
34 Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
35 Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.
36 Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.
37 And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.
38 Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.
39 And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.
40 And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?
41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
42 He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.
43 And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy.
44 And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.
45 Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

Things to Think About:

Why did Jesus say they would be offended?

What did Jesus tell Peter when he said he wouldn’t be offended?

Can you imagine the distress Jesus must have been under knowing what was about to take place?

Why were the disciples sleeping?

Have you put your faith and trust in God?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we read this Scripture of Jesus praying in Gethsemane, we can see that this was not an easy thing for Jesus to do, but He submitted to Your will. Help us to do as Jesus told the disciples to do, watch and pray. You know we need Your help because the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. Just as Jesus put all His faith and trust in You, help us to have faith that You will work everything out. In Jesus’ name, we pray. We love You, LORD. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.- Matthew 26:41

-Exert from The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ by Deborah H. Bateman. If you don’t already have a copy of the book, click the link above to get your copy now!

Christian Music Video: Gethsemane by Reese Oliveira

Featured Book:

The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ

by Deborah H. Bateman

About the book:

The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ is a Daily Bible Reading Study by Deborah H. Bateman, which takes you through the book of Matthew. The book of Matthew is the first book in the New Testament of the Bible. It begins with the genealogy of Jesus Christ and His birth.

The Book of Matthew goes into Jesus’ ministry on earth, including the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus’ parables, and Jesus’ final days, including His death, burial, and resurrection. The book concludes with the great commission.

The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ includes fifty-seven daily devotionals which contain a brief commentary, the daily Bible Scripture, a few questions to think about, and a prayer of the day. It is a great book for individual daily devotions or a group Bible study.

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

**Deborah’s books are available worldwide in all the countries in which Amazon distributes. If you live in another country besides the US search for Deborah H. Bateman books on Amazon in your country. Deborah’s heart is to share God’s Word around the world.

Click Here to Subscribe to Deborah H. Bateman to receive
Daily Bible Reading Lessons in your inbox.

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

Recipe for Life

Daily Bible Reading “The Last Supper” (Matthew 26:1-30)

Posted on March 26, 2024 by Deborah H. Bateman

The Last Supper

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Matthew 26:1-30. In this Scripture, Jesus tells His disciples the Passover is coming and He’ll be betrayed and crucified. The chief priests, scribes, and elders gathered at the palace of the high priest, Caiaphas and plotted how they were going to kill Jesus.

Jesus was in Bethany, at Simon the Leper’s house, and there was a woman there with an alabaster box which had very expensive ointment in it. She poured the ointment on Jesus’ head while He was eating. This was her form of worshiping Jesus and preparing Him for His burial. What sacrifices do you make to worship Jesus?

The disciples were upset, saying this expensive ointment could have been sold and given to the poor. Then they asked, why the waste? Jesus told them they’ll always have the poor, but He won’t always be with them.

Judas Iscariot went to the chief priests and asked them what they would give him if he turned Jesus over to them. They gave him thirty pieces of silver, and from that day forward he looked for the opportunity to turn Jesus over to them.

The disciples told Jesus that the Passover was coming and asked Him where He wanted them to prepare it for Him.

Jesus told them to go to a certain man’s house and tell them He wanted to have the Passover with His disciples at that house. The disciples did as Jesus told them and prepared for the Passover feast.

While Jesus and the disciples were having the Passover feast, Jesus told them one of them would betray Him.

They each asked if it was him, then, Jesus told them it is the one who dipped his hand in the bowl with Him.

Judas, acting like he didn’t know what Jesus was talking about, said, “Master, Is it I?” Jesus answered him, saying, “Thou hast said.”

Jesus continued with what is known as The Last Supper and gave them the bread to represent His body, and the drink to represent His blood, which He would shed on the cross.

The Bible says they sang a hymn, then left and went to the Mount of Olives. We still have The Lord’s Supper in many of our churches today to commemorate the sacrifice Jesus made for us on the cross.

Daily Bible Reading:

Matthew 26:1-30

1 And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said unto his disciples,
2 Ye know that after two days is the feast of the passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified.
3 Then assembled together the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people, unto the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas,
4 And consulted that they might take Jesus by subtilty, and kill him.
5 But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar among the people.
6 Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper,
7 There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat.
8 But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste?
9 For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor.
10 When Jesus understood it, he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me.
11 For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always.
12 For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial.
13 Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her.
14 Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests,
15 And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.
16 And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.
17 Now the first day of the feast of unleavened bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat the passover?
18 And he said, Go into the city to such a man, and say unto him, The Master saith, My time is at hand; I will keep the passover at thy house with my disciples.
19 And the disciples did as Jesus had appointed them; and they made ready the passover.
20 Now when the even was come, he sat down with the twelve.
21 And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.
22 And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I?
23 And he answered and said, He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me.
24 The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born.
25 Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.
26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.
27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;
28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
29 But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.
30 And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.

Things to think about:

Why did the scribes and priests want to kill Jesus?
Why did the woman with the alabaster box pour the ointment on Jesus’ head?
Why did Judas betray Jesus?
What did he take in exchange for his betrayal?
What do the bread and the wine of the Lord’s Supper represent?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Help us as we read this Scripture today, to do as the woman with the alabaster box, and worship Jesus in a humble way. Thank You for Your Son, Jesus, who You sent into this world to die on the cross for us so we might have forgiveness of our sins, and inherit eternal life. Help us not to betray Jesus, as Judas Iscariot did. In Jesus’ name, we pray. We love You, LORD. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and …

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gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.

– Matthew 26:26

-Excerpt from The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ

If you don’t already have a copy of the book, click on the link above to get your copy now!

Christian Music Video: The Passion of the Christ – The Last Supper

Featured Book:

The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ
by Deborah H. Bateman

About the book:

The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ is a Daily Bible Reading Study by Deborah H. Bateman, which takes you through the life of Jesus Christ. The book of Matthew is the first book in the New Testament of the Bible. It begins with the genealogy of Jesus Christ and His birth.

The Book of Matthew also goes into Jesus’ ministry on earth, including the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus’ parables, and Jesus’ final days, including His death, burial, and resurrection. The book concludes with the great commission.

The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ includes fifty-seven daily devotionals which contain a brief commentary, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, a few questions to think about, and a prayer of the day. It is a great book for individual daily devotions or a group Bible study.

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

**Deborah’s books are available worldwide in all the countries that Amazon distributes in. If you live in another country besides the US search for Deborah H. Bateman books on Amazon in your country. Deborah’s heart is to share God’s Word with people all over the world.

Click Here to Subscribe to Deborah H. Bateman to receive
Daily Bible Reading Lessons in your inbox.

PS. Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Please come back again tomorrow and invite your friends and family to join us for Bible Study.

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

Recipe for Life

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Daily Bible Reading “Blessed is He who Comes in the Name of the Lord” (Matthew 23:13:39)

Posted on March 19, 2024 by Deborah H. Bateman

Blessed is He who Comes in the Name of the Lord

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Matthew 23:13:39. In this Scripture, Jesus turns His attention to the scribes, Pharisees, and hypocrites. Today’s lesson is hard because Jesus was angry with them for the way they conducted themselves. Do you wonder what they did to make Him angry?

They made much of some things but left other things undone. They weren’t honest in their dealings with people. As you read through these Scriptures, think about these things Jesus is talking about. If you are guilty of any of them, bow your head, pray, and ask Him to forgive you.

Jesus says we need to get the inside, our heart, and soul, right with Him, instead of just putting on an outward appearance of being right with Him. He is more concerned about us having a relationship with Him than a lot of other things we concern ourselves with.

Daily Bible Reading:

Matthew 23:13-39

13 But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.
14 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.
15 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.
16 Woe unto you, ye blind guides, which say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor!
17 Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifieth the gold?
18 And, Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever sweareth by the gift that is upon it, he is guilty.
19 Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift?
20 Whoso therefore shall swear by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all things thereon.
21 And whoso shall swear by the temple, sweareth by it, and by him that dwelleth therein.
22 And he that shall swear by heaven, sweareth by the throne of God, and by him that sitteth thereon.
23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
24 Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.
25 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.
26 Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.
27 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead [men’s] bones, and of all uncleanness.
28 Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.
29 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous,
30 And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.
31 Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets.
32 Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers.
33 Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?
34 Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city:
35 That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.
36 Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation.
37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!
38 Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.
39 For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.

Things to think about:

What were some of the things the Lord talked to the scribes, Pharisees, and hypocrites about?
Was Jesus more concerned about the outside being clean or the inside?
Why does Jesus tell them their house is left desolate?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Please help us not to be like the scribes, Pharisees, and hypocrites. Help us to do what is right in Your eyes. Help us to get the inside of our vessels clean and pure before You and then the outside will be clean also. In Jesus’ name, we pray. We love You, LORD. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord. – Matthew 23:39

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– This is an excerpt from The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ. Click the link to get your copy now!

Christian Music Video: In the Name of the Lord – Sandi Patti

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