Daily Bible Reading “Jesus Came to Call Sinners” (Matthew 9:1-19)

Posted on January 17, 2026 by Deborah H. Bateman

Jesus Came to Call Sinners

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Matthew 9:1-19. This Scripture talks about Jesus healing people from all types of diseases. The scribes thought Jesus had committed blasphemy, but He knew what they were thinking and asked them if it was easier to forgive sins or to heal someone. Which do you think would be easier, to heal someone from their sickness or to forgive their sins? Jesus tells them He came to call sinners to repentance.

Matthew also records in Matthew 9:9 where Jesus saw him sitting at the receipt of custom, the tax collector’s booth, and asked Matthew to follow Him. Matthew arose immediately and followed Jesus. How would you have responded if you had been Matthew?

The scribes couldn’t understand why Jesus was eating with the publicans (Jewish people who worked for the Romans who acted in authority over other Jewish people) and sinners. Jesus explained to them that He didn’t come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.

The Pharisees asked why the disciples didn’t follow the Jewish custom of fasting as they did. Jesus tells them the story about the bridegroom. Jesus told them the disciples weren’t fasting because the bridegroom, speaking of Himself, was with them. Then He told them there would come a day when the bridegroom wouldn’t be with them any longer, then they would fast.

While Jesus was talking with them and trying to explain things to them, a ruler came whose daughter was dead and asked Jesus to come and lay hands on her. Jesus and the disciples left and followed the man.

Daily Bible Reading:

Matthew 9:1-19

1 And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city.
2 And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.
3 And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth.
4 And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?
5 For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk?
6 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.
7 And he arose, and departed to his house.
8 But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.
9 And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.
10 And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples.
11 And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?
12 But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.
13 But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
14 Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not?
15 And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.
16 No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse.
17 Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved.
18 While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live.
19 And Jesus arose, and followed him, and so did his disciples.

Things to think about:

Did Jesus say He came to heal the sick or to save the lost?
Why was Jesus eating with the publicans and sinners?
Why did Jesus say the disciples weren’t fasting?
When did Jesus say they would fast?
What was Jesus talking about?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You that You sent Your Son, Jesus to earth to call sinners to repentance and to heal the sick. We know that You are able to do anything, if we only believe. Help us to study Your word and build our faith, that we might be able to believe that You are almighty. We love You, LORD. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, …

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(then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.

– Matthew 9:6

– This is an excerpt from The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ Get your copy now!

Christian Video: Casting Crowns – Jesus, Friend of Sinners

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.

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!

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Have a blessed day,

Deborah

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Daily Bible Reading “Jesus Heals the People” (Matthew 9:20-38)

Posted on January 15, 2026 by Deborah H. Bateman

Jesus Heals the People

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Matthew 9:20-38. In this Scripture, Jesus goes about teaching, preaching, and healing the people from all types of sicknesses and diseases. There was a woman, who had been sick for twelve years. She touched Jesus’ garment and Jesus tells her that her faith has made her whole.

Jesus goes to a ruler’s house and takes a maid by the hand and brings her back to life. He also heals two blind men. He asked them if they believed that He could heal them, then He tells them because of their faith, it was so. Jesus casts out demons from a dumb man, who was then able to speak. Do you see how important our belief and faith in Jesus is? It was because of their faith in Him that He did these things.

The last few verses of this Scripture really touched my heart. I have heard it before, but today it brought me to tears. Jesus talks about the people being scattered abroad, as sheep with no shepherd. He says the harvest is plenteous, but the laborers are few and He asks them to pray that the Lord of the harvest will send forth laborers. If you are a Christian, have you ever thought about how God would have you to labor for His harvest?

If you are not a Christian, have you thought about receiving Christ as your Savior? All you have to do is pray and ask Him to forgive you of your sins, come into your heart and life, and believe that He is able to forgive you. If you accept Christ as your Savior today, please contact me saying you accepted God, so we can praise God for your salvation, and pray for you, also. May God bless you all!

Daily Bible Reading:

Matthew 9:20-38

20 And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment:
21 For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole.
22 But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.
23 And when Jesus came into the ruler’s house, and saw the minstrels and the people making a noise,
24 He said unto them, Give place: for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn.
25 But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose.
26 And the fame hereof went abroad into all that land.
27 And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us.
28 And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord.
29 Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.
30 And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See that no man know it.
31 But they, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame in all that country.
32 As they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil.
33 And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake: and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel.
34 But the Pharisees said, He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils.
35 And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.
36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.
37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;
38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

Things to think about:

How would you describe your faith?
Do you believe in Jesus?
Do you believe Jesus has the power to heal people, not only of their sickness and diseases, but also of their sins?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for this Scripture that tells us how Jesus went about teaching, preaching, and healing people. Help us to have the faith these people had, so we too can experience Your miraculous power. We pray LORD, for the harvest that You would send Your laborers to gather people to You. LORD, show us what You would have us do concerning these things. LORD, we pray for those who don’t know You, that You might open their hearts and minds to Your Word and help them to believe. In Jesus’ name, we pray. We love You, LORD, Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and …

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preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.

– Matthew 9:35

– This is an excerpt from The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ Get your copy now!

Christian Music Video: “Your Name Brings Healing To Me” – Planetshakers

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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.

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: 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!

Click Here to Subscribe to Deborah H. Bateman author site to receive

Daily Bible Reading Lessons in your inbox.

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

Recipe for Life

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Daily Bible Reading “LORD, Hear My Prayer” (Psalm 102:1-14)

Posted on December 18, 2025 by Deborah H. Bateman

LORD, Hear My Prayer

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Psalm 102:1-14. Have you ever felt overwhelmed? The Psalmist pours his heart out to the LORD and begs Him to hear his cry. He begs God not to turn His face away in the day of trouble. He wants God to listen to him, hear his prayer, and answer his prayer immediately. Have you ever felt this way? I sure have.

The Psalmist is so distraught that he forgets to eat. He says his days are consumed like smoke and his heart is smitten and withered like grass. His skin cleaves to his bones because of his despair. He is like a pelican in the wilderness and an owl of the desert. He stands watch alone like a sparrow on the rooftop.

His enemies are constantly pursuing him and swearing against him. He has both been lifted up and cast down because of God’s indignation and wrath. He says his days are like a shadow that fades away.

But, the LORD will endure forever and be remembered to all generations. He will arise and have favor on Zion at the set time. His servants take pleasure in the dust of the earth and the stones of the mountains of Zion. What does this mean to us today?

Daily Bible Reading:

Psalm 102:1-14

1 [[A Prayer of the afflicted, when he is overwhelmed, and poureth out his complaint before the LORD.]] Hear my prayer, O LORD, and let my cry come unto thee.
2 Hide not thy face from me in the day when I am in trouble; incline thine ear unto me: in the day when I call answer me speedily.
3 For my days are consumed like smoke, and my bones are burned as an hearth.
4 My heart is smitten, and withered like grass; so that I forget to eat my bread.
5 By reason of the voice of my groaning my bones cleave to my skin.
6 I am like a pelican of the wilderness: I am like an owl of the desert.
7 I watch, and am as a sparrow alone upon the house top.
8 Mine enemies reproach me all the day; and they that are mad against me are sworn against me.
9 For I have eaten ashes like bread, and mingled my drink with weeping,
10 Because of thine indignation and thy wrath: for thou hast lifted me up, and cast me down.
11 My days are like a shadow that declineth; and I am withered like grass.
12 But thou, O LORD, shalt endure for ever; and thy remembrance unto all generations.
13 Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon Zion: for the time to favour her, yea, the set time, is come.
14 For thy servants take pleasure in her stones, and favour the dust thereof.

Things to think about:

When have you felt desperate for God to hear and answer your prayer?
Name a time when you were so distraught you couldn’t eat.
How many times have you felt alone in your time of trouble?
What are some times in life that we might feel this way?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this Scripture in Psalm 102. We can all relate to the Psalmist who is in deep despair and is crying out for You to hear and answer his prayer. At some time in our lives we have all been there. Help us dear LORD in our times of trouble remember to call on Your name and seek Your deliverance from the attacks of the enemy. Give us strength in this troubled world. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

Hear my prayer, O LORD, and let my cry come unto thee. – Psalm 102:1

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This is an excerpt from The Book of Psalms: Part 4 Chapters 91-118

Click the link above to get your copy now!

Christian Music Video: O Lord Hear My Prayer – Taize

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.

Featured Book:

The Book of Psalms: Part 4 Chapters 91-118
by Deborah H. Bateman

About the book:

The Book of Psalms: Part 4 Chapters 91-118 by Deborah H. Bateman is 29th book in the Daily Bible Reading Series. The book of Psalms contains 150 chapters. Deborah divided The Book of Psalms into five books to make it easier to read and study. Each book contains approximately thirty chapters from the book of Psalms.

Psalm 119 has already been published in a book about it called: Psalm 119: Thy Word is a Lamp unto My Feet. The book of Psalms is one of Deborah’s favorite books of the Bible. It is a great book to read if you’re ever feeling down or need to renew your relationship with Christ. King David went through a lot of tough times in his lifetime, but he loved God and trusted God to protect him from his enemies.

The book of Psalms was written by various people. About half of it was attributed to King David, whether they were written by David or for David is questioned by some biblical scholars. Some of the Psalms were written by Asaph and some say they were written for the sons of Korah and even Moses and Solomon were writers of the Psalms. The Psalms consists of poetry that was primarily meant to be used as songs of praise to the Lord.

The Book of Psalms: Part 4 Chapters 91-118 contains thirty-six Daily Bible Reading Lessons. Each lesson contains a brief commentary by the author, the Daily Bible Reading Scriptures, a few questions for contemplation or discussion, and a prayer of the day. It is a great Bible study for individuals or group studies.

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Have a blessed day,

Deborah

Recipe for Life

Daily Bible Reading “We are the Sheep of His Pasture” (Psalm 100:1-5)

Posted on December 17, 2025 by Deborah H. Bateman

We are the Sheep of His Pasture

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Psalm 100:1-5. Psalm 100 is a Psalm of praise. It tells us to make a joyful noise to the LORD. We’re to serve Him with gladness: and come before His presence with singing. When we worship God, it is an act of service to Him for who He is. We praise God and give thanks to Him for what He has done for us.

He is God. He made us. We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. In John 10:14 Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.” He laid His life down for the sheep as a commandment from the heavenly Father. The shepherd protects the sheep from wolves and other outside forces that might try to enter the sheepfold and destroy the sheep.

We are to enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Praise and thanksgiving is an entry way into His gates. It is as if praise unlocks the door to His presence. God pays attention when we praise and thank Him. We are to be thankful to God and bless His holy name. We are reminded that the LORD is good, His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations.

Daily Bible Reading:

Psalm 100:1-5

1 [[A Psalm of praise.]] Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.
2 Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
3 Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
5 For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

Things to think about:

What are some ways you honor the LORD?
In what way do you choose to praise God?
What are some things for which you are thankful to God?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We honor You and praise You because You are good, Your mercy is everlasting, and Your truth endures to all generations. We are Your people. Thank You for Jesus, who laid down His life for our sins. We love You, LORD. Help us to enter into Your gates with thanksgiving, and into Your courts with praise and bless Your holy name. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and …

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not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. – Psalm 100:3

This is an excerpt from The Book of Psalms: Part 4 Chapters 91-118

Click the link above to get your copy now!

Christian Music Video:

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.

Featured Book:

The Book of Psalms: Part 4 Chapters 91-118
by Deborah H. Bateman

About the book:

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

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 “Sing to the LORD” (Psalm 101:1-8)

Posted on December 17, 2025 by Deborah H. Bateman

Sing to the LORD

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Psalm 101:1-8. Psalm 101 is a Psalm of David. He declares that he will sing to the LORD because of His mercy and judgment. David says he will behave himself wisely in a perfect way and walk in his house with a perfect heart. He promises not to set any wicked thing before his eyes. Could we make that promise in this day and time? How can we behave wisely today?

David separated himself from the wicked, the liars, and the proud. He preferred to spend time with the faithful people of the land. David’s goal was to cut all the wicked people off from the city of the LORD. Why was he qualified to make a decision like that and carry it out? How is that concept both wise and misused?

Looking at this Psalm of David we are reminded that we need to be careful with whom we spend our time. Not to say that you shouldn’t witness to the wicked. But, if we spend too much time hanging around those who aren’t believers it can influence our lives. It may even cause us to stray from the ways of the LORD.

By the same token if we spend most of our time with other believers we can be encouraged in the faith and lift each other up. Do you spend most of your time with believers or non-believers?

Daily Bible Reading:

Psalm 101:1-8

1 [[A Psalm of David.]] I will sing of mercy and judgment: unto thee, O LORD, will I sing.

2 I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.

3 I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.

4 A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked person.

5 Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer.

6 Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me.

7 He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight.

8 I will early destroy all the wicked of the land; that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of the LORD.

Things to think about:

What are the two things David says he will sing to the LORD about?
How can we keep wicked things from coming before our eyes?
As believers in Christ, who is it best for us to spend time with the most?
How can we balance our time spent with fellow believers and our time evangelizing to the lost?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this Scripture in Psalm 101 in which David reminds us to sing of Your mercy and judgment. Thank You that You are a merciful God. Help us to live in a way that we wouldn’t have to be recipients of Your judgment. Help us to do Your will. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

I will sing of mercy and judgment: unto thee, O LORD, will I sing. – Psalm 101:1

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This is an excerpt from The Book of Psalms: Part 4 Chapters 91-118

Click the link above to get your copy now!

Christian Music Video: Sing to the Lord – Hillsong

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.