Jesus performed miracles of healing and miracles of nature. This week you will read many of those miracles. On Wednesday you will read memorable parables that Jesus spoke from a boat on the Sea of Galilee.
Monday - Jesus heals a servant and a son. John's disciples question Jesus.
Luke 7:1-17, Matthew 11:2-30
Tuesday - Jesus dines with Simon and rebukes the Pharisees.
Luke 7:36-8:3, Matthew 12:22-50
Wednesday - Parables by the Sea
Matthew 13:1-53
Thursday - Jesus calms the sea and casts out demons
Mark 4:35-5:21
Friday - Jesus heals the daughter of Jairus. A woman is made well by her faith.
Mark 5:21-43
Eyewitnesses: Pharisees and Sadducees
The Pharisees were the largest sect of Jews. They strictly adhered to written laws and oral traditions. Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for their extreme legalism and observance of traditions. Many Pharisees loved money and the praises of men more than they loved God (Luke 16:14).
Simon was a Pharisee who invited Jesus to eat with him (Luke 7:36-50). Nicodemus was a disciple of Jesus. He helped Joseph of Arimathea prepare Jesus' body after the crucifixion (John 19:39-40). The apostle Paul was also a Pharisee.
The Sadducees were fewer in number than the Pharisees. But they held great political power because of their alliance with the Herods. The Sadducees emphasized the Torah over the Prophets.
Unlike the Pharisees, Sadducees did not believe in angels, spirits, or immortality. The Sadducees questioned Jesus about the resurrection a few days before he was crucified (Matthew 22:23-33). The Apostle Paul capitalized on this difference when in Jerusalem by provoking the Pharisees and Sadducees to argue while he was on trial (Acts 23:1-10).
Did you know?
Parables are earthly stories that illustrate spiritual truths. The Greek word parabollo, literally means "to place beside." Jesus frequently taught with parables. In addition to being memorable, parables concealed the truth from unbelievers. Jesus explained the parables privately to his disciples. See Matthew 13:10-17, 34-35.