View source for Template:DOD protected/October 6

{{Dod-october}}

In today's reading [[Jesus]] is withdrawing from the multitudes and spending more time alone with His disciples, preparing them for His [[crucifixion]]. We must keep in mind that even the disciples, at this point, were thinking of an earthly and political kingdom, and they did not understand [[Jesus]]' teaching about the cross. It was necessary, therefore, that [[Jesus]] prepare them for this great testing experience.

There are three main sections in [[Bible:Matthew 14:14|Matthew chapter 14]]: 
# The [[death]] of [[John]] the Baptist [[Bible:Matthew 14:1|verses 1-12)]]. 
# The feeding of the 5,000 ([[Bible:Matthew 14:13|verses 13-21]]). 
# The miracle of the storm ([[Bible:Matthew 14:22|verses 22-36]]). 

There are also three characteristics of this present age in relation to the servants of [[God]]: 
# Persecution ([[Bible:Matthew 14:1|verses 1-12)]]--Christ's servants will suffer and die for Him. 
# Provision ([[Bible:Matthew 14:13|verses 13-21]])--Christ's servants will administer the Bread of Life to men. 
# Protection ([[Bible:Matthew 14:22|verses 22-36]])--Christ will [[pray]] for His servants and rescue them.

In [[Matthew 15|Matthew chapter 15]], [[Jesus]] is withdrawing from the Pharisees ([[Bible:Matthew 15:21|verse 21]]) into the region of Tyre and Sidon; from there into Galilee ([[Bible:Matthew 15:29|verse 29]]); and, finally, from Galilee to the coast of Magdala ([[Bible:Matthew 15:39|verse 39]]). Keep in mind that during this period He was avoiding open trouble with Jewish leaders, while continuing to teach His disciples and prepare them for His [[death]] on the cross. [[Bible:Matthew 15:1|Verses 1-20]] should be labeled, "Truth versus Tradition," and verses [[Bible:Matthew 15:21|21-39]], "[[Jesus]] and the [[Gentiles]].".

''MEMORY VERSE FOR TODAY: Man now can be: Redeemed.''

[[Bible:Ephesians 1:7|Ephesians 1:7]] In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of [[sin]]s, according to the riches of his [[grace]].