Be. Become. Do - Day 20
Day 20 - Friday, October 6
Read Matthew 23
Highlight
Chiastic or chiasm is a literary technique that presents a concept and then repeats it back in reverse order. The structure puts the emphasis on whatever is placed at the middle of the structure. The Bible is full of chiastic patterns and many famous quotes follow this structure. Here in chapter 23, the seven woes Matthew records fit into this pattern:
“A: First woe (v.13) - failing to recognize Jesus as the Messiah
B: Second woe (v.15) - superficially zealous, yet doing more harm than good
C: Third woe (vv.16-22) - misguided use of the Scripture
D: Fourth woe (vv. 23-24) - fundamental failure to discern the thrust of Scripture
C’: Fifth woe (vv.25-26) - misguided use of the scripture
B’: Six woe (vv. 27-28) - superficially zealous, yet doing more harm than good
A’: Seventh woe (vv.29-32) - heirs of those who failed to recognize the prophets”
(Longman III & Garland; “The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Matthew & Mark”)
Jesus is pointing out and focusing on the fact that the teachers of the law and Pharisees do not understand the Scriptures in the way it matters. While they are the first to follow the law to the letter, they have not sought the value in letting the law transform them. It is a culture to follow, not a way of life to live.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
Read Matthew 23
Highlight
Chiastic or chiasm is a literary technique that presents a concept and then repeats it back in reverse order. The structure puts the emphasis on whatever is placed at the middle of the structure. The Bible is full of chiastic patterns and many famous quotes follow this structure. Here in chapter 23, the seven woes Matthew records fit into this pattern:
“A: First woe (v.13) - failing to recognize Jesus as the Messiah
B: Second woe (v.15) - superficially zealous, yet doing more harm than good
C: Third woe (vv.16-22) - misguided use of the Scripture
D: Fourth woe (vv. 23-24) - fundamental failure to discern the thrust of Scripture
C’: Fifth woe (vv.25-26) - misguided use of the scripture
B’: Six woe (vv. 27-28) - superficially zealous, yet doing more harm than good
A’: Seventh woe (vv.29-32) - heirs of those who failed to recognize the prophets”
(Longman III & Garland; “The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Matthew & Mark”)
Jesus is pointing out and focusing on the fact that the teachers of the law and Pharisees do not understand the Scriptures in the way it matters. While they are the first to follow the law to the letter, they have not sought the value in letting the law transform them. It is a culture to follow, not a way of life to live.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
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