The Life and Ministry of Jesus
But blessed are your eyes for they see, and your ears for they hear; for assuredly, I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it. Matthew 13:16–17
In contrast with calloused Israel the disciples’ eyes and ears were open, accepting God’s message and his messenger. They were therefore blessed (makarios, “happy”; cf. 5:3–12). The disciples’ eyes and ears were also blessed because of the privilege they enjoyed, which many prophets and righteous men of past ages longed for.
Those past heroes remained faithful, even though they never saw the ultimate fulfillment of the promises they claimed. The disciples claimed these promises and were eyewitnesses to their fulfillment in Jesus. I tell you the truth adds emphasis to the greatness of the disciples’ privilege (13:17). 1
Personal Encouragement
Will you behold the greatest of Jesus and tell someone else about His faithfulness in your life?
That which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. 1 John 1:3
To fellowship with Him is to abide in His holiness.
A Prayer
Lord, thank You for continuing to reveal Yourself to me from Your Word.
1. Weber, S. K. (2000). Matthew (Vol. 1). Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
